GB1411860A - Collapsible caravans - Google Patents

Abstract

1411860 Collapsible caravans D MYERS and R SLATER 11 Feb 1974 [17 Feb 1973] 7911/73 Heading B7B A collapsible caravan has units 1, 2, 3, Fig. 2, which may be relatively pivoted in parallel horizontal planes from a vertically stacked position to an extended position. As seen in Fig. 2 the upper units 1, 2 are pivoted about axes A, B. Wall panels 30 are hinged to each unit and may be held upright by guys 6, Fig. 4. A canvas roof 52 which is permanently connected to the front and rear panels of each unit may be held taut by struts 9 which are permanently hinged to the panels or transported loose. Each panel 30 also has stays 8, 8a hinged thereto for supporting an overhang or canopy portion 7, 7a of the roof 52. Flexible side panels 54 may be sealed to a pair of panels 30 by gripping strips. The side panels 54 may alternatively be rigid and hinged to the front and rear panels 30. Curtains 10 are provided in apertures of the side panels. A utilities sub unit 5 hinges about axis B defined by a cylindrical member 55, Fig. 7. The sub unit includes a sink 12 and a cooker 13. The cylindrical members 55, 56 forming axes A, B serve as passages for containing a flexible drain pipe 14 for the sink 12, a water main 15, and gas main 16 for the cooker. The sub unit is steadied by a leg 19 which is hinged to unit 2. The sink and cooker are mounted on a parallel motion linkage 26 so that they can be raised as one to a convenient working height. The flexible roof and flexible side walls can be automatically folded and stowed by means of extensible members 28, Fig. 9, when the caravan is packed. The bottom unit 3 has rubbing strakes 61, Fig. 2, for supporting the other units 1, 2 which may be further supported in the erected position by adjustable and retractable supports 63, Fig. 12. The canopy 7 can be made self erecting by provision of tension members 41, Fig. 13, interconnecting corresponding stays 8, 8a. The curtain 10, Fig. 4, is hung from the tension member 41. A tent-like extension can be fitted if additional space is required.