Abstract: A structural panel for a recreational vehicle includes a plurality of layers laminated together to form a lamination. The lamination forms an outer surface of the structural panel, which is configured to form a sidewall, a ceiling, or a floor of the recreational vehicle when mounted in the recreational vehicle relative to the vehicle chassis. The structural panel further includes an image that is formed on or in one of the plurality of layers in or internal to the structural panel and which is visible at the outer surface. The image is in a location that is in a known fixed registry with a structural reference, such as the outer perimeter, of the structural panel prior to the panel being mounted in the recreational vehicle wherein the location of the image is known relative to the structural reference of the structural panel.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle with a deck includes an enclosure structure for selectively enclosing all or a portion of the deck. Components of the enclosure structure can be used as a ramp for loading and unloading items from the deck.

Abstract: A containment arrangement is provided having a container with vehicle connection structure which allows an opening in the container to move through a variety of different planes without limiting accessibility to the opening. In addition, the present invention includes means for attaching a container to the vehicle at a corner of the vehicle, and allowing a vertical opening in the container to be fully accessible as the container is moved from a location adjacent one side of the vehicle to a location adjacent another side of the vehicle. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a double pivot structure connecting a container, such as an exterior kitchen, to a RV, where the front of the container serves as a kitchen counter when opened, and provides access to a stove and refrigerator.

Abstract: The present invention involves pop-up camper with a roof located above a body. A lifting system is located within the body and is attached to the roof at a plurality of mounting positions. The lifting system includes a plurality of retractable posts adapted to extend in a direction along their axial centers so that when the posts are in an extended position they support the roof over the body. A mechanism adjusts the location of the mounting positions relative to the roof so that the mounting positions maintain alignment with the axial centers of the lifting system posts. The posts remained properly aligned with the mounting positions regardless of any differential thermal expansion or contraction of the roof relative the body. The adjusting mechanism centers the roof over the body by guide walls of a guide block which restrict the direction of relative movement between the posts and the mounting positions.

Abstract: A device for securing the door frame and door of a tent camper in a useable position after the tent camper top has been raised relative to the camper body. A bracket having a downwardly facing elongated channel is attached to the inside of the camper top, and a moveable panel slidably attached to the door frame secures the door frame to the camper top when the camper is raised. The moveable panel includes a top edge having an angled surface that fits within the channel, and the angled surface presses the moveable panel and the door frame aginst the roof mounted bracket. The moveable panel is secured against the bracket by thumsbscrews, and the panel adjusts in order to account for situatiuons in which the top is not entirely parallel to the body.

Abstract: A flexible window assembly for covering a window in a flexible wall such as is commonly found on recreational vehicles such as tent campers. The assembly includes a flexible transparent window pane that covers the screened opening in the flexible sidewall. The window pane is attached to the sidewall by a zipper and by rolling the window pane into a cylindrical shape the window pane is opened. A pair of flexible retaining straps extend between the top edge and the bottom edge of the wall which maintain the window pane in the cylindrical position. Each retaining strap includes a pair of cords, and a flexible decorative curtain is positioned in between the cords. A toggle member frictionally engages the cords and contacts the lower edge of the curtain, and accordingly the curtain can be positioned on a closed position, a raised position, or in a plurality of intermediate positions between the closed position and the raised position.

Abstract: An improved lift mechanism for raising and lowering the tops of pop-up tent campers and similar vehicles. The mechanism of the present invention is used to simultaneously raise or lower a pair of telescoping support posts that connect the extendable top to the body, and includes a pair of guide housings that connect to the telescoping posts. A pair of substantially incompressible flexible springs is slidably disposed within the guide housings, and a drive cable extends between the guide housings and connects the flexible springs so that movement of one of the springs produces a simultaneous movement of the other spring. A block housing having an internal pulley is attached to each end of the guide housings, so that a single drive cable can be used to activate both of the flexible springs at once.

Abstract: A tire carrier for carrying spare tires on vehicles such as towable trailers, pop-up campers, and similar vehicles. The tire carrier of the present invention includes a subframe that is pivotably attached to the frame of the trailer, and the subframe is moveable between a raised storage or travel position and a lowered readily accessible load position. The subframe preferably includes a wing nut or similar retaining bar that threads onto a threaded rod in order to clamp the spare tire to the subframe. The tire carrier also includes a convenient spring loaded handle attached to the subframe for raising and lowering the subframe between the storage and load positions. Finally, the handle includes a portion which engages the frame of the trailer in order to secure the subframe in the raised position while the trailer is traveling.