Abstract: The body of a recreational vehicle (RV) is disclosed with a stowage compartment within the body interior but separated from the interior occupant space. The stowage compartment contains a tank which serves as a waste holding tank for a water use sanitary toilet within the RV. The stowage compartment is partially disposed beneath the toilet and has an opening provided through the sidewall from the stowage space to the exterior. The opening is displaced longitudinally relative to the toilet such that when moving the waste holding tank into and out of the stowage compartment, the tank travels in a generally horizontal arcuate path. The holding tank is curved as seen in a plan view to accommodate the arcuate path. A track guide in the stowage compartment guides the path of the tank.

Abstract: A camper shell for use on a pick up truck towing a mobile living unit such that the lower forward end registers with the top of the truck and the back end registers with the mobile unit's roof to streamline air flow. The shell may optionally have upper and lower telescoping parts that are telescoped for travel and when at rest the shell is raised to provide a habitation.

Abstract: A self-contained sanitary fixture, particularly for a recreational vehicle, comprises a bench supported on a base cooperatively defining a stowage compartment. The bench contains a bowl having an outlet which connects to a tank in the stowage compartment. A valve on the tank controls passage between the bowl and the tank. The valve is itself operated from a knob on the bench through a coupling mechanism. Waste water from the bowl is collected in the tank and is disposed of by sliding the tank out of the stowage compartment through an opening in the RV's sidewall and carrying the tank to a suitable disposal site. The tank incorporates a rotatable pourspout and vent valve to facilitate pouring waste contents out of the tank. The connections between the bowl outlet and the tank and between the knob and valve automatically disconnect upon removal of the tank from the stowage compartment. Similarly they automatically reconnect when the tank is inserted back into the stowage compartment.

Abstract: A conventional motorhome can be improved by using joists to elevate the floor of the living area of the motorhome to the level of the floor in the driver's compartment in the motorhome. Preferably tanks as are required in connection with the motorhome are located in spaces between the joists.

Abstract: A cap for covering an open structure such as the box of a pick-up truck, said cap, including a fabric cover and a readily assembled and disassembled tubular frame with telescopic members including struts with clips on each end, the cover being stretched over the frame and including a flap at one end to permit ingress and egress into the cap.

Abstract: A desirable travel trailer can be constructed so that the internal floor within such a trailer is capped by a series of joists located on the chassis of the trailer. The spaces between the joists can be used to hold various tanks and other items assocated with the use of the trailer. Preferably the tanks which are expected to be heaviest as the trailer is used are located directly above the undercarriage of the trailer so that the tongue weight of the trailer is not altered or significantly altered as the weight of such tanks are changed due to changes in their contents.

Abstract: A retractable stone guard for the front of a towed vehicle. The guard includes a sheet of durable shape-returning material which may be stretched across the front of the vehicle during road travel. A hinged cover conceals the sheet when in its retracted position.

Abstract: The single room interior space of a compact motorvan for most daytime living converts quickly into three private compartments by simply opening a set of dual function folding doors (movable partitions) exposing a toilet and bigger than average shower stall area (latter doubling as coat closet) and at the same time forming a central compartment, thereby automatically creating two more private compartments in front and rear. The kitchen facilities located in the central compartment, opposite from the toilet and shower/coat closet area, are used when the doors cover that area from view. This central utility compartment is always available for active use and never occupied by seats, table or beds. The four seats in the instantly creatable front compartment rapidly convert to two, wide single beds, with ample space between them for quick exit or access to the central privacy compartment.

Abstract: A novel camper-truck assembly is disclosed including mounting hardware therefor. The mounting hardware comprises a first set of rail members secured to the top surface of the truck bed side walls and a second set of rails secured to the underside of the camper top for sliding-locking engagement therewith. One of the rail members has a longitudinal rib slidably received in a slot on the second rail member and configured to secure the same together. The rib and slot have a generally wedge-shaped "dove tail" cross section. Weather seal members positioned between the top surface of the truck bed side walls and the rail members secured thereon seal against air and water leakage along the top surface of the truck bed front wall, side walls, and tailgate. Cam fasteners releasably lock the rail members against relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle has a dining area including a table mounted above the floor with a storage compartment being provided in the floor with at least a substantial part of the storage compartment being positioned below the top of the table. An access cover for the storage compartment is removably disposed over the entrance to the compartment, the same being positioned directly below the table top to allow access to the storage compartment from either the front or the rear relative to vehicle. The table includes a first leg mounted in or on the floor and adapted to support the table top at a point adjacent one end thereof. A second leg is detachably secured at its upper end to another point on the table top and at its lower end to either one of a spaced pair of points on the floor adjacent the entrance to the storage compartment.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle is provided with a bed structure comprised of first and second hinged panels supported by the inwardly disposed ledges extending along the side walls of the vehicle. The first panel is disposed horizontally while the second panel can be moved between a vertical position such that a storage compartment is created in the upper rearward portion of the vehicle and a horizontal position wherein a coplanar bed surface is provided in the upper rearward portion of the vehicle. Mattresses are provided for covering the bed surface and doors are provided in the second panel to provide access to the storage compartment.

Abstract: A van top having an internal circumferential mounting flange overlying and secured to the van roof by internal fasteners.

Abstract: A vehicle having an elongated passenger compartment with a floor, a forward end, a rearward end, and opposite side walls terminating in an open top portion between the upper edges of the side walls is provided with an auxiliary canopy or topper unit so as to increase the vertical height within the passenger compartment and to increase the length of the passenger compartment. The canopy includes side wall portions, a roof portion and forward and rearward ends. The side wall portions of the canopy are secured at their lower edges to the approximate midpoint of the side walls of the vehicle to create a double wall portion with an air space therein. The canopy also includes a plurality of roll bars and at least one window therein.

Abstract: A concept in camper trailers wherein a plurality of individual camper trailer units may be enjoined together when parked in a trailer camp so to form a dwelling of more variable floor plan shape; each camper trailer having a side door and a rear opening which are variable connected between the units by means of a portable corridor attachable therebetween.

Abstract: The single room interior space of a compact motorvan for most daytime living converts quickly into three private compartments by simply opening a set of dual function folding doors (movable partitions) exposing a toilet and bigger than average shower stall area (latter doubling as coat closet) and at the same time forming a central compartment, thereby automatically creating two more private compartments in front and rear. The kitchen facilities located in the central compartment, opposite from the toilet and shower/coat closet area, are used when the doors cover that area from view. This central utility compartment is always available for active use and never occupied by seats, table or beds. The four seats in the instantly creatable front compartment rapidly convert to two, wide single beds, with ample space between them for quick exit or access to the central privacy compartment. There is also an easily and quickly stowable overhead double adult size bed in this front compartment.

Abstract: A foldable cap attachment for a pick-up truck equipped with a fifth wheel hitch is disclosed which may be employed to convert the truck box into a rigid, weather-resistant camper body, the attachment being rugged in construction, easy to set up for use, and being readily foldable to a substantially flat rigid, weather-resistant cover for the truck box, said cover allowing attachment of a trailer to the fifth wheel hitch of the pick-up truck.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus has a pivotal mounting unit attached to the bed of a pickup truck for supporting a cooking unit thereon. The pivotal mounting unit comprises a vertically extending pivotal support member which supports a pair of horizontally extending parallel rods or tubes which extend into and support a cooking unit slidably mounted thereon. The rods or tubes extend nearly the entire length of the cooking unit and support the cooking unit in a variety of positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pickup truck cap having a roll-away or sectional overhead door in which the cap has a door frame at the rear thereof with a depending portion adapted to fit in the tailgate receptor portion of the truck bed. The guides for the door comprise channel members of tubular cross-section having a longitudinal side opening facing the door which is provided with apposed, narrow, rolling surfaces and the door is provided with rollers adapted to roll on these rolling surfaces. The rollers have a flange to prevent them from pulling out of the channel and are spring-biased to accommodate rocking of the truck.

Abstract: A van having a belt rail attached to the interior of its side walls for the securement of the rear seat supports thereto. The rear seat of the van is removable along with the floor covering to allow usage of the van for cargo-carrying purposes.

Abstract: A storage container includes a base and a cover. The base provides a storage enclosure and includes a side wall, a rim on top of the side wall, and a flange which extends downwardly and outwardly from the rim. The cover includes a shoulder which is supported by the rim when the cover closes the base and a flange which extends outwardly and downwardly from the shoulder. The flanges on the cover and the base are flexible and engage each other when the cover closes the base to provide a seal between the cover and the base.

Abstract: A portable truck cap comprising a plurality of frame members, which are detachably connected to each other to form a frame, the frame has a top portion and a base portion, the top portion is resilient, the base portion is detachably connectable to a truck. A flexible cover is disposed over the frame, and detachably connected to said base portion of the frame. The cover is tensioned by the top portion of the frame to maintain the cover in a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: The invention is particularly adpated to support refrigerators in recreational vehicles, to maintain the refrigerators in level condition, although the invention may be adapted for use in supporting other appliances, such as stoves and the like. The gas-fired absorption type of refrigerator is the most popular type for travel trailers, but it must be maintained in level condition in order for it to operate properly. My invention provides a support for a refrigerator wherein the latter is always gravity-urged to level condition. Dash pot devices are included to yieldably oppose movement of the refrigerator, so that the latter moves gently from one position to another in accordance with the angularity of the terrain over which the travel trailer travels or on which it is parked. The supporting means may be built as part of the refrigerator at the factory, or it may be offered in kit form for installation on refrigerators already in use or on the market.

Abstract: A standard cargo container is reconstructed into a readily transportable hospital unit for providing emergency treatment to injured survivors at a site of a major disaster, wherein the structural features embodied by the container contribute to its transportability to the disaster site (except, of course, instead of cargo, the container houses medical facilities and supplies), and subsequently at the site the container has surface transportability as a result of internal combustion engine-operated front wheels and hydraulically-operated rear wheels. The rear wheels also have the noteworthy operating mode of being extendable and retractable so as to maintain a horizontal orientation in the container during the loading and unloading thereof from a cargo-type aircraft.

Abstract: A cap or topper structure for the bed of a truck characterized by a base or main section and a rear section hingedly connected together at a pivot axis disposed along the upper horizontal surface of the cap or topper. The preceding arrangement serves, when in an operative position, i.e. when the rear section is moved upwardly or angled with respect to the truck bed, to provide ready access to the space on the truck bed covered by the cap or topper.In one invention embodiment, the movable rear section of the cap or topper is hinged closer to the truck cab than in another invention embodiment, the former affording more access to the enclosed space, as by standing on the truck bed, while the latter permits easy access by a user standing on the ground adjacent the truck bed. In either instance, conventional components are employed for elevating and maintaining the movable rear section of the cap or topper at the aforesaid operative position for access purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved housing shell that can be bifurcated into a base mounting member and an upper removable roof member. The shell is configured for mounting on a truck to enclose the truck bed. The truck bed can be modified to provide extra seating capacity with the rear of the cab removed and an aperture cut in the truck bed to receive an auxiliary floor member. Special bucket seats can be mounted over the rear wheel wells, or apertures can be cut in the rear wheel wells for mounting for bucket seats.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inflatable camper that may be used in conjunction with pickup trucks. A flat section of flexible material with magnetic strips is used to attach the camper to the bed of a pickup truck. Extending upward from the flat section of flexible material are inflatable walls that have internal shape forming walls therein to prevent overinflation of any particular portion of the inflatable walls. The internal shape forming walls allow pressurized air to flow therethrough to other sections of the inflatable walls. The inflatable walls connect to an inflatable top that likewise has internal shape forming walls located therein. Flexible transparent windows are located in portholes in the sides of the flexible walls, as well as a flexible transparent door being located in an entrance for the inflatable camper. Both the flexible transparent windows and door may be unzipped and either removed or moved to one side with screens remaining to protect against insects.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rearwardly extending a van body having a rear door opening with rear doors hinged to the body on vertically spaced hinges at each side of the opening comprising a unitary hollow generally quadrangular module having a continuous outer shell free from supporting structural framework and an inner shell laminated to said outer skin, said module including spaced apart roof and bottom members connected by a back wall and two side walls, a front wall opening corresponding to the rear door opening in the van and defined by said roof, bottom and side walls and vertically spaced fastening means on said module on each side thereof adapted to enter said rear door opening and replace said hinges in said rear door opening.

Abstract: An assembly for the production of covers, or toppers, for the truck beds of various sizes and makes of pick-up trucks comprising a preformed shell which serves as a base or body portion for the finished cover, and a support member for the preformed shell which provides means for trimming the shell to a predetermined length and enables the shell to be maintained in a fixed position during fabrication of the completed cover. The preformed shell has an initial length greater than that of the finished cover, and, together with the support member, provides a simple, effective and efficient means for making covers for at least eleven different models and makes of pick-up trucks.

Abstract: A boot is provided which includes a resiliently deformable frame shaped to the respective contours of the rear window aperture of the truck cab and front window aperture in the forward wall of the camper. The opposite end walls of the boot frame terminate in portions adapted for attachment to the cab an camper. One of said portions includes magnetic attachment means.

Abstract: A camper for mounting on a truck includes a mechanism to assist raising a rigid top above a truck bed. Camper beds extend outwardly from the vehicle sidewalls and a tent frame including telescoping spring biased tent rods support a canopy over the bed. The camper is collapsible having a lowered position in which the camper is lower than the truck cab for decreasing wind drag. In a raised position the camper extends about two feet above the truck cab. The camper is a self-contained unitary structure that is easily shipped and installed on or removed from a truck.

Abstract: A van having a forward cab section and a rear passenger/cargo section is convertible to a tall wall pickup or camper shell configuration by an overhead door or roof panel which is movable from a position overlying and covering an overhead roof opening to an upstanding vertical position. The movable roof panel defines a partition between the cab section and the rear passenger/cargo section, thereby providing a tall wall, open cargo area or camper conversion space. The van is equipped with a side wall door opening and docking receptacles for receiving stub tow bar beams of a trailer vehicle wherein the trailer can be towed by the van to a camping location, uncoupled from the rear of the van and docked into engagement with the side wall door opening, thereby augmenting the living space within the van through its side door opening.

Abstract: A hollow handrail is pivotally connected at one end to a fixed bracket. A brace is pivotally connected at one end to another fixed bracket vertically aligned with the first-mentioned bracket. A slide is mounted in the hollow handrail and is pivotally connected with the other end of the brace. Locking means is provided on the slide for locking the handrail and brace in folded position, or in any desired angular position of adjustment. When the handrail is in its folded position, the brace is received and enclosed within the handrail.

Abstract: An icebox for a recreational vehicle such as a van or the like is described and comprises a hollow cylindrical portion which is rotatably mounted in the interior of the van. A tabletop portion is provided on the upper end of the cylindrical portion. An access door is provided at one side of the icebox so that the interior of the icebox is easily accessible. A layer of insulation material is provided between the walls of the icebox. The icebox is centrally positioned in the van or recreational vehicle between the sidewalls so that the icebox is easily accessible from the plurality of seats positioned therearound. The icebox not only serves as an icebox but as a table and its centrally located position enhances its utility.

Abstract: In combination with a land vehicle such as a pick-up truck in which the bed portion of the truck is to optionally include a camper shell. Attached to the truck body is a roll bar assembly which is located within the load carrying bed of the truck directly adjacent the cab of the truck. The portion of the camper shell located directly adjacent the cab of the truck to be recessed in order to accommodate the roll bar assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle camper shell is provided with a pivotally mounted top that includes a tent assembly such that when the top is opened away from the compartment defined by the shell, the tent assembly opens up and provides a tent shelter assembly with a sleeping platform defined by the top. The sleeping area is defined solely by the pivoting top and the tent expands the compartment area to include a stand up area and a sleeping area.

Abstract: A door assembly for providing access between the interior of a pick-up truck passenger compartment or cab and the interior of a camper enclosure mounted on the load-carrying bed of the truck; the door assembly including a one-piece generally rectangular shaped door frame extending substantially the entire height of the cab interior and secured around the periphery thereof to the rearward side of the cab, a door hingedly mounted along a generally vertically extending axis so as to be movable between a closed position arranged generally coplanar with the rearward side of the cab and an open position extending outwardly into the camper compartment, a first sealing element extending between the door frame and the camper enclosure, and a second sealing element cooperable with the first element and sealingly engageable with the door when it is in its closed position.