Abstract: An electro-mechanical aerodynamic apparatus includes a support structure that couples to a tongue of a trailer in a position between a tow vehicle and a body of the trailer, an extendible housing that couples to the support structure and extendibly moves to a plurality of aerodynamic states including an extended state and a contracted state, and a drive assembly coupled to the support structure and the extendible housing that, when actuated, moves the extendible housing into one of the plurality of aerodynamic states.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying sealant to a seam between a first work piece and a second work piece, including applying a fillet layer of the sealant to cover the seam, applying a first flaring layer of the sealant adjacent the fillet layer and contacting the fillet layer and the first work piece, applying a second flaring layer of the sealant that contacts the second work piece, and applying at least one filling layer of the sealant so that the filling layers of the sealant in combination contact each of the first flaring layer, the fillet layer, and the second flaring layer.

Abstract: Swimming containers are disclosed including a first compartment at a first longitudinal end having a roof structure forming at least part of a deck structure, the first compartment having first and second doors providing access to the first compartment. A wall partition connected between the first and second sidewalls provides water-tight separation between the first compartment and a second compartment configured to hold a volume of water. A guide track runs along a longitudinal center of a bottom portion of the container, with first and second wheels disposed on opposite sides of the guide track, and a hook structure disposed at an end of the swimming container at least partially above the guide track.

Abstract: A portable cooking system is provided and includes a guide member and a cooking device supported by the guide member, wherein the cooking device engages and is movable along the guide member between a first cooking device position, in which the cooking device is at least partially positioned within a vehicle, and a second cooking device position, in which the cooking device is spaced-apart from and external of the vehicle. The cooking device may be a grill. The guide member may be at least partially supported by the vehicle when the guide member is in both the first guide member position and the second guide member position. Alternatively, the guide member may be supported by the vehicle when the guide member is in the first guide member position and may not be supported by the vehicle when the guide member is in the second guide member position.

Abstract: An expandable building assembly is provided, the building assembly having a retracted condition, in which the roof of the building has a first area, and an extended condition, in which the roof of the building has a second area, the second area being greater than the first, the assembly comprising a roof portion; and means for displacing and rotating the roof portion between the retracted condition and the expanded condition; whereby in the retracted condition, the roof portion is in a first position and at a first orientation, and in the extended condition, the roof portion is in a second position and at a second orientation, wherein the second position is displaced from the first position and the second orientation is rotated with respect to the first orientation. A building comprising one or more of the building assemblies is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile home 1 being a caravan, recreational vehicle or the like that includes an outdoor deck section 3 that pivots from the main structure 2. When in an open configuration, the deck 3 is available for use and, when being moved, the deck portion 3 is moved to integrate with the main structure 2.

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 recreational vehicle with weatherproofing for a slide-out compartment has a main body, a slide-out compartment having a side wall with an upper wall, a bottom wall and a pair of end walls extending inwardly from the side wall, and a first cover having one end affixed to the side wall of the main body and an opposite end affixed to the slide-out compartment. The first cover extends over top wall and a pair of end walls of the slide-out compartment. The first cover is formed of a flexible watertight material. The first cover is affixed by bracket to the side wall of the main body and to the slide-out compartment. A second cover is affixed to the first cover and extends through a slot formed between the upper wall of the slide-out compartment and the opening of the side wall of the main body.

Abstract: A convertible bed for a recreational vehicle has a sliding section and an inclining section. The sliding section is engageable with a frame for sliding movement relative to the frame between an extended position and a retracted position. The inclining section is pivotally combined and slidable with the sliding section. The inclining section is positioned for movement relative to the frame between a substantially flat position when the sliding section is in the extended position and an inclined position when the sliding section is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A slide-out arcs between extended and retracted positions. An outer end of the slide-out is lifted so as to tip the slide-out inwardly when approaching the retracted position. The outer end of the slide-out is lowered so as to tip the slide-out outwardly when approaching the extended position.

Abstract: A trailer deck system includes a housing that includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The perimeter wall includes at least one door to access an interior of the housing. The perimeter wall includes a lateral wall. A panel has a rear edge, a front edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top side and a bottom side. The rear edge is hingedly coupled to the perimeter wall to allow the panel to be moved between a stored position vertically orientated with the top side facing the lateral wall and an extended position extending outwardly from the lateral wall and is horizontally orientated. A motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the panel. The motor assembly moves the panel to the extended position or the stored position when the motor assembly is actuated.

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: An extendable and retractable enclosure provides an additional storage or work area in a structure which has a limited amount of available space, such as a motor home or trailer. The enclosure is installed in an opening, such as for a window, and can be selectively moved to an extended position where the enclosure extends outside the structure, or to a retracted position where the enclosure is positioned inside the structure. Two spaced apart swing arms pivotally mount the enclosure to the structure, and allow the enclosure to be selectively moved to the extended or retracted positions.

Abstract: The teardrop travel trailer has an airfoil shape with a leading edge region at the front, a trailing edge region at the rear, two relatively flat opposite sides, and a superior surface extending from the leading edge region to the trailing edge region, the superior surface being deployable into a roof by pivoting around a transversal axis located along the leading edge region.

Abstract: A sleeping berth unit comprises at least two shape-retaining sub-modules shaped so that those sub-modules can interconnect in a sliding manner. The unit is mounted on the roof of a vehicle, at least one sub-module being fixed to the vehicle, leaving at least one sub-module free to slide back and forth. The unit is compressed into transit mode, or expanded into accommodation mode, with a single sliding action. The unit is accessed through a door at the end of at least one sub-module, via an extendable ladder. The ladder locates securely to the access door sub-module, and, if required, acts as a stabiliser for the unit. The sleeping berth unit access door sub-module(s) can be replaced with blanking module(s) to create a storage unit.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting a slide-out section of a vehicle. The mechanism includes a vertically extending support member fixable relative to a vehicle body. The support member having an upper edge. At least one pair of rollers are rotatably mounted to the support member. Each roller of the at least one pair of rollers have a radially outwardly facing surface, and at least a portion of the radially outwardly facing surface extends above the support member upper edge. A rail member for supporting the slide-out section engages the at least one pair of rollers for slidable movement between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A system for extending and retracting expandable rooms in vehicles. The system employs linear actuators that can be mounted laterally to the direction of movement of the room when it is expanded or extended. In order to provide for extending and retracting the room, the actuators are connected to heavy chains which are connected to the main body of the vehicle structure and which will flex in one direction only. The chains ride in tracks such that when the actuators are retracted, the room will be extended, and when the actuators are extended, the room will be retracted. The system includes infrared sensors that sense movement of each chain to produce a signal that is used to synchronize movement of all of the actuators as the room is extended or retracted.

Abstract: A slide-out room (12) support system (28) for a recreational vehicle (10) has outer C-shaped rails (34) received at least partially within the thickness of the floor (64) with the slot of the C-shape opening downwardly. A fixed support (30) extends up through the slot and mounts four rollers (38), two on each side, which extend into the space between the top wall (42) of the rail (34) and the flanges (40) so as to support the rail (34) generally horizontal and relieve much of the weight of the slide-out room (12) from being borne by the stationary floor of the recreational vehicle (10). A lead screw (46) that moves longitudinally with the rail (34) drives it in and out, and a rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system synchronizes the movement of the rails (34) when two or more rails (34) are provided. The lead screw (46), or alternatively the rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system, may be manually or electrically driven.

Abstract: A linkage assembly for expandable rooms for recreational vehicles to affect the coordinated movement of parallelogram linkage members through the actuation of a glide arm that will extend or retract the expandable room. The glide arm is powered by a hydraulic cylinder and moves generally vertically along a vehicle frame member as the hydraulic cylinder rod extends or retracts to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The glide arm is pivotally connected to one link in each of two pairs of parallelogram linkage members, the linkage members extending between points of pivotal attachment with a second structural member, such as an expandable room member, and the vehicle frame member.

Abstract: A full body slide out room assembly is comprised of a vehicle with stationary end modules, a stationary roof and a plurality of moveable room assemblies that consist of a telescoping roof, floor, anterior walls, and end walls. The sliding movement of each room is controlled by one or more linear drive mechanisms that are pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electro-mechanical, or combination of two or more of these methods. Each moveable room is supported by a center or offset longitudinal truss or trusses below the floor level, and a plurality of guide rails and support rails located between the vehicle chassis and the moveable room. Polymer plates are installed between the support and guide rails.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an expandable room, wherein the expandable room may be positioned in either a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the room expands outwardly from the main housing of the vehicle so as to enlarge the overall living space area of the main housing. In the retracted configuration, the room slides inwardly into the main housing of the vehicle so as to reduce the width of the vehicle. The expandable room is equipped with at least one additional door on an outer wall in a manner so as to allow access to other rooms when expandable room is in the retracted configuration. The room may be extended in conjunction with an exterior slide-out assembly, wherein the deployed slide-out assembly produces a larger inner living space so as to accommodate the expanded room.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism provides for the extension and retraction of rooms in recreational vehicles while maximizing the space inside the vehicle. Braced parallel linkage members are applied between a vehicle frame member and an expandable room member. A hydraulic cylinder or other force assist element may be used to drive a slotted glide arm which, in turn, causes the braced parallelogram linkage to shift, thus pulling or pushing the room frame member relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: In a vehicle of a size of approximately a one-box car, a camping car which can be used also for transportation such as regular commutation, shopping and so on based on the ability of setting up a portion or entirety of a roof portion of the vehicle higher than a normal running state for ensuring a life space within the vehicle.

Abstract: A Level Floor Room Extension for expandable and retractable rooms in vehicles employs a subfloor movable from a horizontal stored position beneath the vehicle floor, through an intermediate horizontal position, to an elevated horizontal position, to provide a continuously level floor extending from the interior vehicle floor, over the subfloor, to the slide out room floor.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention for selectively actuable relative movement in a first direction between a first vehicle compartment mountable or mounted to a second vehicle compartment includes a first actuator mounted to the first vehicle compartment for actuation in a second direction of a follower mounted on a distal end of the actuator. An elongate channel is mounted to the second vehicle compartment in a first plane substantially parallel to a plane containing both the first direction and the second direction. The second direction is angularly offset in the first plane from the first direction. The channel is generally diagonally offset in the first plane from the second direction. The follower is mountable or mounted in the channel for sliding engagement therealong upon actuation of the first actuator. Actuation of the first actuator causes the relative translation between the first and second vehicle compartments.

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 recreational vehicle having an expandable room wherein the room can be positioned in a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the room expands inwardly into the main housing of the vehicle so as to enlarge the area of the room without displacing the fixtures and plumbing that are typically positioned adjacent an outer wall of the room. The room can be extended in conjunction with an exterior slide-out assembly wherein the deployed slide-out assembly creates a larger inner living space so as to accommodate the expanded room.

Abstract: The present invention involves an extension unit for a structure, such as a recreational vehicle or manufactured housing component. The recreational vehicle or manufactured housing component structure has an exterior wall, and the extension unit provides additional interior space for the structure when in a deployed position. The extension unit comprises a floor, a roof, a first wall extending between the floor and roof, a second wall operably coupled to the first wall and extending between the floor and roof, a pivotal connection linking the first wall and one of the second wall and exterior wall, and a biasing mechanism for biasing the first wall into the other of the second wall and exterior wall in the deployed condition. The pivotal connection links the first wall to the second wall, while the biasing mechanism biases an edge of the first wall into the exterior wall in both the deployed position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A swing-out section for a recreational vehicle such as a mobile home which has an exterior wall, a roof, and a floor, the swing-out section being moveable between open and closed positions with a first end of a wall section defining the swing-out section being pivotably connected to an adjacent portion of the exterior wall of the recreational vehicle, the swing-out section also having a roof section and a floor section, the arrangement being such that the swing-out section can be moved into and out of position by hand.

Abstract: A slideout room operating system for use with a recreational vehicle or travel trailer.A dual drive means, part of which supports the slideout room, is used to efficiently perform the moving function.The design is economical to manufacture and install and provides improved reliability of operation for slideout room systems currently in use.

Abstract: An extendable room comprises accordion type ceiling and wall panels which fold within panel covers when the room is retracted, thereby taking up much less interior space and leaving the interior of the primary structure just as attractive, albeit smaller, as prior to retraction. The wall and ceiling panels are hinged together with tongue and groove connections and are secured in the flat, extended configuration by steel cables running through the panels. The side walls also include windows which may be made clear and opaque electronically. The secondary floor is retractable below the floor of the primary structure when the room is retracted, permitting the room extension floor to become the primary floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.

Abstract: A latch device arrangement for a vehicle comprises a main engaging assembly attached to a vehicle body, a sub engaging assembly attached to a movable roof which is displaceable between a storing position and a lifted position and engageable with the main assembly for holding the roof in the storing position. The sub assembly has a ratchet for holding the engagement of the main and sub assemblies. The main assembly has a ratchet lever which comes into contact with the ratchet to release the engagement of the main and sub assemblies. The arrangement further has an open lever connected to the ratchet lever, a rotating handle rotating the open lever from a standby position toward an operating position, and a lock pin displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting one structure with respect to another which utilizes a pivoting mechanism rather than the standard linear mechanisms known in the art. The mechanism further utilizes a torsion bar connected between the distal ends of the actuator for synchronizing the movement of the actuators to prevent binding and twisting. A first embodiment utilizes a flat chain and a pair of circular guides to maintain the torsion bar in a horizontal plane, while a second embodiment of the invention utilizes a four-bar linkage system.

Abstract: A structure having an interior living space, an optional cab for operation of a propulsion system, and at least one expanding chamber. Each chamber is a box with one open wall. The structure may be a towable trailer, a recreational vehicle body on a truck chassis, or a motorized recreational vehicle, or a trailer with a support system instead of wheels for stationary use, or a fixed building on a foundation. The structure's living space is open at the interface with a respective expansion chamber. For use, a stowed chamber moves from within the structure, between its outer walls, to an expanded position external of the structure. A pair of cantilevered deployable rails are moved, prior in time to a chamber exodus, outwardly from beneath the structure to support the chamber to be expanded.

Abstract: An extendible slideout room having a roof, floor, and sidewalls is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position within a lateral wall of a vehicle such as a motorhome, a boat, or virtually any type of trailer. In the retracted position, the roof, floor and two side walls of the slideout room are disposed within the vehicle, with a third outer side wall positioned in sealed contact with the vehicle's lateral wall about the periphery of the slideout room. When extended, the slideout room's roof, floor and sidewalls project outwardly from the vehicle's lateral wall in sealed contact with the vehicle's wall. Elongated screws rotationally coupled to the slideout room's outer side wall at their respective distal ends are inserted through respective threaded fittings fixedly attached to the vehicle's lateral wall, with each screw disposed adjacent a respective corner of the room.

Abstract: A shelf for a platform of a fold-down camper is provided, having an end frame with a first and second leg pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the platform and adapted to pivot from a first position substantially parallel to the platform to a second position substantially perpendicular to the platform for supporting an awning. Disposed between the first and second legs, and pivotally coupled thereto, is a shelf. The shelf is oriented so as to be substantially parallel to the platform and that relationship is maintained throughout the movement of the awning support by at least one leg interconnecting the shelf to the platform. All of the supports for the shelf are pivotally coupled and parallel to each other so that the shelf remains parallel to the platform. The shelf is available to store personal belongings or ornamental objects of the occupants without interfering with the occupants while reclined on the platform.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprised of a front section is rigidly coupled to a rear section. This design allows the vehicle to be utilized similar to a motor home when coupled and yet uncoupled when desired. Four independent suspension and wheel assemblies support the trailer. Each of the four suspension pivot about an upright axis. The pivoting action of the suspension allows the front and rear sections to be rigidly coupled.

Abstract: A lift-roof cover 10 for a light truck open load bed 12, comprising a lift-roof structure 15 pivotally attached about a lateral axis A--A to the upper edge 44 of the cover forward wall 18, the forward wall 18 being fixedly mounted to the load bed 12 so that, alternately, secure weatherproof enclosure of the load bed 12 may be provided with the lift-roof structure 15 in a lowered position, or the lift-roof structure 15 may be raised at the rear about the lateral axis A--A, providing improved access to the load bed 12. A preferred embodiment incorporates the use of compression struts 74, 76 to provide lift assist in raising the lift-roof structure 15 and accommodates the application of flexible curtains 146 to provide full enclosure with the lift-roof structure 15 in a raised position, while maintaining commonality with methods of manufacture, handling, shipping and storage employed for high volume production load bed covers of the prior art.

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 motor home has a rear, extensible room portion that does not require ground support. The extensible room portion comprises a rear wall, roof portion, and a pair of sidewalls having integral top extensions extending over 40% forwardly of the extensible room portion and serving as lever arms.

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 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: A hydraulic lifting system for use in raising and lowering a movable top, sized and located to cover an opening in a primary roof structure, includes a support structure attached to opposing longitudinal sides of the roof opening, a plurality of lifting linkages that are slidably attached to the support structure such that at least one pair of linkage is attached to opposing support structures, each lifting linkage is also pivotally attached to the movable top. In addition, a plurality of hydraulic push/pull devices are mounted on the support structure one each interposed between each pair of lifting linkage, so that each lifting linkage may be attached to the adjacent hydraulic push/pull device by a shaft projecting therefrom. Actuation of the hydraulic push/pull device urges the shafts to move in a push/pull relationship with the lifting linkages raising and lowering the top.

Abstract: A mobile accommodation structure such as a caravan or motor home is provided with at least one foldable extension (21, 22, 23) which can be erected from at least one side wall (12) to enlarge the interior volume enclosed by the mobile structure; the extension is in the form of an erectable wall structure including a first wall panel (21) pivotally and slidably connected to the said one wall (12) of the mobile accommodation structure for movement between an erected position in which it lies at an angle to the said one wall (12) and a storage position in which it lies generally parallel to the said one wall (12) and displaced parallel thereto with respect to its erected position, a roof panel member (33) movable between erected and storage positions in the former of which it overlies the said wall structures (21, 22, 23) in its erected position, and a movable floor panel (31) displaceable between erected and storage positions, in the former of which it lies parallel to and coplanar with the floor (34) of the mo

Abstract: A camping conversion for motor vehicles having an open interior compartment. The conversion includes a floor panel supported by tracks and retractable beneath the vehicle floor, and an auxiliary pop-out compartment which protrudes from the side of the vehicle and is retractable into the vehicle interior. In the extended position, the auxiliary pop-out compartment rests on the extended floor panel. The auxiliary pop-out compartment has telescoping sidwalls which overlap one another when retracted to save interior space.

Abstract: A vertically extensible cover assembly for the bed of a pick-up truck having a 5th wheel trailer hitch mounted in the bed thereof for allowing a trailer to be coupled, uncoupled and towed by the truck with the cover assembly mounted on the truck. The cover assembly includes a rigid cover which is mountable on the truck's bed by means of folding arms which allows the cover to be vertically extended for access to the truck's bed. A central opening is formed in the rigid cover through which the trailer hitch tongue during trailer towing operations and which is closed by a hatch during non-towing use of the truck. An open channel is provided in the rigid cover through which the trailer hitch tongue is movable during coupling and uncoupling of a trailer, with the open channel being closed by a lid structure when coupling and uncoupling operations are not being accomplished.

Abstract: A lift-roof cover for a light truck open load bed, comprising a lift-roof structure pivotally attached about a lateral axis to the lower edge of the cover forward wall, the forward wall being fixedly mounted to the load bed with flexible weatherproof panelling interposed between the lift-roof structure and the forward wall so that, alternately, secure weatherproof enclosure of the load bed may be provided with the lift-roof structure in a lowered position, or the lift-roof structure may be raised at the rear about the lateral axis, providing improved access to the load bed. A preferred embodiment incorporates the use of compression struts to provide lift assist in raising the lift-roof structure and accomodates the application of flexible curtains to provide full enclosure with the lift-roof in a raised position, while maintaining high degrees of commonality with methods of manufacture, handling, shipping and storage employed for high volume production load bed covers of the prior art.

Abstract: A cover assembly for the bed of a pickup truck including a rigid cover which is mounted to the bed by four spring-loaded arms which allow the cover to be moved vertically relative to the bed. The spring-loaded folding arms have arcuate bearing heads which minimize spring distortion when the arms are in their folded positions and have an improved locking arrangement for selectively securing the arms in their extended positions. The folding arms also have rotatable mounting brackets which provide stabilized mounting thereof on the bed of pickup trucks having variously sized upper ledges.

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.