GB2047635A - Fittings for motor caravans - Google Patents

Abstract

A removable rear seat (5) (Fig. 7) is slidable on flanges extending along opposite side benches (6) of the vehicle and is lockable in a number of positions. The seat back (52) is pivotable into a horizontal position in which it forms a double bed with the seat base (48). In its upright position, the seat back (52) is supported by a transverse bar (53) which engages at each end in one of a row of holes (54) in supports (55) above the benches (6). A combined cooker and storage unit (3) (Fig. 5) contains adjacent hob and sink units (37, 38) behind two outwardly-opening doors (16, 17) each of which contains storage space accessible from outside the unit, and additional storage space (30, 32, 33, 35, 37) accessible only when the doors are open. The hob unit (37) rests on a removable locker (26) closed by an upwardly- opening table flap (27), and a water pump (40) is housed in further storage space (28, 29) beneath the sink (38). Upper rear edges of the padded side-walls of the unit (3) are inclined forwardly to allow a flush fit against one side of the motor caravan. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in and relating to motor caravans The present invention relates to a combined cooker and storage unit for use particularly, but not exclusively, in a motor caravan and to a van which can be readily converted from a goods to a passenger-carrying vehicle and vice-versa.

The conversion of commercial vans to motor caravans is normally effected in an additional stage, separate from the manufacture of the vehicle itself, and by a company specializing in such conversions. During conversion, extensive modification of the vehicle is required, including the fitting of cupboard, cooking and washing units and fully-reclining seats which can be converted into beds. Once fitted, the units are not readily removable and take up considerable space, such that the vehicle is no longer as suitable for its original purpose as before the conversion. Hence, while being practical in its new role, the motor caravan is not convenient for everyday use.

In addition to the above drawback, the present conversion of vehicles into motor caravans includes the fitting of a kit of prefabricated units into the vehicle, the kits being specifically designed for a particular vehicle model and being unsuitable for other body shells. The kits are thus made in relatively small quantities and are expensive to produce; the fitting is also a time-consuming job, adding to the overall expense and making present motor caravans an unadaptable luxury.

One object of the present invention is to provide an adaptable cooking and storage unit which can be used in a wide variety of vehicle body shells or which can be used in other restricted spaces, for example, boat cabins, where such facilities are required. A further object of the invention is to provide a van which can be converted more easily than present vans from a passenger to a goodscarrying mode and vice-versa and which, in a preferred arrangement, may be used as a motor caravan.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combined cooler and storage unit comprising a cabinet containing a hob and having a door hinged to the cabinet about a vertical axis, in use, the door containing storage space accessible from outside the cabinet when the door is closed to conceal the hob unit, and being openable to allow access to the hob unit and to further storage space in the unit.

The unit of the present invention thus combines cooking and storage facilities in a single unit, with the added advantage that at least part of the storage space is accessible without revealing the hob unit; it is envisaged that this space may be arranged, for example, as a drinks cabinet for use in more formal enter taining when it would be convenient to con ceal the more mundane, cooking aspect of the unit. Such facility would be of use in a bed sitting room, motor caravan or boat.

For use in a bed-sitting room, the cabinet of the present invention may be provided with side walls having vertical rear edges for fitting against a wall and may be closed or open at the back. For use in a motor caravan, how ever, the upper portions of the rear edges of the side walls are preferably inclined forwardly such that the unit can be fitted against an internal wall of a vehicle, the upper part of which is often concavely curved. The said rear edges may be provided with flexible or resil ient padding along their full extent so that the unit may be fitted with a flush fit against the wall of a variety of vehicles.The unit of the present invention is preferably relatively low compared with many cupboard units designed for specific vans so that the same unit may be used, without modification, in many vehicles; the units may thus be manufactured in quan tity to reduce the overall cost. The unit may also conveniently be used from a sitting posi tion such that there is no need to incorporate a raising roof in the vehicle; such rooves add considerably to the expense of a motor cara van.

In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet of the combined unit of the present invention also contains space adjacent the hob unit which may be provided with a flat working surface but is preferably fitted with a sink for washing. The hob unit and sink may be concealed by a single door, when not in use, but preferably a pair of hinged doors which open away from each other are provided since the unit is intended for use in a confined space and a wide door would be inconvenient.

Each door is preferably provided with storage space accessible from outside the unit, with the doors closed, in which case one door may, for example, be provided with a magazine rack or book shelves.

The doors may extend the full height of the unit, in which case opening of the doors may allow access to storage space within the cabi net, but an economical use of space is achieved by providing doors which, when closed, fit into the working space above the hob unit and adjacent working surface or sink.

In this case, storage space is provided at least in the door which closes over the hob unit, the space being accessible from the inside of the door. Storage spaces are preferably also provided in the cabinet beneath the hob unit and the sink unit or working surface. At least one of the storage spaces may conveniently be arranged to receive breakable articles, such as crockery.

The space beneath the hob unit may be adapted to receive a gas cylinder for connec tion to the hob unit; the burners of a hob unit used in a house connected to a mains gas supply may, of course, be adapted for use with the mains gas or alternatively electric rings may be provided for use in such a situation. For useof the unit in a boat, the buners may be suitable mounted, for example, on gimbals.

A safety device may be provided to prevent a door from being closed over the hob unit while a gas burner is operational or an electric ring is hot or a warning device may be provided to warn a user who closes the door in such circumstances.

A combined cooking and storage unit according to the invention may incorporate many additional features such as lamps for illuminating the working area, a flat surface which can be raised or pulled out from a stored position to provide a table at a convenient working height. Since the door also provides a storage space accessible when closed, a lamp may be provided to illuminate this space, in which case it is preferably mounted on a fixed part of the cabinet rather than in the door to avoid the necessity for wiring of sufficient length to allow movement of the latter, The lamp may, for example, be mounted on part of the cabinet which overhangs the door or on a side wall, as will be described below.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention including a sink, a tap provided with a suitable control is conveniently provided over the sink for connection to a water supply. A reservoir, or location for a reservoir, may be provided in an upper part of the unit, a pipe being arranged to feed water from the reservoir to the tap under gravity; alternatively, a pump may be housed in the cabinet and arranged to pump water to the tap from a separate reservoir.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor van having a seat suspended above the floor thereof between elongate longitudinal guide members attached to opposing side walls, or opposite side benches of the van and located above the floor level, the seat engaging the guide members for sliding movement of the seat longitudinally of the vehicle, releasable retaining means being provided for retaining the seat in a desired position along the guide members and the seat being readily disengageable from the guide members when not required fqr use.

An advantage of the van of the present invention is that, with the seat being suspended between the side walls, the floor to the rear of the driver's seat is clear of the usual runners and other seat fastenings which are normally required; with the seat removed, substantially all the space behind the driving seat is therefore conveniently usable for carrying goods while the seat is readily replaceable when accommodation for passengers is required.

The retaining means preferably comprise two catch parts mounted one at either side of the seat and a plurality of cooperating catch parts spaced apart along the guide members.

A larger van may have guide members which are sufficiently long to accommodate two or more seats such that the vehicle is usable as a mini-bus, but in a preferred embodiment of the invention, additional seating is provided in the form of benches along the sides of the vehicle, the guide members being provided on respective, opposing walls of the benches. Since the benches would normally cover the rear wheel arches, they would not reduce the floor space in the vehicle to any great extent.

The seat may engage the guide members by tongued and grooved couplings in which case the coupling may be so arranged that the seat can be removed through the rear door opening of the van, although, should the seat be wider than the rear door opening, the seat may be disengageable from the guide members at their front ends, but preferably the seat rests on flanges formed in the side benches, the catches being sufficiently strong to retain the seat in position during use, and can simply be lifted out of engagement with the benches when the catches are released.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat has a base portion, engageable with the guide members, and a back rest which is pivotable between an upright position, in which it serves as a back rest per se, and a substantially horizontal position, in which the base and back rest together form a bed, releasable means being provided for retaining the back rest in each position. The length of the bed may extend transversely or longitudinally of the vehicle as convenient. The van may thus be used as a motor caravan and may further incorporate the cooker and storage unit described above.

The back rest may be attached to the base for pivotal movement relative thereto in any suitable manner but, for simplicity and cheapness of manufacture, the base and back rest are preferably hinged together along adjacent respective edges. Conveniently, the back rest can be folded against the base such that they occupy a relatively small space when not in use and may be stowed to one side of the vehicle. Retaining elements are preferably provided for retaining the seat in a stowed position when the van is required for carrying goods.

Suitable means for retaining the back rest in its upright position may, for example, comprise releasable straps or stays attached to the seat base or to respective anchorages on the side walls or roof of the van, or lugs fixed to the back rest and engageable with cooperating elements fixed to the van walls, the an chorages or elements being spaced along the van to allow the back rest to be used in any of the possible positions of the base. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining means comprise a rod engageable at each end with a respective elongate support attached to a side wall of the van above a bench seat, the rod being engageable in any one of a plurality of positions spaced apart longitudinally of the vehicle in which it extends substantially horizontally, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the van.In use, the back rest, rests against the rod, which is preferably at such a height that the back rest can be inclined at varying angles to the horizontal according to the position of the rod relative to the base. Fastening elements are preferably provided for attaching the seat back to the rod.

In addition to the storage space in the combined cooker and storage unit, space may be provided in the bench seats and in the seat base. In the latter case, a collapsible container is preferably suspended beneath the seat base, the container collapsing into a small space for stowage of the seat.

The seats and benches may be padded but are preferably provided with readily removable cushions.

A motor caravan including the cooker and storage unit of the present invention preferably includes a mount for a water reservoir or alteratively a reservoir may be provided in a door of the vehicle; a flexible pipe is connected between the reservoir and a pump which supplies water to the tap. The reservoir mount is preferably located at or above the level of the pump such that the pump does not need priming every time it is used.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying, diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the interior of a vehicle, incorporating a conversion kit according to the present invention, shown in a passenger-carrying mode; Figure 2 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle of Fig. 1 in an accommodation mode; Figure 3 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle of Fig. 1 in a load-carrying mode; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a combined cooker and storage unit forming part of the conversion kit shown in a closed condition; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the combined cooker and storage unit of Fig. 4 in an open condition;; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a water supply system forming part of the conversion kit of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a partly-exploded perspective view of the interior of the vehicle, seen in the direction of the arrow A in Fig. 1.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown a vehicle 1, such as a commercial van or mini-bus, which has been converted to a motor caravan by means of a conversion kit including a rotatable, front, passenger seat 2 of a bucket type, a combined cooker and storage unit 3 located against one of the sides 11 of the vehicle behind the drivers seat 4 and an adjustable, reclining, bench-type rear seat 5.

In Fig. 1 the vehicle 1 is shown with its seating and other equipment arranged in positions suitable for travel during everyday use, in what will be termed a passenger-carrying mode. In this mode the front passenger seat 2 is locked in its normal, forward-facing position. The position of the rear seat 5 is adjustable between a forward position, and a rear position 5a, shown in broken outline. Additional seating is provided by two side benches 6, each fitted over a respective rear wheelarch 7 behind the rear seat 5 when the latter is in its forward position. This additional seating increases the passenger capacity from 4 or 5 persons to 8 persons. Alternatively, the space 8 behind the rear seat 5, when the latter is in its forward position, provides in the order of 2.5 cubic metres of luggage capacity.

When the rear seat 5 is in its rear position 5a there is approximately 2.25 square metres of floor space in front of the seat 5.

In Fig. 2 the vehicle 1 is shown in one aspect of an accommodation mode in which the vehicle is prepared for camping. In this mode, the rear seat 5 is pushed back from its forward position of Fig. 1 to provide an accommodation space 9 between the front seats 2, 4 and the seat 5. The front passenger seat 2 is locked in a rearward-facing position, having been rotated through 180 from the position of Fig. 1, thereby allowing access to the space 9 through a front passenger door 1 0. The driver's seat 4 is not rotatable in this embodiment since the driver's door 1 2 is not intended for access to the accommodation space 9, the unit 3 being immediately behind the seat 4.The rear seat 5 is shown fully reclined to provide a bed 5b approximately 1.8 metres long and 1.2 metres wide, the length of the bed being transverse the van.

When the bed 5b is not in use, it can easily be pulled up to provide the rear seat 5, preferably in the rear position 5a which ensures the maximum accommodation space 9.

A mounting 1 3 suitable for receiving a refrigerator, heater or cupboard which is provided behind the front passenger seat 2 adjacent the front, passenger door 10 is utilised in this mode.

Clearly the seating can be easily and quickly rearranged to the mode of Fig. 1 for travel between camp sites.

When the vehicle is not being used as a motor caravan, it can be converted rapidly to a load-carrying mode, shown in Fig. 3, in which the maximum space is made available for carrying goods. In this mode, the rear seat 5 is folded and stowed against one side 11 of the vehicle 1 on one of the benches 6, being retained by straps (not shown). Any item previously located in the mounting 1 3 behind the front seat 2 is removed. The resulting load capacity behind the front seats 10, 1 2 has a volume of approximately 80% of the capacity of an unconverted vehicle. For example, in a converted commercial van with an original capacity of 8 cubic metres there are approximately 1.25 cubic metres of permanent fittings, including the combined cooker and storage unit 3. The seat 5 may, of-course, be removed entirely from the vehicle 1.

The combined cooker and storage unit 3, best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is a multipurpose unit adapted to fit most models of vehicle suitable for conversion to a motor caravan and combines in one compact fitting the storage space, cooking facilities and washing facilities which are usually separate fittings in known motor caravans.

The unit 3 comprises a cabinet 15 of substantially L-shaped horizontal section, 1 22 centimetres high, 91 centimetres long and up to 30 centimetres deep. The left-hand side, as seen in Figs. 4 and 5, being deeper than the right-hand side. The unit 3 is secured, lengthwise, to one side 11 of the vehicle 1 such that the deeper portion of the cabinet 15 is at the forward end, immediately behind the driver's seat 4. The upper back edges 1 spa of the cabinet 1 5 are inclined forwardly, as shown in Fig. 4, to allow the unit to be fitted into vehicles with differing side profiles. Side trim panels (not shown) are provided on the sides and are padded to eliminate gaps between the unit and the vehicle wall 11.The height of the unit 3 is also such as to allow it to be fitted into a wide variety of vehicles, different trim panels being provided for use of the unit in different vehicles.

Referring particularly to Fig. 4, the cabinet 1 5 has a shallow, rectangular, top portion 1 8 surrounded by a facia board 1 8a which defines a storage tray 1 8b at the right-hand side of the top 1 8 overhanging the major right-hand portion of the cabinet. The lefthand side of the top portion 1 8 houses a first switch unit 1 9 which is located immediately behind the driver in the vehicle for easy access. The switch unit 1 9 is arranged to operate facilities (not shown) such as an interior light, a map light, a radio receiver, housed in the top portion 18, and a 1 2 volt output socket.A second switch unit 20 is located on the rear end face of the cabinet 15 for operating an additional light (not shown), for example, a bedside light for the vehicle in its accommodation mode; the unit 20 also incorporates a further switch for the radio receiver.

Immediately beneath the top portion 18, the cabinet 1 5 is provided with first and second door units 16, 1 7 on the left and right hand sides respectively. The units 16, 1 7 are of equal width and have a substantial depth, extending into the interior of the cabinet 15, the first door 1 6 having a greater depth than the second door 1 7 which is recessed with respect to the top portion 1 8 and the first door unit 16. The door units 16, 17 have vertical extents of approximately 75 centimetres and 55 centimetres respectively, and are hinged to respective, vertical front edges of the cabinet 1 5 such that they open away from each other, as shown in Fig. 5.

The door units 16, 1 7 incorporate storage space which is accessible from the front of the cabinet 1 5 with the units 16, 1 7 closed, as shown in Fig. 4.

The first door unit 16 has a recess 21 which is adapted to serve as a drinks cabinet and is covered by a downwardly opening flap 22. The flap 22 is held closed by a latch 23 adjacent the upper edge of the recess and is supported in a horizontal position when open by a pair of hinged struts 24 attached to the edges of the recess 21. The recess 21 is divided by a shelf 21 a into a lower compartment adapted to receive bottles and an upper compartment adapted to hold glasses. The first door unit 1 6 has a left-hand side panel abutting a side wall of the cabinet 15, the panel being provided with an aperture through which a small lamp 21 b attached to the said side wall projects.

The second door 1 7 has a partially enclosed recess 25 which is adapted to serve as a magazine rack.

Below the first door unit 1 6 is a removable storage locker 26 which projects outwardly of the cabinet 1 6 and has an upwardly opening flap 27, the purpose of which will be described below. The front face 15b of the unit 3 beneath the second door unit 1 7 is provided with two superimposed storage lockers 28, 29, each having a respective downwardly opening flap 28a, 29a hinged along a lower edge to the cabinet 1 5.

Referring to Fig. 5 of the drawings, the combination unit 3 is shown with the door units 16, 1 7 opened such that the unit serves as a kitchen. In this condition the inner faces of the door units 16, 1 7 provide storage space which is partitioned from that described above and the lower portion of the cabinet 1 5 provides cooking and washing facilities.

The inner face of the first door unit 1 6 has a central storage locker 30, with a downwardly opening flap 31 to allow access, and a lower storage bin 32, having an access opening. Above the central locker 30 is provided a tray 33, which extends the full width and depth of the door unit 16, over the recess 21 in the other side of the unit 1 6. The tray 33 is partitioned internally and is almost completely surrounded by a raised edge to enable the tray 33 to be used as a safe but easily accessible storage space for breakable items such as crockery.

The inner wall of the second door unit 1 7 comprises the rear wall of the recess 25 and carries a mirror 34 which is approximately 25 centimetres square. Behind the mirror 34, at the top of the door unit 17, is a further storage tray 36 which is located over the recess 25 in the outer face of the door unit 1 7. A storage bin 36 below the mirror 34 is formed in a deeper portion of the door unit 1 7 which projects into the interior of the cabinet 15.

As is seen from Fig. 5, the side 1 7a of the second door unit 1 7 adjacent the door unit 1 6 in the closed condition of the cabinet 1 5 is recessed from the front to allow the door units 16, 1 7 to be opened outwardly.

The opening of the door units 16, 1 7 allows access to the interior of the cabinet 1 5 which is provided on the left-hand side with a gas cooker 37, mounted on the locker 26, and on the right-hand side, above the lockers 27, 28 with a sink unit 38, both of which are accessible to a person sitting on the rear seat 5 in its forward position.

The cooker 37, which is a known type used in motor caravans and caravan trailers generally, has a hob unit, including two burners, and a grill. A fiddle bar 37a retains utensils on the burners and braces the cabinet 1 5. A gas cylinder (not shown), which is in use, is stored in the locker 26 which is ventilated for this purpose. The locker 26 and cooker 37 are removable from the unit 3 in the direction of the arrow B in Fig. 5. The flap 27 when raised, as shown in Fig. 5, serves as a table and has a detachable supporting leg 27a.

The hinge of the door unit 1 6 is of a type which stops the door being closed without first being pushed open slightly to prevent accidental closure of the door when for example the cooker is alight.

The sink unit 38, has a circular sink with a diameter of approximately 22 centimetres and is made from a suitable strong, lightweight material such as plastics, aluminium or stainless steel. The sink is supplied with water from a tap 39 which is connected to a 12 volt electric pump 40 of a known centrifugal type housed in the base of the cabinet 1 5 and operated by a push-button switch 41 located above the sink unit 38. The outflow of water from the sink passes along a waste pipe (not shown) through the vehicle floor for suitable disposal.

A small fluorescent light 42 with an electric razor adaptor is also situated above the sink unit 38. When the door unit 1 6 is open, the lamp 21 b illuminates the area of the cooker 37 rather than the recess 21, as described above.

Referring now to Fig. 6, a water supply system for the motor caravan is shown comprising a reservoir 43, for example, a 22 litre plastics container which is mounted in a bracket 44 attached to the outside of one of the rear doors 45 of the vehicle 1, as shown in Fig. 2. A manually-operable outlet tap 46 at the base of the container 43 is connected to the suction side of the electric pump 40 by a first flexible hose 57 which passes through a hole in the rear bodywork of the vehicle 1.

The outlet side of the pump 40 is connected to the tap 39 on the sink unit 39 by a second flexible hose 48. The tap 39 has an on/off nozzle 39a to prevent water trapped in the second hose from surging into the sink unit 38 when the vehicle 1 is in motion and, particularly, when the vehicle 1 is braking.

The container 43 is readily removable and can easily be refilled through an upper opening provided with a screw-threaded cap. Since the outlet 46 is at the same level as the pump 40 the latter needs no priming before use. In the event of pump failure, the container 43 can be removed and taken to the sink unit 38 for a direct supply of water.

Referring to Fig. 7 of the drawings, the arrangement of the rear seat 5 and the side benches 6 is shown in detail.

The seat 5 comprises a shallow box-shaped base 48 and a back-rest 52 which is hinged to an upper rear edge of the base 48. The base 48 is supported in the vehicle 1 at a convenient height by means of laterally-projecting flanges 49, one extending along either side of the base 48, which rest each on a respective upwardly-open channel 50 formed on opposing faces of the side benches 6, and in some cases on the unit 3 and the opposing side 11 of the vehicle. The flanges 49 are slidable on the channels 50 to allow the position of the seat 5 to be adjusted longitudinally of the vehicle 1, a slide-bolt 51 provided on each side of the front face of the base 48 being engageable in a cooperating hole (not shown) in the respective bench 6 to retain the seat 5 in any one of a plurality of positions.

The back-rest 52 is supported in an upright position by means of an aluminium tube 53, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, at a convenient height, and against which the back-rest 52 leans. The ends of the tube 53 are supported in respective apertures 54 in elongate support panels 55 fixed to the sides 11 of the vehicle above the benches 6; the ends of the tube 53 can be engaged in any of a plurality of pairs of apertures 54 according to the position of the seat-base 48 and the desired inclination of the back-rest 42.The inclination of the back rest may, in fact, be adjusted between angles of 40 and 90 to the seat-base 48 for use as a seat and can be supported by laterally extending lugs (not shown) which rest on rear portions of the upwardly-open channels 50 such that its main rest surface is parallel to the upper surface of the base 48 for use as a bed 5b.

The panels 55 are in fact fixed to the walls 11 of the vehicle over a layer of resilient foam covered with decorative material which effectively pads the walls 11 making the vehicle more comfortable for use as a caravan. The foam behind one panel also urges the tube 53 towards the opposite panel such that an annular stop 53a provided adjacent the other end of the tube 53 abuts the said opposite panel 55, the resilience of the foam allowing the tube to be removed from engagement with the apertures.

A second tube 56 is supported to the rear of, and spaced from, the tube 53 in a similar manner. The two tubes 53, 56, support respective sides of a nylon stretcher 57 behind the rear seat 5. The stretcher 57 is 38 centimetres wide and can serve as a child's bunk or as an additional shelf which is conveniently located behind the seat 5 and hides any luggage in the space behind the seat from view when the seat is in its rear position.

A hinged flap 58 in the seat-base 48 allows access to a collapsible nylon storage bag 59 which is suspended from the underside of the seat-base 48. This bag 59, being collapsible, does not interfere with the folding and stowage of the rear seat 5 when the vehicle is being used in the load-carrying mode. Additional storage spaces 60 are provided within the side benches 6, some of which may be ventilated to permit the storage of additional gas cylinders for the cooker 37 and/or the refrigerator or heater.

The rear seat 5 and the side benches 6 are provided with foam cushions (not shown), 10 centimetres thick, which also constitute a mattress for the bed 5b. The cushions for the seat-back 52 is retained by webbing straps (not shown) which encircle the first tube 53 and are attached to the rear of the seat-back 52 by releasable fastenings. These straps also prevent the seat-back 52 from folding forwards when the vehicle 1 is braking. The tube 53 is also suitable for the attachment of a childs' safety seat, in which case accommodating slots would be formed in the seat-back 52 to facilitate the attachment.

The conversion of a vehicle into a motor caravan by the incorporation of the combined cooker and storage unit and seats as described above will generally be simpler and, hence cheaper to carry out than known conversions since very little alteration of the vehicle is necessary. The converted vehicle may also be reconverted quickly and easily to, general-purpose use by moving the seat 5.

The combined cooker and storage unit can be made in quantity for fitting a wide range of vehicles and would also be useful in boats or bed-sitting rooms, or any other location in which cooking facilities are needed and space is limited.

Claims (29)

1. A motor van having a seat supported above the floor thereof between elongate longitudinal guide members attached to opposing side walls of the van, or opposite side benches, and located above the floor level, the seat engaging the guide members for sliding movement of the seat longitudinally of the vehicle, releasable retaining means being provided for retaining the seat in a desired position along the guide members, and the seat being readily disengageable from the guide members when not required for use.

2. A motor van as claimed in Claim 1, in which the seat rests on flanges provided on the opposing side walls or side benches of the van.

3. A motor van as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the retaining means comprise two catch parts mounted one at either side of the seat and a plurality of cooperating catch parts spaced apart along the guide members.

4. A motor van as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3, in which the seat has a base portion, engageable with the guide members, and a back rest portion which is pivotable between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position in which the base and back rest portions together form a bed, releasable means being provided for supporting the back rest portion in an upright position in each of the plurality of positions of the seat along the guide members.

5. A motor van as claimed in Claim 4, in which the releasable means for supporting the backrest in its upright positions of use comprise a rod or tube which extends transversely of the van, above the level of the elongage guide members, the rod or tube being engageable at each end with a respective one of a pair of elongate supports attached to opposite respective side walls of the van in a plurality of positions spaced apart longitudinally of the van.

6. A motor van as claimed in Claim 5, in which the rod or tube is longer than the perpendicular distance between the two elongate supports and each elongate support has a row of apertures for receiving the respective end of the rod or tube to support the rod or tube, the apertures of at least one of the rows each having a respective resilient pad which is deformable to allow the insertion of the ends of the rod or tube into respective opposing apertures in the two Supports, the pad biasing the rod or tube towards the opposite support when so engaged.

7. A motor van as claimed in Claim 6, in which the rod or tube supports the front edge of a bunk and/or parcel shelf located behind the seat and extending transversely of the van, the rear edge of the bunk and/or parcel shelf being supported by a similar rod engaged at each end with the said elongate supports.

8. A motor van as claimed in Claim 4, Claim 5 Claim 6 or Claim 7, in which the backrest portion is pivotable between said upright and horizontal positions about a hinge connecting adjacent edges of the base and backrest portions, the backrest being further pivotable to lie against the base portion for compactness when the seat is released from engagement with the guide members for storage.

9. A motor van as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, in which a collapsible container is attached beneath a base portion of the seat.

10. A motor van as claimed in Claim 9, in which the container has a rigid front flap which closes the gap between the seat and the floor of the van in the extended condition of the container, and which collapses against the underside of the seat base.

11. A motor van having a seat supported above the floor thereof between elongate, longitudinal guide members attached to opposite side benches of the van, substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.

1 2. A combined cooker and storage unit comprising a cabinet containing a hob and having a door hinged to the cabinet about a vertical axis, in use, the door containing storage space accessible from outside the cabinet when the door is closed to conceal the hob unit, and being openable to allow access to the hob unit and to further storage space.

1 3. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 12, in which the door, when closed, fits into the working space above the hob unit, the said further storage space being provided in the door and being accessible from inside the door.

1 4. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 13, including additional storage space beneath the hob unit.

1 5. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 14, in which the hob unit includes at least one gas ring and the said additional storage space is adapted to receive a gas cylinder for connection to the or each gas ring.

1 6. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, in which the additional storage space is closable by a flap hinged to the cabinet about an upper, horizontal edge in use, the flap being pivotable about the hinge axis from its closed position to a horizontal position in which it is supportable to provide a table.

1 7. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, in which the additional storage space is located in a locker on which the hob unit is mounted, the locker and hob unit being displaceable outwardly of the combined unit when the door is open.

1 8. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in any of Claims 1 2 to 17, in which a safety device is provided to prevent the door being closed accidentally while the hob unit is operational.

1 9. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in any of Claims 1 2 to 18, in which a lamp is carried by a fixed part of the unit and arranged to illuminate the hob unit, when the door is open, and the storage space in the door accessible from outside the unit, when the door is closed.

20. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in any of Claims 1 2 to 19, including a sink located adjacent the hob unit.

21. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 20, in which the sink is concealed by a second door when the unit is closed, the second door being hinged to the cabinet about a vertical axis such that it opens away from the other door.

22. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 21, in which the second door fits into the space above the sink when closed and contains storage space accessible from outside the cabinet.

23. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 22 in which the second door contains storage space accessible from inside the unit when the door is open.

24. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 22 or Claim 23, including storage space beneath the sink.

25. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 24, including a pump housed within the unit, the pump being adapted to be connected, in use, to a water supply to pump water to a tap associated with the sink.

26. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in any of Claims 1 2 to 25, in which the cabinet has side walls with rear edges which are forwardly inclined in their upper portions such that the unit can be fitted in a vehicle against a wall having an inwardly inclined upper portion.

27. A combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 26, in which flexible and/or resilient padding is provided along the said rear edges of the cabinet side walls such that the unit may be fitted flush against a said vehicle wall having an inwardly inclined upper portion.

28. A motor van having a combined cooker and storage unit as claimed in Claim 26 or Claim 27 as dependent on Claim 25, located against an internal side wall thereof, the pump being connected to a water reservoir carried by a rear door of the van.

29. A combined cooker and storage unit, substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.