Abstract: A mobile performance stage is configurable between a compact transport condition to a performance condition with expanding deck wings and expanding canopy wings. The deck wings are carried directly on top of the main trailer deck and roll on tracks to deploy to the performance condition. The roof canopy includes a main roof element and two foldable roof wings. The roof wings pivot from fully open to a fully closed stowed condition below the main roof element to reduce the height of the stage when transported. Lift columns are hinged to reduce height. The roof wings may also be stored in a vertical position to provide side walls for a cargo trailer configuration. The roof may also be completely removed to form a deck only stage.

Abstract: A flexible extension storage enclosure for folding travel trailers that is selectively secured to the underside of a folding trailer extension after it has been deployed from the main body of the travel trailer. The storage extension enclosure provides additional usable weather tight storage area beneath the extension by using a combination of track insertable support rails and a plurality of wall surface mounted snaps to define selectively accessible integrated storage compartment there beneath with a selective access closure.

Abstract: A camping assembly is provided having a frame with a base and a superstructure, and a tent mounted on the frame superstructure, wherein the tent is configurable from a closed position for transport to an open position with the tent floor forming a cantilever relative to the frame. The camping assembly may be mounted on a typical vehicle trailer hitch by engaging the receiver, and braces extending from the frame superstructure to the vehicle act to stabilize the camping assembly during transport. The camping assembly may be used on or off of the vehicle. When the camping assembly is used off of the vehicle, it is supported on adjustable legs on outriggers, with the tent supported on top of the frame superstructure.

Abstract: A camping assembly is provided having a frame with a base and a superstructure, and a tent mounted on the frame superstructure, wherein the tent is configurable from a closed position for transport to an open position with the tent floor forming a cantilever relative to the frame. The camping assembly may be mounted on a typical vehicle trailer hitch by engaging the receiver, and braces extending from the frame superstructure to the vehicle act to stabilize the camping assembly during transport. The camping assembly may be used on or off of the vehicle. When the camping assembly is used off of the vehicle, it is supported on adjustable legs on outriggers, with the tent supported on top of the frame superstructure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique multi-purpose towed trailer unit having an aerodynamic streamlined configuration which results in less drag on the towing vehicle-trailer combination compared with drag resulting from the use of a bluff body trailer and a towing vehicle. At rest, the trailer is used in combination with a collapsible self-supporting deployable shelter which is stored in the interior of the trailer.

Abstract: An ice house including a collapsible frame assembly. The collapsible frame assembly includes at least one first pole with a connecting end having a plunger assembly. At least one second pole has a hollow end sized to telescopically engage with the plunger assembly and the first pole. The second pole has at least one detent proximate a connecting end sized to releasably engage with a plunger on the plunger assembly. An actuator assembly includes a first end secured to the connecting end of the second pole and a second end adapted to telescopically receive the plunger assembly and the first pole. The actuator assembly includes an actuator located over the detent and configured to flex between a relaxed position and a depressed position that disengages the plunger from the detent. A seat assembly is secured to the frame assembly and a cover having at least one door is attached to the frame assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camping vehicle (150) comprising at least one vehicle wall (155), a tent construction (101) that can be folded out and has at least one individual tent wall (102), which can be converted from a stored state into an erected state and a frame construction (103). The vehicle wall or walls (155) and the tent wall or walls (102), in a design in which they adjoin one another, together form part of a delimiting wall construction, which when erected defines at least one single internal habitable area of the camping vehicle. The delimiting wall construction is provided with an inflation connection (104) and closing means (105, 106) that close respective openings (107, 117) for the habitable area or areas. According to the invention, the delimiting wall construction is designed in such a way that it can be inflated with the closing means closed from the stored state into an inflation state that temporarily occurs during the erection of the tent construction.

Abstract: A portable climate controlled air shelter system on a transport device such as a trailer, truck bed or ISO container box with all sub-systems integral to the transport device where the sub systems include an inflatable air shelter with inflation/deflation blower, electrical power generator and fuel system pre-wired to all other sub systems, heating ventilation and air conditioning unit, air filtration, inflation/deflation blower, water management system, external lighting, central control panel for single point monitoring and control of the air shelter system and physical storage. Also provided are compressed air tanks for inflation of the air shelter as well as water ballast tubes that mechanically attach to the air shelter to provide stability in winds and on uneven ground. The water management system includes a water storage tank and pump for filling and emptying the water ballast tubes. The air shelter system also has transfer switch to allow the system to run on external “house power”.

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: This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper.

Abstract: A camper-utility trailer assembly has a convertible trailer and at least one enclosure structure communicating therewith. The convertible trailer is convertible between a stowed configuration and a set-up configuration. In at least one of the configurations, the convertible trailer has at least one flexible shelf extending laterally therefrom. The flexible shelf is adapted and configured to be rollingly collapsed down e.g. for stowage in a receptacle beside the outer surface of a sidewall of the convertible trailer. The at least one enclosure structure can generally overlie the convertible trailer and flexible shelf and/or can generally overlie a portion of the ground adjacent the convertible trailer.

Abstract: A hold down may include a weight associated with a coupling mechanism that is configured to removably couple to a foot of an awning support arm assembly. An RV awning and hold down system may include: an awning assembly having at least one support arm assembly disconnected from a side of an RV; and at least one hold down comprising a weight associated with a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism removably coupled to a foot of the at least one support arm assembly. A method for holding an RV awning assembly in position may include: disconnecting at least one support arm assembly of the awning assembly from a side of an RV; and removably coupling a foot of at least one support arm assembly to a coupling mechanism associated with a weight of a hold down.

Abstract: A mobile battle center featuring a command table, a foldable tent for covering the command table, and a transport vehicle for transporting the tent and the command table. The command table includes an aft section, a forward section, electronic equipment stations securely mounted to the aft section, the forward section, or both sections and a bus housing electronic cables running to the electronic equipment stations. An intermediate section is hinged to the forward section and the aft section, the aft section foldable up and over the forward section for transport of the table, the intermediate section providing clearance for the electronic equipment stations when the table is folded. Foldable legs support the table in the deployed position. The transport vehicle includes an equipment rack electrically coupled to the electronic equipment stations of the command table via the bus.

Abstract: The truck tent has a base assembly that is removably secured atop the pickup truck bed side walls. This base assembly includes an extended living area having a pair of extended bed frames that project outwardly from the truck bed side walls and are attached to the top of the side walls. At least two frame supports are used for maintaining the extended bed frames in a substantially parallel position relative to the ground. The upper ends of the frame supports are connected into the outer edges of the extended bed frame and the lower end of the frame supports are positioned against the rear tire and the ground. A tent assembly is easily, quickly and removably connected to the extended bed frames of the base assembly and to the truck bed.

Abstract: A portable shelter includes at least one mounting plate fixedly secured to a support surface on opposite sides thereof. A wraparound attachment bracket is slidably connected on each of the mounting plates. A tubular framework assembly having a fabric covering attached thereto is swingably mounted on each attachment bracket between a collapsed, storage position and an extended, erect position adjacent the support surface. The support surface is preferably located on either an ATV or truck.

Abstract: A temporary vehicle interior expansion system expands the usable interior size of a vehicle by utilizing the vehicle doors to form and support the system. The system includes an enclosure panel for draping over and between the doors of the vehicle to enclose an extended interior space in communication with an interior of the vehicle. The enclosure panel comprises a top portion, a pair of side portions, an end portion, and a bottom portion. A support assembly is also provided for supporting the top portion of the enclosure panel on the vehicle and holding the door in the open condition below the top portion of the enclosure panel, and may include a transverse support member for positioning transversely between the doors of the vehicle for holding the doors in the open condition. Optionally, a platform assembly may be removably mountable on the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle opening.

Abstract: A vehicle with a self-contained cooling and heating capability and a tenting feature for sheltering and controlling the temperature at a given location. Warm air is directed out of a heat chamber through a telescopic tube arrangement which may be horizontally piovoted for improved heat direction. The tube arrangement may also be vertically tipped upwardly and downwardly to maximize directional control of heat output. Heat for melting snow may thereby be directed to specific locations. The tenting arrangement provides elevated and focused heating and little heat waste.

Abstract: An awning device, an associated kit and an associated method of using the kit to assemble the device for use as an auxiliary rain shield over a sleeping unit slidably attached to a recreational camping vehicle are disclosed. The device includes the interconnected components of two pair of securing brackets, a pair of corner posts, a generally rectangular sheet, a primary adhesive strip, and a complementary adhesive strip. The interconnected components of the device make up the auxiliary rain shield over the sleeping unit which provides the sleeping unit additional protection from water damage. The kit includes the unassembled components of the device. The method of using the kit includes the steps of adjoining, affixing, aligning, connecting, extending, hooking, mounting, obtaining, and screwing.

Abstract: A truck bed tarp support assembly for quick assembly to be positioned in a bed of a pickup truck to facilitate providing shelter over the pickup truck bed includes a plurality of tubes interconnected to from a support frame having a base that rests on the bottom of a pickup truck bed. A base portion of the support frame further has a pair of raised portions positioned to receive wheel wells in the pickup truck bed.

Abstract: An enclosure is disclosed for mounting to an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The enclosure includes a first canopy bracket mountable to a front rack of the ATV and a second canopy bracket mountable to a rear rack of the ATV. A frame comprising a plurality of support members is pivotally attached to the first canopy bracket and the second canopy bracket. The plurality of support members pivot around the canopy brackets between a collapsed position and an open position. A cover is positioned over the frame such that when the frame is in the collapsed position the cover is folded and when the frame is in the open position the cover is open.

Abstract: A clamshell-style camping trailer adapted to be pulled by a bicycle including a wheeled chassis that has a camper compartment mounted thereupon and a tongue member coupled thereto for connection to a towing bicycle. The compartment is transformable between a traveling configuration and an open configuration. The camper compartment has at least two clamshell-styled bodies, each of which is configured to matingly engage the other for configuring the camper compartment into the traveling configuration. At least one of the two clamshell-styled bodies has a closure member for forming a separate cargo space within each of the bodies so that the bodies may be moved relative to one another without contents contained in the cargo spaces spilling therefrom. The two clamshell-styled bodies take the form of a top body and a bottom body that are adapted to establish a camping configuration when the top body is maximally pivoted with respect to the bottom body.

Abstract: A modular fold-out camping unit so designed as to be carried largely by a vehicle's hitch receiver for transportation while independently supported to the ground with height adjustable legs while in use. The standard is comprised of a, largely hitch supported, load-carrying base plate, supported by a regular or extended hitch arm, creating the floor, or part of the floor, of the camper, with optional additional floor boards attached with hinges as to be unfolded into an extended floor area whereupon an enclosure in form of a semi permanent tent structure is erected.

Abstract: An inflatable tent assembly for a vehicle with a rear hatch, the inflatable tent assembly comprising an inflatable frame, which when inflated has a shape; a cover having the shape of the inflatable frame when the inflatable frame is inflated, the cover having a vehicle side and being sized to fit on the exterior of the inflatable frame; an opening on the vehicle side of the cover, the opening being bounded by a peripheral edge; and a fastener system disposed around the peripheral edge for connection to the rear hatch of the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible portable camper system for folding into a compact position during nonuse and for expanding into a spacious camper while positioned upon a pickup. The inventive device includes a first wall, a second wall attached to a floor, a pair of side walls, a first platform and a second platform pivotally attached to the side walls, a roof, a tarp attached to the roof, and an elevating structure that extends and retracts the roof. A plurality of support shafts are attached to the roof that are slidably attached to the first wall and the second wall, and that are mechanically coupled to the elevating structure. A plurality of rollers are preferably rotatably attached to the lower surface of the floor for allowing easy removal and insertion upon a conventional pickup. At least one netting is positioned within the tarp serving as a window for the invention. A crank handle is removably attachable to a crank sprocket that is positioned about a crank shaft that extends between the first wall and the second wall.

Abstract: A tent assembly includes a plurality of support members connected to one another to form a frame. Covering material is removably connected with the frame to enclose an area. A sleeve structure is connected to the covering material with flexible sidewalls of the sleeve structure extending outwardly. The sidewalls define a sleeve opening adapted for enveloping the rear portion of the vehicle for removable telescoping engagement therewith. Compressible material is connected to outer edges of the sleeve structure for flexibly and resiliently engaging the rear portion of the vehicle so that the compressible material is compressed against the rear portion of the vehicle to form a seal to prevent the ingress of water and insects.

Abstract: A tent structure for truck beds including a collapsible pole structure constructed from a plurality of interlockable tent poles; and a tent cover member positionable in connection with and supported by the collapsible pole structure, the cover member having a pair of wheel well receiving cavities for receiving the wheel well structures of a pickup truck when the tent structure is erected on a bed of a pickup truck and at least two pickup truck sidewall cover flaps, each sidewall cover flap having at least two flexible securing straps securable between side a side edge of the sidewall cover flap and the pickup truck. In a preferred embodiment, the tent structure further includes a lighting system including a light bulb assembly, an electrical distribution wiring harness, and an electrical system connector. The electrical distribution wiring harness is connected between the system connector and the light bulb assembly. The system connector is preferably connectable to the cigarette lighter socket of the truck.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a collapsible frame assembly having a collapsible main frame assembly and leg mechanism for supporting a portion of the main frame assembly at a desired elevation above the ground. At least one clamp assembly securely attaches the main frame assembly to at least a portion of a motor vehicle. A main cover is supported by the main frame assembly. The cover provides shelter adjacent to the motor vehicle. The use of the collapsible frame assembly which attaches via the clamp assembly to the motor vehicle provides utilization of the motor vehicle's mass and stability to provide structural integrity to the apparatus.

Abstract: A tenting system for use in association with the bed of a pick-up truck comprising a container having a separable, generally rectangular piece of hard material constituting a floor outside of the truck bed when deployed and positionable within the container when in storage, the floor being fabricated of a rigid material and configured to be essentially the same size as that of the container; a rigid lid of a size to cover the container with a hinge coupled to the forward edge of the lid, fabric material located between the side edges of the container and the parallel edges of the lid adjacent to the hinge and transverse to the hinge with an adjustable rod for support; and a tent having parallel sidewalls transverse to the hinge and a rear wall with an entry flap and an open forward end positionable over the upper rear extent of the lid when deployed to allow for communication between the interior of the tent and the interior of the pick-up, the tent having poles for support when deployed and associated tie do

Abstract: An enclosure system for use in on-site installation of vehicle glass includes a stationary frame for mounting to the roof of a conventional van, and a movable frame adapted for movement relative to the stationary frame. The movable frame is movable between a storage position and an extended position, in which it is positioned over the vehicle in which glass is to be installed. A curtain is mounted to a channel track system associated with the movable frame, for enclosing the portion of the vehicle in which the glass is to be installed. The movable frame includes a series of transparent panels, which cooperate with the curtain to define a temporary enclosure about a portion of the vehicle. A heater is employed to heat the enclosure in the event the ambient temperature is too low to allow a glass installation to take place. The transparent panels function to keep precipitation off the vehicle.

Abstract: A tent frame comprising a frame-carrying base; means for mounting the base, in use, on a mobile platform such as the roof of a vehicle; an elongate frame member constituting the ridge frame member of the ultimately-assembled tent frame; and respective arms and legs each mounted or adapted for mounting upon the ridge frame member in such a way that the arms can extend from the ridge frame member outwardly, and the legs can extend from the arms generally downwardly, to form the side frame members of the ultimately-assembled tent frame; characterized by the features that the ridge frame member, the base, and some at least of the frame's arms and legs, are packaged in such a way that when the package is mounted on the mobile platform and conveyed to an intended site of use, (a) sufficient of the frame can be assembled for the frame to be self-supported on the surface on which the vehicle rests; (b) the thus-far-assembled frame is then readily separable from the platform; and (c) the frame side members do not then

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact tent trailer of suitably small dimension and low weight to be effectively towed by a motorcycle or small automobile, with a fold-out tent to form an enclosure of sufficient size to comfortably accommodate at least two adults. The trailer portion of the invention includes a storage compartment adapted to be accessible from within the erected tent enclosure as well as from the exterior of the tent trailer with the tent enclosure collapased thereon. The tent enclosure portion of the invention includes a dressing area with a floor frame flexibly connected to the trailer portion to allow erection of the tent enclosure upon uneven ground surfaces, and further provides for easy access to a storage compartment disposed on the trailer portion exterior to the tent enclosure.

Abstract: A self-contained temporary shelter comprising an expandable/collapsible sleeping compartment for use in conjunction with a vehicle is described. The temporary shelter is accessible through the interior rear of the vehicle. The sleeping compartment comprises a collapsible/extendable canopy covering and a collapsible/expandable support structure. Said compartment, during non-use, is collapsed and housed in a manually removable container and use thereof requires no material modification to the vehicle. Dust and rain covers are disclosed which attach to the vehicle and comprise protective enclosure for open portals of the vehicle. The sleeping compartment when in the as used, extended or open position is supported at the distal end by terrain engaging columns and defines a sleeping area.

Abstract: An expandable sleeping compoartment, mounted on a vehicle, is made by placing, externally onto the vehicle, a rigid casing around a vehicle opening, a separate canopy, and a separate canopy support structure. The canopy and the canopy support structure are housed within the casing when the sleeping compartment is in the collapsed, nonuse configuration. The sleeping compartment is put into its expanded, use configuration by manually moving the casing rectilinearly outwardly from the vehicle, which will simultaneously and collectively rectilinearly extend the canopy and the canopy support to an extended, generally horizontal position. Vertical terrain-engaging supports are interposd between the casing, when the casing is in its expanded, use configuration, and the underlying terrain, when the sleeping compartment occupied.

Abstract: A pickup truck attachment allows a pickup truck to be used for carrying a dog box, a camping enclosure, and mounted seats on the back of the truck. The attachment includes a storage compartment shaped to fit in the cargo compartment of a pickup truck which compartment has an entrance in the rear thereof. A platform is attached over the storage compartment to the sidewalls of the cargo compartment to provide a support surface thereover and includes a pair of slide tracks attached to the top thereof. A foldable tent structure has a plurality of frame members and a flexible covering and at least two of the frame members are slidably attached in the slide tracks at one end of the frame members and adapted to slide therein for opening and collapsing the tent structure on top of the platform. A pair of seats are removably attached to the top of the platform for seating on the platform or placing on the ground while camping. The platform includes a pair of storage tanks with a water tap and a filler cap.

Abstract: An expandable vehicle sleeping compartment is mounted to an exterior side wall of a vehicle at an opening in the vehicle, extending and retracting horizontally therefrom when expanded. An inflatable air mattress and sleeping bag are disposed within the compartment upon expandable support structure and within a canopy. Access to the expanded compartment is through the interior of the vehicle.

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: A tent-like enclosure structure is described. The structure is particularly adapted and constructed as an extension for and in combination with a van having a solid upward opening rear door; the top of said enclosure when in use to be held in position by and above the opened rear door of the vehicle. The enclosure has side and end portions, each of which portions extends from the top of the enclosure to the ground, and each of which enclosure portions is substantially trapezoidal in shape, with the top and bottom sides being substantially parallel to each other with the top side being the shorter side. Said enclosure also has a bottom floor panel, to the sides and end of which are attached the bottom edges of each of the aforesaid trapezoidally shaped portions of the enclosure structure. The combination can quickly and easily be put together by the typical users of such combination.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight camper is releasably mountable about trunk portions of an automobile without requiring the formation of holes in the automobile body. The camper has a flat floor and front, rear, top and side walls which are foldable to compactly overlie the trunk of the automobile. In the extended position, the camper is relatively large and has the capability of sleeping at least two adults. In the collapsed position, the camper is substantially reduced in size for over-the-road travel. The camper includes a canopy having depending flanges which enclose the remainder of the camper when the camper is in a collapsed position. The expense of the camper is minimized by the use of cardboard as a construction material.

Abstract: A vehicle cover protector which protects most exposed parts of a motor vehicle from harsh climatic conditions including sun, rain, chemical fallout, pollution, dust, snow, sleet and hail. The cover is attached either within the vehicle or attached externally, mounted within a housing. A retractable cover covers the surface of the car. The cover may also be mounted over supporting members in order to provide additional protection from damage due to hail. The cover may be mounted upon two adjustable poles, which further provides for a sunshade available to persons or objects adjacent to the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible tent-camper apparatus adapted for use with and to provide a covered extension to a rear-opening van-type vehicle. The apparatus includes a fabric covering, a foldable bed platform, and a foldable and collapsible frame for supporting the fabric covering and bed platform. The apparatus further includes a compartment within the vehicle for storing the covering, platform and frame when folded and collapsed, in addition to structure which enables these components to be slideably moved into or out of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A protective device for a motor vheicle comprises a protective sheet for covering the bodywork of a motor vehicle. The sheet is anchored at one end to a winding roller arranged to be fixed permanently to the vehicle in the region of one of its bumpers and is provided at its other end with means for attachment to the region of the other bumper.

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: An apparatus (10) for the attachment and storage of a collapsible structure (12) to a roof of a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a guide means (11) fastened to a container (35). Roller means (13) is fastened to the collapsible structure (12) to allow for slidably moving the collapsible structure on the guide means (11). To remove the collapsible structure (12) from the container (35) when in a stored position, the collapsible structure (12) is slid along the guide means (11) until the collapsible structure (12) is outside the container (35). The collapsible structure (12) is then allowed to rotate downward and the collapsible structure (12) is then unfolded. The roller means (13) is releaseably attached to the guide means (11) to provide a free-standing unit. In a first embodiment, the container (35) is constructed for an add-on attachment to the roof of a recreational vehicle.

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: A folding tent assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle top or other suitable elevated surface. The assembly includes a pair of rigid base sections hingedly secured together and foldable to define a container in which the remainder of the tent can be stored, and unfoldable to define a planar platform a portion of which extends outwardly from the vehicle top or other elevated surface and on which a flexible cover and frame members can be supported to provide accommodations. A support member having a pair of upright legs, a plurality of cross bars and a pair of rigid extenders rotatably mounted on the upper ends of the legs is provided for bracing the outwardly extending portion of the platform. The extenders are rotatable between a folded position, in which the extenders are substantially parallel to the cross bars and in which the support member can be stored on top of the folded tent and within the confines of the separate travel cover; and a bracing position in which the extenders engage the platform.

Abstract: A camper has a rigid roof structure mountable for travel atop a vehicle, legs pivoted at their upper ends to the roof structure and swingable from horizontal traveling positions along the sides of the roof structure to generally upright positions supporting the roof structure from the ground, the roof structure mounting vertically movable floor structure and collapsible intermediate structure stored in collapsed travel position between said roof and floor structures, and selectively controlled power driven means operatively connecting the floor and roof structures for lowering the floor structure from the roof structure and extending the collapsible intermediate structure to operative condition and raising the floor structure to the roof structure and collapsing the intermediate structure into traveling position.

Abstract: A modular fold-out camping unit so designed as to be carried largely by a vehicle's hitch receiver for transportation while independently supported to the ground with height adjustable legs while in use. The standard is comprised of a, largely hitch supported, load-carrying base plate, supported by a regular or extended hitch arm, creating the floor, or part of the floor, of the camper, with optional additional floor boards attached with hinges as to be unfolded into an extended floor area whereupon an enclosure in form of a semi permanent tent structure is erected.