AU749306B2 - Camping unit - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Paul Vincent DeBono Paul Vincent DeBono Address for service is: WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Camping Unit Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): P06680 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- The present invention relates to a collapsible structure.

The collapsible structure has been devised particularly, although not solely, as a portable camping unit having a collapsed condition for transportation in which there is provision for storing camping equipment and an assembled condition in which there is space for accommodation while continuing to provide storage for the camping equipment. The invention may, of course, have various applications other than a camping unit, including a stall for selling goods and a display stand.

The invention provides a collapsible structure comprising a body defining a first compartment, and a storage means defining a second compartment, the storage means being slidably moveable with respect to the body between a retracted condition in which it is accommodated at least in part in the first compartment and an extended condition in which it is clear of the first compartment or accommodated in the first compartment to a lesser extent than in the retracted condition thereby creating vacant space in the first compartment, first access S. 15 means for providing access to the first compartment when the storage means is in both the retracted and extended conditions, and second access means for providing access to the second compartment from the exterior of the collapsible structure when the storage means is in both the retracted and extended conditions.

20 Preferably, the storage means is accommodated entirely within the first S compartment when it is in the retracted condition. Preferably, the storage means is clear of the first compartment when in the extended condition.

The storage means may comprise a first receptacle slidably movable with respect *to the body for movement between the retracted and extended conditions.

The structure may be provided with a further storage means defining a third compartment. The further storage means may comprise a second receptacle slidably movable with respect to the body between the retracted and extended 41,. conditions.

The two storage means may be disposed in opposed relationship to each other.

-3- The body may comprise a side wall having an upper section pivotally mounted about a generally horizontal axis for movement between a collapsed condition in which it defines part of the side wall and an extended condition in which it extends outwardly of the side wall.

The or one of the storage means may be associated with the side wall such that in the extended condition, the upper section thereof may provide a canopy for the storage means when the storage means is in the second condition.

The upper section of the side wall may be pivotally mounted at or near its upper edge to the body.

The side wall may further comprise a lower section pivotally mounted on the upper section for movement between a first condition in which it defines part of the side wall, a second condition in which it extends outwardly of the side wall, and a third condition in which it is located against the upper section of the side wall and moveable therewith between the collapsed and extended conditions 15 thereof.

o **The body may have a further side wall in opposed relation to the first mentioned side wall, the further side wall being of a similar construction to the first mentioned side wall.

The further storage means may be associated with the further side wall.

Conveniently, the structure according to the invention is portable. This can be achieved in any suitable way such as by mounting the body on the tray of a load carrying vehicle, or on a trailer adapted to be towed by a vehicle.

The body may comprise an accommodation unit wherein the interior provides a sleeping area when the or each storage means is in the extended condition.

-4- The body may further comprise a pair of end walls in one of which there is provided a door for access to and from the first compartment.

The door may incorporate a storage area. The storage area defined within the door may be accessible by way of a supplementary door incorporated in the door. The supplementary door is preferably accessible from the interior of the compartment when the door is closed.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structure according to the embodiment mounted onto a motor vehicle, the structure being shown in a collapsed condition; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the structure according to the °.*:.embodiment with storage means on one side thereof in an extended 15 condition; Figure 3 is a schematic view similar to Figure 2 with the exception that the storage means is shown in an open condition to reveal storage compartments within the storage means; Figure 4 is a schematic end view of the structure in a collapsed condition 20 in which the two storage means are in a retracted condition in the interior of the structure; i ~Figure 5 is a schematic view similar to Figure 4 except that one of the storage means is shown in an extended condition; Figure 6 is a schematic end view of the structure similar to Figure except that the two storage means are shown in an extended condition; I i.

Figure 7 is a view similar to view 6 in which the two storage means are shown in an extended condition to clear the interior compartment within the structure to accommodate a sleeping mattress; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 with the exception that the side walls associated with the storage means are folded into an extended condition; Figure 9 is a schematic view showing a door means which provides access to the interior of the body, the door being shown in a closed condition; Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 except that the door means is shown in an open condition; Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9 in that a supplementary door incorporated in the door is shown opening into the interior of the compartment to provide access to a storage area within the door; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a structure according to the second 15 embodiment mounted onto a motor vehicle, the structure being shown in a collapsed condition; Figure 13 is a perspective view according to the second embodiment with a storage means on one side thereof in an extended condition, the door means in an open condition and the roof in a raised condition; 20 Figure 14 is a perspective view similar to Figure 13 with the exception that the storage means is shown in an open condition to reveal storage compartments within the storage means; Figure 15 is a schematic end view of the structure in a collapsed condition in which the two storage means are in a retracted condition in the interior of the structure; -6- Figure 16 is a schematic view similar to Figure 15 except that one of the storage means is shown in an extended condition, and the same storage means is in an open condition; Figure 17 is a schematic end view of the structure similar to Figure 16 except that the two storage means are shown in a extended condition and both storage means are in an open condition; Figure 18 is a schematic view in which two of the storage means are shown in an extended condition to clear the interior compartment within the structure to accommodate a sleeping mattress and the roof is in a raised condition; Figure 19 is a perspective view being showing a door means which provides access to the interior of the body, the door means then shown in a closed condition; Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 19 except that the door means is 15 shown in an open condition; and Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 19 in that the supplementary door incorporated in the door means is shown opening into the interior of the compartment to provide access to the storage area within the door means.

The first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11 of the drawings is directed to a collapsible structure 11 which provides a camping unit having provision for accommodation and storage.

The camping unit 11 is mounted on a vehicle 13 having a load carrying tray which supports the camping unit. Appropriate means (not shown) are provided for retaining the camping unit 11 on the tray -7- The camping unit 11 comprises a body 17 having first and second side walls 21 and 22 respectively, a front wall 23, a rear wall 25, a floor 24 and a roof 26.

A compartment 27 is defined within the body 17 between the two side walls, and the front and rear walls. Access to and from the compartment 27 is provided by a doorway 29 in the rear wall 25, the doorway 29 being opened and closed by a door means 31. The door means is hingedly mounted onto the body 17.

Each side wall 21, 22 comprises an upper section 33 and a lower section The two sections 33, 35 are hinged together at adjacent edges by hinges 37 which allow pivotal movement between the two sections about a generally horizontal axis. The upper wall section 33 is also pivotally mounted on the body 17 by hinges 39 which allow pivotal movement of the upper section about a generally horizontal axis.

With this arrangement, the lower section 35 of each side wall can be pivoted S. between a first position (as shown in Figure 1) in which it defines part of the side 15 wall, a second condition in which it extends outwardly from the side wall (as shown in Figure and a third condition in which it is folded against the upper wall section 33.

The upper wall section 33 is movable between a first condition in which it defines part of the side wall (as shown in Figure 2) and a second condition in 20 which it extends outwardly of the side wall (as shown in Figure A strut 40 is provided for supporting the upper wall section 33 in the extended condition.

When the lower wall section 35 is in its third condition in which it is folded against the upper wall section 33, it moves with the upper wall section 33 between the first and second conditions of the upper wall section.

Each upper wall section 33 incorporates a window 38.

The body 17 incorporates two storage means comprising sliding receptacles 41, 42, each one of which is associated with one of the side walls 21, 22. Each sliding receptacle comprises a cabinet 43 having a hinged door 45 which can be pivoted down from a closed condition in which it closes cabinet 43 into an open condition as shown in Figure 3 to provide access to a series of storage compartments in the cabinet. The storage compartments comprise storage shelves 49 and storage drawers 51.

While not shown in the drawings, the sliding receptacle 42 can accommodate camping equipment such as a refrigerator, a stove and a sink.

The arrangement of the upper and lower section 33, 35 of the side walls 21, 22 is such that they can assume various configurations according to requirements at a particular time. For instance, each lower section 35 can be folded into its second condition (as shown in Figure 2) to provide access to the respective sliding receptacle 41, 42.

15 Each upper wall section 33 can be folded from the first condition into the second condition (as shown in Figure 8) to provide a canopy for the storage receptacles 41, 42 when in the extended condition.

As previously mentioned, each storage receptacle 41, 42 is slidably movable between a retracted condition (as shown in Figure 4) to an extended condition (as best shown in Figure 6).

When each storage receptacle 41, 42 is in the retracted condition, it is accommodated entirely within the compartment 27 defined within the body 17.

There is some free space available within the compartment 27 above the retracted receptacles 41, 42 for storage of camping equipment such as a mattress and bedding.

When the two sliding receptacles 41, 42 are in the extended condition (as shown in Figure they are each clear of the compartment 27, the result of

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-9which is that the floor 24 of the compartment is free to receive a mattress 55 as shown in Figure 7 of the drawings. In other words, the compartment 27 can provide a sleeping bay. Typically, the compartment is of a size such that it can receive a double mattress to accommodate two people.

During use of the compartment 27 as a sleeping bay, each upper section 33 of the side walls 21, 22 can be in a second condition to open the sleeping compartment to the surrounding environment, or it can be in a first condition for security and privacy purposes.

The door means 31 for closing the doorway 29 is of a construction which provides further storage. More particularly, the door means 31 is of box construction providing an interior compartment 61. The box construction of the door means 31 comprises an interior wall 65, an exterior wall 67, two side walls 69, a top wall 71 and a bottom wall 73. The side wall 69, the top wall 71, the ioo bottom wall 73 and the outer wall 67 are secured together to provide an integral structure. The inner wall 65 is pivotally mounted onto the integral structure to provide supplementary door means which can be opened to provide access to S...i the interior compartment 27. As shown in Figure 11 of the drawings, the supplementary door 65 can be opened while the door means 31 is in the closed condition. In this way, access to the interior compartment 61 can be obtained 20 from the interior of the compartment 27 when the door means 31 is closed. Of course, the supplementary door 65 can also be opened when the door means 31 is in an open condition to provide access to the interior compartment 61.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiment provides a simple yet highly effective camping unit which can be collapsed into a compact condition for transportation and storage, and which can be easily assembled to provide a sleeping bay. Indeed, all that is required to convert the camping unit from the collapsed condition as shown in Figure 1 to the fully assembled condition in which it provides a sleeping bay as shown in Figure 7, is to open the lower wall section 35, and slide the two receptacles 41, 42 from the retracted condition into the extended condition. The mattress 55 can then be positioned on the floor 24 of the compartment 27. The compartment 27 is then ready for use as a sleeping bay. Each upper wall section 33 can be moved from the first condition to the second condition, according to the wishes of the occupants. The camping unit 11 can be quickly collapsed for transportation or storage by a reverse procedure.

The camping unit can be loaded onto, and removed from, the tray 15 of the motor vehicle 13 by any convenient means such as a fork lift, crane, or a lifting mechanism. Where a lifting mechanism is used, it may be incorporated into the camping unit so that the camping unit can be conveniently removed from the tray of the motor vehicle at a camping site if desired.

The second embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 21 of the drawings is also directed to a collapsible structure 11 which provides a camping unit having provision for accommodation and storage. The camping unit 11 is mounted on a vehicle 13 having a load carrying tray 15 which supports the camping unit 11.

Appropriate means (not shown) are provided for retaining the camping unit 11 on the tray ";.0The camping unit 11 comprises a body 17 having first and second side walls 21 and 22 respectively, a front wall, a rear wall 25 a floor 24 and a roof 26.

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A compartment 27 is defined within the body 17 between the two side walls and 0 0.

the front and rear walls. Access to and from the compartment is provided by a doorway 29 in the rear wall 25, the doorway 29 being opened and closed by a door means 31. The door is hingedly mounted onto the body 17. Similar to the first embodiment, the side walls 21 and 22 of the second embodiment comprises an upper section 33. However, upper section 33 exists in one condition only in that it defines part of side walls 21, 22. Unlike the first embodiment there is no lower section of side walls 21,22.

-11- Each upper wall section 33 of the second embodiment incorporates a window 38.

The body 17 incorporates two storage means comprising sliding receptacles 41, 42 each of which is associated with one of the side walls 21, 22. Each sliding receptacle comprises a cabinet 43 having a hinged door 45 which can be pivoted down from a closed condition in which it closes the cabinet 43, into an open condition as shown in Figure 14 to provide access to a series of storage compartments in the cabinet. The storage compartments comprise storage shelves 49 and storage drawers 51.

While not shown in the drawings, sliding receptacle 42 can accommodate camping equipment such as a refrigerator, a stove and a sink.

As previously mentioned each storage receptacle 41, 42 is slidably moveable between a retracted condition (as shown in Figure 15) to an extended condition (as best shown in Figure 18). A fastening means operable by handle 54 is provided to releasably fasten the sliding receptacles 41 and 42 in the retracted condition. Further fastening means (not shown) are used to releasably fasten *.o o the hinged door 45 in the closed condition in relation to the sliding receptacles 41 and 42.

When each storage receptacle 41, 42 is in the retracted conditions, it is accommodated entirely within the compartment 27 defined within the body 17.

There is some free space available within the compartments 27 although the retracted receptacles 41, 42 for storage of camping equipment such as a mattress and bedding.

When the two sliding receptacles 41, 42 are in the extended condition (as 25 shown in Figure 18), they are each clear of the compartment 27, the result of which is that the floor 24 of the compartment is free to receive a mattress 55 as shown in Figure 18 of the drawings. In other words, the compartment 27 can -12provide a sleeping bay. Typically the compartment is of a size such that it can receive a double mattress to accommodate two people.

The roof 26 is moveable with respect to the remainder of the body 17 between a raised and lowered condition as shown in Figures 13 and 12 respectively.

Whilst in the raised condition, the body 17 is provided with additional headroom, whereas in the lowered condition the body 17 is more compact for travelling. A collapsible support structure (not shown) is provided for supporting the roof 26 in the raised condition and for guiding the roof between the raised and lowered conditions.

The door means 31 for closing the doorway 29 is of a construction which provides further storage. More particularly the door means 31 is of box construction providing an interior compartment 61. The box construction of the door means 31 comprises an interior wall 65, an exterior wall 67, two side walls 69, a top wall 71 and a bottom wall 73. The side wall 69, the top wall 71, the bottom wall 73 and the outer wall 67 are secured together to provide an integral structure. The inner wall 65 is pivotally mounted onto the integral structure to provide supplementary door which can be opened to provide access to the interior compartment 27. The supplementary door 65 can be opened while the door means 31 is in the closed condition. In this way, access to the interior :i 20 compartment 61 can be obtained from the interior of the compartment 27 when the door means 31 is closed. Of course, supplementary door 65 can be opened when the door means 31 is in an open condition to provide access to the interior .o:ocompartment 61 as shown in Figure 21 of the drawings.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the second embodiment described above, 25 also provides a simple yet highly effective camping unit which can be collapsed into a compact condition for transportation and storage, and which can be easily assembled to provide a sleeping bay. To convert the second embodiment of the camping unit from the collapsed condition shown in Figure 15 to the fully assembled condition in which it provides a sleeping bay as shown in Figure 18 -13what is required is to slide the two receptacles 41, 42 from the retracted condition to the extended condition and to move the roof vertically from the lowered condition to a raised condition as shown in Figures 12 and 13 respectively. The mattress can then be positioned on the floor 24 of the compartment 27. The camping unit 11 can be quickly collapsed for transportation or storage by reverse procedure.

As with the first embodiment the camping unit can be loaded onto and removed from the tray 15 of the motor vehicle 15 by any convenient means such as a forklift, crane or lifting mechanism. When a lifting mechanism is used, it may be incorporated into the camping unit so that the camping unit can be conveniently removed from the tray of the motor vehicle at a camping site if desired.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the first or second embodiments described. In particular it should be understood that the collapsible structure according to the invention may have applications other than a camping unit.

Throughout this specification (including the claims if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but notthe exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

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Claims (13)

1. A collapsible structure comprising a body defining a first compartment, and a storage means.defining a second compartment, the storage means being slidably moveable with respect to the body between a retracted condition in which it is accommodated at least in part in the first compartment and an extended condition in which it is clear of the first compartment or accommodated in the first compartment to a lesser extent than in the retracted condition thereby creating vacant space in the first compartment, first access means for providing access to the first compartment when the storage means is in both the retracted and extended conditions, and second access means for providing access to the second compartment from the exterior of the collapsible structure when the storage means is in both the retracted and extended conditions.

2. A collapsible structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the structure is provided 15 with a further storage means defining a third compartment, the further storage means being slidably moveable with respect to the body between the retracted and extended conditions, and third access means for providing access to the third compartment from the exterior of the collapsible structure when the further storage means is in both the retracted and extended condition.

3. A collapsible structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body has a pair of opposed side walls, and wherein the storage means comprises a first sliding receptacle associated with one of the side walls.

4. A collapsible structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein the further storage means comprises a second sliding receptacle associated with the other side wall.

AL/.j A collapsible structure as claimed in claim 3 and 4 wherein the access means for the or each receptacle comprises a hinged door movable into an open j condition to provide access to the interior of the respective receptacle.

6. A collapsible structure as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the or each receptacle comprises storage compartments.

7. A collapsible structure as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein each side wall comprising an upper section and a lower section, the upper section pivotally mounted near or at its upper edge to the body about a generally horizontal axis for movement between a collapsed condition in which it defines part of the side wall and an extended condition in which it extends outwardly of the side wall, the lower section pivotally mounted on the upper section for movement between a first condition in which it defines part of the side wall, a 10 second condition in which it extends outwardly of the side wall, and a third condition in which it is located against the upper section of the side wall and moveable therewith between the collapsed and extended conditions thereof.

8. A collapsible structure as claimed in claim 7 wherein each upper section incorporates a window.

9. A collapsible structure according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein each side wall comprises a fixed section and wherein the respective receptacle is OOdisposed below the fixed section. o.O

10. A collapsible structure as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the body further comprises a pair of end walls and door means in one of the end walls to provide said access means for the first compartment. o=o••

11. A collapsible structure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the door means incorporates a storage area, the storage area defined within the door means being accessible by way of a supplementary door incorporated in the door means.

12. A collapsible structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a body incorporates a roof moveable between a raised and lowered condition. -16-

13. A collapsible structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this nineteenth day of February 2002. Paul Vincent DeBono Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant *1 .1 0 0'. 00* 0 S