RECREATIONAL ORGANIZING AND STORAGE ACCESSORIES

Abstract

Camping accessories have use in conjunction with transporting vehicles such as recreational vehicles (RVs), truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and the like for campsite organization requiring an increase of available living space and storage facilities including vehicle storage. Structures for added living space include tent-like enclosures, bathroom facilities and food storage facilities. Organizing accessories include bags, boxes, bins, shelving, waste containers, tool caddies and clothes racks suitably mounted for temporary use.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/950,292, filed Oct. 19, 2007 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to enclosures and containers used in camping and associated recreational activities to provide activity areas and to organize and protect equipment, machines and vehicles, including pedal-powered and motorized vehicles and more particularly to collapsible or foldable structures used in combination with transporting vehicles including recreational vehicles, truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and transportation vans and the like.

BACKGROUND

Collapsible and foldable structures have use in conjunction with recreational vehicles (RVs), transportation vans, truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and the like for campsite organization to provide increased living space and advantageous storage facilities for vehicles and equipment required for camping activities. Campsite set-up typically involves parking the motor vehicle used for transport of camping equipment followed by attaching utility and service lines, then organizing other elements of the camping environment including a variety of assemblies such as tents for added space, equipment enclosures and storage containers, for example. Camping environment elements include collapsible structures conveniently carried inside or attached to the outside of the transporting vehicle until removed and unfolded to demark added useable space. Such collapsible structures may be deployed in a variety of ways some of which involve attachment of the structures to the transporting vehicle.

Known collapsible structures for recreational vehicles, campers and camping trailers and the like include those having the collapsible structure or an extending structure as an integral part of the vehicle. An example of such an integral structure is a motor home having a hinged awning that extends as a canopy over a space at the side of the vehicle. Sidewalls may also extend from the vehicle to provide a protective porch. An optional structure includes a floor panel permanently attached to the transporting vehicle and arranged to swing into a horizontal position adjacent to the side or rear of the vehicle. An awning supported over the horizontal floor panel provides a protected space that may be converted into a private living area by addition of side drapes suspended from the awning.

A third variety of collapsible structure includes structures that may have temporary attachment to the transporting vehicle during camping activities, but otherwise remain folded, in storage, inside the vehicle or towed trailer.

Previously disclosed devices have limitation to essentially an article, apparatus or structure providing solutions to a relatively narrow range of needs associated with camping and recreational activities.

In view of the above described deficiencies associated with the use of known camping accessories, the present invention has been developed to alleviate these drawbacks and provide further benefits to the user. These enhancements and benefits are described in greater detail hereinbelow with respect to several alternative embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention in its several disclosed embodiments alleviates the drawbacks described above with respect to conventionally designed organizing and storage accessories by incorporating several additionally beneficial features providing product families representing structures, enclosures and containers suitable for protecting, storing and securing machines, and equipment used in recreational pursuits. Structures, enclosures and containers according to the present invention, referred to herein as camping accessories, use flexible materials to provide main walls and side walls for example of temporary living and storage areas. Camping accessories have use in conjunction with transporting vehicles such as recreational vehicles (RVs), truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and the like for campsite organization requiring an increase of available living space and storage facilities including vehicle storage.

The present invention addresses a wide range of camping accessories with the general objective of campsite convenience and organization to utilize space surrounding the recreational vehicle or camper, for example, to add living areas and to locate parking and secure storage for sports vehicles and related equipment. A living space according to the present invention includes tent-like enclosures, bathroom facilities and food storage facilities, as examples. Structures used for parking and secure storage of vehicles and related equipment include, shielding covers, folding or retractable awnings and vehicle pens or corrals that have suitable locking mechanisms for theft prevention.

Installation of accessories uses a selection of known temporary and permanent fasteners including nut and bolt combinations, rivets, screws, clamps, hooks, studs, straps, interlocking strips and various types of mechanical fastener including hook and loop and interlocking head fasteners and the like, which facilitate releasable attachment of accessories to surfaces such as interior and exterior walls of transporting vehicles.

Camping accessories according to the present invention are described in non-limiting lists as follows:

ENCLOSURES (Temporary) include extension tents, lean to tent sections, vehicle sheds, awnings, marquees, rest room enclosures, food storage enclosures, equipment maintenance enclosures, vehicle pens and corrals and the like.

FUNCTIONS OF ENCLOSURES include living/sleeping space, private space, vehicle security and protection, small item storage, food organization and storage, clothes storage, fuel storage and the like.

MACHINES/VEHICLES PROTECTED include bicycles, motorcycles, moto-cross bikes, dirt bikes, 3 and 4-wheeled all terrain vehicles (ATV), snowmobiles, jet skis, canoes, kayaks and related portable or transportable sports equipment.

EQUIPMENT PROTECTED includes portable generators, camping/cooking equipment, hampers, camping coolers/refrigerators, outdoor furniture including folding furniture and swimming and diving equipment, for example.

LIST OF STORAGE UNITS include hanging containers, clothing/linens bags, boxes, bins, shelving, waste containers, tool caddies and clothes racks and the like.

LIST OF ITEMS FOR RETENTION IN STORAGE UNITS include sportswear and protective clothing including helmets, pads, gloves and visors, first aid supplies and utensils, snack food, lighting equipment such as flashlights, direction finding equipment, tools, climbing equipment and other known devices used in conjunction with outdoor recreation and water sports.

More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention provides a protective structure having an attachment to a surface of a vehicle. The protective structure comprises a roof portion, at least one sidewall having a connection to the roof portion and a plurality of connectors to provide attachment of the protective structure to vehicle surface. The roof portion and the at least one sidewall define a protective space within the protective structure.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an enclosure for protection of recreational equipment. The enclosure comprises at least a first frame and at least a first cover having edges including loops to receive the first frame for formation of the enclosure. The at least a first frame includes a first end-frame and a second end-frame having a separation from the first end-frame, the at least a first cover comprising a single cover having a width equal to the separation between the first and second end frames. Loops formed at a first edge of the single cover receive the first end-frame and loops at a second edge of the single cover receive the second end-frame. It is possible that the first frame also has connection to a second frame supporting a second cover. Joining of the first and second covers provides protection around recreational equipment.

As an alternate embodiment, the present invention provides a shelter comprising a frame attached to a wall of a recreational vehicle; and a cover supported by the frame. The shelter provides a protective structure as represented by tents, awnings, activity centers and maintenance centers and the like. Further description of this embodiment addresses the use of a tubular frame having a cover of flexible material defining a space. It is conceivable to subdivide the space into smaller spaces using space dividers. An added feature is provision of the cover with at least one storage pocket

The present invention provides other types of protective units including a unitary protective structure comprising a frame and a cover attached to the frame to provide an elongate shield having opposing openings sized to allow entry into the shield of at least one vehicle selected from the group consisting of bicycles, motor cycles, all terrain vehicles and other similarly sized wheeled vehicles. Other aspects of the unitary protective structure include the optional use of a tubular frame that can include interlocking parts. A flexible material could be used as the cover of the protective structure and the cover could include at least one storage pocket

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides an object organizing system comprising a mounting point on a recreational vehicle and an accessory organizer secured to the mounting point using a retainer selected from the group consisting of screws, nuts, bolts, hooks, clamps, mating connectors, support frames, support posts and the like, including combinations thereof. The accessory organizer is a container selected from the group consisting of sacks, bags, pouches, cases, boxes, bins, hampers, back packs and covered storage units and the like. Optionally the accessory organizer could be a shelf adapted for movement between an extended condition and a closed condition dependent on the need for object organizing space. Another optional accessory organizer comprises at least one fixture having a friction fit and slidable to a position in a groove formed in an elongate section to provide anchor point for organizing items and equipment. The fixture is selected from the group consisting of hooks, clamps, grips, and connectors and the like.

The present invention also describes a stowage device used for slidable loading of objects into a storage compartment. The stowage device comprises at least one slidable assembly including a foot secured to a floor portion of the storage compartment. Each slidable assembly includes an elongate portion slidingly engaging the foot. Also, each elongate portion is included as part of a support for objects loaded into and withdrawn from the storage compartment. The support has alternate forms including a frame having at least one tray attached thereto, to receive objects and containers, or the frame could include a holder suitable for storing elongate objects of which paddles, fishing poles and ski poles and the like are representative.

Another support for the stowage device in accordance with the present invention uses a rail having at least one organizer for attachment of accessories selected from the group consisting of luggage, backpacks, coolers, hampers and like container units.

The beneficial effects described above apply generally to the exemplary devices and mechanisms disclosed herein of the camping accessories of the present invention. The specific structures through which these benefits are delivered will be described in detail hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following way of example only and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of a recreational vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including an extension tent at the rear, a protective cover attached to the vehicle's side and a vehicle cover adjacent thereto.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view showing a portion of a recreational vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including an attached weatherproof cover to protect one or more organizer bins and an attached sports vehicle protective awning.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of a recreational vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including an external changing room and an adjacent security corral for storage of sports vehicles.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a portion of a recreational vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including an equipment and vehicle maintenance area and a mobile tool caddy.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including protective enclosures for sports vehicles such as all terrain vehicles.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including organizing accessories for sportswear.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including accessories for vehicle storage and security.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including accessories for organizing articles in sliding frames.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including accessories for organizing articles in sliding beams.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including accessories for sleeping quarter organization.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having an alternative embodiment of camping accessories for sleeping quarter organization.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having roll-up camping accessories according to the present invention for efficient use of space.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including accessories attached to the vehicle using mounting frames.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including accessories attached to the vehicle using mounting grids.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a portion of a transporting vehicle having camping accessories according to the present invention including accessories attached to the vehicle using snap-on fixtures mated to slotted posts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed description of embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring to the figures, wherein like numbers refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a recreational vehicle 10 and several camping accessories to provide additional living space and for vehicle and equipment protection. As illustrated, living space is added to that available in the recreational vehicle 10 by suspending an extension tent 12 from the rear wall of the recreational vehicle 10. Adjacent to the side of the recreational vehicle 10, near to the extension tent 12, a conformable cover 14 provides protection for a sports vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV). As evidence of the versatility of camper accessory concepts according to the present invention, a cover 16 attaches to the side of the recreational vehicle where it is available to enclose and protect small items such as a grill and associated utensils.

FIG. 2 provides illustration of other types of cover that have attachment to a vertical surface of the recreational vehicle 10. The weather protector 20 provides protection for one or more organizer bins 22 that hold a variety of items readily available for use. For convenient location and protection of sports vehicles, such as motor cycles, bicycles and dirt bikes and the like, a small awning 24 shown deployed at the rear of the recreational vehicle 10 provides partial coverage and protection from adverse weather for the sports vehicles.

As shown in FIG. 3, the space occupied by the extension tent 12 of FIG. 1 could instead be used for an extension changing room 30. The extension changing room 30 might be a multifunctional unit that includes a wall 32 separating a changing enclosure from a wash-down area containing a spray unit 34 to remove dirt from clothes and persons following operation of all terrain vehicles in recreational areas along mud trails and dirt tracks, for example. A lockable, security corral 36 located close to the wash-down area provides a convenient parking place for one or more all terrain vehicles 38.

FIG. 4 provides another optional use of the space at the rear of the transporting vehicle. In this case a collapsible structure provides protection to an equipment and vehicle maintenance area 40. While in the area 40, maintenance personnel have the benefit of a waterproof canopy 42 protecting them from the weather. The canopy 42 rests on a tubular support frame 44 that also supports sidewalls 46 that provide storage for tools and parts required for equipment and vehicle maintenance and repair. Attachment of sidewalls 46 and parts pockets to the support frame 44 depends, in one embodiment of the present invention, upon fabric elements 48 held in place using snaps or other suitable connectors. Snap-on fabric elements 48 have a variety of retention structures 50, such as pouches, straps and tubes for holding tools and spare parts. As a further convenience, a mobile tool caddy 52 facilitates in-field service and repair by maintenance personnel.

FIG. 5 shows optional uses for enclosures used to isolate or protect sports equipment. According to the present invention, enclosures include protective enclosures comprising a frame mounted fabric cover, referred to here as a vehicle enclosure 54. When covering sports vehicles 58 inside a transporting vehicle, the vehicle enclosure 54 prevents transfer of dirt and mud that accumulated on the vehicle 58 during cross country operation.

Frame mounted fabric covers in the form of weatherproof enclosures 56 provide shelter from adverse weather for sports vehicles and equipment of other types. Vehicle enclosures 54 and weatherproof enclosures 56 may be free-standing or secured to their respective support surfaces.

FIG. 6 illustrates means for organizing sportswear used during recreational activities. The organizing accessories in this case include wall mounted hooks 60, shelving fixtures 62 and a portable sportswear stand 64 allowing campers to dress for recreational pursuits either inside or outside of the transporting vehicle. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 uses a combination of tubular fixtures with fabric panels. Tubular portions suitably formed provide hooks 60 and frames for fabric shelves. Fixtures including hooks 60 provide organizing storage for safety helmets. Shelving fixtures 62 give convenient storage for riding boots, protective gloves and other sportswear items. Both types of fixture, i.e. hooks 60 and shelving 62 are mountable to the interior walls of the transporting vehicle.

FIG. 7, shows a device used to tether bicycles or motorcycles, for example, inside or outside the transporting vehicle. The device includes a chock 70 having a clamp 72 pivotally connected to rotate as indicated by the arrows to capture a wheel of the bicycle or motorcycle. It is intended that the chock 70 will be mountable either vertically or horizontally, as illustrated, depending on the desired location of the bicycle or motorcycle. A feature of an externally mounted chock 70 and clamp 72 assembly is provision of a security lock for theft prevention. Also, the use of a weatherproof canopy 74 is advantageous for protecting the finish of the bicycle or motorcycle during storage outside the transporting vehicle.

The description of the present invention to this point includes consideration of camping accessories that apply to recreation involving either pedal powered or motor powered vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and all terrain vehicles and the like. Discussion of covers 14, awnings 24, extension changing rooms 30, maintenance areas 40, enclosures 54, 56, clamping assemblies and canopies 74, could also be applicable to watercraft such as jet skis, canoes, kayaks and the like. Such anticipated use is possible using camping accessories described herein for organizing and storing a range of items including watercraft paddles, tackle boxes, tool boxes, hampers, coolers, backpacks, baskets, pouches, bins, boxes and clothing and the like.

FIG. 8 shows articles slidably mounted in the hold of a recreational vehicle or trailer, beneath the living area. The articles comprise a foot 80 that slidably engages a tubular portion 82 to yield a slidable assembly 84. The tubular portion 82 is part of a tubular frame 86 that provides a support for attachment of one or more trays 88 secured to the tubular frame 86 by releasable clamps 90, for example. Objects placed on the tray, such as tackle boxes and tool boxes could be restrained from moving using flexible mesh or lattice material. Similar use of releasable clamps provides mounting of various holders 92 on the tubular frame 86. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a holder 92 suitable for storing elongate objects such as paddles, fishing poles and ski poles and the like.

When supported on a number of sliding assemblies 84, the tubular frame 86 glides easily into and out of relatively restricted storage space available in the hold of the transporting vehicle. The use of tubular frame 86 accessories combines a versatile means for equipment organization and storage with the ability to regain cargo space by disengaging trays 88 and holders 90, but leaving the low profile tubular frames 86 slidably in place.

FIG. 9 shows an optional embodiment to that of FIG. 8 for articles slidably mounted in the hold of a recreational vehicle or trailer. In this case the articles comprise a slotted block 94 that slidably engages a rail 96 to yield a slot and rail assembly 98. The rail 96 is a support 100 for attachment of organizing frames to which backpacks can be tied, for example. With availability of sufficient space a basket-like structure 102 has a size suitable for holding objects such as food hampers and coolers.

Organizing frames may be permanently or releasably attached to slidable supports 100 of the embodiment of FIG. 9. The use of releasable frames facilitates reclamation of space for other purposes, as discussed above with regard to FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10-15 provide illustration of suspension adapters for organizing and storing items including reading lights, side tables, personal screens, clothes and tool caddies, trash bags and nets, bags and bins many of which keep personal items within reach. A clamp 104, shown in FIG. 10, attaches to a horizontal surface, such as the edge of a bed. With suitable adaptation the clamp 104 provides connection for a variety of useful items including a reading light 106, a frame 108 for a personal screen 110, a side table 112 and a bag 114 for collection of waste products.

FIG. 11 shows an optional embodiment of a broad bladed hook 116 for attachment to the edge of a camp bed. The hook 116 supports a variety of useful components having an aperture of the correct size and shape to pass over the hook 116 to suspend the component within easy reach. In one embodiment, the hook 116 is a retractable hook 118 stored under the bed when not in use. When extended, the hook 116 supports components including mesh pouches 120, string lattice pockets 122 and personal item bags 124 that readily separate from the hook 116 for access, as indicated by the arrow. Hooks 116 also provide a convenient way of keeping multi-purpose bags 126 close at hand.

FIG. 12 illustrates flexible fabric holders mountable to walls of the transporting vehicle. Wall mounts 130 connect the holders to the wall from which the holders hang. The flexible fabric allows the holders to roll upon themselves for holding in rolled condition using retention straps 132 that could use releasable mechanical fasteners, e.g. hook and loop strips, to secure the retention straps 132 in place so that the holder remains in its rolled condition. An exemplary holder 134 has wall mounts 130 attached at its rear upper edge with retention

straps 132 suitably placed to maintain the holder 134 in rolled condition. Suspension of the holder 134 is not limited to wall hanging, but includes the option of surface mounting in a cupboard so that the rolled holder 134 can be stored inside the cupboard and unrolled to provide a holder 134 providing multiple pockets, or a carrier pack 136 for larger size items.

FIGS. 13-15 show alternative structures for attaching shelves, boxes, bins and containers in general to the interior and exterior walls of the transporting vehicle. Optional structures include wall frames, wall grids and elongate sections used with snap-on fixtures.

FIG. 13 employs a rectangular frame 140 fixedly mounted to an interior or exterior wall of the transporting vehicle. Thereafter the frame 140 provides a connection point for fabric hinges 142 and folding shelves 144 that represent surface storage for suitably sized items. Exemplary use of folding shelves 144 according to the present invention includes external surface mounted shelves 146 including covers to protect items stored on the shelves 146 from the weather. A vertical shelf unit 150, mounted inside the transporting vehicle, includes one shelf deployed for use and two lower shelves in collapsed condition that may be adopted when moving from one place to another. Depending on the duration of occupancy of a particular campsite, it may be desirable to have a desk unit for working with documents and accounts. The rectangular frame 140 shown in FIG. 13 provides support for a folding desk unit 148 that allows set up of a temporary office area.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment in the form of a wall grid 152 used to attach shelves, bins and clothes racks, for example, to the interior walls of the transporting vehicle. A detail portion of FIG. 14 shows a shelf 154 suspended for rotation relative to the wall grid 152 using a suspension cord 156. A number of shelves 154 supported by a wall grid 152 provides a shelf unit 158 of folding shelves 154. Other items used in conjunction with a wall grid 152 include storage bags 160, storage bins 162 and drop-down bins 164 stored beyond easy reach and hinged or attached to the wall grid 152 by straps that allow the drop-down bins 164 to be lowered to a convenient access height. In another option, use of suitable hardware converts the wall grid 152 into a clothes rack 166.

FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment according to the present invention for mounting containers and associated facilities to walls of the transporting vehicle. The present embodiment of the invention uses elongate sections 170 used with snap-on fixtures 172. The snap-on fixtures 172 have a friction fit and are slidable in a groove formed in the elongate sections 170. The snap-on fixtures 172 provide anchor points for support shelves 174 that may slide into a temporary shelf position 176 when not in use. It is intended that shaping of the anchor portion of the snap-on fixture 172 will allow a variety of uses for organizing items and equipment. Examples of use of shaped snap-on fixtures include clothes hooks 178 and tool caddies 180.

A range of camping accessories for use with transporting vehicles including recreational vehicles, truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and transportation vans and the like have been described herein. These and other variations, which will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, are within the intended scope of this invention as claimed below. As previously stated, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention finds applicability in the camping and outdoor recreation industries.

Claims

1. A shelter comprising:

a frame attached to a wall of a recreational vehicle; and

a cover supported by the frame, the shelter providing a protective structure selected from the group consisting of tents, awnings, activity centers, changing rooms and maintenance centers and the like.

2. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the protective structure comprises a roof portion, at least one sidewall having a connection to the roof portion and a plurality of connectors to provide attachment of the protective structure to the recreational vehicle, the roof portion and the at least one sidewall define a protective space within the protective structure.

3. The shelter of claim 2, wherein the frame is a tubular frame.

4. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a flexible material.

5. The shelter of claim 4, wherein the cover defines a space that is subdivided into a plurality of smaller spaces separated by space dividers.

6. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the cover has at least on storage pocket.

7. A unitary protective structure comprising:

a frame; and

a cover attached to the frame to provide an elongate shield having opposing openings sized to allow entry into the shield of at least one vehicle selected from the group consisting of bicycles, motor cycles, all terrain vehicles and other similarly sized wheeled vehicles.

8. The unitary protective structure of claim 7, wherein the frame is a tubular frame.

9. The unitary protective structure of claim 8, wherein the frame has interlocking parts.

10. The unitary protective structure of claim 7, wherein the cover comprises a flexible material.

11. The unitary protective structure of claim 7, wherein the cover has at least on storage pocket.

12. An object organizing system comprising:

a mounting point on a recreational vehicle; and

an accessory organizer secured to the mounting point using a retainer selected from the group consisting of screws, nuts, bolts, hooks, clamps, mating connectors, support frames, support posts and the like, including combinations thereof.

13. The object organizer system of claim 12, wherein the accessory organizer is a container selected from the group consisting of sacks, bags, pouches, cases, boxes, bins, hampers, back packs and covered storage units and the like.

14. The object organizer system of claim 12, wherein the accessory organizer includes a shelf adapted for movement between an extended condition and a closed condition dependent on the need for object organizing space.

15. The object organizer system of claim 12, wherein the accessory organizer includes at least one fixture having a friction fit and slidable to a position in a groove formed in an elongate section to provide anchor point for organizing items and equipment.

16. The object organizer system of claim 15, wherein the fixture is selected from the group consisting of hooks, clamps, grips, and connectors and the like.

17. A stowage device used for slidable loading of objects into a storage compartment, the stowage device comprising:

at least one slidable assembly including a foot secured to a floor portion of the storage compartment, each slidable assembly including a elongate portion slidingly engaging the foot, each elongate portion included as part of a support for objects loaded into and withdrawn from the storage compartment.

18. The stowage device of claim 17, wherein the support comprises a frame having at least one tray attached thereto to receive objects and containers.

19. The stowage device of claim 18, wherein the support further includes a holder suitable for storing elongate objects selected from the group consisting of paddles, fishing poles and ski poles and the like.

20. The stowage device of claim 17, wherein the support comprises a rail having at least one organizer for attachment of accessories selected from the group consisting of luggage, backpacks, coolers, hampers and like container units.