GB620764A - Improvements in trailer caravans and other cabin structures - Google Patents

Abstract

620,764. Portable buildings. ENSOR, A. J. May 31, 1946, Nos. 16566/46 and 1053/47. [Class 20(i)] [Also in Group XXXII] A caravan or other cabin structure of the type comprising a raised platform 1 or the equivalent alongside a gangway 3 and provided with a roof 11 has means for extending the roof comprising a cover shield 17 adapted to be folded about hinges 15 to form a side wall for the cabin. Externally accessible locker spaces 25 closed by horizontally extensible shelves 27 at the same level as the gangway 3 are provided under the platform 1 and the gap adjacent the wheel housing 30 between the shelves 27 may be bridged by a panel, or the shelves may comprise a single panel. The platforms 1 and gangway 3 comprise a single channel-section member joining end units 4 supporting the roof unit 11 which is of double skin construction reinforced at the corners by a built-in rack structure. The channel-section member seats in a chassis unit, Fig. 2, comprising spaced plates 20 bridged by a thin metal sheet 22. The axle is supported by leaf springs inside the housing 35 and passes beneath the gangway. The end units 4 may be replaced by curved end units formed of metal and plywood and including fittings such as a sink, plate rack, rubbish shoot, cooker, refrigerator, water tanks &c., or providing vestibule space. Two units of the type shown in Fig. 1 may be joined end to end, the adjoining end units 4 being replaced by a single partition unit and the chassis unit of Fig. 2 being replaced by a four-wheeled unit, including a channel in which the gangways of the two-cabin units rest, one pair ,of wheels being steerable by the towing bar. The end units 4 may be provided with further hinged shields similar to the shields 17, so that when all the shields are extended by telescopic supports such as 18 tarpaulin may be stretched between them and hung from them to the ground to provide an enlarged structure. The trailer caravan shown is provided with supports 35 and a step 10. The roof units, platform and gangway units, end units and chassis unit may be separable to facilitate transport.