Abstract: The present application relates to a caravan. The caravan includes a chassis and a body for being carried by the chassis and defining a tapering tail. The tapering tail provides for improved rear clearance and maneuverability when backing into tight spaces. The caravan includes one or more storage modules for being releasably fastenable to the body.

Abstract: A truck bed camper having an upper unit that does not extend over the cab of the pickup truck when the camper open or closed, a rigid aluminum lid that is attached to side panels of the upper unit and rotatably attached to a rear side panel of the upper unit and that forms a bed platform when open, a pneumatic gas spring with one end rotatably attached to a side panel and one end attached to the lid, a solar panel that is rotatably mounted to the upper surface of the lid, a foldable tent supported by a collapsible frame and positioned over the side panels and the lid when the lid is in an open position, a tent erector tool that is removably and rotatably inserted into a strut upper receiver mounted on the lid, and a lower unit that is configured to contain freshwater and blackwater tanks.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted canopy including mounting brackets conforming to a vehicle roof with tracks attached thereto. Each outside track has stopping pins and a roller slidingly and rotationally disposed within the recess between the stopping pins to receive an inside track disposed on each side of a canopy frame that slidingly engage the respective outside track to extend the canopy frame. There is also a T-handle lock permitting a user to secure the inside track and outside track in a locked position in the mounting bracket and to alternately release the inside track and outside track from the mounting bracket to the stopping pins to permit usage of the canopy in an extended position.

Abstract: A camping wrap that is comprised of a series of interconnected panels each of which is connected along one edge to interior edge portions of a cover used to close and cover the bed of a vehicle, for example a pick up truck bed, and which when deployed extends around the sides and end of a raised cover and with adjacent edges of the camping wrap being releasably inter-lockable with one another and with bottom portions of the interconnected panels extending downwardly and over the sides and rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A camper trailer or caravan (10) includes a chassis (12) adapted to be attached to, and towed behind a motor vehicle (11). A housing (21) is mounted on the chassis (12) and defines a main chamber including a peripheral wall. The chassis (12) is short in length and about the same width as the towing vehicle (11) with the wheels (19) located adjacent the rear end of the chassis (12), and the housing (21) is adapted be opened such that panels (41) folded inside the housing when in the closed configuration are adapted to form annex chambers (42, 43) when in the open configuration when the camper trailer (10) is being used for camping and the like. A sleeping chamber (23) associated with the main chamber extends outside the peripheral walls of said camper trailer when required. Preferably there is a kitchen chamber and a bedding chamber within the housing of the camper trailer.

Abstract: A Camper Truck Tent for detachably mounting on a pickup truck, consisting of front and rear mounting supports attached to the truck cargo box sidewalls, various tent poles attaching the folded out tent to the mounting supports, erecting means for folding out the tent and two beds placed inside the erected tent. When dismantled, all these components occupy minimum space. The tent itself is stored in a self-contained pouch on the cargo box floor, the mounting supports in an envelope integral with one bed and the tent poles in an envelope integral with the second bed. The stored components are close to the cargo box floor and out of sight of the truck driver. Several tent pole configurations are available: two main configurations and three alternative configurations. Front and aft erecting means keep the tent folded out. The front means is a front strap secured to the front of the truck or a cramping tent pole. The aft means are aft straps secured to the downed tailgate.

Abstract: A portable, highway legal truck tent made of steel tubing, having a durable cover, and containing two built-in bench seats is disclosed. The truck tent assembles within thirty minutes and once on a truck, it requires no disassembly/reassembly. Because of its durability, the cover will not flutter when driving at fast speeds. The construction/design of the metal tubing frame allows campers to drive to their destinations with the tent already assembled. The mobile tent can remain on the truck bed or be placed on the ground. The frame has poles that extend into the truck bed and lock on the truck tie downs, which are in the form of clamps that hook under the lip of the truck bed. Interlocking pins in the frame of the bench seat allow for enlargement of the bench seat to adjust to varying lengths and widths of different trucks.

Abstract: The present invention features a combination utility/camper tow trailer capable of being converted between a first utility functioning configuration or position, a second utility functioning configuration or position, and a sleep functioning configuration or position via first and second configurable panel members. In the first utility functioning position, the combination utility/camper tow trailer is capable of supporting and carrying a load atop the panel members, while simultaneously providing storage in the trailer bed below. In the second utility functioning configuration, the trailer is configured to increase the volume of the interior storage portion of the trailer bed by positioning first and second configurable panel members in an upward extending manner.

Abstract: The present invention features a combination utility/camper trailer capable of being converted between a first utility functioning configuration or position, a second utility functioning configuration or position, and a sleep functioning configuration or position via means for repositioning, which allows first and second configurable panel members to be relocated or repositioned between these positions. In the first utility functioning position, the combination utility/camper trailer is capable of supporting and carrying a load atop the panel members, while simultaneously providing storage in the trailer bed below. In the second utility functioning configuration, the trailer is configured to increase the volume of the interior storage portion of the trailer bed by positioning first and second configurable panel members in an upward extending manner.

Abstract: A portable, highway legal truck tent made of steel tubing, having a durable cover, and containing two built-in bench seats is disclosed. The truck tent assembles within thirty minutes and once on a truck, it requires no disassembly/reassembly. Because of its durability, the cover will not flutter when driving at fast speeds. The construction/design of the steel tubing frame allows campers to drive to their destinations with the tent already assembled. The mobile tent can remain on the truck bed or be placed on the ground. The frame has poles that extend into the truck bed and lock on the truck tie downs, which are in the form of clamps that hook under the lip of the truck bed. Interlocking pins in the frame of the bench seat allow for enlargement of the bench seat to adjust to varying lengths and widths of different trucks.

Abstract: A fastening assembly and method to releasably secure a panel of a novel screen room enclosure to a structure. The fastening assembly includes a clip having a channel portion fastened to a flat portion, the channel portion having an opening adapted to receive an edge of a panel, and, a locking fastener having an elongated locking member adjustable between a first position and a second position. The flat portion of the clip comprises a hole for accepting the locking fastener such that the locking member can pass through the hole when the locking member is in the first position, and cannot pass through the hole when the locking member is in the second position. A screen room enclosure to be used with an awning of a structure and releasably coupled to the structure with a fastening assembly. A method of securing a side panel of the screen room enclosure to the structure with the clip is disclosed.

Abstract: A camper attachment comprising a top and a shell. The shell can function as a traditional camper by itself. With the top rotated open, a sleeping area between the top and the shell can be created by rotating the top upward along a common axis with the shell. Folding sections allow the sleeping area to be expanded to accommodate adults, even on short wheelbase vehicles.

Abstract: An electric lift camper top is provided for covering a rectangular head clearance opening (31) in a vehicle top structure for camper modification. The camper top consists of a bottom frame (32), including compression springs (38), attached to the vehicle surrounding the opening with a top frame (42) which is in turn attached to the compression springs urging the frames apart. A roof (54) is attached onto the top frame covering the opening in the vehicle. A flexible wall (58) is attached to both the top and bottom frame, securing them together forming a sealed enclosed area, when extended, to allow head room within the vehicle interior. Raising and lowering linkage means, employing front and rear connecting arms (78) and (80) are also jointly attached to the top and bottom frame. Electric drive means, in the form of an electric motor (82) and worm gear (84), are attached to the linkage such that the connecting arms are angularly separated raising or lowering the roof electrically using vehicle electric power.

Abstract: A stowable top or cover mounted on an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck, using lift frames and actuators in a manner to be raised above the bed. The cover and lift frames include attachment channels for connecting a flexible tent-like enclosure thereto such that the enclosure can be attached thereto after the cover is raised. The flexible enclosure can comprise a camper enclosure that encloses the truck bed and also optionally can extend beyond the truck bed to form additional sitting and sleeping rooms supported on separate portable tent-type posts and platforms. A flexible awning enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an awning that extends beyond the truck bed supported on separate tent-type posts to provide a covered area for on-site work/commercial/recreational activities. An office enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an office or meeting room where job-site work/meetings and the like can be conducted protected from the weather.

Abstract: A hinged tonneau cover truck tent assembly to be used on truck beds to provide an extended enclosure on the truck bed. The hinged tonneau cover assembly has an internal perimeter frame that is removably secured to the front portion of the truck bed and has a detachable hinge assembly. The camping tent removably attached to the tonneau cover and extends over the existing tailgate of the truck bed. The hinged tonneau cover assembly can be raised at the tailgate end for immediate access to the truck bed defined within the enclosure of the tent.

Abstract: A vehicle used for camping or the like includes a roof structure having an opening upon which is mounted a seperable cover panel. The cover panel can be moved from a closed position covering the opening to an open position in which it is suspended in cantilever arrangement outwardly from one side of the opening with a tent enclosure between the opening and the underside of the panel to cover an access area therebetween. A lever arrangement includes first and second levers which are connected for pivotal movement respectively at the side edge of the opening and the adjacent side edge of the panel. Third and fourth levers are connected each coupled to one of the first and second levers for pivotal movement with the third and fourth levers connected together between the first and second levers and exending outwardly therefrom to engage a cable.

Abstract: An add-on collapsible sleeping shelter which is mounted on a motor vehicle. The shelter consists of a hinged shell and a mating seal ring which is bolted to the vehicle roof. Integral to this shelter is a hinged bed-board which when raised angularly provides additional headroom and in the lower position provides ingress to and egress from a ready made bed with all bedding material intact. The underside of said bed-board provides a ceiling for the inside of motor vehicle. Flexible canvas-like wall material is attached to the shell and to the seal ring and unfolds to an enclosing position as the shell angularly moves upward to its extended position. Lifting devices, hinges, tension latches, and a molded trim ring are provided to conceal mounting hardware and exposed edge of vehicle roof.

Abstract: A camper unit for vehicle cabin roofs, comprising:a support frame adapted to be secured to the cabin roof of a vehicle;plural elongate members arranged together to define a bed base peripherally about a sleeping zone, wherein the bed base is detachably secured to the support frame;a canopy assembly mounted to the bed base and adjustable between a compact collapsed condition and an expanded erect condition;an elongate support extending centrally of the bed base and having an uppermost face just below the level of the bed base; anda bed base sheet secured to the bed base and being such that, when loaded with two sleepers in the sleeping zone, the bed base sheet sags sufficiently to contact said elongate support and to comfortably cradle the respective sleepers to opposite sides of the elongate support.

Abstract: A vehicle top having removable panel sections wherein the panels include a resilient seal which is compressed by an overlapping flap to form a water-resistant seal between the panel and flap to protect the panel zippers. The seal further includes a concave portion which channels the outside elements away from the zippers. In this manner, the sealing arrangement helps to prevent seepage of water and other elements through the zipper into the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: Mobile camping apparatus which includes a van type of automotive vehicle. The van has a body provided with a chamber therein which serves as living quarters. The roof of the body is angularly movable to a raised position. Horizontal bed structure mounted adjacent the upper portion of the body serves as a ceiling for the living quarters when the bed structure is not positioned for use. The bed structure is moved linearly with respect to the body as the roof angularly moves upwardly. The bed structure becomes positioned for use when a major portion of the bed structure is substantially at the side or front of the body at the upper portion of the body. When the bed structure is so positioned for use, the living quarters is increased in volume and has substantial head room adjacent the bed structure. Motor members, rack and pinion members, and linkage members are included in the apparatus for laterally moving the bed structure and for pivotally moving the roof.

Abstract: Mobile camping apparatus which includes a van type of automotive vehicle. The van has a body provided with a chamber therein which serves as living quarters. The roof of the body is pivotally movable to a raised position. Bed structure mounted adjacent the upper portion of the body serves as a ceiling for the living quarters when the bed structure is not positioned for use. The bed structure is moved laterally with respect to the body as the roof pivotally moves upwardly. The bed structure becomes positioned for use when the bed structure is substantially at the side of the body at the upper portion thereof. When the bed structure is so positioned for use, the living quarters is increased in volume and has substantial head room adjacent the bed structure. Motor members, screw members, linkage members are included in the apparatus for laterally moving the bed structure and for pivotally moving the roof.

Abstract: A collapsible camper has a container mounted on the top of a pick-up truck cab. The container is formed from a cover having a rear, generally vertically wall and an upper, horizontal wall pivoting to a base. A front wall also pivots with respect to the base between an angled position and a vertical position. A foldable canopy is stored within the container cavity. To deploy the canopy, the cover is pivoted so that the generally vertical portion of the cover extends downward below the base, and the horizontal portion of the cover extends horizontally to act as a shelf, a U-shaped brace mounts between the canopy and the side walls of the pickup truck. A side wall of the container folds downward so that the top surface of the base is wide enough to be a sleeping surface, and its downward pivoting and the upward pivoting of the front wall are accomplished by a single linkage.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter mounted on the roof of an automobile has a pair of pivotally connected platforms. A first platform is secured to a frame structure mounted on the roof of the automobile. A second platform is pivotally connected to the first platform and movable from a folded position over the top of the first platform to a second unfolded position adjacent the side of the first platform. A frame assembly cooperates with the platform to erect a tent cover during the pivot movement of the second platform to the open position. The frame assembly is associated with lifting and holding cords that move parts of the frame assembly to unfolded positions during the movement of the second platform to the open position. A ladder support attached to the outer side of the second platform supports the second platform on the ground in its open position.

Abstract: Vehicle supported collapsible bed with a shelter cover comprises a pair of spaced upright center sections upon a support panel overlying and secured to the vehicle roof, and longitudinally spaced pairs of upright end sections at their ends pivotally mounted and supported upon the ends of the center sections. Support panels underlie and span the end sections and are in alginment with the support panel, for supporting a plurality of mattress sections. An elongated flexible sheet underlies the support panels and is secured thereto. The end sections are adapted to rotate approximately 180.degree. about their pivotal mountings into registry with the center sections and with the ends of the flexible sheet overlying the center sections and with the sheet extending around and enclosing the pivot ends of the center and end sections. A shelter framework overlies the support panels and includes depending corner uprights at their ends removably nested within sockets upon the end sections.

Abstract: The top of the van includes a perimetrical wall defining an opening with a hinged cover panel which opens to a horizontal position on one side of the van. A tent or enclosure is secured by the edges, around the perimetrical wall of the opening and around the free edges of the cover panel. A plurality of hoop braces are hinged to the wall and to the cover panel and the flexible enclosure is secured to these hoops so that the hoops are erected when the cover panel is opened. The cover panel is supported horizontally in the opened position by means of tension cables extending from the other edge of the opening, to the hoop braces to which it is secured, and is then secured to the distal edge of the cover panel by the other end thereof thus eliminating any need for vertical supports. If desired, a flexible porch can be detachably secured around the three edges of the cover panel when open, and can depend therefrom to the ground.

Abstract: A portable shower mountable on a van or similar vehicle wherein a shower curtain is hung from a U-shaped frame which is adjustable in width and telescopes inwardly into parallel tubes mounted near opposite lengthwise rain gutters of a van roof. The parallel tubes are held in place by cross-tensioned straps, pulling against brackets secured to the rain gutters. An opaque shower curtain is suspended from the U-shaped frame by snap fasteners and has a lengthwise slide fastener near one end of the curtain for ingress and egress into the room formed by the curtain. A removable shelf is supported in the room from the rain gutter and supports a water bottle in proximity to the gutter for showering. A fabric self-supporting shower pan is provided over the ground beneath the shelf with the forward end of the pan hung by hooks from the rear bumper of the vehicle for draining the pan into a receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extendible structure forming shelter adaptable on the roof or top of an automobile vehicle, wherein the structure comprises a lower shell and an upper shell which are connected to each other by articulated assemblies each comprising two arms and a return member urging said arms into open position. The invention is more particularly applicable to camping/caravanning.

Abstract: An add-on roof assembly for use in converting a van into a camper is adapted to be installed as a unit and has a mounting base for fitting snugly over the rim of the van top and a pop-up top which nests with the base when in lowered position. This top is of two-ply construction, providing ventilation between the two plies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevating roof for use in conjunction with a vehicle having a substantially rectangular roof opening defining a pair of longitudinal edges and a pair of transverse edges, of the type comprising a rigid substantially rectangular member adapted to be hinged along one longitudinal edge thereof to said roof, for movement between a lowered position covering said opening and a raised position where it provides one wall of the elevating roof, a canopy of foldable material to extend between corresponding edges of said rigid member and said opening which is unfolded in the raised position of said rigid member to provide the other walls of said elevating roof.An object of the invention is to provide improved sleeping accommodation, which accommodation is also an improvement over that provided by the invention of Applicants' British Pat. Specification No. 1,485,975.

Abstract: An awning control apparatus for connecting to the side of a support structure. The apparatus having electric motors for electrically extending an awning outwardly from the side of the support structure. One side of the awning may be lowered for draining rain water from the top of the awning, and the awning may be retracted by reversing the electric motors. The apparatus may be used on recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, mobile homes, or the like.