Patent Publication Number: US-2023132547-A1

Title: Vehicle mounted accessory

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/272,875, filed Oct. 28, 2021, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to accessibility and storage features for vehicles, such as vehicle mounted campers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Truck beds of pickup trucks are difficult to access because of the height of the truck bed relative to the ground. Options for accessing a truck bed for those who are not able or do not want to lift themselves into the truck bed include the use of portable ramps, portable ladders, and backing the truck up to a ramp or elevated surface. Secure storage of equipment that is often used with trucks, campers, and trailers often requires the user of such equipment to unload the equipment from a secure interior portion of the vehicle, setup the equipment for use, and then reload the equipment into the vehicle after use to prevent theft or damage of the equipment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides, in its various forms, a vehicle-mountable accessory support platform for attachment or integration with a vehicle and provides a platform or interface for coupling various vehicle accessories adjacent the vehicle, such as deployable stair systems, access platforms, and storage units or compartments (e.g. closets, cabinets, slideable storage drawers, etc.) for storing various equipment. The accessory platform of the present invention may include structure and function identical or substantially similar to that of the vehicle mounted accessories, access platforms, and storage components disclosed in commonly owned and assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/100,004, filed Nov. 20, 2020 by NB4 Brand L.L.C., d/b/a/ The Kingstar Company of Chassell, Mich. and entitled VEHICLE MOUNTED ACCESSORY, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The support platform may provide an access platform or “porch” providing a place for a user to stand proximate an exterior portion of a vehicle to allow the user to gain easier access to that portion of the vehicle. The supported accessory may include a deployable stairway to provide easier access to the vehicle. The supported accessory may be deployable so that it can be stowed for travel and deployed to provide vehicle access or storage access. Optional storage unit accessories provide secure storage for various equipment, tools, or accessories. The accessory platform is particularly well suited for use with truck-bed mounted camper units, however, it will be appreciated that the accessory platform may be coupled to any suitable vehicle, trailer, or portable living quarter. In embodiments in which the accessory platform is coupled to a truck-bed mounted camper unit, the accessory platform accompanies the truck camper and is removed from the vehicle when the truck camper is removed from the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the accessory platform may be separated or decoupled from the truck camper as well. 
     According to one form of the present invention, a vehicle mounted accessory support apparatus or platform is provided for supporting a removable accessory at or alongside a vehicle, such as a truck-bed mounted camper. The platform includes a support frame for coupling the platform to the camper, as well as a support rail system or assembly having an upper support rail and a lower support rail vertically spaced apart from one another. The support rails are supported at outboard ends of the support frame. The support frame includes a pair of outboard brackets for coupling to respective outboard, rear portions of the truck camper. The outboard brackets extend vertically below a rear portion of the truck camper. The outboard brackets are coupled to corresponding outboard end portions of the upper support rail and the lower support rail to suspend the support rails from the truck camper. The support frame may include a cross member coupled to a lower, rear portion of the truck camper and coupled between each of the outboard brackets. The removable accessory is preferably able to be repositioned laterally relative to the upper and lower support rails to permit various configurations and positions of the accessory relative to the rails and the vehicle. A universal accessory mounting device, in the form of a coupling bracket or plate, is coupled to the removable accessory to secure the accessory to the upper and lower support rails. The coupling bracket is fastened to a rear portion of the removable accessory with mechanical fasteners extending through a gap between the spaced apart upper and lower support rails. The coupling bracket and the removable accessory cooperate with one another to clamp onto support rail system. 
     In one aspect, the coupling bracket of the universal accessory mounting device includes a body defined by an elongate rectangular plate having a width of about the distance of the gap between the upper and lower support rail. An upper wing is coupled to an upper edge of the rectangular plate and the upper extends upward at an oblique angle from the rectangular plate. A lower wing is coupled to a lower edge of the rectangular plate and the lower wing extends downward at an oblique angle from the rectangular plate, from the same side of the plate as the upper wing. When the coupling bracket is fastened to the removable accessory, an upper or upward facing surface of the upper wing engages or presses against a lower portion of the upper support rail and a lower or downward facing surface of the lower wing engages or presses against an upper portion of the lower support rail. When the coupling bracket is tightened onto the removable accessory the coupling bracket is wedged between the upper and lower support rails and the coupling bracket and accessory cooperate to clamp onto the rail system. Optionally, a rear portion of the removable accessory extends between the upper and lower support rails to meet or join with the coupling bracket at a position between the support rails. 
     In another aspect, the universal accessory mounting device is provided in the form of a hanger is provided at each outboard end of the removable accessory to couple it to the accessory support platform. Each hanger is coupled to a rear portion of the removable accessory and each hanger includes at least one hook that, when coupled to the support rail system, extends over the top of and releasably engages either of the upper support rail and the lower support rail. Optionally, the hanger may include multiple hooks, including an upper hook that, when coupled to the support rail system, extends over the top of and releasably engages the upper support rail and a lower hook that, when coupled to the support rail system, extends over the top of and releasably engages the lower support rail. The hook or hooks of the hanger at least temporarily suspend the removable accessory from the support rail system. Optionally, a lock bracket couples with the hanger to engage a lower portion of either or the upper or lower support rail (opposing a hook of the hanger) to selectively lock the removable accessory onto the support rail system. 
     In yet another aspect, a stabilizer is coupled between a center portion of the removable accessory and one or both of the upper and lower support rails. The stabilizer includes a hook that, when coupled between the support rail system and removable accessory, extends over the top of and releasably engages either the upper or lower support rail. The stabilizer may include counter-balance support arm that abuts a rear portion of the support rail system to counteract rotation of the removable accessory relative to the support rail system. 
     In still another aspect, the accessory support platform includes a removable extension extending outboard from the upper and lower support rails with an upper extension rail coupled at an outboard end of the upper support rail and a lower extension rail coupled at an outboard end of the lower support rail. The removable extension extends outboard of the support frame and/or the vehicle and is provided to support a removable accessory at an outboard end of the support platform. The removable extension may be omitted, and the outboard ends of the support rail system may be configured to receive and support an auxiliary accessory outboard of the support frame. For example, a rail portion of a fence panel may be coupled to one or both of the upper and lower support rail to provide a corral or cage for a livestock animal. 
     In embodiments having a deployable stair system, the deployable stair may be similar or substantially identical in structure and function to the stair structures described in previously referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/100,004. In one aspect, an exemplary deployable stair system includes a plurality of stair treads, with at least some of the treads being pivotably deployable or extendable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration the stair system provides a plurality of stair steps permitting a user to access a portion of the vehicle (e.g.) such as the door of a truck-bed mounted camper. In the stowed configuration the stair treads are alongside one another, and in the deployed configuration the stair treads are spaced apart from one another. For example, the stair system may include a set of three stair treads with a second one of the stair treads having a second tread stringer frame with a first pivot arm pivotably coupled at its distal end with a lower portion of a first stringer frame that support the first stair tread in a fixed position. A third one of the stair treads includes a third tread stringer frame with a pivot arm pivotably coupled at its distal end with a distal portion of a second pivot arm of the second tread stringer frame. The second pivot arm of the second tread stringer frame is positioned at an opposite side of the second tread from the first pivot arm of the second frame. The second and third stair tread deploy by pivoting together away from the first stair tread and the third stair tread deploys further by pivoting away from the second stair tread. Optionally, a stop is coupled with the first pivot arm of the second tread stringer frame and is configured to abut a lower portion of the first tread stringer frame to support and retain the second stair tread in the deployed configuration. The third stair tread may also include a stop coupled with the pivot arm of the third tread stringer frame, which is configured to abut a distal portion of the second pivot arm of the second tread stringer frame to support and retain the third stair tread in the deployed configuration. 
     According to another form of the present invention, a pivotable staircase that is mountable to a vehicle or camper, and includes stowable stair-mount and platform support frames, a deployable set of stairs, and a deployable platform. The stair-mount frame and platform support frame are both pivotable about respective axes between extended and retracted positions, and are spaced apart from one another at least when extended. The platform is coupled between the stair-mount frame and the platform support frame, and is pivotable between an upright stowed position and a deployed position in which the platform rests on both the stair-mount frame and the platform support frame in their respective extended positions. When the platform support frame and stair-mount frame are in both retracted, the stair-mount frame is generally parallel to the platform support frame and retains the platform support frame in its retracted position. 
     Accordingly, the vehicle mounted accessory support platform of the present invention is coupled to a truck camper (or any suitable vehicle, trailer, or portable living quarter) and provides increased or easier access to an exterior portion of a truck-bed mounted camper door and/or storage compartments for equipment, tools, and accessories. The support platform includes a rail system and a universal accessory mounting device to secure one or more accessories to the rail system, such as an access platform, as stair system, a storage unit, etc., for example. The mounting device may include a backing plate and/or hangers that engage the rail system. The accessory may include a porch or standing platform to allow a user to stand proximate an exterior portion of truck camper that would otherwise be difficult to access. The accessory may be pivotably stowed for travel and storage and deployed to provide access to the accessory and/or vehicle. A storage bin accessory provides secure storage space for accessories and equipment such as tools and fuel tanks. The storage bin can also provide support for equipment, such as an electricity generator. The storage bin can be locked to secure equipment, including equipment supported on the storage bin. The support platform is fixed to the truck camper and is therefore removable from the vehicle when the truck camper is removed or decoupled from the vehicle. 
     These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a left-rear perspective view of a vehicle mounted accessory support platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown mounted to a rear of a truck-bed mounted camper unit and depicted with optional removable accessories, including a storage cabinet and a deployable stair system depicted in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  2    is a left-rear perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  1   , depicted with the storage cabinet and deployable stair system omitted to illustrate structure of the support platform; 
         FIG.  3    is a left-rear perspective view of the support platform of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a left-front perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged left side sectional elevation view of a support rail system and deployable stair system of the support platform of  FIG.  1   , depicted with the stair system in a stowed configuration; 
         FIG.  6    is a partially exploded left-rear perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  1   , depicted with the storage cabinet omitted; 
         FIG.  7    is a partially exploded left-front perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  1   , depicted with the storage cabinet omitted; 
         FIG.  8    is a left-front perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged view of the region designated IX in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIGS.  10  and  12    are left-rear perspective views of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  1   , depicted with the storage cabinet omitted and depicting sequential steps of deploying of the deployable stair system; 
         FIG.  13    is a left-rear perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  2   , depicted with another optional removable accessory including a deployable stair system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and depicted with the stair system in a stowed configuration; 
         FIG.  14    is a left-front perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is an enlarged view of the region designated XV in  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIGS.  16  and  17    are left-rear perspective views of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  13   , depicted with the deployable stair frame in a deployed configuration and depicting sequential steps of deploying a slideable drawer from a left-side access platform and deploying a slideable drawer from a right-side storage unit; 
         FIG.  18    is a left-rear perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  13   , depicted with an optional clothing closet and with the deployable stair system in a stowed configuration; and 
         FIGS.  19  and  20    are left-rear perspective views of the vehicle mounted accessory of  FIG.  18   , depicted with the deployable stair frame in a deployed configuration and depicting sequential steps of opening a door of the clothing closet; 
         FIG.  21    is a left-rear perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  2   , depicted with an optional adjacent water storage tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  22    is an enlarged left side elevation view of the support platform, truck camper, and water storage tank of  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a left-rear perspective view of the support platform and truck camper of  FIG.  2   , depicted with an auxiliary accessory food grill coupled to an outboard end of the platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  are left-rear perspective views of the vehicle mounted accessory support platform, shown mounted to a rear of a truck-bed mounted camper unit and fitted with a swiveling staircase unit shown in the deployed and stowed configurations, respectively; 
         FIG.  25    is a rear elevation view of the accessory support platform, truck-bed mounted camper unit, and deployed swiveling staircase of  FIG.  24 A ; 
         FIG.  26    is a side sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of  FIG.  25   ; 
         FIG.  27    is a rear elevation view of the accessory support platform, truck-bed mounted camper unit, and stowed swiveling staircase of  FIG.  24 B ; 
         FIG.  28    is a side sectional view taken along Line XXVIII-XXVIII of  FIG.  25   ; 
         FIGS.  29 A- 29 G  are a series of left-rear perspective views of the swiveling staircase unit of  FIGS.  24 A and  24 B , depicting sequential steps of converting from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration; 
         FIGS.  30 A and  30 B  are left-rear perspective views of the vehicle mounted accessory support platform, shown mounted to a rear of a truck-bed mounted camper unit and fitted with a repositionable staircase and sports equipment rack shown in the stowed and deployed configurations, respectively; 
         FIG.  31    is a side sectional view taken along plane XXXI of  FIG.  30 A ; 
         FIG.  32    is a rear elevation view of the accessory support platform, truck-bed mounted camper unit, repositionable staircase and sports equipment rack in the deployed configuration of  FIG.  30 B ; 
         FIG.  33    is a side sectional view taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII of  FIG.  32   ; 
         FIGS.  34 A- 34 G  are a series of left-rear perspective views of the repositionable staircase and sports equipment rack of  FIGS.  30 A and  30 B , depicting sequential steps of converting from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  35    is a left-rear perspective view of the sports equipment rack of  FIGS.  30 A and  30 B , shown fitted with pivotable staircase; and 
         FIGS.  36 A- 36 F  are a series of left-rear perspective views of the pivotable staircase and sports equipment rack of  FIG.  35   , depicting sequential steps of converting from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, an accessory support apparatus or support platform  100  provides an interface for attaching various forms of accessories, such as a deployable stair system  102 , to a vehicle, such as a truck-bed mounted camper  104 . While the illustrated embodiments depict the platform  100  coupled to a truck camper  104 , the platform  100  may be attached to or installed on other vehicles or vehicle transported accessories or living quarters, such as directly installed on a pickup truck or a trailer camper, for example. The support platform  100  is versatile and able to support various forms of accessories, such as the deployable stair system  102 , storage compartments including cabinets  106 , storage drawers  108 , and clothing closets  110 , and fixed (or deployable) access platforms  112 . The cabinet  106  or other accessories may further support auxiliary accessories, such as an electricity generator  107 , for example. The removable accessory, e.g. stair system  102 , is preferably readily decoupled and repositioned relative to a portion of the platform  100  to permit various accessory positions and/or configurations, as desired by a user. 
     The accessory support platform  100  includes a support frame  114  for coupling the platform  100  to the camper  104 , as well as a support rail assembly or system  116  having an upper support rail  118  and a lower support rail  120  vertically spaced apart from one another ( FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  6 - 8 ,  10 - 14 , and  16 - 22   ). As best shown in  FIG.  3   , the support frame  114  includes a pair of outboard mounting brackets  114   a  configured to couple to respective outboard, rear portions of the truck camper  104 , such as with mechanical fasteners (e.g. screws or bolts). Each of the outboard brackets  114   a  extends vertically downward from the truck camper  104  below a rear portion of the truck camper  104 . The outboard brackets  114   a  are coupled to corresponding outboard end portions of the upper support rail  118  and the lower support rail  120  to suspend the support rail system  116  from the truck camper  104 . A cross member  114   b  is coupled between each of the outboard brackets  114   a  ( FIG.  3   ). The cross member  114   b  may be coupled to a lower rear portion of the truck camper  104 , such as with mechanical fasteners. The support frame  114  may be readily detachable or removable from the truck camper  104  in order to store the platform separate from the truck camper  104 . 
     The support rails  118  and  120  extend laterally perpendicular to the forward direction of travel of the truck camper  104  (as when transported by a truck) and the upper rail  118  is positioned above and spaced apart from the lower support rail  120 , with a gap formed between the rails  118  and  120  ( FIGS.  2  and  3   ). Gussets, stiffeners, or ribbing  117  are provided between the rails  118  and  120  to stiffen the rail system  116  to better support loads from removable accessories ( FIGS.  2 ,  3     7 ,  10 - 12 ,  15 , and  21 ). The use of relative terms such as front, forward, rear, rearward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, vertical, and their facsimiles are used in relation to the normal forward travel direction of the vehicle (e.g. car, truck, van, recreational vehicle, camper, etc.) For simplicity of this disclosure, while various accessories may be coupled to one or both of the rails  118  and  120 , (some of which are disclosed above and below), unless otherwise noted, the remainder of the discussion in regards to  FIGS.  1 - 8  and  10 - 12    will refer to the removable accessory in terms of the deployable stairs  102  ( FIG.  9    is focused toward the attachment of storage cabinet  106  of  FIG.  1   ). 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS.  4 - 8   , a universal accessory mounting device, in the form or a coupling bracket or backing plate  122 , secures the deployable stair system  102  to the upper and lower support rails  118 ,  120 . It will be appreciated that aside from the stair system  102 , the coupling bracket  122  can be utilized to couple any suitable accessory to the rail system  116  (e.g. such as the storage cabinet  106  shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  8 , and  9   ). The coupling bracket  122  is fastened to a rear portion of the stair system  102  with mechanical fasteners  123  (such as bolts) extending through the gap  116   a  between the upper and lower support rails  118 ,  120 . The coupling bracket  122  and the stair system  102  cooperate with one another to apply a clamping force to multiple sides of the support rails  118  and  120 , and thereby clamp the stair system  102  onto the support rail system  116 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the coupling bracket  122  includes a body formed of an elongate rectangular plate  124  that has a width of about equal to the distance of the gap  116   a  between the upper and lower support rails  118 ,  120 . An upper wing  126  is coupled to an upper edge of the rectangular plate  124  and extends upward at an oblique angle from the rectangular plate  124  ( FIGS.  5  and  9   ). A lower wing  128  is coupled to a lower edge of the rectangular plate  124  and extends downward at an oblique angle from the rectangular plate  124  in the same direction as the upper wing  126 . The upper wing  126  and lower wing  128  each have a length about equal to the rectangular plate  124 . With the coupling bracket  122  fastened to the front of the stair system  102 , an upper or upward facing surface  126   a  of the upper wing  126  engages or mates against a lower, forward portion of the upper support rail  118  and a lower or downward facing surface  128   a  of the lower wing  128  engages or mates against an upper, forward portion of the lower support rail  120  ( FIG.  5   ). 
     As fasteners  123  are tightened to draw the coupling bracket  122  toward the front of the stair system  102 , the angled surfaces  126   a  and  128   a  mate with or press against the respective support rails  118  and  120  generating a wedging effect to wedge the coupling bracket  122  between the rails  118  and  120 . Thus, along with the wedging effect, the coupling bracket  122  and stair system  102  cooperate to clamp onto the rails  118  and  120 . The wedging of the coupling bracket  122  and clamping of the bracket  122  and stair system  102  counteract, resist, or substantially eliminate rotation of the stair system  102  relative to the rail system  116  and also counteract vibration that may be caused by movement of the stair system  102  relative to the rail system  116 . Optionally, and as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a front portion of the stair system  102  (or any removable accessory) may include an extension or tab portion  130  that extends between the upper and lower support rails  118 . The tab portion  130  may further counteract, resist, or substantially eliminate rotation of the stair system  102  relative to the rail system  116  and also counteract vibration between the stair system  102  and rail system  116 . 
     A universal accessory mounting device, in the form of a single rail hanger  132 , is provided at each outboard end of the lower, front portion of the cabinet  106  to couple the cabinet to the platform  100  ( FIGS.  1 ,  8 , and  9   ). Each hanger  132  includes a rail engagement element in the form of a grip or hook  134  for engaging the upper support rail  118  for at least temporarily suspending the cabinet from the rail system  116 . When the cabinet  106  is coupled to the rail system  116 , the hook  134  extends over the top of and partially in front of the upper support rail  118  to releasably engage the upper support rail  118 . The hanger  132  and coupling bracket  122  cooperate to counteract, resist, or substantially eliminate rotation of the cabinet  106  relative to the rail system  116 . It will be appreciated that without the coupling bracket  122  attached to the cabinet  106 , the cabinet  106  may be readily removed from the rail system  116  by lifting and/or tilting the cabinet  106  to disengage the hook  134  from the upper rail  118 . It will also be appreciated that the hook  134  may be configured to engage the lower rail  120  as opposed to the upper rail  118 . Optionally, the hanger  132  may include a pair of hooks for engaging both the upper and lower rail  118  and  120 , such as similar to hangers  138  illustrated in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , and as described in further detail below, for example. 
     Referring to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS.  13 - 20   , a removable multi-function accessory  136  is provided for mounting to a rear portion of the rail system  116  of accessory support platform  100 . The accessory  136  includes a unitary body that supports a single deployable stair  102   a,  a storage cabinet  106   a,  an access platform  112 , a left side slideable storage drawer  108  that slideably nests within access platform  112 , a right side slideable storage drawer  108   a  (see  FIG.  17   ) that slideably nests within storage cabinet  106   a,  and, optionally, a clothing closet  110  (see  FIGS.  18 - 20   ). The deployable stair  102   a,  storage cabinet  106   a,  access platform  112 , drawer  108 , drawer  108   a,  and closet  110  may be configured similar or substantially identical in structure and function to corresponding structures described in previously referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/100,004. 
     A universal accessory mounting device, in the form of a dual-rail hanger  138 , is provided at each outboard end of the front portion of accessory  136  to couple it to the platform  100  ( FIGS.  14  and  15   ). Each dual-rail hanger  138  includes a pair of rail engagement elements in the form of grips or hooks  140  for engaging each of the upper support rail  118  and the lower support rail  120  for at least temporarily suspending the accessory  136  from the rail system  116 . When the accessory  136  is coupled to the rail system  116 , an upper one of the hooks  140  extends over the top of and partially in front of the upper support rail  118  to releasably engage the upper support rail  118 , and a lower one of the hooks  140  extends over the top of and partially in front of the lower support rail  120  to releasably engage the lower support rail  120 . A lock, in the form of a u-bracket  142 , is releasably coupled to a lower portion of the hanger  138  to lock or secure the hanger  138  at the rail system  116 . When installed on hanger  138 , the u-bracket  142  abuts a lower portion of the lower rail  120  to prevent the hanger  138  from raising or lifting relative to the rail system  116 . The u-bracket  142  is coupled to the hanger  138  with a hitch safety pin  144 . It will be appreciated that without the u-bracket  122  installed to the hanger  138 , the hanger  138  may be readily removed from the rail system  116  by lifting and subsequently rearwardly sliding the accessory  136  away from the truck camper  104  to disengage the hooks  140  from the respective support rails  118  and  120 . 
     A stabilizer  146  is provided at a center, forward portion of the accessory  136  ( FIGS.  14  and  15   ). The stabilizer  146  includes a pair of spaced apart brackets or plates  148  that are coupled at proximal ends to respective sides of a hitch tube adapter  150 , such as with mechanical fasteners ( FIG.  15   ). The tube adapter  150  is dimensioned to be received inside a hitch receiver tube  152  at a lower center portion of the accessory  136 . The brackets  148  are spaced apart from and coupled to one another, such as with bolts, nuts, and spacers. Each bracket  148  includes an upper extension or counter-balance support  154  at the distal end of the bracket  148  and a rail engagement element, in the form of a grip or hook  156 , at a medial portion of the bracket  148 . When stabilizer  146  is installed, the upper extension  154  abuts or presses against a front portion of the upper support rail  118 . Likewise, when stabilizer  146  is installed, the hook  156  extends over the top of and partially behind the lower support rail  120  to releasably engage the lower support rail  120 . The dual-rail hangers  138  and stabilizer  146  cooperate to counteract, resist, or substantially eliminate rotation of accessory  136  relative to the rail system  116 . Optionally, the stabilizer  146  may be installed with the platform  100  after the accessory  136  has been at least temporarily secured on the rail system  116 . It will be appreciated that the stabilizer  146  may be omitted without substantially affecting the functionality and advantages of the platform  100  and removable accessory  136 . 
     A removable accessory extension  157  is provided at each outboard end of the rail support system  116  ( FIGS.  1 - 4 ,  6 - 8 ,  10 - 14 , and  16 - 22   ). Each extension  157  includes an upper extension rail  158  coupled at a respective outboard end of the upper support rail  118  and a lower extension rail  160  coupled at the respective outboard end of the lower support rail  120 . The removable extension  157  may support various rail mounted accessories or equipment, such as taillights  162 , other commonly known indicator lights, or a reverse viewing camera, for example. It will be appreciated that the removable accessory extensions  157  may be omitted without substantially affecting the functionality and advantages of the platform  100  and rail support system  116 . With the extensions  157  removed, other auxiliary accessories or equipment may be mounted directly to the outboard ends of the support rails  118  and  120 , such as a fence panel, for example. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  23   , a food grill  163  includes an upper and a lower horizontal support arm or rail  163   a  and  163   b  which are dimensioned and shaped such that they are receivable in the outboard end of support rail  118  and rail  120 , respectively. As such, the food grill  163 , or any other accessory, may be securely and removably supported from the outboard end of the support platform  100 . It will be appreciated that other auxiliary accessories or equipment may be securely mounted or received in the outboard end of only one of the support rails  118  or  120  if the support from each of the rails  118  and  120  is unnecessary. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS.  5 ,  7 ,  8 , and  10 - 12   , the deployable stair system  102  includes a first fixed stair tread  164  that is fixed relative to support rail system  116 , a second stair tread  166  that is pivotable or foldable relative to the first tread  164 , and a third stair tread  168  that is pivotable or foldable relative to the second tread  166 . The pivotable treads  166  and  168  are extendable between a deployed position or configuration providing a set of stair steps to access the door  104   a  of the truck camper  104 , as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  12   , and a stowed position or configuration in which the stair treads  164 ,  166 , and  168  are alongside one another, as shown in  FIGS.  7  and  10   . In the deployed configuration, the stair treads  164 ,  166 , and  168  are spaced apart from one another. The first tread  164  is supported at a first tread stringer frame  170  that is coupled in a fixed orientation to the support rail system  116  ( FIG.  5   ). The second stair tread is supported at a second tread stringer frame  172  having a first pivot arm pivotably coupled at its distal end to a rearward, distal portion of first frame  170  ( FIGS.  5  and  10 - 12   ). The third stair tread is supported at a third tread stringer frame  174  having a pivot arm pivotably coupled at its distal end to a distal portion of a second arm of the second frame  172  ( FIGS.  5 ,  7 , and  10 - 12   . A stop  176  ( FIG.  5   ) is coupled with the first pivot arm of second frame  172  to abut a lower, rearward portion of the first frame  170  to support and retain the second stair  166  in the deployed configuration. A stop  178  ( FIG.  5   ) is coupled with the pivot arm of third frame  174  to abut a distal portion of the second pivot arm of the second frame  172  to support and retain the third stair  168  in the deployed configuration. The second tread  166  and third tread  168  deploy by pivoting together away from the first tread  164  (see sequence between  FIGS.  10  and  11   ), and the third tread  168  deploys further by pivoting away from the second tread  166  (see sequence between  FIGS.  11  and  12   ). 
     Referring to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS.  21  and  22   , a water tank  180  is provided at the lower rear portion of the truck camper  104 . The water tank  180  is positioned adjacent to the support platform  100  and may or may not be coupled to the support platform  100 . The water tank  180  may be utilized for storing fresh water for use in or near the truck camper  104 , or the water tank  180  may be utilized for waste water collection, such as for collecting and storing grey or black water. The water tank  180  includes several inlet/outlet fittings  182   a,    182   b,  and  182   c  for filling/discharging water stored in the tank. 
     Additional accessories are envisioned that are mountable to the support platform  100 , such as a swiveling staircase  202  with deployable platform  204  such as shown in  FIGS.  24 A and  24 B . Swiveling staircase  202  utilizes the same deployable stair system  102  as described above, which is mounted to a pivotable stair-mount frame  206  rather than being mounted directly to the upper and lower support rails  118 ,  120  by coupling bracket or backing plate  122 . Referring to  FIGS.  29 A- 29 G , a stair bracket  208  secures first frame  170  to pivotable stair-mount frame  206 . The vertical mounting position of first frame  170  may be adjustable along stair bracket  208  using fasteners such as threaded bolts fitted with hand-operated knobs, so that the height of stair system  102  may be adjusted according to user preference. Stair-mount frame  206  is pivotably coupled to a pivot bracket  210  by a vertical pivot pin  212 , so that stair-mount frame  206  and deployable stair system  102  can be pivoted together about a vertical pivot axis defined through pin  212  between an extended position that is substantially perpendicular to support rails  118 ,  120  ( FIGS.  24 A and  29 A- 29 F ), and a retracted position that is substantially parallel to support rails  118 ,  120  ( FIGS.  24 B and  29 G ). 
     An upper elongate surface  206   a  of stair-mount frame  206  is sized and shaped to be received in an elongate channel piece  214  positioned alongside deployable platform  204 , which secures stair-mount frame  206  in the extended position. A downwardly-extending stabilizing pin  216  ( FIGS.  29 D- 29 G ) is located at a distal end of elongate channel piece  214 , and is received in a bore  218  formed in a distal end of stair-mount frame  206 , which aids in stabilizing platform  204  and stair-mount frame  206  relative to one another when platform  204  is lowered or deployed as shown in  FIGS.  29 A- 29 C . When stair-mount frame  206  and stair system  102  are pivoted to the stowed position of  FIG.  29 G , bore  218  receives a pin  219  ( FIG.  28   ) that is manually retractable by pulling up on a knob  220  at another pivot bracket  222  on the opposite side of platform  204  from pivot bracket  210 . The knob  220  and pin  219  may be spring-biased downwardly, or may be gravity-actuated to allow the pin  219  to drop into the bore  218  of stair-mount frame  206  when the frame  206  is fully retracted or stowed. Optionally, the pin  219  and bore  218  may be threaded so as to be fastenable together upon rotation of knob  220 . 
     Pivot bracket  222  secures a pivotable platform support frame  224  to a main frame piece  226  via a vertical pivot pin  228 . An upper surface  224   a  of support frame  224  is received by the aligned elongate channel piece  214  when deployable platform  204  is lowered, as can be seen by comparing  FIG.  29 C  to  FIG.  29 D . Once stair-mount frame  206  is extended as shown in  FIG.  29 D , platform support frame  224  can be pivoted about a vertical pivot axis defined through pin  228  between an extended position that is substantially perpendicular to support rails  118 ,  120  ( FIGS.  24 A and  29 A- 29 F ), and a retracted position that is substantially parallel to support rails  118 ,  120  ( FIGS.  24 B  and  29 G). When platform support frame  224  is extended as shown in  FIG.  29 D , the pin associated with knob  220  extends down through a bore  230  ( FIGS.  29 F and  29 G ) formed in a proximal portion of platform support frame  224 , to hold the support frame  224  in the extended position. A similar bore  232  ( FIG.  29 G ) is formed at a proximal end of the pivotable stair-mount frame  206  and when frame  206  is extended, bore  232  receives a downwardly-extending pin associated with another knob  234  located on pivot bracket  210  and adjacent vertical pivot pin  212 . This causes the pin of knob  234  to maintain frame  206  and stair system  102  in the extended position even while platform  204  is raised or retracted. 
     Deployable platform  204  is both pivotable and extendable between its deployed position of  FIGS.  24 A and  29 A- 29 C  and its stowed position of  FIGS.  24 B and  29 E- 29 G . Platform  204  includes a main upper panel  204   a,  a lower panel  204   b,  and the two elongate channel pieces  214  described above. A lateral stud  235  extends laterally inboard of each pivot bracket  210 ,  222  and passes through a respective elongate slot  236  formed at each side of main upper panel  204   a  at a proximal end thereof ( FIGS.  26  and  29 D ). When platform  204  is in the deployed configuration of  FIGS.  26  and  29 C , the lateral studs  235  are located at proximal regions of the slots  236 . When a user wishes to stow the platform  204 , the distal end of the platform is pivoted upwardly to the upright or vertical orientation of  FIG.  29 D , and then lowered vertically to the position of  FIG.  29 F . During the vertical lowering movement the lateral studs  235  traverse downwardly through their respective slots  236  in the platform&#39;s main upper panel  204   a,  and the proximal region of main upper panel  204   a  moves downwardly alongside main frame piece  226 . When platform  204  is lowered to its stowed position, it is prevented from falling away from main frame piece  226  and camper  104  by studs  235  and main frame piece  226 , and then also by the pivotable platform support frame  224  once moved to its stowed position alongside the proximal portion of main upper panel  204   a,  as shown in  FIG.  29 F . Because platform  204  is aligned vertically alongside door  104   a  when platform  204  is stowed ( FIG.  24 B ), platform  204  obstructs access to stair system  102  from inside camper  104  when swiveling staircase  202  is stowed. 
     Swiveling staircase  202  is secured to support rails  118 ,  120  by a coupling bracket or backing plate  122 ′ that is secured by fasteners  123  to pivot brackets  210 ,  222  on either side of main frame piece  226 , as shown in  FIG.  26   . The coupling bracket or backing plate  122 ′ is substantially the same as the bracket or plate  122  described above, except that a lower wing  128 ′ of backing plate  122 ′ has an additional upwardly-angled portion extending away from lower support rail  120 , as shown in  FIGS.  26  and  28   . A lower frame piece  238  extends between lower regions of each pivot bracket  210 ,  222 , with an elongate gap  240  formed between an edge of lower frame piece  238  and a lower edge of main frame piece  226 , as shown in  FIG.  29 D . A proximal edge portion of main upper panel  204   a  is received in gap  240  when platform  204  is moved to the stowed position, as shown in  FIGS.  28  and  29 E- 29 G . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  29 D- 29 F , a lower tab  242  of pivot bracket  222  extends below pivotable platform support frame  224 . Lower tab  242  receives a lower portion of vertical pivot pin  228 , which also passes through a lower region of support frame  224  as shown in  FIG.  29 D , and through an end region of lower frame piece  238 . Thus, vertical pivot pin  228  secures lower frame piece  238 , lower tab  242 , and platform support frame to pivot bracket  222 . A similar arrangement is present on the opposite side, secured by vertical pivot pin  212 . Lower tab  242  defines a bore  242   a  ( FIG.  29 F ) that aligns with a corresponding bore  244  formed in the lower region of platform support frame  224  when support frame  224  is extended as shown in  FIGS.  29 D and  29 E . The alignment of bores  242   a,    244  with support frame  224  extended allows for the optional insertion of a fastener or other securing device through the bores  242   a,    244  to further secure support frame  224  in the extended position, if desired. Optionally, a bore formed in a lower distal end of stair-mount frame  206  aligns with bore  242   a  in lower tab  242  when frame  206  is moved to its stowed position of  FIG.  29 G , so that a fastener or other securing device may be inserted through the bores in lower tab  242  and stair-mount frame  206 , to further secure stair-mount frame  206  in the stowed position, if desired. 
     The procedure for converting swiveling staircase  202  from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration may be understood with reference to  FIGS.  29 A- 29 G . Typically the first procedure would be to collapse the second and third stair treads  166 ,  168  atop the first stair tread  164  as shown sequentially in  FIGS.  29 A- 29 C , in order to make deployable stair system  102  compact and provide better access to other components for the subsequent stowage procedures. However, collapsing the stair treads  166 ,  168  could be performed at any time in the overall stowage procedure. To allow the stair system  102 , stair-mount frame  206 , and platform support frame  224  to be pivoted to their stowed configurations, deployable platform  204  is pivoted upwardly about the lateral studs  235  ( FIGS.  29 C and  29 D ) so that elongate channel pieces  214  disengage the upper surfaces  206   a,    224   a  of frames  206 ,  224  and then lowered down ( FIGS.  29 D and  29 E ) with slots  236  sliding along studs  235 , so that platform  204  is secured in the upright stowed orientation. With platform  204  stowed as shown in  FIG.  29 E , knob  220  is manually lifted to raise pin  219  out of bore  230  in platform support frame  224  so that support frame  224  can be pivoted to its stowed position of  FIG.  29 F . Knob  234  is then manually lifted to raise the associated pin out of bore  232  in stair-mount frame  206  so that the stair-mount frame  206  can be pivoted to its stowed position of  FIG.  29 G . As the stair-mount frame  206  approaches its stowed position, pin  219  is lifted by knob  220  or by engagement with upper elongate surface  206   a  of stair-mount frame  206 , and then is allowed to fall into the bore  218  formed in the distal end of stair-mount frame  206 , which secures stair-mount frame  206  and stair system  102  in the stowed position of  FIG.  29 G . With stair-mount frame  206  and stair system  102  in the stowed position, platform support frame  224  and platform  204  are also retained in their stowed positions. 
     The procedure for converting swiveling staircase  202  from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration is substantially the reverse order of steps for stowage, and may be understood with reference to  FIGS.  29 A- 29 G  in reverse order. First, knob  220  is used to release pin  219  from the bore  218  in stair-mount frame  206  so that the frame  206  and stair system  102  may be swung outwardly to the deployed position of  FIG.  29 F . During this movement, the pin associated with knob  234  can be manually raised or will be forced upwardly by upper surface  206   a  of stair-mount frame  206 . Once stair-mount frame  206  reaches the extended or deployed position, the pin of knob  234  will drop into bore  232  at the proximal end of stair-mount frame  206  to secure it in the extended position. Platform support frame  224  may then be freely swung out to its extended or deployed position of  FIG.  29 E , during which movement the pin  219  may be manually raised with knob  220 , or pin  219  will be forced upwardly by upper surface  224   a  of platform support frame  224 . Once platform support frame  224  is fully extended, pin  219  will drop into the bore  230  at a proximal end of frame  224  to secure it in the extended position. Platform  204  is then lifted so that slots  236  slide along studs  235  (compare  FIG.  29 D  to  FIG.  29 E ), and once the studs  235  reach the proximal ends of slots  236 , platform  204  may be pivoted down so that channel pieces  214  of platform  204  rest atop the upper surfaces  206   a,    224   a  of frames  206 ,  224 , and stabilizing pin  216  is received in the bore  218  at the distal end of stair-mount frame  206  ( FIG.  29 C ). Stair treads  166 ,  168  may then be deployed as shown in  FIGS.  29 B and  29 A  to complete the deployment procedure. Although not illustrated, it is envisioned that removable baluster posts may be fitted to the distal ends of frames  206 ,  224 , beyond channel pieces  214  of platform  204 , with the baluster posts supporting a chain or handrail between their upper ends when staircase  102  is deployed. 
     Other options envisioned for mounting accessories to support rail assembly or system  116  include a combination unit  302  including a staircase  304 , a platform  306 , and an equipment support  308  as shown in  FIGS.  30 A- 34 G . In the illustrated embodiment, equipment support  308  is shown as a kayak rack having a pair of flexible straps  310  mounted to a frame  312  that is secured to platform  306  and supporting a kayak  314 . However, it should be appreciated that equipment support  308  is representative of substantially any equipment storage device, platform, or rack, such as a bicycle rack, a ski rack, a storage box, a vertical or horizontal panel for mounting or otherwise supporting various types of equipment, or the like. As will be appreciated with reference to  FIGS.  34 B- 34 F , platform  306  and its associated framework and components are substantially similar in their configuration and function to platform  204  and its associated framework described above, such that deployment of platform  306  may be readily understood with reference to the above descriptions and the accompanying drawings. Moreover, equipment support  308  attaches to platform  306  in substantially the same manner that deployable stair system  102  is incorporated into swiveling staircase  202 , described above. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  30 A- 34 G , staircase  304  is a rigid structure having an upper hook portion  316  that is received in an elongate slot  318  formed in platform  306  when the staircase  304  is set up for use, such as shown in  FIGS.  33  and  34 G . When staircase  304  is not it use, it may be hung on the frame  312  of equipment support  308  as shown in  FIGS.  30 A,  31 , and  34 A- 34 C . In this arrangement, staircase  304  is supported between platform  306  and frame  312  when combination unit  302  is stowed as shown in  FIGS.  30 A,  31 , and  34 A . Optionally, removable balusters may be provided along staircase  304  and platform  306 , with a chain or handrail extending between the balusters&#39; upper ends when staircase  304  and platform  306  are deployed. 
     To reposition combination unit  302  from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, equipment support  308  (along with the attached kayak  314  and staircase  304 ) is first swung away from platform  306  as shown in  FIGS.  34 A and  34 B . This requires first manually lifting a knob, in a manner that will be understood with reference to the above descriptions of the use of knob  220 , in order to release the equipment support  308 . A pivotable platform support frame is then swung outwardly ( FIGS.  34 B and  34 C ) and the platform  306  raised and lowered ( FIGS.  34 D- 34 F ). Staircase  304  is removed from equipment support frame  312  either before or after deploying platform, and then hook portion  316  of staircase  304  is set into slot  318  of platform  306  as shown in  FIG.  34 G  to complete the deployment or setup process. Kayak  314  is accessible from the ground surface surrounding combination unit  302  by releasing straps  310 , which can be done when equipment support  308  is stowed or deployed so that the kayak (or other sports equipment) is accessible regardless of whether or not platform  306  and staircase  304  are deployed. This way, access stairs and a platform may be provided for users of truck-bed mounted camper  104  or any vehicle fitted with support rail assembly or system  116 , and can provide storage for recreational equipment in a manner that stows compactly when staircase  304  and standing platform  306  are not needed, and that remains accessible when staircase  304  and platform  306  are deployed. 
     Variations of combination unit  302  are envisioned, such as a pivoting staircase  304 ′ that is pivotably attached to support platform  306  at all times, such as shown in  FIGS.  35 - 36 F . Pivoting staircase  304 ′ can be angled downwardly to the surrounding ground surface when platform  306  is deployed ( FIGS.  35  and  36 A ), and can be pivoted up to be substantially coplanar with platform  306  when platform  306  and staircase  304 ′ are to be stowed as shown in  FIGS.  36 B- 36 F . A releasable pivot-locking mechanism may be used to secure pivoting staircase  304 ′ to platform  306 , so that a user may release the pivot locks when staircase  304 ′ is to be lowered for use, and so that the user may secure the staircase  304 ′ parallel to platform  306  for stowage. 
     Thus, the illustrative embodiments of the vehicle mounted accessory support platform provide an interface for supporting removable accessories adjacent to or alongside a vehicle or portable living quarter, such as a truck-bed mounted camper. A support frame is coupled between the truck camper and a rail support system that is provided for supporting the removable accessory. The support frame supports or suspends a support rail system from the rear portion of the truck camper. The rail system includes an upper support rail and a lower support rail that is suspended below and apart from the upper rail. The removable accessory is preferably readily repositionable relative to the upper and lower support rails. A coupling bracket is attached to the removable accessory through a gap between the upper and lower rails to secure the accessory to the rail system. Alternatively, one or more hangers having one or more hooks may be provided for coupling the removable accessory to the rail system. The coupling bracket and the hangers may be utilized together to support the accessory at the rail system. The accessory support platform provides a generally universal interface for attaching various different accessories in various different positions and configurations. 
     Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.