GB2454061A

GB2454061A - Collapsible conservatory

Info

Publication number: GB2454061A
Application number: GB0816840A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Alan Phillips
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-23
Filing date: 2008-09-15
Publication date: 2009-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-15
Also published as: GB0802681D0; GB0816840D0; GB0720842D0; GB2454061B

Abstract

A collapsible structure (2) is in the form of a resiliently collapsible conservatory. The structure may be adapted to be mounted on a vessel (27), vehicle or portable residence. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of walls (10, 12, 17, 17A,22) and a roof (20). The walls are collapsible such that the height of the collapsible structure is adjustable. The walls may fold inwards to collapse the structure.

Description

Collapsible Structure Adapted to be Mounted on a Vessel, Vehicle or Portable Residence.

The present invention relates to a Collapsible Structure in the form of a Resiliently Collapsible Conservatory adapted to be mounted on a dwelling, and [5] in particular a vessel, vehicle or portable residence.

Most portable residences/vehicles, whether situated on land or water, are restricted in size because of the physical limitations of the waterways, highways, and byways on which they are transported/traveL. For example, the constrictions placed on canals in England when they were constructed in the [10] eighteenth and nineteenth centuries still limit the length, width, and height of the canal boats and barges that use them. Such craft need to lie low in the canal in order to pass beneath the bridges, which inevitably restricts the views from inside, and Limits the access to sunlight. Canal locks aLso limit the Length of such vessels. Some of these restrictions also apply to other types of residential [15] vessels, such as Dutch Barges, which use larger waterways. Caravans, trailer homes, motor homes, and portable (or not) chalets and cabins are likewise restricted in size by the legal width limitations governing transport, and the narrowness of roads along which they are required to travel.

Structures such as conservatories are conventionally built onto the sides of [20] houses to provide an extra living and/or work-room. However, it is not commonplace to provide structures such as conservatories on vehicles, vessels or portable residences. Further, due to the transportable nature of such vehicles residences/workrooms, problems can arise if a conventional conservatory was mounted on them, for example, a damage risk when passing under a low bridge.

[25] Embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a resiliently collapsible Conservatory that, when sited on, or integrated into a transportable residence/vessel/vehicle or cabin enables it to be converted between a singLe storey and a multi storey residence. Embodiments of the structure can be easily colLapsed and re-erected so that when the transportable residence/vehicle is moving it remains stable and can pass underneath bridges aLong the route, and should not interfere with the Line of site of the driver/navigator when travelling.

[5] According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a resiliently collapsible Conservatory adapted to be mounted on and/or integrated into a vessel, vehicle, portable (or not) residence, or cabin, the collapsible structure including a pluraLity of walls and a roof, wherein the waLls are collapsible in a particular manner through an hour-glass configuration, such that [101 the height of the collapsible Conservatory is adjustable.

The vehicle, vessel, transportable residence or cabin can include, for example, canal boats, narrow boats, barges, and similar vessels, caravans, trailer homes, motor-homes, portable cabins (e.g. Portakabins) and dwellings. In general they can include any type of vessel, vehicle, trailer, cabin or dwelling designed and [15] built (or converted) to be commonly water or land-based living and/or working spaces for static and/or touring usage.

The resiliently collapsible watts collapsing through this characteristic hour-glass configuration, can enable the structure to be easily adjusted between a multi (e.g. double) storey structure and a Lesser storey structure. The [20] coLlapsible walls of the structure can enable the vessel, vehicle or portable residence/workroom upon which the structure is mounted to have a number of storeys, modified, e.g. converted between a single/multi storey residence and a residence having a different number of storey(s). Then at least one wall may be formed of a plurality of panels resiliently and collapsibly connected [25] together. The resiliently collapsible Conservatory may comprise two opposed side walls and two opposed end walls, each of the side walls and/or end waLls being formed of at Least one resiliently collapsible panel.

In some embodiments, two said panels form a said side or end wait and each of the two panels may be substantially equaL in height. The two panels may be pivotally connected together by means of a hinge or the like. During a collapsing procedure, the said side walls may necessarily hinge/fold/pivot [5] inwards towards a centre of the colLapsible Conservatory. Where there are two opposed said side waits and each side wall is formed of two said panels then the panels may necessarily hinge! fold/pivot inwards simultaneously. During a collapsing procedure, a said end wall may pivot or slide outwards away from a centre of the collapsible structure. Where two panels form a said end wall, then [10] the panels may necessarily hinge/fold/pivot outwards.

The roof may be formed from a plurality of panels. The roof may be formed of a lower collapsible portion supporting a pitched roof. The pitched roof may be further collapsed to a substantially flat configuration to further reduce the height of the structure.

[15] The resiliently collapsible Conservatory may further include an arrangement for biasing, the side walls and/or end walls into a collapsed state or a non-collapsed state. The collapsible walls of the structure can include a resilient arrangement, such as springs to counterbalance the weight of the structure and cause it to be colLapsed or erected when, for example, a [20] constraint holding it in one of the states is removed. The biasing, arrangement may be aided by the inclusion of a spring having a first portion connected to an upper panel of a side waLl and/or end wall and a second portion connected to a lower panel of a side wall and or end wall. A central portion of the spring may be located adjacent a pivotable/hinged connection between [25] the upper and lower side watt panels. The first and/or second portion of the coil spring may be Located within a housing connected to the upper and/or lower, respectively, panels of the side watts and/or end walls.

The housing may include a sleeve to reduce wear resulting from relative movement between the spring and the housing.

The resiliently colLapsible Conservatory may be provided with a biasing, push/pulling, device that, in use, is connected to its collapsible walls, the [5] device being configured to assist with converting the Conservatory between its collapsed and non-collapsed states. The device may include a set of struts that push/pull or ropes that pull the collapsible walls against/in a direction in which the pivoting/hinging arrangements are arranged, causing the walls to change from their collapsed/non-collapsed states. The device, in use, may be [10] partially located outside, e.g. beneath the Conservatory. The Conservatory may be provided with components configured to engage the device.

The collapsible structure may include a floor portion, in use, the floor portion being fixed to a surface of the vessel, vehicle or transportable residence.

[15] At Least some of the resiliently collapsible walL panels may comprise frames that are covered, in-filled or glazed with conventional and/or lightweight transparent, translucent and/or opaque sheet materials that commonly form an integral part of a wall. The materials can include glass, rigid plastics and polycarbonates. The Conservatory structure, a structure that [20] to conform as a Conservatory, a major portion (at least 75% or the total area) of the wails and roof are transparent/translucent.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vessel, vehicle or transportable residence/workroom including a resiliently collapsible Conservatory substantially as described herein. According to yet another aspect [25] of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting the height of a Conservatory mounted on a vessel, vehicle, dwelling or transportable residence/workroom or cabin, the method including providing a resiliently collapsible Conservatory substantially as described herein and adjusting the collapsible walls of the structure. According to a [5] further aspect of the present invention there is provided a device that, in use, is connected to the resiliently collapsible walls of a Conservatory, the device being configured to assist with converting the Conservatory between non-colLapsed and collapsed states. According to this aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit included with a resiliently collapsible Conservatory [10] substantiaLly as described herein as a biasing device configured to assist with converting the Conservatory between non-collapsed and collapsed states.

This kit can be in the form of any etectro/mechanical hydraulic/pneumatic device in common use that will enable a controlled collapse/erection of the conservatory.

[15] Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of features set out above or in the following description.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments. As such, [20] modifications as variations will be apparent to practitioners in the art.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particuLar feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mention of the particular feature.

[25] Thus the invention extends to such specific combinations not already described. The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example only, embodiments thereof will now be described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a canal boat fitted with an example of the resiliently collapsible Conservatory, shown in a non-collapsed state; Figure 2 is an end view of the canal boat and resiliently coLlapsible Conservatory of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the canal boat and resiliently collapsible Conservatory in a collapsed state; Figure 4 is a side view of the resiliently coLlapsible Conservatory in a partially collapsed state; Figure 5 is a sectional view through tine A-A of figure 1; Figure 6 is a sectional view of the resiliently collapsible Conservatory in a partially collapsed state; Figure 7 is a sectionaL view detailing components in an upper corner portion of the resiliently collapsible Conservatory; Figure 8 is a sectional view detailing components in a lower corner portion of the resiliently collapsible Conservatory; Figure 9 illustrates the relationship between roof and side wall panels of the resiliently collapsible Conservatory when in the non-collapsed state; Figure 10 is a sectional view detaiLing components in a side wall.

r II ie e,tirrI tkr,i sk kr$ rA,r%IIr%cikI I I I I I a i a I. I JI I V I. V I II.JJ I I 1%. L#'JU I. 1.11 l%S I �. JILl. I I.�I I ILA I Conservatory, showing a kit in the form of a device that can be used for controlling the collapsing of the resiliently collapsible Conservatory.

Figure 12 is a side view of the canal boat with the resiliently collapsible Conservatory in the collapsed state, and; Figure 13 is a plan view of the boat and collapsed Conservatory.

Referring to figures 1 and 5 initialLy, there is shown a canal boat 27 having [5] a resiliently collapsible Conservatory 2 mounted on the roof. ft wiU be understood that the boat 27 is only one example of a vehicle, dwelling or transportable residence/cabin on which the Conservatory can be mounted and it will also be appreciated that the location and size of the Conservatory on the vehicle is exemplary only. In Figure 1, the Conservatory 2 is shown fitted on a [10] suitably prepared and stabitised roof of the boat 27, but it could be fitted on any suitable surface of sufficient dimensions. In the example, the overall dimensions of the Conservatory 2 (when in its normal erected state) for use on a narrow boat would conveniently be around 2400mm-3600mm in Length, a width of up to around 2000mm and up to around 2100mm in height ( up to 2000mm [15] waRs plus around 300mm to apex of roof). The fully collapsed Conservatory 2 will be around 200mm high. In other embodiments (e.g. broad beam boats) the Length of the Conservatory 2 could conveniently be up to around 4800mm (such structures can conveniently be formed using as an example 900mm-l200mm paneLs) and embodiments on broad beam boats, static caravans, chalets and [20] portable cabins could conveniently have around 300mm extra wall height and floor width. It will also be possible for conservatory-type structures fitted to larger vessels, static caravans, chalets and portable cabins to have a greater floor width than the sum of the opposed collapsed walls so as to span up to the width of these portable residences/workrooms.

[25] The Conservatory 2 of the example comprises a set of abutting floor panels 30 that can be joined together along their edges by any suitable means, e.g. flanges 31 or box sections or similar structurally-integral arrangements.

In an alternative version, a single floor panel may be provided. The floor panel(s) may be of substantially the same Length/width as the overall Conservatory 2. Lower wall panels 12 are attached by hinge mechanisms 14 and springs 24 inside spring boxes 32 to the floor panels 30.

[5] The floor panels 30 can be fixed to the roof/deck of the boat 27 by any suitable means, e.g. nuts/boLts. The fLoor panels can conveniently be divided into sections of the same length as the individual side wall panels to which they are joined. Floor panels can in being joined to the boat roof/deck provide appropriate support for the Conservatory 2 or support/stabilise the [1O]Conservatory 2 when it is not fitted to the surface of the boat 27. In alternative embodiments, the Lower wall panels may be connected directly to a suitably prepared surface on the boat roof/deck so that the boat surface forms the floor of the Conservatory 2.

The mechanisms 14 allow the Lower wall panels 12 to pivot necessarily, in [15] use, inwards towards to the centre of the Conservatory 2 (as illustrated in the hour-glass config'n Figure 6). The key mechanism 14 like the other such folding mechanisms described herein that provide similar functionality, may therefore comprise a hinge or any other suitable pivoting/folding arrangement.

The lower wall panels 12, like other components of the Conservatory, may [20] comprise frames conveniently formed of members made of structural light-weight materials such as aluminium and/or plastic, to minimise weight. These panel frames wiLl be covered, in-filled or glazed appropriately for the type of use to which they are to be put, e.g. using Lightweight transparent, translucent and opaque sheet materiaLs, which can be, for example, the type of rigid [25]pLastics and polycarbonates commonly used in conventional Conservatories; as well as glass and similar sheet materials, where these are appropriate in order to achieve the functionality of these panels. Glazing bars typical to those used in conventional Conservatories can also be used and/or other similarly suitable structural members where appropriate. In some circumstances greater robustness/security may require stronger materials to be used, bearing in mind the desirability of achieving a lightweight structure. In the example, two [5] substantially identical lower side wall panels form the lower half of each of the opposing side walls of the structure 2, but it will be understood that the shape, number and dimensions of the panels used to form the Conservatory can vary. Each of the lower wall panels 12 is connected to an upper side wall panel 10 by means of a hinge mechanism 13, (which can be as long as the panel) [10] as shown in Figure 5. In an alternative embodiment, the Lower and upper side walt panels can be collapsibly connected together by any suitable arrangement, as could other components of the structure. A similar set of hinge mechanisms 15 attach the upper wall panels 10 to primary roof/wall panels 16 in a manner that allows the typical collapsing of the Conservatory 2 from the [15] state shown in Figure 5, via the partially-collapsed essential and characteristic hour-glass config'n shown in Figure 6, to a fully collapsed state.

The restricted width of some vessels, such as canal boats, can mean that the height of the main walls of the Conservatory 2 wouLd be restricted (due to the particular geometry of the waLls as described herein). Therefore, in some [20] exampLes, the primary roof/wall panels 16 can be rotated into near vertical alignment and held by braces to form an extra watt' panel that allows extra height. This arrangement can provide a secondary roof for the fully-erected conservatory side walLs, and additional upper roof panels can be provided, which are attached by a hinge or the like to the upper edge of the waLl roof [25] paneLs. These panels tWILL swing upwards to meet and interlock together at the centre line of the Conservatory 2 to form a weatherproof seal in the fully erected state. Upper gable end waLL panels 22 provided in such examples can be used in conjunction with the upper roof panels. These are attached by a hinge means at their lower edge to the main end wall tie beams 18 outside of the tower triangular gable end watt panels. These upper gable end wall panels 22 wilt swing upwards from their vertical resting place to fill the gap above the main end wall panels 17 and 17A when the conservatory is fully erected and will [5] lie on the main end wall panels 17 and 17A when the Conservatory is collapsed. The lower triangular gable end wall panel 3 can, with the aid of a suitable hinge means, tie flat on top of the upper gable end wall panel when collapsed, if the primary pitched roof panels are required to be laid flat.

Referring to Figure 9, upper roof panels 20 are connected by hinge [10] mechanisms 21 to the primary wall/roof panetsl6. Suitable weather proof seals 28 are provided at the interconnection of panels 16 and 20 and at the interconnection of panels 20 at the roof ridge. It will be understood that suitable seals can be provided elsewhere in the Conservatory 2 as required. Thus the roof of the structure in this example is hinged to the upper edges of the side [15] walL panels and made up of two main panels that form a pitched roof when the Conservatory 2 is in the primary erected state. The roof panels can rotate upwards and be held by braces (not illustrated) to open the roof for ventilation purposes. Individual roof panels may be of the same length as the supporting side wall panels, which allows sections of the Conservatory 2 to be pre- [20] assembLed for the purpose of transport/installation.

As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the Conservatory 2 further comprises end wall panels 17 and 17A, which are attached to end wall tie beams 18 by hinge mechanisms 19. The end wall tie beams span between the opposed side walls of the structure, when it is in its erected state. A doorway I 7B in the end watt [25] panel 17 allows access into the Conservatory at the roof/deck level of the boat 27. At Least one further tie beam 18C similar to the end wall tie beams 18 can be provided part/midway along the structure 2 (as shown in Figure 5) to help absorb thrust forces from the pitched roof. Upper gable end wall panels 22 are attached to the end wall tie beams 18 adjacent to triangular gable end wall frames 3 by means of suitably designed hinge mechanisms 23. These panels can be used to provide a window/vent at either or both ends of the Conservatory.

The end wall panels may be interchangeable. The mechanisms 23 allow the [5] panels 22, and 23 to fold down onto the main end watt panels 17 and 17A (as illustrated in Figure 7, which details components in the area marked B in Figure 1). The main end wall tie beams can be connected at their ends to the top outside corners of the upper side wall panels 10 by pivoting mechanisms that hold the opposed, erected aide wall panels vertical and in parallel. The [10] pivoting mechanisms can include a shaft or pin 25 fixed into the upper side wall panels 10 by, for example, a screw thread, and pass through bearings in the main end watt tie beams. Circtips, screw fasteners, or similar means hold the tie beams onto the pivoting mechanisms.

Thus, the Conservatory 2 can provide a "room" made up of two side walls, [15] two end walls, and a roof. In the illustrated example, the presence of the Conservatory 2 in its erected state converts, reversibly, the "single storey' boat into a "double storey" residence. It wilt be further appreciated that other embodiments of a land based Conservatory itself (collapsible or non-collapsible) could provide a mutti-storey residence, by supporting the floor surface on coLumns above a chalet for example.

[20] The embodiment shown in the Figures is a conservatory-type structure; however, it wilt be understood that in other examples at least parts of the walLs/roof may be non-translucent/transparent. The glazed units, which can be double-glazed, may be formed to lie flush with the outside of the Conservatory structure so that when erected wind resistance is minimised. It is possible for [25] both side waits up to the central hinge to be opaque and have 75% upwards of the conservatory area transparent/translucent. The end walls can conform.

The side and end wall panels and floor may include resilient arrangements, e.g. springs, mounted accessibly inside their frames. The springs will, in their least stressed state, hold the side walls in their vertical/erect state.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments other biasing [5] arrangements may be used and/or the biasing arrangement, in its Least stressed state, could be configured to hold components of the structure in a collapsed state. Returning to the illustrated examples, when the walls are collapsed the springs will become loaded. The springs are conveniently seLected during design so that the combined residual resistance they exert throughout [10] the structure counterbalance the weight of the Conservatory 2. There may be a innate positive tendency to self-erect the structure, requiring a "restraint" to control this when the structure is collapsed. The use of torsion coiled springs in the example means that the centres of the spring coils are located near to the pivot points of the hinge mechanisms. The springs may be located at the [15] connection points of the upper 10 and lower 12 side wall panels and the upper and lower end wall panels 17, with the springs that connect the lower wall panels being connected to the boat's roof/deck floor, or the fLoor panels 30 of the Conservatory 2.

The springs may be fitted into boxes that are reLeasably attached to (the [20] end members of) the individual side, end wall, roof and floor panels. A spring box 32 is shown attached to the vertical edge of an upper wall panel 10 in Figure 7. Figure 8 (which details components in the area marked C in Figure 1) shows a lower wall panel 12 connected by a hinge mechanism to floor panel 30 with a spring 24 in a spring box 32. A central spring box that connects an upper [25] wall panel to a lower wall panel is detailed in Figure 10. The centre wall spring 24A is in co-operative alignment with hinge mechanism 13 in Figure 10.

Spring bearing sleeves 33 are provided inside the spring boxes to reduce wear from relative movement between the spring and spring box. The square section sleeves 33 can be made from a suitable bearing means which will press against a lubricated bearing surface inside the spring boxes. The spring boxes are attached/incorporated into the vertical members of the upper and lower wafl and floor panels 10, 12, 17 and 30.

[5] Both ends of the torsion coiled springs will be extended in the form of a straight wire that passes along the edges of the side and end wall panels or, in the case of the lower springs, be set into the conservatory floor panels or boat roof/deck surface. The lower hinge springs have one extension passing inside the spring boxes 32 aLong the vertical edges of the lower wall panels, white the [10] other extensions are positioned as described above, horizontally along and into the floor paneLs of the structure or boat surface. The central hinge torsion spring has one extension that passes inside the spring box 32 along the erected vertical edge of the lower wall panel. The other extension of the central hinge spring likewise passes along the erected vertical edge of the upper wall panel.

[15] An arrangement, formed of a flexible material for example, attaches and seals the upper and lower spring boxes together at their meeting point. The length of the spring boxes in the example may be conveniently half of the length of the height of the wall and floor panels so that upper and Lower boxes lie in series a long the vertical' edge of watt panels.

[20] To collapse the Conservatory 2 from its fully erected state in use, the upper gable end wall paneLs 22 are released (e.g. by unlocking suitable devices (not shown) that connect them to adjacent components) so that they can be folded down to rest on the wall end panels 17 and 17A (as shown in Figure 4).

The upper roof panels 20 are unlocked and raised slightly to free them. Each [25] upper roof panel 20 is then Lowered onto the corresponding primary roof /wall paneL 16, where it can be locked in place. It is understood that the upper gable end and upper roof panels will only be incorporated in certain circumstances. The primary roof panels 16 are then towered on both sides to meet and interlock at the centre of the Conservatory 2 forming a weatherproof roof for the structure whilst in its collapsed state, The main end wall panels 17 andl7A are then unlocked and pushed slightly outwards to allow the side wall panels 12, and 10 to move inwards in concert through the hour-glass state (see [5] Figure 6) and fold onto the floor panels 30, or onto the roof/deck of the boat 27. The main roof panels 16 can be further lowered from the pitched roof position to lie flat, allowing the boat 27 to pass beneath particularly low bridges, of to reduce wind resistance when being transported by road, for

exampLe.

To bring the structure into its fully collapsed state, struts 41 forming a "V" [10] shape are attached to eyes 42 on the lower wall panels 12 before the structure 2 is evacuated. The eyes 42 are located near the centre wall joints(as shown in Figures 10 and 11). The struts 41 are connected by a central pivot point 43 to a vertical column 44 that passes through an aperture in the roof of the boat (and the floor panel if fitted). The column 44 can include a hydraulic or [15] pneumatic cylinder 46, which is releasabty located into the floor of the boat.

A hatchway (not shown) may be provided to give access through the fLoor panels 30 of the Conservatory 2 and/or through the flat surface of the boat roof/deck 27. The cylinder 46 can initially apply tension to the struts 41, pulling [20] the side walls into the folding state and collapsing/controlling them until they rest on the boat roof surface (or floor panels 30). A constraining or Locking mechanism can be fitted to the eyes 42 through the aperture to retain the structure in its collapsed state before the V' struts 41 are disconnected. The main end wall panels 17 and 17A sLide/fold respectively out along the boat [25] roof/deck during the collapsing procedure. The Conservatory will then Lie on top of the roof/deck of the boat 27 as in Figures 12 and 13.

In an alternative arrangement to the full height sliding main end wall paneL which may include a door, the end watt can be divided into two vertical panels by a hinge mechanism at the horizontal centre Line of the wall in common with the height of the side wall panel central hinge mechanism, and also in the same [5] way having a hinge mechanism at the top and bottom of the walL. Whereas the side wall panels move inwards when the structure is collapsed, these hinge mechanisms will be so arranged that the end wall panel centre will move outwards. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the end walls may pivot (of where they are formed of more than one paneL), fold outwards instead of [101 inwards.

In order to erect the Conservatory 2, the kit which in this case is in the form of a pair of hinged V' struts 41 which are re-connected to the eyes 42 and the coLumn 44 (hydraulic/pneumatic means) and apply a restraining or controlling force. This manages the positive balancing/erecting force applied by [15] the torsion springs in the upper 10 and lower 12 wall panels and end panels 17 that act against the negative weight of the Conservatory 2. The constraining/locking mechanism is removed before the side wall panels are moved upwards and outwards by the springs and controlled by the struts 41 until they lock into the vertical position. The main end wall panels can then be pulled [20] and locked into position. Full erection of the structure is achieved by reversing the collapsing steps. Locks, bolts, struts or similar means can be fitted to locate the panels in the erect/coLlapsed position and can also provide security.

The kit may also be in the form of a winch mechanism which would mean ropes F71 ren[arinp th struts and IertrirIIv rnntrnllM winrh rpnIrino th . -.

hydraulic/pneumatic means.

The Conservatory 2 can provide extra living/working space and, in cases where it is in an elevated position, e.g. on the deck of a canal boat provides improved access to views. Embodiments of the structure can also give improved access to sunlight and act as a heat store, which is of particular benefit to [5] owners who use the transportable residences in winter months.

The siting of many of these residences in scenic/coastal areas where high winds can occur, makes a structure which can be easily, safely and controllably collapsed prior to such events an important adjunct. The possibility of grounding these Conservatories by the provision of columns attached to the floor panels [10] may further stabilise them, and also in another example provide a convenient means by which a Conservatory (coLlapsible or non-collapsible) may be sited over one of the land based residences named above.

Claims

1. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory (2) designed and adapted to be mounted on a vesseL (27), vehicle, portable residence/cabin, chalet or dwelling, the collapsible structure including a plurality of walls (12, 10, 17, 17A, 22) and a roof (16, 20) wherein the side walls are resilientLy collapsible through an hour-glass configuration Fig 6, such that the height of the Conservatory is adjustable.

2. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 1, wherein the walls are formed of a plurality of panels resilientLy/coltapsibly connected together allowing the structure to collapse through the hour glass configuration shown in Fig 6.

3. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the collapsible structure comprises two opposed side walls (12, 10) and two opposed end walls (17, 17A), each of the side and/or end walls being conformed to allow the Conservatory to collapse through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6.

4. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 3, wherein the upper and lower wall panels 10 and 12 are pivotably connected together by means of a hinge or the like to allow the Conservatory to collapse through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6.

5. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 4 wherein the two upper and lower panels wall panels 10 and 12 are resiliently interconnected by means of torsion springs to balance the weight of the Conservatory.

6. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 3, where, during a collapsing procedure, the said side walls fold/pivot inwards towards a centre of the collapsing structure through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6.

7. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to cLaim 6, where there are two opposed said side waLls and each side wall is formed of two said panels and the panels fold/pivot inwards simultaneously during the collapsing procedure enabling the Conservatory to collapse through the hour-glass configuration Fig 6.

8. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to any one of claims 3 to 7, where during a collapsing procedure, at Least one end wall (17A) pivots and folds outwards away from the centre of the collapsible structure.

9. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 8, where at least one end wall may be formed of a single panel (17) and the panel will hinge and slide outwards during the collapsing procedure.

10. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pitched roof is formed from a plurality of panels (16).

11. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 10, wherein the roof is formed of a Lower collapsible portion primary roof panets(16) which can open out to allow ventilation, or form side walls supporting secondary pitched roof panels (20), where these are incorporated.

12. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 11, wherein secondary gable end panels (22) can be raised to fill in between the opened primary roof panels (16) and the secondary roof panels (20) where incorporated.

13. A resiliently colLapsible Conservatory according to any one of claims 3 to 12, further including an arrangement using a torsion coil spring (24) for resiliently balancing and aiding the biasing of the side and end walls into a collapsed or a non-collapsed state through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6.

14. A resilientLy collapsible Conservatory according to claim 13, wherein the collapsible walls and floor of the structure include a resiLient arrangement, such as the torsion coil springs (24) to counterbaLance the weight of the structure aLLowing it to self erect and facilitate it being collapsed or erected through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6, when a constraint holding the structure in one of the states is removed.

15. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 13 and 14, wherein the biasing arrangement includes a torsion coil spring (24) having a first portion connected to an upper panel (10) of a said wall and a second portion connected to a lower panel (12) of the wall.

16. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to cLaims 13,14 and 15 wherein the biasing arrangement includes a torsion coil spring (24) having a first portion connected to a lower wall paneL (12) of a said wall and a second portion connected to a floor panels (30).

17. A resiliently coLlapsible Conservatory according to claims 13, 14,to 16 wherein a central coil portion of the torsion coil spring (24) is located adjacent to a pivotabte/hinged connection between the upper (10) and lower (12) wall panels and between the lower wall panel (12) and the fLoor panel (30).

18. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claims 13 to 16, wherein the first and/or second portion of the torsion coil spring (24) is located within a housing (32) connected to the upper (10) and Lower (12) walL panels, and floor paneL 30.

19. A resiliently colLapsible Conservatory according to claim 18, wherein the housing includes a bearing sleeve (33) to reduce wear resulting from relative movement between the spring and the housing.

20. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a floor portion (30), in use, the floor portion containing part of the torsional resiLient means, and being fixed to a surface of the vessel, vehicle, transportable residence or dwelling.

21. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to claim 20 wherein the floor portion,( and thereby a Conservatory) is supported and/or stabilised by columns taken to the ground level.

22. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to any here mentioned claims, wherein the structure comprises a conservatory- type structure which collapses through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6.

23. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collapsible walls enable the Conservatory (2) to be resiliently adjusted/facilitated through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6, between a multi -storey structure and a lesser storey structure.

24. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the collapsible walLs of the Conservatory (2) enable the number of storeys of the vessel (27), vehicle, portable residence/cabin or chalet/dwelling upon which the structure is to be integrated, to be modified with the aid of a resilient means in the form of torsion springs (24).

25. A vessel, vehicle, transportable residence/cabin or chalet/dwelling in combination with a resiLiently collapsible Conservatory (2) according to any one of the preceeding claims wherein a mutti-storey residence including the said resiliently collapsible Conservatory can be changed to a lesser storey residence by the colLapse of the said Conservatory through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6.

26. A resiliently collapsible Conservatory adjustable in height through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6, substantialLy as described and configured herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A vessel, vehicle, transportable residence/cabin or chalet/dwelling in combination with a resiliently collapsible Conservatory (2), the latter being adjustable in height through the hour-glass configuration shown in Fig 6, substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.