Patent Publication Number: US-2021189756-A1

Title: Combination tent and trailer assembly

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The present patent application hereby incorporates by reference the entire provisional patent application identified by U.S. Ser. No. 62/724,415, which was filed on Aug. 29, 2019. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The inventive concepts disclosed herein relate generally to a camping or utility trailer, and more specifically, but not by way of limitation, to tent assembly for a camping or utility trailer. 
     On camping trips or other outdoor activities, it is often desirable for the persons camping to utilize a camping trailer which is essentially a self-contained unit which may be used for shelter and storage. Such a trailer provides a mobile camp site which may be left in place when the campers&#39; vehicle is moved. Camping trailers typically provide more amenities than a simple tent—for example, an elevated floor above the ground surface. 
     A camping trailer typically includes a rigid body and a tent-like canvas canopy which is supported above the body to form an enclosure. When the camping trailer is not being used, the canopy is folded inside of the trailer body. However, folding the canopy inside the trailer can interfere with loading and unloading recreational vehicles and other items onto and off of the trailer. Popup campers, a type of camping trailer, can be collapsed for storage and transport comprised of a trailer frame, a box, a hard roof, and soft walls. However, popup campers cannot be used to transport equipment or vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) because they are folded upon the trailer during transport. 
     Unlike popup campers, some camping trailers do provide cargo space during transport. However, the amount of space for living quarters on such camping trailers is limited because the cargo space occupies a significant portion of the trailer when the camping trailer is not in transport and the shelter is erected. 
     Thus, there is a need for combination tent and trailer assembly that when the tent collapsed for storing is positioned outside the confines of the interior of the trailer to provide an open space for loading and unloading, and an assembly that provides cargo space during transport but also maximizes living space when the tent is erected 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, schematics, graphs, drawings, and appendices. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a combination tent and trailer assembly shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the combination tent and trailer assembly of  FIG. 1  showing a support structure. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the combination tent and trailer assembly shown in the closed position. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the combination tent and trailer assembly shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial side elevation view of a support structure and a canvas. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the combination tent and trailer assembly shown in a closed position with a cover covering the support structure. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the combination tent and camping trailer assembly shown in the closed position. 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the combination tent and camping trailer assembly with a ramp shown in an open position forming a porch surface. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of another version of a combination tent and trailer assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure and shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the combination tent and trailer assembly of  FIG. 9  shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the combination tent and trailer assembly showing a support structure. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial top plan view of the combination tent and trailer assembly showing the support structure in the closed position. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear elevation view of the combination tent and trailer assembly of  FIG. 9  showing the support structure in an open position. 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation, exploded view of a sidewall of a trailer with the supporting structure in a closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive concepts in the present disclosure are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     In this detailed description of embodiments of the inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure. 
     As used herein, language such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited or inherently present therein. 
     Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
     Throughout this disclosure and the claims, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are intended to signify that the item being qualified is not limited to the exact value specified, but includes slight variations or deviations therefrom, caused by measuring error, manufacturing tolerances, stress exerted on various parts, wear and tear, or combinations thereof, for example. 
     The use of the term “at least one” will be understood to include one and any quantity more than one, including but not limited to each of, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, and all integers therebetween. The term “at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the quantities of 100/1000 are not to be considered limiting, as higher limits may also produce satisfactory results. Singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular unless indicated otherwise. 
     The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and/or combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context. 
     Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, although the inventive concepts disclosed herein are intended to encompass all combinations and permutations including one or more features of the embodiments described. 
     As discussed above, popup camping trailers are known in the art. However, known camping trailers with collapsible shelters require the shelter to be placed inside the confines of the trailer when stored—thereby interfering with the loading and unloading of the trailer and possibly eliminating cargo space during travel. Those camping trailers having cargo space have limited living space because the cargo area occupies part of the trailer while the living area is made available. As will be described below, the present disclosure solves these problems by providing a collapsible shelter having an open loading area when the shelter or tent is in the collapsed position and also maximizes the amount of living space on the trailer when the shelter or tent is in the open or operable position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , shown therein is a combination tent and trailer assembly  10  according to the present disclosure. The tent assembly  10  includes a trailer  12 , a support structure  14  connected to the trailer  12 , and a canvas  16  attached to the support structure  14 . The support structure  14  and the canvas  16  cooperate to form a shelter or tent over the trailer  12 . When not in use, the support structure  14  and canvas  16  may be collapsed for travel and/or storage—providing an open space for loading and unloading items onto and off of the trailer  12 . 
     A variety of trailers may be used with the assembly  10 . For example, but not by way of limitation, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the trailer  12  may be a flatbed trailer having one or more axle, a pair of wheels  18  connected to each axle, and a plurality of fenders  19  with each fender  19  extending over at least one of the wheels  18 . In some instances, each fender  19  may extend over two or more of the wheels  18 . The trailer  12  may be connectable to any suitable vehicle (not shown) for towing the trailer  12  to a desired camping location. The trailer  12  may be attached to a vehicle using a hitch  20 . A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the various mechanisms available for attaching the trailer  12  to a vehicle. For example, but not by way of limitation, a ball (not shown) may be mounted to the rear of the tow vehicle and a coupler  22  may be attached to a hitching end of the trailer  12  for receiving the ball. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the trailer  12  includes a first sidewall  30 , a second sidewall  32 , a front wall  33 , and a trailer floor  34  extending between the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32 . The trailer floor  34  includes a loading end  36  and a hitching end  38 . When the trailer  12  is being towed by a vehicle, the hitching end  38  is adjacent the towing vehicle. Camping equipment and ATVs, for example, may be loaded at the loading end  36 . The trailer  12  may have a length, but is not limited to having a length, between about 8.0 feet and about 14.0 feet. The trailer  12  may be positioned between about 14.0 and about 18.0 inches above a ground level. The first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32  may have any height to assist in maintaining an item within the trailer  12 . For example, the first sidewall  30 , the second sidewall  32 , and the front wall  33  may have, but are not limited to having, a height between about 10.0 inches and about 36.0 inches above the trailer floor  34 . In one embodiment, the first and second sidewalls  30  and  32 , and the front wall  33  have a height of about 16⅝ inches. 
     The support structure  14  is connected to the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32 . In some embodiments, the support structure  14  is adjacent to the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32 . For instance, the support structure  14  may be connected to the trailer floor  34 , a frame (not shown) of the trailer  12 , or to a pair of the fenders  19 . The support structure  14  includes a first support base  50  positioned on the first sidewall  30  and a second support base  52  positioned on the second sidewall  32 . The support structure  14  further includes a plurality of support members  54  extending from the first support base  50  to the second support base  52 . The canvas  16  is attached to the plurality of support members  54 . The plurality of support members  54  are movable between a collapsed position (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) adjacent the hitching end  38  to provide an open loading space at the loading end  36 , and an open position (shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ) where the plurality of support members  54  are in a spaced apart relationship to support the canvas  16  over the trailer floor  34  of the trailer  12 . When the support members  54  are in the collapsed position, the support members  54  do not interfere with the loading of items including, but not limited to, ATVs and other recreational or camping equipment. 
     In one embodiment, best shown in  FIG. 2 , the plurality of support members  54  includes a first support member  60 , a second support member  62 , and a third support member  64  positioned between the first support member  60  and the second support member  62 . In this embodiment, the length of the first support member  60  is equal to the length of the second support member  62 , and the length of the third support member  64  is less than the lengths of the first support member  60  and the second support member  62  so that the canvas  16  is supported in a substantially rectangular shape above the trailer floor  34 . It should be appreciated, however, that the support members  54  may be formed of various lengths to support the canvas  16  in various shapes above the trailer floor  34 . For example, but not by way of limitation, in another embodiment, (not shown) the plurality of support members  54  includes a first support member, a second support member, and third support member, wherein each of the first, second, and third support members have equal lengths so that the canvas  16  is supported in a substantially semi-spherical shape above the trailer floor  34 . 
     The support structure  14  may be formed from a variety of rigid materials. For example, but not by way of limitation, the support members  54  may be formed of extruded aluminum. The support structure  14  may be attached to the first and second sidewalls  30  and  32 , or the front wall  33  by a variety of means including, but not limited to, bolts, screws, and/or welding. The support structure  14  may also be integrated into the sidewalls  30  and  32 . The support structure  14  may be attached to the trailer floor  34 . The support members  54  may be, but are not limited to being, between about 1.0 and about 3.0 inches thick. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the canvas  16  may be attached to the support members  54  by a variety of means known in the art, including by using attachments, such as connecting members  68 . For example, but not by way of limitation, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the support members  54  may include a plurality of attachment members or hooks  70  for attaching to a plurality of loops  72  positioned on the canvas  16 . The spacing of the loops  72  on the canvas  16  corresponds with the positioning of the support members  54  when the support structure  14  is in the open position. In another embodiment (now shown), the canvas  16  includes a plurality of slots or sleeves for receiving each of the plurality of support members  54 . It should be appreciated that other means for connecting the canvas to the support members  54  may be used including, but not limited to, Velcro® products and straps. The connections between the canvas  16  and the support members  54  may extend continuously throughout substantially the entire lengths of the support members  54  or may extend partial lengths of the support members  54  and may be of a semi-permanent type, so that the canvas  16  and the support members  54  can be separated if desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the connecting members  68  are arranged on support members  54  so that the support members  54  constitute an external skeleton or rigid supporting structure from which the canvas  16  is suspended. This arrangement of support members  54  and the canvas  16  which form the walls and roof of the enclosure over the trailer floor  34  is such that the enclosure or shelter may be collapsed and opened much like a top to a convertible car or a fan—since all or most of the parts are secured together in both the collapsed and open position. Assembly is, therefore, simple and rapid. When the support members  54  are in an open position, the canvas  16  may be attached to the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32  by a plurality of attachment members  76 . The attachment members  76  may be any known suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, snaps, Velcro® hook and loop, and ties. 
     The canvas  16  may be made of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, flexible woven fabric made of cotton, nylon, hyfrofilm, outtex, polyester, or some other type of natural or synthetic material known in the art. The canvas may also include patterns, such as camouflage. The canvas  16  may further include screened window cut outs, such as windows  78 , shown in  FIG. 1 . The canvas  16  may further include zip out openings, clear vinyl moonroof(s), tinted vinyl window(s), camouflage removeable hunting shoot through screen(s), or non screened window cut outs. The attachments of said canvas  16  for openings and/or screens may be attached by various means known in the art such as Velcro, zippers, snaps or the like. The openings or cut outs for the canvas  16  may be in any combination, shape, location or orientation such as 360 degrees. The canvas  16  may contain opening(s) for electric cords such as E-port. These openings may be in any location or orientation. The canvas  16  may also incorporate or have attached netting or pockets in any location or orientation to store gear or personal belongings. The canvas  16  may have a screened opening with covered weather flap to allow external heat and/or an air unit to maintain comfort for occupants. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , when the support members  54  are in the closed position, the support structure  14  may be covered with a cover  74 . The cover  74  allows the user to protect the support structure  14  and helps stabilize the support structure  14  during travel. The cover  74  may remain attached to the trailer  12  when not used to keep the cover  74  from getting lost. When the support members  54  are in the open position, the cover  74  may be placed inside or outside the trailer  12 . It should be appreciated, however, that the cover may also be removable from the trailer  12 . The cover may be formed of a soft or rigid material. 
     The trailer  12  may include a first jack  80  extending from the trailer floor  34  of the trailer  12  and adjacent the hitching end  38 . The first jack  80  may move between a stored position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and an operable position (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The trailer  12  may include two or more first jacks  80  adjacent to the hitching end  38 . The trailer  12  may also include a second jack  82  adjacent the loading end  36 , also moveable between a stored and operable position. The trailer  12  may include two or more first jacks  80  adjacent to the hitching end  38 . When the first or second jack  80 / 82  is in the operable position, the first or second jack  80  or  82  extends from the trailer floor  34  towards a ground surface  84 . The first and second jack  80 / 82  may help stabilize the trailer  12  when used as a camping shelter so that users can move from one end of the trailer floor  34  to another without the trailer  12  tipping. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 8 , the trailer  12  may include a storage rack  116 . The storage rack  116  may be used for storing various items including, but not limited to, air conditioning units, propane tanks, and generators. The storage rack  116  may also contain D-ring tie downs in various locations, orientation(s) or combination to secure items. The D-ring tie downs may be attached to the trailer floor  34 , for example. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8 , the trailer  12  may also include a folding shelf  118  extending from the hitching end  38 . The folding shelf  118  is movable between a stored position and an open position for supporting an air conditioning unit. The canvas  16  may include a re-sealable opening for receiving the air conditioning unit positioned on the folding shelf  118 . 
     In one embodiment, best shown in  FIG. 8 , the tent assembly  10  includes a ramp  100  extending from the loading end  36  of the trailer  12 . The ramp  100  is movable between a storage position (shown in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 ) and an operable position (shown in  FIG. 8 ). When the ramp  100  is in the operable position, the ramp  100  may be supported by a stabilizing member  102  extending from the ramp  100  towards the ground surface  84  to provide a porch surface  104 . The ramp  100  may be, but is not limited to being a double fold ramp. Further, the ramp and/or gate at the loading end may be made from a variety of material such as steel or variety of appearance such as mesh or solid well known in the art. A plurality of rods  106  may extend from the porch surface  104  to support a canopy  108  extending from the support structure  14  in order to provide a cover over the porch surface  104 . A fold over step  110  may extend from the ramp  100  for more easily accessing the porch surface  104 . 
     To form the tent assembly  10 , the trailer  12  is obtained, and the support structure  14  may be connected to the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32 . The canvas  16  may be supported by the front wall  33  on the hitching end  38 . The canvas  16  may be attached to the plurality of support members  54 . The plurality of support members  54 , and the canvas  16  attached to the support members  54  are movable between the collapsed position adjacent to the hitching end  38  to provide a loading space at the loading end  36 , and an open position where the plurality of support members  54  are in a spaced apart relationship to support the canvas  16  and form an enclosure over the trailer floor  34  of the trailer  12 . In some embodiments, the canvas  16  and the support members  54  are positioned at the loading end  36  in the collapsed position. 
     The tent can be formed by extending a plurality of support members  54  of the support structure  14  from the collapsed position adjacent to the hitching end  38  of the trailer  12  to an open position where the plurality of support members  54  are in a spaced apart relationship to form the tent support extending across the trailer floor  34  of the trailer  12  between the hitching end  38  and the loading end  36  of the trailer  12 . The canvas  16  can be attached to certain ones of the plurality of support members  54  before or after the plurality of support members  54  are extended. When the canvas  16  is attached to the support members  54  prior to the support members  54  being extended, extending the support members  54  forms the tent. When the canvas  16  is attached to the support members  54  after the support members  54  are extended, attaching the canvas  16  to the support members  54  forms the tent. 
     Further, the ramp  100  can be extended from the loading end  36  of the trailer  12  to the operable position, the ramp  100  being movable between the storage position and the operable position. Then, one or more stabilizing member  102  can be extended from the ramp  100  towards the ground surface  84  such that the ramp  100  provides the porch surface  104 . 
     The sidewalls  30  and  32 , trailer floor  34 , front wall  33  and support members  54  may utilize any tie-down, track, mount or connector system to attach or incorporate accessories such as but not limited to bed platform(s), lighting system(s), table(s), chair(s), gear bag(s), sink(s), spare tire(s), bike rack(s), at any variety of locations and combinations. Further, a track rail support system for cots and/or bunk beds may be utilized. Also, there may be a receiver hitch  120  (see  FIG. 13 ) at the loading end  36  of the trailer  12  for bike rack(s) and/or gear basket(s). Further, the sidewall  30  or  32  may incorporate or attach a receiver hitch (not shown) for a spare tire rack near the loading end  36  of the sidewall  30  or  32  as it abuts the trailer floor  34  inferiorly. The one or more additional receivers may also be used to support accessories, such as a camping table, or secure camping equipment and/or recreational equipment by securing such equipment to the receiver hitch with a lock. The trailer floor  34  may contain a permanent or removable connecting system to allow placement of a bench, stool, or chair. Further, the connecting system may allow for 360 degree rotation while seated. The trailer floor  34  may contain various combination(s) or location of connectors such as D-rings for tie downs and floor support. 
     Shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  and designated by a reference numeral  10   a  is another embodiment of a combination tent and trailer assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The combination tent and trailer assembly  10   a  is similar in construction and function as the combination tent and trailer assembly  10  described above, with the exception that the combination tent and trailer assembly  10   a  has a support structure  130  that is different in construction as compared to the support structure  14 . The combination tent and trailer assembly  10   a  according to the present disclosure includes the trailer  12 , the support structure  130  connected to the trailer  12 , and the canvas  16  attached to the support structure  130 . The support structure  130  and the canvas  16  cooperate to form a shelter or tent over the trailer floor  34  of the trailer  12 . When not in use, the support structure  130  and canvas  16  may be collapsed for travel and/or storage providing an open space for loading and unloading items onto and off of the trailer  12 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the combination tent and trailer assembly  10   a  in an open or operable position.  FIG. 10  shows the combination tent and trailer assembly  10   a  in the collapsed position. 
     The support structure  130  includes a plurality of support members  134  that are collapsible and connected to discrete locations on the trailer  12 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the support structure  130  may be provided with three separate support members  134  which are designated in  FIG. 9  with the reference numerals  134   a ,  134   b , and  134   c . In some embodiments, the support structure  130  may be provided with more than three support members  134 . In one embodiment, the support members  134   a ,  134   b , and  134   c  are U-shaped, extend across the trailer floor  34  (see  FIG. 12 ) from the first sidewall  30  to the second sidewall  32  (see  FIG. 13 ), and are connected to the trailer  12 . For example the support members  134   a ,  134   b  and  134   c  may be removably connected to the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32  so as to form a U-shaped frame above the trailer floor  34  of the trailer  12  when the support members  134   a ,  134   b , and  134   c  are in the open or operable position. The support members  134   a ,  134   b  and  134   c  may be connected to the trailer  12  (e.g., the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32 ) by any suitable assembly, such as bolts, screws, clamps, or the like. 
     For example, the support structure  130  may include a plurality of connectors  138  connected to the first sidewall  30  and the second sidewall  32 . In the example shown, the support structure  130  is provided with six connectors  138  with three of the connectors  138  being connected to the first sidewall  30 , and three connectors  138  being connected to the second sidewall  32 . In this example, each of the support members  134   a ,  134   b  and  134   c  are connected to a pair of the connectors  138 . Each pair of the connectors  138 , in one embodiment, is positioned equidistant from the loading end  36  such that the support members  134   a ,  134   b  and  134   c  extend across the trailer floor  34  substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall  30  or the second sidewall  32 . The support members  134   b  and  134   c  may be identical in construction and function. The connectors  138  may be tubular sleeves having an open upper end  140  and a stop  142 . In this embodiment, the ends of the support members  134   a ,  134   b  and  134   c  may be sized and dimensioned to be positioned through the open upper end  140  and retained within the tubular sleeve by the stop  142 . The stop  142  may extend across the entire interior of the tubular sleeve or only a portion of the interior of the tubular sleeve so long as the stop  142  engages the end of the support member  134   a ,  134   b , or  134   c  and retains the support member  134   a ,  134   b , or  134   c  within the tubular sleeve. In one non-limiting embodiment, the open upper end  140  is positioned approximately two (2) feet away from the stop  142 . In the embodiment shown, the stop  142  is at a lower end of the connectors  138 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the support members  134   b  and  134   c  are each formed of two tent deployment bars  144 . The tent deployment bars  144  may be L-shaped members having a first leg  146  and a second leg  148 . The second leg  148  may have a variable length. The first leg  146  may have a fixed length. The first leg  146  has a first length  150 . The second leg  148  has a second length  152  in a collapsed position, and a third length  153  in an expanded position. In one embodiment, the first length  150  may be greater than the second length  152 . The first length  150  and the second length  152  may vary depending upon the placement of the connectors  138 , the number of support members  134 , and the length or width of the trailer  12 . In one non-limiting embodiment, in which the trailer  12  has a length between 12-13 feet, the first length  150  may be six feet, and the second length  152  may be two feet. 
     As will be discussed below, the support member  134   a  may be a U-shaped bar that has two side bars  160  and a top bar  162  extended between and connected to the side bars  160 . The length of the side bars  160  may be variable so as to move from the collapsed position as shown in  FIG. 10  to an extended position as shown in  FIG. 11 . In one embodiment, the length of the side bars  160  can be increased or decreased in a linear direction. The side bars  160  may be constructed of multiple linearly shaped pieces that are telescopingly positioned and connected together with retainers to selectively retain the multiple pieces in the extended position. 
     In the collapsed position, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the top bar  162  of the support member  134   a  is positioned adjacent to and about parallel to a top  166  of the front wall  33 ; the second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support members  134   b  and  134   c  are positioned within respective connectors  138 ; and the respective first legs  146  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support members  134   b  and  134   c  extend above and are generally aligned (along the first length  150 ) with the respective first sidewall  30  or the respective second sidewall  32 . 
     In the open or operable position as shown in  FIG. 11 , the side bars  160  of the support member  134   a  may be expanded to raise the top bar  162  relative to the front wall  33 . The first legs  146  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   b  may be positioned within respective connectors  138  such that the respective second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   b  extend over the trailer floor  34 . In some embodiments, the second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   b  are colinear (see  FIG. 13 ). Then, the second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   b  can be extended and connected together to form the support member  134   b . Similarly, the first legs  146  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   c  may be positioned within respective connectors  138  such that the respective second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   c  extend over the trailer floor  34 . In some embodiments, the second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   c  are colinear (see  FIG. 13 ). Then, the second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  of the support member  134   c  can be connected together to form the support member  134   c  (see  FIG. 13 ). In some embodiments, the second legs  148  of the tent deployment bars  144  are configured to have a variable length to assist in connecting the second legs  148  together when the first legs  146  are positioned within the connectors  138 . In some embodiments, the second legs  148  may be constructed of multiple pieces that are telescopingly connected together with retainers to selectively retain the multiple pieces in the extended position. 
     When the support members  134   a ,  134   b  and  134   c  are in the collapsed position, the canvas  16  can be attached to and/or supported by the support member  134   a  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Prior to moving the support member  134   a  into the expanded or open position, the canvas  16  may be removed to permit the support member  134   a  to be moved to the expanded or open position. Thereafter, the canvas  16  can be positioned on the support members  134   a ,  134   b , and  134   c  to form an enclosure as shown in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, the canvas  16  deploys from the support member  134   a  towards the support member  134   c.    
     When the support members  134   a ,  134   b , and  134   c  have a substantially U-shape, the canvas  16  is supported in a substantially rectangular shape above the trailer floor  34 . It should be appreciated, however, that the support members  134   a ,  134   b , and  134   c  may be formed of various lengths and shapes to support the canvas  16  in various shapes above the trailer floor  34 . 
     From the above description, the inventive concepts disclosed are well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned and those inherent in the inventive concepts disclosed. While exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed have been described for this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the scope and coverage of the inventive concepts disclosed.