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 wherein the expanded room comprises a walk-in closet.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/229,841, filed Aug. 31, 2000 and is also a Continuation-in-Part of Applicant&#39;s U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/714,787, filed Nov. 15, 2000, now abandonded entitled “RECREATIONAL VEHICLES WITH WALK-IN CLOSET”, which is a continuation in-part of Applicant&#39;s U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/283,708 filed Apr. 1, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,903, entitled “TRAVEL TRAILER WITH EXTENDABLE TWO LEVEL BATHROOM AND BEDROOM”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to travel trailers and in particular relates to travel trailers that are adapted to expand in size so as to increase the effective interior area of the travel trailer. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Recreational vehicles (RV) are becoming increasingly popular with people who wish to retain the comforts and conveniences of home while spending extended periods of time away at remote locations. In response to consumer demand, manufacturers of travel trailers have developed increasingly larger travel trailers. However, state and federal laws limit the dimensions of travel trailers that can be transported on public roads, thereby limiting the living space within the travel trailer. In particular, current regulations specify a maximum length, otherwise known as the maximum allowed length, of highway bound travel trailers to be no greater than 40 feet. Furthermore, current regulations specify a maximum width, otherwise known as the maximum allowed width, of highway bound travel trailers to be no greater than 8.5 feet. Thus, the travel trailer industry has devoted considerable resources to develop improved travel trailers so as to increase the living space of the travel trailer in a manner that is consistent with the foregoing size restrictions. 
     As such, floor plans in most travel trailers are configured to maximize the use of available living space for essential living areas such as the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Typically, other rooms that are common in houses are sacrificed such that the limited floor space within a trailer can be reserved for these essential living areas. However, since many people who buy large fifth wheel trailers are using these trailers as a more or less permanent residence, the loss of rooms, such as walk in closets and the like creates a less comfortable living arrangement. 
     This space constraint within the travel trailer makes it essentially impractical for manufacturers to install space consuming amenities such as walk-in closets that are usually occupied only on an occasional basis. Thus, walk-in closets are generally not included in the floor plans of conventional recreational vehicles known in the art. Consequently, people who are accustomed to spacious walk-in closets at home are deprived of the convenience of having access to similarly sized closets in the recreational vehicle. 
     In a typical fifth wheel trailer layout, the bedroom is located at the far forward end of the travel trailer. The main living section, which incorporates living areas, kitchens and the like are commonly located towards the rear of the travel trailer and the bathroom is typically located between the bedroom and living room. This results in the front of the trailer essentially functioning as a private bedroom suite. However, towards the front of the trailer, the interior height dimension is typically the smallest which results in an overall reduction in the total volume of the trailer in this private bedroom area. 
     As a consequence, storage space for clothing, which in houses is typically stored adjacent the bedroom and bathroom is quite limited. This results in the occupants of the trailer either limiting the amount of clothing they take in the trailer or storing some of their clothes in the larger main living section of the trailer. However, many people do not want to store their clothes in a more common area of the trailer which is not adjacent the bedroom or bathroom. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there is an on-going need for an improved travel trailer with a layout that permits large walk in closets for the convenience of the occupants. To this end, there is a further need for a layout that will permit the existence of these walk-in closets in the front of a fifth wheel trailer adjacent a bedroom and bathroom. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there is a need for an improved travel trailer having an interior area that includes a walk-in closet, To this end, it will be appreciated that there is also a need for a travel trailer with an extendable housing that encompasses a walk-in closet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned needs are satisfied by the travel trailer of the present invention comprising a frame, a set of wheels attached to the frame to permit rolling movement of the trailer over the ground, a multilevel floor attached to the frame, wherein the multilevel floor defines the inner living space of the trailer and wherein the multilevel floor includes a first level positioned at a first height above the plurality of wheels and a second level positioned at a second height above the plurality of wheels, and a main housing comprising of a plurality of walls mounted above the frame that enclose the inner living space of the trailer. 
     Furthermore, the travel trailer comprises an extendable housing assembly attached to a first wall of the plurality of walls of the trailer wherein the extendable housing assembly includes a multilevel floor having a first and a second level and a plurality of walls mounted at the outer edges of the floor. Preferably, the extendable housing assembly is movable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The extendable housing in one embodiment expands the livable floor space in the area adjacent the front of the trailer. As such, the livable floor space adjacent the bedroom and bathrooms is thus expanded thereby allowing a walk-in closet to be included in this area of the trailer without a decrease in size of the bathroom area or bedroom area. 
     In one embodiment, the first level comprises a walk-in closet wherein the walkin closet is positioned within the extendable housing assembly so that when the extendable housing is in a deployed configuration, a portion of the walk-in closet is positioned outside the first wall of the trailer. However, due to the increase in floor space resulting from the multi-level slide out, the walk-in closet can be positioned in the main portion of he housing without loss of floor space for the bedroom or bathroom and without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, the walk-in closet comprises at least 21 square feet of space. In another embodiment, the area of the walk-in closet is preferably at least 4% of the inner living space of the travel trailer, more preferably at least 5%. Furthermore, the walk-in closet comprises a door covering an opening sufficiently large for an individual to enter. Inside the walk-in closet, there is an area for individuals to hang articles of clothing and store personal items. 
     Preferably, there are at least two parallel rods that extend across the ceiling of the closet and are adapted for hanging articles of clothing. Moreover, the walk-in closet also comprises an access space sufficiently large so that individuals can change clothes inside the closet and move freely inside the closet. In another embodiment, the second level of the extendable housing comprises a sleeping area having a queen size bed. Advantageously, the travel trailer of the preferred embodiment provides individuals the convenience of having a spacious walk-in closet where they can store their personal belongings and yet still be able to move freely inside. Furthermore, the travel trailer provides a spacious walk-in closet without sacrificing any living space that is typically available in most travel trailers. 
     These and other objects and advantages will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recreational travel trailer of the present invention that comprises a two level extendable member; 
     FIG. 2A is an overhead plan view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1 showing the two level extendable member in a retracted configuration; 
     FIG. 2B is an overhead plan view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1 showing the two level extendable member in a deployed configuration; 
     FIG. 2C is an overhead plan view of another embodiment of the travel trailer of FIG. 1 showing the two level extendable member in a deployed configuration including a walk-in closet in the main housing; 
     FIG. 2D is a front isometric view of the walk-in closet of FIG. 2C; 
     FIG. 2E is a rear isometric view of the walk-in closet of FIG. 2C; 
     FIG. 2F is an exploded view of the walk-in closet of FIG. 2C mounted in the bedroom area of the travel trailer; 
     FIG. 3A is an overhead plan view of a two level actuator assembly of the travel trailer of FIG. 1 that actuates the two level extendable member between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration; 
     FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 3A; 
     FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 3A; 
     FIG. 3D is a side view of a torque transfer assembly of the two level actuator assembly of FIG. 3A that induces a lower horizontal shaft and an upper horizontal shaft of the two level actuator assembly to rotate in a synchronous manner 
     FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of the travel trailer of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of the travel trailer of FIG.  1 ; 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts through out. In particular, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a recreational fifth wheel travel trailer  30  comprised of a main housing  40  and a two level extendable housing  32 , wherein the extendable housing  32  is shown extending from an opening  39  of the main housing  40  in a deployed configuration. As will be described in greater detail below, the two level extendable housing  32  can either be placed in the deployed configuration so as to effectively increase a living space  38  of the trailer  30  or be placed in a retracted configuration so as to provide that trailer  30  with a more suitable size and shape for being towed on a public road. Furthermore, although the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 includes the extendable housing  32  that extends from the left side of the trailer  30 , it will be appreciated that the extendable housing  32  could be adapted to extend from the right side of the trailer  30  in another embodiment. 
     In this application, the adjectives “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “inboard”, “outboard”, “longitudinal”, and “lateral” will be frequently used to indicate the spatial relationship between many of the elements of the trailer  30 . In particular, the adjective front is used to indicate that the corresponding element is positioned proximal to a front end of the trailer  30  and the adjective rear is used to indicate that the corresponding element is positioned proximal to a rear end of the trailer  30 , wherein the trailer  30  preferably travels on a road with the front end leading and the rear end lagging. Furthermore, the adjectives left and right are defined with respect to an observer who is looking at the trailer  30  along a direction that extends from the rear end of the trailer  30  to the front end of the trailer and are used to indicate that the corresponding element is either positioned adjacent to the left side of the trailer  30  or adjacent to the ride side of the trailer  30 . Moreover, the adjective inboard refers to an element being positioned proximal to a medial line that extends from the rear end of the trailer  30  to the front end of the trailer  30  and the adjective outboard refers to an element being positioned distally from the medial line. Additionally, the adjectives longitudinal and lateral are used to indicate direction, wherein longitudinal refers to a horizontal direction that extends between the rear and front ends of the trailer  30 , and wherein lateral refers to a horizontal direction that extends between the left and right sides of the trailer  30 . 
     As generally shown in FIG. 1, the trailer  30  further comprises a frame  34  that structurally supports the trailer  30 . Essentially, the frame  34  forms a multilevel structure and is constructed from conventional structural members in a manner known in the art so that the frame  34  structurally supports the main housing  40  of the trailer  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the frame  34  is comprised of a rear horizontal platform  58 , a front horizontal platform  65 , and a middle horizontal platform  63  interposed therebetween. However, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the frame  34  could be comprised of a different number of platforms. Furthermore, the frame  34  comprises a rear vertical riser  59  that joins the rear horizontal platform  58  with the middle horizontal platform  63  so that the platform  63  is elevated above the platform  58 . Moreover, the frame  34  comprises a front vertical riser  61  that joins the middle horizontal platform  63  with the front horizontal platform  65  so that the platform  65  is elevated above the platform  63 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the platforms  58 ,  63 , and  65  of the frame  34  are formed from steel structural members. However, it will be appreciated that frame  34  could be constructed in alternative manner in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the rear platform, in an alternative embodiment, could be formed of steel members and extended in length so as to join with a single steel riser that joins with the front platform formed of steel. Furthermore, the middle platform, in this alternative embodiment, could comprise a wooden structure that mounts at the front of the rear platform. 
     As generally shown in FIG. 1, the main housing  40  is mounted above the frame  34  and is essentially formed of a plurality of planer walls that are joined together in a known manner and mounted to the frame  40  in a known manner so as to form the space  38  above a plurality of floor levels. In particular, the main housing  40  includes a front vertical wall  42 , a rear vertical wall  44 , a left side or drivers side vertical wall  46 , a right side or passenger side vertical wall  50 , and an overhead vertical wall  52  that all join together in a mutually orthogonal manner to form a substantially rectangular shaped enclosure having the living space  38  formed therein. Furthermore, the main housing  40  is further comprised of a rear lower horizontal wall  55 , a middle lower horizontal wall  57 , and an front lower horizontal wall  68  that are mounted directly above the rear platform  58 , middle platform  63 , and front platform  65 , respectively, of the frame  34 . 
     Moreover, the upper surfaces of the rear, middle, and front horizontal walls  55 ,  57 , and  68  respectively form a rear floor  56 , a middle floor  62 , and a front floor  66 . In particular, the middle floor  62  is elevated above the rear floor  56  and separated from the rear floor  56  by a rear step  53  that rises from the rear floor to the middle floor. Furthermore, the front floor  66  is elevated above the middle floor  62  and separated from the middle floor  62  by a front step  69  that rises from the middle floor  62  to the front floor  66 . Consequently, the living space  38  formed within the main housing  40  is segmented into a rear space  54  that encompasses the rear floor  56 , a middle space  60  that encompasses the middle floor  62 , and a front space  64  that encompasses the front floor  66 . 
     As generally shown in FIG. 1, the trailer  30  further comprises a known wheel assembly  36  having a plurality of rotatable wheels that attaches to the frame so as to enable the trailer  30  to be transported on a road. Furthermore, the trailer  30  further comprises a known male hitch assembly  37  at the front of the trailer  30  that couples with a known female hitch assembly of a towing vehicle so that the trailer  30  can be towed by the towing vehicle. 
     As generally shown in FIG. 1, the two level extendable housing  32  that is adapted to extend from the main housing  40  of the trailer  30  is formed of a plurality of walls that join together to form a supplemental living space  35  therein. In particular, the housing  32  comprises an outboard vertical wall  84 , an overhead horizontal wall  86 , a front lateral vertical wall  88 , a rear lateral vertical wall  90 , a rear lower horizontal wall  92  having a lower floor  98  formed thereon, a front lower horizontal wall  94  having an upper floor  102  formed thereon, and a middle lateral vertical wall  96  that collectively join together in a substantially orthogonal manner. Specifically, the middle vertical wall  96  vertically offsets the rear lower horizontal wall  92  from the front lower horizontal wall  94  so that the upper floor  102  is elevated above the lower floor  98 . Furthermore, the extendable housing  32  includes an inboard opening  85  that allows access to the supplemental living space  35 , wherein the opening  85  is positioned opposite of the outboard vertical wall  84 . Moreover, the supplemental living space  35  comprises a lower space  41  that encompasses the lower floor  98  and an upper space  43  that encompasses the upper floor  102  of the extendable housing  32 . As will be described in greater detail below, the lower space  41 , in the preferred embodiment, forms a part of a bathroom area  73  and the upper space  43  forms a part of a sleeping area  77  of the trailer  30 . 
     As generally shown in FIG. 1, the main housing  40  of the trailer  30  includes the opening  39  that enables the two level extendable housing  32  to extend from the main housing  40 . In particular, the opening  39  is formed with a perimeter  45  having a shape that enables the two level extendable housing  32  to extend from the opening  39  when the extendable housing  32  is placed into the deployed configuration. Moreover, the opening  39  is formed with a shape that provides a substantially airtight seal when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the retracted configuration. Furthermore, the opening  39  is positioned adjacent to the middle and front spaces  60  and  64  of the trailer  30  so as to allow the extendable housing to extend into and out of the middle and front spaces  60  and  64  of the trailer  30 . 
     As generally shown in FIG. 1, the two level extendable housing  32 , in the deployed configuration, extends through the opening  39  of the main housing  40  along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the left side vertical wall  46  so that the opening  85  of the extendable housing  32  substantially aligns with the opening  39  of the main housing  40  so as to provide the trailer  30  with an expanded interior middle space  70  and an expanded interior front space  71 . In particular, the extendable housing  32  is positioned so that the middle floor  62  of the main housing  40  extends into the lower floor  98  of the extendable housing  32  so as to combine the middle space  60  of the main housing  40  with the lower space  41  of the extendable housing  32  into the expanded middle space  70 . Furthermore, the extendable housing  32  is positioned so that the front floor  66  of the main housing  40  extends into the upper floor  102  of the extendable housing  32  so as to combine the front space  64  of the main housing  40  with the upper space  43  of the extendable housing  32  into the expanded front space  71 . 
     As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the two level extendable housing  32  is coupled to an actuator assembly  33  that moves the two level housing  32  between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator assembly  33  is comprised of a rear horizontal slidable rail  106   a  having a rear upwardly extending vertical bracket  104   a  at an outboard end of the rail  106   a  and a front slidable rail  106   b  having a front upwardly extending vertical bracket  104   b  at an outboard end of the rail  106   b,  wherein the rear and front brackets  104   a  and  104   b  attach to the extendable housing  32  so that movement of the rails  106   a  and  106   b  produce a corresponding movement of the extendable housing  32  between the extended and retracted positions. 
     As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the rails  106   a  and  106   b  laterally extend from the frame  40  along different horizontal planes. In particular, the rail  106   a  extends from the middle platform  63  of the frame  34  and is positioned beneath the rear horizontal wall  92  of the extendable housing  32  so that the rear bracket  104   a  can attach to the extendable housing  32  in a manner which will be described in greater detail below. Similarly, the rail  106   b  extends from the front platform  65  of the frame  34  and is positioned beneath the front horizontal wall  94  of the extendable housing  32  so that the front bracket  104   b  can attach to the extendable housing  32 . As will be described in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 3A-3B, the actuator assembly  33  is further comprised of a two level drive assembly  47  that moves the vertically offset rails  106   a  and  106   b  in a lateral manner so as to move the extendable housing  32  between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration. 
     Reference will now be made to FIGS. 2A and 2B which provide a detailed plan view of the living space  38  within the trailer  30  of FIG.  1 . In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates the trailer  30  with the extendable housing  32  in the retracted configuration and FIG. 2B illustrates the trailer  30  with the extendable housing  32  in the deployed configuration. Moreover, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the front of the trailer  30  is shown on the right hand side of the page and the rear of the trailer  30  is shown in the left hand side of the page. 
     As shown in FIG. 2A, the extendable housing  32 , in the retracted configuration, extends into the main housing  40  so that the extendable housing  32  is substantially positioned within the middle and front spaces  60  and  64  of the living space  38  of the trailer  30 . Consequently, the outboard vertical wall  84  of the extendable housing  32  is aligned with the opening  39  of the main housing  40  so as to form the trailer  30  with a more aerodynamic shape and so as to reduce the effective width of the trailer  30  while the trailer is being towed. 
     As shown in FIG. 2B, the extendable housing  32 , in the deployed configuration, extends out of the opening  39  of the left vertical side wall  46  of the main housing  40  so that the opening  85  of the extendable housing  32  aligns with the opening  39  of the main housing  40 . Thus, the lower and upper spaces  41  and  43  of the supplemental living space  35  of the extendable housing  32  combine with the middle and front spaces  60  and  64  of the living space  38  of the housing  40  to form the expanded middle and front spaces  70  and  71  of the trailer  30 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the extendable housing  32  further comprises a lip  81  that outwardly extends from the inboard edges of the front, overhead, and rear walls  88 ,  86 , and  90  of the extendable housing  32  in a substantially orthogonal manner. In particular, when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the deployed configuration of FIG. 2B, the lip  81  flushly contacts an inner surface  83  of the main housing  40  adjacent the opening  39  of the left side vertical wall  46  of the main housing  40  so as to partially support the extendable housing  32  in the deployed configuration. As will be described below in connection to FIG. 4B, the actuator assembly  33  provides additional support to the extendable housing  32  in the extended position. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the preferred embodiment of the trailer  30  further comprises a conventional single level extendable housing  121  having a deployed configuration and a storage configuration. In particular, the single level extendable housing  121 , when in the deployed configuration as shown in FIG. 1B, extends through the main housing  40  so as to increase the rear space of the trailer  30 . Furthermore, the single level extendable housing  121 , when in the retracted configuration as shown in FIG. 1A, is substantially positioned within the main housing  40  so as to provide the trailer  30  with a shape and size that is more suitable for traveling. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the rear space  54  of the trailer  30  includes a living room area  48  and a kitchen area  49 . In particular, the living room area  48  includes a plurality of recliner chairs  120 , a hide-a-bed  122 , a set of dining furniture  124 , an entertainment center  128  for storing a television, and an entry area  129  adjacent an entry door  126  which is positioned within the right side vertical wall  50  of the main housing  40 . Moreover, the hide-a-bed  122  and the set of dining furniture  124  are positioned within the single level extendable housing  121  so that the hide-a-bed  122  and the set of dining furniture  124  are displaced away from the kitchen area  49  when the single level extendable housing  121  is placed into the deployed configuration. Furthermore, the kitchen area  49  includes a cabinet assembly  130  that comprises a kitchen counter  131 , a stove  132 , a food pantry  134 , a refrigerator  136 , a kitchen sink  135 , and a step  140  that provides easy access to the elevated expanded middle space  70  of the trailer  30 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2B, the expanded middle space  70  comprises a bathroom area  73  and a dressing room area  75 . In particular, the bathroom area  73  includes a toilet closet  144 , a shower  146 , and a bathroom sink  147 . Furthermore, the dressing room area  75  includes a movable cabinet such as a foldable wardrobe assembly  151  having a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration that will be described in greater detail below and a storage cabinet  154 . Moreover, the foldable wardrobe assembly  151 , the storage cabinet  154 , and the bathroom sink  147  are attached to the two level extendable housing  32  within the lower space  41  of the housing  32  so that the assembly  151 , cabinet  154  and sink  147  are displaced away from the toilet closet  144  and shower  146  when the housing  32  is placed into the deployed configuration (FIG.  2 B). To accommodate movement of the sink  147  with respect to the frame  34 , the sink  147  includes a known flexible hose assembly that communicates a faucet of the sink  147  with a fresh water reservoir and communicates adrain of the sink  147  with a waste water reservoir in a manner known in the art. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the foldable wardrobe assembly  151  comprises a stationary cabinet  148  that is fixedly mounted to the two level extendable housing  32  within the lower space  41  of the housing  32 , and a movable cabinet  150  which is pivotally mounted to the stationary cabinet by way of a hinge  149  so that the rotational axis of the hinge  149  is aligned in a vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 2B, the stationary cabinet  148  includes a front side  137  and an inboard side  138  and the movable cabinet  150 . includes a front side  139 , an outboard side  141 , an inboard side  143 , and a rear side  142 , wherein the front and rear sides  139  and  142  are wider than the inboard and outboard sides  141  and  143 . Furthermore, the hinge  149  couples with the inboard side  138  of the stationary cabinet  148  and further couples with the movable cabinet  150  along a corner  145  that connects the front side  139  with the outboard side  141  of the movable cabinet  150 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2A, the foldable wardrobe assembly  151  is placed into the retracted configuration by rotating the movable cabinet  150  about the hinge  149  so that the wider front side  139  of the movable cabinet  150  is substantially aligned with the inboard side  138  of the stationary cabinet  148 . As a result, the extendable housing  32  is able to be placed in the retracted configuration so that the rear side  142  of the movable cabinet  150  is flushly positioned adjacent the toilet closet  144 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2B, when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the deployed configuration, a space is created with enables the foldable wardrobe assembly  151  to be placed into the deployed configuration. In particular, the movable cabinet  150  is rotated about the hinge  149  so that the outboard side  141  of the movable cabinet  150  substantially aligns with the inboard side  138  of the stationary cabinet  148 . Thus the foldable wardrobe assembly  151  forms an elongated shape which is similar to that of known wardrobes. Moreover, the fully deployed extendable housing  32  provides sufficient room between the movable cabinet  150  and the toilet closet  144  so that a person can walk therebetween and so that a person can access the toilet closet  144 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2B, the expanded front space  71  comprises a sleeping area  77  and a study area  79 . In particular, the sleeping area  77  includes a queen sized bed  166  and an access space  165  adjacent the front vertical wall  42  of the main housing  40  that enables individuals to access the bed  166  in a convenient manner. Furthermore, the study area  79  includes a linen closet  158 , a table  163 , a chair  162 , and a corner cabinet  164 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the bed  166  is fixedly attached to the extendable housing  32  so that the bed  166  extends through the opening  39  of the main housing  40  when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the deployed configuration. Furthermore, the inboard end of the bed  166  is positioned under the linen closet  158  and table  163  when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the retracted configuration. Moreover, the bed  166  extends away from the linen closet  158 , the table  163 , and the comer cabinet  164  when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the deployed configuration so as to form a space therebetween that allows individuals to access the sleeping area  77  and study area  79 . 
     It will be appreciated that the two level extendable housing  32  provides the trailer  30  with a more luxurious atmosphere. In particular, the expanded middle space  70  of the trailer  30  which results from the extendable housing  32  being placed in the deployed configuration provides ample room for individuals to conveniently utilize the bathroom and dressing areas  73  and  75 . In contrast, travel trailers known in the art, including those having known extendable housings, typically comprise relatively small bathroom and dressing areas. 
     It will also be appreciated that the enlarged middle space  70  of the trailer  30  combined with the retractable nature of the foldable wardrobe assembly  151  enables the assembly  151  to be positioned outside from the sleeping area  77 . Consequently, the sleeping area  77  is able to include the access space  165  so that individuals can conveniently access the bed  166 . In contrast, travel trailers known in the art that utilize extendable housings typically position a wardrobe adjacent a front wall of the trailer adjacent to a sleeping area so that the space within the sleeping area is substantially reduced. 
     Reference will now be made to FIG. 2C which provides another embodiment of the floor plan of the living space  38  within the trailer of FIG. 1 while the extendable housing  32  is the deployed configuration. FIG. 2C shows the expanded middle space  70  of the trailer  30  comprising a walk-in closet  300 . In particular, the sleeping area  302  includes a queen sized bed  304  and an access space  306  that enables individuals to access the bed  304  and walk-in closet  300  in a convenient manner. As shown in FIG. 2C, the bed  304  is fixedly attached to the upper space  43  of the two level extendable housing  32  so that the bed  304  extends through the opening  39  of the main housing  40  when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the deployed configuration. Furthermore, the walk-in closet  300  is fixedly attached to the lower space  41  of the extendable housing  32  so that the walk-in closet  300  extends through the opening of the main housing  40  when the extendable housing  32  is placed in the deployed configuration so as to provide individual access to the closet  300  in a convenient manner. 
     Unlike most conventional travel trailers that have rather cramped sleeping areas, this particular embodiment provides travelers the luxury of having access to a spacious walk-in closet that is conveniently located adjacent the bedroom and bathroom. In one embodiment, the walk-in closet  300  has a floor space  301  that is at least 21 square feet, having a length of approximately 6 feet and a widthi of approximately 3.5 feet However, it can be appreciated that the walk-in closet  300  can comprise olier sizes and dimensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. In another embodiment, the floor space  301  of the walk-in closet  300  is preferably at least 4% of the available living space within the travel trailer, more preferably at least 5%. Advantageously, this particular embodiment provides travelers the convenience of having access to a spacious walk-in closet while enjoying substantially the same sleeping area as most conventional recreational vehicles. 
     FIG. 2D illustrates a front isometric view of the walk-in closet  300  of the preferred embodiment. As FIG. 2D shows, the walk-in closet  300  is generally rectangular in shape and defined by a front wall  313  and a side wall  315 . Preferably a lateral edge  320  of the front wall  313  is joined orthogonally to a lateral edge  322  of the side wall  315 . As will be described in greater detail below, the front and side walls  313 ,  315  of the closet  300  are respectively positioned adjacent the front lateral wall and outboard vertical wall of the extendable housing so as to enclose a rectangular floor space. In one embodiment, the rectangular floor space is approximately 6 feet by 3.5 feet. However, it can be appreciated that the closet floor space can take on various dimensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment, a drop ceiling is placed in the walk-in closet to enhance the interior appearance of the closet. 
     As FIG. 2D further shows, the front wall  313  of the closet  300  has an opening  311  that is dimensioned for individuals to conveniently enter. In this embodiment, the opening  313  comprises a door that provides access between the bathroom and the walkin closet. The door can be shut thereby hiding the clothes from other people who are using the bathroom. Since the door to the walk-in closet opens into the bathroom, people can immediately access their clothes after taking a shower or bathing. In one embodiment, the opening  311  is approximately 3 feet wide and 6 feet high. Furthermore, the opening  311  is covered by a door  310 . Preferably, when the door  310  is in an open position, it can be folded vertically in a well known manner. As FIG. 2D further shows, inside the closet  300 , there is an access space  314  for individuals to move freely. Preferably, the access space  314  is large enough for an individual to comfortably change clothes, move around, and reach for stored items. In one embodiment, a storage cabinet  319  is placed inside the closet  300  to provide additional storage space for travelers. Preferably, the cabinet  319  comprises shelving space  336  as well as a hamper  338  that is adapted to store clothing and the like. Preferably, the hamper  338  is configured to pivot outwardly when it is in an open position. As FIG. 2D further shows, the closet  300  is sufficiently large so that the cabinet  319  will not consume a significant portion of the closet space so as to affect an individual&#39;s ability to move around inside the closet. 
     FIG. 2E provides a rear isometric view of the walk-in closet  300  of the preferred embodiment. As FIG. 2E illustrates, a plurality of hanging devices  330   a,    330   b  are adapted to be fixedly attached to the ceiling of the walk-in closet. Preferably, the hanging devices  330   a,    330   b  are parallel to each other and each hanging device  330   a,    330   b  has a plurality of slots  340  that are adapted to receive the hooks of hangers. In one embodiment, the hanging devices  330   a,    330   b  comprise a plurality of rods that define a plane substantially parallel to the floor of the travel trailer or the floor of the extendable housing of the trailer. As such, the rods  330   a,    330   b  permit individuals to hang their clothing in parallel rows inside the closet  300 . Furthermore, it can be appreciated that more than two parallel rods may be attached to the ceiling of the closet without departing from the scope of the invention. In another embodiment, the parallel rods may also be attached to the walls of the closet in a manner so as to define a plane that is substantially parallel to the floor of the extendable housing of the trailer. As FIG. 2E shows, the walk-in closet  300  of the preferred embodiment also provides a third rod  312  which is positioned below the first rod  330   a  and can also be used for clothes hanging. 
     FIG. 2F illustrates an exploded view of the walk-in closet  300  mounted in the bedroom section of the trailer. As FIG. 2F shows, the closet  300  provides sufficient access space  314  for individuals to change their clothing inside the closet  300  or otherwise move around. In one embodiment, a lighting device  318  is positioned inside the walk-in closet  300  so as to permit individuals to see more clearly inside the closet  300 . Furthermore, a mirror  340  can be placed on the closet door  310  or the side wall  315  of the closet  300 . Furthermore, as it is shown in FIG. 2F, clothing  341  can be hung on the first rod  330   a  that is attached to the closet ceiling. 
     The walk-in closet  300  of the preferred embodiment affords individuals the convenience and luxury of having a spacious closet that can also serve as a change room. Furthermore, the closet  300  allows the individuals to bring with them more clothes and personal items while traveling. As described above in detail, the walk-in closet  300  does not consume any space that is reserved for the sleeping area  302  or the bedroom because the walk-in closet  300  is positioned on the lower space  41  of the extendable housing  32  in a manner such that it is extended outwardly along with the bed  302  when the extending housing  32  is fully deployed. It will be appreciated that the walk in closet can be positioned in the main portion of the housing with other components of the bathroom being positioned in the extendable housing without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Advantageously, the recreational vehicle of the preferred embodiment allows travelers to enjoy the convenience of having access to a spacious walk-in closet and still provides substantially the same living space as most conventional recreational vehicles. 
     Reference will now be made to FIG.  3 A-FIG. 3D which provide detailed illustrations of the actuator assembly  33  used to move the extendable housing  32 . In particular, FIG. 3A is an overhead plan view of the actuator assembly  33 , wherein the left side of FIG. 3A corresponds to the rear end of the actuator assembly  33  and the right side of FIG. 3A corresponds to the front end of the actuator assembly  33 . Furthermore, FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the actuator assembly  33 , wherein the left side of FIG. 3B corresponds to the rear end of the actuator assembly  33  and the right side of FIG. 3B defines the front end of the actuator assembly  33 . Moreover, FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the actuator assembly  33 . Additionally, FIG. 3D is a side elevational view of a torque transfer assembly  172  of the actuator assembly  33  from the perspective of an observer who is looking along the elongated axis of a rear horizontal shaft  176   a.    
     As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the actuator assembly  33  is comprised of a rear rail assembly  170   a,  a front rail assembly  170   b,  and a drive assembly  171  interposed therebetween, wherein the front rail assembly  170   b  is elevated above the rear rail assembly  170   a.  As best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the rear rail assembly  170  is comprised of a rear fixed support guide  108   a  and the rear horizontal slidable rail  106   a  that extends from the support guide  108   a  in a telescoping manner. Specifically, the rail  106   a  is adapted to slidably extend from an elongated channel formed within the support guide  108   a  so that the motion of the rail  106   a  is restricted to be along the elongated channel of the support guide  108   a.  Furthermore, a substantial portion of the slidable rail  106   a  will always remain within the support guide  108   a  so as to enable the rail  106   a  to function as a cantilever as will be described in greater detail below. 
     As shown in FIG. 3A-3C, the front rail assembly  170   b  is substantially similar to the rear rail assembly  170   a  and is positioned so as to be elevated above the rear rail assembly  170   a.  As best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the front rail assembly  170   b  is comprised of a front fixed support guide  108   b  and the front horizontal slidable rail  106   b  that extends from the support guide  108   b  in a telescoping manner. Specifically, the rail  106   b  is adapted to slidably extend from an elongated channel formed within the support guide  108   b  so that the motion of the rail  106   b  is restricted to be along the elongated channel of the support guide  108   b.  Furthermore, a substantial portion of the slidable rail  106   b  will always remain within the support guide  108   b  so as to enable the rail  106   b  to function as a cantilever as will be described in greater detail below. 
     As shown in FIG. 3A and 3C, the front and rear rail assemblies  170   a  and  170   b  are preferably positioned so that the support guides  108   a  and  108   b  are aligned in a parallel manner and so that the outboard ends of the support guides  108   a  and  108   b  are both positioned in a common plane which is perpendicular to the elongated axis of both the support guides  108   a  and  108   b.  Furthermore, the rear slidable rail  106   a  is adapted with a plurality of uniformly spaced rack groves  173   a  along a lower surface of the rail  106   a  that enable the slidable rail  106   a  to form a portion of a rear rack and pinion assembly  182   a.  Similarly, the front slidable rail  106   b  is adapted with a plurality of uniformly spaced rack groves  173   b  along a lower surface of the rail  106   b  that are substantially similar to the groves  173   a  of the rear rail  106   a  that enable the slidable rail  106   b  to form a portion of a front rack and pinion assembly  182   b  that is substantially similar to the rear rack and pinion assembly  182   a.    
     As schematically shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the drive assembly  171  of the actuator assembly  33  is comprised of a rear pinion  175   a,  a rear horizontal shaft  176   a,  the torque transfer assembly  172 , a front horizontal shaft  176   b,  a front pinion  175   b  which is substantially similar to the rear pinion  175   a,  and an electric motor  183 . In particular, the rear pinion  175   a  is fixedly attached at a rear end of the rear horizontal shaft  176   a  and the front pinion  175   b  is fixedly attached at a front end of the front horizontal shaft  176   b.  Furthermore, the rear and front horizontal shafts  176   a  and  176   b  are rotatably mounted so that the rotational axes of the front and rear shaft  176   a  are parallel to each other and both lie in a substantially common vertical plane. Moreover, the rear horizontal shaft  176   a  is positioned so that the rear pinion  175   a  engages with the plurality of rack grooves  173   a  of the rear slidable rail  106   a  so as to form the rear rack and pinion assembly  182   a.  Additionally, the front horizontal shaft  176   b  is positioned so that the front pinion  175   b  engages with the plurality of rack grooves  173   b  of the front slidable rail  106   b  so as to form the front rack and pinion assembly  182   b.    
     As schematically shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, torque transfer assembly  172  couples the rear shaft  176   a  with the front shaft  176   b  so that a torque applied by the rear shaft  176   a  will be transferred to the front shaft  176   b.  In particular, the front end of the rear shaft  176   a  attaches to a descending portion of the torque transfer assembly  172  and a rear end of the front shaft  176   b  attaches to an ascending portion of the torque transfer assembly  172 . 
     As shown in FIG. 3D, the preferred embodiment of the torque transfer assembly  172  comprises a lower gear  177   a,  an upper gear  177   b,  and a flexible chain  178  having a closed end. In particular, the front end of the rear shaft  176   a  is fixedly attached to the lower gear  177   a  in a conventional manner and the rear end of the front shaft  176   b  is fixedly attached to the upper gear  177   b  in a conventional manner. Furthermore, the lower and upper gears  177   a  and  177   b  are aligned in a common vertical plane and the appropriately sized chain  178  is positioned to surround the lower and upper gears  177   a  and  177   b  so that the chain  178  engages with both the lower and upper gears  177   a  and  177   b.  Consequently, when a torque is applied by the rear shaft  176   a  onto the lower gear  177   a,  the tension of the chain  178  will increase in an asymmetrical manner so that a torque is transferred to the upper gear  177   b  and front shaft  176   b.  Moreover, the diameters of the lower and upper gears  177   a  and  177   b  are substantially equal so that the rear shaft  176   a  and the front shaft  176   b  always have the same angular velocity. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the electric motor  183  of the drive assembly  171  of the actuator assembly  33  couples with the rear shaft  176   a  of the drive assembly  171  in a well known manner so as to enable the electric motor  183  to activate the drive assembly  171 . In particular, when electric current is passed through the electric motor  183 , the electric motor  183  generates a torque which causes the rear and front shafts  176   a  and  176   b  to rotate at a substantially equal angular velocity. Consequently, the rear and front rack and pinion assemblies  182   a  and  182   b  will operate in a substantially identical manner so that the rear and front slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  will both travel with the same linear velocity. 
     It will be appreciated that the actuator assembly  33  provides an effective means for moving the extendable housing  32 . In particular, the electric motor  183  couples with the rear shaft  176   a,  thereby providing the rear shaft  176   a  with a torque that induces the rear shaft  176   a  and the rear pinion  175   a  into a state of rotation. Thus, since the rear pinion  175   a  is positioned so as to engage the rack grooves  173   a  of the rear slidable rail  106   a,  the rotating rear pinion  175   a  will induce the slidable rail  106   a  to move in a lateral manner. 
     Furthermore, the rear shaft  176   a  will provide the torque transfer assembly  172  with a torque so as to rotate the front shaft  176   b.  In particular, since the rear shaft  176   a  is coupled with the lower gear  177   a  of the torque transfer assembly  172 , the rear shaft  176   a  applies a torque onto the lower gear  177   a,  thereby causing the chain  178  of the torque transfer assembly  172  to experience an asymmetrical tension. Thus, the chain  178  applies a torque onto the upper gear  177   b  which transfers the torque to the front shaft  176   b,  thereby inducing the shaft  176   b  and, consequently, the front pinion  175   b  into a state of rotation. Moreover, since the front and rear rack and pinion assemblies  182   a  and  182   b  are substantially identical to each other and since the lower and upper gears  177   a  and  177   b  are substantially identical to each other, the rotating front pinion  175   b  will induce the front slidable rail  106   b  into a state of motion that is substantially identical to the state of motion of the rear slidable rail  106   a.    
     Consequently, since the rear and front slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  are coupled with the extendable housing  32  in a manner that will be described in greater detail below, the synchronous movement of the rear and front slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  will move the extendable housing  32  in an aligned manner. In particular, the synchronous movement of the rear and front slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  will induce movement of the extendable housing so that the outboard wall  54  of the extendable housing  32  will tend to align with a plane which is parallel to the plane of the left side wall  46  of the main housing  40 . Therefore, it is unlikely that the extendable housing  32  will become immobilized with respect to the frame  34  of the trailer  30  due to improper alignment between the extendable housing  32  and the main housing  40 . 
     Reference will now be made to FIGS. 4A and 4B which illustrate the recreational travel trailer  30  in greater detail. In particular, FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of the trailer  30  of FIG.  1 . Furthermore, FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of the trailer  30  of FIG. 1, wherein the extendable housing  32  is illustrated in the deployed configuration. 
     As shown in FIG. 4A, the actuator assembly  33  is mounted within the frame  34  of the trailer  30 . In particular, the rear rail assembly  170   a,  the rear rack and pinion assembly  182   a,  and the rear horizontal shaft  176   a  of the actuator assembly  33  are positioned within the middle platform  63  of the frame  34  so that the rear horizontal shaft  176   a  is positioned in a substantially longitudinal manner and so that the rear rail assembly  170   a  is positioned in a lateral manner. Furthermore, the torque transfer assembly  172  of the actuator assembly  33  is positioned within the front vertical riser  61  of the frame  34 . Moreover, the front horizontal shaft  176   b,  the front rack and pinion assembly  182   b,  and the front rail assembly  170   b  of the actuator assembly  33  are positioned within the front platform  65  of the frame  34  so that the front horizontal shaft  176   b  is positioned in a substantially longitudinal manner and so that the front rail assembly  170   b  is positioned in a lateral manner. 
     As shown in FIG. 4A, the rear and front horizontal slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  of the actuator assembly  33 , which are used to move the extendable housing  32  between the retracted and deployed configurations, are adapted to extend from the frame  34  of the trailer  30 . In particular, the frame  34  includes a rear opening  107   a  at an outboard edge of the middle platform  63  adjacent the rear end of the middle platform  63  that enables the rear slidable rail  106   a  of the rear rail assembly  170   a  to extend from the frame  34  in a lateral manner. Similarly, the frame  34  includes a front opening  107   b  at an outboard edge of the front platform  65  adjacent the front end of the front platform  65  that enables the front slidable rail  106   b  of the front rail assembly  170   b  to extend from the frame  34  in a lateral manner. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the actuator assembly  33  is positioned underneath the extendable housing  32  and the middle and front lower horizontal walls  57  and  68  of the trailer  30 . In particular, the rear rail assembly  170   a  is positioned beneath the rear lower wall  92  of the extendable housing  32  and the front rail assembly  170   b  is positioned beneath the front lower wall  94  of the extendable housing  32 . As will be described in greater detail below, the slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  respectively couple with the rear lower wall  92  and the front lower wall  94  so as to enable the actuator assembly  33  to move the extendable housing  32  between the retracted and deployed configurations. 
     As shown in FIG. 4B, the lower floor  98  of the extendable housing  32  is vertically aligned with the middle floor  62  of the main housing  40  in a substantial manner and is adapted to travel across the middle floor  62  during movement of the extendable housing in a non-sliding manner. In the preferred embodiment, a known roller assembly  110  having a low profile is mounted to a lower surface  111  of the lower horizontal wall  92  of the extendable housing  32  adjacent the inboard edge of the lower horizontal wall  92  so as to be interposed between the lower surface  111  of the lower horizontal wall  92  and the middle floor  62  of the main housing  40  in a flush manner. Thus, when the extendable housing  32  is moved in a lateral manner, the roller assembly  110  will roll across the middle floor  62  so that the extendable housing  32  can be moved with a relatively small lateral force. 
     As shown in FIG. 4B, the preferred embodiment of the trailer  30  comprises the upper floor  102  of the extendable housing  32  that is substantially elevated above the front floor  66  of the main housing  40 . In particular, this enables the outboard end of the bed  166  to be positioned directly on the upper floor  102  so that the inboard end of the bed  166  is sufficiently elevated above the front floor  66  of the main housing  40  so as to enable individuals to conveniently access the bed  166 . However, it will be appreciated that, in another embodiment, the upper floor  102  of the extendable housing  32  could be adapted to align with the upper floor  66  of the main housing  40 . 
     As shown in FIG. 4B, the inboard end of the bed  166  is supported by an inboard bed support  112  having a known roller assembly  113 . In particular, the inboard bed support  112  is positioned beneath the inboard end of the bed so as to support the bed  166  as well as individuals who are sleeping on the bed  166 . Furthermore, the roller assembly  113  is attached to a lower surface of the inboard bed support  112  so that the roller assembly  113  is flushly interposed between the inboard bed support  112  and the front floor  66  of the main housing  40 . Thus, when the bed  166  is moved along with the extendable housing  32 , the roller assembly  113  of the inboard bed support  112  will roll along the front floor  66  of the main housing  40  so as to reduce the lateral force that is required to move the extendable housing  32 . 
     As shown in FIG. 4B, the rear and front rail assemblies  170   a  and  170   b  of the actuator assembly  33  are laterally mounted to the frame  34  of the trailer  30 . In particular, the rear support guide  108   a  of the rear rail assembly  170   a  is laterally mounted within the middle platform  63  so that the slidable rail  106   a  can extend from the trailer  30  in a lateral manner and be supported by the rear support guide  108   a.  Furthermore, the front support guide  108   b  of the front rail assembly  170   b  is laterally mounted within the front platform  65  so that the slidable rail  106   b  can extend from the trailer  30  in a lateral manner and be supported by the front support guide  108   b.    
     As shown in FIG. 4B, the slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  engage with the extendable housing  32  so that they can maneuver and support the extendable housing  32 . In particular, the rear and front slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  laterally extends from the frame  34  of the trailer  30  so that the outboard ends of the rails  106   a  and  106   b  are substantially adjacent the outboard vertical wall  84  of the extendable housing  32 . Furthermore, the upwardly extending bracket  104   a  connects the outboard end of the rear rail  106   a  with the rear lower horizontal wall  92  of the extendable housing  32  so that the rear rail assembly  170   a  can move the extending housing  32  and so that the rear slidable rail  106   a  of the rear rail assembly  170   a  can cantilever the extendable housing  32  in the deployed configuration. Moreover, the upwardly extending bracket  104   b  attaches the outboard end of the front rail  106   b  with the front lower horizontal wall  94  of the extendable housing  32  so that the front rail assembly  170   b  can move the extending housing  32  and so that the front slidable rail  106   b  of the front rail assembly  170   b  can cantilever the extendable housing  32  in the deployed configuration. 
     It will be appreciated that the two level extendable housing  32  of the trailer  30  extends across two floor levels of the trailer  30 . Thus, the supplemental living space  35  formed within the extendable housing  32  is substantially greater than the supplemental living space of similarly positioned extendable housings of travel trailers known in the art. Consequently, the extendable housing  32  is able to encompass the bathroom area  73  as well as the sleeping area  77 , so as to provide both of these areas with greater space. 
     It will also be appreciated that the actuator assembly  33  enables the extendable housing  32  to be maneuvered between the deployed and retracted configurations in a desirable manner. In particular, the vertically offset slidable rails  106   a  and  106   b  are adapted to respectively move the rear and front ends of the extendable housing  32  in a synchronous manner so as to maintain the extendable housing  32  in an aligned state with respect to the main housing  40 . 
     It will also be appreciated that the actuator assembly can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. In particular, the components of the actuator assembly  33  can be readily fabricated and installed within the frame  34  of the trailer  32  using relatively simple installation techniques known in the art. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has shown, described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to this embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the detail of the device illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing description, but should be defined by the appending claims.