Camping trailer or caravan

Abstract

The invention relates to a towed accommodation facility towed by a motor vehicle. The pull-type accommodation facility comprises: a chassis; and one or more wheel stabilizer devices for mounting to the chassis. Each wheel stabilizer device comprises: (1) a side wing arm for being movably fastened to a side wing of the chassis; (2) a mount for mounting to a side wing arm and to which a wheel is rotatably mounted; and (3) a stabilizer for stabilizing the orientation of the wheel as it moves relative to the chassis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a camping trailer or caravan. Background Technology

[0002] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be construed as, an admission or in any way an implication that such prior art constitutes part of common general knowledge.

[0003] Camping trailers and caravans are both towable accommodations that can be attached to a car and towed (or pulled) to a campsite. The car is the primary power source, while caravans and camping trailers are non-motorized and passively towed by the car.

[0004] Camping trailers are smaller than caravans and typically include a tent folded out of the trailer, inside which are stored other living supplies. Their appeal lies in their lightweight and compact design.

[0005] A preferred embodiment provides a camping trailer suitable for towing on rugged terrain and through bushes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a towable accommodation facility is provided, which includes:

[0007] Chassis; and

[0008] One or more wheel stabilizer units for mounting to the chassis, each wheel stabilizer unit comprising:

[0009] Side wing arms, which are used to be movably fastened to the side wings of the chassis;

[0010] A support for mounting to the side arm, and a wheel rotatably mounted to the support; and

[0011] A stabilizer is used to stabilize the orientation of the wheel as the wheel moves relative to the chassis.

[0012] Advantageously, when towing the accommodation facility on rough terrain and through bushes, the stabilizer can keep the wheels in a substantially vertical orientation as the side arms move relative to the chassis.

[0013] Each stabilizer unit may include a hub assembly for rotatably mounting the wheel to the mount. The chassis may terminate at a coupler for coupling to a tow ball of the vehicle.

[0014] The stabilizer may include an adjuster for adjusting the orientation of the wheels. The adjuster may adjust the length of one or more arms of the stabilizer. The adjuster may include one or more cam mechanisms for adjusting the arms to the desired length.

[0015] Each wheel stabilizer unit may include a suspension. The suspension may include an airbag. The stabilizer arm may include an airbag mount from which the airbag extends. The suspension may include a shock absorber. The shock absorber may be a gas shock absorber.

[0016] The stabilizer may include one or more control arms extending between the chassis and the mount. The stabilizer may also include a stabilizer arm extending between the chassis and the mount. The control arms and stabilizer arms may be located rearward of the wheel axle. The control arms may include a top control arm and a bottom control arm. The stabilizer arm may be located between the top control arm and the bottom control arm. The stabilizer arm may be located rearward of the control arms. The stabilizer arm may extend outward beyond the control arms.

[0017] The support can be fastened to the control arm and the stabilizer arm. The support can also be fastened to the side arm. The stabilizer may include a stabilizer bar for coupling to the control arm.

[0018] The control arm and stabilizer arm can be mounted at their respective ends using their respective resilient bushings. The side arms are pivotally secured to the chassis, preferably using resilient bushings. The supports are resiliently mounted to the side arms, preferably using one or more resilient bushings.

[0019] The wheel stabilizer assembly may include a braking device. The braking device may include a brake disc and a caliper for engaging with the disc. The wheel hub assembly may include a hub to which the wheel is secured.

[0020] The support may include a steering knuckle.

[0021] Towable accommodations may include one or two pairs of wheel stabilizer units. Towable accommodations may include non-motorized camping trailers, caravans, or hybrid units.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, a towable accommodation facility is provided, which includes:

[0023] Chassis; and

[0024] One or more wheel stabilizer devices for mounting to the chassis, each wheel stabilizer device including a stabilizer for stabilizing the orientation of the wheel as the wheel moves relative to the chassis.

[0025] Within the scope of this invention, any feature described herein may be combined with one or more of the other features described herein in any combination. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to practice the invention. This detailed description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the foregoing in any way. This detailed description will refer to the following figures:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a rear lower perspective view of a hybrid camping trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic rear view of the operation of the wheel stabilizer device, where solid lines represent the default wheel configuration and dashed lines represent raised or lowered wheel configurations.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded rear-view perspective view of the wheel stabilizer device shown.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a rear-view perspective view showing the installation of the assembled wheel stabilizer unit;

[0031] Figure 5A It shows Figure 1 The wheel stabilizer unit shown is in a plan view with the default wheel configuration.

[0032] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A The wheel stabilizer unit shown is in the rear view with the default wheel configuration.

[0033] Figure 6A It shows Figure 1 The wheel stabilizer device shown is in a plan view with the wheel configuration lowered.

[0034] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A The wheel stabilizer unit shown is in a rear view with the wheels lowered.

[0035] Figure 7 A rear-view perspective view showing four wheel stabilizer units is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 This is an exploded rear perspective view of a wheel stabilizer device according to another embodiment;

[0037] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Front and rear views of the wheel stabilizer unit shown;

[0038] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 The front view of the opposing wheel stabilizer units experiencing different wheel jolt conditions.

[0039] Figure 11 The adjustment mechanism for the control arm is shown; and

[0040] Figure 12 It shows Figure 8 The installation of the wheel stabilizer device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, a hybrid camping trailer 100 (i.e., a towable accommodation) is provided, which is towed by a vehicle such as a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. The hybrid camping trailer 100 has four rigid sides 102 extending upward from a chassis 104, and a pop-out canopy 106 extending upward from the sides 102. The chassis 104 terminates at a tongue-shaped coupler 108 for coupling to a 4WD tow ball. The hybrid camping trailer 100 also includes a pair of independent wheel stabilizer units 110 for mounting on opposite sides of the trailer chassis 104.

[0042] from Figure 2 As can be clearly seen, each lateral wheel stabilizer device 110 includes a stabilizer 200 for stabilizing the orientation of the wheel 202 as the wheel 202 moves relative to the chassis 104 through a vertical stroke. Figure 2 The solid lines in the figure show the default wheel configuration when the camping trailer 100 is stationary, while the dashed lines show the wheel configuration with the left side raised or the right side lowered when towing on rough terrain. Advantageously, as shown, when towing the camping trailer 100 on rough terrain and through bushes, the stabilizer 200 can keep the wheels 202 in a substantially vertical orientation, where grooves left by the wheels are inevitable on the tracks.

[0043] from Figure 3 As can be clearly seen, each wheel stabilizer assembly 110 includes a main side arm 300, which is pivotally secured to and along the side of the chassis 104 about the front sleeve 302. The wheel stabilizer assembly 110 also includes a steering knuckle support 304 for mounting to the rear end of the side arm 300. Furthermore, the stabilizer assembly 110 includes a hub assembly 306 for rotatably mounting the wheel 202 to the steering knuckle support 304. When the side arm 300 pivots relative to the chassis 104, the stabilizer 200 stabilizes the wheel 202 in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0044] The stabilizer 200 includes a top control arm 308A and a bottom control arm 308B, which allows the rear ends of the side wings 300, and thus the wheels 202, to move vertically. The control arms 308A and 308B are secured to the chassis 104 and the rear ends of the main side wings 300, and extend between the chassis 104 and the rear ends of the main side wings 300. The stabilizer 200 also includes a central toe-in stabilizer arm 310, located between the control arms 308A and 308B, secured to the chassis 104 and the steering knuckle support 304, and extending between the chassis 104 and the steering knuckle support 304.

[0045] Control arms 308A, 308B and toe-stabilizing arm 310 are located behind the rotation axle of wheel 202, facing the rear of camping trailer 100. Toe-stabilizing arm 310 extends outward to steering knuckle support 304, beyond control arms 308A, 308B. The rear of wing arm 300 includes arm mounting bracket 312 for receiving control arms 308A, 308B. Conversely, steering knuckle support 304 receives toe-stabilizing arm 310 within cavity 314.

[0046] The control arms 308A, 308B and the toe stabilizer arm 310 are pivotally mounted at their respective ends using their respective resilient rubber bushings 316, through which fastening bolts pass. Similarly, the front sleeve 302 of the main wing arm 300 and the top and bottom sleeves 318A, 318B of the steering knuckle support 304 also receive resilient bushings 316 for resilient pivot mounting.

[0047] The stabilizer 200 also includes a two-stage adjuster 320 for adjusting the orientation of the wheels 202 during wheel alignment. The adjuster 320 adjusts the length of the top control arm 308A and the toe-in stabilizer arm 310 of the stabilizer 200. The length of the bottom control arm 308B is fixed. Each adjustable arm 308A, 310 includes a central threaded nut lock 322 for locking the arm 308A, 310 to the desired length.

[0048] The main side arm 300 includes an airbag support 324 from which an airbag extends, and a shock absorber support 326 for mounting a shock absorber. The steering knuckle support 304 includes a caliper support 328 for mounting a brake caliper.

[0049] from Figure 4 As can be clearly seen, each wheel stabilizer unit 110 includes a suspension 400. The suspension 400 includes an airbag 402 mounted between the airbag mount 324 on the main side arm 300 and the chassis 104. The suspension 400 also includes a gas shock absorber 404 mounted between the shock absorber bracket 326 on the main side arm 300 and the chassis 104. Various components 200, 300, 402, and 404 can be mounted to the chassis 104 using appropriate brackets.

[0050] The wheel stabilizer assembly 110 includes a brake assembly 406. The brake assembly 406 includes a rotating brake disc 408. The brake assembly 406 also includes a caliper 410, which is mounted to a caliper mount 328 of the steering knuckle support 304 for engaging with the brake disc 408.

[0051] The wheel hub assembly 306 includes a rotating hub 412 with a protruding threaded shaft to which the wheel 202 is fastened. The wheel hub assembly 306 also includes a base for mounting to a steering knuckle support 304, and a bearing located between the base and the hub 412 to allow the hub 412 to rotate relative to the steering knuckle support 304.

[0052] Figure 5B and Figure 6B The rear view showcases the features of the stabilizer 200, such as... Figure 5B The default wheel configuration of the camping trailer 100 when stationary, to Figure 6B The suspension features a lowered wheel configuration used when towing on rough terrain. The stabilizer 200 ensures that the wheel 202, positioned parallel to the brake disc 408, remains substantially vertical throughout the suspension travel. The parallel control arm 308 and the toe-in stabilizer arm 310 limit the movement of the wheel 202 in its vertical orientation and prevent its rotation.

[0053] Figure 5A and Figure 6A From above, it is confirmed once again that wheel 202, which is positioned parallel to brake disc 408, remains essentially perpendicular. Toe angle refers to... Figure 5A and Figure 6A When viewed from above, the stabilizer 200 keeps the toe angle at zero degrees. The toe stabilizer arm 310 keeps the wheel 202 straight throughout the entire travel of the suspension 400. The geometry of the upper control arm 308 (camber link) provides camber angle variation at various points in the suspension travel, thereby producing motion that helps the trailer 100 achieve more desirable handling characteristics.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that many embodiments and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 The hybrid camping trailer 100 shown may include two pairs of wheel stabilizer devices 110.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a wheel stabilizer device is provided, such as Figure 8 As shown. The same reference numerals denote the same features as described above.

[0057] The wheel stabilizer assembly 110 includes a side arm 300 for movably securing to the side of the chassis 104. The wheel stabilizer assembly 110 also includes a steering knuckle support 304 for mounting to the side arm 300, to which the wheel 202 is rotatably mounted. The wheel stabilizer assembly 110 also includes a stabilizer 200 for stabilizing the orientation of the wheel 202 as it moves relative to the chassis 104 through its vertical travel.

[0058] The stabilizer 200 includes an upper control arm 308A and a lower control arm 308B extending between a chassis 104 and a steering knuckle support 304. The stabilizer 200 also includes a toe-in stabilizer arm 310 extending between the chassis 104 and the steering knuckle support 304. The toe-in stabilizer arm 310 is located behind the control arms 308A and 308B and includes an airbag housing 324 from which an airbag 402 extends.

[0059] The airbag 402 is no longer mounted to the tow arm 300. It is now mounted to the toe stabilizer arm 310. In the first embodiment, the airbag 402 was located on the tow arm 300, and the control arm 308 experienced lateral loads due to the inward rotational load applied by the airbag 402. This caused wear on the bushing 316 and required constant adjustment of the screw thread 322 for alignment.

[0060] In this embodiment, the airbag 402 is mounted on the stabilizer arm 310, which significantly reduces these loads and allows for a simpler adjustment method, while improving the lifespan, strength, weight, and simplicity of all components of the suspension system.

[0061] Steering knuckle support 304 is fastened to control arms 308A, 308B, toe-in stabilizer arm 310, and wing arm 300. Stabilizer 200 includes stabilizer bar 800 for coupling to control arms 308A, 308B (see also...). Figure 9 Located on both sides of camping trailer 100, from Figure 10 This can be clearly seen in the text.

[0062] See Figure 11 The stabilizer 200 includes an adjusting cam device 1100 for adjusting the control arm 308 to the desired length. Therefore, adjustment is no longer required using a screw thread with a locking nut 322 at the center of the arms 308, 310. Adjustment is now achieved via camber adjusting bolts on the chassis side of the upper control arm 308A and lower control arm 308B. These bolts utilize offset cams; rotating the bolt heads moves the arms 308 in and out, and locking them in place with the nuts.

[0063] Figure 12The installation of the wheel stabilizer device 110 onto the chassis 104 is shown. This invention is particularly applicable to any form of towable accommodation facility, whether it is a camping trailer, caravan, or hybrid unit.

[0064] In accordance with regulations, this invention has been described using language that is more or less focused on structural or methodological features. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, as the means described herein include preferred forms for carrying out the invention.

[0065] In this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner into one or more combinations.

Claims

1. A towable accommodation facility towed by a vehicle, said towable accommodation facility comprising: Chassis; as well as One or more wheel stabilizer units for mounting to the chassis, each wheel stabilizer unit comprising: Side wing arms for movably securing to the side wings of the chassis; A support for mounting to the side arm, and a wheel rotatably mounted to the support; and A stabilizer is used to stabilize the orientation of the wheel as the wheel moves relative to the chassis.

2. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, When towing the accommodation facility across rugged terrain and through bushes, the stabilizer keeps the wheels in a substantially vertical orientation as the side arms move relative to the chassis.

3. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, Each stabilizer unit includes a hub assembly for rotatably mounting the wheel to the support.

4. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, The chassis terminates at a coupler for coupling to the towing ball of the vehicle, and / or the support includes a steering knuckle.

5. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, The stabilizer includes an adjuster for adjusting the orientation of the wheel, the adjuster adjusting the length of one or more arms of the stabilizer and preferably including one or more cam devices for adjusting the arms to the desired length.

6. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, Each wheel stabilizer unit includes a suspension that includes an airbag and a shock absorber, and preferably includes a gas shock absorber.

7. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, The arm of the wheel stabilizer includes an airbag seat, from which an airbag extends.

8. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, The stabilizer includes: One or more control arms extending between the chassis and the support; and A stabilizing arm extending between the chassis and the support; The control arm and the stabilizing arm are located behind the wheel axle.

9. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 8, wherein, The control arm includes a top control arm and a bottom control arm, and the stabilizing arm is located between the top control arm and the bottom control arm.

10. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 8, wherein, The stabilizing arm is located behind the control arm and / or extends outward beyond the control arm.

11. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 8, wherein, The support is fastened to the control arm, the stabilizing arm, and / or the wing arm.

12. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 8, wherein, The stabilizer includes a stabilizing bar for coupling to the control arm.

13. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 8, wherein, The control arm and the stabilizing arm are mounted to their respective ends using their respective elastic bushings.

14. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, The side arm is pivotally fastened to the chassis, preferably using a resilient bushing; and / or, the support is resiliently mounted to the side arm, preferably using one or more resilient bushings.

15. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, The wheel stabilizer device includes a braking device.

16. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 15, wherein, The braking device includes a brake disc and calipers for engaging with the disc.

17. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, wherein, The wheel is fastened to the hub.

18. The towable accommodation facility according to claim 1, comprising one or two pairs of wheel stabilizer devices.

19. The towable accommodation facility of claim 1, including a non-motorized camping trailer, a caravan, or a hybrid unit.

20. A towable accommodation facility towed by a vehicle, said towable accommodation facility comprising: Chassis; as well as One or more wheel stabilizer devices for mounting to the chassis, each wheel stabilizer device including a stabilizer for stabilizing the orientation of the wheel as the wheel moves relative to the chassis.

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