GB2505547A

GB2505547A - Slidable vehicle accommodation extension

Info

Publication number: GB2505547A
Application number: GB1310697.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Douglas Guest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-31
Filing date: 2013-06-14
Publication date: 2014-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-14
Also published as: GB201309814D0; GB201310697D0; GB2505547B

Abstract

An accommodation extension 8 for a vehicle (2, Figure 1a) having an opening. The extension 8 comprising a base plate (36, Figure 5) adapted to be removably installed in the vehicle (2) and a shell 8 adapted to be slideably mounted on the base-plate (36). In use the accommodation extension 8 is installed into the vehicle 2 by attaching the base-plate (36) to the vehicle (2) and mounting the shell 8 on the base-plate (36). Also disclosed is a kit of parts for an accommodation extension 8. Preferably shell 8 comprises a shell (24, Figure 2) connected to a base unit (26, Figure 2). Base plate (36) may have means (32, 38) adapted to prevent shell 8 from being wholly withdrawn from vehicle (2) unintentionally. Optionally a support structure (50, Figure 5) is provided which may be attached at a pivot joint (46, Figure 5).

Description

TITLE

A rigid-walled slide-out accommodation extension for a MPV, van and recreational vehicles

Field of Invention

This invention relates to rigid-walled slide-out accommodation extensions for vehicles with rear tailgate openings or side openings. In particular it relates to extensions for temporary or removable installation in a vehicle.

Background of the Invention

Slide-out accommodation extensions are designed to increase the available internal vehicle space once the vehicle is stationary. The design allows for a smaller overall width or length whilst the vehicle is on the highway between locations. Existing rigid walled slide-out accommodation extension designs find use in American RV motorhomes and also in rear aperture rigid-walled slide-out extensions installed in a limited number of multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and van size vehicles. These units are designed for semi-permanent installation within the vehicle and are mechanically complicated, requiring permanent modifications to be made to the vehicle due to the moment arm leverage forces created by an unsupported slide-out unit. The use of traditional materials such as wood, MDF, and aluminium materials creates a heavy slide-out unit. Additional weight gain problems are created through the requirement for complicated geometric alignment designs in order to achieve an operational extension and retraction of traditional slide-out designs. The alternative of utilising purpose moulded composite one-off low volume rigid walled production units is relatively expensive. The existing rigid walled slide-out designs are therefore incapable of easy removal thereby limiting the roles to either a recreational converted vehicle or an original MPV or van role but not having the ability of having a dual use interchangeable vehicle role.

GB2209999 discloses a rigid walled design made preferably from glass reinforced plastic with guide rails fixed to both the vehicle and slide-out unit, and the support structure for the extended unit fixed to the vehicle bumper. However the design lacks a suitable means of overcoming the rotation about the rear axle of the vehicle, due to the leverage moment arm forces created by the extended unit and occupants' weight, without additional suspension modifications to the vehicle. In addition, whilst the design declares that three positions are attainable for the slide-out unit, due to the likely weight of the design, it is unlikely to provide an easily removable unit. Its use as a temporary installation to create a dual use interchangeable vehicle role is not disclosed.

GB2164005A discloses a further solution to this problem by using a foldable platform which opens out to an unfolded position in which it extends through the rear doorway of the motorised caravan so that it is substantially parallel to but spaced above ground level, support means for supporting the platform in its unfolded position, and an awning for fitting over the platform. However, this design lacks rigidity and strength and is not designed for removal from the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention overcomes the problems outlined above and provides a non-permanent, easily removable, rigid walled slide-out shell accommodation extension for temporary installation into the rear aperture opening of existing MPV, van and other vehicles.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an accommodation extension for a vehicle having an opening, and which has a base-plate adapted to be removably installed in the vehicle and a shell adapted to be slideably mounted on the base-plate. This means that the accommodation extension can be installed into the vehicle by attaching the base-plate to the vehicle and mounting the shell on the base-plate. Preferably, a support structure is also included which is pivotally attached to the base-plate. This means that the installed accommodation unit can be deployed by lowering the support structure so that it rests on the ground and sliding the shell along the base-plate and out of the opening.

It can be used with existing MPV and van type vehicles with rear opening apertures, incorporating a removable simple low cost slide-out mechanism designed specifically to enable a dual use role to be achieved for vehicles into which the extension is fitted. It is recyclable at the end of its useful life.

Preferably, the shell includes rigid walls and comprises a lightweight material, which means that the shell is easily installed and deployed. The lightweight material typically comprises fibre reinforced thermoplastic having a twin skin and honeycomb centre.

Preferably, the shell includes a base. The shell is formed to fit within the rear aperture of the vehicle, to provide a roof, floor, and three walls with one open end, and a base unit, to form the slide-out shell extension. Preferably, the base is configured to be attached to the shell.

Preferably, the base-plate and/or the base can include roller means to allow the shell to slide on the base-plate, providing a simple slide-out mechanism. Preferably, an over extension stop block at a front edge of the shell and a counter stop block at a rear edge of the base-plate prevent the shell from over-extending.

Preferably, the base-plate is adapted to be removably installed using existing fixings for a rear seat. The base-plate is easily installed and removed, and can incorporate a multiplicity of rollers, designed to enable the slide-out shell extension, which has a multiplicity of rollers attached to the base unit, to move forward and backward within the aperture of the vehicle with minimal force, and to provide the connection between the vehicle and the fold down leg support system required for full extension of the slide-out shell extension.

Preferably, the support structure pivots so as to rest on the ground, and includes independently adjustable legs to for uneven ground. The fold down support leg and platform system for deployment prior to extension movement of the slide-out shell extension, designed to enable the slide-out shell extension to be extended and supported in its extended position. The leg and platform system has a multiplicity of independently adjustable legs designed to accommodate uneven ground levels and provide a level platform for the slide-out shell extension to extend upon without the need for side-wall or roof support fixings to the vehicle, and also to accommodate for the rotational movement about the connection point between the vehicle and the support leg and platform system in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and also to accommodate for the rotational movement about the connection point between the vehicle and the support leg and platform system in the lateral axis of the vehicle, without the need for any suspension modifications to the vehicle which would be otherwise required for an unsupported slide-out shell extension due to the leverage forces created.

Preferably, there is a seal between the shell and an inner surface of the vehicle when deployed, which means the accommodation extension fits vehicles having different sizes of opening. This weatherproof flexible seal bridges the gap between the forward external surfaces of the slide-out shell extension and the inner surface of the vehicle's aperture opening.

Preferably, a bed-seat unit is included, the bed-seat comprising a first pad for attaching to the base and a second pad pivotally connected to the first pad. The seat base and bed base component is movable to provide maximum accommodation space within the vehicle. The seat back and bed base is detachable from the seat base and bed base component to provide a level bed area.

Preferably, when combined with a vehicle, the extension forms a slide-out structure within the lateral walls of the vehicle that in the retracted position lies wholly within the vehicles existing enclosure. The slide-out shell extension consists of two components being the upper shell and the base unit. References made to the slide-out shell extension therefore refer to the combination of these two components.

Preferably, the opening is a tailgate.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the accommodation extension of any preceding claim.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for an accommodation extension for a vehicle having an opening. The kit of parts includes: a base-plate adapted to be removably installed in the vehicle; and a shell adapted to be slideably mounted on the base-plate. In use, the base-plate is attached to the vehicle and the shell is mounted on the base-plate.

Preferably, a support structure that can be pivotally attached to the base-plate is included.

Preferably, a base for attachment to the shell is included.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a more complete explanation of the present invention and the technical advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description and the accompanying drawing in which: Fig. la shows a schematic representation of an MPV with the rear tailgate opened and the slide-out accommodation extension of the present invention in the fully retracted position with the leg and platform system in its road transport position; Fig. lb shows a schematic representation of the leg and platform system in its part lowered position; Fig. lcshows a schematic representation of the leg and platform system in its fully lowered position; Fig. ld shows a schematic representation of the slide-out accommodation extension of the present invention partially deployed; Fig. le shows a schematic representation of the slide-out accommodation extension of the present invention in its fully deployed position; Fig. ifU) shows a schematic representation of the seat base / bed base and seat back / bed base in the seat position configuration in the forward seat position; Fig. lf(ii) shows a more detailed schematic representation of the seat base! bed base and seat back/bed base; Fig. ig shows a schematic representation of the seat base/bed base and seat back /bed base in the bed position with the slide-out accommodation extension of the present invention deployed Fig. ihO) shows a schematic representation of the seat/bed base and seat back/bed base in the seat position configuration with the slide-out accommodation extension of the present invention retracted; Fig. lhOi) shows a more detailed schematic representation of the seat/ bed base and seat back/bed base in the seat position configuration with the slide-out accommodation extension of the present invention retracted; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the shell connected to the base unit, which together form the slide-out accommodation extension of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a bottom surface of the base unit; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the base unit fitted to the vehicle floor; Fig. 5 shows a more detailed schematic representation of the vehicle floor with the base unit fixed to the vehicle floor; Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the positioning of the base unit and the hinge connection to the vehicle floor; Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the leg and platform system in its deployed position in relation to the base-plate; Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the independent leg adjustment for accommodation of uneven ground; Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of longitudinal rotation connection accommodation points between the leg and platform system and the vehicle; and Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation lateral connection accommodation point between the support leg and platform system and the vehicle.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention and their technical advantages may be better understood by initially referring to Figs. 1 a to 1 h. In order to accommodate for the lateral and longitudinal deflection movements in use, by differing weight occupants and internal accommodation occupant movement, between the slide-out shell extensions' deployed position, the ground contact point and the connection point with the vehicle, the slide-out shell extension is deliberately fabricated with such tolerance gaps between the shell outer extremities and the internal walls of the vehicles aperture. The requirement for providing a weather tight seal between the forward outer surface of the slide-out shell extension and inner aperture of the vehicle, is therefore accomplished through flexible seal 6 (see also 12 Fig.2).

Fig. la shows a schematic representation of a conventional sized MPV or small van sized vehicle 2 with rear tailgate opened 4, in which the slide out accommodation extension 8 is in the fully retracted position, and support structure 10 in its road transport position. Support structure 10 comprises a leg and platform system in the example shown in the Figs. Weatherproof flexible 6 seal is attached at a number of points to the vehicle. Fig. lb shows a schematic representation of the leg and platform system in its part lowered position. The hinge points between the leg and the platform are identified by 14. The hinge point between the platform and the base-plate 36 is shown as 16. The combination of these hinges allows the leg and platform system to be lowered so that the leg feet may make contact with the ground.

Fig. lc shows a schematic representation of leg and platform system lOin its fully lowered position prior to the slide-out shell extension deployment.

Fig. id shows a schematic representation of slide-out shell extension 8 partially deployed.

Fig. le shows a schematic representation of slide-out shell extension 8 in its fully deployed position.

Fig. ifU) shows a schematic representation of seat base! bed base 18 and seat back! bed base 20 in the seat position configuration in the forward seat position, with the slide-out shell extension deployed 8, and the increased internal accommodation space within the vehicle 2.

Fig. lfOi) shows a more detailed schematic representation of the seat base! bed base 18 and seat base! bed base 20 in the forward seat position configuration with the slide-out shell extension 8 deployed and the positioning of the seat back in this configuration within the slide-out shell extension.

Fig. ig shows a schematic representation of the seat base / bed base 18 and seat base! bed base 20 in the bed position with the slide-out shell extension 8 deployed and the retained internal accommodation space within the vehicle.

Fig. lh(i) shows a schematic representation of the base! bed base 18 and seat base! bed base 20 in the seat position configuration with the slide-out shell extension 8 retracted in its transportation position within the vehicle 2.

Fig. lhOi) shows a more detailed schematic representation of the base/bed base 18 and seat base / bed base 20 in the seat position configuration with the slide-out shell extension 8 retracted in its transportation position within the vehicle (vehicle not shown).

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of shell 24 connected to base unit 26, which together forms the slide-out accommodation extension 8. This connection may be achieved by either mechanical or welded means when both components are materially compatible.

Flexible seal 6 (not shown, see Fig. la) connects to Velcro strip connection points 12 for the weatherproof seal. Typically, this is a 200mm wide strip of weatherproof material attached either permanently or temporarily to the internal surface of the vehicle aperture. This fixing may be achieved most easily by releasing existing flexible edge weather seal strip from the vehicle aperture opening, placing approximately 30mm of the 200mm wide weatherproof material strip edge over the exposed vehicle edge seal fixing point, and then re-fixing the vehicle's original flexible edge weather seal strip over the top of the material edge, thereby trapping a 30mm strip of the 200mm wide strip under the vehicles existing weather seal edging. A weatherproof seal is achieved, once the slide-out shell extension is deployed, by bridging the gap with the remaining 170mm weatherproof material strip and attaching itto the outer surface of the slide-out shell extension by means of a Velcro strip sewn to the material, attached to the corresponding adhesive backed Velcro strip attached to the outer forward external surfaces of the slide-out shell extension.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation the bottom surface of base 26 showing a low friction slider runner 28, laterally fixed to the front lower edge which additionally serves as the over extension stop block when the slide-out shell extension is deployed. If further friction reduction is required a multitude of rollers or wheels 30 may be fixed to the bottom surface of base unit 26. The multitude of rollers are positioned so that in the slide-out shell extension deployed position they may travel beyond the back edge of the base-plate 36 unit shown in Fig. 4 and described below. Base unit 26 provides support for the bed and seating accommodations within the vehicle, and provides additional storage space in a gap between base 26 and shell 24. Base unit 26 also incorporates an over extension stop block at a front edge 28.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the base-plate component 36 as fitted to the vehicle floor 9. Base-plate 36 is secured to the vehicle floor 9 by mechanical fixings which are usually, but not limited to, the original anchor fixing points of the removed rear seats of the vehicle. The upper surface of the base-plate 36 provides the level surface over which the slide-out shell extension slides or travels between deployed and retracted positions. Several millimetres from the rear most edge is a stepped height counter stop block 32, which firstly prevents the over extension travel of the stop block fitted to the base unit 26 described in Fig. 3 above, and additionally centralises the slide-out shell extension position on the leg and platform system. The over extension stop block is prevented from travelling beyond the back edge of the base-plate unit 36 at the deployed point where it makes contact with the over extension counter stop block 32. The face-to-face surface contact of the stop block and the counter stop block in the deployed position ensures a generalised central position of the slide-out shell extension upon the platform of the leg and platform system.

The counter stop block higher level is surfaced with a low friction covering which may be replaced with a multitude of wheels or rollers in addition to the multitude of rollers 34 fixed to the base-plate 36 (see also 62 and 34 Fig. 6), dependant on the total weight of the slide-out shell extension and storage load, over which the base unit 26 of the slide-out shell extension may travel to deployed or retracted position. The combination of counter stop block height, base-plate 36 height, and the slide-out shell extension is sufficient to allow deployment up to the over extension stop point, whereby the addition of the stop block height attached to the front edge of the slide-out shell extension is greater than the total rear aperture height of the vehicle, preventing further deployment movement. To facilitate the total removal of the slide-out shell extension the slide-out shell extension must first be slid forward beyond its normal retraction stop point, at which point the counter stop block can be removed from the base-plate 36, enabling the slide-out shell extension to be fully removed through the rear aperture of the vehicle. The rear most edge of the base-plate 36 provides the attachment hinge fixing point for leg and platform system. It should be noted that the counter stop block is of such height, in the deployed position as to lift the stop block attached to the base unit 26 clear from the upper surface of the base-plate 36 unit (32 Fig. 6).

Fig. 5 shows a more detailed schematic representation of the vehicle floor 9, with the base-plate component 36 secured to the vehicle floor using the anchor fixings 44 for the seats (now removed), and its connection via the lateral pivot connection point 38 to the counter stop block 32 which makes contact with underside of the slide-out shell extension shown previously. Lateral pivot in this context means side-to-side rotation about an axis of the vehicle extending along the middle of vehicle from the front of the vehicle to the back of the vehicle. Additional rollers where required are shown as 34. The longitudinal hinge point 46 connects the base-plate 36 and the platform 50 of the leg and platform system. The hinge between the leg and platform system and base-plate 36 provides for the longitudinal rotational pivot between the vehicle and the ground contact point, created as occupants move forward and backward within the internal accommodation space. Longitudinal in this context means a front-to-back rotation essentially around a rear axle of the vehicle. Hinge 48 facilitates the required platform stability for the slide-out shell extension deployment through the outer vertical legs 52 and the bracing arms 54 which are hinged about 56 and fixed to the vertical legs 52 as shown in 53. Uneven ground is accommodated through the individual inner leg extensions 58 and their adjustable holes positions (40 and 42). The footplate connection to the ground is shown as 60.

Fig. 6 shows a more detailed schematic representation of the rear view of the vehicle floor 9, the positioning of the base-plate 36, the lateral hinge connection 38. between the base-plate unit 36 and the counter stop block 32. Counter stop block 32 also pivots laterally about its centre point 38 in order to accommodate for the minimal difference between the leg adjustment points (40, 42 Fig. 5) and the lateral movement created by occupant movement within the vehicle in addition to the possible uneven ground contact points of the multitude of legs. Low friction top 62 of the counter stop block is shown, and its slightly elevated position relative to the multitude of rollers 34 attached to the base-plate 36 if required.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the leg and platform system 10 in its deployed position in relation to the base-plate 36. The multitude of front hinges are attached to the rear most edge of the base-plate unit 36 described earlier and provide the pivot point (14 Fig. lb), for raising and lowering the leg and platform system to the horizontal position over which the slide-out shell extension travels. The rear edge of the platform on the underside provides the opposing pivot point (16 Fig. lb) required to enable the legs component to lie vertically towards the ground. Uneven ground requirements, both longitudinally and laterally, are accomplished through independently adjustable leg height positions. The fixing of the 90 degree angle between the horizontal platform and vertical leg frame is accomplished by diagonal braces, each of which is permanently hinge fixed at one end and temporarily fixed at the other (53,54,56 Fig. 5).

The design is intended to provide a removable temporarily installable unit to increase accommodation space without the need for high tech geometrical alignment fittings. In order to accommodate for the lateral and longitudinal deflection movements in actual use, by differing weight occupants and internal accommodation occupant movement, between the slide-out shell extension deployed position, the ground connect point and the connection point with the vehicle, both the shell and base unit 26 are deliberately fabricated with such tolerance of gaps between the slide-out shell extension outer extremities and the internal walls of the vehicles aperture to allow such independent movement of both the slide-out shell extension and the vehicle to take place. The requirement for providing a weather tight seal between the forward outer surface of the slide-out shell extension and inner aperture of the vehicle, whilst accommodating the independent movement of both the slide-out shell extension and vehicle, is therefore accomplished through a waterproof material flexible seal permanently attached to either the inner vertical walls and roof surface of the vehicle and temporarily attached to the frontward edge outer shell of the slide-out shell extension once the unit is deployed, or permanently attached to the frontward edge outer shell of the slide-out shell extension and temporarily attached to the vehicles aperture walls roof and floor once the slide-out unit is deployed.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the independent leg adjustment 64 and 66 of Fig. 7 required for reasonable uneven ground contact points 68.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of longitudinal rotation connection accommodation hinge points 46 between the leg and platform system 10 and the vehicle 2.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation lateral connection accommodation point 38 between the support leg and platform system 10 and the vehicle 2.

In use, the slide-out shell extension is deployed by opening the tailgate of the vehicle exposing the leg and platform system. The legs can then be rotated out of the vehicle, through ninety degrees about their pivot point connection to the platform, and the diagonal braces then secured. The platform can then be rotated out of the vehicle through approximately ninety degrees, about its connection point to the base-plate 36, until the feet of the legs make contact with the ground. Uneven ground is accommodated through the adjustment of the individual leg heights to allow the platform to lie level with the vehicle.

Once the platform is level to the vehicle the slide-out shell extension may be deployed by either manually pulling the slide-out shell extension out from the vehicle, or pushing the slide-out shell extension out from inside the vehicle. The fully deployed position is achieved at the point when further extension is prevented by the contact of the stop block fixed on the slide-out shell extension and the counter stop block fixed on the base-plate 36. The weather seal material can then be Velcro attached bridging the gap between the slide-out shell extension and the vehicle aperture. Deployment should normally take less than five minutes.

Retraction is a reversal of the above procedure.

The seat/bed base is an independent component that lies on the upper surface of the slide-out shell extension floor, and provides the seat base in both the slide-out shell extension deployed and retracted positions. The vertical forward edge of the seat base provides both the seat and bed base support in the slide-out shell extension deployed position and slots into the base unit component of the slide-out shell extension in its retracted position. The seat back is an independent component and is detachable from its slot attachment point to the seat base. In both the slide-out shell extension deployed and retracted position the seat back may be located at its retracted position, thereby maximising the internal accommodation space within the vehicle. Additionally, when the slide-out shell extension is in the deployed position, the seat base may be extended forward to allow the seat back to lie in its forward position with maximum storage behind it. Additionally, when the slide-out shell extension is in the deployed position, the seat base may be extended further forward to allow the seat back component to lie behind the rearmost edge of the seat base component, on the slide-out shell extension floor, thereby creating a twin person bed base.

Claims

Claims 1. An accommodation extension for a vehicle having an opening, the extension comprising: a base-plate adapted to be removably installed in the vehicle; and a shell adapted to be slideably mounted on the base-plate; wherein, in use, the accommodation extension is installed into the vehicle by attaching the base-plate to the vehicle and mounting the shell on the base-plate.
2. An accommodation extension according to claim 1, additionally including a support structure pivotally attached to the base-plate, wherein in use, the installed accommodation unit is deployed by lowering the support structure so that it rests on the ground and sliding the shell along the base-plate and out of the opening.
3. An accommodation extension according to claim 2, in which the pivotal attachment comprises a lateral pivot connection point, wherein, in use, the lateral pivot connection point permits side-to-side rotation about an axis of the vehicle extending along the middle of vehicle from the front of the vehicle to the back of the vehicle.
4. An accommodation extension according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the pivotal attachment comprises one or more longitudinal hinge points, wherein, in use, the one or more longitudinal hinge points permits front-to-back rotation around a rear axle of the vehicle.
5. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the shell includes rigid walls and comprises a lightweight material, wherein the shell is easily installed and deployed.
6. An accommodation extension according to claim 5, in which the lightweight material comprises fibre reinforced thermoplastic having a twin skin and honeycomb centre.
7. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the shell includes a base.
8. An accommodation extension according to claim 7, in which the base is configured to be attached to the shell.
9. An accommodation extension according to claim 7 or claim 8, in which the base-plate and/or the base can include roller means to allow the shell to slide on the base-plate, providing a simple slide-out mechanism.
10. An accommodation extension according to any of claims 7 to 9, additionally comprising an over extension stop block at a front edge of the shell and a counter stop block at a rear edge of the base-plate.
11. An accommodation extension according to any of claims 7 to 10, additionally comprising a bed-seat unit, the bed-seat comprising a first part for attaching to the base and a second part pivotally connected to the first part.
12. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the base-plate is adapted to be removably installed using existing fixings for a rear seat.
13. An accommodation extension according to any of claims 2 to 12, in which the support structure pivots so as to rest on the ground, and includes independently adjustable legs for uneven ground.
14. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a seal between the shell and an inner surface of the vehicle when deployed, wherein the accommodation extension fits vehicles having different sizes of opening.
15. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, that when combined with a vehicle forms a slide-out structure within the lateral walls of the vehicle that in the retracted position lies wholly within the vehicles existing enclosure.
16. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the opening is a tailgate.
17. An accommodation extension substantially as described herein with reference to the Drawings.
18. A vehicle comprising the accommodation extension of any preceding claim.
19. A kit of parts for an accommodation extension for a vehicle having an opening, the kit of pads comprising: a base-plate adapted to be removably installed in the vehicle; and a shell adapted to be slideably mounted on the base-plate; wherein, in use, the base-plate is attached to the vehicle and the shell is mounted on the base-plate.
20. A kit of parts according to claim 19, additionally including a support structure configured to pivotally attach to the base-plate.
21. A kit of parts according to claim 19 or claim 20, including a base for attachment to the shell.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. An accommodation extension for a vehicle having an opening, the extension corn p rising: a base-plate adapted to be removably secured to a floor of the vehicle; and a shell comprising means for slideably mounting the shell on the base-plate; wherein, in use, the accommodation extension is installed into the vehicle by attaching the base-plate to the vehicle and mounting the shell on the base-plate.2. An accommodation extension according to claim 1, additionally including a support structure pivotally attached to the base-plate, wherein in use, the installed accommodation unit is deployed by lowering the support structure so that it rests on the ground and sliding the shell along the base-plate and out of the opening. r0 3. An accommodation extension according to claim 2, in which the pivotal attachment CO 15 comprises a lateral pivot connection point, wherein, in use, the lateral pivot connection r point permits side-to-side rotation about an axis of the vehicle extending along the middle of vehicle from the front of the vehicle to the back of the vehicle.4. An accommodation extension according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the pivotal attachment comprises one or more longitudinal hinge points, wherein, in use, the one or more longitudinal hinge points permits front-to-back rotation around a rear axle of the vehicle.5. An accommodation extension according to any of claims 2 to 4, in which the support structure pivots so as to rest on the ground, and includes independently adjustable legs for uneven ground.6 An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the shell includes rigid walls.7. An accommodation extension according to claim 6, in which the shell comprises fibre reinforced thermoplastic having a twin skin and honeycomb centre.8. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the shell includes a base.9. An accommodation extension according to claim 8, in which the base is configured to be attached to the shell.10. An accommodation extension according to claim 8 or claim 9, in which the base-plate and/or the base includes roller means to allow the shell to slide on the base-plate, 0.. . providing a simple slide-out mechanism. Co r11. An accommodation extension according to any of claims 8 to 10, additionally comprising an over extension stop block at a front edge of the shell and a counter stop block at a rear edge of the base-plate.12. An accommodation extension according to any of claims 8 to 110, additionally comprising a bed-seat unit, the bed-seat comprising a first pad for attaching to the base and a second part pivotally connected to the first part.13. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the base-plate is adapted to be removably secured to the floor of the vehicle using existing fixings for a rear seat.14. An accommodation extension according to any preceding claim, in which the opening is a tailgate.15. An accommodation extension substantially as described herein with reference to the Drawings.16. A vehicle comprising the accommodation extension of any preceding claim.17. A kit of parts for an accommodation extension for a vehicle having an opening, the kit of parts comprising: a base-plate adapted to be removably secured to a floor of the vehicle; and a shell comprising slider means for slideably mounting the shell on the base-plate; wherein, in use, the base-plate is attached to the vehicle and the shell is mounted on the base-plate.18. A kit of parts according to claim 17, additionally including a support structure configured to pivotally attach to the base-plate.19. A kit of parts according to claim 17 or claim 18, including a base for attachment to the shell.