GB2533890A

GB2533890A - Mobile accommodation system

Info

Publication number: GB2533890A
Application number: GB1605825.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oliver Murchú Lorcán
Original assignee: SNOOZEBOX Ltd
Current assignee: SNOOZEBOX Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-03
Filing date: 2014-11-03
Publication date: 2016-07-06
Also published as: WO2016071368A2; GB2533891A; GB2531819A; GB201419592D0; WO2016071368A3

Abstract

A mobile accommodation system 10 comprises a plurality of suites 100. Each of the suites comprises a bedroom 110 and is convertible between a stowed state having a first volume for movement of the accommodation system, and a deployed state in which the suites have a second volume that is greater than the first volume. Each of the suites comprises two beds 540, 550 that are movable relative to each other to provide a selection of different sleeping arrangements. Each of the suites may comprise first and second portions, wherein the second portion may be nested within the first when in the stowed state. Each suite may have a folding floor 120 and the bathroom may have the same volume in both the deployed and stowed states. Also claimed is a vehicle comprising an accommodation system.

Description

MOBILE ACCOMMODATION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a mobile accommodation system, an accommodation suite for use in a mobile accommodation system, an arrangement for use in a room, a room for use in a mobile accommodation system, a temporary stairway for use in a mobile accommodation system, and a portable stairway for use in a mobile accommodation system.

Background

There is an ongoing requirement for the provision of temporary accommodation at locations which do not have any, or sufficient, hotel rooms to provide accommodation for visitors. For example, there are venues remote from conurbations, for example motor racing circuits and music festivals, which host large scale events only on an occasional basis, and for only a matter of days or weeks at a time, and which do not have sufficient nearby hotel rooms to accommodate visitors. There is therefore a need for an accommodation system that can be easily transported to, and deployed at, a site in a short space of time, and which can then be easily stowed and removed from the site and transported to a new location for reassembly.

Summary

A first aspect of the present invention provides an accommodation suite for use in a mobile accommodation system, the accommodation suite comprising: a storey comprising a first interior volume, a second interior volume, and a partition between the first interior volume and the second interior volume, the first interior volume having a floor; wherein an upper portion of the partition is above at least a portion of the floor so as to create a first void beneath the upper portion of the partition; and wherein the portion of the floor is movable within the first void to configure the accommodation suite for movement of the mobile accommodation system.

Optionally, the second interior volume extends above a lower portion of the partition.

Optionally, the partition has a top end, a bottom end that is closer to the floor than the top end, and the partition extends linearly from the bottom end to the top end.

Optionally, the partition defines an opening for accessing one of the first and second interior volumes from the other of the first and second interior volumes.

Optionally, the suite comprises a door in the opening.

Optionally, the portion of the floor is rotatable within the first void about an axis. Further optionally, the axis is parallel to a bottom end of the partition.

Optionally, the portion of the floor has a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end is closer than the distal end to both the axis and the partition.

Optionally, the suite comprises a second portion of the floor, and the floor is convertible between a folded state, in which the floor is folded with the portion of the floor at a first angle relative to the second portion of the floor, and an unfolded state, in which the portion of the floor is at a second angle relative to the second portion of the floor. Further optionally, the suite is convertible between a stowed state for movement of the mobile accommodation system, in which stowed state the first interior volume has a first volume and the floor is in the folded state, and a deployed state, in which the first interior volume has a second volume that is greater than the first volume and the floor is in the unfolded state.

Optionally, the floor is a first floor, wherein the second interior volume has a second floor, and wherein an upper surface of the second floor is parallel or coplanar to an upper surface of the first floor when the first floor is in the unfolded state.

Optionally, the first interior volume is comprised in a bedroom and the second interior volume is comprised in a bathroom.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a mobile accommodation system comprising at least one accommodation suite, wherein the, or each, suite is according to the first aspect of the present invention.

A third aspect of the present invention provides an arrangement for use in a room, the arrangement comprising: a wall; a shelf extending from the wall and having a first support surface; a support extending from the shelf and having a second support surface; and a bed that is movable relative to the wall between a deployed position, at which the bed is spaced from the first support surface and in contact with the second support surface, and a stowed position, at which the bed is out of contact with the shelf and the support.

Optionally, the second support surface has an area that is less than an area of the first support surface. Further optionally, the area of the second support surface is less than half of the area of the first support surface. Still further optionally, the area of the second support surface is less than a quarter of the area of the first support surface.

Optionally, the support abuts the wall.

Optionally, the first support surface is orthogonal to the wall.

Optionally, the bed is rotatable relative to the wall between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Optionally, the arrangement comprises a second bed that is below the bed when the bed is in the deployed position.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a room for use in a mobile accommodation system, the room comprising an arrangement according to the third aspect of the present invention.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a mobile accommodation system comprising at least one room, wherein the, or each, room is according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a room for use in a mobile accommodation system, the room comprising a space and a plurality of walls that delineate the space, wherein a wall of the walls has a sandwich structure comprising a layer of metal, a layer of wood, and a layer comprising a mass of acoustic insulation material.

Optionally, the layer of wood is between the layer of metal and the layer comprising the mass of acoustic insulation material.

Optionally, the layer of metal is between the space and the layer comprising the mass of acoustic insulation material.

Optionally, the metal is steel.

Optionally, the metal is galvanized.

Optionally, the layer of metal has a thickness of between 0.5 and 2 millimetres.

Further optionally, the layer of metal has a thickness of between 0.75 and 1.5 millimetres. The layer of metal may have a thickness of about 1 millimetre.

Optionally, the layer of wood is a layer of plywood.

Optionally, the layer of wood has a thickness of between 25 and 40 millimetres. Further optionally, the layer of wood has a thickness of between 30 and 35 millimetres. The layer of wood may have a thickness of about 32 millimetres.

Optionally, the acoustic insulation materi al comprises or consists of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: foam, closed cell foam, open cell foam, non-woven material, woven material, knitted material, wadding, fleece, nylon, polystyrene, polyester, polypropylene, and a combination or blend of any two or more of these materials.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a mobile accommodation system comprising at least one room, wherein the, or each, room is according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.

Optionally, the mobile accommodation system comprises plural rooms, wherein each of the rooms is according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, and wherein the wall is between two of the rooms.

An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a temporary stairway for use in a mobile accommodation system, the temporary stairway comprising: a stringer; and a plurality of primary steps, wherein each of the primary steps is for detachable connection to the stringer; wherein the stringer and the primary steps are arranged so that, when a first primary step of the primary steps is connected to the stringer, a second primary step of the primary steps is connectable to the stringer in such a manner that prevents detachment of the first primary step from the stringer without first detaching the second primary step from the stringer.

Optionally, when the first primary step is connected to the stringer, the second primary step is connectable to the stringer to create a mechanical interlock between the first and second primary steps that prevents detachment of the first primary step from the stringer without first detaching the second primary step from the stringer.

Optionally, the first primary step comprises a tread, the second primary step comprises a riser, and the mechanical interlock comprises the tread and the riser. Further optionally, when the first primary step is connected to the stringer, the second primary step is connectable to the stringer in such a manner that the riser overlies the tread, so as to prevent detachment of the first primary step from the stringer without first detaching the second primary step from the stringer.

Optionally, each of the primary steps is for detachable connection to the stringer by inserting a protrusion of one of the respective primary step and the stringer into a hole in the other of the respective primary step and the stringer.

Optionally, each of the primary steps is identical to each other of the primary steps.

Optionally, the temporary stairway is free of any lock device for locking any one of the primary steps to the stringer.

Optionally, the temporary stairway comprises: a master step for detachable connection to the stringer; and a lock for locking the master step relative to the stringer when the master step is connected to the stringer; wherein the master step, the stringer and the lock are arranged so that, when the second primary step is connected to the stringer, the master step is connectable to the stringer, and lockable relative to the stringer by the lock, in such a manner that prevents detachment of the second primary step from the stringer without first unlocking the lock and detaching the master step from the stringer. Further optionally, the lock is for locking the master step to the stringer.

A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a mobile accommodation system comprising a temporary stairway, the temporary stairway being according to the eighth aspect of the present invention.

Optionally, the mobile accommodation system comprises an assembly defining at least one accommodation suite comprising one or more rooms, wherein the temporary stairway is for detachable connection to the assembly.

A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a portable stairway for use in a mobile accommodation system, the portable stairway comprising: a frame having a first end and a second end, the frame comprising a stringer and a plurality of steps connected to the stringer successively along a path that extends from the first end of the frame to the second end of the frame, wherein the steps have respective treads lying in parallel respective planes; and at least one wheel rotatably connected to the frame at a position relative to the frame such that, in use, the portable stairway is movable relative to a horizontal support surface between: an operational state, at which the planes are parallel to the horizontal support surface, and the first end of the frame is in contact with the horizontal support surface, and a mobile state, at which the planes are non-parallel to the horizontal support surface, the first end of the frame is out of contact with the horizontal support surface, and the, or each, wheel is in contact with the horizontal support surface.

Optionally, the at least one wheel is rotatably connected to the frame at a position relative to the frame such that, in use, when the portable stairway is in the operational state, the, or each, wheel is out of contact with the horizontal support surface. Alternatively, the at least one wheel is rotatably connected to the frame at a position relative to the frame such that, in use, when the portable stairway is in the operational state, the, or each, wheel is in contact with the horizontal support surface.

Optionally, the path is at between 30 and 60 degrees to each of the planes.

Optionally, the wheel is rotatably connected to the frame for rotation along a surface about an axis, and wherein the axis is fixed relative to the frame.

Optionally, the portable stairway comprises at least one handrail for detachable connection to the frame.

Optionally, the portable stairway comprises a handle at the second end of the frame for manoeuvring the portable stairway when the portable stairway is in the mobile state.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a mobile accommodation system comprising a portable stairway, the portable stairway being according to the tenth aspect of the present invention.

Optionally, the mobile accommodation system comprises a walkway, and the portable stairway is for detachable connection to the walkway.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a mobile accommodation system, comprising: a plurality of accommodation suites; wherein each of the suites comprises a bedroom; and wherein each of the suites is convertible between a stowed state for movement of the mobile accommodation system, in which stowed state the suite has a first volume, and a deployed state, in which the suite has a second volume that is greater than the first volume.

Optionally, each suite comprises a first suite portion and a second suite portion, wherein the second suite portion is nested with the first suite portion when the suite is in the stowed state.

Optionally, each suite has a floor that is folded when the suite is in the stowed state and unfolded when the suite is in the deployed state. Further optionally, the floor is a floor of the bedroom of the suite.

Optionally, the floor comprises a first floor portion and a second floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion, and an upper surface of the first floor portion is parallel or coplanar to an upper surface of the second floor portion when the suite is in the deployed state.

Optionally, each of the suites comprises a bathroom and a partition between the bedroom and the bathroom. Further optionally, the bathroom has the same volume when the suite is in the deployed state as when the suite is in the stowed state.

Optionally, the bedroom has a greater volume when the suite is in the deployed state than when the suite is in the stowed state.

Optionally, each of the suites comprises two beds that are movable relative to each other to provide a selection of available different sleeping arrangements within the 10 bedroom.

Optionally, each of the suites has a doorway that connects the suite to an exterior of the system. Further optionally, the mobile accommodation system comprises a walkway onto which each of the doorways of the respective suites is openable.

Optionally, the plurality of accommodation suites are arranged in two parallel rows. Further optionally, a first of the rows consists of a first number of the suites, a second of the rows consists of a second number of the suites, and the first number is equal to the second number.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a mobile accommodation system, the mobile accommodation system being according to any one of the second, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh and twelfth aspects of the present invention.

Optionally, the vehicle is a road vehicle. Further optionally, the vehicle is a trailer for connection to, and propulsion by, a tractor unit.

Optionally, the vehicle comprises a chassis and a plurality of wheels rotatably connected to the chassis for contact with a surface during propulsion of the vehicle along the surface, wherein the mobile accommodation system is fixed to the chassis.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a vehicle comprising a mobile accommodation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle having been parked and stabilised using levelling legs of the vehicle; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1, with accommodation suites of the system having been converted from a stowed state to a deployed state; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 2, with a first walkway of the system having been deployed; Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of the system of the vehicle of Figures 1 to 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative arrangement of the accommodation suites of the system; Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of one of the suites of the system of Figure 4 in a deployed state, the suite comprising a bathroom and a bedroom, with beds of the bedroom in a first configuration; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective interior view of the bedroom of the suite of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of the suite of Figure 5 with the beds in a second configuration; Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective interior view of the bedroom of the suite of Figure 7; Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of the suite of Figure 5 with the beds in a third configuration; Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective interior view of the bedroom of the suite of Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the suite of Figures 5 and 6 when in a deployed state; Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the suite of Figure 11 when in a stowed state; Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a wall of the bedroom of the suite of Figures 5 and 6; Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of an arrangement for use in a room according to an embodiment of the present invention, a bed of the arrangement being in a stowed position; Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the portion of the arrangement of Figure 14; Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the arrangement of Figure 14 with the bed of the arrangement in a deployed position; Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a portable stairway of a mobile accommodation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 shows a schematic side view of the portable stairway of Figure 17 when in an operational state; Figure 19 shows a schematic side view of the portable stairway of Figures 17 and 18 when in a mobile state; Figure 20 is schematic perspective view of a mobile accommodation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprising a temporary stairway according to an embodiment of the present invention and a portable stairway according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 21 shows a schematic side view of a portion of the temporary stairway shown in Figure 20.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "accommodation suite" is intended to cover a suite comprising only a single room, as well as suites comprising a plurality of rooms. As used herein, the term "inclined relative to" means not parallel or perpendicular relative to. As used herein, the term "bathroom-means a room for occupants of the room to attend to their personal hygiene, and may contain a bath and/or a shower and/or a toilet and/or a wash basin, and the like. As used herein, the term "bedroom" means a room containing one or more beds on which occupants of the room can lie. One or more of the beds may be convertible into a sofa. A bedroom may also include other furniture, such as a desk and/or a chair and/or a wardrobe, and the like.

Referring to Figures 1, there is shown a perspective view of an example of a road vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 is a trailer for connection to a tractor unit for propulsion along a road by the tractor unit. In other embodiments, the vehicle may take a different form, such as a road going vehicle with an integral propulsion system for propelling the vehicle along a road.

In Figure 1, the vehicle 1 is shown as having been decoupled from the tractor unit (not shown) and stabilised relative to the ground G on which the vehicle 1 is standing by a set of levelling legs 12 of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the levelling legs 12 are extended and brought into contact with the ground G by a drive system (not shown), such as a hydraulic or pneumatic drive system.

The vehicle 1 comprises a mobile accommodation system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises a chassis 2 and a plurality of wheels 3 rotatably connected to the chassis 2 for contact with a surface during propulsion of the vehicle 1 along the surface. In this embodiment, the mobile accommodation system 10 is fixed to the chassis 2. The mobile accommodation system 10 comprises an assembly defining six accommodation suites 100. In this embodiment, each of the suites 100 is convertible between a stowed state, in which the suite 100 has a first volume, and a deployed state, in which the suite 100 has a second volume that is greater than the first volume. When all the suites 100 are in their respective stowed states, the suites 100 are configured for movement of the mobile accommodation system 10. In Figure 1, each of the suites 100 is in the stowed state. However, in Figure 2, the suites 100 are shown as having been converted to their respective deployed states, so that each of the suites 100 now has an expanded volume an is habitable more comfortably by occupants.

As may be best understood from consideration of Figures 4, 5, 11 and 12, each of the suites 100 comprises a first suite portion 101 and a second suite portion 102.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in each of the suites 100, the first suite portion 101 comprises a back wall 101a, a first side wall portion 101b, and a second side wall portion 101c, and the second suite portion 102 comprises a front wall 102a, a first side wall portion 102b, and a second side wall portion 102c. Each of the suites 100 comprises a front wall 100a defined by the front wall 102a of the second suite portion 102, a back wall 100b defined by the back wall 101a of the first suite portion 101, a first side wall 101c defined by a combination of the first side wall portions 101b, 102b of the first and second suite portions 101, 102, and a second side wall 101d defined by a combination of the second side wall portions 101c, 102c of the first and second suite portions 101, 102.

The second suite portion 102 is nestable with the first suite portion 101, with the first side wall portions 101b 102b of the first and second suite portions 101, 102 overlapped and the second side wall portions 101c, 102c of the first and second suite portions 101, 102 overlapped, and is nested with the first suite portion 101 when the suite 100 is in the stowed state. When the suite 100 is in the deployed state, as best shown in Figure 4 the second suite portion 102 may be still be nested with the first suite portion 101 but to a lesser degree, so that the first side wall portions 101b, 102b of the first and second suite portions 101, 102 are overlapped to a lesser degree and the second side wall portions 101c, 102c of the first and second suite portions 101, 102 are overlapped to a lesser degree. In other embodiments, when the suite 100 is in the deployed state the second suite portion 102 may not be nested with the first suite portion 101. When the suite 100 is in the stowed state, the front wall 100a of the suite 100 is a first distance from the back wall 100b of the suite 100. On the other hand, when the suite 100 is in the deployed state, the front wall 100a of the suite 100 is a second distance from the back wall 100b of the suite 100, which second distance is greater than the first distance. In this embodiment, the suites 100 are converted between the stowed and deployed states by a drive system (not shown), such as a hydraulic or pneumatic drive system, that is arranged to move the second suite portion 102 relative to the first suite portion 101. In this embodiment, each of the suites 100 comprises a bedroom 110 and a bathroom 150, as will be described in more detail below, but in other embodiments the bathroom may be omitted from some or all of the suites 100. The first suite portion 101 comprises the bathroom 150 and a first portion 111 of the bedroom 110, and the second suite portion 102 comprises a second portion 112 of the bedroom 110.

In this embodiment, the system 10 comprises two first walkways 103 and two first canopies 104. Each of the first walkways 103 and first canopies 104 is convertible between a stowed state and a deployed state. In Figures 1 and 2, the first walkways 103 and first canopies 104 are shown in their respective stowed states, at which the first walkways 103 and first canopies 104 are vertically arranged on outer faces of the assembly of suites 100. In Figure 3, the first walkways 103 and first canopies 104 are shown as having been converted to their respective deployed states, so that each of the first walkways 103 has a horizontal upper major surface for walking on, and each of the first canopies 104 is horizontally arranged over a respective one of the first walkways 103 for shading the first walkways 103 from the sun or precipitation. In this embodiment, the first walkways 103 and first canopies 104 are converted between the stowed and deployed states by a drive system (not shown), such as a hydraulic or pneumatic drive system, that is arranged to move the first walkways 103 and first canopies 104 relative to the suites 100. Figure 3 also shows that first handrails 105 have been provided on outer edges of the respective first walkways 103 for holding by users as they walk along the first walkways 103. In this embodiment, the first handrails are foldable from a stowed position on the upper major surfaces of the respective first walkways 103 to the illustrated deployed position. In other embodiments, the first handrails 105 may be releasably connectable to the first walkways 103 in the illustrated position.

Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of the system 10, and specifically shows the relative positions of the suites 100 and the first walkways 103. In this embodiment the suites 100 are arranged in two parallel rows RI, R2 of the system 10, with each row R1, R2 consisting of three of the suites 100. In other embodiments, the total number of suites 100 in the system 10 may be other than six, and/or the suites 100 may be relatively arranged in a different manner to that of this embodiment. However, when the suites 100 are arranged in two parallel rows, it can be an efficient use of space within the assembly for a first of the rows to consist of a first number of the suites, and a second of the rows to consist of a second number of the suites, wherein the first number is equal to the second number. Each of the suites 100 has a doorway 106 that connects the suite 100 to an exterior of the system 10. In this embodiment, the doorways 106 are provided in the respective front walls 100a of the suites 100. In this embodiment, the doorways 106 of the suites 100 of the first row RI are openable onto one of the first walkways 103, and the doorways 106 of the suites 100 of the second row R2 are openable onto the other of the first walkways 103. In this embodiment, the assembly is elongate and each of the first walkways 103 is elongate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the assembly.

Referring to Figures 5 to 12, one of the suites 100 of the system will now be described in more detail. As mentioned above, in this embodiment the suite 100 comprises a bedroom 110 and a bathroom 150. The bathroom 150 is separated from the bedroom 110 by first and second partitions 160, 170. Each of these partitions 160, 170 is thus between the bathroom 110 and the bedroom 150. In this embodiment, the first partition 160 runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembly, and a second partition 170 runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. The first partition 160 will be described in more detail below.

The bathroom 150 has a floor 151 and in this embodiment contains a toilet (not shown), a wash basin 152 (shown in Figures 5, 7 and 9) and a shower (not shown). In other embodiments, the bathroom 150 may contain any combination of a toilet, a wash basin, a shower, a bath, a bidet, and the like. Since the bathroom 150 is wholly comprised in the first suite portion 101, the size and shape of the bathroom 150 does not change during relative movement of the first and second suite portions 101, 102 as the suite 100 is converted between the deployed and stowed states. Accordingly, the bathroom 150 has the same volume when the suite 100 is in the deployed state as when the suite 100 is in the stowed state.

The bedroom 110 has a floor 120 and in this embodiment contains a fold-down desk 112, a wall-mounted television (not shown), and a number of wall-mounted shelves (not shown). In other embodiments, the bedroom 110 may contain any combination of a desk, a chair, a television, a radio, an audio-visual entertainment system, an alarm clock, a cupboard, a wardrobe, a shelf, and the like. In this embodiment, the bedroom 110 further comprises four beds 540, 550, 560, 570. The beds 540, 550, 560, 570 are movable relative to each other to provide a selection of available different sleeping arrangements within the bedroom 110. Accordingly, the bedroom 110 and the suite 100 as a whole is configurable in a number of different ways to accommodate one or more occupants.

A first bed 540 of the beds is hingedly connected to a wall of the bedroom 110, in this embodiment the front wall 100a of the suite 100, and is rotatable relative to the wall 100a between a stowed position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, at which an upper side of the first bed 540 is substantially vertical, and a deployed position, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, at which the upper side of the first bed 540 is substantially horizontal. A second bed 550 of the beds is movable between a first position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and a second position, as shown in Figure 8. When the second bed 550 is in the first position, the second bed 550 forms the base of a sofa. When the second bed 550 is in the second position, the second bed 550 is for lying on. Moreover, when the second bed 550 is in the second position and the first bed 540 is in its deployed position, the second bed 550 forms the lower bunk of a first bunk bed and the first bed 540 forms the upper bunk of the first bunk bed, as shown in Figure 8.

A third bed 560 of the beds is hingedly connected to another of the walls of the bedroom 110, in this embodiment the back wall 100b of the suite 100, and is rotatable relative to that wall 100b between a stowed position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, at which an upper side of the third bed 560 is substantially vertical, and a deployed position, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, at which an upper side of the third bed 560 is substantially horizontal. A fourth bed 570 of the beds is movable between a first position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and a second position, as shown in Figure 8. When the fourth bed 570 is in the first position, the fourth bed 570 is inclined to the horizontal and forms the back of the sofa. When the fourth bed 570 is in the second position, the fourth bed 570 is for lying on. Moreover, when the fourth bed 570 is in the second position and the third bed 560 is in its deployed position, the fourth bed 570 forms the lower bunk of a second bunk bed and the third bed 560 forms the upper bunk of the second bunk bed, as shown in Figure 8. The second bed 550 may also be moved so as to abut against the fourth bed 570, when the fourth bed 570 is in its second position, to form a double bed with the fourth bed 570, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

In other embodiments, the bedroom 110 of the suite 100 may have more or fewer than four beds, and/or the bed(s) of the bedroom 110 may be configurable in a different manner to that of this embodiment.

As discussed above, the first portion 111 of the bedroom 110 is comprised in the first suite portion 101 and the second portion 112 of the bedroom 110 is comprised in the second suite portion 102. Accordingly, the size and shape of the bedroom 110 changes during relative movement of the first and second suite portions 101, 102 as the suite 100 is converted between the deployed and stowed states. The bedroom 110 has a greater volume when the suite 100 is in the deployed state than when the suite 100 is in the stowed state. This means that the suite 100, and the system 10 as a whole, can be made relatively compact for transportation between deployment sites, and expanded for comfortable occupation by users once at a deployment site.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, in this embodiment the floor 120 of the bedroom 110 is foldable. The floor 120 is folded when the suite 100 is in the stowed state and unfolded when the suite 100 is in the deployed state. In this embodiment, the floor 120 comprises first to fifth floor portions 121, 122, 123, 124, 125. In this embodiment, each of the first to fifth floor portions 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 is itself stiff or rigid. The first floor portion 121 is fixed to the first suite portion 101. The second floor portion 122 is rotatably connected to the first floor portion 121 by a first hinge 126. The third floor portion 123 is rotatably connected to the second floor portion 122 by a second hinge 127. The fourth floor portion 124 is connected to the third floor portion 123 for movement relative to the third floor portion 123 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first hinge 126. The fifth floor portion 125 is fixed to the second suite portion 102, and is rotatably connected to the fourth floor portion 124 by a third hinge 128. In this embodiment, the respective rotation axes of the first, second and third hinges 126, 127, 128 are parallel to each other and parallel to a bottom end 161 of the first partition 160.

Referring to Figure 11, in this embodiment, when the suite 100 is in the deployed state, upper surfaces 121a, 122a, 123a, 124a, 125a of the first to fifth floor portions 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 are coplanar with each other. This helps to reduce trip hazards for occupants of the bedroom 110 and gives the floor 120 a neat appearance, particularly as compared to an alternative arrangement in which the floor of the second portion 112 of the bedroom 110 is lower than the floor of the first portion 111 of the bedroom 110 to permit the floor of the second portion 112 of the bedroom 110 to slide beneath the floor of the first portion 111 of the bedroom 110 during conversion of the suite 100 between its deployed and stowed states.

The third floor portion 123 has a slight depression 123b therein adjacent to the upper surface 123a of the third floor portion 123. This depression 1236 permits the fourth floor portion 124 to overlap (or overlap more) with the third floor portion 123 during movement of the fourth floor portion 124 relative to the third floor portion 123 and towards the first floor portion 121, while keeping the upper surface 124a of the fourth floor portion 124 coplanar with the upper surfaces 121a, 122a, 123a of the first, second and third floor portions 121, 122, 123. Since the depression 123b makes up only a very small proportion of the floor 120, and is depressed from the upper surface 123a of the third floor portion 123 by only a small amount, such as about five millimetres, it is considered that the depression 123b does not detract from the neat appearance of the floor and does not provide a true trip hazard.

When the suite 100 is in the deployed state, the floor is in an unfolded state. During conversion of the suite 100 from the deployed state to the stowed state, the floor converts from the unfolded state to a folded state. More specifically, during conversion of the suite 100 from the deployed state to the stowed state, the second suite portion 102 is moved towards the first suite portion 101 so as to move the front wall 100a of the suite towards the back wall 1006 of the suite 100. As discussed above, this may be effected using a drive system (not shown), such as a hydraulic or pneumatic drive system. During this movement, the fifth floor portion 125 moves with the second suite portion 102 and relative to the third floor portion 123 to push the fourth floor portion 124 towards the first and second floor portions 121, 122, so that the fourth floor portion 124 overlaps (or overlaps more) with the third floor portion 123. The relative movement of the third and fourth floor portions 123, 124 continues until the fourth floor portion 124 abuts the third floor portion 123. A cam (not shown) is fixed to the fifth floor portion 125 and is located underneath the third floor portion 123. A follower (not shown) is fixed to, and located underneath, the third floor portion 123. During the movement of the fifth floor portion 125 towards the third floor portion U3, the cam drives the follower to cause the combination of the third and fourth floor portions 123, 124 to rotate relative to the fifth floor portion 125 at the third hinge 128. The provision of the cam and the follower ensures that the direction of rotation of the combination of the third and fourth floor portions 123, 124 is clockwise as Figures 11 and 12 are drawn, so that the second and third floor portions 122, 123 are lifted rather than forced downwards. In other embodiments, a different mechanism may be provided to achieve this effect. This rotation, and the fixed nature of the first floor portion 121 to the first suite portion 101, causes the third floor portion 123 to rotate relative to the second floor portion 122 at the second hinge 127, and the second floor portion 122 to rotate relative to the first floor portion 121 at the first hinge 126, so that the floor 120 "concertinas" to permit further movement of the second suite portion 102 towards the first suite portion 101 until the suite 100 reaches its stowed state and the floor 120 is in the folded state, as shown in Figure 12. The suite 100 may be returned to its deployed state, and the floor 120 returned to its unfolded state, by moving the second suite portion 102 away from the first suite portion 101 so as to move the front wall 100a of the suite away from the back wall 100b of the suite 100, which reverses the above-described process.

The bedroom 110 and the bathroom 150 of the suite 100 of Figures 5 and 6 are comprised in the same storey. That is, in use, the bedroom 110 and the bathroom 150 of the suite 100 are horizontally adjacent each other on the same level. The bedroom can be considered to comprise a first interior volume 113 and a plurality of walls that delineate the first interior volume 113. The first interior volume 113 includes the floor 120 of the bedroom 110. Similarly, the bathroom 150 can be considered to comprise a second interior volume 153 and a plurality of walls that delineate the second interior volume 153. The second interior volume 153 includes the floor 151 of the bathroom 151. The first partition 160 is between the first interior volume 113 and the second interior volume 153.

In this embodiment, the first partition 160 has a top end 162, a bottom end 161 that is closer to the floor 120 of the first interior volume 113 than the top end 162 of the first partition 160, and the first partition 160 extends linearly from the bottom end 161 to the top end 162. Thus, in this embodiment, the first partition 160 may be considered to be inclined to the vertical, when the suite 100 and system 10 are in normal use. In this embodiment, the angle of inclination is about 86.5 degrees, but in other embodiments the angle of inclination may be a different angle, such as between 75 and 89 degrees or between 80 and 88 degrees. In other embodiments, the first partition 160 may extend non-linearly from the bottom end 161 to the top end 162. For example, in some embodiments, the first partition 160 may extend in a curved, wavy or stepwise manner from the bottom end 161 to the top end 162.

The first partition 160 has an upper portion 163 and a lower portion 164, "upper" and "lower" being understood to mean "upper.' and "lower", respectively, when the suite 100 and system 10 are in normal use with the lower portion 164 closer to the ground G than the upper portion 163. The upper portion 163 of the partition 160 is above at least a portion of the floor 120 of the first interior volume 113, so as to create a first void 165 beneath the upper portion 163 of the partition 160. That is, the upper portion 163 of the partition 160 extends further into the first interior volume 113 than the lower portion 164 of the partition 160. In this embodiment, the portion of the floor 120 above which the upper portion 163 of the partition 160 is located comprises the second floor portion 122.

The second floor portion 122 is movable within the first void 165 to configure the accommodation suite 100 for movement of the mobile accommodation system 10, as discussed above. That is, the second floor portion 122 is rotatable within the first void 165 about the rotation axis of the first hinge 126. The second floor portion 122 can be considered to have a proximal end 122b and a distal end 122c, wherein the proximal end 122b is closer than the distal end 122c to both the rotation axis of the first hinge 126 and the first partition 160. When the suite 100 is in the stowed state, the first interior volume 113 has a first volume and the floor 120 is in the folded state with the first floor portion 121 at a first angle relative to the second floor portion 122. On the other hand, when the suite 100 is in the deployed state, the first interior volume 113 has a second volume, greater than the first volume, and the floor is in the unfolded state with the first floor portion 121 at a second, different angle relative to the second floor portion 122.

The first partition 160 defines an opening 166 for accessing one of the first and second interior volumes 113, 153 from the other of the first and second interior volumes 113, 153. Accordingly, an occupant of the suite 100 can pass between the bedroom 110 and the bathroom 150 via the opening 166. The suite 100 includes a door 180 in the opening 166, for giving an occupant in the bathroom 150 privacy from another occupant in the bedroom 110. As mentioned above, the second interior volume 155 comprises the floor 151 of the bathroom. When the floor 120 of the first interior volume 113 is in the unfolded state, an upper surface of the floor 151 of the second interior volume 155 is coplanar with the upper surfaces 121a, 122a, 123a, 124a, 125a of the first to fifth floor portions 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 of the floor 120 of the first interior volume 113. This further helps to reduce trip hazards for occupants of the suite 100, makes cleaning of the suite 100 easier and more effective, and gives the suite 100 a still further neat appearance.

Referring to Figure 11, in this embodiment the second interior volume 153 extends above the lower portion 164 of the first partition 160, so as to create a second void 167 above the lower portion 164 of the first partition 160. The second void 167 provides more space for a user of the bathroom 150 to move around in, while maintaining a relatively small footprint at floor level of the bathroom 150. Accordingly, there is more useable "real estate" in the bathroom 150 as compared to an alternative arrangement in which the first partition 160 is at ninety degrees to the floor 151 of the bathroom 150. Thus, in some embodiments, the bathroom 150 feels bigger as compared to such an alternative arrangement. This greater volume of the bathroom 150 is achieved by arranging for better tessellation of the static first partition 160, and the static bathroom 150 as a whole, with the folded floor 120 of the first interior volumes 113 when the suite 100 is in its stowed state. In this embodiment, one or more storage cupboards or shelves 168 that do not overhang the floor 151 of the bathroom 150 are located in the second void 167. Accordingly, the storage cupboard(s) or shelf/shelves 168 do not impact on the movements of a user of the bathroom 150. 2.'3

As discussed above, the accommodation suites 100 of this embodiment of the mobile accommodation system 10 are arranged in close proximity to each other. In order to help reduce the transmission of sound between the suites 100, and particularly to the bedrooms 110 of the respective suites 100, in this embodiment the back walls 115 of the respective bedrooms 110 have a sandwich structure 400. In this embodiment, in each suite 100, the back wall 115 is formed by the back wall 101a of the first suite portion 101.

Broadly speaking, and with reference to Figure 13, the sandwich structure 400 of the back wall 115 of the bedroom 110 of this embodiment comprises a layer 410 of metal, a layer 420 of wood, and a layer 430 comprising a mass of acoustic insulation material. In this embodiment, the layer 420 of wood is between the layer 410 of metal and the layer 430 comprising the mass of acoustic insulation material. Moreover, the layer 410 of metal is between the usable space of the bedroom 110 and the layers 420, 430 of wood and acoustic insulation material. The usable space of the bedroom 110 is the volume of space in the bedroom 110 that is delineated by the walls of the bedroom 110. However, in other embodiments the locations of the layers 410, 420, 430 relative to one another and relative to the usable space of the bedroom 110 may be different.

Although in other embodiments a different metal could be used, in this embodiment the metal of the layer 410 of metal is steel, such as for example galvanized steel. In this embodiment, the layer 410 of steel has a thickness of about 1.2 millimetres. For the avoidance of doubt, this thickness is measured as the dimension of the layer 410 of metal between, and normal to, the first and second major surfaces of the layer 410 of metal. The use of this thickness of the layer 410 of metal in the sandwich structure 400 has been found to help reduce the transmission of sound into or out of the bedroom 110 through the back wall 115 of the bedroom 110. However, in other embodiments, the layer 410 of metal may have a different thickness, such as a thickness of between 0.5 and 2 millimetres or a thickness of between 0.75 and 1.5 millimetres.

Although in other embodiments a different wood could be used, in this embodiment the wood of the layer 420 of wood is plywood. The plywood may have plies of wood veneer, with adjacent plies having their wood grain rotated by ninety degrees, or less than ninety degrees, relative to each other. In this embodiment, the layer 420 of plywood has a thickness of about 32 millimetres. Again, for the avoidance of doubt, this thickness is measured as the dimension of the layer 420 of wood between, and normal to, the first and second major surfaces of the layer 420 of wood. The use of this thickness of the layer 420 of wood in the sandwich structure 400 has been found to help reduce the transmission of sound into or out of the bedroom 110 through the back wall 115 of the bedroom 110. However, in other embodiments, the layer 420 of wood may have a different thickness, such as a thickness of between 25 and 40 millimetres or a thickness of between 30 and 35 millimetres.

In this embodiment, the acoustic insulation material of the layer 430 comprising the mass of acoustic insulation material is a foam. However, in other embodiments, the acoustic insulation material may comprise or consist of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: foam, closed cell foam, open cell foam, non-woven material, woven material, knitted material, wadding, fleece, nylon, polystyrene, polyester, polypropylene, and a combination or blend of any two or more of these materials. In this embodiment, the layer 430 of foam has a thickness of at least 40 millimetres. The use of this thickness of the layer 430 comprising the mass of acoustic insulation material in the sandwich structure 400 has been found to help reduce the transmission of sound into or out of the bedroom 110 through the back wall 115 of the bedroom 110. However, in other embodiments, the layer 430 comprising the mass of acoustic insulation material may have a different thickness, such as a thickness of at least 25 millimetres, or a thickness of at least 50 millimetres.

In this embodiment of the bedroom 110, the back wall 115 further comprises decoration (not shown) applied to the major surface of the layer 410 of metal that faces into the usable space of the bedroom 110. The decoration could be, for example, a texture formed into the major surface, or a medium such as paint or paper applied to the major surface. In some embodiments, the layer 410 of metal may be exposed to the usable space of the bedroom 110.

In this embodiment, the sandwich structure 400 discussed above helps to reduce the transmission of sound into or out of the bedroom 110 through the back wall 115 of the bedroom 110, which helps occupants of the bedroom 110 to have a comfortable sleep or rest. In other embodiments, others of the walls of the bedroom 110, and/or one or more walls of the bathroom 150, of the suite 100 may comprise the sandwich structure 400 of this embodiment, or one of the other sandwich structures discussed above as being usable in alternative embodiments. In theory, the greater the number of walls that comprise such a sandwich structure, the better the insulation of the suite 100 from sources of noise outside of the suite 100. However, in some embodiments, the mobile accommodation system 10 may exclude a room having a wall with a sandwich structure as discussed above.

As discussed above, each of the accommodation suites 100 of this embodiment of the mobile accommodation system 10 contains one or more beds. As shown in Figures 14 to 16, in this embodiment, one of the bedrooms 110 of the respective suites comprises an arrangement 500 that helps to make efficient use of space in the bedroom 110 and to create an uncluttered appearance in the bedroom 110.

Referring to Figures 14 to 16, the arrangement 500 comprises a wall 510, a shelf 520, a support 530, and a bed 540 that is movable relative to the wall 510. In this embodiment, the shelf 520 and the support 530 are separate non-unitary pieces of material, such as wood, metal or plastic, that are affixed to each other. However, in other embodiments, the shelf 520 and the support 530 may be integrally formed so as to be a unitary component. In this embodiment, the bed 540 is the first bed 540 discussed above.

In this embodiment, the shelf 520 extends from a wall 510 that is the first side wall portion 102b of the second suite portion 102, but in other embodiments the arrangement 500 could be disposed differently in the bedroom 110 so that the shelf 520 extends from another of the walls of the bedroom 110. The shelf 520 has a first support surface 521, onto which it is intended that an occupant of the bedroom places one or more items they may require access to while lying in bed, such as a watch, a phone, or an alarm clock. In this embodiment, the first support surface 521 is orthogonal to the wall 510 and has an area that is suitably sized to receive such items.

The support 530 extends from the shelf 520, and in this embodiment abuts the wall 510. In other embodiments, the support 530 may be spaced from the wall 510.

The support 530 has a second support surface 531. In this embodiment, the second support surface 531 is parallel to the first support surface 521 and orthogonal to the wall 510, but in other embodiments this need not be the case. In this embodiment, the second support surface 531 has an area that is less than the area of the first support surface 521, so as to encourage occupants of the bedroom to place items on the first support surface 521 rather than the second support surface 531. More specifically, in this embodiment the area of the second support surface 531 is less than a quarter of the area of the first support surface 521. In other embodiments, this ratio may be different, such as less than half of the area of the first support surface 521.

Although the second support surface 531 is not for supporting or receiving items that are intended to be placed on the first support surface 521, nevertheless the second support surface 531 has a purpose in this embodiment. The bed 540 is rotatable relative to the wall 510 between a stowed position, as shown in Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10, and a deployed position, as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 16. In other embodiments, the bed 540 may be movable relative to the wall 510 between the stowed and deployed position in a manner other than rotating, such as sliding or descending linearly. When the bed 540 is at the stowed position, the bed 540 is out of contact with both the shelf 520 and the support 530. However, when the bed 540 is at the deployed position, the bed 540 is in contact with the second support surface 531 but is spaced from the first support surface 521. Accordingly, when the bed 540 is at the deployed position, the second support surface 531 helps to support the bed 540, and damage to any items placed on the first support surface 521 may be avoided.

In this embodiment, as discussed above, the bed 540 forms the upper bunk 540 of the first bunk bed. The second bed 550 forms the lower bunk 550 of the first bunk bed and is thus below the bed 540 when the bed 540 is in the deployed position, as shown in Figures 8 and 16. The first support surface 521 of the shelf 520 may thus be most conveniently used by an occupant of the lower bunk 550, since the first support surface 521 would be accessible to them when the upper bunk 540 is supported by the second support surface 531.

Referring to Figures 17 to 19, a portable stairway 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The portable stairway 300 is for use in a mobile accommodation system 10, such as that described above and shown in Figures 1 to 3. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile accommodation system 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 may comprise the portable stairway 300 shown in Figures 17 to 19.

As discussed above, when the system 10 of Figures 1 to 3 is deployed, the system 10 comprises first walkways 103 onto which the doors 106 of the respective suites 100 of the system 10 are openable. Accordingly, guests or residents may access the suites 100 from the first walkways 103 via the respective doors 106. However, as best shown in Figure 3, each of the first walkways 103 is at an elevated position above the ground. The portable stairway 300 is positionable relative to, and for detachable connection to, one of the first walkways 103 to permit guests or residents to access the first walkway 103 from the ground.

The portable stairway 300 comprises a frame 310 having a first end 311 and a second end 312. The frame 310 comprises two parallel and spaced-apart stringers 320 (of which only one is visible in the Figures) and a plurality of steps 331-338 that are connected to the stringers 320. Each of the stringers 320 comprises a main beam 323 having a first end 321 and a second end 322, a bar 326 extending from a midpoint 324 of the main beam 323, and first and second tension cables 327, 328 that connect between a distal end of the bar 326 and the first and second ends 321, 322, respectively, of the main beam 323. The tension cables 327, 328 are taut and help to keep the stringers 320 and the frame 310 of the portable stairway rigid. In this embodiments, the main beam 323 and the bar 326 of each of the stringers 320 is made from aluminium. The second end 312 of the frame 310 has a connector for connecting the stairway 300 to the first walkway, and the first end 311 of the frame 310 is for contacting the ground G when the stairway 300 is so connected to the first walkway.

Each of the steps 331-338 spans from one of the stringers 320 to the other of the stringers 320. In some variations to this embodiment, one of the stringers 320 may be omitted so that the frame 310 and the portable stairway 300 comprises only one stringer 320. In some such variations, respective centres or ends of the steps 331-338 may be connected to the single stringer 320. In this embodiment, the steps 331-338 are connected to the stringers 320 successively along a path that extends from the first end 311 of the frame 310 to the second end 312 of the frame 310. Although in other embodiments the structure of each step may vary, in this embodiment each of the steps 331-338 is made predominantly from aluminium, with a tread of composite material such as a polypropylene honeycomb core having fibre-reinforced skins fused thereto. It will be noted that the treads of the steps 331-338 lie in parallel respective planes. The path is at about 40 degrees to each of the planes. In other embodiments, this angle may be different, such as between 30 and 60 degrees. In this embodiment the portable stairway 300 has eight steps 331-338, but in other embodiments the portable stairway 300 may have more or fewer than eight steps.

The portable stairway 300 further comprises two spaced-apart wheels 340 (of which only one is visible in the Figures) that are rotatably connected to the frame 310. In a variation to this embodiment, the portable stairway 300 may comprise only one wheel 340, which may be axially elongate. In this embodiment, each of the wheels 340 is rotatably attached to a respective one of the stringers 320, but in other embodiments the wheels 340 may be attached to one of the steps 331-338. In this embodiment, the wheels 340 are rotatably connected to the frame 310 for rotation along a surface G about a common axis that is fixed relative to the frame 310. However, in other embodiments, the wheels 340 may be comprised in respective casters that are attached to the frame 310, so that the respective axes about which the wheels are rotatable is movable relative to the frame 310.

Each of the wheels 340 is rotatably connected to the frame 310 at a position relative to the frame 310 such that, in use, the portable stairway 300 is movable relative to a horizontal support surface G between an operational state (as shown in Figures 17 and 18) and a mobile state (as shown in Figure 19). In this embodiment, when the portable stairway 300 is in the operational state, the planes in which the treads of the steps 331-338 lie are parallel to the horizontal support surface G, the first end 311 of the frame 310 is in contact with the horizontal support surface G, and the wheels 340 are in contact with the horizontal support surface G. In a variation to this embodiment, the wheels 340 may be rotatably connected to the frame 310 at a position relative to the frame 310 such that, when the stairway is in the operational state, the wheel 340 are out of contact with the horizontal support surface G. in this embodiment, when the portable stairway 300 is in the mobile state, the planes are non-parallel to the horizontal support surface G, the first end 311 of the frame 310 is out of contact with the horizontal support surface G, and the wheels 340 are in contact with the horizontal support surface G, so that the portable stairway 300 is rollable along the horizontal support surface G. Once disconnected from the first walkway, the portable stairway 300 is rotatable around respective contact patches of the wheels 340 on the horizontal support surface G to move the portable stairway 300 from the operational state to the mobile state and back again. Although not visible in the Figures, the portable stairway 300 has a handle at the second end 312 of the frame 310 for manoeuvring the stairway 300 both between the operational and mobile states and when the stairway 300 is in the mobile state.

In this embodiment, the portable stairway 300 comprises two spaced-apart handrails 350 for detachable connection to the frame 310 and for facilitating users' ascent and decent on the steps 331-338. More specifically, each of the handrails 350 is detachably connectable to a respective one of the stringers 320 by inserting poles of the handrails 350 into respective holes in the stringers 320. However, in other embodiments, other mechanisms for detachably connecting the handrails 350 to the frame 310 may be provided. In some variations to this embodiment, one of the handrails 350 may be omitted so that the portable stairway 300 comprises only one handrail 350, or both the handrails 350 may be omitted.

Due to the simple and compact structure of the portable stairway 300, the stairway 300 is easily manoeuvrable by only one or two people. This again helps the mobile accommodation system 10 to be fully deployed quickly and safely. However, in some embodiments, the mobile accommodation system 10 may exclude a portable stairway 300 such as that discussed above.

Referring to Figures 20 and 21, a temporary stairway 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The temporary stairway 200 is for use in a mobile accommodation system 10, such as that described above and shown in Figures 1 to 3. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile accommodation system 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 may comprise the temporary stairway 200 shown in Figures 20 and 21.

In some cases when the system 10 of Figures 1 to 3 is deployed, the system 10 comprises not only the first storey A of accommodation suites 100 indicated in Figure 3, but also a second storey B of accommodation suites 100' located on top of the vehicle shown in Figures 1 to 3, as shown in Figure 20. For example, as shown in Figure 20, the accommodation suites 100' of the second storey B are contained in two containers 50 of the system 10, and the containers 50 are placed in position on the roof of the vehicle shown in Figures 1 to 3 using a crane. Each container 50 may contain one or more accommodation suites 100' similar to those discussed above. The second storey B comprises a second walkway 103' onto which doors (not shown) of the respective suites 100' of the second storey B are openable. Accordingly, guests or residents may access the suites 100' of the second story B from the second walkway 103' via these respective doors. However, as will be evident at least from Figure 20, the second walkway 103' is at an elevated position above the ground. The temporary stairway 200 is positionable relative to, and for detachable connection to, the second walkway 103' to permit guests or residents to access the second walkway 103' from the first walkway 103 of the first storey A. The temporary stairway 200 comprises two stringers 220 (of which only one is visible in the Figures), which are relatively positionable in a parallel and spaced-apart manner in use, and a plurality of primary steps 231,232 that are detachably connectable to the stringers 220. Each of the stringers 220 comprises a main beam 223 having a first end 221 and a second end 222, a bar 226 extending from a midpoint 224 of the main beam 223, and first and second tension cables 227,228 that connect between a distal end of the bar 226 and the first and second ends 221, 222, respectively, of the main beam 223. The tension cables 227, 228 are taut and help to keep the stringers 220 of the temporary stairway 200 rigid. In this embodiments, the main beam 223 and the bar 226 of each of the stringers 220 is made from aluminium. The second end 222 of each of the stringers 220 has a connector for connecting the stringer 220 to the second walkway 103B, and the first end 221 of each of the stringers 220 has a connector for connecting the stringer 220 to one of the first walkways 103. One of the stringers 220 also is for releasable attachment to the end face of the trailer shown in Figure 20 using one or more connectors (not shown). Accordingly, the temporary stairway 200 is for detachable connection to the assembly.

When detachably connected to the stringers 220, each of the primary steps 231, 232 spans from one of the stringers 220 to the other of the stringers 220. In some variations to this embodiment, one of the stringers 220 may be omitted so that the temporary stairway 200 comprises only one stringer 220. In some such variations, respective centres or ends of the primary steps 231,232 may be connectable to the single stringer 220. In this embodiment, the primary steps 231,232 are connectable to the stringers 220 successively along a path that extends from the first end 221 of one of the stringers 220 to the second end 222 of the stringer 220. Although in other embodiments the structure of each primary step 231, 232 may vary, in this embodiment each of the primary steps 231, 232 is made predominantly from aluminium, with a tread of composite material such as a polypropylene honeycomb core having fibre-reinforced skins fused thereto. In this embodiment, each of the primary steps 231, 232 is identical to each other of the primary steps 231, 232.1n this embodiment the assembled temporary stairway 200 has fourteen primary steps 231, 232, but in other embodiments the temporary stairway 200 may have more or fewer than fourteen primary steps 231, 232.

Each of the primary steps 231, 232 of the temporary stairway 200 is for detachable connection to the stringers 220. That is, each of the steps 231, 232 is connectable to the stringers 220 and, once connected to the stringers 220, is then detachable from the stringers 220. This means that the temporary stairway 200 can be transported as a kit for assembly when the system 10 is to be deployed, with each of the components of the kit weighing significantly less that the complete temporary stairway 200. Accordingly, the temporary stairway 200 can be made compact for transport and may be assembled by just one or two people.

The stringers 220 and the primary steps 231, 232 are arranged so that, when a first primary step 231 of the primary steps 231, 232 is connected to the stringers 220, a second primary step 232 of the primary steps 231, 232 is connectable to the stringers 220 in such a manner that prevents detachment of the first primary step 231 from the stringers 220 without first detaching the second primary step 232 from the stringers 220. In this embodiment, the second primary step 232 is the step adjacent to the first primary step 231 and above the first primary step 231 in the assembled temporary stairway 200. Accordingly, while the second primary step 232 is connected to the stringers 220, the preceding, adjacent first primary step 231 is irremovable. This relationship between the first and second primary steps 231, 232 is mirrored in the second and third primary steps and each of the other pairs of adjacent primary steps all along the temporary stairway 200.

In this embodiment, the stringers 220 and the primary steps 231, 232 are arranged so that, when the first primary step 231 is connected to the stringers 220, the second primary step 232 is connectable to the stringers 220 to create a mechanical interlock between the first and second primary steps 231, 232. In this embodiment, the mechanical interlock comprises the tread 231a of the first primary step 231 and the riser 232b of the second primary step 232, and it is the mechanical interlock that prevents detachment of the first primary step 231 from the stringers 220 without first detaching the second primary step 232 from the stringers 220.

More specifically, referring to Figure 21, it can be seen that the stringers 220 and the primary steps 231, 232 are arranged so that the first and second primary steps 231, 232 are detachably connectable to the stringers 220 with the riser 232b of the second primary step 232 overlying the tread 231a of the first primary step 231. The manner in which the first primary step 231 is detachable from the stringers 220 is such that the second primary step 232, and specifically the riser 232b of the second primary step 232, blocks detachment of the first primary step 231 from the stringers 220. Further specifically, in this embodiment, each of the primary steps 231, 232 is for detachable connection to each of the stringers 220 by inserting protrusions (not shown) of the primary step 231, 232 into holes (not shown) in the respective stringers 220. When the primary step 231 is connected to the stringers 220, the direction in which the primary step 231 must be moved to remove the protrusions from the holes is blocked by the riser 232b of the adjacent second primary step 232 connected to the stringers 220. Accordingly, the tread 231a of the first primary step 231 effectively is trapped between the stringers 220 and the riser 232b of the second primary step 232, and detachment of the first primary step 231 from the stringers 220 is prevented without first detaching the second primary step 232 from the stringers 220.

In other embodiments, the mechanical interlock may take a different form. In other embodiments, each of the primary steps 231, 232 may be for detachable connection to the stringers 220 in a different manner, such as by inserting protrusions of the respective stringers 220 into respective holes in the primary steps 231, 232.

So that the temporary stairway 200 is not readily or easily disassemblable, particularly by an unauthorised person, the temporary stairway 200 also comprises a master step 239 for detachable connection to the stringers 220, and a lock 240 (shown schematically in Figure 21) for locking the master step 239 relative to the stringers 220 when the master step 239 is connected to the stringers 220. More specifically, the master step 239 and the stringers 220 are arranged so that, when the second primary step 232 is connected to the stringers 220, the master step 239 is connectable to the stringers 220 in such a manner that prevents detachment of the second primary step 232 from the stringers 220 without first detaching the master step 239 from the stringers 220. In this embodiment, the master step 239 is similar to the primary steps 231, 232 in that the master step 239 is connectable to the stringers 220 to create a second mechanical interlock between the second primary step 232 and the master step 239. In this embodiment, the second mechanical interlock comprises the tread 232a of the second primary step 232 and the riser 239b of the master step 239, and it is the second mechanical interlock that prevents detachment of the second primary step 232 from the stringers 220 without first detaching the master step 239 from the stringers 220. When the master step 239 is connected to the stringers 220, the master step 239 is lockable relative to the stringers 220 by the lock 240.

Thus, after all of the primary steps 231, 232 have been connected to the stringers 220, the master step 239 is then connectable to, and lockable relative to, the stringers 220 at the top end of the stringers 220 to prevent removal of the second primary step 232 and, thus, each other of the primary steps. In this embodiment, the lock 240 is for locking the master step 239 to one or both of the stringers 220. In other embodiments, the lock 240 may be for locking the master step 239 to an object other than one of the stringers 220, but nevertheless the locking locks the master step 239 in position relative to the stringers 220. The lock 240 could take any suitable form, such as a pin or padlock that is passable through respective holes of the master step 239 and one of the stringers 220 that are aligned when the master step 239 is connected to the stringers 220.

In this embodiment, in order to speed up and facilitate assembly of the temporary stairway 200, the temporary stairway 200 is free of any lock device for locking any one of the primary steps 231, 232 of the temporary stairway 200 to either of the stringers 220 of the temporary stairway 200. However, in other embodiments, the temporary stairway 200 may comprise at least one lock devices (not shown) for locking one of the primary steps 231, 232 to one of the stringers 220 of the temporary stairway 200.

It will therefore be appreciated that mobile accommodation systems according to embodiments of the present invention may be easily transported to, and deployed at, a site in a short space of time, and thereafter be easily stowed and removed from the site and transported to a new location for reassembly. Moreover, accommodation suites according to embodiments of the present invention may, on the one hand, be easily and readily configured for movement between sites and, on the other hand, may provide smart and comfortable accommodation that makes an efficient use of available space.

Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveniently and quickly manoeuvred, assembled and disassembled by a small number of people.

The embodiments described herein are respective non-limiting examples of how the present invention, and aspects of the present invention, may be implemented.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mobile accommodation system, comprising: a plurality of accommodation suites; wherein each of the suites comprises a bedroom, wherein each of the suites is convertible between a stowed state for movement of the mobile accommodation system, in which stowed state the suite has a first volume, and a deployed state, in which the suite has a second volume that is greater than the first volume, and wherein each of the suites comprises two beds that are movable relative to each other to provide a selection of available different sleeping arrangements within the bedroom.
2. A mobile accommodation system according to claim 1, wherein each suite comprises a first suite portion and a second suite portion, wherein the second suite portion is nested with the first suite portion when the suite is in the stowed state.
3. A mobile accommodation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each suite has a floor that is folded when the suite is in the stowed state and unfolded when the suite is in the deployed state.
4. A mobile accommodation system according to claim 3, wherein the floor is a floor of the bedroom of the suite.
5. A mobile accommodation system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the floor comprises a first floor portion and a second floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion, and wherein an upper surface of the first floor portion is parallel or coplanar to an upper surface of the second floor portion when the suite is in the deployed state.
6. A mobile accommodation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bedroom has a greater volume when the suite is in the deployed state than when the suite is in the stowed state.
7. A mobile accommodation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the suites has a doorway that connects the suite to an exterior of the system.
8. A mobile accommodation system according to claim 7, comprising a walkway onto which each of the doorways of the respective suites is openable.
9. A mobile accommodation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of accommodation suites are arranged in two parallel rows.
10. A mobile accommodation system according to claim 9, wherein a first of the rows consists of a first number of the suites, and a second of the rows consists of a second number of the suites, and wherein the first number is equal to the second number.
11. A vehicle comprising a mobile accommodation system, the mobile accommodation system being according to any one of the preceding claims.
12. A vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle is a road vehicle.
13. A vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle is a trailer for connection to, and propulsion by, a tractor unit.
14. A vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 13 comprising a chassis and a plurality of wheels rotatably connected to the chassis for contact with a surface during propulsion of the vehicle along the surface, wherein the mobile accommodation system is fixed to the chassis.