AU2021201947A1 - Camper and wall structure therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

An expandable room or space comprises side walls and a roof (32), the roof (32) being movable upwardly and downwardly, the expandable room or space comprising, a first movable sidewall (62) and two opposed movable sidewalls, the first movable sidewall comprising a panel (52) hingedly connected to a first sidewall (62) or beam, each of the opposed movable sidewalls comprising a first sidewall portion (52) and a second sidewall portion (54), the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the second sidewall portion along the diagonal edge, the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the first movable sidewall. The expandable room may be part of a slide on camper or a caravan or a transportable building. (Figure 3) 1/18 to }/ 3* 4G 2 Z6 itA£

Description

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TITLE

Camper and wall structure therefor

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an expandable room, such as for use in a camper or a roof top tent, and wall structure therefor

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Caravans, camper trailers and slide-on campers are widely used in Australia. Caravans typically comprise a wheeled and towable chassis having a body thereon. The body typically has side walls and roof made from rigid materials. In these instances, the body the caravan defines an internal space of fixed volume.

[0003] Some caravans have an expandable space which can be provided by having a pop top roof or a floor that can slide out laterally. In both instances, the walls that are formed when the pop top roof or the slidable floor are opened are normally made from canvas or other flexible material. This potentially can cause issues with insulation and security.

[0004] Slide on campers, which may also be known as tray back campers, are designed to be removably attached to the tray of a ute or truck. Slide on campers typically have a body that includes rigid sidewalls and a roof. The body can be removably attached to the tray of the ute or truck. In this regard, the slide on camper has extendable legs that can be lowered to support the weight of the slide on camper and the fasteners that hold the slide on camper to the tray of the ute or truck are released. The legs are extended slightly further to raise the slide on camper above the tray and the ute or truck can then be driven out from underneath the slide on camper. Installation of the slide on camper to the tray is achieved by the opposite process.

[0005] As they need to fit onto the tray of a utility vehicle, slide on campers are necessarily of a restricted size. To provide more accommodation space, current slide on campers can be expanded. For example, the roof may be hinged to a sidewall and the roof may be unlatched and folded over. Folding over the roof unfolds a canvas awning that can provide living and sleeping quarters at a campsite. In other variants, slide on campers are provided with a pop top roof in order to provide additional living space above the level of the closed roof once the pop top has been opened.

[0006] Camper trailers can be similar to slide on campers, except that the camper trailer typically has a told chassis to which the body is attached. Opening parts of the body effectively opens up a tent region to provide expanded living space once at a campsite.

[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] The present invention is directed to an expandable room, that may be suitable for use in caravans, slide on campers, camper trailers or transportable buildings, or indeed in any other application in which it may be desired to provide a space that can be changed from a closed position or an unexpanded position for storage and transport to an open position for use, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an expandable room or space comprising side walls and a roof, the roof being movable upwardly and downwardly, the expandable room or space comprising, a first movable sidewall and two opposed movable sidewalls, the first movable sidewall comprising a panel, each of the opposed movable sidewalls comprising a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the second sidewall portion along the diagonal edge, the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the first movable sidewall.

[0010] For convenience and brevity of description, the expandable room or space will be described as an expandable room throughout the remainder of this specification. However, it will be understood that the term "expandable room" will also include an expandable space within its scope.

[0011] In one embodiment, the expandable room comprises a first fixed sidewall and two opposed second fixed sidewalls.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first sidewall portion is hingedly connected to a side edge of the first movable sidewall.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first movable sidewall is hingedly connected to a first fixed sidewall or a beam. In one embodiment, the first movable sidewall is hingedly connected to an upper edge of the first fixed sidewall.

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[0014] In one embodiment, each of the second sidewall portions are hingedly connected to a respective second fixed sidewall or a beam. In one embodiment each of the second sidewall portions are hingedly connected to an upper edge of a respective second fixed sidewall.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, each of the sidewalls or sidewall portions comprises a rigid panel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the expandable room comprises two opposed first fixed sidewalls, with the two opposed second fixed sidewalls extending between the opposed first fixed sidewalls, the expandable room further comprising opposed movable first sidewalls each comprising a panel hingedly connected to a respective first fixed sidewall. In this embodiment, the two opposed movable sidewalls comprise a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion and a third sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the second sidewall portion along a diagonal edge, and the third sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the second sidewall portion along a diagonal edge, thefirst sidewall portion being hingedly connected to one of the movable first sidewalls and the third sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the other of the movable first sidewalls.

[0017] In one embodiment, when in the expanded state, the expandable room comprises an expanded region having a front or rear wall and two opposed sidewalls attached to the front or rear wall. In this embodiment, the expandable portion has three walls. In this embodiment, the roof may be tilted upwardly or moved about a hinge in order to move to the expanded state.

[0018] In another embodiment, when in the expanded state, the expandable room comprises an expanded region having a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposed sidewalls extending between the front wall and the rear wall. In this embodiment, the expandable portion has four walls. In this embodiment, the roof may be moved vertically upwardly to move to the expanded state.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first movable sidewall comprises two panels hingedly connected together. The two panels may be hingedly connected together about a hinge that extends in a generally horizontal direction. In this manner, the first movable sidewall may be folded and unfolded as it moves to the stowed positioned and the expanded position, respectively.

[0020] In one embodiment, raising the roof lifts the movable first wall and the opposed movable second walls from a stowed or closed position to an extended or open position.

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[0021] In one embodiment, the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof such that raising the roof also raises the first movable sidewall.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof by one or more straps or tethers. The one or more straps or tethers may be made from webbing or strapping material. In another embodiment, the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof by one or more arms. The one or more arms may be connected to a wheel that can roll along a track or channel mounted to the roof or to sidewalls of the roof.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof by one or more hinges. The one or more hinges may be positioned at or adjacent an upper edge of the first movable sidewall. In this embodiment, the first sidewall may comprise two panels hingedly connected together, with the upper panel being hingedly connected to the roof.

[0024] In one embodiment, the expandable room is provided with lifting means to lift the roof. The lifting means may comprise a jack, a worm drive, rack and pinion drive, one or more gas struts, springs, or the like. The lifting means may cause the roof to tilt or the lifting means may vertically raise the roof. The lifting means can also be used to lower the roof. Of course, it may also be possible that the roof may be manually raised and lowered by an operator or user.

[0025] In one embodiment, the roof comprises a top and one or more walls extending downwardly from the top. The downwardly extending walls may be relatively short walls. The roof may have 3 or 4 downwardly extending walls. The downwardly extending walls of the roof may overlap with the walls of the expandable region when the expandable region is in the expanded condition. This may assist in weatherproofing the room when in the expanded condition.

[0026] The roof may also be provided with one or more clips, clasps or fasteners in order to fasten the expandable walls to the roof when in the expanded condition.

[0027] In some embodiments, the movable wall portions may have one or more windows.

[0028] The expandable room may have an internal ceiling that forms a ceiling for a lower space of the room, the internal ceiling forming a floor for the space located between the internal ceiling and the roof when the roof is in the raised position (and the room is in the expanded condition). In this manner, additional living space may be provided between the internal ceiling and the roof when the expandable room is in the expanded condition. A space or gap may be provided between the internal ceiling and one or more sidewalls of the room to provide access space for people to access the upper volume of the room when in the expanded condition.

[0029] In one embodiment, the expandable room comprises a slide on camper. In another embodiment, the expandable room comprises a caravan. In another embodiment, the expandable room comprises a camper trailer. In another embodiment, the expandable room comprises a transportable building. In another embodiment, the expandable room comprises a building that is in a fixed location. In another embodiment, the expandable room comprises a canopy. In another embodiment, the expandable room comprises a roof top tent. In some embodiments, access to an internal volume of the expandable room is possible when the expandable room is in a closed position. In other embodiments, the expandable room should be moved to the expanded position before access to the internal volume can be obtained.

[0030] In some embodiments, when the expandable room is in the stowed or closed position, the movable sidewalls are located below the movable front wall and/or rear wall. The second portion of the movable sidewall may be located underneath the first portion of the movable sidewall. The second portion of the movable sidewall may be located under the third portion of the movable sidewall.

[0031] In some embodiments, the fixed sidewalls comprise a frame, such as a rectangular frame. In some embodiments, the fixed sidewalls comprise beams.

[0032] The present invention provides an expandable room that can be moved between a stored or closed position in which the roof is located at a lower level and an expanded position in which the roof is tilted upwardly or raised vertically upwardly. The movable sidewalls automatically move into place and can be locked in place to provide a strong structure having enhanced insulation and security when compared to other expandable structures in which the expandable walls are canvas walls.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The reference to any prior art in this specification 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

[0035] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned

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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:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a side view of a slide on camper in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in a closed or stowed condition;

[0037] Figure 2 shows a front view of the slide on camper shown in figure 1;

[0038] Figure 3 shows a side view of the slide on camper shown in figure 1 in a partly expanded condition;

[0039] Figure 4 shows a front view of the slide on camper shown in figure 3;

[0040] Figure 5 shows a side view of the slide on camper shown in figure 1 in a fully expanded condition;

[0041] Figure 6 shows a front view of the slot on camper shown in figure 5;

[0042] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the slide on camper shown in figure 3, being in a partly expanded condition;

[0043] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a lifting wheel used in a variant of the slide on camper shown in figures 1 to 7;

[0044] Figure 9 shows a front view of expandable room, in the form of an expandable canopy, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the expandable room being in a stowed or closed position;

[0045] Figure 10 shows a side view of the expandable room shown in figure 9;

[0046] Figure 11 shows a front view of the expandable room shown in figure 9 in a partly expanded state;

[0047] Figure 12 shows a side view of the expandable room shown infigure 11;

[0048] Figure 13 shows the front view of the expandable room shown in figure 9 in a fully expanded condition;

[0049] Figure 14 shows a side view of the expandable room shown infigure 13;

[0050] Figure 15 shows a side view of an expandable room, in the form of an expandable canopy, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the expandable room shown in figure 15 being in a stowed or closed condition;

[0051] Figure 16 shows a front view of the expandable room shown in figure 15;

[0052] Figure 17 shows a side view of the expandable room shown in figure 15 but in a partly expanded condition;

[0053] Figure 18 shows a front view of the expandable room shown in figure 17;

[0054] Figure 19 shows a side view of the expandable room shown in figure 15, with the expandable room being in the fully expanded condition;

[0055] Figure 20 shows a front view of the expandable room shown in figure 15;

[0056] Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the expandable room shown in figure 15 with detail of the hinge between the roof and the front wall being shown;

[0057] Figure 22 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment to that shown in figure 8; and

[0058] Figure 23 shows a side view of an embodiment of a camper or caravan having a roof that can be raised and an expandable section at the rear of the camper/caravan for increasing the floor area thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Figures I to 7 show various views of a slide on camper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 and 2 show views of the slide on camper in a closed condition. The slide on camper 10 has a side rail 12 that extends along one lower side of the slide on camper. A similar side rail is located on the other side of the slide on camper. The side rails 12 enable the slide on camper to rest on a tray of a ute and be attached to the trailer of the ute with appropriate fasteners. This arrangement is well known to those of the art and need not be described further.

[0060] The slide on camper 10 has a front 14, a rear 16 and sides 18, 20. In particular, as shown in figures 1 and 2, the front 14 comprises a fixed front wall 20. Fixed front wall 20 has a forward extension 22 that, in use, can extend over and above the cabin of the ute. The rear 16 comprises a fixed rear wall 24. A doorway is provided in the fixed rear wall 24 and a set of movable steps 26 provides access to the doorway. People can enter and exit the internal space of the slide on camper 10 via the steps 26.

[0061] For the sake of completeness, the side 18 includes two windows 27, 28 and access points 29, 30 that enable access for electrical supply and water supply to the slide on camper. Again, these are entirely conventional and need not be described further.

[0062] The slide on camper 10 also includes a roof 32. The roof 32 includes a top 34 and four downwardly extending short walls 36, 38, 40, 42. The downwardly extending walls 36, 38 form the front and rear downwardly extending walls of the roof, respectively. The downwardly extending walls 40, 42 form the side downwardly extending walls of the roof 32.

[0063] The slide on camper 10 is also provided with lifting mechanisms 44, 46. The lifting mechanisms 44, 46 are connected at their bottom end to respective fixed sidewalls 20, 18 and connected at their upper ends to the downwardly extending walls 40, 42, respectively, of the roof 32. In this manner, extension of the lifting mechanisms 44, 46 raises the roof relative to the fixed walls of the slide on camper 10. The lifting mechanisms a suitably comprise a worm gear drive. Drive motors may be mounted in lower housings 48, 50 of the lifting mechanisms 44, 46. The drive motors may suitably be electrically operated. Other lift mechanisms may be used, including rack and pinion drives, telescoping cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, gas struts, etc. Although the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7 shows the use of two lifting mechanisms, it will be appreciated that four lifting mechanisms may also be provided by placing additional lifting mechanisms towards the rear 16 of the slide on camper 10.

[0064] The slide on camper 10 shown in figures 1 to 7 is an expandable camper that can be moved from the closed position as shown in figures 1 and 2 to an open or expanded position. Figures 3 and 4 show a side view and front view of the camper 10 in a partly expanded or partly raised condition.

[0065] In order to move the camper 10 from the closed position as shown in figures 1 and 2 to the expanded position, the lifting mechanisms 44, 46 are operated to start raising the roof. Raising the roof causes the movable walls of the camper 10 to move to an open or expanded position. This will be described in more detail hereunder.

[0066] As can be seen from figure 3, the side wall of the expandable region of the camper comprises a first sidewall portion 52, a second sidewall portion 54 and a third sidewall portion 56. First sidewall portion 52 comprises a front sidewall portion. Second sidewall portion 54 comprises a middle sidewall portion. Third sidewall portion 56 comprises a rear sidewall portion. A hinge 58 hingedly connects the lower edge of middle sidewall portion 54 to the upper edge of the fixed sidewall portion 18. Front sidewall portion 52 is connected by a hinge 53 that is connected along abutting diagonal edges of front sidewall portion 52 and middle sidewall portion 54. A hinge 55 is connected along abutting diagonal edges of rear sidewall portion 56 and middle sidewall portion 54. The upper edge 60 of the middle sidewall portion 54 constitutes a free edge when in the position as shown in figure 3. A similar movable wall arrangement is provided on the other side of the camper 10.

[0067] The camper 10 also includes a movable front wall 62 and a movable rear wall 64. Movable front wall 62 is hingedly connected at its lower edge 66 to the upper edge 68 of forward extension 22 of front 20 of the camper 10. The front sidewall portion 52 of the movable sidewall is attached by one or more hinges to the side edge 68 of the front wall 62. Similarly, the opposed front sidewall portion 52' is connected by one or more hinges to the side edge 70. To move the front wall 62 as best shown in figure 3, a strap or tether 72 connects the roof 32 to the front wall 62. In some embodiments, the movable front wall 62 and movable rear wall 64 need not be hingedly connected to the respective lower fixed wall portions, as the hinged connections between the middle sidewall portions and the respective sidewall portions and the hinged connection between the front and rear walls and respective sidewall portions can provide sufficient connection to ensure that the movable front wall and movable rear wall move as required during raising and lowering of the expandable part of the camper 10.

[0068] When the movable sidewalls and front and rear walls are in the closed or unexpanded position, the middle sidewall portion 54 is positioned underneath the folded front and rear sidewall portions 52, 56, with the respective movable front 62 and movable rear wall 64 overlying the folded front and rear sidewall portions. When the lifting mechanisms 44, 46 are actuated to start to raise the roof, the roof 32 moves upwardly and the strap 72 pulls the front wall upwardly about the hinges located along its lower edge 66. This moves the front wall 62 upwardly. As the front sidewall portion 52 is connected by hinges to the front wall 62, the front sidewall portion 52 also starts to raise, which in turn, causes middle sidewall portion 54 to raise which, in turn, causes rear sidewall portion 56 to raise which, in turn, causes rear wall 64 to raise. The partly raised position is shown in figures 3 and 4. A perspective view in this position is also shown in figure 7.

[0069] As the lifting mechanisms 44, 46 continues to operate, it fully extends the roof 32 to reach the position as shown in figure 5. In this position, the front wall 62, respective sidewall portions 52, 54, 56 and rear wall 64 are all substantially vertical. Once the front wall, sidewall

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portions and rear wall have reached an essentially vertical position, a user can enter the inside of the camper 10 and push the walls out to engage catches, latches or clasps (not shown) located on the inside of the downwardly extending walls of the roof 32 to cause the catches, latches or clasps to engage and hold the front wall, sidewall portions and rear wall for me position. Alternatively, the catches, latches or clasps may automatically engage as the roof is raised.

[0070] In the use of the camper 10 in accordance with the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7, the camper 10 is attached to the tray of a ute or truck, with the expandable portion being in the closed or stowed position as shown in figures 1 and 2. The ute or truck is driven to the desired camping location and parked. The lifting mechanisms 44, 46 are operated to raise the expandable portion of the camper 10 to the position shown in figures 5 and 6. An internal ceiling 74, which can be glimpsed in figure 7, provides a ceiling for a lower volume of the internal space of the camper 10. Internal ceiling 74 also provides a floor for the upper expandable space of the camper 10. The ceiling 74 may be fitted with a mattress, bedding or other suitable internal fitments. When the roof 32 has been raised to the position as shown in figures 5 and 6, there is sufficient room to provide a sleeping space in the volume defined by the movable front and rear walls and the movable sidewall portions (and the roof 32). Access to the upper volume defined by the expanded space can be provided by having a gap between the internal ceiling 74 and the movable sidewalls and/or front walls of the camper 10.

[0071] Once it is time to end the camping trip and go home, the catches, latches or clasps are released and the lifting mechanisms 44, 46 are operated to lower the roof 32. This causes the movable walls to fold down such that the middle sidewall portions 54 become overlaid by the front sidewall portion 52 and the rear sidewall portion 56 which, in turn, are overlaid by the movable front wall 62 and movable rear wall 64. The lifting mechanisms are operated until the roof 32 reaches the position as shown in figures 1 and 2. Catches, latches or clasps (not shown) may be used to hold the roof 32 in the fully lowered position as shown in figures 1 and 2. Alternatively, the lifting mechanisms 44, 46 may be sufficiently strong to hold the roof 32 in the lowered position shown in figures 1 and 2 without requiring additional catches, latches or clasps.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7, the slide on camper 10 has a roof that can be raised and lowered. As the roof is raised, the rigid panels that constitute the respective movable front wall, rear wall and movable sidewall portions are automatically raised to a generally vertical position. The movable walls provide walls that are more rigid and secure than canvas walls in conventional pop top slide on campers. The upper edges of the movable front and rear walls and movable sidewall portions are located above the rear edges of the downwardly

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extending wall portions 36, 38, 40, 42 of the roof 32. Accordingly, the upper section of the slide on camper is also quite weatherproof and draft proof. The expandable portion of the slide on camper is very easy to expand and lower. If the movable walls are made from insulative material, enhanced heat insulation and sound insulation can be provided. The slide on camper allows sufficient accommodation space whilst also providing for a low profile and lower centre of gravity when in the lowered position for ease of transport and improved fuel efficiency during travel.

[0073] Figures 3 and 5 also show an optional awning 150 that extends from the rear of the roof. The awning 150 may be made from canvas or the like material. A swing flap 152 (see figure 5), which is hingedly attached to the rear wall 64, can be swung outwardly to provide a support or guide for the awning 150.

[0074] Figure 8 shows a perspective view in "see-through mode" showing a slightly different arrangement to the strap or tether used to lift the front wall in the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7. For convenience, features in figure 8 that are common to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7 are denoted by similar reference numerals. In the embodiment shown in figure 8, a channel 76 is mounted to downwardly extending wall 40 of the roof 32. A wheel 78 is mounted so it is able to roll along the channel 76. The wheel 78 has an arm 80 connected thereto. A bracket 82 is mounted to the other end of the arm and bracket 82 is, in turn, attached to the movable front wall 62. When the roof 32 is lifted from the closed position to the extended position, the wheel 78 moves upwardly with the roof, which causes the movable front wall 62 to start to raise. Continued lifting of the roof results in the wheel 78 rolling along the channel 76 towards the front of the channel and continued lifting of the front wall 62. It will be appreciated that other arrangements may also be used to attach the movable front wall to the roof to enable lifting of the roof to also raise the front wall.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22, a wheel 78' is mounted to roll along track 76'. A bar 200 is pivotally attached to bracket 202 that moves along with the wheel 78'. A hinge 206 is used to connect intermediate panel 208 to the bar 206. A further hinge 210 hingedly connects the intermediate panel 210 to a lower bar or panel 212. Lower bar or panel is connected to the front wall. The bar 200, intermediate panel 208 and lower bar or panel 212 extend from one inner sidewall of the roof to the opposed inner side wall of the roof, where a similar track and wheel arrangement is fitted. As the roof is lifted, the double hinging provided by hinges 206 and 210 allows for self-adjustment into a correct orientation during raising and lowering of the roof. The double-hinged wall section shown in figure 22, in effect, replaces the arm 80 shown in figure 8.

[0076] Figure 23 shows an alternative arrangement of the embodiment shown in figure 5 which allows for an expansion of the floor space of the camper or caravan. In figure 23, a pivotal tailgate 220 is attached near the lower end of the rear of the camper or caravan. A roof panel 222 is pivotally attached to the roof structure of the camper/caravan. An upper rear wall panel 224 is hingedly attached to panel 222 and a lower rear wall panel 226 is hingedly attached to panel 224 and tailgate 220, as shown in figure 23. In use, the roof is raised and the tailgate swings open at the same time. This causes the tailgate 220 and panels 222, 224 and 226 to move until, when the roof is fully raised, the panel 222 forms a roof portion that extends from 20 to 40 degrees to horizontal, panels 225 and 226 are essentially vertical and in alignment with each other and tailgate 220 is essentially horizontal. When lowering the roof, panels 222, 224 and 226 fold so that panel 222 is closest to the body of the camper/caravan, panel 224 lies outside of and close to panel 222, panel 226 lies essentially vertically and outside of and close to panel 224 and tailgate 220 extends up at a small angle from vertical to the bottom hinge of panel 226. An awning or zip-down fabric or plastic sheet walls (not shown) may be provided to close off the extended sides of the camper/caravan that are formed by extension of the structures shown in figure 23.

[0077] The embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7 can also be used in caravans, camper trailers and transportable buildings and buildings that are located in a fixed position.

[0078] Figures 9 to 14 show another embodiment of an expandable room in accordance with the present invention. The expandable room shown in figures 9 to 14 is in the form of a canopy that may be attached to an open topped room to provide additional space in the room. Alternatively, it may provide an expandable canopy that can be attached to the tray of a ute if only a smaller accommodation space is required.

[0079] The embodiment shown in figures 9 to 14 has many features in common with the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7 and, for convenience, like reference numerals will be used to denote like parts. The similar parts need not be described further with reference to figures 9 to 14.

[0080] The canopy 90 shown in figures 9 to 14 has a roof 32 and a canopy frame 92. The camper frame 92 is formed as a rectangular frame and made from beams that are welded or otherwise joined together. Gas struts 94, 96 are attached at their lower ends to frame 92 and attached at their upper ends to the downwardly extending side 42 of roof 32. The canopy 90 includes similar movable walls and movable wall portions as those described with reference to

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figures 1 to 7. As can be seen with reference to figure 10, one side of the canopy 90 is provided with two gas struts 96. The oppose side of the canopy is similarly provided with two gas struts 94.

[0081] In order to raise the roof 32 and extend the movable walls, a user can manually raise the roof with the assistance of the gas struts 94, 96. Desirably, two people would stand at either end or either side of the canopy 90 and lift the roof 32. The straps 72 connect the roof 32 to the movable front wall 62. As can be seen from figure 12, a second strap 72 is provided to connect the rear sidewall portion 56 to the roof 32. This assists in the evening out the lifting load on the structure.

[0082] The fully extended position of the canopy 90 is shown in figures 13 and 14. In some embodiments, the canopy frame 92 may be replaced by the fixed walls as shown in the embodiment of figures 1 to 7.

[0083] Figures 15 to 21 show various views of an expandable room in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in figures 15 to 21, rather than vertically raising all of the roof, the roof is tilted up about a hinged edge.

[0084] The embodiment shown in figures 15 to 21 comprises an expandable canopy 100 having a frame 102 and a roof 104. The roof 104 is generally similar to the roof 32 as shown in the embodiment of figures I to 7. A gas strut 106 has a lower end attached to the frame 102 and its upper end is attached to the roof 104.

[0085] Similar to the embodiment shown in figures 9 to 14, the canopy shown in figures 15 to 21 may form part of a slide on camper or a caravan, with the frame 102 replaced by the fixed sidewalls of the slide on camper or caravan.

[0086] Figures 15 and 16 show the canopy 100 in a stowed or closed position. In order to move the canopy to the open position, the front end 106 of the roof 104 is grasped by a user and moved upwardly. The rear end 108 of the roof 104 is hingedly mounted by hinges 110 to the frame 102 (see figure 17) and therefore the front and 107 of the roof 104 pivots upwardly about the hinges 110.

[0087] The canopy 100 includes a movable front wall 112 that comprises a lower front wall 114 connected to an upper front wall 116 by a hinge or a web extending in a generally horizontal direction along the line 118 at which the lower edge of upper front wall 116 abuts upper edge of lower front wall 114. Figure 18 shows a hinge 120 in this regard. The lower edge of lower front

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wall 114 is hingedly attached to the frame 100 by a hinge 122. The upper edge of upper front wall 116 is attached by a hinge 124 to the front wall 107 of the roof 104 (see figure 21).

[0088] The movable sidewall of the canopy 100 includes a front sidewall portion 126 and a rear sidewall portion 128. Rear sidewall portion 128 is hingedly connected at its lower edge to frame 102. Front sidewall portion 126 is connected by hinge 130 to rear sidewall portion 128 along a diagonal line. Front sidewall portion 126 is connected by hinge 132 to the lower front wall 114.

[0089] When in the closed or stowed position, the rear sidewall portion 128 lies generally horizontal and generally level with the top of frame 102. The front sidewall portion 126 lies on top of rear sidewall portion 128. Lower front wall 114 overlies the front sidewall portion 126 and upper front wall 116 overlies lower sidewall 114. The roof 104 covers the folded walls when in the closed position.

[0090] Lifting the roof 104 causes the front end 107 of the roof to pivot upwardly. As a result, upper front wall 116 begins to move upwardly. Continued lifting of the roof 104 causes the lower front wall 114 to begin to pivot upwardly which, in turn, causes the front sidewall portion 126 to start to move upwardly and outwardly. The rear sidewall portion and 28 also starts to move upwardly and outwardly. As the front 107 of the roof 104 continues to rotate to its maximum extent, the sidewall portions 126, 128 assume a vertical orientation in which they extend above the frame member that defines the side of the frame 102. This is best shown in figure 19. The fully extended position is shown in figure 19. It can be seen that front sidewall portion 126 has edges 134, 136 that are located next to the side edges of the respective upper front wall 116 and lower front 114 when in the expanded position.

[0091] When the canopy 100 shown in figures 15 to 21 is in the expanded position, the canopy has a roof, two opposed sidewalls and a front wall formed by upper and lower front wall portions 116, 114. This is effectively an embodiment of the present invention that has three walls when in the expanded position.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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

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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.

[0094] 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 (23)

IV CLAIMS

1. An expandable room or space comprising side walls and a roof, the roof being movable upwardly and downwardly, the expandable room or space comprising, a first movable sidewall and two opposed movable sidewalls, the first movable sidewall comprising a panel, each of the opposed movable sidewalls comprising a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the second sidewall portion along the diagonal edge, the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to thefirst movable sidewall.

2. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 1 wherein the expandable room comprises a first fixed sidewall and two opposed second fixed sidewalls.

3. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first sidewall portion is hingedly connected to a side edge of the first movable sidewall.

4. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first movable sidewall is hingedly connected to a first fixed sidewall or a beam.

5. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first movable sidewall is hingedly connected to an upper edge of the first fixed sidewall.

6. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the second sidewall portions are hingedly connected to a respective second fixed sidewall or a beam.

7. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 6 wherein each of the second sidewall portions are hingedly connected to an upper edge of a respective second fixed sidewall.

8. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the sidewalls or sidewall portions comprises a rigid panel.

9. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the expandable room comprises two opposed first fixed sidewalls, with the two opposed second fixed sidewalls extending between the opposed first fixed sidewalls, the expandable room further comprising opposed movable first sidewalls each comprising a panel hingedly connected to a respective first fixed sidewall, the two opposed movable sidewalls comprise a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion and a third sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the second sidewall portion along a diagonal edge, and the third sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the second sidewall portion along a diagonal edge, the first

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/ sidewall portion being hingedly connected to one of the movable first sidewalls and the third sidewall portion being hingedly connected to the other of the movable first sidewalls.

10. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, when in the expanded state, the expandable room comprises an expanded region having a front or rear wall and two opposed sidewalls attached to the front or rear wall, wherein the expandable portion has three walls.

11. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 10 wherein the roof is tilted upwardly or moved about a hinge in order to move to the expanded state.

12. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of claims I to 9 wherein, when in the expanded state, the expandable room comprises an expanded region having a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposed sidewalls extending between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the expandable portion has four walls.

13. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 12 wherein the roof is moved vertically upwardly to move to the expanded state.

14. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first movable sidewall comprises two panels hingedly connected together.

15. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 14 wherein the two panels are hingedly connected together about a hinge that extends in a generally horizontal direction, such that the first movable sidewall can be folded and unfolded as it moves to the stowed positioned and the expanded position, respectively.

16. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein raising the roof lifts the movable first wall and the opposed movable second walls from a stowed or closed position to an extended or open position.

17. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof such that raising the roof also raises the first movable sidewall.

18. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof by one or more straps or tethers, or the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof by one or more arms, the one or more arms being connected to a wheel that can roll along a track or channel mounted to the roof or to sidewalls of the roof, or the first movable sidewall is connected to the roof by one or more hinges.

19. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the expandable room is provided with lifting means to lift the roof.

20. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the roof comprises a top and one or more walls extending downwardly from the top.

21. An expandable room or space as claimed in claim 20 wherein the downwardly extending walls of the roof overlap with the walls of the expandable region when the expandable region is in the expanded condition.

22. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the expandable room comprises a slide on camper or the expandable room comprises a caravan, or the expandable room comprises a camper trailer, or the expandable room comprises a transportable building, or the expandable room comprises a building that is in a fixed location, or the expandable room comprises a canopy, or the expandable room comprises a roof top tent.

23. An expandable room or space as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein when the expandable room is in the stowed or closed position, the movable sidewalls are located below the movable front wall and/or rear wall.