COLLAPSIBLE, HARD-SIDED, ACCESSIBLE, GARAGEABLE, AND TOWABLE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
The present invention comprises a novel travel trailer that is collapsible, accessible, storable, and hard-sided. The trailer is to be towed by an eligible vehicle in its collapsed version. Upon arrival, the trailer is to be unfolded to expand to full size. The trailer contains many storage compartments that are accessible from multiple vantage points, making the trailer very accessible. The trailer, due to its collapsibility and smart foldable solutions, retains the luxury of being parked and stored inside the garage at home. This makes the trailer a hub for storage, electricity, water, etc. as well as maintaining the element of surprise. One may pack up or be ready to leave home whenever, without causing a scene and losing discreteness. The trailer is also hard-sided, increasing privacy and protection one from the elements and the wilderness. The trailer also contains many novelties such as the lifting mechanism, the entry and exit doors, the foldable tongue for length clearance, lowering air-suspension for height clearance, the bathroom wall design, the multi-access kitchen, the dual-access bar area, the multi-function bunk bed area, and other novel components. The information provided and listed above solely provides embodiments and does not limit the extent of this trailer's novelty.
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/348,912 filed on Jun. 3, 2022. The entire disclosure of the prior application is considered to be part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the novel, towable trailer industry. More specifically, the present invention relates to the collapsible trailer industry in which there have been minimal advancements in erect, solid structures.
BACKGROUNDAdventure camping using an enclosed vehicle to sleep in and store the goods of the individual has been heavily present in the past 50 years. The way in which people camp has been unchanged and non-innovative for a long period of time. There have been occasional trials in which a collapsible camper, mostly fabric, will make its way into the industry and succeed, but never a hard-sided variant.
There are many drawbacks to owning a large motorhome, whether it be a Class C, Fifth-wheel, or even a travel trailer. The first of those drawbacks being size and efficiency. While being towed, large motorhomes are aerodynamically inefficient in both stability and fuel. The larger a towable is, the more unstable it is on the road at higher speeds. Moreover, the greater the surface area that air comes in contact with, the harder the towing vehicle has to work to tow; thus creating the fuel inefficiency.
Another drawback to owning a larger vehicle is the storability. While most homes come equipped with a garage, a very small percentage are equipped with RV parking. This creates the tedious task of finding storage for the vehicle. Storing the vehicle at a facility causes susceptibility to numerous problems. The first being price, storing an RV is very expensive, being upwards of $300/month. The second problem is the weathering of an expensive vehicle parked outside. Another problem with storing an RV in a storage facility is the distance that storage is from home. Loading up and preparing for a trip is much more difficult when the vehicle is far away.
The inefficiencies of a larger motorhome carry on in aspects such as maneuverability, flexibility, maintenance, and cost to own. Smaller overland RVs are easier to maneuver than larger motorhomes, especially in tight spaces such as campsites and parking lots. A smaller overland RV can go places that a larger motorhome cannot, such as narrow roads and winding mountain trails. This provides more flexibility in terms of travel destinations. Smaller RVs require less maintenance than larger motorhomes, as they have fewer moving parts and systems. This can save you both time and money in the long run. Smaller overland RVs are generally less expensive to purchase than larger motorhomes, and they also have lower ongoing costs such as insurance and registration fees. This makes them a more affordable option for those looking to travel on a budget.
While a smaller vehicle reduces the problems from a larger motorhome, a lot is compromised in the meantime. The capacity that a larger vehicle has is far superior. Meaning that the number of people that the vehicle can sleep will significantly decrease with a smaller RV. And even with a smaller unit, the vehicle almost always will never fit in a garage, meaning that the issues are not solved.
This, then, created the market for a collapsible, garageable, travel trailer that can be expanded upon arrival to the destination. The problem with the current options of collapsible trailers is that most of them do not have solid walls or they do not offer accessibility while collapsed. Therefore a need for a solid-sided, collapsible, storable, efficient, and large unit was created in the market.
Hard-sided trailers are much superior to the soft-sided versions because they serve better in various situations. A hard-sided trailer fairs better in terms of intercepted lighting and see-through fabric material. The hard-sided wall also provides additional protection against weathers, elements, and wildlife. Having a hard-sided contraption also aids in the increased durability of the trailer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe novel invention fills the gaps that the previously mentioned designs don't. It is a travel trailer that can be collapsed in order to clear clearance for an average-sized garage. This solves the issues presented with an uncollapsed travel trailer. The trailer now has the ability to be stored in a garage. The trailer now also solves the inefficiencies of size and aerodynamics discussed earlier as well. At full height, the trailer meets and often exceeds the height standards of the market. The trailer maintains all the desirable characteristics in traditional travel trailers. It is made up of a solid shell structure, negating the argument of weak collapsibility. In terms of its mechanism, the roof is raised vertically using electronically operated actuators, instead of traditional hydraulics. While the roof is raised linearly, the walls automatically lift with the roof, leaving no need for manual labor. The trailer operates like a packaged box; unfolding the sides outwardly from a parted, inward position. The front and back walls also fold out from an inward position after resting on the side walls. There are novelties in the designs in the doors utilized in the trailer. The trailer also carries the theme of dual-access storage throughout. Many utilities and storage compartments are accessible from both inside and outside the trailer. The increased accessibility of the trailer in its collapsed format adds to the convenience of stocking for a camping trip while remaining collapsed and stored in the garage.
Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the term “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of state features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless otherwise expressed herein.
New concepts and themes for collapsible trailers, components, and methods for collapsing travel trailers are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The terms hard-sided, solid-walls, solid-sided, etc. are interchangeable throughout the text.
The words that will be used in the following paragraphs that require defining are “collapsible,” “hard-sided,” “accessible,” and the terms “storable” or “garageable.” The term collapsible refers to the ability of the trailer to be folded in a manner that makes it more convenient. The term hard-sided refers to the make-up of the structure, being completely rigid. The term accessible refers to the multi-access points in which a compartment/panel/etc can be used from. Furthermore, this term accessible means that storage compartments/panels/etc of the recreational vehicle can be accessible from outside when the recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position and accessible from both inside and outside when the recreational vehicle is fully extended. The term garageable refers the feasibility in which the trailer can be stored and kept due to the collapsibility in size. Moreover, this term garageable means that said recreational vehicle can be stored inside a home garage when collapsed in its retracted position. Finally, the following terms and their various forms are interchangeable with each other: collapse and retract, uncollapse and extend, garageable and storable.
Garageability can be a major selling point in the collapsible trailer industry. The ability for a travel trailer to be kept in the garage proves beneficial for a plethora of reasons. First of all, convenience. With a garageable travel trailer, you have the convenience of being able to store it at home. This eliminates the need to rent a storage space, which can save you time and money. You can easily access your trailer whenever you need it, without having to drive to a remote location. Second, the easy-access of the trailer. With your travel trailer stored in your garage, you have easy access to it whenever you need it. You don't have to worry about making arrangements to pick up your trailer from a remote storage facility.
Thirdly, security; storing your travel trailer in your garage provides an added layer of security, protecting it from theft and vandalism. You can install locks and security cameras to further increase the security of your trailer. Additionally, the ability for the trailer to be stored indoors in a garage helps protect it from the elements, preventing damage from sun exposure, wind, rain, and other environmental factors. This can help prolong the life of your trailer and reduce the need for repairs. Garaging your trailer also increases privacy. Storing your trailer at home ensures your privacy. Unlike when renting a storage space where other people have access to your trailer, storing it in your garage provides added privacy and security. Lastly, garageability helps increase a trailer's lifespan. It protects it from wear and tear, reduces the need for repairs or replacements, and helps maintain its value over time. This can save you money in the long run and ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
Due to the collapsible nature of the trailer, many advantages are gained. In the area of stocking and destocking, the trailer may remain inside the garage. This means that the owner may gain the advantage of stocking and destocking in an air conditioned or heated atmosphere, depending on the outdoor weather conditions. Another advantage gained from the collapsibility during the stocking and destocking phases of the trip, is that the trailer may remain hidden inside the garage for a discreet departure from home. Another advantage of the collapsibility is the increased aerodynamics and stability. Due to less wind resistance, there is an increase in aerodynamics and a decrease in drag. This then decreases the consumption of energy due to less effort needed from the towing car to move the trailer. It also creates stability in driving due to less lateral movement from wind or any external forces. It also increases safety for cars behind, due to a cleared visual field.
Another important element of the trailer is that it is hard-sided. Most examples of collapsible trailers in the industry fail due to a fabric or synthetic material used instead of a rigid composite. Due to the rigid material, the trailer is protected against many elements. In hot or cold weather, the trailer is protected and isolated from any external environments. It also fairs best in rain, snow, or dust storms due to the protection against the elements. In addition to protection from the elements, the hard-sided nature of the trailer increases sound and light insulation. The fabric or synthetic counterparts decrease said insulation due to less sound insulation and light protection because of a thin border of walls. The hard-sided walls also create a level of privacy that the soft-sided counterparts cannot match.
Specifically, hard-sided trailers are superior to fabric examples due to their durability, insulation, security, maintenance, and resale value. Hard-sided travel trailers are made of sturdy materials such as aluminum or fiberglass, which provide more protection against weather and wear and tear than fabric trailers. Hard-sided trailers offer better insulation than fabric trailers, which can help keep the interior temperature comfortable in both hot and cold weather. Hard-sided trailers are more secure than fabric trailers, as they have lockable doors and windows, making it more difficult for intruders to enter. Hard-sided trailers require less maintenance than fabric trailers, as they are less susceptible to rips, tears, and other damage. This can save you time and money in the long run. Lastly, Hard-sided trailers generally have a higher resale value than fabric trailers, as they tend to hold up better over time. This can be beneficial if you decide to sell your trailer in the future.
The third characteristic of the trailer that differentiates it from others is the accessibility it creates. Throughout the trailer, there are many components that are designed to be used from both inside and outside of the trailer or designed to increase the convenience of stocking and destocking the trailer. The novel accessibility factor builds off of the collapsibility of the trailer due to the fact that the trailer's accessibility is unphased when the trailer is collapsed or uncollapsed. Before the beginning of a trip, the trailer may remain collapsed and the supplies needed for the trip may be stocked and put into the trailer from the exterior and can be later accessed from the interior of the trailer upon arrival at the destination.
The last and equally important characteristic of the trailer is the storability aspect of the trailer. The trailer, due to its compact nature during its collapsed version, creates an unmatched storability. Due to its collapsed capability and a foldable tongue, the trailer is storable in an average sized garage. Due to the avoidance of weathering and elements, the indoor storage increases the lifespan of the trailer. The feature of remaining inside the house is that it acts as a survival unit, remaining close to home and ready for departure in the event of an emergency evacuation. Due to the in-home feature of the trailer, the trailer acts as an extension of storage to the home, keeping all camping and outdoor necessities accessible for home-use while remaining ready for departure.
Throughout all current examples in the market, none possess the combination and cohesive nature that our novel invention does. The unmatched chemistry of collapsibility, rigidity, accessibility, and storability creates a machine that does not falter in any usage needed for survival, recreation, or luxury.
The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.
As described above, collapsible trailers carry with them a number of advantages over non-collapsible trailers such as improved aerodynamics and storageability (also called garageability). As a result, collapsible trailers are in demand, and providing improved collapsible trailers for real-life sue cases is needed. The terms collapsible and collapse are used interchangeably with the terms retractable or retract respectively. The term uncollapse is used interchangeably with the term extend.
The novel trailer of the present disclosure comprises an open-top lower body and an upper body that forms the upper walls and roof. The novel trailer's upper body extends and collapses in a manner that is simple and reliable, and when extended, creates a large open space that may be utilized by any individuals within the novel trailer. The novel trailer extends and collapses in much the same way as the upper panels of a cardboard box do. A cardboard box comprises a lower body being open-top and rectangular as well as an upper body having four panels: front, left, right, and back. When folding or collapsing a cardboard box, two opposing panels of the upper body are first collapsed inwardly towards the lower body and then the same action is taken with the remaining two opposing panels. To open the cardboard box the process is simply reversed. The novel trailer also comprises a lower body being open-top and rectangular as well as an upper body having the same four panels that the cardboard box has but also a top panel that forms the roof of the novel trailer. To extend and collapse the novel trailer, four actuators, vertically mounted at each corner, are utilized. The lower end of each actuator is attached to the floor of the novel trailer while the opposing end of each actuator is attached to the top panel.
To extend the novel trailer, the four actuators begin to extend and lift the top panel. As the top panel rises, the top set of two opposing panels below the top panel, being attached to the top panel, also begins to unfold. As the top set of two opposing panels unfolds, the remaining bottom set of two opposing panels, being attached to the top set of two opposing panels, also begins to unfold. To collapse the novel trailer, the four actuators will retract to lower the top panel. As the top panel lowers, the top set of two opposing panels below the top panel, being attached to the top panel, also begins to fold. As the top set of two opposing panels folds, the bottom set of two opposing panels, being attached to the first set of two opposing panels, also begins to fold. A variety of means may be employed to join the top panel to the top set of two opposing panels, and the top set of two opposing panels to bottom set of two opposing panels. These means include wires, tracks, and even additional actuators that are installed in various positions throughout the sides of the trailer.
In one embodiment, the novel collapsible recreational vehicle that is fully hard sided comprises: a lower body structure comprising a floor and four walls: front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall; an upper body structure comprising a top panel and four side panels each hingedly attached to said four walls: front upper panel, left upper panel, right upper panel, and rear upper panel; wherein when said recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position, said four upper panels are folded down, and said top panel is lowered to rest onto the lower body structure; when said recreational vehicle is moving from said retracted position to an extended position, said top panel is raised, causing said four upper panels to rise; when said recreational vehicle is fully extended, said four upper panels are in alignment with said four lower walls and said top panel is capable of acting as a roof for said recreational vehicle; wherein said recreational vehicle is accessible, wherein accessible means that storage compartments of the recreational vehicle can be accessible from outside when the recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position and accessible from both inside and outside when the recreational vehicle is fully extended; and wherein said recreational vehicle is garageable, wherein garageable means that said recreational vehicle can be stored inside a home garage when collapsed in its retracted position. Where the recreational vehicle is towable.
In another embodiment, the novel collapsible recreational vehicle that is fully hard sided comprises: a lower body structure comprising a floor and four walls: front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall; a top panel; four vertically oriented actuators, one at each corner of said lower body, one end attached to said floor and the opposing end attached to said top panel; and four upper panels each hingedly attached to said four walls: front upper panel, left upper panel, right upper panel, and rear upper panel; wherein when said actuators are in a retracted position and said recreational vehicle is collapsed: a first opposing set of said upper panels are folded and resting over said lower body; the remaining second opposing set of said upper panels are folded and resting over said first opposing set; and said top panel is resting over said second opposing set and resting onto said lower body and onto said actuators; when said actuators are moving to an extended position, said top panel is raised causing said second opposing set and said first opposing set to rise concurrently; when said actuators are fully extended: said four upper panels are in vertical alignment with said four walls and said top panel is capable of acting as a roof for said recreational vehicle. Where the recreational vehicle is accessible, wherein accessible means that storage compartments of the recreational vehicle can be accessible from outside when the recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position and accessible from both inside and outside when the recreational vehicle is fully extended; and wherein said recreational vehicle is garageable, wherein garageable means that said recreational vehicle can be stored inside a home garage when collapsed in its retracted position. Where the recreational vehicle is towable.
Where the recreational further comprises one or more structures, each structure: being storable within a cavity found in said recreational vehicle, the cavity sealable by a panel, and may be withdrawn from said cavity when the recreational vehicle is collapsed or extended.
Where the structures, as defined above, of the recreational vehicle comprise any one or any combination of: an outdoor kitchen, water dispenser, bedding drawers bar area, or closet.
Where the panels used to seal the cavities of the recreational vehicle are hingedly attached to said lower body structure capable of rotating so as to protect said lower body structure from activity occurring on said structure.
Where the outdoor kitchen, as defined above, of the recreational vehicle comprises any one or any combination of: a sink, a countertop, a foldable countertop, a stove, cupboards, or drawers.
Where the closet, as defined above, of the recreational vehicle comprises any one or any combination of: shelves, cubicles, racks, or drawers.
Where the bar area, as defined above, of the recreational vehicle comprises any one or any combination of: a countertop, a foldable countertop, or a drawer.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises one or more structures, each structure: occupying a space within said recreational vehicle, is accessible, wherein accessible means that said frame can be accessed from both inside and outside of said recreational vehicle, and is simultaneously usable, wherein simultaneously usable is defined that said frames may be accessed simultaneously by individuals outside of, as well as within, said recreational vehicle.
Where the structures, as defined above, of the recreational vehicle comprise any one or any combination of: a portion of an indoor kitchen, or a portion of a bar area.
Where the bar area, as defined above, of the recreational vehicle comprises: an opening present on any of said front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall said opening being accessible and simultaneously usable; a panel hingedly attached to said opening, capable of sealing said opening when closed, and capable of extending horizontally to form a countertop; and a drawer that is accessible and simultaneously usable.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises storage compartments attached to said upper body structure wherein said storage compartments are hinged on a dual ball-bearing axis so that when said upper body structure folds, items in said storage compartments remain upright.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises an air suspension system.
Where the air suspension system of the recreational vehicle allows anyone or any combination of: for the recreational vehicle to lower in order to clear height clearances as well as fit in standard-sized garages; for the recreational vehicle to lower at high speed to reduce drag and increase fuel economy; and for the recreational vehicle to lower to raise in order to have better ground clearance and off-road capability.
Where the air suspension system of the recreational vehicle utilizes a combination of convoluted air bags and traditional suspension shocks to provide a harmonious suspension setup.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises a bunk bed arrangement being convertible into a desk arrangement and back again wherein: the first bed comprises a foundation that is proximate to the said floor and divided into two coplanar halves, first and second halves, hingedly attached to each other so that said first half may rest in a horizontal or vertical position; the second bed comprises a foundation that is above said first bed, divided into two coplanar halves, first and second halves, the first half having a top planar portion that is hingedly attached to said second bed's foundation so that said top planar portion may rest in a horizontal or vertical position; and said bunk bed arrangement may convert into a desk arrangement by moving said first bed's first half to its vertical rest position and said second bed's top planar portion to its vertical rest position and back to a bunk bed arrangement by lowering first bed's first half to its horizontal rest position and second bed's top planar portion to its horizontal rest position.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises a fall-down panel capable of becoming a larger size bed comprising: an opening present on any of said front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall, the opening adjacent to a bed, a panel hingedly attached to said opening, capable of sealing said opening when closed, and capable of extending the size of said bed when opened.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises various panels found on said lower body structure providing access to storage compartments said storage compartments being any one or any combination of: a hunting safebox, a spare tire, an air compressor, or open storage space.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises an adaptable living area comprising a sitting area converting to a bed.
Where the top panel of the recreational vehicle further comprises a skylight.
Where the recreational vehicle's said four upper panels when moving from said retracted position to said extended position comprise anyone or any combination of the following: further comprising additional actuators attached to each wall in said lower body structure and to each panel in said upper body structure to collapse and extend said upper body structure in conjunction with said top panel; further comprising reels that spool wire that are connected to said left upper panel and right upper panel to help lift said left upper panel and right upper panel into place while said top panel is lifted or lowered; and wherein said top panel comprises tracks that two of said upper panels engage with to lift and lower said two upper panels in conjunction with said top panel.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises a bathroom, wherein said bathroom further comprises anyone or any combination of: a sink, a countertop, a toilet, a floor designed to collect and drain water, showering apparatus, mirror, compartments, cupboards, or drawers.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises a bathroom, wherein said bathroom has fixed set of lower walls and an upper set of foldable walls that will collapse and extend as said top panel is raised or lowered.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises a tongue assembly used for towing said recreational vehicle, said tongue assembly having a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration, wherein said tongue can be retracted from its extended configuration to its collapsed configuration to reduce storage space.
Where the recreational vehicle further comprises at least one door, wherein said at least one door comprises three panels: a top panel, a middle panel, a bottom panel; wherein said recreational vehicle is in extended position, the entirety of the door is openable; and wherein said recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position, said bottom panel of the door is openable to allow access to the collapsed recreational vehicle.
The present invention will now be described using the appended figures representing preferred embodiments.
The panel 25 that closes the shared compartment can be folded down to be used as a countertop. In another embodiment, however, panel 25 can be used as a shade for the used area. In another embodiment, the panel 25 is also allowed to move, rotate, or flip to serve any needs necessary. The panel 25 also maintains the ability to be locked and secured from the interior or exterior of the trailer. Another embodiment of this invention are dual-access appliances, providing the ability to use refrigerators, stoves, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, drawers, cupboards, utensil drawers, and wet bars from a dual-access vantage point as well. The panel 25 may be comprised of any combination of: USB ports, Qiwireless charging stations, wired charging stations, or an electric stove surface for cooking.
The novelty is an indoor and outdoor kitchen arrangement for a recreational vehicle attached internally to an exterior wall with an opening. This opening is capable of being sealed by an exterior panel, therefore allowing the panel to be shared by the interior and exterior of the trailer. The shared area is deemed dual accessible, wherein dual accessibility implies that the area is accessible from indoor the recreational vehicle or from outside. The panel is also described to be simultaneously usable, where said portions of the kitchen can be used from the interior and exterior of the trailer at the same time. Lastly, the dual-access kitchen allows usability from different ground levels. With one ground level being the interior of the trailer and the other being from the exterior, the users of the dual-access kitchen can use the same compartments from different heights.
The side walls 138 & 139 are connected together using a hinge. When the trailer is in the process of collapsing,
Another embodiment of the bathroom configuration is explained below and is shown in
Another novelty present within the bathroom is the way that the shower head and shower utilities are positioned in its storage and usage positions.
Another embodiment of the shower head, presented in
Another embodiment of the shower head, presented in
Claims
1. A collapsible recreational vehicle that is fully hard sided the recreational vehicle comprising:
- a lower body structure comprising a floor and four walls: front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall;
- an upper body structure comprising a top panel and four side panels each hingedly attached to said four walls: front upper panel, left upper panel, right upper panel, and rear upper panel;
- wherein when said recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position, said four upper panels are folded down, and said top panel is lowered to rest onto the lower body structure;
- when said recreational vehicle is moving from said retracted position to an extended position, said top panel is raised, causing said four upper panels to rise;
- when said recreational vehicle is fully extended, said four upper panels are in alignment with said four lower walls and said top panel is capable of acting as a roof for said recreational vehicle;
- wherein said recreational vehicle is accessible, wherein accessible means that storage compartments of the recreational vehicle can be accessible from outside when the recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position and accessible from both inside and outside when the recreational vehicle is fully extended; and
- wherein said recreational vehicle is garageable, wherein garageable means that said recreational vehicle can be stored inside a home garage when collapsed in its retracted position.
2. A collapsible recreational vehicle that is fully hard sided the recreational vehicle comprising:
- a lower body structure comprising a floor and four walls: front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall;
- a top panel;
- four vertically oriented actuators, one at each corner of said lower body, one end attached to said floor and the opposing end attached to said top panel; and
- four upper panels each hingedly attached to said four walls: front upper panel, left upper panel, right upper panel, and rear upper panel;
- wherein when said actuators are in a retracted position and said recreational vehicle is collapsed: a first opposing set of said upper panels are folded and resting over said lower body; the remaining second opposing set of said upper panels are folded and resting over said first opposing set; and said top panel is resting over said second opposing set and resting onto said lower body and onto said actuators;
- when said actuators are moving to an extended position, said top panel is raised causing said second opposing set and said first opposing set to rise concurrently;
- when said actuators are fully extended: said four upper panels are in vertical alignment with said four walls and said top panel is capable of acting as a roof for said recreational vehicle.
3. The recreational vehicle of claim 2, wherein said recreational vehicle is accessible, wherein accessible means that storage compartments of the recreational vehicle can be accessible from outside when the recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position and accessible from both inside and outside when the recreational vehicle is fully extended; and
- wherein said recreational vehicle is garageable, wherein garageable means that said recreational vehicle can be stored inside a home garage when collapsed in its retracted position.
4. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, wherein said recreational vehicle is towable.
5. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising one or more structures, each structure:
- 1) being storable within a cavity found in said recreational vehicle, the cavity sealable by a panel, and
- 2) may be withdrawn from said cavity when the recreational vehicle is collapsed or extended.
6. The recreational vehicle of claim 5, wherein said structures comprise any one or any combination of:
- 1) an outdoor kitchen,
- 2) water dispenser,
- 3) bedding drawers
- 4) bar area, or
- 5) closet.
7. The recreational vehicle of claim 6, wherein said panel is hingedly attached to said lower body structure capable of rotating so as to protect said lower body structure from activity occurring on said structure.
8. The recreational vehicle of claim 6, wherein said structure comprises an outdoor kitchen, and wherein said outdoor kitchen comprising any one or any combination of:
- 1) a sink,
- 2) a countertop,
- 3) a foldable countertop,
- 4) a stove,
- 5) cupboards, or
- 6) drawers.
9. The recreational vehicle of claim 6, wherein said structure comprises a closet, and wherein said closet comprising any one or any combination of:
- 1) shelves,
- 2) cubicles,
- 3) racks, or
- 4) drawers.
10. The recreational vehicle of claim 6, wherein said structure comprises a bar area, and wherein said bar area comprising any one or any combination of:
- 1) countertop,
- 2) foldable countertop, or
- 3) drawer.
11. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising one or more structures, each structure:
- 1. occupying a space within said recreational vehicle,
- 2. is accessible, wherein accessible means that said frame can be accessed from both inside and outside of said recreational vehicle, and
- 3. is simultaneously usable, wherein simultaneously usable is defined that said frames may be accessed simultaneously by individuals outside of, as well as within, said recreational vehicle.
12. The recreational vehicle of claim 11, wherein said structure comprise any one or any combination of:
- 1) a portion of an indoor kitchen, or
- 2) a portion of a bar area.
13. The recreational vehicle of claim 12, said structure comprises a portion of a bar area, wherein said bar area comprises
- 1. an opening present on any of said front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall said opening being accessible and simultaneously usable;
- 2. a panel a. hingedly attached to said opening, b. capable of sealing said opening when closed, and c. capable of extending horizontally to form a countertop; and
- 3. a drawer that is accessible and simultaneously usable.
14. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising storage compartments attached to said upper body structure wherein said storage compartments are hinged on a dual ball-bearing axis so that when said upper body structure folds, items in said storage compartments remain upright.
15. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an air suspension system.
16. The recreational vehicle of claim 15, wherein the air suspension system allows anyone or any combination of:
- a. for the recreational vehicle to lower in order to clear height clearances as well as fit in standard-sized garages;
- b. for the recreational vehicle to lower at high speed to reduce drag and increase fuel economy; and
- c. for the recreational vehicle to lower to raise in order to have better ground clearance and off-road capability.
17. The recreational vehicle of claim 15, wherein the air suspension system utilizes a combination of convoluted air bags and traditional suspension shocks to provide a harmonious suspension setup.
18. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a bunk bed arrangement being convertible into a desk arrangement and back again wherein:
- 1. the first bed comprises a foundation that a. is proximate to the said floor and b. divided into two coplanar halves, first and second halves, hingedly attached to each other so that said first half may rest in a horizontal or vertical position;
- 2. the second bed comprises a foundation that a. is above said first bed, b. divided into two coplanar halves, first and second halves, the first half having a top planar portion that is hingedly attached to said second bed's foundation so that said top planar portion may rest in a horizontal or vertical position; and
- 3. said bunk bed arrangement may convert into a desk arrangement by moving said first bed's first half to its vertical rest position and said second bed's top planar portion to its vertical rest position and back to a bunk bed arrangement by lowering first bed's first half to its horizontal rest position and second bed's top planar portion to its horizontal rest position.
19. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a fall-down panel capable of becoming a larger size bed comprising: capable of extending the size of said bed when opened.
- 1. an opening present on any of said front lower wall, left lower wall, right lower wall, and rear lower wall, the opening adjacent to a bed,
- 2. a panel a. hingedly attached to said opening, b. capable of sealing said opening when closed, and
20. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising various panels found on said lower body structure providing access to storage compartments said storage compartments being any one or any combination of:
- 1. a hunting safebox,
- 2. a spare tire,
- 3. an air compressor, or
- 4. open storage space.
21. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an adaptable living area comprising a sitting area converting to a bed.
22. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, wherein said top panel further comprises a skylight.
23. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, wherein said four upper panels when moving from said retracted position to said extended position comprise anyone or any combination of the following:
- A. further comprising additional actuators attached to each wall in said lower body structure and to each panel in said upper body structure to collapse and extend said upper body structure in conjunction with said top panel;
- B. further comprising reels that spool wire that are connected to said left upper panel and right upper panel to help lift said left upper panel and right upper panel into place while said top panel is lifted or lowered; and
- C. wherein said top panel comprises tracks that two of said upper panels engage with to lift and lower said two upper panels in conjunction with said top panel.
24. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a bathroom wherein said bathroom comprising any one or any combination of:
- 1) a sink,
- 2) a countertop,
- 3) a toilet,
- 4) a floor designed to collect and drain water,
- 5) showering apparatus,
- 6) mirror,
- 7) compartments,
- 8) cupboards, or
- 9) drawers.
25. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a bathroom wherein said bathroom has fixed set of lower walls and an upper set of foldable walls that will collapse and extend as said top panel is raised or lowered.
26. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a tongue assembly used for towing said recreational vehicle, said tongue assembly having a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration, wherein said tongue can be retracted from its extended configuration to its collapsed configuration to reduce storage space.
27. The recreational vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one door, wherein said at least one door comprises three panels: a top panel, a middle panel, a bottom panel; wherein said recreational vehicle is in extended position, the entirety of the door is openable; and wherein said recreational vehicle is collapsed in its retracted position, said bottom panel of the door is openable to allow access to the collapsed recreational vehicle.
Type: Application
Filed: May 31, 2023
Publication Date: Dec 7, 2023
Inventor: Shaddi Gohar (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
Application Number: 18/204,085