FR2759650A1 - Improvement of usable space in e.g. a "camper" vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The entrance compartment is high enough to allow passengers to enter without stooping. Compartment (A) is above (B), reached by a staircase, and is raised, with glass windows on four sides, modular seats with safety belts, and an instrument panel. Compartment (C) is above (B) and behind (A), and is for stowage of cycles or other baggage, with a door which can be extended horizontally to support a hoist for heavy items, and is separated from (A) by a movable screen. The compartment (B) includes a permanent space, with a bed lying along the length of the vehicle, its base being mounted on rails and reached from outside. There is kitchen space and a toilet space (D). There is also provision for a cable reel, powered or spring loaded, holding the electric cable for a battery charger. The staircase allows direct access to (A) from and from (A) to (F) for outside access. Provision of all modern services and comforts is envisaged, with the modules built by boat=yards fully wired, plumbed etc. and the vehicle should be light enough to register as a VL.

Description

 The present invention is described through the transformation of a short panel van into a motorhome, ("Vehicle & engine fitted out in a caravan". Highway Code), but this arrangement can be adapted in whole or in part & in all other camping vehicle.

 It offers & its users new amenities (the vehicle becomes very versatile), and solutions to tedious handling.

 The operation consists of a division of the available volume which, taking into account the different activities of the occupants of the vehicle, allocates to each of these activities a suitable and independent space, one activity not chasing the other.

 This arrangement, while not leaving any part of the volume unused, increases the useful surface area by around 30% without the floor area and marten torque being modified compared to a raised vehicle carrying bicycles at the rear: it is even more short and it always finds its place easily on a space intended for a VL

 The accompanying drawings illustrate the transformation: FIG.1,2,4.7. (A) is a living room in a dominant position whose bay windows allow a 360 ° view. (Descending windows, insulating railway curtains opening from top to bottom, all weather ventilators). The roof of this living room, made of insulating panels or canvas, can open fully: open, we get a kind of cockpitt provided with a roll bar (aA). The sliding profile of this roof also allows the attachment of devices. The seats are modular, the table (cA) is removable. The dashboard (bA) includes pre-connections for current audiovisual and IT equipment. The ceiling height is that of an automobile and the staircase (I) provides access to the two rows of seats.

 FIG. 1,2,2,5,6,1. (B) is a room under (A) and (C), permanent and always out of sight (opening windows, (O), & screens and maneuverable shutters from the inside; but independent ventilation of the windows).

This room is in communication with (E) by the opening (aB) arranged at the head of the bed, and, with the outside by a flap bottom (bB) openable from the inside. When (bB) is open, the bed base mounted on rails can be brought outside. The bed arranged lengthwise has the full width between the wheel arches. The rear shell accommodates part of the bed in a volume usually unused under the two-wheeled vehicles, which frees up space for (E).

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a proposal for using the volumes in the alignment of the wheel arches in (B :): (R), rear shell / bodywork junction of the van; (bC) and (cC) volumes opening on (C); (P) wheel arches; (K) potable water tanks; (O) berries; (L) storage cupboards; (M) storage compartments; (H) reinforcement (see fig. 7); (N) insulating shelf attached to (H); (I) staircase.

FIG. 1,2,3,4,7. (C) is a trunk where two-wheeled vehicles are sheltered without the need to store anything that is lost or stolen easily. The door (aC) locks in a horizontal position (commercial systems); in the middle in the direction of the width it carries a rail provided with a pulley which makes it possible to easily maneuver loads. In the case where the concept of the van makes it more practical to also accommodate in (C) the spare wheel, a variant is
install a pivoting rail (dC) fitted with a pulley and whose axis of rotation is bolted to the fixed upper wall of (C). In this case the door (aC) is held by compensating cylinders (fig. 2 and 3). The spaces (bC) and (cC) (fig. 5 and 6) are open on (C) and allow to accommodate objects of great length: umbrellas, fishing rods .., and to hang oilskins, boots, etc ...

FIG. 3,4,7. (D :): this is the shower cubicle / bathroom / WC, one-piece element that is commercially available and whose sink and toilet are retractable; the W.C., chemical, is with an extractable cassette from the outside. Opening window and skylight. Storage cupboard above the cockpit.

FIG.4 (J): it is the wardrobe; on the ground: gas bottle (G) and heater.

FIG. 4 and 7. (E): this is the entrance, space which allows the passage from one volume to another and where one can stand upright. The original sliding door is replaced by two panels (F), one of which, mounted on hinges, is the front door; quieter than the sliding door, it opens onto the space (E) and, via the staircase (I), onto the
volume (A), giving it direct access to the outside.

The kitchen (aE) is placed in (E). An oven can be fixed in the upper shell above (aE). The storage spaces and reserves are arranged above the cockpit. A small freezer would be welcome. Ventilation by skylight. The other panel of (F :) is easily removable (access to the evaporator of the refrigerator). The two bays in (F) light up the work surface and allow the driver to see to the right. The indented bay in the upper shell makes it possible to see when standing. (E) can be easily isolated : the bays of (F) are fitted with insulating railway curtains, the passage to the driving position is closed by an insulating partition of the accordion type.

VERSATILITY: In (A) the seats can be transformed into a single large bed or two small ones; the seats can be arranged facing the road; the seats can be removed: the partition of the trunk (C), which can be dismantled, allows access from the outside and in this case the rail (dC) can be deployed inside (A).

 (B), the summer mattress, becomes a baggage hold: the sliding bed base helps with loading and unloading; and by opening (bB) and (aB) (fig.2et4) you can transport planks, pipes, planks of good length.

 (C), can become a wardrobe, c: c, luggage rack, kennel, display case for a product.

 In (E), if (A) is occupied, breakfast can be taken around (aE): fold-away shelves, swiveling cockpit seats. Furthermore (aE) is easily removable and can be replaced by a seat.

 (D) is not versatile but essential in all configurations (and requested by users of today's large family sedans).

SECURITY: All living spaces are provided with emergency exits leading to the outside. These issues have a role in versatility. These volumes are in direct communication with the driver when the vehicle is moving.

The reinforcements provided in (A), (aA), and (H) allow the fastening of seat belts. All dangerous angles are rounded. It would be desirable to plan the mounting of a rear view camera.

ENERGY, HEATING, INSULATION, WATER. Apart from the usual energy sources, and from the charger (the connection cable of which is housed in a space with an external hatch provided with an electric or spring reel), photoelectric cells are sealed in the material of the upper shell.

Propane gas, cylinder in (G), may, if the French regulations are changed, be replaced by the G.P.L. if the engine is suitable for it.

Heating, a type of central water heating, of a commercially available model, uses the engine cooling system on the go; when the heater stops, it takes over. Each volume includes water exchangers, including (C). The water heater works on the same principle.

It would be interesting to mold the floor and fittings of (A) and (B) in one piece: the insulation would be reinforced, without thermal bridge, and the assembly time reduced. (aA), the metal roll bar of (A) is mounted for these first two reasons outside the
shells (fig. 2).

If European standards are adopted, all the processing bays will have synthetic double glazing.

Drinking water is stored in two reserves sheltered from the oel (K), fig. 5 and 6, the waste water under the vehicle in a
adapted tank of the trade.

 The master torque of the vehicle is not modified compared to a raised model; the two wheels are housed in (C), which reduces turbulence. Various appendages can reduce drag without detracting from aesthetics.

THE VEHICLE IN THE TRAFFIC: The performances will have to be improved especially on hills. Thanks to the presentation of this different model, benefiting from a specific designation: Ber i ire of attorcilite, 1 limousine of voyacie, etc., it would be possible without obtaining motorway companies the same tariff only for passenger cars A 4x4 model
would be interesting.

REALIZATION: (fig.5,6,7) The manufacture of the upper shell, the rear shell and the arrangements of (A) and (B) which have already been mentioned, could between entrusted to shipyards whose usual style, surcroft, is adapted to our vehicle. These assemblies are provided with strong insulation molding and pre-wired. The rear shell is molded in such a way that it pisses to receive the original signal lights of the van and
bumpers,
ASSEMBLY OF THE ELEMENTS: The shells are fixed, as traditionally using rivets, the sealing being ensured by a putty. But the assembly is reinforced, - by (aA), roll bar which also fixes the rear shell to the upper shell, these two shells, at this location, fit inside
of (aA).

- by (H) which fixes the floor of (A), the removable panel of (C :) and the rear shell by the floor of (C :). (H), metallic, must be fixed to the left fittings and
right cie (: B :) and not to the hull;
by (cB), the box spring rails, which also fix the rear shell and the bumpers.

When a configuration is chosen, it only requires reduced handling (remaking the bed, opening or closing the roof, emptying chemical toilets from the outside, isolating the volume (E :) :); and each of the spaces allows the stage to protect the privacy of the cupants who wish it.

 Users will undoubtedly discover many uses for this type of vehicle and will have a strong emotional attachment to it.

 The goal is to create a new model of livable limousine, luxurious, powerful but discreet.

Claims (10)

 CLAIMS 1) Arrangement for panel van or any other vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: - a first volume, the entrance (E), the height of which allows anyone to stand up. - a second volume (B), under volumes (A) and (C). - a third volume (A), above (B), raised and provided with glass surfaces on its four sides, accessible by the staircase (I) and equipped with modular seats, a removable table, seat belts security and a dashboard. - a fourth volume (C) above (B) and at the rear of (A). 2). Arrangement for panel van or any other vehicle, according to claim 1), characterized in that the roof of the living room (A), formed of insulating panels or of canvas, can be opened entirely. 3). Arrangement for panel van or any other vehicle, according to claims 1) and 2), characterized in that the volume (C) is a closed trunk which can either house vehicles & two wheels or luggage, or be joined to the volume (A ) by removing the removable partition separating them. 4). Arrangement for cable van or any other vehicle, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (aC) of the boot (C) can be locked in a horizontal position and carries a rail and a pulley making it possible to easily maneuver charges. 5). Arrangement for tOlé van or any other vehicle, according to claim 4), characterized in that a swivel rail (dC), whose axis of rotation is bolted & the fixed upper wall of (C), allows, in volumes (C) and (A), to easily maneuver loads by means of a sliding pulley. 6). Arrangement for a panel van or any other vehicle, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume (B) is a permanent chamber whose bed is arranged in the direction of the length of the vehicle. 7). Arrangement for panel van or any other vehicle, according to claim 6), characterized in that the bed base of the permanent chamber (B) is mounted on rails (cB) and can be brought in and out through the door (bB). 8). Arrangement for a closed box van or any other vehicle, according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume (E) comprises a kitchen space (aE) and a sanitary space (D). 9). Arrangement for panel van or any other vehicle, according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reel & spring or electric, provided with a hatch opening on the outside, makes it easy to handle the target for connecting the electric charger. 10). Arrangement for panel van or any other vehicle, according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the staircase (I), arranged in alignment with the passage of the wheel, allows direct access & ( A) & from the volume (E) as well as from the door (F) and, & conversely, the direct access of the occupants of (A) & the door (F) leading to the outside.