AU2019101733A4 - A mobile unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile unit including: a longitudinally extending body portion having a main roof and a main floor; at least one side pod positioned between the main roof and the main floor, the at least one side pod having a pod roof, and a pod floor, wherein the at least one side pod is movable between a retracted position wherein the side pod cooperates with the body portion to define a first interior space and an extended position wherein the at least one side pod moves in a first direction laterally outward from the body portion to define a second interior space, larger than the first interior space.

Description

A MOBILE UNIT

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile unit, and in particular to a motor home. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular application. The invention could also relate to a trailer or vehicle supporting a mobile clinic, library, or other mobile facility.

Background

[0002] Mobile units are known and commonly used as a combined method of travel and accommodation. The mobile unit may be a trailer or a motor home, and combines a selfcontained living area with a vehicle or vehicle engine. A typical motor unit may include sleeping accommodation, a small kitchen, bathroom facilities, and a sitting area. The trailer includes means to attach to a vehicle while the motor home typically has a cab area with a driver and passenger seat.

[0003] There are many different motor unit layouts available with a range of options to meet consumer desires. Similarly, other mobile units, such as libraries and clinics, have their own requirements. One challenge is to provide a mobile unit which includes a desired range of options and also meets the size and shape standards required for vehicle road use.

Object of the Invention

[0004] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile unit. The mobile unit may be a trailer or a motor vehicle such as a motor home, a mobile library, a mobile clinic, or the like. The mobile unit includes a longitudinally extending body portion having a main roof and a main floor. At least one side pod is positioned between the main roof and the main floor. The side pod includes a pod roof, and a pod floor. The side pod is movable between a retracted

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2019101733 07 Mar 2019 position wherein the side pod cooperates with the body portion to define a first interior space and an extended position wherein the side pod moves in a first direction laterally outward from the body portion to define a second interior space, larger than the first interior space.

[0006] In one embodiment, the at least one side pod includes a pair of side pods.

[0007] Preferably, the at least one side pod moves in a second direction generally vertically downward so that the pod floor sits flush with the main floor.

[0008] Preferably, the at least one side pod includes a support member configured to support the at least one side pod in the extended position.

[0009] Still preferably, the support member is configured to radially rotate between a longitudinal position when the at least one side pod is in the retracted position and a transverse position when the at least one side pod is in the extended position.

[00010] In one embodiment, the support member is rotatably attached to the mobile unit and slidably attached to the at least one side pod.

[00011] Preferably, the at least one side pod includes a first actuator configured to provide the laterally outward movement and a second actuator configured to provide the vertically downward movement.

[00012] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile unit including:

a longitudinally extending body having a front body portion and a rear body portion relative to normal forward and rearward travel;

a pod extendable longitudinally from the rear body portion, the pod including a top panel and a bottom panel, the panels being rotatably mounted to the rear body portion and adapted to angularly rotate between a closed position in which the panels sit generally vertically and cooperate to from an end panel of the body, and an open position in which the top panel forms a pod roof and the bottom panel forms a pod floor; and

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2019101733 07 Mar 2019 a support member having a first end rotatably connected to the rear body portion and a second end slidably connected to the bottom panel, the support member configured to move with the bottom panel between the closed position and the open position.

[00013] Preferably, the pod includes a plurality of collapsible side walls.

[00014] Preferably, the collapsible sidewalls are movable between the closed position in which the walls form part of the end panel of the body, and an open position in which the sidewalls form part of the interior space.

[00015] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a motor home including:

a cab portion;

a longitudinally extending body extending from the cab portion, the body having a front body portion and a rear body portion relative to normal forward and rearward direction of travel;

a seat for accommodating one or more persons, the seat having a back portion and a seating portion, the seat being rotatable between a travel position in which the seat faces the forward direction of travel, and a stationary position in which the seat faces transversely inward of the body.

[00016] Preferably, the seat includes a pair of arm rests, each arm rest being rotatably mounted at one end to accommodate rotation of the seat.

[00017] Preferably, the pair of arm rests includes a first arm rest rotatable about a first axis and a second arm rest rotatable about a second axis relatively perpendicular to the first axis.

[00018] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile unit having a longitudinally extending body portion. The body portion includes a main floor. A table, positioned within the body portion, includes a table top having a top side and an under side, a pair of table legs and a floor panel spaced apart from the table top. The table is movable between a stored position in which the table top is flush with the main floor and an extended position in which the table top is positioned above the main floor and the floor panel is flush with the main floor.

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[00019] Preferably, the table includes an actuator for simultaneously moving the table top and the floor panel.

[00020] Preferably, the table top includes a middle portion and two opposing side portions, the side portions being configured to fold inwardly toward each other and lay flat on the middle portion so that the underside of the table top sits flush with the main floor when the table is in the stored position.

Brief Description of Drawings

[00021] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[00022] Figure lisa perspective view of a motor home in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the motor home is in a travelling configuration;

[00023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the motor home of Figure 1, the motor home being in a stationary, or fixed, configuration, with extended side pods and an extended rear pod;

[00024] Figures 3 to 5 show the side pod operation from a retracted position to an extended position;

[00025] Figure 6 is a side view of the motor home showing an extended second rear body portion;

[00026] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view showing the motor home with an extended rear body portion and extended side pods;

[00027] Figures 8A to E show a table for a motor home in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[00028] Figures 9A to I show a lounge for a motor home

Description of Embodiments

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[00029] Figures 1 to 7 show one embodiment of a mobile unit in in accordance with the present invention. The mobile unit is a motor home 10 including a cab portion 12 and a body portion 14 extending longitudinally from the cab portion 12. The body portion 14 includes a main roof 16 and a main floor 18. A pair of side pods 20 is positioned between the main roof 16 and the main floor 18. Each side pod 20 includes a pod roof 22 and a pod floor 26. As explained in detail below, each side pod 20 is movable between a retracted position (Figure 1) wherein the side pods 20 cooperate to define a first interior space 28 and an extended position (Figure 2) wherein each side pod 20 moves in a first direction laterally outward from the rear body portion 14 and in a second direction generally vertically downward to define a second interior space, larger than the first interior space. Advantageously, in the extended position each pod floor 26 sits flush with the main floor 18. In the retracted position the motor home 10 meets the width requirements for road use, and in the extended position the side pods 20 provide a larger interior space 30 and a level floor 18, 26, thus eliminating any need to compensate for any gaps or unevenness between the pod floor 26 and the main floor 18.

[00030] Figures 3 to 5 show the operation of the side pods 20 moving from a retracted position (Figures 3 A to 3D) through a partially extended position (Figures 4A to 4D) into a fully extended position (Figures 5 A to 5D).

[00031] Figures 3 A to 3D show the side pods 20 in the retracted position. Figure 3 A shows a side view of the mobile unit 10, and the side pod 20 is in the retracted position, and Figure 3B is a section view through A-A. As best seen in Figure 3B, in the retracted position the pod floor 26 sits above the main floor 18 and the pod roof 22 sits below the main roof 16. The side pods 20 meet in the middle of the motor home 10 to define the first interior space 28. The pod floor 26 is supported by a roller 40 resting on the main floor 16. The roller 40 also facilitates lateral movement of the side pod 20.

[00032] Referring to Figure 3C, when the side pods 20 are in the retracted position a lateral actuator 42 is retracted (shown by arrow) holding the positioning beam 46 in a longitudinal position along the body portion 14 (shown be the arrows). Linear bearing 50 helps secure the positioning beam 46 longitudinally.

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[00033] Referring to Figure 3D the outside of each side pod 20 is supported vertically by a vertical lift actuator 34 acting on a shaft 36 via arm 38. Linear bearings 50 translate the rotational movement into linear movement during extension of the side pod 20.

[00034] Figures 4A and 4B show the side pods 20 laterally extended to define a second, larger interior space 30 in the body portion 14. Figure 4A shows a section view of through A-A (of Figure 3 A) when the side pods 20 are laterally extended in the direction as shown by the arrows. The pod floor 26 sits above the main floor 18, and the pod roof 22 sits below the main roof 16.

[00035] Referring to Figure 4B, the lateral actuator 42 connects to the vehicle chassis 44 and a rotatable positioning beam 46 which is pivotably attached 48 at one end. As the lateral actuator 42 extends in the direction shown by the arrow, the positioning beam 46 rotates, or pivots, at point 48. Rotation of the positioning beam 46 is converted to linear travel as shown by the arrow via the linear bearing 50, and the side pod 20 travels laterally outwards as a result, whilst still being supported vertically by the roller 40 (Figure 4A) and the positioning beam 46, until the inside edge of the pod floor 22 meets the outside edge of the main floor 18. Each side pod 20 may extend laterally outward up to 1050 mm and maintain stability of the motor home 10.

[00036] Figure 5A shows the side pods 20 fully extended laterally and lowered vertically so that the pod floor 26 is flush with the main floor 18. Advantageously, having the floors 18, 26 flush eliminates the need to compensate for an uneven floor.

[00037] Referring to Figures 5B and 5C once the lateral actuator 42 is fully extended, the vertical lift actuator 34 retracts as shown by the arrow, allowing the pod floor 22 to lower flush with the main floor 18 via arm 38, shaft 36, and positioning beam 46. Each side pod 20 may extend laterally outward up to 1050 mm and maintain stability of the motor home 10. The side pod 20 may move vertically downward up to 65 mm or the distance required to make the pod floor 22 flush with the main floor 18.

[00038] Figures 6 and 7 show the motor home 10 having a rear pod 52 extendable longitudinally from the body portion 14. The rear pod 52 provides additional interior space and can be used when the motor home 10 is stationary, or fixed, as a sitting room, a sun room or the like.

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[00039] Referring to Figures 6 and 7 the rear pod 52 includes a top panel 56 having an upper edge 62 rotatably mounted to the motor home 10, and a bottom panel 58 having a bottom edge rotatably mounted to the motor home 10. The panels 56, 58 each rotate about an axis generally perpendicular to the rear body portion between a closed position in which the panels sit generally vertically relative to the rear body and an open position (shown in Figures 6 and 7) in which the top panel 56 sits generally horizontally relative to the body to form a rear pod roof and the bottom panel 58 also sits generally horizontally relative to the body to form a rear pod floor. In the closed position the panels 56, 58 may overlap slightly, or may abut. Collapsible side walls 54 cooperate to form the additional interior space. Advantageously, in the open position the bottom panel 58 is flush with the main floor 16 so as to eliminate any need to compensate for unevenness. A support member 60 has a first end 61 rotatably mounted to the rear body portion 14 and a second end 63 slidably mounted to an underside 57 of the bottom panel 58 such that as the bottom panel 58 rotates from the closed position to the open position the support member 60 rotates about the first end 61 and slides along the underside 57 of the bottom panel 58 to support the bottom panel 58 in the horizontal, or open position. A stop member 61 positioned on the underside 57 of the bottom panel 58 to secure the support member 60 in place in the open position.

[00040] Figures 8A to 8D show a table 64 for the mobile unit 10. The table 64 is movable between a stored, or lowered, position as shown in Figures 8C and D and an in use, or raised, position as shown in Figures 8A, 8B and 8D.

[00041] Referring to Figure 8B the table 64 includes a table top 66 and two table legs 68 supporting the table top 66 for use in the mobile unit 10. Each table leg 68 includes a top portion 72 and a bottom portion 80. Each top portion 72 is pivotably connected 86 to its respective bottom portion 80. A floor panel 70 sits flush with the main floor 18 during use. The floor panel 70 sits below the main floor 18 during storage (see Figure 8C),

[00042] Referring to Figure 8C, in the stored, or lowered, position the table top 66 is flush with the main floor 18, and each table leg 68 sits between the table top 66 and a false floor 70.

Advantageously, the side sections 64A, 64C are pivotable inward toward the middle section 66A so that the top surfaces 65A, 65C of the outer sections 66B, 66C abut the top surface 65A of the center section 66A thus protecting the top surface 65 from foot traffic and debris.

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[00043] The top portion 72 of each table leg 68 is attached at one end 74 to a bearing track 76 on the table top 66 which allows each table leg 68 to move linearly along the bottom surface 78 of the table top 66, and the bottom portion 80 of each table leg 68 extends below the false floor 70 and connects to a second bearing track 82. A pair of linear actuators 84 is used to raise the table 64 as described below.

[00044] Extension of each linear actuator 84 applies force to the pivot connection 86. This causes each table leg 68 to pivot forcing the bottom portion 78 of each table leg 68 to travel outwards as shown by arrows B and the top portion 72 of the table leg 68 to travel inward as shown by arrows C, lifting the table top 66 and the false floor 70 simultaneously until the false floor 70 is flush with the main floor 18.

[00045] To store or lower the table 64, the linear actuators 84 are retracted thus causing the table legs 68 to pivot 86 causing the table top 66 and the false floor 70 to lower until the top surface 65 of the table top 66 is flush with the main floor 16.

[00046] Figures 9A-I show a seat, or lounge 88 for a motor home 10. The lounge 88 has a backrest 90, a seat 92, and a pair of armrests 94A, 94B. Referring to Figures 9A-C, Figure 9A shows a front perspective view of the lounge 88, Figure 9B shows a rear view of the lounge 88, and Figure 9C shows a bottom plan view of the lounge 88. When the motor home 10 is in the stationary position, the lounge 88 is facing inwards, towards the centre of the motor home 10 with the backrest 90 of the lounge 88 adjacent the side of the motor home 10. A linear bearing 96 and rail 98 allows for rotation of the lounge 88 between the stationary, or fixed, position and the travelling position, and mechanical locks 100 secure the lounge 88 to the main floor 18 and prevent movement of the lounge 88 along the linear bearing 96.

[00047] The lounge 88 is rotatable into a forward-facing position (relative to forward movement of the motor home) for travelling. Referring to Figures 9D-F, where Figure 9D is a perspective view of the lounge 88, Figure 9E is a side view of the lounge 88, and Figure 9F is a bottom view of the lounge 88. To rotate the lounge 88, the arm rests 94A, 94B are rotated to clear the lounge 88. The leading arm rest 94Ais rotated upwardly, and the trailing arm rest 94B is rotated outwardly. The mechanical locks 100 are released, allowing the lounge 88 to move along the linear bearing 96. The lounge 88 is rotated by applying manual force to a corner of the lounge

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2019101733 07 Mar 2019 as shown by the arrow in Figure 9F, causing linear travel along the linear bearing rail 96 and subsequent rotation of the lounge 88 around the trailing arm fulcrum 120 via a trailing arm bearing 122 attached to the main floor 18 until the lounge 88 is facing forward relative to normal forward direction of travel. Once the lounge 88 is facing forward it is secured to the main floor 18 using the mechanical locks 100.

[00048] Figures 9G to I show the lounge 88 positioned in the forward-facing direction relative to the normal forward direction of travel. The lounge 88 has rotated 90 degrees from the stationary position. Mechanical locks 100 secure the lounge to the main floor 18. In the forward-facing position, the lounge 88 is suitable for seating passengers while travelling.

[00049] Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other forms.

Claims (5)

1. A mobile unit including:

a longitudinally extending body portion having a main roof and a main floor;

at least one side pod positioned between the main roof and the main floor, the at least one side pod having a pod roof, and a pod floor;

a positioning beam connected between the side pod and the body portion; and an actuator connected between the positioning beam and one of the body portion and the side pod, wherein the at least one side pod is movable between a retracted position wherein the side pod cooperates with the body portion to define a first interior space and an extended position wherein the at least one side pod moves in a first direction laterally outward from the body portion to define a second interior space, larger than the first interior space; wherein the positioning beam is pivotally connected to one of the at least one side pod and body portion at a pivot point on a first end of the positioning beam and slidably connected to the other of the at least one side pod and body portion at a second end of the positioning beam; and wherein the actuator is arranged to pivot the positioning beam around the pivot point and push the at least one side pod into the extended position when the actuator is extended.

2. The mobile unit of claim 1, wherein the actuator is arranged to pivot the positioning beam around the pivot point and pull the side pod into the retracted position.

3. The mobile unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is pivotally connected to the positioning beam.

4. The mobile unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning beam is rotatably attached to the body portion and slidably attached to the at least one side pod.

5. The motor home as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including:

a cab portion;

a longitudinally extending body extending from the cab portion, the body having a front body portion and a rear body portion relative to normal forward and rearward direction of travel;

AH25(24930859_l):RWB

2019101733 07 Mar 2019 a seat assembly for accommodating one or more persons, the seat having a back portion and a seating portion, the seat assembly being rotatable between a travel position in which the seat faces the forward direction of travel, and a stationary position in which the seat faces transversely inward of the body.