AU2004214553A1 - Improved Camper Trailer - Google Patents

Description

P/00/009 Regulation 3.10

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: TRAILER MOUNTED MODULE The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: Our Ref: 042014 TRAILER MOUNTED MODULE The present invention relates to passenger vehicle trailers, and more particularly to trailers adapted to camping or caravanning, providing an improved level of accommodation, convenience in use and flexibility of configuration.

BACKGROUND

Travelling holidays by car and caravan have been a popular activity almost from the inception of the private motor vehicle. Camper trailers have traditionally offered advantages of lower cost and weight for easier towing, but at the price of comfort.

Particularly in more recent times the increased popularity of four wheel drive vehicles and the desire to explore the less accessible parts of a country has led to the need for easily towable yet comfortable trailer-based accommodation with provisions for shower and toilet., not normally available in remote areas. The desire to be able to negotiate rough terrain has placed considerable design cbnstraints on the camper trailer making it difficult to encompass within a small package the desirable features of manoeuvrability and reasonable accommodation. Frequently, such camper trailers require considerable manipulation to prepare for camping and in many cases cannot readily be used for short roadside stops.

It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages or to offer a useful alternative.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention there is provided a camping trailer adapted for towing behind a motor vehicle; said trailer provided with road wheels disposed at the rearmost end of said trailer.

Preferably, said trailer includes a platform chassis provided at a forward end with an shaped towing frame and towing hitch mechanism adapted for releasable attachment of said trailer to a tow bar of said motor vehicle and provided at said rearmost end with road wheel suspension elements.

Preferably, the weight distribution of equipment in said trailer is biased to an area positioned over said road wheels of said trailer.

Preferably, said platform chassis is provided with a bathroom area located proximally to said forward end.

Preferably, said bathroom area includes side walls, a rear wall and a front wall; said rear wall extending transversely across the width of said chassis platform.

Preferably, said side walls curve forwardly and inwardly from said rear wall; forward edges of said walls terminating at the side edges of said front wall extending transversely across the width of said "A" shaped frame at that point on said frame where said width is substantially less than the width of said platform.

Preferably, said front wall extends upwardly from said platform to a height sufficiently low so as to allow a user of said bathroom area to step over said front wall.

Preferably, upper edges of said side walls curve forwardly and downwardly from the junction of said side walls with the top of said rear wall so as to meet the forward edges of said side walls at a height approximately half way between the height of said rear wall and said front wall.

Preferably, said bathroom area is provided with an openable access hatch structure; said openable hatch hinged from the top edge of said rear wall and shaped so as to provide closure of the opening defined by said upper and said forward edges of said side walls and the upper edge of said front wall.

Preferably, said bathroom area is comprised of sidewalls, a rear wall, a front wall and a forwardly and upwardly swinging access hatch; said side walls and hatch shaped so as to minimize wind resistance of said trailer when under tow.

Preferably, said access hatch and said front wall are adapted to allow entry by a user into said bathroom area.

Preferably, said hatch is adapted to provide when opened a roof substantially covering the floor area of said bathroom area.

Preferably, said hatch is positioned when opened at a height sufficient to allow the upright posture of a user of said bathroom area; said hatch provided with flexible sheeting forming openable side walls and front wall; said front wall further provided with a zippered access panel.

Preferably, said bathroom area is provided with toilet facilities.

Preferably, said bathroom area is provided with shower facilities.

Preferably, said bathroom area is provided with handbasin facilities.

Preferably, said bathroom area is provided with cupboard space; a portion of said cupboard space accessible from the rear of said rear wall.

Preferably, said trailer is provided with a kitchen area positioned at the rearmost end of said platform.

Preferably, said kitchen area is comprised of side walls and a front wall; said front wall extending across the width of said platform at a point forward of said road wheels.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with a roof extending over said area and extending forwardly to the top of said rear wall of said bathroom area.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with cooking facilities.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with a refrigerator.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with storage space for two cooking gas bottles.

Preferably, kitchen area is provided with kitchen and eating utensil storage facilities.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with benchtop space and a sink.

Preferably, said kitchen space is provided with an array of overhead cupboard space having provision for a microwave oven recess; a portion of said cupboard space accessible from said kitchen area and a remaining portion of said cupboard space accessible from the front of said front wall of said kitchen area.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with water storage and retrieval facilities.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with separate storage facilities for power supply batteries and associated equipment; said storage facility being accessible from said kitchen area of said trailer.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with separate storage facilities for one spare wheel; said storage facility being accessible from said kitchen area of said trailer.

Preferably, said kitchen area is provided with a hinged rear panel; said rear panel hinged from the rear edge of said roof so as to provide closure of said kitchen area when in a first closed state and an extension of said roof when rotated to a second horizontal state.

Preferably, said rear panel is provided with detachable flexible sheeting; said sheeting attaching along three edges of said rear panel so as to extend from said panel to the ground to form an enclosed area when said panel is rotated to said second horizontal state.

Preferably, said bathroom area and said kitchen area are separated by a middle portion; said middle portion 8 extending between said rear wall of said bathroom area and said front wall of said kitchen area.

Preferably, said middle portion is adapted to accommodate a queen-sized mattress.

Preferably, said middle portion is provided with a fold-out bunk bed hinged to said front wall of said kitchen area.

Preferably, said middle portion is provided with hinged side panels; said side panels hinged from the side edges of said roof between said bathroom area rear wall and said kitchen structure front wall so as to provide closure of said middle portion when said side panels are in a first closed state and sidewardly extensions of said roof when said side panels are rotated into a second horizontal state.

Preferably, said side panels are provided with detachable flexible sheeting; said sheeting attaching along three edges of each of said side panels so as to extend from said panel to the ground to form enclosed areas when said side panels are rotated to said second horizontal state.

Preferably, access to said enclosed areas is provided by zippered door panels located in at least one side of said enclosed areas.

Preferably, each of said access hatch, said rear panel and said side panels are lockable when respectively in said first closed state.

Preferably, each of said access hatch, said rear panel and said side panels are urged into open positions by gas struts.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for the construction of a camper trailer adapted for towing by a motor vehicle; said method including the step of providing an integral chassis and platform fitted at a first forward end with a tow hitch mechanism and at a second rear end with road wheels.

Preferably, said road wheels are disposed on either side of said rear end of said platform; said wheels resiliently attached to said chassis by suspension elements.

Preferably, the weight distribution of said trailer and its associated equipment is biased so as to maximise a proportion of said weight in the area overlying said road wheels.

Preferably, said platform is provided at said forward end with an enclosed structure adapted to the provision of bathroom facilities.

Preferably, said enclosed structure is comprised of side walls, a rear wall and a front wall portion; said front wall portion being of a height sufficiently low so as to allow entry into said enclosed structure by stepping over said front wall portion.

Preferably, said enclosed structure is shaped so as to minimize wind resistance when said trailer is under tow by said motor vehicle.

Preferably, said enclosed structure is provided with an access hatch; said hatch providing closure means between said side walls, said rear wall and said front wall portion.

Preferably, said access hatch is operable while said trailer remains hitched to said motor vehicle.

Preferably, said access hatch is provided with a hinge attaching to the upper edge of said rear wall; said hatch providing a roofed area over said enclosed structure when rotated about said hinge to an open position; said hatch provided with flexible sheeting forming openable side walls and front wall; said front wall further provided with a zippered access panel.

Preferably, said platform is provided at said rear end with a structure adapted to the provision of kitchen facilities.

Preferably, said structure is comprised of side walls, a front wall and a roof; said roof extending forward to said rear wall of said enclosed structure; said roof thereby covering a central portion of said trailer disposed between said front wall and said rear wall.

Preferably, equipment adapted to said kitchen facilities is disposed within said area overlying said road wheels.

Preferably, said equipment includes facilities for food preparation, cooking, refrigeration, gas supply, power supply and storage.

Preferably, equipment associated with the operation of said trailer is disposed within the area overlying said road wheels.

Preferably, said equipment associated with the operation of said trailer includes at least one spare road wheel and at least one power storage battery and charging means; said battery and charging means providing for 240V AC and 12V DC power supply to said trailer.

Preferably, said central portion of said trailer is provided with sleeping facilities.

Preferably, said trailer is provided with panels provided with hinges; a first of said panels hinging from the rearmost edge of said roof and a second and third of said panels hinging from the side edges of said roof so as to provide closure means to said structure providing said kitchen facilities and to said central portion of said trailer.

Preferably, said panels provide closure means when rotated downwardly about said hinges and roofed areas when rotated about said hinges into a horizontal position.

Preferably, wherein said panels are adapted to provide enclosed annexes to said trailer when rotated into said horizontal position and fitted with detachable flexible sheeting depending from the edges of said panels to the ground.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a camper trailer provided with a series of gullwing type opening panels; said panels providing access to sections of the body of said trailer; said panels further providing annex roof structures when swung into an open position; said roof structures adapted for attachment of flexible vertically depending sheeting so as to provide enclosed living areas adjacent to said trailer.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a bathroom module arrangement for a trailer; said module adapted for positioning substantially on a forward frame part of a chassis of said trailer.

Preferably, said trailer is a caravan; said caravan comprising an enclosed living area defined by a floor, sides walls, a front wall and a rear wall, and a roof.

Preferably, said module is substantially coextensive in a vertical plane at a rearmost end of said module with said front wall of said caravan.

Preferably, side walls of said module curve inwardly and forwardly from said rearmost end to respective outer side edges of a front wall of said module; said front wall located at an intermediate position along said "A" frame between said rearmost end and the apex of said "A" frame.

Preferably, said front wall of said module extends substantially across said frame so as to coincide in width with said frame at said intermediate position.

Preferably, said front wall of said module extends upwardly from said frame to a point intermediate said frame and a plane defined by said roof of said caravan.

Preferably, upper edges of said side walls curve forwardly and downwardly from said roof of said caravan to respective upper corners of said front wall of said module.

Preferably, said module is provided with a curved roof portion extending forwardly and downwardly from a front edge of said roof of said caravan to an upper edge of said front wall of said module; and wherein side edges of said curved roof portion coincide with said upper edges of said side walls when said roof portion is in a first closed position; said side walls, said front wall and said roof portion providing an aerodynamically efficient enclosure.

Preferably, said roof portion is adapted for rotation about a hinge adjoining said front edge of said roof of said caravan, between said first closed position and a second open position.

Preferably, said roof portion assumes an upwardly and rearwardly tilted attitude when in said second open position, so as to provide a greater degree of headroom to a user of said bathroom module than headroom available in said living area.

Preferably, rotation of said roof portion from said first position to said second position is assisted by gas struts.

Preferably, impervious flexible sheeting is provided stretching between said side edges and a front edge of said roof portion, and said upper edges of said side walls and said upper edge of said front wall of said bathroom module, so as provide a weather-proof enclosure when said roof portion is in said second open position.

Preferably, said flexible sheeting stretching between said front edge of said roof portion and said upper edge of said front wall is provided with a section of transparent sheeting to provide access for natural light into said bathroom module when said roof portion is in said second open position.

Preferably, said flexible sheeting is provided with at least one insect proof ventilation aperture.

Preferably, access for a user of said module is provided by an entry door positioned substantially in the centre of said front wall of said living area of said caravan.

Preferably, said module is provided with a centrally located shower base extending substantially between said door and said front wall of said module.

Preferably, said shower base is provided with a waste water drain.

Preferably, said module is provided with a raised platform area at a first side of said shower base; said platform extending between said shower base and a vertical partition; said platform area adapted for support of a chemical toilet unit.

Preferably, a storage space is provided between said vertical-partition and a first one of said side walls of said module; said storage space accessible by a hinged door provided in said first one of said side walls.

Preferably, said module is provided with a raised bench top area at a second opposite side of said shower base; said bench top area extending between said shower base and a second one of said side walls; said bench top provided with a hand basin.

Preferably, a storage space is provided beneath said raised bench top area; said storage area accessible by a hinged door provided in said second one of said side walls.

Preferably, said hand basin is provided with at least one water supply outlet and a waste water drain.

Preferably, said module is provided with a shower head adapted for connection to a pump arranged to draw water from a water container.

Preferably, said module is provided with storage recesses arranged one on each side of said entry door; said recesses accessible from said living area of said caravan through respective hinged doors mounted in said front wall of said living area.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a bathroom module arrangement according to any one of claims 60 to 83, in combination with a trailer; wherein said bathroom module is positioned substantially over a forward frame section of a chassis of said trailer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a sectioned side elevation of a camper trailer according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the trailer of figure 1 with its roof removed.

Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the trailer of figure 1 when arranged for camping.

Figure 4 is a rear elevation view of the trailer of figure 1 when arranged for camping.

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the camper of figure 1 when arranged for camping.

Figure 6 is a side elevation view of a typical caravan to which has been added a bathroom module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a plan view of the caravan and bathroom module of figure 6 indicating a typical chassis configuration.

Figure 8 is a side elevation view of caravan configuration according to known prior art.

Figure 9 is perspective view of the caravan and bathroom module of figures 6 and 7 with the roof portion of the bathroom module in a first closed position.

Figure 10 is a similar perspective view to that of figure 9 with the roof portion of the bathroom module in a second raised position.

Figures 11A and 11B are part sectioned side elevation views from each side of a preferred layout of the bathroom module of figures 9 and Figure 12 is a plan view of the layout of the bathroom module of figures 9 and Figure 13 is a part sectioned elevation view from the front of the bathroom module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a broad form of the invention with reference to figure 1 there is provided a camper trailer 10 based on an integral chassis platform 11 provided at-its forward end 12 with an shaped towing hitch frame 13, hitch mechanism 14 adapted for articulated connection to a towing motor vehicle (not shown), wheels 15 and suspension elements 16 at its rear end 17. In preferred embodiments wheels 15 are placed as far back as practicable so as to leave minimum overhang at the rear of platform 11. This arrangement facilitates the negotiation of rough terrain and significantly reduces the swaying and bouncing of conventional mid-axle trailers when towed at speed over poor road surfaces. As well, due to the greater length between towing hitch 14 and the wheels 15, the manoeuvrability of backing the trailer with a tow vehicle is improved.

It is a particular object of the present invention that, in so far as is possible, weight distribution is concentrated in the area overlying wheels 15 and transaxle 18, with the overall width, height and length comparable to that of mid-sized car for ease of garaging. Thus as may best be seen in the plan view of figure 2, all kitchen area 19 equipment such as cooktop 20, propane gas bottles 21, refrigerator 22, water tank 23, battery storage compartment 24 as well as a spare wheel/s storage 25 are accommodated in this area. Battery and spare wheel.storage compartments are accessible from separate kitchen area cupboards of the trailer.

Kitchen area is provided with a benchtop work space fitted with a sink and water tap and a fold-out extension for added bench space. Also arranged in this area as best seen in figures 1 and 4 is a system of overhead storage cupboards 26 some of which are accessible from the kitchen area 19 and some from the middle portion 27 of the trailer. The placement of the bulk of the weight over the rearward mounted wheels further ads to the stability of the trailer under tow.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, in preferred embodiments the forward portion 28 of trailer 10 is provided with a bathroom area 29 having fixed side walls and an openable upper portion 31. Bathroom area 29 is rounded both in plan section as shown in figure 2 and at its openable upper portion 31 as shown in side elevation view of figure 1 so as to minimize wind resistance when towing. This forward portion of trailer 10 is fitted with chemical toilet 32, shower 33 and handbasin 34 facilities.

Additionally, forward portion 28 is provided with cupboard space disposed along rear wall 40 with a portion of this cupboard space being accessible from within middle portion 27.

Openable portion 31 is in the form of a hinged access hatch 35 forming the roof and part of the front wall 36 of bathroom area 29 and extending downwardly along the front of the bathroom area sufficient to allow access by a user 37 by stepping over a low fixed front wall 36.

Access hatch 35 is adapted to swing forwardly and upwardly into the position shown dashed in figure 1. In this position hatch 35 provides a roof over forward portion 28 at a height allowing a user 37 of the facilities to stand under it. Hatch 35 preferably is urged into its open position by suitable gas struts (not shown) and is further be provided with attached canvas or other flexible sheeting so arranged as to depend from hatch 35 to provide privacy to a user. This sheeting is provided with a zippered door in the front. Towing hitch frame 13 is provided with a small platform area 38 and fold-down steps 39 so as to allow easy entry into bathroom area 29.

It will be appreciated that this arrangement allows the toilet facility to be used without any setting up of the trailer for camping and while still attached to the towing vehicle 56 if required, as shown in figure The middle portion 27 of trailer 10 is closed off from both forward portion 28 and kitchen area 19 by internal walls 40 and 41 respectively, and provides a permanent sleeping area. Middle portion 27 is further provided with fixed flexible sheeting with zippered access panels and flyscreen sections at both sides. Its roof 42 is fixed, forming a continuous structural element from internal wall and extending to cover kitchen area 19. Middle portion 27 is sufficiently large to accommodate a standard queensized mattress 43 (or two single mattresses) with optional fold-out bunk-bed 44 suitable for a child. Access to middle portion 27 is from either side of trailer 10 by means of swing-up panels Panels 45 are hinged from roof edges 46 and, when urged into fully opened positions as shown in figure 3, provide roofed accommodation annexes 47 and 48. Panels may be assisted into their opened positions by for example gas struts (not shown) and are provided with attachable canvas or otherwise flexible sheeting so as to form enclosing side walls 49 during inclement weather, and end walls 50 around accommodation annexes 47 and 48. Entry doors 51 in the form of zippered or otherwise secured flaps are provided in suitable positions in side or end walls to give access to the accommodation annexes 47 and 48.

With reference to figure 4, kitchen area 19 is constructed with fixed side walls 52 joining roof 42.

Access to the kitchen area 19 and other equipment at the rear of trailer 10 is provided by hinged panel 53 as shown in figure 1. When in its opened position as shown by dashed lines in figure 1, panel 53 provides a covered work area 54 at the rear of the trailer. Being placed at the rear of trailer 10 and accessible by the opening of panel 53 the kitchen area 19 is readily available for use even during short roadside stops. Optionally, when set up for camping, flexible sheeting side and end walls may be attached to panel 53 as shown in figure 5 so as to form an enclosed kitchen area.

Kitchen area 19 is provided with drawer slide arrangements 55 for access to refrigerator 22. Propane gas bottles 21 are accommodated in an enclosed drawer, vented underneath, which may be slid rearwardly for access to the bottles. Spare wheel/s are accessible via an access door provided in the rear of the kitchen area.

All panels 45 and 53 and hatch 35 when in the closed position are lockable and, with all equipment contained within the body of the trailer, there is a reduced likelihood of theft or damage.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to figures 6 and 7 a bathroom module arrangement 100 is adapted as a suitable addition to a caravan 112. In particular, the bathroom module arrangement 100 may be incorporated as an extension of existing caravan designs without any, or at least any substantial increase in overall length.

A typical caravan design is shown in figure 8 where a forward portion 114 of the caravan 112 may extend partially over the shaped towing frame 116, which is usually an integral extension of the caravan chassis 118, leaving the greater part of the towing frame 116 largely unused. If the caravan includes a bathroom, it is usually located at the rear end of the caravan and adds significantly to its overall length. In many designs the front of the caravan is formed as a more or less vertical wall with little concession to aerodynamic efficiency. Alternatively, in some designs as illustrated in figure 8, the forward portion 114 may incorporate one or more storage compartments 120 and is then typically provided with a rearwardly sloping, forward facing wall 122 to somewhat reduce the wind resistance of the caravan when under tow.

The living area of a caravan 112 then extends rearwardly from the forward portion 114. It may typically include a pair of single beds on either side of a central passage leading to a wardrobe at the front wall of the caravan as for example.

With reference now to figures 9 to 13, the bathroom module 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is designed to form an extension to the living area 122 of an existing caravan design and is disposed entirely over the shaped towing frame 116. The arrangement of the module 100 is such as to allow entry from the interior of the caravan in which it is incorporated. In the layout of the living area described above for example, the wardrobe between the beds 121 and 123 (in figure 12) may be removed to allow a passageway leading to a door in the front wall of the van opening onto the bathroom module. Such an arrangement may be seen in figure 12 for example. The foregone storage space of the wardrobe is at least partly offset by a feature of the module as described hereunder.

In a preferred form as shown in figure 9, the bathroom module is .formed as an aerodynamically efficient shell with inwardly curving side walls 125 and 126 extending from the full width of the caravan to a narrower front wall 128 width extending across the shaped towing frame 116.

Front wall 128 extends vertically from the towing frame 116 to a point intermediate between the level of the towing frame 116 and the roof 127 of the caravan 112. Module 100 is further provided with a curved roof portion 130 extending forwardly and downwardly to meet the upper edge 132 of front wall 128.

In at least one preferred form of the bathroom module, curved roof portion 130 of the module 100 may be rotated from its normally closed position as shown in figure 9, to an open position about a hinge 134 adjacent to the front roof edge of the caravan 112 as shown in figure 10, so that when the bathroom is to be used, particularly for showering, the raised roof portion 130 provides additional head room over a shower base 136 located in the middle of the module (as shown in figure 12).

When unlatched for use, roof portion 130 may be driven into an open position by gas struts (not shown) for example. Roof portion 130 has attached at its two side edges 131 and 133 and along its front edge 135, weather proof, flexible and opaque material 137, in turn attached at its lower edges to the upper edges of side walls 125 and 126 and front wall 128, so as to form a weather proof enclosed space 139 rising from the module when the roof portion 130 is raised. Preferably, at least the front portion of this flexible material 137 is provided with a

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transparent panel 141 and a fly-wire covered vent 143 to provide light and ventilation when the roof is in its raised position.

A preferred layout of the module is shown in the elevation views of figures 11A and 11B and on the plan view of figure 12. An access door 138 opens out from the central area of the module and a shower base 136. To one side of the shower base 136 (the right hand side in the illustrated example), is a space for a chemical toilet unit 140. A raised bench top 142 and partition 143 may be provided behind the toilet unit 140 thereby forming a storage space 144 between partition 143 and side wall 125 and under bench top 142.

This storage space 144 may be accessed from outside the module via a door 146 in side wall 125. In addition, space beside toilet unit 140 may accommodate a container as a hot water source for the shower, for example.

The space on the opposite side of the shower base 136, may be provided with a raised bench top 148 containing a hand basin 150 and space for toiletries and the like. The hand basin 150 may be provided with water outlets for both onboard and mains water supplies. At least a portion of the space below the bench 148 may be used for one or more drawers 152 and the remaining space may be made accessible from outside via a door 154 in side wall 126 to provide further storage space 145.

Both the hand basin 150 and the shower base 136 are provided with drainage plumbing 156 connecting either to a kitchen area sink drain (if provided) or to a separate drainage point (not shown) mounted to the outside of the bathroom module. The shower may be provided by an extendable shower head 158 mounted for example to one side of the door 138 and supplied with water via a pump (not shown). The pump can for example draw a supply of warm water prepared in the kitchen area and placed in a suitable receptacle 147 beside the toilet unit 140.

On either side of the door 138 giving entry into the bathroom area, cupboard spaces 160 and 162 may be recessed into the module 100 with doors 164 and 166 opening out into the living area 122 of the caravan 112 so as to provide hanging space for clothing. By arranging these cupboard spaces so as to stop short some little way above the level of the bench tops 142 and 148, convenient shelf spaces 168 and 170 are created for use in the living area 122. The walls on either side of the door opening may be provided with towel racks 151 and 153, as shown in figure 13 for example.

The bathroom module thus provides a lightweight space efficient addition to many standard caravan designs without adding to the overall length of the caravan or imposing on it available living area.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (85)

1. A camping trailer adapted for towing behind a motor vehicle; said trailer provided with road wheels disposed at the rearmost end of said trailer.

2. The trailer of claim 1 wherein said trailer includes a platform chassis provided at a forward end with an shaped towing frame and towing hitch mechanism adapted for releasable attachment of said trailer to a tow bar of said motor vehicle and provided at said rearmost end with road wheel suspension elements.

3. The trailer of claim 1 or 2 wherein the weight distribution of equipment in said trailer is biased to an area positioned over said road wheels of said trailer.

4. The trailer of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said platform chassis is provided with a bathroom area located proximally to said forward end.

The trailer of claim 4 wherein said bathroom area includes side walls, a rear wall and a front wall; said rear wall extending transversely across the width of said chassis platform.

6. The trailer of claim 5 wherein said side walls curve forwardly and inwardly from said rear wall; forward edges of said walls terminating at the side edges of said front wall extending transversely across the width of said shaped frame at that point on said frame where said width is substantially less than the width of said platform.

7. The trailer of claim 6 wherein said front wall extends upwardly from said platform to a height sufficiently low so as to allow a user of said bathroom area to step over said front wall.

8. The trailer of claim 6 or 7 wherein upper edges of said side walls curve forwardly and downwardly from the junction of said side walls with the top of said rear wall so as to meet the forward edges of said side walls at a height approximately half way between the height of said rear wall and said front wall.

9. The trailer of any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein said bathroom area is provided with an openable access hatch structure; said openable hatch hinged from the top edge of said rear wall and shaped so as to provide closure of the opening defined by said upper and said forward edges of said side walls and the upper edge of said front wall.

The trailer of claim 4 wherein said bathroom area is comprised of sidewalls, a rear wall, a front wall 32 and a forwardly and upwardly swinging access hatch; said side walls and hatch shaped so as to minimize wind resistance of said trailer when under tow.

11. The trailer of claim 9 or 10 wherein said access hatch and said front wall are adapted to allow entry by a user into said bathroom area.

12. The trailer of any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein said hatch is adapted to provide when opened a roof substantially covering the floor area of said bathroom area.

.13. The trailer of any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein said hatch is positioned when opened at a height sufficient to allow the upright posture of a user of said bathroom area; said hatch provided with flexible sheeting forming openable side walls and front wall; said front wall further provided with a zippered access panel.

14. The trailer of claim 4 wherein said bathroom area is provided with toilet facilities.

15. The trailer of claim 4 wherein said bathroom area is provided with shower facilities.

16. The trailer of claim 4 wherein said bathroom area is provided with handbasin facilities.

17. The trailer of claim 4 wherein said bathroom area is provided with cupboard space; a portion of said cupboard space accessible from the rear of said rear wall.

18. The trailer of any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein said trailer is provided with a kitchen area positioned at the rearmost end of said platform.

19. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is comprised of side walls and a front wall; said front wall extending across the width of said platform at a point forward of said road wheels.

The trailer of claim 18 or 19 wherein said kitchen area is provided with a roof extending over said area and extending forwardly to the top of said rear wall of said bathroom area.

21. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with cooking facilities.

22. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with a refrigerator.

23. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with storage space for two cooking gas bottles.

24. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with kitchen and eating utensil storage facilities.

The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with benchtop space and a sink.

26. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen space is provided with an array of overhead cupboard space having provision for a microwave oven recess; a portion of said cupboard space accessible from said kitchen area and a remaining portion of said cupboard space accessible from the front of said front wall of said kitchen area.

27. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with water storage and retrieval facilities.

28. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with separate storage facilities for power supply batteries and associated equipment; said storage facility being accessible from said kitchen area of said trailer.

29. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said kitchen area is provided with separate storage facilities for one spare wheel; said storage facility being accessible from said kitchen area of said trailer.

The trailer of claim 20 wherein said kitchen area is provided with a hinged rear panel; said rear panel hinged from the rear edge of said roof so as to provide closure of said kitchen area when in a first closed state and an extension of said roof when rotated to a second horizontal state.

31. The trailer of claim 30 wherein said rear panel is provided with detachable flexible sheeting; said sheeting attaching along three edges of said rear panel so as to extend from said panel to the ground to form an enclosed area when said panel is rotated to said second horizontal state.

32. The trailer of claim 18 wherein said bathroom area and said kitchen area are separated by a middle portion; said middle portion extending between said rear wall of said bathroom area and said front wall of said kitchen area.

33. The trailer of claim 32 wherein said middle portion is adapted to accommodate a queen-sized mattress.

34. The trailer of claim 32 or 33 wherein said middle portion is provided with a fold-out bunk bed hinged to said front wall of said kitchen area. The trailer of any one of claims 32 to 34 wherein said middle portion is provided with hinged side panels; said side panels hinged from the side edges O of said roof between said bathroom area rear wall c- and said kitchen structure front wall so as to provide closure of said middle portion when said side panels are in a first closed state and sidewardly extensions of said roof when said side panels are rotated into a second horizontal state.

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36. The trailer of claim 35 wherein said side panels are provided with detachable flexible sheeting; said sheeting attaching along three edges of each of said side panels so as to extend from said panel to the ground to form enclosed areas when said side panels are rotated to said second horizontal state.

37. The trailer of any one of claims 31 to 36 wherein access to said enclosed areas is provided by zippered door panels located in at least one side of said enclosed areas.

38. The trailer of any one of claims to 36 wherein each of said access hatch, said rear panel and said side panels are lockable when respectively in said first closed state.

39. The trailer of any one of claims 30 to 36 wherein each of said access hatch, said rear panel and said side panels are urged into open positions by gas struts.

A method for the construction of a camper trailer adapted for towing by a motor vehicle; said method including the step of providing an integral chassis and platform fitted at a first forward end with a tow hitch mechanism and at a second rear end with road wheels.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein said road wheels are disposed on either side of said rear end of said platform; said wheels resiliently attached to said chassis by suspension elements

42. The method of claim 40 or 41 wherein the weight distribution of said trailer and its associated equipment is biased so as to maximise a proportion of said weight in the area overlying said road wheels.

43. The method of any one of claims 40 to 42 wherein said platform is provided at said forward end with an enclosed structure adapted to the provision of bathroom facilities.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein said enclosed structure is comprised of side walls, a rear wall and a front wall portion; said front wall portion being of a height sufficiently low so as to allow entry into said enclosed structure by stepping over said front wall portion.

The method of claim 43 or 44 wherein said enclosed structure is shaped so as to minimize wind resistance when said trailer is under tow by said motor vehicle.

46. The method of any one of claims 43 to 45 wherein said enclosed structure is provided with an access hatch; said hatch providing closure means between said side walls, said rear wall and said front wall portion.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein said access hatch is operable while said trailer remains hitched to said motor vehicle.

48. The method of claim 46 or 47 wherein said access hatch is provided with a hinge attaching to the upper edge of said rear wall; said hatch providing a roofed area over said enclosed structure when rotated about said hinge to an open position; said hatch provided with flexible sheeting forming openable side walls and front wall; said front wall further provided with a zippered access panel. 39

49. The method of claim 42 wherein said platform is provided at said rear end with a structure adapted to the provision of kitchen facilities.

The method of claim 49 wherein said structure is comprised of side walls, a front wall and a roof; said roof extending forward to said rear wall of said enclosed structure; said roof thereby covering a central portion of said trailer disposed between said front wall and said rear wall.

51. The method of claim 49 or 50 wherein equipment adapted to said kitchen facilities is disposed within said area overlying said road wheels.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein said equipment includes facilities for food preparation, cooking, refrigeration, gas supply, power supply and storage.

53. The method of claim 51 or 52 wherein equipment associated with the operation of said trailer is disposed within the area overlying said road wheels.

54. The method of claim 53 wherein said equipment associated with the operation of said trailer includes at least one spare road wheel and at least one power storage battery and charging means; said battery and charging means providing for 240V AC and 12V DC power supply to said trailer.

The method of claim 50 wherein said central portion of said trailer is provided with sleeping facilities.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein said trailer is provided with panels provided with hinges; a first of said panels hinging from the rearmost edge of said roof and a second and third of said panels hinging from the side edges of said roof so as to provide closure means to said structure providing said kitchen facilities and to said central portion of said trailer.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein said panels provide closure means when rotated downwardly about said hinges and roofed areas when rotated about said hinges into a horizontal position.

58. The method of any one of claims 55 to 57 wherein said panels are adapted to provide enclosed annexes to said trailer when rotated into said horizontal position and fitted with detachable flexible sheeting depending from the edges of said panels to the ground.

59. A camper trailer provided with a series of gull-wing type opening panels; said panels providing access to sections of the body of said trailer; said panels 41 further providing annex roof structures when swung into an open position; said roof structures adapted for attachment of flexible vertically depending sheeting so as to provide enclosed living areas adjacent to said trailer.

A bathroom module arrangement for a trailer; said module adapted for positioning substantially on a forward frame part of a chassis of said trailer.

61. The module of claim 60 wherein said trailer is a caravan; said caravan comprising an enclosed living area defined by a floor, sides walls, a front wall and a rear wall, and a roof.

62. The module of claim 61 wherein said module is substantially coextensive in a vertical plane at a rearmost end of said module with said front wall of said caravan.

63. The module of claim 62 wherein side walls of said module curve inwardly and forwardly from said rearmost end to respective outer side edges of a front wall of said module; said front wall located at an intermediate position along said frame between said rearmost end and the apex of said "A" frame.

64. The module of claim 63 wherein said front wall of said module extends substantially across said "A" frame so as to coincide in width with said frame at said intermediate position.

65. The module of claim 63 or 64 wherein said front wall of said module extends upwardly from said frame to a point intermediate said frame and a plane defined by said roof of said caravan.

66. The module of any one of claims 63 to 65 wherein upper edges of said side walls curve forwardly and downwardly from said roof of said caravan to respective upper corners of said front wall of said module.

67. The module of claim 66 wherein said module is provided with a curved roof portion extending forwardly and downwardly from a front edge of said roof of said caravan to an upper edge of said front wall of said module; and wherein side edges of said curved roof portion coincide with said upper edges of said side walls when said roof portion is in a first closed position; said side walls, said front wall and said roof portion providing an aerodynamically efficient enclosure.

68. The module of claim 67 wherein said roof portion is adapted for rotation about a hinge adjoining said front edge of said roof of said caravan, between said first closed position and a second open position.

69. The module of claim 67 or 68 wherein said roof portion assumes an upwardly and rearwardly tilted attitude when in said second open position, so as to provide a greater degree of headroom to a user of said bathroom module than headroom available in said living area.

The module of claim 68 or 69 wherein rotation of said roof portion from said first position to said second position is assisted by gas struts.

71. The module of any one of claims 67 to 70 wherein impervious flexible sheeting is provided stretching between said side edges and a front edge of said roof portion, and said upper edges of said side walls and said upper edge of said front wall of said bathroom module, so as provide a weather-proof enclosure when said roof portion is in said second open position.

72. The module of claim 71 wherein said -flexible sheeting stretching between said front edge of said roof portion and said upper edge of said front wall is provided with a section of transparent sheeting to provide access for natural light into said bathroom module when said roof portion is in said second open position.

73. The module of claim 71 or 72 wherein said flexible sheeting is provided with at least one insect proof ventilation aperture.

74. The module of any one of claims 61 to 73 wherein access for a user of said module is provided by an entry door positioned substantially in the centre of said front wall of said living area of said caravan.

The module of claim 74 wherein said module is provided with a centrally located shower base extending substantially between said door and said front wall of said module.

76. The module of claim 75 wherein said shower base is provided with a waste water drain.

77. The module of claim 75 or 76 wherein said module is provided with a raised platform area at a first side of said shower base; said platform extending between said shower base and a vertical partition; said platform area adapted for support of a chemical toilet unit.

78. The module of claim 77 wherein a storage space is provided between said vertical partition and a first one of said side walls of said module; said storage space accessible by a hinged door provided in said first one of said side walls.

79. The module of any one of claims 75 to 78 wherein said module is provided with a raised bench top area at a second opposite side of said shower base; said bench top area extending between said shower base and a second one of said side walls; said bench top provided with a hand basin.

The module of claim 79 wherein a storage space is provided beneath said raised bench top area; said storage area accessible by a hinged door provided in said second one of said side walls.

81. The module of claim 79 or 80 wherein said hand basin is provided with at least one water supply outlet and a waste water drain.

82. The module of any one of claims 60 to 81 wherein said module is provided with a shower head adapted for connection to a pump arranged to draw water from a water container.

83. The module of any one of claims 74 to 82 wherein said module is provided with storage recesses arranged one on each side of said entry door; said recesses accessible from said living area of said caravan through respective hinged doors mounted in said front wall of said living area.

84. A bathroom module arrangement according to any one of claims 60 to 83, in combination with a trailer; wherein said bathroom module is positioned substantially over a forward frame section of a chassis of said trailer.

85. A bathroom module as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated: 27 September 2004 Phillip Fisher and Paul Freeman By their Patent Attorneys Wallington-Dummer