Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02354662 2001-08-02
MULTI-LEVEL EXPANDABLE TRAILER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to human transport vehicles and,
more particularly, pertains to a customized, multi-compartment trailer which
is
selectively reconfigurable to provide variously-sized living and/or office
working space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For some years, buses, coaches, trailers and other vehicles have been
modified and customized with various equipment and amenities to provide high-
end,
luxury motor homes and/or fully functioning traveling offices. Such vehicles
are
commonly designed with modular or multi-compartment construction, and can be
retrofit to include, for example, a lounge, eating and sleeping quarters, an
audio/visual
facility, a lavatory, or the like. The special construction of these vehicles
is provided to
meet the particular needs and lifestyle requirements of certain clientele,
such as
television and motion picture celebrities, touring musical acts, corporate
executives,
famous athletes, politicians, sports teams and special interest groups.
Several such
buses and coaches of the type described above are commercially available from
the
assignee of the present invention.
In addition, there are other known multi-compartment vehicles which are
modified to suit the needs of its human passengers. One type of customized
vehicle is
depicted in U.S. Patent No. 4,449,746, issued May 22, 1984 to Clark who sets
forth a
modular unit having a multi-compartment floor for mounting medical equipment.
Another customized vehicle is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,488,752, issued
December 18, 1984 to Broussard. In this patent, an expandable mobile home
trailer has
a floor plan with a split level and includes an upper body portion which is
telescopically
associated with the main body portion.
U.S. Patent No. 5,197,774 issued March 30, 1993 to Diaz discloses a
motor coach having a fixed lower level and a fixed upper level accessible by
stairs
positioned in the middle of the lower level. The coach is designed and
furnished to
provide a mobile broadcasting studio.
U.S. Patent No. 5,915,774, issued June 29, 1999 to Tiedge shows a motor
coach including a first occupiable section and a second occupiable section
designed to
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move laterally relative to the first section to adjust the volume of an
occupiable living
space
In the past, these multi-compartment, customized vehicles have been
limited by size restriction so as to ensure safe transit on roads and
highways. Some
customized vehicles have also been limited with respect to internal living
space
available during vehicle travel. Recent Federal law changes have now made it
possible
to increase the permissible travel size of certain of these vehicles, namely
trailers, so that
passenger capacity and available storage and amenity space can be
correspondingly
increased to satisfy the demands of its clients.
Despite the known prior art, it remains desirable to provide a fully
appointed, mobile, multi-purpose residence which presents a maximum amount of
floor
space and headroom for occupants in a parked condition. It is also desirable
to provide
a customized trailer which offers the ultirnate in travel comfort and
convenience. It is
further desirable to provide a high occupancy vehicle which is extremely safe
and
undeniably versatile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention advantageously provides a mobile trailer which is
selectively collapsible and expandable along at least two axes of movement.
The trailer
includes a lower body and an upper body portion having a fixed lower segment
tele-
scopically received in a movable upper segment. The trailer further includes a
pair of
movable pods which are selectively and jointly extendable and retractable
along a
horizontal axis which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trailer.
The movable
upper segment of the upper body portion of the trailer is selectively
extendable and
retractable along a vertical axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the
trailer. The movable upper segment is provided with side portions formed by
continuous windows so as to provide a generous amount of ambient light to
illuminate
the interior of the trailer. Top and corner edges of the trailer are
constructed with
rounded surfaces which create an aerodynamic, aesthetically pleasing profile.
It is one object of the present invention to provide a fully self-contained,
mobile residence and business facility.
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It is further object of the present invention to provide a modified trailer
having a multi-level floor plan which defines a sitting room, a lounge with
adjoining
entertainment area and sofa pod, a bathroom, a kitchen, a sound studio, and a
bedroom.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a deluxe,
customized living and working quarters equipped with high quality furnishings,
as well
as high tech audio-visual and communication devices, and constructed with the
finest
materials.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile trailer
having on-board support systems which will enhance the comfort of its
occupants.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile trailer
having safety equipment which will safeguard the well being of its passengers.
Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be
made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying
out the invention.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the multi-level, expandable mobile
trailer embodying the present invention and showing the trailer in an expanded
and
parked position;
Fig. 1 A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the trailer in Fig., 1
showing a lower level and an upper level;
Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. lA;
Fig. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1A showing a
lower level of the trailer;
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. lA showing an
upper level of the trailer;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the lower level in the parked position with
the trailer in a horizontal expanded condition;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the upper level in the park position with the
trailer in a vertically expanded condition;
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Fig. 7 is a top view of the roof of the trailer; and
Fig. 8 is a detailed view of rounded corner structure in the trailer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a multi-level, expandable
trailer 10 embodying the present invention in an expanded and parked
condition. Trailer
has a lower body portion 12 and an upper body portion 14 having a fixed lower
segment 16 which telescopically fits within a movable upper segment 18, as
best seen in
Figs. 1 and 2. Lower body portion 12 is supported on wheels 20 which are
rotatably
mounted on a pair of axles 22. Fig. 2 preferably shows two wheels 20 on each
side of
10 the trailer 10, but one or more wheels can be utilized on each side as
desired. Wheels 20
are provided with suitable air ride suspension and air brakes to enable a
safe,
comfortable ride during transit. A forward, bottom section of lower body
portion 12 is
stepped at 24 to receive a fifth wheel connection of a semi-tractor (not
shown) which is
used to transport the trailer 10 from one location to the next. In the parked
condition
with the semi-tractor removed, the trailer 10 is equipped with a set of
commercially
available leveling cylinders (one being shown at 26).
Referring also to Figs. 1A and 3, lower body portion 12 is constructed
with a front wal128, a back wal130, a pair of opposite side walls 32,34 and a
lower
horizontal wal136 which defines a main floor. In stepped lower body portion,
main
floor 36 rises along a vertical wall 38 and terminates in a raised landing 40
which
defines an offset auxiliary floor. A horizontal partition 42 extends along the
length of
trailer 10 in parallel relationship with main floor 36 and auxiliary floor 40.
Partition 42
is connected to the top of the front wall 38, back wal130 and side walls
32,34, all of
which are solid surfaces which collectively form a first interior space and a
lower level
44. The partition 42 has a lower surface 46 which acts as a ceiling in the
lower leve144.
Projecting outwardly from the front wal128 is a mounting shelf 48 which
carries a diesel generator 50 and other power equipment 52 used to
electrically drive
various comfort systems and appliances inside the trailer 10. The mounting
shelf 48 and
power equipment 50,52 are generally surrounded with a sound-attenuating,
aerodynamic
cover 54 which protects the equipment from environmental elements, such as bad
weather, road dirt and the like. Side walls 32,34 are provided with a series
of windows
56 and an outwardly opening door 58 positioned at different locations on each
side to
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make observation as well as entry into and exit from trailer 10 convenient.
Steps with
handrails can be provided beneath each door 58 to ease access to the trailer
10.
The mid-portion of each side wa1132,34 in lower body portion 12 is
recessed at 60 to receive a horizontally movable pod 62a,62b, each having an
anterior
wal164, a lateral wall 66 provided with a set of windows 68, and a posterior
wa1170. In
addition, as seen in Fig. 2, each pod 62a,62b has a top wall 72 and a bottom
wa1174
which together with adjoining walls 64, 66 and 70 are slidably guided into and
out of
each side wal132,34 in lower leve144, typically by a power actuated device 76.
More
particularly, top walls 72 slide in and out with respect to side wall upper
beams 73,
while bottom walls 74 slide in an out with respect to a tubular structure 75
or the like
beneath main floor 36. The pods 62a,62b are constructed and arranged to
jointly extend
and retract between the pod phantom lines of Fig. 2 which represent a
collapsed and
travel condition, and the pod solid lines which denote the expanded and parked
condition. In the travel condition, the lateral walls 66 of the pods 62a,62b
are
substantially flush with the side walls 32,34. As will be understood
hereafter, the pods
62a,62b serve to selectively adjust the volume of the occupiable lower level
internal
space, and controllably vary the overall width of the trailer 10.
Fixed lower segment 16 of upper body portion 141ike lower body portion
12, includes a front wa1178, a back wall 80 and a pair of opposite side walls
82,84, all of
which are solid surfaces which rise vertically from horizontal partition 42.
Fig. 1 shows
the side walls 82,84 reinforced by a series of spaced vertical members 86
which enhance
the rigidity of the upper body portion 14. Movable upper segment 18 of upper
body
portion 14 is provided with a solid front wa1188 and a solid back wa1190. A
plurality of
vertical uprights 92 project between a lower horizontal edge 94 and an upper
horizontal
edge 96. However, instead of solid side walls, continuous windows 98 (which
may be
tinted) are provided along the entire side length of each movable upper
segment 18
outside the uprights 92. It should be appreciated that the height and
widespread viewing
area of the windows 98 provides a commanding visage for passengers and enables
an
abundance of ambient light to flood and enhance the inside of the trailer 10
when it is in
the parked condition.
Referring now to Fig. 2A, a plurality of Z-angled mounts 100 are
interposed between windows 98 and the upper ledge 96 on each side of movable
upper
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segment 18. Also, each of a set of stepped brackets 102 has a bottom surface
welded to
the top of the upper edge 96 and a top surface welded to the underside of a
solid roof
104. A horizontally extending rounded corner attachment 106 on each side of
trailer 10
has an upper end 108 connected to a side surface of roof 104, and a lower end
110
positioned outside the mounts 100 and the sides of the upper ledges 96. As
seen in Figs.
7 and 8, a vertically extending rounded edge 112 is interposed in each front
corner
between an edge of front wall 88 and an edge of corner upright 92. Similar
structure is
also provided in each corner at the back roof end of the trailer 10. Both the
front wall 88
and the back wa1190 are reinforced by a series of uprights 114 having a hat-
shaped cross
section. The horizontal partition 42, fixed lower segment 16, movable upper
segment
18, the roof 104, and the horizontal and vertical rounded corner structures
106 and 112,
respectively, form a second internal space and an upper level 116. The
horizontal
partition 42 has an upper surface 118 which acts as the main floor throughout
upper
level 116.
The rounded corner attachments 106 and rounded edges 112 discussed
above, create a more aesthetic design than square edges along the top and
corners of the
trailer 10. Furthermore, these rounded surfaces help reduce wind resistance
during trail-
er travel and thus contribute to a savings in fuel for the semi-tractor
pulling the trailer
10.
In addition to the horizontally movable pods 62a,62b described above, the
trailer 10 is provided with the capability of vertically raising and lowering
the movable
upper segment 18 of upper body portion 14 with respect to the fixed lower
segment 16
along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of trailer 10. In
order to
accomplish this, a set of hydraulic cylinders 120 is positioned in the upper
level 116 as
generally illustrated in Figs. 1, 1A and 4. It should be understood that the
cylinders 120
are fed hydraulic fluid and are selectively regulated by a master control
located (but not
shown) elsewhere on trailer 10. Fig. 2A shows greater detail of the mounting
of each
cylinder 120 wherein a cylinder end 122 is connected to a bifurcated, saddle
mount 124
having a generally triangular cross section. An upper portion of the saddle
mount 124 is
secured by a pair of fasteners 126 to a block support 128 which, in turn, is
fixed to a side
edge of the horizontal partition 42. A rod end 130 of each cylinder 120
includes a rod
mount 132 which is welded to the underside of stepped bracket 102 which is
joined to
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roof 104. With this construction, each rod end 130 is typically extended to
partially
raise, "pop-up", or expand the movable upper segment 18 with respect to fixed
lower
segment 16 when the trailer 10 is in the parked condition. Each rod end 130 is
typically
retracted to lower or collapse the movable upper segment 18 over the fixed
lower
segment 16 when the trailer is in the travel condition, as shown in phantom
lines in Fig.
2. As a result, the windows 98 in their lowered position are blocked by the
solid wall
surfaces of the fixed lower segment 16, the overall height of the trailer 10
being reduced
so as to enable further reduction in wind resistance. The movable upper
segment 18
may also be lowered in the parked condition in the presence of unfavorable
weather
conditions, such as wind or rainstorms, or when a savings is desired in
heating or
cooling of the upper level 116.
Turning now to Figs. 5 and 6, the present invention offers a large volume
of internal space with preferred floor layouts to meet the demands of its
clientele. For
example, the lower level 44 includes a back sector which serves as a sitting
room 136
having chairs 138, tables 140 and bench seats 142. As mentioned previously,
the mid-
portion of lower level 44 serves as a lounge 144 with one movable pod 62a
defining a
sofa area 146 and the other movable pod 62b forming an entertainment area
equipped
with audio/visual equipment 148. Additional chairs and tables may also be
placed in the
lounge 144. The front sector of the lower level 144 defines a bathroom area
149 having
a wall enclosure 150 with a door 152 and includes a toilet 154, a shower 156
and a
vanity 158. One entering trailer 10 through door 58 in the front section moves
from
main floor 36 up a set of steps 160 to the offset auxiliary floor 40 of a
kitchen or galley
area 162. The kitchen 162 includes a sink 164, a refrigerator 166, a stove
168, a cabinet
170, chairs 172, booth seating 174 and a table 176. Another wall 178 and door
180
leads to a staircase 182 which ascends to the main floor 118 on the upper
level 116.
With the trailer 10 in its vertically expanded condition, the upper level 116
shown in
Fig. 6 includes a vertical wall 184 on the front end of a large bedroom 186.
Included in
this area is a dresser 188, a bench seat 190, chairs 192, a table 194, a bed
196, at least
one sofa bed 198 and end table 200. A collapsible vertical wall 202 with a
door 204
separates the bedroom 186 from a sound studio 206 having sound mixing and
recording
equipment 208 along with a suitable seating 210. Wall 202 typically includes a
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movable upper portion 212 which can be folded down from the roof 104 to
cooperate
with a fixed lower portion 214, as shown in Figs. 1 A and 2.
In the preferred embodiment, the trailer 10 has an overall length of
approximately 46.5 feet, a width of about 8 feet, expandable in the pod areas
to about
12.8 feet. In the travel and collapsed condition, the height of the trailer 10
from the
ground 216 to the roof 104 is about 13.5 feet, and in the parked and expanded
condition
the height is substantially increased to about 17 feet. The selective raising
of the mov-
able upper segment 18 with its panoramic windows 98 presents an upper level of
occupiable space with generous headroom typically over 6.75 feet high. It is
preferable
that the external surfaces of the aforedescribed walls are smoothly fabricated
from
aluminum. The walls can be insulated, soundproofed and weatherproofed as
desired.
The underside of the main floor 36 in the lower level 44 is adapted to carry
various
plumbing equipment, while heating/air conditioning and electrical equipment
can be
located as desired. Windows 56,68,98 may be of the type which slide open and
closed
and may be equipped with screens, if necessary. Trailer 10 can also be
provided with
fire suppression equipment, such as automatic sprinkler systems and fire
extinguishers,
to ensure the safety of its occupants.
It should now be appreciated that the present invention provides a
reconfigurable, dual-level trailer 10 which can be customized and furnished to
offer an
upscale, self-contained mobile residence and/or working or business facility.
From the
spaciousness afforded by this structure described above, it should also be
realized that a
large number of occupants can be comfortably, conveniently and safely
transported over
long distances in the lower level. When the trailer 10 is expanded
horizontally and
vertically in the parked condition, the upper level 116 provides private
sleeping facilities
for several passengers and enables pleasure and/or business activities to take
place in
adjoining quarters, such as represented by the expandable lounge area 144 and
the sound
studio 206. It should be emphasized that the multi-compartment or modular
construction of the trailer 120 provides a mobile vehicle which is extremely
versatile
and which heretofore has not been provided by prior art carriers.
Because of the large collapsed size of the trailer 10, it is important to
provide an aerodynamic design so as to conserve fuel costs. The smooth
external wall
surfaces and the rounded structure 106,112 along the top and corners of the
trailerlO
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markedly contribute to this efficiency. The continuous windows 98 flanking
each side
of the upper level 116 naturally illuminate the interior thereof and reduce
the need for
generating electrically power light.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred
embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that. certain
substitutions, alterations
and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.
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