The present invention relates to the recreational vehicle industry. More specifically, the present invention relates to kitchens for recreational vehicles.
Adventure 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.
The 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.
Prior art recreational vehicles are capable of storing many different items within the recreational vehicle. This includes food, drinks, condiments, clothing, toiletries, and so much more. Additionally, prior art recreational vehicles have many appliances that also are available within the recreational vehicle. This includes televisions, refrigerators, stove tops, microwaves, and so much more. After all, it is the object of a recreational vehicle to fit much of the conveniences of home within the recreational vehicle to make the recreational vehicle a “home away from home.” The problem is that upon arriving at a campsite, an individual who is outside of the recreational vehicle and desires an item that is within the recreational vehicle, must enter the recreational vehicle to fetch the desired item. This may have to be repeated multiple times. As an example, say an individual who is cooking outside needs a spice, condiment, or a utensil that is within the recreational vehicle. The individual must enter the recreational vehicle, collect the items, and then return back to their outdoor kitchen. The problem also arises in the reverse when an item has been removed from the recreational vehicle, so as to be used outdoors, but is needed again within the recreational vehicle. This problem is particularly noticeable in regard to items and appliances in the kitchen as the kitchen is the most active space in the recreational vehicle. To reduce the number of active individuals within a recreational vehicle's kitchen space, the current disclosure presents a recreational vehicle that include an outdoor kitchen that may be pulled out from the recreational vehicle and used concurrently with the recreational vehicle's indoor kitchen. Furthermore, in the current disclosure items such as condiments, utensils, spices, and such as well as appliances are sharable between the two kitchens.
The novel recreational vehicle of the present disclosure incorporates a design whereby storage compartments and appliances found within the recreational vehicle may also be accessible to individuals from a point outside of the recreational vehicle. In this disclosure the term “Dual-Accessible” will be used to describe this feature of the novel recreational vehicle. Moreover, panels that are used to provide a temporary wall for a dual-accessible space may also be used for other purposes such as for example, as a countertop, a shade, or a backsplash among other usages. Moreover, embedded within a panel, elements may be found that may provide further benefit to the users of the novel recreational vehicle. For example, the panel may contain USB ports, wireless charging stations, wired charging stations, and an electrical stove surface for cooking on the panel when the panel is in its horizontal position. To provide a proper level of security, the panel can be locked from the inside and/or outside. The locking mechanism may comprise combination locks, key locks, biometric locks, and such. This is best demonstrated by using the kitchen as an example, but this same concept may be applied to other spaces as well.
In a prior art recreational vehicle, the interior kitchen is adjacent to the exterior wall of the recreational vehicle. Within the kitchen may be found many storage compartments and appliances. However, the storage compartments and appliances are only accessible to an individual within the prior art recreational vehicle. The novel recreational vehicle allows at least a subset of the storage compartments or appliances to be dual-accessible by creating an opening on the recreational vehicle's exterior wall that provides exterior access to the storage compartments or appliances. The dual-accessible kitchen allows items, compartments or appliances to be used from both inside and outside recreational vehicle simultaneously at the same time while occupying the same space. Those items, compartments or appliances are usable from different ground levels, at least one ground level interiorly inside the recreational vehicle and at least another ground level exteriorly outside the recreational vehicle. This can happen at one height interiorly and at a different height exteriorly. As the floor within a recreational vehicle is higher than the ground about the recreational vehicle, storage compartments or appliances that are to be dual-accessible are generally found relatively nearer to the floor of the recreational vehicle. This would mean that an individual outside of the recreational vehicle could still access the same storage compartments or appliances from a reasonable height from the ground. Storage compartments may contain condiments, spices, utensils, or other such items. For example, a condiment, such as ketchup, that is stored in a dual-accessible compartment may be accessed at one height within the recreational vehicle and at another height outside of the recreational vehicle with the point being that the ketchup is accessible both from inside and outside the recreational vehicle simultaneously. Likewise, in another example, an appliance such as a microwave, that is stored in a dual-accessible compartment may be accessed at one height within the recreational vehicle and at another height outside of the recreational vehicle with the point being that the microwave is accessible both from inside and outside the recreational vehicle simultaneously. Any panel that is used to cover the opening on the recreational vehicle's exterior wall may be used for other purposes such as for example, as a countertop, a shade, or a backsplash among other usages. When taking the countertop as an example, as an exterior countertop when the panel is hinged along the bottom with the exterior wall and cables, or other means known to one with ordinary skill in the art, are used to limit the angular motion of the panel so that the panel will rest in a position that is perpendicular to the exterior wall.
The novel recreational vehicle disclosed herein has a dual accessible kitchen arrangement for a recreational vehicle comprising: a recreational vehicle; a kitchen space that is interiorly adjacent to an exterior wall of said recreational vehicle, said exterior wall having an opening adjacent to said kitchen space allowing portions of said kitchen space to be dual accessible, wherein dual accessible is defined that said portions of said kitchen space is accessible exteriorly to individuals outside of, as well as interiorly to individuals within, said recreational vehicle, wherein said portions of said kitchen utilize the same space, and simultaneously usable, wherein simultaneously usable is defined that said portions of said kitchen space may be accessed simultaneously by individuals outside of, as well as within, said recreational vehicle.
Where the novel recreational vehicle has a panel, the panel configured to seal said opening when said kitchen space is only interiorly accessible.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel is removably mounted to said exterior wall.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel is moveably attached to said exterior wall, the panel having an open state and a closed state.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel is configured to be used as a countertop when in said open state.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel is configured to be used as an area shade when in said open state.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel is configured to slide along said exterior wall, or to slide along exterior wall as well as to flip or rotate.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel is capable of rotating when in said open state so as to protect said exterior wall from activity occurring on said exterior wall.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel is configured to be used as a backsplash.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's kitchen space is dual accessible and simultaneously usable from different ground levels, at least one ground level interiorly inside the recreational vehicle and at least another ground level exteriorly outside the recreational vehicle.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's kitchen space further comprises anyone or any combination of: a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, a microwave, a dishwasher, a cupboard, utensils drawers, or a wet bar.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's kitchen space portions contain compartment doors that are capable of closing off said portions to the elements while conveniently allowing access to said portions' interior.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel further comprises a mechanism to lock and unlock the panel from the outside or inside.
Where the novel recreational vehicle's panel further comprises anyone or any combination of: USB ports, wireless charging stations, wired charging stations, or an electrical stove surface for cooking.
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
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.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63348912 | Jun 2022 | US |