GB679285A - Improvements in or relating to caravans and like vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

679,285. Caravan bodies. BLACK, W., and VAUGHAN, F. E. June 1, 1951 [June 6, 1950; Aug. 23, 1950], Nos. 14039/50 and 20808/50. Class 108(i) A caravan has a central bridge portion 44, Fig. 1, and extendable side portions 42, 43, each side portion having a roof, wall, floor and framing. Supporting members 4 on the chassis 1, Figs. 2, 4, each comprise two channel members 4a secured back to back on battens 4b and contain slidable body supporting bearers 5 rigidly connected to side pillars 8. Each bearer 5 comprises side plates separated by spacers and is provided with rollers 6 whereby it may be extended and retracted within bearers 4 by means of systems of shafts 26, 27, sprockets 29, 30, and chains 31, adapted to move brackets 32, 33, attached to the members 5. Opposed pairs of roof members 9 attached to the pillars 8 are slidable on rollers within apertures 10a in fixed longitudinal roof bearers 10, and horizontal side rails 12 also attached to the pillars 8 are connected to end rails 13 slidably located in a similar manner within end pillars 11. Floor portions 22, 23, Fig. 2, are secured to but spaced above the bearers 5 and provide accommodation beneath, when closed as in Fig. 1, for a floor section 24 which may be raised and aligned with the floors 22, 23, when the caravan is expanded, Fig. 3, by ramps 32a, 33a on the brackets 32, 33, which are moved by the sprockets and chain to engage and lift rollers 34. Rollers 40 on brackets 39 attached to bearers 4 support the bearers 5 when extended. Weather proofing rubber rollers 45 in rolling contact with the adjacent outer roof panel sections extend the full length and down the ends of the caravan and are adapted to be rolled outwardly and inwardly between the panels. The inner panelling is likewise formed in three main sections, and struts and ties may be provided where necessary. The shafts of the sprockets may be turned manually or by an electric motor, or cords and pulleys may be used. In other cases the caravan may be adapted for manual extension and contraction. For heavy duty bodies additional cross bearers underneath the normal bearers may be provided. The caravan may have its chassis removed so that the body may be deposited upon supports at a prepared site for use as a temporary dwelling.