Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Recreational camping is a well-established pastime throughout the world, but recent economic conditions and increased concerns over global and environmental issues have reduced consumers&#39; willingness and ability to haul camper trailers over 1,500 lbs. (including pop-ups, 5th wheels, truck cab inserts, etc.), as these all require use of gas-guzzling and expensive trucks, SUVs, and mini-vans. In addition, large trailers are difficult to store and maneuver on the road and they take up considerable room in campgrounds and other off-road sites. More modest family sedans generally can haul only up to 8 (eight) foot campers, with these units being quite limited in utility due to their lack of interior space and amenities. Camping enthusiasts, however, have grown used to the several amenities provided by the larger and heavier campers, including running water, gas stoves, furnaces, storage areas, and showers/bathrooms built into the camper. Although there have been minor improvements over the years in material and technology, the basic box-like pop-up configuration has changed little during the last 50 years. Pop-ups generally have double or queen size beds that slide out from the short front and rear ends of the campers, but the camping enthusiast is often forced to climb over furniture, for example dinette benches and other fold-out beds in order to reach the double or queen sized beds. Camping enthusiasts need to pull out the second bed just to access the rest of the camper, whether or not they need the bed. In addition, these bed extensions take up over twenty-two feet when in the fully extended mode at the campsite, reducing the range of sites that can accommodate these pop-ups. Although so-called slide-outs were added as a dining feature in the 1980&#39;s, these units typically are cantilevered less than halfway out from the sides of the basic box. This was necessary in order to maintain the balance of the overall camper. These slide-outs are also only available in the bigger and more expensive models, and not for the sedan-driving or small car public. With or without slide-outs, all existing camper configurations provide for a narrow central aisle for accessing all the features of the camper. This causes undesirable cramping in the camper and as a result people inside the camper are forced to move about the interior of the camper by walking in a cumbersome stilted manner. Finally, traditional pop-up campers are difficult to store, especially in urban areas with limited room. The tongue, frame and box itself can take up an 18-24 foot space depending on the model. 
         [0002]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,392 (hereinafter “the &#39;392 patent”) to Rounds discloses rotation of the camper box. However, the &#39;329 patent requires a towing truck for moving the camper. This undesirably increases the cost, weight and complexity of the camper. The camper disclosed in the &#39;329 patent appears to focus on preserving the ability of the trailer bed to carry ATVs, boats, etc. while also carrying a small camper. In addition, the stated reason for rotation of the camper in the &#39;329 patent is so that it is easier access to the side door of the camper (by swinging the camper away from any vehicle loaded onto the back of the trailer). Also, the schematic (Fig. A) in the &#39;329 patent shows the camper resting on lift jacks and braces some inches off the trailer bed. This is believed to produce excessive wind drag, potential instability while hauling and results in an unnecessarily cumbersome deployment. 
         [0003]    The cost of wood and ecological damage caused by deforestation have moved all manufactures to use variations of particle or pressboard with either simulated or thin wood veneers for interior furnishings and surfaces. Formaldehyde and other bonding agents in the glues and resins that form the boards have unknown health impact. There is a growing interest in the use of ‘green,’ renewable, cheaper, recyclable, and healthier building materials. Bamboo is a rapidly growing, easily renewed material with surprisingly strong tensile properties. 
         [0004]    Finally, current camper construction has traditionally used white or aluminized exterior cladding, whether vinyl or some metalicized material. Such campers do not blend into their environments and often lack aesthetic appeal. Thus, there is a need for an improved pop-up camper. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A pop-up camper expansible through rotation is provided that comprises a camper box that is supported on a trailer. The trailer has a frame with a first, a second, a third and a fourth corner and the frame is supported on a pair of wheels. The frame further includes opposed first and third frame members and opposed second and fourth frame members that together form a substantially rectangular shape. A cross support frame having a pivot shaft housing is joined to the first, second, third and fourth corners such that the pivot shaft housing is substantially centrally positioned in the frame. 
         [0006]    The camper box has a base and a camper box rotation plate is joined with the base. The camper box rotation plate has a pivot shaft that extends from the camper rotation plate. The pivot shaft is positioned in the pivot shaft housing such that the camper box is rotatable relative to the frame between a transport position and a rotated position. In one of the preferred embodiments the pop-up camper expansible through rotation is rotated on a rotation track. In another preferred embodiment the pop-up camper expansible through rotation includes a camper box rotation plate that is positioned and supported on a frame rotation plate. In one of the preferred embodiments the camper box and frame rotation plates are made of a low friction material to facilitate rotation of the camper box relative to the frame. 
         [0007]    The camper box rotation plate has a diameter that is approximately the inner distance between the opposed first and third frame members. The pivot shaft housing has a pivot shaft housing opening and the pivot shaft has a pivot shaft opening, and the pivot shaft housing opening and the pivot shaft opening are aligned when the pivot shaft is received in the pivot shaft housing. The pivot shaft opening is for accommodating wiring, hoses and tubing. 
         [0008]    The camper box has a dinette side wall disposed opposite a bed side wall, and a galley side wall disposed opposite a door side wall. The dinette and bed side walls have a length that is greater than a length of the galley and door side walls and are therefore longer as compared to the shorter galley and door side walls. When the camper box is rotated to the rotated position a dinette unit is deployed from the dinette side wall and is reconfigurable into a sleeper unit, and a bed frame and box assembly is deployed from the bed side wall. This advantageously provides for an improved configuration of the available space in the camper box thus making it significantly user-friendlier as compared to existing camper boxes. 
         [0009]    The frame has a tongue and in one of the preferred embodiments the tongue is retractable to an out of the way position. In another preferred embodiment a hinged tongue is provided that allows the tongue to be stored in an out of the way position. 
         [0010]    The camper may manually pull on handles to deploy the dinette unit and bed frame and box assembly from the camper box. In another preferred embodiment the dinette unit and bed frame and box assembly are deployed via a rack and gear assembly. In another preferred embodiment the dinette unit and bed frame and box assembly are deployed with a hand crank deployment assembly that also raises a roof of the camper box on lifter posts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a pop-up camper expansible through rotation wherein a camper box is in a transport position relative to a trailer. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the pop-up camper expansible through rotation of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the pop-up camper expansible through rotation after the camper box has been rotated counterclockwise relative to the trailer. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the pop-up camper expansible through rotation wherein the camper box is in a rotated position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the trailer wherein the camper box is not present and showing a rotation plate. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of the trailer wherein the camper box is not present and showing the rotation track. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of a circular shaped camper box rotation plate. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the cargo deck assembly that attaches to a tongue portion. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a forward pivot hinge. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a leg brace. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of a rear pivot hinge. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7D  is a perspective view of a leg brace and pivot assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the camper box prior to deployment of the dinette unit and sleeper unit. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a rail assembly when folded in upon itself. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 10A-10F  are side elevational views of an embodiment wherein a retractable tongue is provided. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11A  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a hinged tongue wherein the hinged tongue is in a stored tongue position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11B  is a side elevational view of the hinged tongue wherein the hinged tongue is in a deployed hinged tongue position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11C  is an enlarged view of the coupling of the hinged tongue to the rectangular shaped support portion of the frame. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11D  is a top plan view of the hinged tongue. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11E  is a side elevational view of the hinged tongue in a locked position such that rotation thereof is not possible. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11F  is an enlarged view detailing the locking of the hinged tongue in the deployed position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a side elevational view indicating the positioning of the camper box as it is being moved onto the trailer having a rotation track and in the direction of the arrow designated Z. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12A  is a side elevational view indicating the positioning of the camper box as it is being moved onto the trailer having a frame rotation plate and in the direction of the arrow designated Z. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the camper box. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view showing a bed frame and box assembly disposed internal to the camper box as indicated by the dashed lines. 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a front elevational view showing the bed frame and box assembly disposed internal to the camper box as indicated by the dashed lines. 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the wherein the bed frame and bed box are deployed. 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view wherein the bed frame and bed box are deployed. 
           [0039]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the bed box with a bed frame shown in dashed lines. 
           [0040]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a bed frame. 
           [0041]      FIG. 20A  is a top plan view of a dinette unit prior to deployment 
           [0042]      FIG. 20B  is a front elevational view of the dinette unit prior to deployment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 20C  is a top plan view wherein the dinette unit is deployed and the roof of the camper box is not present. 
           [0044]      FIG. 21A  is a front elevational view of the dinette unit when deployed and nested in the rail assembly. 
           [0045]      FIG. 21B  is a top view of the dinette unit when deployed and nested in the rail assembly. 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the dinette unit without seating. 
           [0047]      FIG. 23  is a side elevational view of the dinette unit. 
           [0048]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a dinette unit wall. 
           [0049]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the dinette unit with a table disposed therein. 
           [0050]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the dinette unit wherein the table is supported on benches. 
           [0051]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the dinette unit wherein a hammock is deployed. 
           [0052]      FIG. 27A  is an enlarged view of portion K of  FIG. 27  detailing the detachable side rails for the hammock. 
           [0053]      FIG. 28  is a top plan view of the camper box showing a galley wherein the roof portion covering the galley is not present. 
           [0054]      FIG. 29  is a front elevation view of a kitchen countertop in a retracted position taken along line S-S of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 30  is a front elevational view of the kitchen countertop in an extended position taken along line S-S of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 31  is a front elevational view of the galley in a stored position. 
           [0057]      FIG. 32  is a front elevational view of the galley of  FIG. 31  in a deployed position. 
           [0058]      FIG. 33  is a top plan view detailing a shower and toilet unit wherein the roof of the camper box is not present. 
           [0059]      FIG. 33A  is a sectional view a portion of the floor taken along line T-T detailing passages disposed beneath a floor for accommodating wiring and tubing. 
           [0060]      FIG. 34A  is a bottom plan view of a rack assembly for extending the dinette unit and the bed frame and box assembly and prior to extension. 
           [0061]      FIG. 34B  is a bottom plan view of  FIG. 33A  after extension of the rack assembly. 
           [0062]      FIG. 34C  is a side elevational view of a central gear of the rack assembly. 
           [0063]      FIG. 35  is a bottom plan view of a hand crank deployment assembly. 
           [0064]      FIG. 35A  is a side elevational view of a lifter gear for raising and lowering a lifter post. 
           [0065]      FIG. 36  is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the hand crank deployment assembly. 
           [0066]      FIG. 36A  is a front elevational view of the pop-up camper expansible through rotation wherein the lifter posts are in an extended position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0067]    In the detailed description like reference numbers are used to call out the same elements, parts and features throughout. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 1-4  show one of the preferred embodiments of a pop-up camper expansible through rotation  20 . The pop-up camper expansible through rotation  20  has a trailer  22  that is joined to a camper box  24 . In  FIGS. 1 and 2  the camper box  24  is in a transport position  26  wherein the camper box  24  is in line with the trailer  22  and thus the camper box  24  makes a zero degree (0°) angle relative to the trailer  22 . In  FIGS. 3 and 4  the camper box  24  is shown in a rotated position  28  wherein the camper box  24  is at a ninety-degree (90°) angle relative to the trailer  22 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the camper box  24  is rotated to the rotated position  28  after having been rotated in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow designated X. In other preferred embodiments the angles described above may be substantially zero degrees (0°) and substantially ninety degrees (90°). 
         [0069]    Turning now to  FIG. 5  the trailer  22  comprises a frame  30  having a first support member  32  with a pair of opposed first support member ends commonly designated  32   a,  and a second support member  34  with a pair of opposed second support member ends commonly designated  34   a.  The frame  30  also has a third support member  36  with a pair of opposed third support member ends commonly designated  36   a,  and a fourth support member  38  with a pair of opposed fourth support member ends commonly designated  38   a.    
         [0070]    As shown, one of the first support member ends  32   a  is joined with one of the third support member ends  36   a  at a first corner  33 , and the other first support member end  32   a  is joined with one of the fourth support member ends  38   a  at a second corner  35 . One of the second support member ends  34   a  is joined with the other one of the third support member ends  36   a  at a third corner  37 , and the other second support member end  34   a  is joined with the fourth support member ends  38   a  at a fourth corner  39 . The first and second support members  32 ,  34  are substantially parallel, and the third and fourth support members  36 ,  38  are substantially parallel, such that together they form a support body  40  having a generally rectangular shape. The above-described first, second, third and fourth support members  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  may be joined with bolts, welds, rivets and other suitable fasteners, and may be constructed from wood, steel, bamboo or other suitable materials and may have a rectangular cross section. 
         [0071]    The frame  30  further includes a cross support frame  42  having a first cross member  43  that is joined with the first corner  33  and a pivot shaft housing  47 . The cross support frame  42  further includes a second cross member  44  that is joined with the second corner  35  and the pivot shaft housing  47 , a third cross member  45  that is joined with the third corner  37  and the pivot shaft housing  47 , and a fourth cross member  46  that is joined with the forth corner  39  and the pivot shaft housing  47 . Thus, together the first, second third and fourth cross support members  43 ,  44 ,  45  and  46  are joined to the pivot shaft housing  47  form the cross support frame  42  such that it has a cross shape or an X-shape as shown. As shown, the pivot shaft housing  47  is positioned at substantially the center  31  of the frame  30  and this advantageously provides for a more even distribution of a load generated by the camper box  24 . 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  5 A and  6 , the pivot shaft housing  47  has a pivot shaft housing opening  48  that is adapted to receive a pivot shaft  88  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 12  and  12 A) therein. The pivot shaft  88  has a pivot shaft opening  89 . In one of the preferred embodiments there is a ball bearing assembly  50  mounted internal to the pivot shaft housing recess  48  to facilitate rotation. 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  10 A-F, the frame  30 , in one of the preferred embodiments, engages with a tongue  400  that is disposed below the frame  30 . The tongue  400  is extendable and retractable and includes a tow portion  51  having a coupler  52 , a first tow bar  54 , a second tow bar  56 , and a third tow bar  53 , joined to one another and arranged in a generally triangular shape. Short tow bars  58   a  and  58   b  extend from the tow bar  53  substantially parallel with each other, to be described presently. The above joining may be made with bolts, welds, rivets and other suitable fasteners. In one of the preferred embodiments the coupler  52  is adapted to receive therein a tow ball (not shown) mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The use and manufacture of tow balls and couplers  52  is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and therefore is not described in greater detail herein. The tow portion  51  also has a trailer support  55  for supporting the tow portion  51  on the ground  12  (shown for example in  FIG. 10A ). The trailer support  55  may be equipped with a support wheel  57  that contacts the ground  12 . Trailer supports  55  and their use and construction are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and are therefore not described herein in detail. In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4  variable length braces  59  are joined to the frame  30  and are for providing additional support to the pop-up camper expansible through rotation  20 . A rear tail light assembly  158  extends from the frame  30  about eleven (11) inches, and is about one inch higher than the frame  30  such that it is substantially level with the base  100  of the camper box  24  (the base  100  is shown, for example, in  FIG. 12 ). 
         [0074]    A cargo deck  60  is provided (See  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ). The cargo deck  60  may be made of aluminum, bamboo, high density plastic, or other suitable material. The cargo deck  60  (see  FIG. 9 ) includes a rail frame  65  having opposed first and second cargo frame bars  68   a,    68   b  and opposed third and fourth cargo frame bars  65   a  and  65   b,  a rail assembly  63  (to be described presently), and a surface  66   a  that is embodied as a wire grid  60   a.  Cargo deck latches  95  are situated on second cargo frame bar  68   b  and extend in a direction away from the second cargo frame bar  68   b  about 4 inches in one of the preferred embodiments, and they enable the cargo deck  60  to latch onto the third tow bar  53  in a retracted cargo deck position  72  ( FIG. 10C ), and to the third support member  36  of the frame  30  an extended cargo deck position  74  ( FIG. 10E ). The cargo deck  60  may also include a cargo deck roller  616  (best shown in  FIG. 8 ) to assist in the deployment of a dinette unit  160  as will be described presently. 
         [0075]    The cargo deck  60  is capable of being moved from a retracted cargo deck position  72  (see  FIG. 10C ) wherein the cargo deck  60  is supported on the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56 , to an extended cargo deck position  74  wherein the cargo deck  60  is supported on cargo deck leg braces  81  (see  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A-D and  10 E) and elevated with respect to the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56 . The cargo deck  60 , that is capable of being moved, functions as a traditional means of carrying luggage, camping equipment, and other camping necessities (not shown) in the retracted cargo deck position  72  during travel, but in the extended cargo deck position  74  it provides a foundation for the full deployment of dinette unit  160 , as will be described presently. As shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A-D, the cargo deck  60  is secured to the tow portion  51  in the following manner: generally L-shaped first pivot flanges  64   a  are attached through bolts, welds, or other fasteners to the leading edge of the first cargo frame bars  68   a  of cargo deck  60  about two feet (in one of the preferred embodiments) in from corners formed where the first tow bar  54  meets the third tow bar  53  and the second tow bar  56  meets the third tow bar  53 , with the flat or horizontal portions  64   c  of these pivot flanges  64   a  being situated under the first crossbar  68   a,  to best carry the weight of anything resting atop the cargo deck  60 . The first ends  81   a  of cargo deck leg braces  81  connect to pivot flanges  64   a  through a bolt or pin/hole arrangement, thus allowing cargo deck leg braces  81  to pivot from a generally horizontal to a generally vertical position. Similarly, second pivot flanges  64   b  are fastened to the upper surface of the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56  and receive the second ends  81   b  of the cargo deck leg braces  81  through the same bolt/hole arrangement as previously mentioned. 
         [0076]    Shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 F is a rail assembly  63  that nests within the cargo deck  60 , and in particular nests within the opposed first and second cargo frame bars  68   a,    68   b,  and opposed third and fourth cargo frame bars  65   a,    65   b  of the rail frame  65 . A first rotatable support rail  67  is joined to the opposed third and fourth cargo frame bars  65   a,    65   b  with rail pivot pins commonly designated  73 . Second and third rotatable support rails  69 ,  71  are each pivotally connected to the opposed first and second cargo frame bars  68   a,    68   b  with pivot pins  73 . The rail assembly  63  is movable between a lowered position  75  (shown in FIGS.  9  and  10 A-C) and an elevated position  77  (shown in  FIGS. 10F ,  20 B and  21 A). The rail assembly  63  shown in  FIG. 9  is moved to the elevated position  77  in the following manner. The first rotatable support rail  67  is rotated in the direction of the arrow designated AA until it is substantially perpendicular to the rail frame  65 . Next, the second rotatable support rail  69  is rotated in the direction of the arrow designated AB until it is substantially perpendicular to the rail frame  65 . Then, the third rotatable support rail  71  is rotated in the direction of the arrow designated AC until it is substantially perpendicular to the rail frame  65 , completing the elevation of the rail assembly  63  into the elevated position  77 . It is pointed out that in  FIG. 8  that the wire grid  60   a  has a rail assembly recess  79  that matches the shape of the rail assembly  63  such that when the rail assembly  63  is in the lowered position  75  it is substantially flush with the cargo deck  60 . The rail assembly  63  will be in the lowered position  75  when, for example, the camper box  24  is rotated. The rail assembly  63  may be in the elevated position  77  when the pop-up camper expansible through rotation  20  is being towed so that luggage and cargo may be placed on the cargo deck  60  and tied or otherwise secured to the rail assembly  63 . When both the cargo deck  60  is in the extended cargo deck position  74  and the rail assembly  63  is in the elevated position  77 , they help support, guide and secure the full deployment of the dinette unit  160 , as will be described presently. 
         [0077]    The tongue  400  ( FIGS. 7 ,  10 A-F) is slidably received along trailer rails  414  between a fully retracted (storage) position  404 , a partially extended position  406 , and an extended travel position  407  ( FIG. 10C ), and a deployed position  408  once at the campsite ( FIGS. 10D-F ). The trailer rails  414  are joined to and disposed below the frame  30  and support the tongue  400 . The tongue  400  is supported in front on a trailer support  55  having a support wheel  57  that aids in retraction/deployment. The short tow bars  58   a  and  58   b  ( FIG. 7 ) of tongue  400  slide along trailer rails  414 , which are welded or otherwise joined to frame  30  about 5 inches below and parallel with the top surface  31   a  of the frame  30 . When the tongue  400  is in the retracted position  404 , the tongue  400  is advantageously disposed in an out of the way position such that it poses no tripping hazard and storage space requirements are advantageously decreased. 
         [0078]    To deploy and extend the tongue  400 , the camper applies a force on the coupler  52  that is joined to trailer support  55  and support wheel  57 . Tongue  400  slides along the trailer rails  414  until the tongue reaches the fully extended position  407 . Bolts  403  or other suitable fasteners secure the fully extended tongue  400  to the frame  30  when it is in the fully extended position  407 , thus preparing the trailer for towing and for deployment of the dinette unit  160  in camping mode wherein the tongue  400  is in a deployed position  408 . Once the tongue  400  is fully extended, the camper can elevate the rail assembly  63  to the elevated position  77  to aid in securing of baggage (not shown) during towing. Once at the campsite, the camper can then elevate the entire deck  60  into the extended cargo deck position  74  ( FIG. 10D-F ), thus providing a foundation for deployment of the dinette unit  160 . To return to the tongue  400  to the extended travel position  407  and then to the retracted position  404 , all of the steps described above are reversed. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 11A-11F  are views of another preferred embodiment wherein a hinged tongue  500  is provided.  FIG. 11A  is a side elevation view wherein the hinged tongue  500  is in a hinged tongue stored position  502  and held in a vertical position with a connector  504 , for example a pin, spring, clamp, hook or other suitable arrangement. As shown in  FIG. 11B  the hinged tongue  500  is in a fully deployed mode  505 . The fold down camper box supports  59  are also deployed to support the weight of the camper box  24  in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . The hinged tongue  500  is capable of being pivoted between the hinged tongue stored position  502  and the fully deployed mode  505  on a pair of hinged tongue pivot pins  516 . As detailed in  FIG. 11C and 11D  the frame  30  houses support bars  507  and the hinged tongue pivot pins  516  extend through the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56  and the support bars  507  thus allowing the hinged tongue  500  to be pivoted. In  FIGS. 11E and 11F  the hinged tongue  500  is in a tow position  515 . The first and second tow bar  54 ,  56  are partly received (telescopically) in the frame  30  and held in place with the hinged tongue pivot pins  516  such that the hinged tongue is unable to pivot on the hinged tongue pivot pins  516 . It is pointed out that in  FIGS. 11A-11F  the propane tank  119  is not shown, as it is removed in advance by the owner for storage, safety, and reuse, for example for home grilling purposes. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11D  the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56  joined to an L-shaped coupler  506 . A brace member  508  is joined to the L-shaped coupler  506  and the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56  and provides additional support for the L-shaped coupler  506 . There is also a first cargo deck  510  and a second cargo deck  512 , and each is mounted on the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56 . The first cargo deck  510  is disposed on the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56  such that it is elevated with respect to the second cargo deck  512 . This ensures the camper box  24  is freely rotatable by the camper. In addition and as shown in  FIG. 11E , the first cargo deck  510  may be equipped with the previously described rail assembly  63 . 
         [0081]    First cargo deck  510  is riveted or otherwise firmly attached to the first and second tow bars  54 ,  56 , and is substantially flush with the base  100  of camper box  24 . This provides a firm and broad foundation for deployment of a dinette unit  160 , as previously mentioned. 
         [0082]    Finally, in a third embodiment, shown in  FIG. 11B  and with a dashed reference number line for a fixed tongue  520  is shown. The fixed tongue  520  is substantially identical to the hinged tongue  500 , but the hinges  516  are not present. The end of the first tow bar  54  would be welded, riveted, or otherwise rigidly attached to the first corner  33  of frame  30 ; similarly, the end of the second tow bar  56  would be rigidly attached to the third corner  37  of frame  30 . Both the hinged tongue  500  and fixed tongue  520  advantageously use less material than the retractable tongue  400  and provide for a firmer foundation for the dinette. 
         [0083]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the trailer  22  further includes a wheel assembly  64  having a pair of wheels  66  that contact the ground  12 . The pair of wheels  66  is mounted on an axle  70  joined to the frame  30  of the trailer  22 . Joining wheels  66  to the frame  30  of a trailer  22  is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail herein. There may be springs and shock absorbers commonly designated  68  disposed between the axle  70  and frame  30  to absorb shock and support the frame  30 . The use and installation of springs and shock absorbers  68  are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and are therefore not described in greater detail herein. The frame  30  is built about four to six inches higher than a standard pop-up camper frame that is presently in use so that the camper box  24  is elevated with respect to the pair of wheels  66  and may be rotated over the pair of wheels  66 . 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  12 ,  12 A, a camper box rotation plate  80  having opposed first and second plate sides  84 ,  86  is joined to the base  100  of the camper box  24 . In one of the preferred embodiments the camper box rotation plate  80  has a generally circular shape and has a diameter of about 6 feet 10 inches in one of the preferred embodiments such that it is capable of fitting within the first, second, third and fourth support members  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 . The camper box rotation plate  80  has a center point  85  located at the center thereof. Extending from the second plate side  86  proximal the center point  85  of the camper box rotation plate  80  is the pivot shaft  88  having the pivot shaft opening  89  that, in one of the preferred embodiments, has a cylindrical shape. In other preferred embodiments effecting rotation may be developed depending on cost and other factors, but these embodiments will generally be circular shaped such that weight is distributed across a broad area of the frame  30  and the floor  101  of the camper box  24  is structurally supported. The camper side  84  of the camper box rotation plate  80  is joined to a base  100  of the camper box  24 . 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 12 , the camper box rotation plate  80  is positioned on a frame rotation plate  82  that has a generally square shape in one of the preferred embodiments. The frame rotation plate  82  is recessed relative to the frame  30  and is joined to the frame  30 . The frame rotation plate  82  has a centrally located frame rotation plate opening  91  sized to allow the pivot shaft  88  to pass there through. First and second stabilizer members  76 ,  78  are each joined to the frame  30  and the frame rotation plate. The camper box rotation plate  80  and the frame rotation plate  82  are, in one of the preferred embodiments, made of a low friction material, for example Teflon or UHMW plastic, and assist the ball bearing assembly  50  in the rotation of the camper box  24 . Camper box stops  90  extend from the camper box rotation plate  80 . The camper box stops  90  are disposed in a pair of spaced apart arc shaped slots  93  defined in the frame rotation plate  82 . Each of the arc shaped slots  93  is shaped so as to make about a ninety degree arc. The camper box stops  90  allow for ninety degrees of rotation of the camper box  24 . In other preferred embodiments the arc shaped slots  93  may be embodied to be more or less than ninety degrees depending on the application. 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A  and  FIG. 12A  the frame rotation plate  82  is replaced with a rotation track  87  that is supported on the cross support frame  42  and the first support member  30  and second support member  34 . In this embodiment the camper box stops  90  are received in the rotation track  87 . The camper box  24  is rotatable on the rotation track  87 . It is pointed out that in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5  and  5   a  there are latches  92 . The latches  92  are for securing the camper box  24  to the frame  30  when it is in either the transport position  26  or the rotated position  28 . 
         [0087]    The pivot shaft  88  has a pivot shaft diameter designated D 1  in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the pivot shaft housing opening  48  defined by the pivot shaft housing  47  has an internal pivot shaft housing diameter designated D 2  that is greater than D 1 . The pivot shaft housing  48  is adapted to receive the pivot shaft  88  therein. The pivot shaft  88  is positioned inside the pivot shaft housing recess  48  such that the camper box  24  is rotatable relative to the frame  30 . The manner of positioning the pivot shaft  88  in the pivot shaft housing  47  is shown in  FIG. 8  wherein the arrow designated Z indicates the directional movement of the pivot shaft  88  into the pivot shaft housing  47 . Thus, the camper box  24  is capable of being rotated relative to the frame  30  in a counterclockwise direction (designed by the arrow X in  FIG. 3 ) and about a central axis designated A in  FIG. 2  to from the cross shape shown in  FIG. 3 . It is pointed out that the pair of wheels  66  does not interfere with the rotation of the camper box  24  because the base  100  of the camper box  24  is supported above the pair of wheels  66 . 
         [0088]    The large diameter of the camper box rotation plate  80  advantageously distributes the load of the camper box  24  to the first, second, third and fourth corners  33 ,  35 ,  37 , and  39  of the frame  30  to provide for enhanced support and stability of the camper box  24 . 
         [0089]    Turning now to  FIG. 13  the camper box  24  when in the transport position  26  has a length of about 10 (ten) feet and designated L, and a height of about 3 (three) feet and designated H, and a width shown in  FIG. 3  of about 7 (seven) feet as and designated W. In other preferred embodiments the principles of this design are usable in connection with 12 (feet) to 18 (feet) long camper boxes for use by those camping enthusiasts owning or using trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and similar vehicles for hauling. And, in other preferred embodiments the rotatable camper box  24  may be used in connection with fifth wheel type campers and fixed wall campers. As will be described presently, the rotatable camper box  24  advantageously provides for significantly improved internal configuration that allows the camper box  24  to be more user-friendly as compared to campers currently in use. 
         [0090]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the camper box  24  has a roof  110  that is disposed opposite the base  100 . The camper box  24  further includes a door side wall  112  that is joined to the base  100  that faces a galley side wall  114  that is joined to the base  100 , and a dinette side wall  116  that faces a bed side wall  118  joined to the base  100 . The roof  110  is joined to the door, galley, dinette and bed side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 . As shown in  FIG. 36A , when the camper box  24  is fully deployed there is a sleeper roof  110   a  and a dinette roof  110   b  each being made of a suitable tenting material  111 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-4  a propane tank  119  is supported on the galley side wall  114  such that it rotates with the camper box  24 . For the sake of clarity the propane tank  119  is not shown in all of the drawing figures. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 14-19  are directed to the bed side wall  118  and show a bed frame and box assembly  121  having a bed frame  122  and a bed box  124 . In  FIGS. 15 and 16  the dashed line designated B 1  indicate the position of the position of a bed box  124  before and after having been deployed out of the bed side wall  118 . Similarly, the dashed lined designated B 2  indicate the position of a bed frame  122  before and after having been deployed out of the bed side wall  118 . The bed frame and bed box  122 ,  124  are pulled in a direction away from the bed side wall  118  and in the direction of the arrow designated T in  FIG. 14 . Handles, commonly designated  125 , are mounted to the bed side wall  118  to allow the bed frame and box  122 ,  124  to be manually pulled out of the camper box  24 . In one of the preferred embodiments about 18 inches of the frame  30  are exposed prior to this deployment and serves as partial foundation for supporting the bed box  124 . In one of the preferred embodiments the bed frame  122  is sized to accommodate a queen-sized bed. As shown in  FIG. 16  there is a sleeper roof  110   a  that covers the bed frame and box assembly  121 . 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , the bed box  124  is positioned between the bed frame  122  (shown in phantom lines) and the frame  30  such that it is disposed beneath the bed frame  122 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , In one of the preferred embodiments the bed box  124  has a height designated BBH of about 30 inches, a length designated BBL of about 82 inches, and width designate BBW of about 30 inches. The bed box  124  has a bed box floor  130 , a pair of opposed first and second bed box side panels  132   a  and  132   b  joined to the floor  130 , and a hinged panel  134  joined to the floor  130  by at least one hinge  135 . The bed box  124  has a bed box opening  136  defined by the floor  130 , the opposed bed box side panels  132   a,    132   b,  and the hinged panel  134 . The bed box opening  136  advantageously allows access to a bed box cavity  138  defined in the bed box  124 . Campers are able to advantageously place their luggage (not shown) and other equipment (not shown) in the bed box cavity  138 . The hinged panel  134  is hinged to the bed box floor  130  and may be equipped with a lock (not shown) to allow campers to access the inside of the camper box  24  during storage thereof. 
         [0093]    There is a rail  140  mounted on the outer surfaces  142 ,  144  of the each first and second bed box side panels  132   a,    132   b.  Lifter posts, commonly designated  146 , are mounted to the base  100  of the camper box  24 . The lifter posts  146  are for raising the roof  110  of the camper box  24 , that is, as the lifter posts  146  are raised so is the roof  110 . Casters, commonly designated  148 , are joined, for example with a weld, to the lifter posts  146  such that the casters  148  are received in the rails  140 . Weather seals commonly designated  150  and which may be made of rubber or other suitable material are joined to the bed box  124  along the top edges  152  and junctions  154  with the camper box  24 . The weather seals  150  are for keeping out drafts and moisture. 
         [0094]    The bed frame  122  shown in  FIG. 19  has a rectangular shape, and has a bed frame width designated BFW of about 62 inches, a bed frame length designated BFL of about 82 inches, and a bed frame thickness designated BFT of about 6 inches in one of the preferred embodiments. When the bed frame  122  is stored internal to the camper box  24  it is supported on top of the bed box  124  and a dinette unit  160  (to be described presently) that is positioned internal to the camper box  24 . To facilitate and guide deployment of the bed frame  122  bed rails (not shown) may be mounted on the bed box  124  and received in bed frame guides (not shown) joined to the bed frame  122 . Additional guidance of the bed frame  122  may be provided by way of casters  148  joined on the lifter posts  146 . UHMW plastic could be added at the contact between the bed frame  122  and the dinette  160  to facilitate movement. The bed frame  122  in one of the preferred embodiments slides out about 60 inches from the camper box  24  such that it is disposed vertically above the bed box  124 . And, the bed frame  122  extends about 31 inches beyond the bed box  124  in one of the preferred embodiments. Support poles, commonly designated  168 , are deployable from the bed frame  122  and are joined to and extend from a bed frame floor  127 . When deployed the support poles  168  shown in  FIGS. 17 and 19  extend from the bed frame  122  to the frame  30  and in particular to the rear tail light assembly  158 , thus supporting the bed frame  122 . In one of the preferred embodiments the bed frame  122  is sized to accommodate, for example an inflatable  60  by 80 inch queen mattress (not shown). In one of the preferred embodiments the bed frame  122  is advantageously made of light materials, for example aluminum. The bed frame floor  127  serves to keep out pests and can be constructed of a thin material. Cross-meshing that extends between all four sides of the bed frame  122  made of nylon cord or similar light material can be used as a box spring  126  with which to support a mattress (not shown). 
         [0095]    As shown in  FIGS. 20A-20C , the camper box  24  further includes a dinette unit  160  that is reconfigurable to a sleeper unit  178 . The dinette unit  160  is deployable from the dinette side wall  116 . The method by which the dinette unit  160  is reconfigurable into the sleeper unit  178  and back to the dinette unit  160  by the person camping will be described presently.  FIGS. 20A and 20C  show the dinette and sleeper units  160 ,  178  in a stored position internal to the camper box  24 .  FIG. 20C  shows the dinette and sleeper units  160 ,  178  deployed from the camper box  24 .  FIG. 21A  is a front elevational view of the dinette unit  160  after it has been fully slid out of the camper box  24  (after having been moved in the direction of the arrow designated K in  FIG. 20C ). It is pointed out that the dinette unit  160  is positioned within the rail assembly  63  and the base  100  of the camper box  24  includes a floor  101 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the dinette unit  160  without any seating.  FIG. 23  is a left side elevational view of the dinette unit  160  and  FIG. 24  is an elevational view of a dinette unit  184   a  detailing the joining thereof to a lifter post  146  and the dinette unit  160 . In one of the preferred embodiments the dinette unit  160  has a dinette unit length designated DUL of about 76 inches and a dinette unit width designated DUW of about 54 inches. The dinette unit  160  also has a dinette floor  186 , first, second and third dinette walls  184   a,    184   b  and  184   c  and first and second seats  188   a  and  188   b  as shown in  FIG. 25 . In one of the preferred embodiments the dinette unit  160  is deployable such that it extends about 52 inches out over the trailer  22 . In each of the preferred tongue embodiments, the cargo deck  60  does not interfere with the rotation of the camper box  24  and is substantially level with the base  100  of the camper box  24 . The previously described latches  92  secure the camper box  24  to the frame  30  when it is in the rotated position  28  as shown. In addition, latch brackets  190  that may be rubber-cushioned brackets extend from the dinette unit  160  and are for securing the dinette unit  160  to the cargo deck  60  or trailer  22  when the dinette unit  160  is extended out of the camper box  24  so that the dinette unit  160  is stabilized. Catches  194  shown in  FIG. 24  secure the dinette unit  160  to the camper box  24  where they meet the lifter posts  146 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the dinette unit  160  has a first and second dinette rails  189   a,    189   b  mounted on the first and third dinette walls  184   a,    184   c,  and casters  148  mounted on the lifter posts  146  are positioned in the first and second dinette rails  189   a,    189   b.  The first and second dinette rails  189   a,    189   b  guide the dinette unit  160  as it is slid in and out of the camper box  24 . As described previously, the cargo deck  60  has a cargo deck roller  616  (see  FIGS. 8 and 20A ) for further facilitating movement of the dinette unit  160 . 
         [0097]    It is pointed out that the cargo deck  60  when supported on the cargo deck legs  81  it is substantially level with the base  100  and/or floor  101  of the camper box  24 . In another preferred embodiment, the act of pulling the dinette unit  160  out releases bars (not shown) that drop down and are anchored to the frame  30 , thus providing additional support for the dinette floor  186 . 
         [0098]    The dinette unit  160  and the sleeper unit  178  are unique as shown in  FIGS. 25-27 . This is because the dinette unit  160  is designed such that it may be reconfigured into the sleeper unit  178  in a manner to be described presently. 
         [0099]    In particular, the first and second seats  188   a  and  188   b  resemble park benches and have posts commonly designated  200  that may have a generally tubular shape. The first and second seats  188   a,    188   b  have seat bottoms  202  and back supports  204 . A table  206  having a table top  207  and a table leg  208  is also provided in the dinette unit  160 . The table leg  208  is in one of the preferred embodiments removably mounted on the dinette unit floor  186  and to the table top  207 . The table  206  may be about 40 inches by 57 inches in one of the preferred embodiments. The seat bottoms and back supports  202 ,  204  are made of nylon-rope meshing in one of the preferred embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 26  the table  206  is capable of being lifted off table leg  208  and placed on the first and second seats  188   a,    188   b  to thus form a dinette table bed  210 . When the table  206  is placed on top of the first and second seats  188   a,    188   b  inflatable upholstery, for example an air mattresses for cushioning may be placed on the dinette table bed  210  and in one of the preferred embodiments may be held in place with hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other suitable fasteners. In another preferred embodiment the first and second seats  188   a  and  188   b  may be provided with cushions  211  for seating and backing. The cushions  211  may be placed on the dinette bed  210  to form a mattress  212 . The cushions  211  may be held together with fasteners  213  to form the mattress  212 . The fasteners  213  may include snaps and hook and loop fasteners. 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 27 , the first bench  188   a  has a first pair of back rest posts  215   a  and the second bench  188   b  has a second pair of back rest posts  215   b.  Inserts commonly designated  218  are removably mounted on the first and second pairs of back rest posts  215   a,    215   b.  For example, the inserts  218  may be fitted over the first and second pairs of back rest posts  215   a,    215   b.  Notches  220  are defined in the inserts  218  to accommodate a hammock  222  that is strung tightly from the first and second pairs of back rest posts  215   a,    215   b.  The hammock  222  includes straight opposed bars  224   a,    224   b  between which is strung net-like hammock meshing  222   a  in, and hammock meshing  222   a  and the use and installation thereof is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In addition, opposed first and second cross braces  223   a,    223   b  are provided, and they have hollow L-shaped end portions commonly designated  225  as shown in  FIG. 27A .  FIG. 27A  is an enlarged view of the portion K of  FIG. 27 . The hammock meshing  222   a  may also be strung between the first and second cross braces  223   a,    223   b.  The L-shaped end portions  225  are sized such that the opposed ends of the straight bars  224   a  and  224   b  are capable of being received in the L-shaped end portions  225  so as to form a hammock frame  226 . This arrangement adds stability to the hammock  222  and takes some of the stress off of the inserts  218 . When not in use the hammock frame  226  can be disassembled and rolled into a cylindrical shape for convenient storage. The hammock  222  which is like a mesh box spring may be comfortable enough for some sleepers, but if not, an air mattress (not shown) may be positioned thereon to provide more cushioning effect. After the dinette tent roof  110   b  shown in  FIG. 21A  is raised to between about 6 (six) feet 10 (ten) inches to about 7 (seven) feet, there is sufficient room to accommodate the above-described type bedding arrangement. Thus, the dinette unit  160  advantageously has a dual utility and is capable of being transformed into the sleeper unit  178  by the person camping. 
         [0101]    The first and second benches  188   a,    188   b  are firmly anchored to the dinette floor  186  and are sufficient durable to support people camping as they swing themselves in and out of bed. In other preferred embodiments lifts (not shown) are provided for in the camper box  24 , for example a Hoyer lift, to lift a disabled camper into a bed, such lifts being well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and are not described herein in greater detail. 
         [0102]    In addition, due to the cross-shape and the elbow junctions associated with the tenting and known to those having ordinary skill in the art, in one of the preferred embodiments the dinette and sleeper units  160 ,  178  are deployed before the roof  110 , sleeper roof  110   a  and a dinette roof  110   b  are raised and lowered on the lifter posts  146 . The dinette and sleeper units  160 ,  178  are partly enclosed by a suitable tent material  111 . The deployment of the bed and dinette units  160 ,  178  pulls the folded soft-roof and sidewall tenting material  111  (see  FIG. 36A ) out from deep inside the camper box  24 . Soft roofing and bracing covers the dinette unit  160  and the bed unit  178 . Soft roofing and the method of supporting soft roofing are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and are therefore not described in detail herein. There are inverted U-shaped braces (not shown) that may be manually fitted into slotted floor brackets (not shown) proximal the dinette and sleeper units  160 ,  178 . Inverted U-shaped brackets and methods of supporting them are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and are not described herein in detail. In one of the preferred embodiments thin plastic sheets are sewn into the tent material  111  such that pressure associated with lowering the roof  110  results in all tenting material  111  to collapse into the camper box  24 . The thin plastic sheets may have the additional advantage of reflecting more heat away from inside the camper box  24 . 
         [0103]    A galley  250 , shown in  FIGS. 28-32 , is installed against the galley side wall  114  of the camper box  24 . In  FIG. 28  the roof  110  of the camper box  24  is not shown so that the details of the galley  250  are visible. The galley  250  has a cupboard  252  that is, in one of the preferred embodiments, about 18 inches deep and have a length of about 30 inches and are disposed proximal the bed box  124 . The galley  250  has cabinets  254  that are about 22 inches deep and have a length of about 54 inches and are disposed proximal the dinette unit  160 . The cupboards and cabinets  252 ,  254  have a height of about 30 inches, and a counter  258  is supported thereon and may be about ¾ inches thick. The cupboards and cabinets  252 ,  254  may be made from bamboo or other suitable green materials. The cupboards and cabinets  252 ,  254  have handles  255 . A drawer  259  is disposed vertically above the cupboard  252  has a drawer handle  255   a.  As shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the counter  258  is movable from a retracted position  260  to a working position  262  by applying a lifting force in the direction of the arrow designated M in  FIG. 29  and an opposite lowering force in the direction of the arrow designated N in  FIG. 30  on the counter  258 . In the working position  262  the height of the counter  258  may be about 33-35 inches as measured from the floor  101  of the camper box  24 . 
         [0104]    A V-hinged leg brace  264  is provided and a first hinge end  264   a  end is joined to the counter  258  and a second hinge end  264   b  is joined to the cupboards  252  and cabinet  254 . The V-hinged leg brace  264  allows for the counter  258  to be moved between a lowered counter position  275   a  and a raised counter position  275   b  as indicated by the arrows designated M and N. The V-hinged leg brace  264  may be locked in place by a locking pin  265  when the counter  258  is in a raised counter position  275   a.  As shown in  FIG. 31  a sink  256  is disposed in a recess  268  about 6-8 inches deep formed in the galley cupboard  254  and may be raised and lowered in the direction of arrows M and N from a sink stored position  270  to a sink working position  271  by applying lifting and lowering forces on the sink  256 . A stove  269  is disposed in a stove recess  272  and may also be raised and lowered in the directions of arrows M and N from a stove stored position  273  to a stove raised position  273   a . The previously mentioned propane tank  119  provides gas for the stove  269 . After all the above components are deployed, there are about 7 (seven) feet in length of galley storage space  274  disposed under the counter  258  and sink  256 , and it is pointed out that a refrigerator  276  is disposed beneath the counter  258 . The galley storage space  274  is shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 . The galley  250  is advantageously supported on the frame  30  such that additional support bracing is not required. The 7 (seven) feet of galley space  274  is advantageously about twice the area of existing galleys and provides the camper with considerable utility. 
         [0105]      FIG. 33  is a top plan view of a shower and toilet unit  300  disposed in the camper box  24 , and  FIG. 33A  is a sectional view a portion of the floor  101  of the camper box  24  taken along line T-T of  FIG. 33 . It is pointed out that the roof  110  is not present. The shower and toilet unit  300  has a shower and toilet floor  301 . The shower and toilet unit  300  is positioned along the door side wall  112  of the camper box  24 . A toilet  302  is positioned therein and extends about 18 inches beyond the frame  30 . A shower  306  is also positioned in the shower and toilet unit  300 . Variable length camper box braces  303  (shown extending into the page in  FIG. 33 ) are attached to the camper box  24  at one end such that the person camping may move the variable length camper box braces  303  into contact with the ground  12  to provide support and stabilize the camper box  24 . 
         [0106]    A clean water tank  312  is supported under the floor  101  by the frame  30 . The clean water tank  312  has a fill port  313  and a water pump  321  for providing pressurized clean water for the camper. A clean water hose  314  delivers clean water to the sink  256 , toilet  302  and shower  306 . The clean water hose  314  extends beneath the floor  101  and through the opening  48  in the pivot shaft housing  47 , and in particular through the pivot shaft opening  89  defined in the pivot shaft  88 . After the clean water hose  314  extends through the pivot shaft housing  47  it branches into a sink branch  316  and a toilet shower unit branch  318 . The clean water hose  314  is sufficiently long such that it has play, that is, is about three inches worth of play so that it will not be stretched or otherwise damaged during rotation of the camper box  24 . The grey water from the sink  256  is returned through a sink grey water return line  320  that extends to a grey water tank  322 . The grey water from the shower  306  is returned through a shower grey water return line  324  to the grey water tank  322 . The grey water tank  322  has a grey water tank drain  323 . Black water generated in the toilet  302  is deposited in a black water tank  326  having a black water drain  328 . Both the black water tank  326  and drain  328  are internal to the toilet unit  300  and thus move with the toilet as the camper box is rotated. The grey water tank  322  and a fresh water tank  312  are mounted on the frame  30  and each may have a capacity of about 25 gallons. 
         [0107]    In addition, the toilet  302  and the shower  306  are positioned internal to a water containment shell  330  about 30 inches in height that keeps water internal to the shower and toilet unit  300 . A shower curtain  332  is provided above the water containment shell  330  to retain water internal to the shower and toilet unit  300 . The shower curtain  332  raises and lowers when the lifter posts  146  are raised and lowered. A bathroom door  334  is provided and opens into the interior  25  of the camper box  24 . The bathroom door  334  has sufficient width to accommodate campers in wheelchairs. 
         [0108]    As shown in  FIG. 33A , the floor  101  has passages  310  for accommodating the above-described clean water hose  314 , the sink grey water return line  320 , the shower grey water return line  324 , wiring  364 , and other items that may need to extend beneath the floor  101 . The floor  101  includes a cover  105  that encloses the described clean water hose  314 , the sink grey water return line  320 , the shower grey water return line  324 , and wiring  364 . 
         [0109]    An outside door  340  is provided and connected with hinges  342  to the door side wall  112  proximal the shower and toilet unit  300 . The outside door  340  has a width designated DW in  FIG. 30  of about 30 inches in one of the preferred embodiments. The outside door width DW is advantageously wide enough to accommodate disabled campers, for example people in wheelchairs. Fold-down stairs  344  are provided and are sufficiently sturdy to serve as a brace for door side wall  112  of the camper box  24 , which may extend out about 18 inches from the frame  30 . 
         [0110]    As described above, the frame  30  of the trailer  22  is advantageously different as compared to traditional trailers in use due to the cross support frame  42  and the higher center of gravity of the camper box  24 . This advantageously provides for sufficient room for the clean and grey water tanks  312 ,  322 . It may also provide space for a storage compartment  346  mounted on the frame  30 , as shown in  FIG. 12  for storing luggage and equipment. There may be several storage compartments  346  joined to the frame  30 . In addition, it is pointed out that the lifter posts  146  mounted on the camper box base  100  are not welded to the frame  30  in one of the preferred embodiments, and this is different than other campers. For example, some Coleman® campers having lifter posts require the lifter posts to be in firm contact with the underlying frame such that there is no room for storage compartments. As referenced in  FIG. 2  (but not shown deployed) an accessory awning  350  may be provided in one of the preferred embodiments which the camper pulls down from the galley side wall  114  of the camper box  24  when in the transport position  26  to protect equipment stored on the cargo deck  60  and for deflecting wind. 
         [0111]    As shown in  FIG. 33  the pivot shaft housing  47  houses the pivot shaft  88  having the pivot shaft opening  89  that align with one another when the pivot shaft  88  is positioned in the pivot shaft housing  47 . Wiring  364  may be passed through the pivot shaft opening  89  along with the above-described hoses. Other wiring for phone, cable, fiber optics may extend through the pivot shaft opening  89 . This arrangement prevents the electrical wiring  364  and the above-described tubes from becoming tangled during rotation of the camper body  24 . The electrical wiring  364  provides a power source for electrical needs inside the camper body  24 . As shown in  FIG. 33A , the floor  101  of the camper box  24  defines passages  103  and the electrical wiring  364  extends through the passages  103  to any fixtures and outlets in the camper box  24 . The floor  101  is comprised of bamboo in one the preferred embodiments. The above-described cover  105  covers the passages  310  for safety and ease of cleaning. A battery (not shown) or an external power source such as a generator (not shown) may be used as a power source. 
         [0112]    As previously mentioned, handles  125  are mounted to the bed and dinette side walls  116 ,  118  to allow the bed frame and box assembly  121  and dinette unit  160  to be manually pulled out of and pushed into the camper box  24 . As an alternative,  FIG. 34A  is a bottom plan view of a rack and gear assembly  600  for extending the bed and dinette side walls  116 ,  118 . The rack and gear assembly  600  is in a retracted rack position  602 .  FIG. 34B  shows the rack and gear assembly  600  in an extended position  604 . 
         [0113]    The rack and gear assembly  600  has a first rack  610  having first rack teeth  612  and a second rack  614  having second rack teeth  616 . The first rack teeth  612  are spaced farther apart from one another as compared to spacing between the second rack teeth  616 . 
         [0114]    As shown in  FIG. 34C , the rack and gear assembly  600  also includes a central gear  620  having a first gear  622  and a second gear  624  that are joined to one another. The diameter of the first gear  622  is greater than that of the second gear  624 . The first gear  622  has first gear teeth  626  sized to mesh with the first rack teeth  612  of the first rack  610 . The second gear  624  has second gear teeth  628  sized to mesh with the second rack teeth  616  of the second rack  614 . The gear ratio of the first and second gears  622 ,  624  is 2 to 1 in one of the preferred embodiments. The central gear  620  also has a central gear opening  630  such that it is capable of receiving the pivot shaft housing  47  therein. 
         [0115]    It is pointed out that the gear and rack assembly  600  does not rotate as the camper box  24  is rotated to and from the transport and rotated positions  26 ,  28 , because it is supported on the frame  30 . The first rack  610  engages the dinette unit  160  when the camper box  24  is in the rotated position  28 , and the second rack  614  engages the bed frame and box assembly  121  when the camper box  24  is in the rotated position  28 . By pulling on the handle  125  the camper is able to simultaneously deploy both the dinette unit  160  and the bed frame and box assembly  121 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 35  is a bottom plan view of a hand crank deployment assembly  700  that provides an additional way for deploying the dinette unit  160  and the bed frame and box assembly  121  from the camper box  24  and simultaneously raising the lifter posts  146 , so the task of raising the lifter  146  posts does not need to be done manually. The frame  30  is not shown for the sake of clarity. The hand crank deployment assembly  700  has a hand crank  702  that is connected to a crank bar  704 . The crank bar  704  is connected to a worm gear  706 . The crank bar  704  can be attached and detached from the worm gear  706  for storage purposes. The worm gear  706  engages a dinette gear  710  and a sleeper gear  712 . The dinette gear  710  engages a dinette rack  714  and the sleeper gear  712  engages a sleeper rack  716 . Rotating the hand crank  702  results in the dinette unit  160  and the bed frame and box assembly  121  being extended or retracted from the camper box  24 . 
         [0117]    In addition, as the hand crank  702  is turned the lifter posts  146  are automatically deployed to lift or lower the roof  110  of the camper box  24 . In particular, there are four lifter racks  720  and four lifter gears  722 . While turning the hand crank  702  to deploy the dinette unit  160  and the bed frame and box assembly  121  the lifter racks  720  automatically turn the lifter gears  722 . As shown in  FIG. 35A , each of the lifter gears  722  is connected to a riser screw  724  that is threaded into an internal lifter post thread  726  disposed in the lifter post  146 . This causes the rotational motion of the lifter gear  722  to be converted to the linear motion of the lifter post  146 . Thus, there is no need to manually lift the roof  100  of the camper box  24  in this embodiment. 
         [0118]      FIG. 36  shows another embodiment of a way to raise the lifter posts  146 . Belts, commonly designated  717 , are provided and positioned around pulleys, commonly designated  725 . As the hand crank  702  is rotated the belts  717  apply force to forcing arms  715  that in turn apply force on flexible forcing members commonly designated  730 . The flexible forcing members  730 , in turn, apply force on the lifter posts  146  thus extending them.  FIG. 36A  is an illustrative drawing showing the lifter posts  146  in an extended position  147 . 
         [0119]    Thus, the usable space of the floor  101  of the camper box  24  floor after it has been expanded in the manner described above is about 52 square feet in one of the preferred embodiments. One of the advantages of the camper box  24  is that the available interior camper space is exploited such that it takes on a generally square-shaped central living area  380  (see for example  FIG. 33 ) that allows the camper easy access to all the facilities in the camper box  24 . In one of the preferred embodiments the central living area  380  is about seven feet by seven feet. In addition, the design is superior to the narrow pathways found in other pop-up campers. And, the central living area  380  can accommodate a group of people sitting together which is difficult to do in other pop-up type campers. Another advantage is that after the camper box  24  has been expanded in the above describe manner the central living area  380  ideal for those in wheelchairs due to the larger doorways and the square-shaped central living area  380 . The central living area  380  allows campers to use futons and other fold-out furniture (not shown) such that six or more people can sleep or socialize at any one time in the camper box  24 . 
         [0120]    The exterior surfaces  29  ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) of the camper box  24  are, in one of the preferred embodiments, clad in sage-green vinyl or vinyl-like materials and consumers may select various outdoor scenes or brown or green camouflage for additional harmonization with their camping environment. Consumers may select exterior surfaces  29  that have coloring reflecting deserts, mountains, or forests. The coloration may be achieved by the use of paints or thin design-printed films such as those employed on billboards. Printed films and the methods of making printed films are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and are therefore not described in detail herein. The tenting  111  may also be embodied to reflect the above described coloring and aesthetics. The tenting  111  may comprise canvas and mesh and may be made from a plurality of different materials including natural materials such as hemp or canvas and man-made materials. 
         [0121]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the pop-up camper expansible through rotation  20  has been described in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the pop-up camper expansible through rotation  20  is not necessarily so limited and that other examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses may be made without departing from the pop-up camper expansible through rotation  20 . All these embodiments are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 7