Patent Publication Number: US-11034280-B1

Title: Foldable counter assembly for use within the interior of a vehicle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Divisional patent application Ser. No. 16/983,100, titled RV Retrofit System, filed on Aug. 3, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/814,270, filed on Mar. 10, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/816,571, filed on Mar. 11, 2019, titled, RV Retrofit System, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to recreational vehicles and more specifically to a system for optimizing the interior space within a vehicle. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     Users of vehicles, such as, for example, recreational vehicles (RVs), are faced with a variety of issues one of which is the inherent problem of finite interior space and how to best utilize it. Objects contained within an RV like showers, tables, beds, coolers, and work benches, are often large, unwieldy, and cumbersome, and, given the limited footprint within the interior of an RV, it often becomes a challenge how to fit each of these necessary items within the vehicle&#39;s interior in an economical manner. 
     Further, because RVs are often used for overnight trips, sleep accommodations must be made. Thus, the RV must not only be able to sit multiple people, but there also must be space within the RV&#39;s interior to contain multiple beds. 
     While large RVs may be able to accommodate many of the items mentioned above and also provide sleeping accommodations for multiple people, it is often undesirable to provide such a large vehicle. 
     What is therefore needed is a system that allows numerous essential items, such as showers, storage facilities, working facilities, and resting/sleeping facilities, to be deployed within a limited interior space of a recreational vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a deployable privacy curtain assembly for use within the interior of a recreational vehicle is provided. The assembly includes an upper storage receptacle attachable to a surface in an interior of a vehicle, the upper storage receptacle configured to retain a foldable privacy curtain in a first non-deployed configuration, the privacy curtain extendable towards a bottom surface of the interior of the vehicle in a second deployed configuration 
     In accordance with another aspect, a foldable counter assembly for use within the interior of a recreational vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first lower support member and a second lower support member spaced apart from the first lower support member; a first panel stored in a substantially vertical non-deployed configuration above the first lower support panel, the first panel having a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side; a second panel stored in a substantially vertical non-deployed configuration above the second lower support panel, the second panel having a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side; the first and second panels configured to be converted from the non-deployed configuration to a substantially horizontal deployed configuration to form a horizontal support surface; and at least one of the first panel and the second panel include a pair of support legs, the support legs being vertically extendable towards a bottom surface of the vehicle when the panel to which it is attached is in the deployed configuration thereby providing support for the substantially horizontal surface. 
     In accordance with another aspect, a seat/bed conversion assembly for use within the interior of a recreational vehicle is provided. The seat/bed conversion assembly includes a substantially horizontal seat comprising two sections, one section configured to pivot upon a first axis with respect to the second section, a backrest configured to be maneuvered from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position with respect to the seat, the backrest comprising a lower portion configured to pivot about a second axis from a first position to a second position; and an upper portion configured to pivot about a third axis from a third position to a fourth position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the storage receptacle portion and collapsible privacy/shower curtain receptacle portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the separable storage receptacle portion housing an item; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the separable storage receptacle portion housing a different item; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the separable storage receptacle portion housing yet a different item; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the collapsible privacy/shower receptacle portion open to show the collapsible privacy/shower curtain un-deployed and stored therein; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the collapsible privacy/shower curtain in a semi-deployed to fully-deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the collapsible privacy/shower curtain in a fully deployed configuration using the storage receptacle portion as a shower base and drain; 
         FIG. 8  is a another perspective view of the collapsible privacy/shower curtain in a fully deployed configuration using the storage receptacle portion as a base for the user to stand in; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the folding counter assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in a storage configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the folding counter assembly portion within the interior of a vehicle in a semi-deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the folding counter assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure where one of the two panels is deployed in a working configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the folding counter assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure where both panels are deployed in a fully extended configuration; 
         FIG. 13  is a view showing the components of the folding counter assembly in a storage configuration within the confines of a vehicle; 
         FIG. 14  is a view showing the components of the folding counter assembly in a working configuration within the confines of a vehicle; 
         FIG. 15  is a view showing the components of the folding counter assembly in a fully extended configuration within the confines of a vehicle; 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in a substantially upright position; 
         FIG. 16B  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in a first partially deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 16C  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in second partially deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 16D  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in substantially reclined configuration; 
         FIG. 16E  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in fully reclined configuration; 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in a lounge configuration; 
         FIG. 17B  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in another lounge configuration; 
         FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in a sofa configuration; 
         FIG. 18B  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in another sofa configuration; 
         FIG. 18C  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in yet another sofa configuration; and 
         FIG. 18D  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure an still yet another sofa configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to an easily adaptable, multi-purpose interior vehicle retrofit system that provides a plurality of deployable functional assemblies that, either individually, or collectively, efficiently utilize the limited floor space within a vehicle such as, for example, a recreational vehicle. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a storage receptacle portion  10  and collapsible privacy/shower curtain receptacle portion  12  of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure. Storage receptacle portion  10  is an enclosure constructed, in one embodiment, of rigid side panels, a bottom surface, and a top lid  14  pivotally connected to the enclosure. The lid can be affixed by any rotatable means such as hinges. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a shower pan and a drain  16  which, when storage receptacle portion  10  is used in a shower configuration, allows water to drain therethrough. 
     It is understood that in one configuration, storage receptacle portion  10  can be utilized to store items that, for example, may be desirable or necessary while traveling. For example, storage receptacle portion  10  may be utilized to house removable cushions  18  as shown in  FIG. 2 , a removable toilet  20  as shown in  FIG. 3 , or beverages  22  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The examples of items to be stored within the enclosure of storage receptacle portion  10  discussed herein and depicted in the figures is exemplary only. Storage receptacle portion may be configured to house and store any items that may be deemed desirable or necessary for traveling in a vehicle. 
     In another embodiment, storage receptacle portion  10  can be used in a shower configuration where it is used in conjunction with a fully deployable privacy/shower curtain, discussed in greater detail below. The privacy/shower curtain may be stored, when not in use, in privacy/shower curtain receptacle portion  12 , shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . Curtain receptacle portion  12  can be secured within the interior of an RV, for example, to an interior wall, by a bracket or other securing means. Thus, storage receptacle portion  10  can be utilized for multiple configurations, e.g., storage, a basin, floor and drainage system in a shower, and can also be utilized as a seat or table when lid  14  is closed. Given the limited space within an RV, such multi-purpose usage is advantageous. 
       FIG. 5  shows privacy/shower curtain receptacle portion  12  with its lid opened to reveal a privacy/shower curtain  24  contained therein. In this configuration, privacy/shower curtain  24  is not yet deployed. In one embodiment, privacy/shower curtain  24  can be rolled up and stored within receptacle portion  12 . Other shower components necessary or desired for use when showering such as a nozzle, hose and water controls can be included along with privacy/shower curtain  24  and stored within shower curtain receptacle portion  12 . Privacy/shower curtain receptacle portion  12  can be affixed to the interior ceiling of the RV or to some other sturdy structure within the interior of the RV. Advantageously, when not deployed, privacy/shower curtain  24  can be neatly and securely stored out of site and within a small confined space, i.e., the interior of receptacle portion  12 . 
     When it is desirable to use the shower, privacy/shower curtain  24  can be deployed by unfolding and allowing the curtain to extend vertically downwards as shown in  FIG. 6 . Advantageously, the lower portion of privacy/shower curtain  24  extends within the interior of storage receptacle portion  10 , which, in this configuration, acts as a shower basin and drain (drain not shown in  FIG. 6 ). Thus, during use, a person can stand within the shower basin that is formed by storage receptacle  10  behind the privacy/shower curtain  24 . When not in use, curtain  24  can be folded back within receptacle portion  12  and the door of receptacle portion  12  closed thus hiding its contents. Thus, in its undeployed configuration, shower curtain  24  is hidden and takes up virtually no space within the interior of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 7  shows privacy/shower curtain  24  in its fully deployed configuration, used with storage receptacle portion  10  acting as a shower basin and drain. The top portion of the privacy/shower curtain  24  can be affixed either permanently or removably to an upper support structure  26 . In one embodiment, upper support structure  26  can itself collapse or otherwise be slid into shower curtain receptacle portion  12  when the shower is not in use. The shower shown in  FIG. 7  is a fully functional shower, with privacy, and when not in use, collapses into the interior of shower curtain receptacle portion  12 . Further, storage receptacle portion  10 , when not in use as a shower basin and drain, can be used in the manner described above, e.g., storage, a seat, or a table, when the lid is closed. Thus, the footprint taken up by privacy/shower curtain  24  is small, essentially the width of the storage receptacle portion  10  to which the bottom of the privacy/shower curtain extends into. 
     In an alternate embodiment, privacy/shower curtain  24  can also just be used as a privacy curtain when privacy is needed within the interior of the RV. In this configuration, storage receptacle portion  10  may still be used as a base, or privacy/shower curtain  24  may be used without storage receptacle portion  10 . 
       FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the components that comprise the shower including the privacy/shower curtain  24 , upper support structure  26  and storage receptacle portion  10 . This privacy/shower curtain  24  can be used in conjunction with the storage receptacle portion  10  in the manner described above or act as a stand-alone item to serve as a retractable, stowable, temporary/as-needed indoor/outdoor shower/privacy curtain. As also described above, the design consists of an upper support structure  26 , or mounting bracket that, in one embodiment, supports a removable construct of collapsible, hinged rods or panels that easily articulate outwards to an open shower position with an easily foldable privacy/shower curtain  24  attached, or inwards to retract into an easily storable and/or concealed position shower curtain receptacle portion  12 . 
     In a non-limiting, exemplary use case, privacy/shower curtain  24  can be stored in a non-deployed configuration within privacy/shower curtain receptacle portion  12  within the interior of the RV. Receptacle portion  12  could be, in one embodiment, affixed to the ceiling or other sturdy structure within the interior of the RV. A user, wishing to utilize curtain  24 , opens receptacle portion  12  and withdraws curtain  24  which is stored therein. The user can also withdraw the shower hose, nozzle, and water controls. The user can let the curtain  24  extend until it reaches the floor of the vehicle, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In one embodiment, the bottom of curtain  24  is within storage receptacle portion  10 . Storage receptacle portion  10  may include a shower pan and drain  16 , if the user wishes to use the shower. When finished, the user may lift curtain  24  and return it to receptacle portion  12  along with the shower hose, nozzle and water controls. The lid of receptacle portion  12  can then be closed, hiding curtain  24  and other components from sight. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the folding counter assembly  28  portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in a storage configuration. In one embodiment, folding counter assembly  28  includes opposing upper support members  30 , panels  34 , and lower support members  36 . In one embodiment, one of the two panels  34  that comprise the folding counter assembly  28  includes a pair of folding support legs  32 . It is within the scope of the present disclosure to provide one or two pairs of folding support legs  32 . Thus, only one of the panels  34  can include support legs  32 , as shown in the figures, or, both panels  34  can include support legs  32 . 
     When not in use, panels  34  can each be stored in a substantially vertical orientation between upper support members  30  and lower support members  34 . This is shown in  FIG. 9 . In this fashion, when assembly  28  is not in use, it is stored in such a fashion that the interior of the RV remains clear. In some embodiments, when not in use, the top portion of each panel  34  can be releasably secured to the bottom of a corresponding upper support member  30  to prevent panels  34  from inadvertently deploying and swinging downward. Upper support members  30  can be secured to a portion of the interior of the RV such as the interior ceiling, or walls. In one embodiment, lower support members  36  can be completely or partially hollow and therefore be used for storage. In other embodiments, upper support members  30  are not used. In one embodiment, when not in use, folding support legs  32  can be folded and secured within a compartment  33  on one side of panels  34  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In another embodiment, (shown in  FIG. 10 ), when panels  34  are not deployed, legs  32  can be folded and secured against the underside of panels  34 , i.e., not within a compartment  33 . In either orientation, when assembly  28  is not in use, the legs  32  can be folded against the outwards-facing side of the panels  34 , thus maintaining a clear space within the RV. 
     When it is desired to deploy the folding counter assembly  28  from its storage orientation, the legs  32  are unfolded and straightened as shown in  FIG. 10 . From this configuration, the legs  32  can be swung in a downwards direction until they are supported by the floor of the RV in order to allow a first panel  34  to form a substantially horizontal surface, as shown in  FIG. 11 . The result is a shelf or table formed by the extended folding support legs  32  which support the substantially horizontal  34  panel. The shelf or table can be further extended by swinging the second panel  34  in a downwards direction in the same manner described above where the second panel  34  abuts the first panel  34  as shown in  FIG. 12 , thus forming an extended surface. The two panels  34  can be joined to each other or, in another embodiment, can abut each other such that they will not separate if pressure is applied in a downwards direction. For example, in one embodiment, one of the two panels  34  includes a substantially horizontal-extending lip, which supports the other panel  34 , thus creating an extended substantially horizontal surface that is fully supported when weight is applied. This surface can be used as, for example, a table for eating, or a workbench for reading or writing, etc. 
     Thus, the folding counter assembly  28  portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure, when in its fully deployed configuration, consists of two manufactured panels  34  of various substrates that are positioned directly across from one another at a set distance, and which rest upon and are affixed to a supportive structure via a hinged mechanism allowing the panels  34  to independently fold up or down revealing a workbench resting on folding support legs  32  (one of the two panels  34  in a horizontal position) or even an extended support bench or supportive sleep surface (two panels  34  interlocked, joined or otherwise abutting each other). When not in use, the folding counter assembly  28  can be stored (as described above and shown in  FIG. 9 ) with a minimal footprint. In the context of an RV, camper trailer, or “tiny house,” the space-saving advantages of such a configuration are invaluable. 
       FIGS. 13-15  illustrate how the folding counter assembly  28  fits within the confines of a vehicle, for example, an RV.  FIG. 13  shows the folding counter assembly  28  in an un-deployed configuration within the interior space of an RV. The upper support members  30  and lower support members  36  are secured to the sides of the RV thus allowing for egress within the vehicle. In some embodiments, upper support members  30  are not included, or, are instead storage bins along the upper side wall of the vehicle. In  FIG. 14 , one of the panels  34  has been deployed and folded downward resulting in a substantially horizontal support surface, in the manner described above. The folding support legs  32  have been deployed to support the panel  34 . In  FIG. 15 , both panels  34  have been deployed and abut one another or secured to each other thus forming an extended support surface such that excess downward pressure about the horizontal surface created by the two panels would not separate the panels  34 . In this embodiment, only one pair of support legs  32  is utilized, although a second pair, extended from the opposite panel  34  may also be utilized, if needed. The horizontal surface, supported by the folding support legs  32 , can support, for example, up to 800 pounds of downward pressure, however this is not a limiting feature. The horizontal surface can be used to support a variety of items including but not limited to gear, a person sitting or lying thereon, food, or other items like a bicycle and the like. In some instances, the upwards-facing surface of panel  34  can be used as a writing surface. In certain embodiments, panels  34  are rotatably affixed to the top portion of its respective lower support member  36 . 
     In some embodiments, cushions  35  are placed and/or secured to the upwards-facing surface of each panel  34 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Thus, for example, when it is desirable to use the horizontal surface formed by panel  34  as a seat or bed (for example with both panels  34  are extended together to form an elongated surface), the cushions  35  can be used. When cushions  35  are placed upon the upward-facing surfaces of panels  34 , the surface can be used as a couch or bed. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary use case, when not in use, panels  34  are folded in a substantially vertical orientation against the interior wall of the RV as described above and shown in  FIG. 13 . The lower portion of panels  34  are hingedly connected to the top portion of a respective lower support member  36 . In some embodiments, upper support members  30  help secure the tops of panels  34  in a substantially vertical position when not in use. A user, wishing to use folding counter assembly  28 , unfolds the legs  32  that are secured or otherwise positioned against the exposed side of one of the panels  34  and pivots the panel  34  in a downward direction until panel  34  is in a substantially horizontal position, supported by legs  32 . In another embodiment, the user can swing a second panel  34  in a downward direction until it abuts the first panel  34 , thus forming an extended horizontal surface. In other embodiments, a second pair of legs  32  from the other panel may be used for support. In some embodiments, the user can join the panels  34  together by use of a latch or equivalent mechanism. In another embodiment, one of the panels  34  includes an extended lower lip upon which the opposing panel  34  rests. In one embodiment, one or more cushions  35  can be placed upon the upward-facing surface of panels  34 . 
       FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the seat/bed conversion assembly  38  portion of the RV retrofit system of the present disclosure in a substantially upright position. Seat/bed conversion assembly  38  consists of a forward facing, or potentially side-facing one or more person seat/bench  40  that utilizes a series of mechanisms to produce a sequence of folding/articulating/adjustment capabilities allowing the various surfaces of the seat  40  to adjust from an upright, seat-belted position into various stages of recline all the way to a fully extended horizontal bed, as will be shown in the ensuing figures. Handle/levers  39  can be used to adjust the seat/bed conversion assembly to its various stages of recline. However, the handle/levers  39  shown in the figures is exemplary only and other means of adjusting the angle of assembly  38  can be used, for example, a foot pedal(s), push button(s), or handle(s) or lever(s) positioned in a location other than in the location shown in the figures. 
     Assembly  38  includes a backrest  42 , which also is capable of being adjusted in various configurations from the upright seat configuration shown in  FIG. 16A  to various other configurations shown in the ensuing figures. In one embodiment, backrest  42  is formed of two portions, upper portion  42 A and lower portion  42 B. The design includes a seat pedestal design and floor mounting system  44  for automotive applications in addition to the top frame of panels and recline mechanisms that produce the aforementioned actions that can be utilized in both automotive and non-automotive applications. 
       FIG. 16B  shows assembly  38  where a portion of seat  40  has been rotated along the direction of the arrow such that the underside  46  of a portion of seat  40  is now exposed. In one embodiment, the underside  46  of seat  40  is a cushion or pillow, or otherwise soft surface to allow a person to sit thereon. 
       FIG. 16C  shows the lower portion  42 B of backrest  42  having been rotated in the direction of the arrow to abut the underside  46  of seat  40  to form an extended seating surface. For example, a user&#39;s head and upper part of their body can rest against upper portion  42 A with remaining portion of the user resting on lower portion  42 B and underside  46  of seat  40 . An exposed surface  48  that was beneath lower portion  42 B of backrest  42  is now exposed. 
       FIG. 16D  shows the configuration of assembly  38  of  FIG. 16C  but in a fully reclined bed configuration. In one embodiment, exposed surface  48  is substantially flush with the surface of lower portion  42 B and underside  46  of seat  40  to create a resting/sleeping surface. Upper portion  42 A of backrest  42  may be used, for example, as a head rest or pillow. It should be known that the positions of assembly  38  shown in  FIGS. 16A through 16D  are exemplary only, and assembly  38  can be maneuvered and held in place in virtually any position between a substantially upright seated configuration shown in  FIG. 16A  to a fully reclined configuration shown in  FIG. 16D . 
       FIG. 16E  shows the assembly of  FIG. 16D  but now upper portion  42 A of backrest  42  has been rotated upwards along the lines of the arrow. In this configuration, exposed surface  48  is now lengthened to create an even longer resting/sleeping surface, formed by exposed surface  48 , lower portion  42 B and underside  46 . Thus,  FIGS. 16A through 16E  show various configurations where assembly  38  can be used as both a seat and bed within the confines of a vehicle. 
     Thus, assembly  38  includes a substantially horizontal seat  40  that includes two sections, one section configured to pivot upon a first axis with respect to the second section, as shown in  FIG. 16B . Assembly  38  includes backrest  42  configured to be maneuvered from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position with respect to seat  40 . Backrest  42  includes lower portion  42 B configured to pivot about a second axis from a first position to a second position, and upper, removable portion  42 A configured to pivot about a third axis from a third position to a fourth position. 
       FIG. 17A  shows assembly  38  in yet another configuration. Here, in a lounge configuration, upper portion  42 A of backrest  42  is used as a headrest and assembly  38  is angled in a partially reclined position. 
     In  FIG. 17B , another embodiment of the lounge configuration of  FIG. 17A  is shown. Here, backrest  42  is in a fully reclined position with upper portion  42 A fully extended and the lower section of seat  42  is raised to an angled position. 
       FIG. 18A  shows assembly  38  in a sofa configuration. Here, upper portion  42 A has been moved to act as a head rest or pillow along the substantial midpoint of assembly  38 . In this embodiment, upper portion  42 A spans a portion of both exposed surface  48  and lower portion  42 B. Thus, for example, a user, can use upper portion  42 A as a pillow and position themselves as if laying on a sofa, e.g., resting cross-ways rather than lengthwise on assembly  38 . Assembly  38  can be positioned within the interior of the vehicle such that the interior wall of the vehicle would support upper portion  42 A when a user lays thereon. Upper portion  42 A can be moved to any location along the edge of assembly  38 , as shown in the ensuing figures. 
     For example, in  FIG. 18B  shows a similar configuration of assembly  38  as that shown in  FIG. 18A  except that upper portion  42 A is moved along the side of exposed surface  48 . 
     In  FIG. 18C , upper portion  42 A is moved to span a portion of lower portion  42 B and underside  46  of seat  40 . Thus,  FIGS. 18A-18C  show how assembly  38  can be used as a sofa by using upper portion  42 A in various locations to allow a person to sit or rest crossways across assembly  38 , using upper portion  42 A as a head rest or pillow, all within the interior of a vehicle. 
       FIG. 18D  illustrates yet another configuration of assembly  38 . Here, exposed surface  48  and upper portion  42 A form one seating area while seat  40  and lower portion  42 B form a second seating area. 
     The different configurations shown in  FIGS. 16A through 18D  are exemplary only, and assembly  38  and its various components can be maneuvered such that many different sitting/resting/sleeping configurations can be created. 
     Disclosed herein is an RV retrofit system that allows the interior space of a vehicle such as an RV, to be properly utilized. The present disclosure provide a plurality of deployable assemblies, for example, a privacy curtain/shower assembly, a foldable counter assembly, and a multi-functional seat/bed conversion assembly, each capable of being deployed and used within the interior of the RV and, when not in use, stored in such a manner that the interior space of the RV is properly utilized. 
     Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.