Recreational vehicle conversion system

Abstract

A vehicle conversion system includes a storage receiving unit, a foldable privacy / shower curtain receiving unit, a foldable counter assembly, and a seat / bed conversion assembly, each assembly configured to be contained within and deployed within the vehicle interior.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Recreational Vehicle Modification System", with international application number PCT / US2020 / 021863, international application date of March 10, 2020, and application number 202080020783.3 that entered the Chinese national phase.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 16 / 814,270 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 816,571 entitled "Recreational Vehicle Modification System", the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to recreational vehicles, and more specifically to a system for optimizing the interior space of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0005] Vehicle users, such as those of recreational vehicles (RVs), face a variety of challenges, one of which is the inherent problem of limited interior space and how to best utilize it. Items included in RVs, such as showers, tables, beds, radiators, and workbenches, are often large, inconvenient, and cumbersome, and fitting these essential items into the vehicle interior in an economical way is often a challenge given the limited space inside.

[0006] Furthermore, since RVs are often used for overnight travel, they must provide sleeping accommodations. Therefore, RVs not only need to be able to accommodate multiple people, but also must have space inside the RV to include multiple beds.

[0007] While a large RV may be able to accommodate many of the items mentioned above and provide sleeping accommodation for multiple people, providing such a large vehicle is generally not expected.

[0008] Therefore, a system is needed that allows for the deployment of many essential items, such as shower facilities, storage facilities, work facilities, and rest / sleep facilities, within the limited interior space of a recreational vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, an unfoldable privacy curtain assembly for the interior of a recreational vehicle is provided. The assembly includes an upper storage receiver attachable to a surface within the vehicle interior, the upper storage receiver being configured to hold a foldable privacy curtain in a first non-unfolded configuration, the privacy curtain extending toward a bottom surface of the vehicle interior in a second unfolded configuration.

[0010] According to another aspect, a foldable countertop assembly for the interior of a recreational vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first lower support member and a second lower support member spaced apart from the first lower support member; a first panel stored in a substantially vertical, non-expanded configuration above the first lower support member, the first panel having a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side; a second panel stored in a substantially vertical, non-expanded configuration above the second lower support member, the second panel having a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side; the first and second panels are configured to convert from the non-expanded configuration to a substantially horizontal unfolded configuration to form a horizontal support surface; and at least one of the first and second panels includes a pair of support legs that, when the panel to which it is attached is in the unfolded configuration, extend vertically toward the bottom surface of the vehicle, thereby providing support for the substantially horizontal surface. According to another aspect, a seat / bed conversion assembly for the interior of a recreational vehicle is provided. The seat / bed conversion assembly includes: a substantially horizontal seat comprising two sections, one section configured to pivot relative to the second section on a first axis; and a backrest configured to be manipulated relative to the seat from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position, the backrest comprising: a lower portion configured to pivot about a second axis from a first position to a second position; and an upper portion configured to pivot about a third axis from a third position to a fourth position. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the storage receiving section and the collapsible privacy / shower curtain receiving section of the RV conversion system disclosed herein;

[0012] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of the detachable storage receiving part that holds the items;

[0013] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view of a detachable storage and receiving section that holds different items;

[0014] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a detachable storage and receiving section that accommodates a different type of item;

[0015] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a collapsible privacy / shower receiving section, which is opened to show the unexpanded collapsible privacy / shower curtain stored therein;

[0016] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a collapsible privacy / shower curtain in a semi-expanded to fully expanded configuration;

[0017] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a fully unfolded collapsible privacy / shower curtain, which uses a storage receiving section as a shower base and drain outlet;

[0018] Figure 8 It is another perspective view of a fully unfolded collapsible privacy / shower curtain, which uses a storage receiving section as a base for the user to stand on.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the folding countertop component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which is part of the storage structure.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the folding counter assembly in a semi-open configuration inside the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the folding countertop component of the disclosed RV conversion system, in which one of the two panels is deployed in a working configuration;

[0022] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the folding countertop component of the disclosed RV conversion system, in which both panels are deployed in a fully extended configuration.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a view showing the components of the folding counter assembly within the vehicle's restricted area, in a storage configuration.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a view showing the components of the folding counter assembly in their working configuration within the vehicle's restricted area;

[0025] Figure 15 This is a view showing the components of the folding counter assembly in a fully extended configuration within the vehicle's restricted area;

[0026] Figure 16A This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the disclosed RV conversion system in a substantially upright position;

[0027] Figure 16B This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the first part of the unfolded structure of the RV conversion system disclosed herein;

[0028] Figure 16C This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the second part of the RV conversion system disclosed herein;

[0029] Figure 16D This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which is in a substantially tilted configuration;

[0030] Figure 16E This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, in a fully tilted configuration;

[0031] Figure 17A This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which is located in a recliner configuration;

[0032] Figure 17B This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which is in a different recliner configuration;

[0033] Figure 18A This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which is located in a sofa structure.

[0034] Figure 18B This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which is located in a different sofa configuration;

[0035] Figure 18C This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which is located in another type of sofa configuration; and

[0036] Figure 18D This is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion component of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, which also has a sofa structure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This disclosure relates to an adaptable, multi-purpose interior vehicle modification system that provides multiple deployable functional components that, individually or collectively, effectively utilize the limited floor space within a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle.

[0038] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 Embodiments of a storage receiving portion 10 and a collapsible privacy / shower curtain receiving portion 12 of the RV conversion system disclosed herein are shown. The storage receiving portion 10 is a housing, which in one embodiment comprises rigid side panels, a bottom surface, and a top cover 14 pivotally connected to the housing. The cover can be secured by any rotatable device such as a hinge. In one embodiment, the housing includes a shower tray and a drain outlet 16, allowing water to drain from the drain outlet when the storage receiving portion 10 is used in a shower configuration.

[0039] It should be understood that, in one configuration, the storage receiving portion 10 can be used to store, for example, items that might be desired or necessary during travel. For instance, the storage receiving portion 10 can be used to accommodate items such as... Figure 2 The removable mat 18 shown is as follows: Figure 3 The removable toilet 20 shown, or as... Figure 4The beverage 22 shown. The examples of items to be stored within the enclosure of the storage receiving section 10 discussed herein and described in the figures are merely exemplary. The storage receiving section may be configured to accommodate and store any items that might be considered desirable or necessary for travel in a vehicle.

[0040] In another embodiment, the storage receiving portion 10 can be used in a shower configuration where it is used in conjunction with a fully deployable privacy / shower curtain, which will be discussed in more detail below. When not in use, the privacy / shower curtain can be stored in the privacy / shower curtain receiving portion 12, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown in the diagram, the curtain receiving portion 12 can be fixed to the interior wall of the RV, for example, by a bracket or other fixing device. Therefore, the storage receiving portion 10 can be used in various configurations, such as a storage unit, basin, floor, and drainage system in a shower, and can also be used as a seat or table when the cover 14 is closed. Given the limited space within the RV, this multi-purpose use is advantageous.

[0041] Figure 5 A privacy / shower curtain receiving portion 12 is shown, wherein the cover of the receiving portion is open to expose the privacy / shower curtain 24 contained therein. In this configuration, the privacy / shower curtain 24 is not unfolded. In one embodiment, the privacy / shower curtain 24 can be rolled up and stored in the receiving portion 12. Other shower components that must be used or are desired during showering, such as nozzles, hoses, and water control devices, can be included with the privacy / shower curtain 24 and stored in the shower curtain receiving portion 12. The privacy / shower curtain receiving portion 12 can be fixed to the interior ceiling of the RV or to some other robust structure within the RV interior. Advantageously, when not unfolded, the privacy / shower curtain 24 can be neatly and securely stored within a small, confined area, i.e., inside the receiving portion 12.

[0042] When the shower is desired, the privacy / shower curtain 24 can be extended and allowed to extend vertically downwards, as... Figure 6 As shown. Advantageously, the lower part of the privacy / shower curtain 24 extends within the storage receiving portion 10, in which it functions as both a shower tray and a drain (the drain is located in...). Figure 6 (Not shown in the image). Therefore, during use, a person can stand behind the privacy / shower curtain 24 inside the shower basin formed by the storage receiving section 10. When not in use, the curtain 24 can be folded back into the receiving section 12, and the door of the receiving section 12 is closed, thereby concealing its contents. Thus, in its unfurled configuration, the shower curtain 24 is hidden and occupies almost no space inside the vehicle.

[0043] Figure 7The privacy / shower curtain 24 is shown in its fully extended configuration, used in conjunction with the storage and receiving portion 10, which serves as a shower tray and drain outlet. The top of the privacy / shower curtain 24 can be permanently or removably attached to the upper support structure 26. In one embodiment, when the shower is not in use, the upper support structure 26 itself can be folded or otherwise slid into the shower curtain receiving portion 12. Figure 7 The shower unit shown is a fully functional shower unit that provides privacy and can be retracted into the shower curtain receiving portion 12 when not in use. Furthermore, the storage receiving portion 10, when not used as a shower tray and drain, can be used in the manner described above when the cover is closed, for example, as a storage unit, seat, or table. Therefore, the privacy / shower curtain 24 occupies a very small area, essentially the width to which the bottom of the privacy / shower curtain of the storage receiving portion 10 extends.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the privacy / shower curtain 24 can also be used simply as a privacy curtain when privacy is required inside the RV. In this configuration, the storage receiving portion 10 can still be used as a base, or the privacy / shower curtain 24 can be used without the storage receiving portion 10.

[0045] Figure 8 This is another perspective view of the components including a shower unit, comprising a privacy / shower curtain 24, an upper support structure 26, and a storage receiving portion 10. The privacy / shower curtain 24 can be used with the storage receiving portion 10 in the manner described above, or function as a standalone item as a retractable, collapsible, temporary / on-demand indoor / outdoor shower / privacy curtain. Also as described above, the design includes the upper support structure 26, or mounting bracket, which in one embodiment supports a removable construction of collapsible hinged rods or panels that can be easily hinged outwards to an open shower position, in which the privacy / shower curtain 24 is attached, or retracted inwards into the shower curtain receiving portion 12 for easy storage and / or concealment.

[0046] In a non-limiting exemplary use case, the privacy / shower curtain 24 can be stored in a non-unfolded configuration within a privacy / shower curtain receiving portion 12 inside the RV. In one embodiment, the receiving portion 12 may be fixed to the ceiling or other robust structure inside the RV. A user wishing to use the curtain 24 opens the receiving portion 12 and removes the curtain 24 stored therein. The user can also remove the shower hose, nozzle, and water control device. Figure 7 and 8As shown, the user can extend the curtain 24 until it reaches the vehicle floor. In one embodiment, the bottom of the curtain 24 is within the storage receiving portion 10. If the user wishes to use the shower, the storage receiving portion 10 may include a shower tray and a drain outlet 16. When finished, the user can lift the curtain 24 and place it back into the receiving portion 12 along with the shower hose, nozzles, and water controls. The cover of the receiving portion 12 can then be closed, thereby concealing the curtain 24 and other components from view.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the folding counter assembly 28 portion of the RV conversion system of this disclosure, within a storage configuration. In one embodiment, the folding counter assembly 28 includes opposing upper support members 30, panels 34, and lower support members 36. In one embodiment, one of the two panels 34 comprising the folding counter assembly 28 includes a pair of folding support legs 32. One or two pairs of folding support legs 32 are provided within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, as shown, only one of the panels 34 may include support legs 32, or both panels 34 may include support legs 32.

[0048] When not in use, the panels 34 can each be stored, in a substantially vertical orientation, between the upper support member 30 and the lower support member 34. This is... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram. In this way, when component 28 is not in use, it is stored to keep the interior of the RV clean. In some embodiments, when not in use, the top of each panel 34 can be releasably secured to the bottom of the corresponding upper support member 30 to prevent the panel 34 from unintentionally unfolding and swinging downwards. The upper support member 30 may be secured to a portion of the RV interior, such as the interior ceiling or wall. In one embodiment, the lower support member 36 may be completely or partially hollow and thus usable for storage. In other embodiments, the upper support member 30 is not used. In one embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, when not in use, the folding support leg 32 can be folded and secured within the compartment 33 on one side of the panel 34. In another embodiment (such as...) Figure 10 As shown, when panel 34 is not unfolded, leg 32 can be folded and secured against the bottom side of panel 34, i.e., not inside compartment 33. In either orientation, when component 28 is not in use, leg 32 can be folded against the outward-facing side of panel 34, thereby maintaining a clean space inside the RV.

[0049] When it is necessary to unfold the folding countertop assembly 28 from its storage orientation, such as Figure 10 As shown, the legs 32 are extended and straightened. From this configuration, the legs 32 can swing downwards until they are supported by the RV floor, thus allowing the first panel 34 to form a substantially horizontal surface, as... Figure 11As shown. The result is a shelf or table formed by extended, folding support legs 32, which support a substantially horizontal panel 34. Figure 12 As shown, with the second panel 34 adjacent to the first panel 34, the shelf or table can be further extended by swinging the second panel 34 downward in the same manner as described above, thereby forming an extended surface. The two panels 34 can be connected to each other, or in another embodiment, they can be adjacent to each other such that they will not separate if pressure is applied in a downward direction. For example, in one embodiment, one of the two panels 34 includes a substantially horizontal extended lip that supports the other panel 34, thereby forming an extended substantially horizontal surface that is fully supported when weight is applied. This surface can be used, for example, as a table for eating or a workbench for reading or writing.

[0050] Therefore, the folding counter assembly 28 of the RV conversion system disclosed herein, when in its fully unfolded configuration, consists of two manufactured panels 34 made of various substrates. These two panels are positioned opposite each other at a predetermined distance and are rested on and fixed to a support structure via a hinge mechanism. This allows the panels 34 to fold up or down independently, revealing a worktable resting on folding support legs 32 (one of the two panels 34 being in a horizontal position), or even an extended support platform or supporting sleeping surface (the two panels 34 interlocking, connecting, or otherwise abutting each other). When not in use, the folding counter assembly 28 can be stored (as described above and as...). Figure 9 As shown, it occupies minimal space. The space-saving advantage of this design is invaluable in the context of RVs, camping trailers, or "mini-homes."

[0051] Figure 13-15 This illustrates how the folding countertop assembly 28 can be fitted within the constraints of a vehicle, such as an RV. Figure 13 The diagram shows the undeployed configuration of the folding counter assembly 28 within the interior space of the RV. Upper support member 30 and lower support member 36 are secured to the sides of the RV, thereby allowing an exit within the vehicle. In some embodiments, the upper support member 30 is omitted, or the upper support member is instead a storage compartment along the upper side wall of the vehicle. Figure 14 In this configuration, one of the panels 34 has been unfolded and folded downwards, thereby forming a substantially horizontal support surface as described above. Folding support legs 32 have been unfolded to support the panel 34. Figure 15In this embodiment, the two panels 34 are unfolded and abutted or secured to each other, forming an extended support surface such that excessive downward pressure generated by the two panels around the horizontal surface will not separate the panels 34. In this embodiment, only one pair of support legs 32 is used, but a second pair of support legs extending from the opposing panels 34 may be used if desired. The horizontal surface supported by the folding support legs 32 can withstand, for example, downward pressure of up to 800 pounds; however, this is not a limiting feature. The horizontal surface can be used to support a variety of items, including but not limited to gears, people sitting or lying on them, food, or other items such as bicycles. In some cases, the upward-facing surface of the panel 34 can be used as a writing surface. In some embodiments, the panel 34 is rotatably secured to the top of its respective lower support member 36.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pad 35 is placed and / or secured to the upward-facing surface of each panel 34, such as Figure 15 As shown. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to use the horizontal surface formed by the panel 34 as a seat or bed (e.g., when both panels 34 extend together to form an extended surface), a cushion 35 can be used. When the cushion 35 is placed on the upward-facing surface of the panel 34, the surface can be used as a bench or bed.

[0053] In one non-limiting exemplary use case, when not in use, panel 34 folds against the inner wall of the RV in a substantially vertical orientation, as described above. Figure 13 As shown. The lower portion of panel 34 is hinged to the top of a corresponding lower support member 36. In some embodiments, when not in use, the upper support member 30 helps to hold the top of panel 34 in a substantially vertical position. A user wishing to use the folding counter assembly 28 extends the legs 32 that are fixed or otherwise positioned against the exposed side of one of the panels 34 and pivots the panel 34 in a downward direction until the panel 34 is in a substantially horizontal position supported by the legs 32. In another embodiment, the user can swing the second panel 34 in a downward direction until it abuts the first panel 34, thereby forming an extended horizontal surface. In other embodiments, a second pair of legs 32 from another panel can be used for support. In some embodiments, the user can connect the panels 34 together using a locking member or an equivalent mechanism. In another embodiment, one of the panels 34 includes an extended lower lip on which the opposing panel 34 rests. In one embodiment, one or more pads 35 can be placed on the upward-facing surface of the panel 34.

[0054] Figure 16AThis is a perspective view of the seat / bed conversion assembly 38 of the RV conversion system disclosed herein in a substantially upright position. The seat / bed conversion assembly 38 comprises one or more person seats / bench 40 facing forward or possibly to the side, which utilize a series of mechanisms to produce folding / hinging / adjustment capabilities, thereby allowing the various surfaces of the seat 40 to be adjusted from an upright, seatbelt-fastened position to various tilting stages, up to a fully extended horizontal bed, as shown in subsequent figures. A handle / lever 39 can be used to adjust the seat / bed conversion assembly to its different tilting stages. However, the handle / lever 39 shown in the figures is merely exemplary, and other devices for adjusting the angle of the assembly 38 can be used, such as one or more foot pedals, one or more buttons, or one or more handles or levers positioned in locations other than those shown in the figures. The assembly 38 includes a backrest 42, which can also be adjusted from... Figure 16A The upright seat configuration shown is adjustable to various other configurations shown in subsequent figures. In one embodiment, the backrest 42 is formed by two parts, an upper part 42A and a lower part 42B. The design includes a seat base design and floor mounting system 44 for automotive applications, as well as a top frame that produces the aforementioned actions for both automotive and non-automotive applications, including a panel and a tilting mechanism.

[0055] Figure 16B Component 38 is shown, in which a portion of the base 40 has been rotated in the direction of the arrow, such that the underside 46 of a portion of the base 40 is now exposed. In one embodiment, the underside 46 of the seat 40 is a cushion or pillow, or otherwise a soft surface that allows a person to sit on it.

[0056] Figure 16C The lower portion 42B of the backrest 42 is shown to have been rotated in the direction of the arrow to abut the lower side 46 of the seat 40, forming an extended resting surface. For example, the user's head and upper body can rest against the upper portion 42A, while the rest of the user rests on the lower portion 42B and the lower side 46 of the seat 40. The exposed surface 48 beneath the lower portion 42B of the backrest 42 is now exposed.

[0057] Figure 16D It shows Figure 16C The component 38 is constructed, but in a fully tilted bed configuration. In one embodiment, the exposed surface 48 is substantially flush with the surfaces of the lower portion 42B and lower side 46 of the seat 40 to form a rest / sleep surface. The upper portion 42A of the backrest 42 can be used, for example, as a headrest or pillow. It should be understood that... Figures 16A to 16D The position of component 38 shown is merely exemplary, and component 38 may be located elsewhere. Figure 16A The basically upright seating structure shown Figure 16DThe fully tilted structures shown are manipulated and held in place at virtually any location.

[0058] Figure 16E It shows Figure 16D The components, but now the upper part 42A of the backrest 42 has been rotated upward along the line of the arrow. In this configuration, the exposed surface 48 is now lengthened to create a longer rest / sleep surface, which is formed by the exposed surface 48, the lower part 42B, and the lower side 46. Therefore, Figures 16A to 16E Various configurations are shown, in which component 38 can be used as a seat and bed within the vehicle's restricted range.

[0059] Therefore, component 38 includes a generally horizontal seat 40 comprising two sections, one section configured to pivot relative to the second section on a first axis, such as... Figure 16B As shown. Component 38 includes a backrest 42 configured to be manipulated relative to seat 40 from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position. The backrest 42 includes a lower portion 42B configured to pivot about a second axis from a first position to a second position and an upper removable portion 42A configured to pivot about a third axis from a third position to a fourth position.

[0060] Figure 17A Component 38 is shown in yet another configuration. Here, in the recliner configuration, the upper part 42A of the backrest 42 serves as a headrest and component 38 is angled in a partially tilted position.

[0061] exist Figure 17B In, it is shown Figure 17A Another embodiment of the reclining chair construction. Here, the backrest 42 is in a fully horizontal position, with the upper part 42A fully extended, and the lower section of the seat 42 raised to an angled position.

[0062] Figure 18A Component 38 in a sofa configuration is shown. Here, the upper portion 42A has been moved along the substantially midpoint of component 38 to act as a headrest or pillow. In this embodiment, the upper portion 42A spans a portion of both the exposed surface 48 and the lower portion 42B. Thus, for example, a user can use the upper portion 42A as a pillow and position themselves as if lying on a sofa, for example, resting laterally rather than longitudinally on component 38. Component 38 can be positioned within the interior of a vehicle such that the interior walls of the vehicle support the upper portion 42A when the user lies on it. The upper portion 42A can be moved along the edges of component 38 to any position, as shown in subsequent figures.

[0063] For example, in Figure 18B In addition to the upper part 42A moving along the side of the exposed surface 48, the structure of component 38 is similar to... Figure 18A Similar to what is shown.

[0064] exist Figure 18C In the middle, the upper part 42A moves to cross a portion of the lower part 42B and the lower side 46 of the seat 40. Therefore, Figures 18A-18C It is shown how component 38 can be used as a sofa by using the upper part 42A in different positions to allow a person to sit or rest across component 38 laterally, using the upper part 42A as a headrest or pillow, all of which are inside the vehicle.

[0065] Figure 18D Another configuration of component 38 is shown. Here, the exposed surface 48 and the upper portion 42A form a mounting area, while the seat 40 and the lower portion 42B form a second mounting area.

[0066] Figures 16A to 18D The different configurations shown are merely exemplary, and component 38 and its various parts can be manipulated to produce a number of different sitting / resting / sleeping configurations.

[0067] This document discloses an RV conversion system that allows for the appropriate use of the interior space of a vehicle such as an RV. The disclosure provides several deployable components, such as privacy curtain / shower components, foldable countertop components, and multi-functional seat / bed conversion components, each of which can be deployed and used inside the RV and stored in a manner that appropriately utilizes the RV's interior space when not in use.

[0068] In conjunction with the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, numerous different embodiments have been disclosed herein. It will be understood that a literal description and illustration of each combination and sub-combination of these embodiments would be excessively repetitive and obscure. Therefore, all embodiments are capable of being combined in any manner and / or combination, and this specification, including the accompanying drawings, should be construed as constituting a complete written description of all combinations and sub-combinations of the embodiments described herein, as well as the ways and processes of making and using them, and should support the claims for any such combinations or sub-combinations.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated above, it should be noted that all drawings are not to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings.

Claims

1. A foldable counter assembly for the interior of a recreational vehicle, the foldable counter assembly comprising: A first lower support member and a second lower support member spaced apart from the first lower support member; A first panel is stored above a first lower support member in a substantially vertical, non-expanded configuration. The first panel has a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side, and the first end of the first panel is rotatably fixed to the first lower support member. The second panel is stored above the second lower support member in a substantially vertical, non-expanded configuration. The second panel has a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side, and the first end of the second panel is rotatably fixed to the second lower support member. The first panel and the second panel are configured to transform from the non-expandable configuration to a substantially horizontal unfoldable configuration to form a horizontal support surface; as well as At least one of the first and second panels includes a pair of foldable support legs that, when the panel to which they are attached is in an unfolded configuration, extend vertically toward the bottom surface of the vehicle below the second end of the respective panel, thereby providing support in substantially the center of the substantially horizontal surface.

2. The foldable counter assembly of claim 1, wherein, When both panels are in the unfolded configuration, the ends of the panels are adjacent to each other to form an extended, substantially horizontal support surface.

3. The foldable counter assembly of claim 2, wherein, One of the panels includes an elongated lip that is configured to support another panel when the panels are adjacent to each other.

4. The foldable counter assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first panel and the second panel includes a storage compartment, the storage compartment being sized to receive and hold the support leg therein when the support leg is stored in a non-expanded configuration.

5. The foldable counter assembly of claim 1, wherein, When not in use, the tops of the first and second panels can be fixed to the bottoms of the corresponding upper support members to prevent the panels from unintentionally unfolding and swinging downwards.

6. The foldable counter assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the foldable countertop assembly is not in use, the foldable support legs can be folded and abut against the respective outward-facing second sides of the first and second panels, thereby maintaining a clean space inside the vehicle.

7. A foldable counter assembly for use in the interior of a vehicle, the foldable counter assembly comprising: A first lower support member and a second lower support member spaced apart from the first lower support member; A first panel, the first panel having a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side, the first end of the first panel being rotatably fixed to the first lower support member; The second panel has a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side, and the first end of the second panel is rotatably fixed to the second lower support member. The first panel and the second panel are configured to change from a non-expanded configuration to a substantially horizontal unfolded configuration to form a substantially horizontal support surface; as well as At least one of the first and second panels includes a pair of foldable support legs that, when the panel to which they are attached is in an unfolded configuration, extend vertically toward the bottom surface of the vehicle below the second end of the respective panel, thereby providing support in substantially the center of the substantially horizontal support surface.

8. The foldable counter assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When both panels are in the unfolded configuration, the ends of the panels are adjacent to each other to form an extended, substantially horizontal support surface.

9. The foldable counter assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that, One of the panels includes an elongated lip that is configured to support another panel when the panels are adjacent to each other.

10. The foldable counter assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the first panel and the second panel includes a storage compartment, the storage compartment being sized to receive and hold the support leg therein when the support leg is stored in a non-expanded configuration.

11. The foldable counter assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, When in the non-expanded configuration, the tops of the first and second panels can be fixed to the bottoms of the corresponding upper support members to prevent the panels from unintentionally unfolding and swinging downwards.

12. The foldable counter assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, When the foldable counter assembly is in the non-expanded configuration, the foldable support legs can fold and abut against the respective outward-facing second sides of the first and second panels, thereby maintaining a clean space inside the vehicle.

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