AU2016203069A1

AU2016203069A1 - Dual Purpose Trailer

Info

Publication number: AU2016203069A1
Application number: AU2016203069A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul Malcolm Barber
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-07
Filing date: 2016-05-11
Publication date: 2016-05-26
Also published as: AU2015201718A1; AU2016204995A1; AU2015100293A4; AU2015100293B4; AU2016204995B2

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a portable sleeping assembly. The portable sleeping assembling includes a base for removably mounting to transport, one or more walls extending from the base, each wall including one or more rigid panels, and a roof from which the one or more walls extend such that movement of the one or more walls moves the roof relative to the base. '7 ~c3 \ N \\ 7\ C>

Description

DUAL PURPOSE TRAILER TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a portable sleeping assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable sleeping assembly suitable for use when camping, although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Camping is an outdoor recreational activity enjoyed by all members of the family. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan or motorhome for setting up shelter in an outdoor area. [0003] The setting up of a tent typically involves the erection of tent poles and tent canvas, tying down the rainfly to the tent poles and tent pegs, and then securing the tent using ropes and tent pegs. Setting up and packing away tents can be a time consuming process. If wet tents are packed up at the end of a camping trip, it may also be necessary to unpack, clean and dry out the tent components at home to prevent the development of mould and mildew. Moreover, tents may be prone to damage during severe weather conditions. For example, the canvas of a tent may become torn and/or blown away, and/or the tent poles may become broken during heavy storm and wind conditions. [0004] Some campers use canvas roof top tents which can be erected to define a sleeping quarter. However, the roof top tents are designed to be mounted to the roof top of a vehicle and accessed via a ladder, which can be difficult for children and elderly people. The mounting and dismounting of roof top tents at the required elevated position can also be time consuming, dangerous and labour intensive. The canvas of the roof top tents may also become damaged in rough weather conditions. In addition, canvas roof top tents can increase the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle resulting in worse fuel economy for the vehicle when the roof top tent is mounted to the roof of the vehicle. [0005] Caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes are also used for camping. However, caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes are bulky items which can be difficult to manoeuvre on the road. A caravan, camper trailer or motorhome would also require large storage space, which can be impractical for families living in apartments, townhouses and small houses. Moreover, it is difficult to take other large items in addition to a caravan or camper trailer when camping. For example, it would not be possible for a vehicle to tow a boat if the vehicle is already towing a caravan or camper trailer. It is also difficult to tow an item behind a motorhome. Due to the generally large and bulky nature of the motorhome, it would be difficult for the driver to view the towed item, for example, when turning corners and reversing. In addition, as caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes are typically not built for off-road usage, they cannot be taken on off-road camping trips. [0006] The present invention is directed an improved portable sleeping assembly, or a portable sleeping assembly which provides the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable sleeping assembly including a base for removably mounting to transport, one or more walls extending from the base, each wall including one or more rigid panels, and a roof from which the walls extend such that movement of the walls moves the roof relative to the base. [0009] Advantageously, the one or more rigid panels provide for a stronger and more robust sleeping assembly. Moreover, the rigid panels provide improved insulation and protection against rough weather conditions, such as strong winds, hail, thunderstorms and the like. [0010] In one embodiment of the invention, erection of the walls separates the roof from the base to define a sleeping chamber. [0011] The transport may be a vehicle, trailer or a boat. The vehicle may be a caravan. The base may be mounted to the back of a truck or utility vehicle ("ute"), the roof of a vehicle, on top a trailer or inside a boat. [0012] In one embodiment, the portable sleeping assembly is configured for mounting to the storage tray of a pick-up truck or ute. [0013] Advantageously, as the storage tray of a ute is much lower than the roof of a vehicle, the portable sleeping assembly can be conveniently mounted to the storage tray at a manageable and safe height. The lower elevation of the mounted sleeping assembly also enables the sleeping assembly to be more accessible, for example by children and elderly people. [0014] The portable sleeping assembly may be pivotally mounted along one end to the storage tray such that the portable sleeping assembly can be lifted at an opposite end to allow access to the storage tray. The roof of the portable sleeping assembly may act as a tonneau cover for the ute when the portable sleeping assembly is in a collapsed position. In addition, the portable sleeping assembly may include a lock for locking a tail gate of the storage tray. [0015] Advantageously, the portable sleeping assembly does not interfere with the normal operation of the ute and can be permanently mounted thereon if desired. Accordingly, for frequent campers, the portable sleeping assembly can remain mounted to the ute between camping trips so as to eliminate the hassle of dismounting and remounting the sleeping assembly. Further, the dual purpose of the sleeping assembly roof provides a tonneau cover for the ute so that items stored in the storage tray of the ute is protected. Further, the portable sleeping assembly does not interfere with the ability of the ute to operate on off-road terrain and to tow other items such as boats and trailers. [0016] The base of the sleeping assembly may include a mattress and a support frame for supporting the mattress. The base may be seated on fixtures of the transport. Advantageously, the portable sleeping assembly is ready to use when erected. [0017] The portable sleep assembly may include a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls. Each of the side walls may include an upper rigid panel pivotally attached to a lower rigid panel. Each of the side walls may be foldable along a centreline so as to facilitate movement of the roof relative to the base. Each of the side walls may be pivotally attached to the roof along an upper edge and pivotally attached to the base along a lower edge. [0018] Each of the end walls may be pivotally attached to the roof or the base along one edge. One of the end walls may be pivotally attached to the roof along an upper edge and one of the end walls may be pivotally attached to the base along a lower edge. Each of the end walls may include a free edge such that the end wall can be folded along its opposite edge which is pivotally attached to the roof or the base. [0019] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a sleeping assembly, the method including removably mounting a base of the sleeping assembly to transport, extending one or more walls of the sleeping assembly from the base, each wall including one or more rigid panels, and moving a roof of the sleeping assembly relative to the base by moving the walls. [0020] One of the end walls may include a doorway for allowing a person to access the sleeping assembly. The doorway may include a door panel. One or both end walls may include a window. One or both side walls may include a window. [0021] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable sleeping assembly including a base, one or more walls extending from the base, each wall including one or more rigid panels, and a roof from which the walls extend such that movement of the walls moves the roof relative to the base. [0022] The base may be mounted to a vehicle, trailer, boat, caravan or any relocatable structure. [0023] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a dual purpose box or flatbed trailer; the trailer comprising a suspension and road wheel assembly and a chassis; the trailer further comprising a collapsible sleeping assembly; the sleeping assembly including a base, opposing side walls, a front wall and a rear wall pivotally attached at the base,, a roof interconnected with the base by the opposing side walls, and wherein the roof of the sleeping assembly forms a load bed of the trailer when the walls of the sleeping assembly are in a first substantially horizontal collapsed position, and wherein the base of the sleeping assembly is mounted directly to the chassis of the trailer. [0024] Preferably, when in a box trailer configuration, the base of the sleeping assembly is integral with side and front panels of the box trailer. [0025] Preferably, each of the opposing side walls is comprised of a lower rigid panel and an upper rigid panel; adjoining horizontal edges of the lower and upper rigid panels hinged together; a lower edge of the lower rigid panel pivotally connected to the base; an upper edge of the upper rigid panel pivotally connected to the roof; and wherein rotation of each lower rigid panel from the first substantially horizontal collapsed position into a second substantially vertical position raises each upper rigid panel into a substantially vertical position and raises the roof into a position above the base for use. [0026] Preferably, rotation of each lower rigid panel is driven by an electric motor interconnected with the side walls by shafts and gearing. [0027] In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of integrating a collapsible sleeping assembly in a dual purpose box or flatbed trailer; the trailer including at least a road wheel and suspension assembly, a chassis and, in box trailer configuration, side panels and a front panel; the sleeping assembly including a base, a roof, opposing side walls, and front and rear walls; the method including the steps of: mounting a base of the sleeping assembly directly to the chassis of the box trailer, forming the side walls as folding panels pivotally interconnected with each other and respectively pivotally connected with the base and the roof, forming the roof to act as a load bed of the trailer when the sleeping assembly is in the collapsed state, and wherein rotation of lower ones of the folding panels of the opposing side walls from a substantially horizontal position in the collapsed state, to a substantially vertical position, raises the roof of the sleeping assembly for use. [0028] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a dual purpose box or flatbed trailer; the trailer comprising a suspension and road wheel assembly and a chassis; the trailer further comprising a collapsible sleeping assembly; the sleeping assembly including a base, opposing side walls, a front wall and a rear wall; each of the walls pivotally attached to the base, a roof interconnected with the base by the opposing side walls, and wherein the roof of the sleeping assembly forms a load bed of the trailer when the walls of the sleeping assembly are in a first substantially horizontal collapsed position, and wherein the base of the sleeping assembly is mounted directly to the chassis of the trailer. [0029] Preferably in a box trailer configuration, the base of the sleeping assembly is integral with side and front panels of the box trailer.

[0030] Preferably in a box trailer configuration, the roof of the sleeping assembly is integral with side and front panels of the box trailer. [0031] Preferably each of the opposing side walls of the sleeping assembly is comprised of a lower rigid panel and an upper rigid panel; adjoining horizontal edges of the lower and upper rigid panels hinged together. [0032] Preferably a lower edge of each lower rigid panel is pivotally connected to the base; an upper edge of the upper rigid panel pivotally connected to the roof. [0033] Preferably rotation of each lower rigid panel from the first substantially horizontal collapsed position into a second substantially vertical position raises each upper rigid panel into a substantially vertical position and raises the roof into a position above the base for use. [0034] Preferably rotation of each lower rigid panel is driven by an electric motor interconnected with the side walls by shafts and gearing. [0035] In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of integrating a collapsible sleeping assembly in a dual purpose box or flatbed trailer; the trailer including at least a road wheel and suspension assembly, a chassis and, in box trailer configuration, side panels, a front panel and a tailgate; the sleeping assembly including a base, a roof, opposing side walls, and front and rear walls; each of the walls pivotally attached to the base; the method including the steps of: mounting the base of the sleeping assembly directly to the chassis of the box trailer, forming the side walls as folding panels pivotally interconnected with each other and respectively pivotally connected with the base and the roof, forming the roof to act as a load bed of the trailer when the sleeping assembly is in the collapsed state, and wherein rotation of lower ones of the folding panels of the opposing side walls from a substantially horizontal position in the collapsed state, to a substantially vertical position, raises the roof of the sleeping assembly for use. [0036] Preferably the side panels. front panel and tailgate of the dual purpose trailer in box trailer configuration are integral with the base of the sleeping assembly.

[0037] Preferably the side panels, front panel and tailgate of the dual purpose trailer in box trailer configuration are integral with the roof of the sleeping assembly. [0038] Preferably the side panels, front panel and a tailgate provide a load space on the roof of the sleeping assembly. [0039] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0040] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0041] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0042] Figure 1 is a first end view of a portable sleeping assembly in a fully erected condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the portable sleeping assembly of Figure 1 in which the end walls are being collapsed. [0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the portable sleeping assembly of Figures 1 and 2 in which the side walls are being collapsed. [0045] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the portable sleeping assembly of Figures 1 to 3 mounted to the storage tray of a utility vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0046] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the portable sleeping assembly mounted to the utility vehicle shown in Figure 4 when the portable sleeping assembly is in its collapsed condition. [0047] Figures 6a to 6d shows the portable sleeping assembly of Figures 1 to 3 mounted to other forms of transport, 0 [0048] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a dual purpose trailer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention showing a portable sleeping assembly of the trailer in a fully collapsed condition, [0049] Figure 7A is a further perspective view of the trailer of Figure 7 showing the side and front walls and tailgate forming a box trailer. [0050] Figure 8 is an end view of the trailer and portable sleeping assembly of Figure 7, [0051] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the portable sleeping assembly of Figures 7 and 8 in which the side walls are partly erected, [0052] Figure 9A shows the side and front walls and tailgate assembled to the roof of the sleeping assembly in one preferred arrangement, [0053] Figure 10 is an end view of the partly erected state of the side walls of Figure 9, [0054] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the portable sleeping assembly in which the side walls are fully erected, [0055] Figure 12 is an end view of the erected side walls of Figure 11, [0056] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the dual purpose trailer with the sleeping assembly in a fully erected state, [0057] Figure 13A is a further perspective view of the dual purpose trailer with the sleeping assembly fully erected.. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0058] Figure 1 illustrates a portable sleeping assembly 10. The portable sleeping assembly 10 includes a base 12 for removably mounting to transport (see Figures 4 to 6). The base 10 includes a mattress 14 and a support frame 16 for supporting the mattress 14. The portable sleeping assembly 10 further includes two end walls 18, 20 (only one shown), two side walls 22, 24 (only one shown) extending from the base 12, and a roof 26 from which the walls 18, 20, 22, 24 extend. The front end wall 18 includes a door 26 to allow a person to access the sleeping chamber within the sleeping assembly 10. The door 26 includes a window panel 28. The movement of the walls 18, 20, 22, 24 moves the roof 30 relative to the base 12 as explained in further detail below.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the front end wall 18 includes a rigid panel pivotally attached via hinges to the base 12 along its bottom edge 40. In this manner, the front end wall 18 can be collapsed towards the base 12 as shown in Figure 2. When erected, the top edge 41 of the front end wall 18 can be secured to the roof 30 and/or the side walls 22, 24 via any suitable fasteners, such as clips, clamps, pins, nuts and bolts and the like. [0060] The rear end wall 20 includes a rigid panel pivotally attached via hinges to the roof 30 along its top edge 42. Accordingly, the rear end wall 42 can be collapsed towards the roof 30 in the manner shown in Figure 2. When erected, the bottom edge 43 of the rear end wall 20 can be secured to the base 12 and/or the side walls 22, 24 via any suitable fasteners, such as clips, clamps, pins, nuts and bolts and the like. The rear end wall 20 defines an opening 44 in which a window panel and/or insect screen can be fitted. [0061] Each of the side walls 22, 24 includes an upper rigid panel 22a, 24a pivotally attached to a respective lower rigid panel 22b, 24b via hinges so as to allow each of the side walls 22, 24 to be foldable along the hinges. Each of the side walls 22, 24 is also pivotally attached via hinges to the roof 30 along an upper edge 32, 34 and pivotally attached via hinges to the base 12 along a lower edge 36, 38. [0062] As shown in Figure 3, once the front end wall 18 and the rear end wall 20 are fully collapsed, the side walls 22, 24 are folded inwardly to lower the roof 30 towards the base 12 to thereby collapse the sleeping assembly 10. Conversely, the sleeping assembly 10 is erected by unfolding the side walls 22, 24 to separate the roof 30 from the base 12, and erecting the end walls 18, 20 to define the sleeping chamber. [0063] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the sleeping assembly 10 mounted to the storage tray 102 of a utility vehicle 100 ("ute"). The sleeping assembly 10 is mounted over an opening of the storage tray 102 thereby defining an enclosed storage compartment 104 underneath the mounted sleeping assembly 10. [0064] As shown in Figure 5, the sleeping assembly 10 is pivotally mounted to the storage tray along one end 46 such that the sleeping assembly 10 can be lifted to facilitate access to the storage compartment 104. The opposite end 48 of sleeping assembly 10 is supported by a pair of fixtures 106 (only one shown) extending from opposite side walls of the storage tray 102. [0065] Once the sleeping assembly 10 is collapsed and seated on the pair of fixtures 106, the roof 30 of the sleeping assembly 10 acts as a tonneau cover for the ute 100.

IV1~ [0066] The sleeping assembly 10 further includes a lock 50 for locking the tail gate 108 of the ute 100 so as to secure the storage compartment 104. [0067] When using the sleeping assembly 10, the sleeping assembly 10 is mounted to the storage tray 102 of a ute 100 by first pivotally connecting one end 46 of the sleeping assembly 10 to the storage tray 102 via hinges. The opposite end 48 of the sleeping assembly 10 is seated on a pair of fixtures 104 provided in side walls of the storage tray 102. Additional camping equipment and supplies can be stored in the enclosed storage compartment 104 underneath the sleeping assembly 10. [0068] When setting up at the beginning of a camping trip, the sleeping assembly 10 can be erected by first unfolding the side walls 22, 24 to separate the roof 30 from the base 12. The end walls 18, 20 can then be erected and secured in place to set up the sleeping chamber. As the base 12 includes a mattress 14, the sleeping assembly 10 is ready to use once fully erected. One or more persons can access or exit the sleeping chamber via the door 26 of the front end wall 18. [0069] When packing up at the end of a camping trip, the sleeping assembly 10 is collapsed by firstly collapsing the end walls 18, 20 as shown in Figure 2. The side walls 22, 24 are then folded inwardly as shown in Figure 3 until the roof 30 reaches its fully collapsed position as illustrated in Figure 5. [0070] Advantageously, the rigid panels of the walls 18, 20, 22, 24 provide for a stronger and more robust sleeping assembly 10. Moreover, the rigid panels provide improved insulation and protection against rough weather conditions, such as strong winds, hail, thunderstorms and the like. [0071] The sleeping assembly 10 can be easily mounted to the storage tray 102 of a ute 100 without interfering with the normal operation of the ute 100. For example, the ute 100 can still be used to safely tow other items such as a trailer or a boat, and drive on off-road terrain when the sleeping assembly 10 mounted to the ute 100. The sleeping assembly 10 is also very compact when collapsed as shown in Figure 5 and does not require a lot of additional storage space. The storage tray 104 can still be used to store other items. The roof of the sleeping assembly 10 has dual purpose and can also be used as a tonneau cover when the sleeping assembly 10 is collapsed. Accordingly, the user may simply elect to have the sleeping assembly 10 permanently mounted to the ute 100 if desired. [0072] As shown in Figures 6a to 6d, the portable sleeping assembly 10 can also be mounted to different transport such as the roof of a truck or lorry 200 as shown in Figure 6a. In this example, the sleeping assembly 10 may advantageously be used to provide a comfortable sleeping/resting chamber for a fatigue driver of the truck or lorry 200 once he has stopped at a safe location on the side of a road. [0073] As shown in Figure 6b, the portable sleeping assembly 10 can be mounted to the roof of a caravan 300 so as to provide an additional sleeping chamber when required. [0074] As shown in Figure 6c, the portable sleeping assembly 10 can also be mounted to a trailer 400. Alternatively as shown in Figure 6d, the portable sleeping assembly 10 can be mounted to a boat 500. [0075] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to Figures 7 to 13, the sleeping assembly is again formed of opposite folding side walls , front and rear walls, a base and roof panel as previously described. In this embodiment however, the sleeping assembly is incorporated into the construction of a two or four wheeled dual purpose box or flatbed trailer. Typically a two or four wheeled be* trailer suitable for load carrying and towing behind a vehicle, comprises a chassis mounted over a suspension and road wheel assembly 612, a load bed or base and, typically for a box trailer, fixed sides and front panels and a hinged tail gate. As shown in Figures 7 to 13, in this preferred embodiment, the dual purpose trailer 600 according to the invention, conventionally comprises a road wheels and suspension assembly 610, a chassis 612, and in the case of a box trailer, side panels 613, 615, front panel 617 and a tail gate as described above (as shown in Figures 7A). [0076] However, in this arrangement of a box or flatbed trailer, the conventional load bed is replaced by the sleeping assembly 614 such that the base 616 of the sleeping assembly is mounted directly to the chassis 612 and is integral with the side and front panels of the trailer 600. When the sleeping assembly 614 is in its collapsed state as shown in Figure 7, with the folding side walls then in a horizontal position as shown in Figure 8, the roof 618 then acts as the load bed of the trailer. In a preferred arrangement as shown in Figures 7A and 9A, the side panels, front panel and tailgate are assembled to the roof 618 of the sleeping assembly, but alternatively may be assembled to the chassis of the trailer. When integral with the roof, the side panels, front panel and the tailgate continue to provide a useful load space, for example for camping gear. [0077] Preferably, the roof 618 of the sleeping assembly is formed of a suitable material, for example hammer plate, to withstand the normal uses to which box trailers are subjected.

I / When in the collapsed state, the roof 618 is locked down, for example by clips attached to the inside surfaces of the side and end panels, so that items such as trail bikes and other unstable loads may be secured to the roof surface as in a conventional trailer. [0078] In a preferred arrangement, the dual purpose trailer 600 is fitted with an electrically driven erection system for raising the roof and side panels of the sleeping assembly for use. As shown in Figures 9 to 13 the sleeping assembly 614 may be arranged in the trailer such that the folding side panels 620 and 622 lie along the sides of the trailer. The lower edges 624 and 626 of the lower panels 628 and 630 of the two folding side panels are formed so as to have forward projecting shafts extending through, and supported in bearings mounted to the front 632 of the base 616, and rearward projecting shafts supported in bearings mounted to the rear 634 of the base 616. [0079] The forward projecting shafts are interconnected by gearing and a horizontal shaft lying along the front 632 of the base. An electric drive motor acts on the connecting shaft through suitable gearing to rotate both forward projecting shafts and thus rotate the lower panels 628 and 630 to raise the two folding side panels 620 and 622 through 90degrees from a first position in which the side panels lie substantially horizontal as shown in Figures 7 and 8 into a second vertical position as shown in Figure 11. With the folding side walls erected, the front and rear walls 636 and 638, which are hinged to the base, may be raised and fixed to the roof to complete the erection of the sleeping assembly for use as shown in Figure 13. [0080] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the roof 30 may be pivotally attached to the base 12 so as to define a triangular prism shaped sleeping chamber when the sleeping assembly is erected. [0081] In other alternative embodiments of the invention, one side of the sleeping assembly 10 (rather than the rear end 46) may be pivotally mounted to the storage tray 102 of a ute 100 via hinges. [0082] In further alternative embodiments of the invention, the sleeping assembly 10 may be mounted to the floor of the storage tray 102 of the ute 100, or similarly to the floor of a trailer. [0083] In further alternative embodiment of the invention, the roof 30 of the sleeping assembly 10 may act as a floor of storage tray 102 of the ute 100, or similarly the floor of a trailer such that the base 12 of the sleeping assembly 10 is mounted to the chassis of the ute 100 or trailer.

[0084] In further alternative embodiments of the invention, the sleeping assembly 10 may have two or more levels/storeys. For example, two sleeping assemblies 10 may be mounted together so as to form a two storey sleeping assembly. The two sleeping assemblies mounted together may the same size. Alternatively, the sleeping assembly mounted on top may be smaller than the sleeping assembly below. [0085] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0086] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0087] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A dual purpose box or flatbed trailer; the trailer comprising a suspension and road wheel assembly and a chassis; the trailer further comprising a collapsible sleeping assembly; the sleeping assembly including a base, opposing side walls, a front wall and a rear wall; each of the walls pivotally attached to the base, a roof interconnected with the base by the opposing side walls, and wherein the roof of the sleeping assembly forms a load bed of the trailer when the walls of the sleeping assembly are in a first substantially horizontal collapsed position, and wherein the base of the sleeping assembly is mounted directly to the chassis of the trailer.

2. The dual purpose box or flatbed trailer of claim 1 wherein, in a box trailer configuration, the base of the sleeping assembly is integral with side and front panels of the box trailer.

3. The dual purpose box or flatbed trailer of claim 1 wherein in a box trailer configuration, the roof of the sleeping assembly is integral with side and front panels of the box trailer.

4. The dual purpose box or flatbed trailer of claim 1 or 2 wherein each of the opposing side walls of the sleeping assembly is comprised of a lower rigid panel and an upper rigid panel; adjoining horizontal edges of the lower and upper rigid panels hinged together.

5. The dual purpose box or flatbed trailer of claim 4 wherein a lower edge of each lower rigid panel is pivotally connected to the base; an upper edge of the upper rigid panel pivotally connected to the roof.

6. The dual purpose box or flatbed trailer of claim 4 or 5 wherein rotation of each lower rigid panel from the first substantially horizontal collapsed position into a second substantially vertical position raises each upper rigid panel into a substantially vertical position and raises the roof into a position above the base for use.

7. The dual purpose box or flatbed trailer of claim 3 wherein rotation of each lower rigid panel is driven by an electric motor interconnected with the side walls by shafts and gearing.

8. A method of integrating a collapsible sleeping assembly in a dual purpose box or flatbed trailer; the trailer including at least a road wheel and suspension assembly, a chassis and, in box trailer configuration, side panels, a front panel and a tailgate; the sleeping assembly including a base, a roof, opposing side walls, and front and rear walls; each of the walls pivotally attached to the base; the method including the steps of: mounting the base of the sleeping assembly directly to the chassis of the box trailer, forming the side walls as folding panels pivotally interconnected with each other and respectively pivotally connected with the base and the roof, forming the roof to act as a load bed of the trailer when the sleeping assembly is in the collapsed state, and wherein rotation of lower ones of the folding panels of the opposing side walls from a substantially horizontal position in the collapsed state, to a substantially vertical position, raises the roof of the sleeping assembly for use.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the side panels. front panel and tailgate of the dual purpose trailer in box trailer configuration are integral with the base of the sleeping assembly.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the side panels, front panel and tailgate of the dual purpose trailer in box trailer configuration are integral with the roof of the sleeping assembly.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the side panels, front panel and a tailgate provide a load space on the roof of the sleeping assembly.