Collapsible shelter

A shelter or camper that provides improved portability and protection. The shelter or camper may include rigid walls to offer greater protection from weather, animals, and theft. The shelter or camper may be transitionable between different configurations for different purposes, including an open and expanded configuration for use as a shelter, camper, or sleeping quarters and a compact, closed case configuration for easy storage and transport. To facilitate this, the walls may be foldable, expandable, or collapsible. When the walls are folded or collapsed, roof and floor sections may be connected to each other and may enclose the folded, collapsed walls and internal components within the collapsed closed case.

BACKGROUND

Products or structures designed to provide shelter (e.g., in a particular location or while camping or travelling) can range from ultralight weight and highly portable to larger, heavier, and less portable. Products may differ in portability and performance as a shelter, among other things, and there usually is a trade-off between those features. A more portable shelter may provide less protection, while a product that provides more protection may be significantly less portable. Portability may be desired because it makes the shelter easier to transport to different locations, easier to store, and easier to handle, among other reasons. Performance as a shelter or the ability to provide protection from inclement weather, extreme temperatures, animals, and theft is also desirable for added security, safety, and comfort.

Shelters comprised fully or partially of fabric may be highly portable, but may offer correspondingly limited protection. These highly portable structures generally cannot be insulated and climate controlled like a rigid structure might be. Since most fabric walls can be easily cut, these offer little security and protection. Shelters comprised fully or partially of rigid walls, floors, and roofs may offer more security and protection from the elements, animals, theft, etc., but may have limited portability. Larger, more protective shelters can also be challenging or inconvenient because they may also need to be stored or disconnected when not in use, may take up a significant amount of storage space, and may require special or high-powered vehicles to tow them or may be vehicles themselves. A van or other vehicle might itself be modified to add a protective shelter, but this would be expensive and require permanent modification of the vehicle (e.g., cutting the roof). There are currently no options on the market that offer rigid shelter protection for camping, are portable by any vehicle, capable of remaining attached to the vehicle permanently or long term without limiting normal use of the vehicle, and do not require permanent modification to the vehicle.

There is a need for a portable shelter or camper that is both highly portable (e.g., can be transported using any vehicle or by a human) and capable of excellent shelter protection from weather, animals, theft, etc. For example, it would be beneficial to have a highly protective shelter that is portable by small vehicles, large vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The shelter might be portable using a simple roof rack, tow hitch, truck bed, trailer, etc., without requiring other specialized attachments or permanent modifications. It would also be beneficial for the portable shelter or camper to be easily removed from a transport vehicle and easily stored without taking up much storage space (e.g., about the same or less than a typical mattress and box spring set when stored). A hard-sided, collapsible shelter or camper may be well suited for people living in congested areas where space and vehicle size or type is limited, and may also provide excellent shelter protection, such as may only be available with rigid walls and roofs. It would also be beneficial if the portable shelter or camper allows for easy storage of a standard-size foam or spring mattress, electronics, solar panels, batteries, etc. therein. Being able to include, store, and/or customize components of a kitchen, a bath, seating fixtures or modules, plumbing, and/or other components of various systems without significantly limiting the portability and ease of use would also be highly beneficial. Even if portability is not desired, having a stationary shelter that is collapsible into a smaller, secure shell may be beneficial (e.g., to securely close and lock the shelter when leaving the shelter for a time and for other reasons). Shelters that address these needs and other needs described below, and that combine amenities, excellent shelter protection, compactness, and portability are described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a hard-sided, collapsible shelter or camper provides significant shelter and protection (e.g., much better protection and climate control as compared to a shelter constructed primarily of fabric), while still remaining easily portable by most vehicles, including bicycles. It may be formed as a foldable, rigid enclosure that when open can provide enough room to sleep (e.g., in a shorter or more compact version) or enough room to sleep and stand (e.g., in a taller/larger version). The shelter or camper may have three to eight sides (e.g., four or six sides), a roof, and a floor. In one embodiment, the sides, panels, the roof, and/or the floor may be comprised of an insulated inner core and an outer skin made of composite material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber or any other composite material. When in an open/expanded configuration, the shelter or camper may provide a fully hard-sided, lockable enclosure that offers excellent protection from weather, animals or theft. When transitioning between open/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations, some of the shelter/camper's walls or panels (e.g., front and rear wall panels) may fold up toward the roof or down toward the floor, and/or walls or panels may fold (e.g., in half, or into multiple sections) at points within or along the walls/panels. All portions may collapse, fold, or otherwise come together to form a weather-tight and lockable case when in the closed/collapsed configuration.

The shelter/camper may be designed to be attached to a vehicle's roof rack while stored and not in use or while camping. When in the closed/collapsed configuration, the shelter/camper may have a low profile similar to a cargo box, allowing it to remain attached to the roof rack while in transit or stored, and may be compact enough that removal of the shelter/camper from the roof rack may not be necessary during normal, every-day use of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the camper can also be stored and used inside a pickup truck bed. In one embodiment, the shelter/camper has a compact size and light enough weight that it can be attached to a utility trailer, or attached directly to wheels (e.g., wheels may be quickly attached or detached, similar to bicycle wheels) and towed by most vehicles including motorcycles and bicycles. When in use, the shelter/camper may be designed to offer a comfortable and protected sleeping enclosure or a fully functional camper in a properly equipped tall version. In one embodiment, the portable shelter/camper may have a movable bed platform that can accommodate cooking, bathroom and seating fixtures below the bed. The bed may be moved upward toward the roof to allow standing height below when not in use. When in use, the bed may be lowered for sleep without removing or folding any of the fixtures or modules below it. In one embodiment the portable shelter/camper may have enough interior height that a bed platform may be raised to a high position and remain in that position, allowing enough room for sleeping above while simultaneously allowing for standing height below it. The shelter/camper may be designed to be folded and unfolded very quickly either by powered means or manually. In both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations, some or all joints may be sealed with weather stripping, gaskets, or other insulation. In one embodiment, the portable shelter/camper may be equipped with climate control, electronics, and/or plumbing. One or more heating and/or cooling products designed for small enclosures may also be used; in embodiments where the camper is hard-sided and insulated, these products can effectively cool or heat the enclosure. Wiring for lighting, refrigeration and electronics can be run through the hard walls, panels, floor and roof. The hard roof may accommodate solar panels and the hard floor may accommodate batteries and or a small generator. Plumbing may be added to allow for fresh water, waste water, and solid waste storage.

In one embodiment, a shelter (e.g., a portable shelter or camper) may comprise any of the features or components described in the written description herein, including: a roof section; side wall panels (e.g., bi-fold wall panels or multi-fold wall panels); a front wall panel; a rear wall panel; and a floor section. Any or all of these sections or panels may be rigid or formed from strong, rigid materials. The shelter may be transitionable between an expanded configuration in which the side wall panels (e.g., two bi-fold side wall panels), the front wall panel, and the rear wall panel are vertical and perpendicular (e.g., with their largest area surfaces perpendicular) to a bottom surface of the floor section and/or to the top surface of the roof section and a collapsed configuration in which the side wall panels (e.g., two bi-fold side wall panels) are folded and enclosed in an interior of the shelter. When folded and enclosed in the collapsed configuration, the side wall panels may be parallel (e.g., with their largest area surfaces parallel) to the bottom surface of the floor section and/or top surface of the roof section. In the collapsed configuration, the shelter may be less than 50″ tall (e.g., if enclosing many or large fixtures or components, it may be 40-48″ tall), less than 30″ tall, less than 24″ tall, less than 12″ tall, or less than 10″ tall. In the expanded configuration, the shelter may be within the range of 2 feet to 8 feet tall, 3 feet to 6 feet tall, greater than 3 feet tall, or greater than 6 feet tall.

The side wall panels may be two upper bi-fold side wall panels, and the shelter may further comprise two lower bi-fold side wall panels (e.g., for a total of four side wall panels). Each of the side wall panels or each section of the side wall panels may contain a window that is openable or fixed. The front wall panel may include a door, and the door may include a window, knob, latch, lock, etc. The roof section may include solar panels (e.g., on a top outer surface thereof). The solar panels may be used to generate and/or store electricity from the sun and may be coupled to a battery or batteries for storage of electricity/electrical energy.

The shelter may be fully lockable such that a person may not enter the shelter when locked without a key. The shelter may also be lockable such that a person may not transition the shelter from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration when locked in the collapsed configuration, if the person does not have a key. The shelter may be sufficiently compact and lightweight in the collapsed configuration that it may be transported using a bicycle (or a motorcycle, car, or other vehicle) by pulling the shelter on a trailer attached to the bicycle (or motorcycle, car, or other vehicle), or by a person without the use of any vehicle. The shelter may also be sufficiently compact and lightweight in the collapsed configuration that it may be moved by one or more person(s) pulling, pushing, or lifting it.

The shelter may also comprise a bed system, and the bed system may include a mattress, a mattress platform, a raising or lowering system, a positioning system, notches or grooves or tracks in which the platform may be received at different positions, and/or other components. The bed system may be configured such that it can be raised or lowered to different positions within the shelter in the expanded configuration. The shelter may also comprise an internal kitchenette with cooking or food-related equipment or fixtures (e.g., a stove, oven, refrigerator, dining table, chairs/seats, a sink, etc.). The shelter may comprise an internal bathroom with bathroom-related equipment or fixtures (e.g., a sink, a toilet, a shower, a drain, etc.).

In one embodiment, a method (e.g., a method of camping, a method of using a shelter, etc.) may comprise: obtaining a shelter (e.g., a portable shelter or camper). The shelter may comprise any of the features described in the written description herein, including: a roof section; side wall panels (e.g., two bi-fold side wall panels); a front wall panel; a rear wall panel; and a floor section. Any of the shelter walls, panels, or sections may be rigid or formed of rigid materials. The shelter may be transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration in which the side wall panels (e.g., two bi-fold side wall panels) are folded. The method may also include transporting the shelter, while in the collapsed configuration, to a desired location for overnight sleeping within the shelter; and transitioning the shelter from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, wherein transitioning the shelter includes unfolding the side wall panels (e.g., the two bi-fold side wall panels) such that they are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the floor section. The side wall panels may be two upper bi-fold side wall panels, and the shelter may also include two lower bi-fold side wall panels (e.g., for a total of four side wall panels or bi-fold side wall panels). In the collapsed configuration, the two upper bi-fold side wall panels and the two lower bi-fold side wall panels may be folded and oriented parallel to the bottom of the floor section, and transitioning the shelter may include unfolding the two upper bi-fold side wall panels such that two upper bi-fold side wall panels are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the floor section and positioned between the floor section and the roof section. Optionally, transitioning the shelter may further comprise unfolding the two lower bi-fold side wall panels such that the two lower bi-fold side wall panels are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the floor section and positioned between the floor section and the two upper bi-fold wall panels. The method may further comprise transitioning the shelter from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, and transitioning the shelter may include folding the side wall panels (e.g., two bi-fold side wall panels) such that they are parallel to the bottom surface of the floor section and are enclosed within the shelter in the collapsed configuration. Other steps described elsewhere here may also be used in any order or sequence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Described herein are devices, components, assemblies, systems, methods, etc. for shelters and campers. The description and accompanying figures, which describe and show certain embodiments, are made to demonstrate, in a non-limiting manner, several possible configurations of shelters, campers, apparatuses, components, assemblies, systems, etc. and various methods of using them according to various aspects and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the inventive principles associated with the embodiments described herein, including with respect to the apparatuses, devices, components, assemblies, systems, methods, etc. described herein, may be applied in a variety of ways, including to other types of apparatuses, devices, components, assemblies, systems, methods, etc. General and specific apparatuses, devices, components, assemblies, systems, methods, etc. are described herein sufficiently to enable one to develop a variety of implementations/applications without undue experimentation. In the development of particular applications, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the design-specific goals, which will vary from one implementation/application to another. It will be appreciated that, having access to this disclosure and reading this disclosure, such a development effort would be a routine undertaking for persons of ordinary skill in the art.

This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including,” “includes,” “comprising,” “have,” and “has” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” The word “or” is used in the inclusive sense (i.e., “and/or”) unless a specific use to the contrary is explicitly stated.

FIG. 1shows a front perspective view of an exemplary shelter configured as a collapsible camper or portable shelter1in an open or expanded configuration. Camper1may be formed/configured as a hard-sided, collapsible camping unit. Camper1may be fully enclosed, weather tight, and lockable. Camper1may be used as a private sleeping structure or shelter while in an open or expanded configuration. When in a closed or collapsed configuration as shown inFIG. 5, camper1may be an easily portable, enclosure (e.g., a hard-case enclosure) configured for easy transportation. In one embodiment, camper1may be configured as a stationary or non-portable shelter with similar features to those described herein, but configured to remain in a permanent or semi-permanent location.

Camper1may comprise walls, panels, a floor, and a ceiling/roof. The walls, panels, floor, and/or ceiling/roof may be rigid, partially rigid, or flexible. In one embodiment, the walls, floor, and/or ceiling/roof may be rigid (e.g., formed of hard siding, rigid panels, or other rigid materials) and may combine to form a rigid structure. The structure of camper1may, in both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations, allow camper1to contain a mattress32or200and/or various fixtures (e.g., televisions, lighting, electrical outlets, solar panels, batteries, heating and cooling appliances), and any other system or convenience components that may be permanently or temporarily attached to the shelter/camper. When formed as a rigid structure, camper1may also provide protection and safety, e.g., from the elements by forming a weather tight enclosure that may be heated or cooled with optional equipment. The rigid structure design may also allow for the use of insulation in the walls, floor, and/or ceiling (e.g., in panels forming the walls, floor, and/or ceiling) to provide improved interior climate control performance of camper1. The rigid structure may also offer improved security providing a hard exterior that is impenetrable or resists penetration by animals or potential thieves. In one embodiment, camper1may be locked while in the opened/expanded and/or in the closed/collapsed configurations. While open/expanded, camper1may be sized and configured to provide enough space for one or more users (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more users) to sleep, sit and crawl about the interior of the enclosure. When closed, camper1is collapsed into a low-profile enclosure or hard case that may be mounted to a vehicle roof rack; placed in the bed of a pick-up truck; placed on a trailer and towed behind a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or any other tow vehicle; placed in or on a boat. In one embodiment, camper1may be configured so that wheels may be permanently or removably mounted to the camper1in the closed/collapsed and/or open/expanded configurations, such that camper1may act as its own trailer or be pulled/pushed directly by another vehicle or by a walking person(s). Camper1may be stored and/or used in a variety of locations (e.g., in use, camper1may be placed anywhere there is a sufficient foundation or surface below and sufficient height above while open). Camper1may be designed to be easily and quickly opened/expanded for sleeping and easily closed/collapsed when in transit or in storage.

Camper1may be designed to maintain a rigid structure in both opened/expanded (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) and closed/collapsed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 5) configurations by use of rigid walls (e.g. formed of wall panels6,8,10, and12), a rigid floor (e.g., floor section4), and/or a rigid ceiling/roof (e.g., roof section2). The walls may be formed of folding and/or multi-folding (e.g., bi-folding) wall panels6,8,10and12. The wall panels6,8,10, and12may be hinged and/or latched to roof section2, floor section4, or both.FIGS. 3 and 4show the portable shelter transitioning between an open/expanded configuration and a closed/collapsed configuration. When opening or expanding from the closed/collapsed configuration to the open/expanded configuration, the wall panels6,8,10and12may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section2and floor section4. When closing or transitioning from the open/expanded configuration to the closed/collapsed configuration, the wall panels6,8,10and12may be folded (e.g., flat or approximately flat) until they are parallel to the roof section2and floor section4. When fully opened or expanded (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2), the portable shelter or camper1may provide comfortable sleeping quarters for one or more occupants. When closed or collapsed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 5), the roof section2and the floor section4may be configured to come together to form a weather tight and portable case (e.g., a portable rigid, hard case), fully enclosing all or some interior components, front wall panel6, rear wall panel8, right side wall panel10, left side wall panel12, or a combination of some or all of these. Various components that may be included with camper1and camper100are described in more detail below.

The portable shelters or campers described herein may include various wall types. For example, the walls maybe formed from one or more wall panels (e.g., rigid wall panels, folding wall panels, bi-fold wall panels, tri-fold wall panels, quadri-fold wall panels, multi-fold wall panels, etc.). In one embodiment, e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1-4, the right-side wall panel10may be formed as a bi-fold wall panel, i.e., such that the panel can fold once with a section of the panel on either side of the fold. The left side wall panel12may also be formed as a bi-fold wall panel, e.g., as can be seen inFIG. 4. Each wall panel and each section of a wall panel may be a variety of sizes, shapes, and dimensions. In one embodiment, each section of wall panels10and12may be between 6″ and 50″ tall, between 12″ and 40″ tall, between 18″ tall and 25″ tall, or about 18″ tall (e.g., ±1″). In one embodiment, each section of a bi-fold wall panel may be equal to or be about one half of the interior width of the camper1from side to side. In one embodiment, side wall bi-fold panels with 18″ tall sections may, combined with space in the roof section2, allow for over 3′ of interior height above a mattress32(optionally contained within camper1), when in the open/expanded configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2). In one embodiment, the panels, walls, sections, etc. may combine with the roof section to allow 1.5 to 9 feet, 2.5 to 7 feet, or about 3 feet (e.g., ±1″) above a mattress32or a floor section. The side wall panels10and12may be sized and configured to sit side by side above the mattress, without overlapping each other, when folded in half for closing/collapsing of camper1(e.g., as shown inFIG. 4) or when in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 5). Both bi-fold wall panels may be sized such that the camper1is sized for a mattress, to be slightly longer than a mattress, or even longer. For example, in one embodiment, a shelter/camper with a Twin or Full mattress that is about 75″ long (±2″) may have bi-fold wall panel sections that are 75″ to 95″ long, 75″ to 80″ long, or about 77″ (e.g., ±1″). In one embodiment (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1), one or more sections of the wall panels may be 18″ tall×77″ long. In one embodiment, the wall panel sections may extend 0.25″ to 5″, 0.5 to 2″, about 1 in, about the thickness of the front and/or rear wall panels, or more beyond each end of the mattress.

The camper1may be sized and configured such that the edges of front wall panel6and rear wall panel8may sit flush with the side wall panel edges when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. Weather stripping or gaskets may be used to create a weather tight corner joint between side walls and front and rear walls. Latches, hooks, locks, or other connectors/attachments may also be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration. In one embodiment, the front wall panel6and/or the rear wall panel8may be positioned between the side wall panels10and12when in the open configuration, such that the front wall panel6and/or the rear wall panel8prevent the side wall panels from folding inward (i.e., the side wall panels cannot fold inward because the inner surface of the side wall panels contact the sides of the front wall panel6and/or the rear wall panel8).

The various wall panels and sections of wall panels may be connected to each other in a variety of ways, including by hinges, connection strips, screws, nails, fasteners, clamps, latches, slide latches, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, or a combination of some or all of these. In one embodiment, lower sections22and26of the side wall panels10and12may be hinged on the bottom to an edge (e.g., a raised edge) of the floor section4(e.g., on the right and left sides of the camper1), and upper sections24and28of the side wall panels10and12may be hinged on the top to an edge (e.g., a dropped/hanging edge) of the roof section2(e.g., on the right and left sides of the shelter/camper). Weather stripping or gaskets along each of the long edges of each section of the bi-fold wall panels may be used to form weather tight joints between the side walls and the roof and floor and between sections of wall panels (e.g., between the upper and lower sections of a bi-fold wall panel). Latches, hooks, locks, weather stripping, or other connectors/attachments may optionally be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration. Camper1may also include slide latches (or other latches or locks) that can slide or be positioned between the walls, wall panels, or sections of the wall panels (e.g. to prevent folding or other undesired movement). For example, wall panel slide latches may be used between upper wall sections24and28and lower wall sections22and26of the wall panels10and12to further prevent the walls/wall panels from folding inward when in an open/expanded configuration. When in closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof and floor sections (e.g., inside the closed case shown inFIG. 5).

Each wall, wall panel, or wall panel section may contain a window or multiple windows (Component30). The windows may be fixed or may be capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and/or blinds. The wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, storage pockets, storage hooks, venting fans, electrical connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The wall panels may be opened manually or automatically. The wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, springs, piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper.

In one embodiment, the front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8may be fixed length, flat panels hinged to edges (e.g., dropped, interior edges) of the roof section2in the front and rear of the shelter/camper. The front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8may be the same width as a mattress32contained within the shelter/camper or wider (e.g., 0.25″ to 24″ wider). The front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8may be long enough to extend between the edge (e.g., dropped interior edge) of the roof or ceiling and an edge (e.g., a raised interior edge) of the floor section4. In one embodiment, the front panel6and rear panel8are only ½ of the total interior length of the shelter/camper or less. This may allow the front and rear wall panels to sit end to end above the side wall panels10and12, without overlapping, when the walls are folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper (e.g. as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4). As one example, a shelter/camper containing a Full mattress (e.g., 54″×75″ give or take a couple of inches) may have front and rear wall panels that are at least 54″ wide by at least as tall as the distance between an edge of the roof section2and an edge of the floor section4in the open/expanded configuration (e.g., 38″ tall assuming 18″ tall bi-fold side wall panel sections and roof and floor interior edges that are 1″ shorter than their exterior edges as described in more detail below and shown inFIG. 1). When opening/expanding the portable shelter or camper (e.g., as shown inFIG. 3), the unattached (unhinged) ends of the front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8may be lowered until they connect or latch to an edge (e.g., a raised, interior edge) of the floor section4in the front and rear of the shelter/camper, which may be sized, configured, and positioned to form a continuous and weather tight front and rear wall connecting between the roof and floor. Optionally, the front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8may be hinged to an edge (e.g., a raised, interior edge) of the floor section4and raised to latch to an edge (e.g., a lowered interior edge) of the roof section2.

When the shelter/camper is open/expanded (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) and the walls/wall panels completely unfolded, the edges of the front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8may sit flush with the side wall edges, forming a weather tight corner joint. When in the closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof and floor sections (e.g., inside the closed case shown inFIG. 5). The front and rear wall panels may each contain a window20,30or multiple windows. The windows may be fixed or capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and/or blinds. The front and rear wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The front wall panel6and/or the rear wall panel8may include a door18, and the door18may contain a window20, lock, latch, hinge, knob, handle, and/or other components of a door. The door18may include weather stripping or gaskets, creating a weather tight seal between the door and the rest of the front wall panel6, when the door is closed. The front and rear wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper.

The roof section2may be of various shapes and sizes. For example, the roof section2may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the roof section2(as well as other walls/sections of the shelter) may be curved, be contoured, include ridges, and/or include other aerodynamic features, e.g. to make the section more aerodynamic. The roof section2may have a dropped edge along some or all of the perimeter of the shelter/camper. The dropped edge may be tall enough to completely contain the front wall panel6, rear wall panel8, and sections (e.g., upper sections24and28) of the side wall panels inside the roof when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 5) and the wall panels are folded flat. The roof may include an interior edge in the front and rear of the shelter/camper that is slightly shorter than the exterior edge so that the joint between it and the front and rear wall panels hinged to it can remain inside the roof section, providing a better hinge point and water tightness when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. When arranged like this, the front and rear wall panels may be long enough to stretch between the interior edge of the roof and the interior edge of the floor. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section4, then the dropped edge of the roof may be sized to contain only the upper sections24and28of the wall panel, when in the closed/collapsed configuration. The roof section2may have a length and width matching or equivalent to the floor section4. The width of the roof section2may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or wider than that of a mattress32contained within the shelter/camper, and the length of the roof section2may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or longer than the length of the side wall panels10and12. The roof section2and floor section4may be sized and configured to ensure that the mattress sits completely within the 4 wall panels that are attached to the roof section when in the open/expanded configuration, and the mattress and walls sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when in the closed/collapsed configuration. For example as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, a shelter/camper containing a Full mattress (e.g., 54″×75″ give or take a couple of inches) and having 1″ thick panels, may have a roof section that is 56″ wide by 79″ long (e.g., slightly longer than the side wall panels, which may be 77″ long). A dropped edge (e.g., a continuous dropped edge) of the roof section2may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and any wall panels (e.g., wall panels6,8,10and12) connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with an edge (e.g., a raised edge) of the floor section4when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration as shown inFIG. 6.

The top of the roof section2may include one or more solar panels14(e.g., one to thirty solar panels), roof rack attachments, trailer attachments, and/or antennae for radio, television and/or internet transmissions. The interior of the roof section2(i.e., the ceiling of the shelter/camper) may include light fixtures and lights. Roof section2may also include other fixtures such as light fixtures, light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The roof section may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The roof section may also include connection, lock, and/or latch components to latch/connect it to the floor section4to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly when in the closed/collapsed configuration. The roof section2may also include handles (e.g., in the front and rear of the shelter/camper and/or on the sides of the shelter/camper) for manual lifting or lowering of the roof section for opening/expanding or closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, respectively, or for carrying the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. The roof section2may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, brake lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., brake lights on each are coordinated).

The floor section4may be of various shapes and sizes. The floor section4may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the floor section4(as well as other walls/sections of the shelter) may be curved, be contoured, include ridges, and/or include other aerodynamic features, e.g. to make the section more aerodynamic. The floor section4may have a raised edge along some or all of the perimeter of the shelter/camper. The raised edge may be tall enough to completely contain a mattress32and sections of the wall panels (e.g., sections22and26) inside the floor when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration as shown inFIG. 5and the wall panels are folded flat. The floor section4may include an interior edge in the front and rear of the shelter/camper that is slightly shorter than the exterior edge, such that a joint between it and the front and rear wall panels6and8latched/connected to it can remain inside the floor section, which may provide a better hinge point and water tightness when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section, then the raised edge of the floor may be tall enough to accommodate those panels as well, when in the closed/collapsed configuration.

The floor section4may have a length and width matching or equivalent to the roof section2. The width may be the about same as, slightly greater than, or wider than that of a mattress32contained within the shelter/camper, and the length may be the about same as, slightly greater than, or longer than the length of the side wall panels. The floor section may be sized and configured to ensure that the mattress sits completely within the wall panels that are attached to the floor section when in the open/expanded configuration, and that the mattress and the wall panels sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when in the closed/collapsed configuration. For example (as inFIGS. 1 and 5), a shelter/camper containing a Full mattress (e.g., 54″×75″ give or take a couple of inches) and having 1″ thick panels, may have a floor section that is 56″ wide×79″ long (slightly longer than the side wall panels, which may be 77″ long). The raised edge (e.g., a continuous raised edge) of the floor section4may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the wall panels6,8,10and12connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with an edge (e.g., a dropped edge) of the roof section2when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration as shown inFIG. 5.

The bottom of the floor section4may include an access panel16, allowing access to batteries and/or other system components. The floor section may also include other fixtures such as lighting, light switches, electrical outlets, venting fans, storage pockets, electrical connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The floor section may also include attachments to allow mounting to vehicle roof racks, utility trailers or pick-up truck beds or secure attachment to any surface below it. The floor section may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The floor section4may also include connection, lock, and/or latch components to latch/connect it to the roof section2to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly when in the closed/collapsed configuration. The exterior of the floor section4may also include wheels removably or permanently attached thereto for transportation of the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed (e.g., over short distances like that to and from a vehicle). The floor section may also include fixed height or adjustable feet removably or permanently attached thereto (e.g., to one or more exterior portions of the floor section). The floor section4may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, brake lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., brake lights on each are coordinated).

When the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2), all wall panels (e.g., panels6,8,10and12) may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section2and floor section4, forming a complete enclosure that is suitable for occupants. The front wall panel6and rear wall panel8may sit flush against the right side wall panel10and left side wall panel12, preventing the wall panels from folding inward. Slide latches, as described above, may also be used to further prevent the bi-fold wall panels from folding inward when in an open/expanded configuration. Weather stripping or gaskets may ensure a weather tight seal between all joints. The door18may allow entry to and exit from the shelter/camper and may be locked (from the inside and/or outside), securing occupants and/or belongings inside the shelter/camper. The windows30may also be openable or fixed closed. In one embodiment, in the open/expanded configuration, the shelter/camper may have an interior height between the ceiling and the mattress32comfortable enough to sit, crawl and sleep. Use of optional heating and cooling equipment inside the portable shelter/camper may help maintain a comfortable interior environment in the open/expanded configuration. Components such as televisions and other electrical equipment may also be used when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. Optional solar panels14and batteries can continue to operate in the open/expanded configuration. The shelter/camper may remain open/expanded in place on a vehicle roof rack, in a pick-up truck bed, on a trailer, or on any surface that can support its weight and the weight of its occupants.

When the shelter/camper is in closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 5), all wall panels (e.g., wall panels6,8,10and12) may sit entirely inside a closed case formed by joining the roof section2and the floor section4. The closed case may contain mattress32, the folded side wall panels (e.g., above mattress32), and the folded front and rear wall panels (e.g., above the folded side wall panels). In one embodiment, if the front and rear wall panels6and8are hinged to an edge of the floor section, the front and rear wall panels may sit just above the mattress32, and the folded side panels may sit above the front and rear wall panels. The roof section2and the floor section4may have weather stripping or gaskets in between, forming a weather tight enclosure when closed. Connections, attachments, locks, latches, and/or other components connecting the roof section2and the floor section4together may ensure that the case remains tightly closed while in transit or not used. Optional solar panels14and batteries can continue to operate in closed/collapsed configuration.

The shelter/camper may be simple and easy to transition between configurations without any tools/specialized tools or, optionally, with additional tools that aid transitioning. In one embodiment, to open/expand the shelter/camper or transition the shelter/camper from the closed/collapsed configuration to the open/expanded configuration, the connections/latches/locks connecting the roof section2to the floor section4may first be unlocked and opened. Then, manually or using some manner of mechanical assistance (e.g., mechanical systems like those described above or lifting/lowering mechanisms that are either powered or manually operated, such as pulleys, levers, motorized hinges, pistons, etc.), the roof section2and the side wall panels10and12may be raised (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 4) until the bi-fold wall panels are completely vertical (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 3). If included, slide latches between the upper wall panel sections24and28and the lower wall panel sections22and26can be latched to prevent the side wall panels10and12from folding inward. In the fully raised position, the free ends of the front wall panel6and rear wall panel8may be lowered (by gravity, manually, and/or mechanically) (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 3) until they latch with the front and rear edges (e.g., front and rear raised interior edges) of the floor section4. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, once fully lowered, the front and rear wall panels6and8may sit flush with the edges of the side wall panels10and12, further preventing the bi-fold wall panels from folding inward. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section instead of to the roof section, the free ends of the front and rear wall panels may then be raised (manually or mechanically) until they latch with the front and rear edges (e.g., front and rear dropped interior edges) of the roof section.

To close the shelter/camper or transition it from an open/expanded configuration to a closed/collapsed configuration, the free ends of the front wall panel and rear wall panel6and8may be unlatched from the edge (e.g., raised edge) of the floor section and the panels may be raised (manually or mechanically) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 3) toward the roof section and latched flat against the roof (e.g., as shown inFIG. 4). Then, if included, the slide latches in the side wall panels can be opened, so that the side wall panels can begin to fold inward and the roof section can begin to lower (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 4). The lowering of the roof and side wall panels may be done manually or may be mechanically assisted by mechanical systems like those described above or lifting/lowering mechanisms that are either powered or manually operated, such as pulleys, levers, motorized hinges, pistons, etc. that are appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section4instead of the roof section2, the free ends of the of the front wall panel6and rear wall panel8may be unlatched from the edge (e.g., dropped edge) of the roof section2so that the panels can be lowered (manually or mechanically) until they rest flat against the mattress32. Once the wall panels are fully lowered, the roof section2and floor section4can be connected, fastened, latched, and/or locked together, creating a tightly closed, secure case (e.g., as shown inFIG. 5).

The shelter/camper walls, wall panels, floor, roof, etc. (e.g., wall panels6,8,10and12; roof section2; and/or floor section4) may be constructed of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the walls, wall panels, floor, roof, etc. are constructed of a composite material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any other composite material. Alternatively, the panels may be constructed with wood or aluminum framing and sided with wood, aluminum, laminate, fiberglass or any other siding material. The panels may have a solid or hollow core. The panels may be insulated with polystyrene, fiberglass or any other insulating material and/or vapor barrier, for example, one or more of these may be used inside the panels or on a surface thereof. Interior surfaces may be painted, left unfinished or finished with any appropriate material, such as plastic, wood, fiberglass paneling, or other material. In one embodiment, the walls, wall panels, floor, roof, etc. may include an insulated inner core and an outer skin made of composite material.

A mattress32or mattress200(described below) may be contained within the shelter/camper, and may be any standard size mattress (Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King) or any custom size mattress. The mattress may be foam, inner-spring, or any type of mattress commonly available. In one embodiment, the mattress32or200may sit within raised edges of the floor section4.

The shelter/camper may be constructed with a variety of dimensions and shapes. The shelter/camper is depicted in the figures as rectangular, but could be formed in a square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal, etc. shape. The dimensions can be constructed to accommodate or contain a variety of mattresses and fixtures and to have a variety of heights for a user to sleep, crawl, sit, stand up, etc.

In one embodiment (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1 and 5), the exterior dimensions of a shelter/camper that contains a 4″ thick Full mattress (e.g., 54″×75″ give or take a couple of inches), 1″ thick panels and has front and rear wall panels hinged to the roof may be 56″ W×79″ L×45″ H in an open/expanded configuration and 56″ W×79″ L×9″ H in a closed/collapsed configuration. This example has 18″ H×77″ L bi-fold side panel sections22,24,26and28. It has a 6″ tall floor section4, which has a floor thickness of 1″, plus 4″ of space to accommodate the mattress32, plus 1″ of space to accommodate the 1″ thick lower sections22and26of the side wall panels10and12when closed. It may have a 3″ tall roof section2with a ceiling thickness of 1″, plus 1″ of space to accommodate the 1″ thick upper sections24and28of the side wall panels10and12, plus 1″ of space to accommodate the 1″ thick front wall panel6and rear wall panel8when in the closed/collapsed configuration. In this example, the front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8may each be 54″ W×38″ H. In this example, the roof section2and the floor section4may have interior edges that are 1″ shorter than their exterior edges, to provide better hinge and latch points and water tightness as described above. With the shelter/camper fully opened/expanded, the distance between the exterior edges of the roof section2and the floor section4may be 36″, and the distance between the interior edges of the roof section2and the floor section4in the front and rear of the shelter/camper may be 38″. The front and rear wall panels may then be 38″ tall to extend between the interior edges of the roof section2and the floor section4. The distance between the ceiling and the mattress may be 39″, resulting in over 3′ of interior height. These example dimensions are for a shelter/camper with a Full mattress. Dimensions of components may vary depending on the size of the mattress the shelter/camper contains and other features or desired dimensions. For example, the widths, lengths, and heights described in this paragraph may vary by plus or minus 15″, plus or minus 12″, plus or minus 6″, plus or minus 3″, or more or less than these.

FIGS. 6-11illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a shelter or camper. Camper100depicted inFIGS. 6-11may include features the same as or similar to those described above with respect to camper1(and camper1may include features the same as or similar to those of camper100). In one embodiment, camper100may be configured as a hard-sided, collapsible camping unit that is a fully enclosed, weather tight, lockable and private living structure while in an open/expanded configuration and is an easily portable, hard case for transportation while in a closed/collapsed configuration. While camper100is in an open/expanded configuration, occupants may be able to sleep, sit, eat or use the bathroom in a properly equipped unit. The walls, wall panels, floor, roof, etc. may be constructed of rigid material or of materials similar to those described above with respect to camper1. In one embodiment, camper100may be configured as a stationary or non-portable shelter with similar features to those described herein, but configured to remain in a permanent or semi-permanent location.

In one embodiment, the structure (e.g., a rigid structure) of the shelter/camper100in both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations may allow the shelter/camper to contain a mattress, seating, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, as well as televisions, lighting, electrical outlets, solar panels, batteries, heating and cooling appliances and any other system or convenience components that may be permanently or temporarily attached to or included in the shelter/camper. A rigid structure may also provide protection from the elements by forming a secure, weather-tight enclosure that may be heated or cooled with optional equipment. A rigid structure design may also allow the use of insulation in the structure's panels, further improving its interior climate control performance. The rigid structure (e.g., including hard-siding) may offer security by being lockable in both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations. While in the open/expanded configuration, the shelter/camper100can provide a comfortable interior standing height with the bed system fully raised and stored (e.g., with the mattress200stored at the top of the camper100as shown inFIG. 1), or can provide a comfortable height for siting, sleeping and crawling when the bed system is lowered to a sleeping position (e.g., with mattress200in a low or middle position as shown, for example, inFIG. 8). The mattress200may be positioned in different locations (e.g., at different heights) in the camper100for different purposes/uses. When the camper100is closed, it may be collapsed into a low-profile, case (e.g., a hard case) that may be mounted to a vehicle roof rack; placed in the bed of a pick-up truck; placed on a trailer and towed behind a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or any other tow vehicle; placed in or on a boat; and/or placed anywhere there is a sufficient foundation or surface below and sufficient height above while open/expanded. The shelter/camper may be designed and configured to be easily and quickly opened/expanded in place for occupancy and closed/collapsed when in transit or in storage.

Camper100may include wall panels106,108,110,112,114and116, which may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding, or may be similar to other panels described herein. In one embodiment, camper100may maintain a rigid structure in both opened/expanded (FIGS. 6-8) and closed/collapsed (FIG. 11) configurations by use of rigid wall panels106,108,110,112,114and116(e.g., folding and bi-folding wall panels, or panels similar to those described with respect to camper1). The wall panels106,108,110,112,114and116may be hinged and/or latched to a rigid roof section102, a mid-section connector142, and/or a rigid floor section104. When opening/expanding (e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 9 AND 10), the wall panels106,108,110,112,114and116may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section102and floor section104. When closing/collapsing the camper100(e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 13-16), the wall panels106,108,110,112,114and116may be folded flat or until they are parallel to the roof section102and floor section104. When fully opened/expanded (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 6-8), the shelter/camper100may provide comfortable living quarters for occupants. When closed/collapsed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11), the roof section102, floor section104, and mid-section connector142(if used), may come together to form a weather tight and portable case, fully enclosing all interior fixtures that may remain in the shelter/camper and front, rear and side wall panels. Components of the shelter/camper100may be the same as or similar to components of shelter/camper1described above; additional components/features are also described in detail below.

Shelter/camper100may have one or more wall panels the same as or similar to the wall panels of camper1described above. The wall panels may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding, etc. Optionally, the side wall panels may be a combination of two or more bi-fold panels, may be a quadri-fold panel, or may be another type of panel or combination of panels. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 6-10, the shelter/camper100may have two pairs of right side bi-fold wall panels110and112and two pairs of left side bi-fold wall panels114and116. Each wall panel and/or section of the wall panels may be of similar size/dimensions as the wall panels and sections of wall panels described above with respect to camper1. In one embodiment, the height of the sections of the wall panels may be between 18″ to ½ of the interior width of the shelter/camper. Combined with space provided by the roof section102, a mid-section connector142, and the floor section104, this may allow for well over 6′ of interior height (e.g., as shown inFIG. 7) between the floor and bed system (including mattress200and platform202) when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7), and when the bed system is fully raised and stored (e.g., as shown inFIG. 7). The right side wall panels may sit side by side with the left side wall panels, without overlapping, when folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11).

In an embodiment with four pairs of bi-fold wall panels, all four pairs of bi-fold wall panels may be slightly longer than the mattress200contained within the shelter/camper or longer. For example, a shelter/camper with an adult mattress about 80″ long may have bi-fold wall panel sections that are roughly 18″×82″ or longer, extending roughly 1″ (or the equivalent thickness of the front or rear wall panels) or more beyond each end of the mattress. This configuration may allow the front wall panel106and rear wall panel108edges to sit flush with the side wall panel edges when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration; with weather stripping or gaskets, this can create a weather tight corner joint between side walls and front and rear walls. Arranging/positioning the front wall panel106and rear wall panel108between the side wall panels may also allow the front and rear wall panels to prevent the side wall panels from folding inward when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration. In one embodiment, the right and left side walls may each have a set of upper bi-fold wall panels110and114and a set of lower bi-fold wall panels112and116. The upper panel sections126and134of the upper wall panels110and114may be hinged on the top to an edge (e.g., a dropped edge) of the roof section102, and the lower panel sections128and136of the same set of upper wall panels may be hinged on the bottom to the top of an optional mid-section connector142or other panel. The bottom of the mid-section connector142may be hinged to the tops of upper panel sections130and138of the lower set of wall panels112and116, and the lower panel sections132and140of the same set of lower wall panels112and116may be hinged on the bottom to the raised edge of the floor section104. Weather stripping or gaskets along some or all of the edges of each section of the wall panels may form weather tight joints between the side walls and the roof, mid-section connector and floor and in between the upper and lower wall sections of the wall panels. Latches, hooks, locks, or other connectors/attachments may also be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration.

Shelter/camper100may also include slide latches (or other latches or locks) that can slide or be positioned between the walls, wall panels, or sections of the wall panels (e.g. to prevent folding or other undesired movement). For example, wall panel slide latches may be included that can slide or be positioned between the upper sections126,130,134, and138and the lower sections128,132,136and140to further prevent the wall panels from folding inward and to help maintain the open/expanded configuration. When in a closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section, and/or any combination of these. Each section of each of the upper wall panels110and114may also contain a window or multiple windows144. The windows may be fixed or capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and blinds. Any or all wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, storage pockets, storage hooks, venting fans, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The wall panels may also include fixtures such as mirrors, tables, or seat back rests embedded in their interior surfaces. The wall panels may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., including a mattress200and a platform202).

In one embodiment, shelters/campers may have a width greater than or equal to 72″, e.g., to contain a King (e.g., 76″×80″ give or take a couple of inches) or California King (e.g., 72″×84″ give or take a couple of inches) mattresses, which may achieve an interior height sufficient for standing with only one set of wall panels per side, e.g., similar to the side wall design of camper1above. For example, use of one pair of bi-fold wall panels with panel sections that are 36″ tall (rather than 18″ tall) per side may result in a standard interior height of over 6′, combined with the heights of the floor and roof sections, when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. In this case, no mid-section connector may be necessary and the bi-fold wall panels may be hinged in a similar manner as with camper1.

The front wall panel106and rear wall panel108may be the same as or similar to the front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8of camper1. The front wall panel106and rear wall panel108may have a fixed length, or may be bi-fold or multi-fold panels hinged to edges (e.g., dropped, interior edges204and206as shown inFIG. 7) of the roof section102in the front and rear of the shelter/camper. The front and rear wall panels may be at least the same width as, slightly wider than, or wider than a mattress200contained within the shelter/camper. As can be seen inFIG. 7, the front and rear wall panels106and108may be long enough to extend between an edge (e.g., a dropped interior edge204and206) of the ceiling/roof and an edge (e.g., a raised interior edge208and210) of the floor section. In one embodiment with fixed length front and rear panels, the panels have a length less than the interior length of the shelter/camper. The front wall panel106may be hinged at least 1″ (or an equivalent thickness of the wall panels) higher than the rear wall panel108. In other words, the hinge points on the edges (e.g., on interior dropped edges204and206) in the front and rear of the roof section102may be staggered for the front and rear wall panels. This may allow the front wall panel106to sit above the rear wall panel108when the walls are folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. The hinge points may be staggered to allow the rear wall panel to sit above the front wall panel when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed.

When opening/expanding the shelter/camper (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 9), the unattached (free or unhinged) ends of these wall panels may be lowered until they latch, connect, or otherwise attach to an edge (e.g., raised, interior edges208and210) of the floor section104in the front and rear of the shelter/camper, forming a continuous and weather tight front and rear wall connecting the roof and floor. Alternatively, the front and rear wall panels may be hinged to edges (e.g., raised, interior edges208and210) of the floor section104and raised to latch, connect, or otherwise attach to edges (e.g., lowered interior edges204and206) of the roof section102. When the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration as shown inFIG. 6, the walls may be completely unfolded. The front and rear wall edges may sit flush with the side wall edges, forming a weather tight corner joint as described above. Latches, hooks, locks, weather stripping, or other connectors/attachments may optionally be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration. The front and rear wall panels, if hinged to the roof section102, may sit between the mattress platform202and the upper sections126and134of the upper pairs of wall panels110and114when closed/collapsed. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section104, the front and rear wall panels may sit between the lower sections132and140of the lower pairs of wall panels112and116and any fixtures included in the floor section. When in closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section, and/or a combination of these (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11). Optionally, the front and rear wall panels may also be bi-fold (e.g., folding in half) or multi-fold panels. The panels or sections of the panels may include a door or large window in one or more sections or halves of the front or rear wall panels.

If the side walls are constructed of multiple side panels (e.g., an upper and lower pair of bi-fold wall panels), this configuration may allow portions of the shelter/camper to be opened/expanded while others are closed/collapsed to create a variable height or variable size shelter/camper. For example, in one embodiment, upper bi-fold wall pairs110and114may be fully opened while lower bi-fold wall pairs112and116remain closed. Then only the upper half of the bi-fold front and rear panels can be latched to the mid-section connector, forming a full enclosure in just the upper half of the shelter/camper to allow sleeping. The front wall panel106may include a door122, and the door may contain a window124or multiple windows. The doors and/or windows may include locks, latches, etc. Any door122or window124may include weather stripping or gaskets, creating a weather tight seal between the door and the rest of the front wall panel, when the door is closed.

The front wall panel may also latch to a portion of the mid-section connector in the front of the shelter/camper, allowing that portion of the mid-section connector to swing open and closed with the door, or alternatively that portion of the mid-section connecter can simply be left open and swung away to allow free operation of the door, when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. The front and rear wall panels may each contain a window144or multiple windows. The windows may be fixed or capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and/or blinds. The front and rear wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The front and rear wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The front and rear wall panels may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202) or the bed system may be removed and reinserted in a variety of slots at different heights (e.g., similar to adjustable levels in an oven).

The roof section102of camper100may be the same as or similar to roof section2of camper1. For example, the roof section102, in one embodiment, may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper and may have a continuous dropped edge along the perimeter of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the roof section102may be curved, contoured, ridged, or include other aerodynamic features as discussed above with respect to camper1. The dropped edge may be tall enough to completely contain the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202), the front wall panel106, rear wall panel108, and the side wall panels or sections of the side wall panels (e.g., upper sections126and134of the upper pairs of side wall panels110and114) inside the roof section102when the shelter/camper is in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11). The bed system may be fully raised and the wall panels may be folded flat in the closed/collapsed configuration.

In one embodiment, the roof section102may include an interior front and rear edge that is shorter than the exterior edge so that the joint between it and the front and rear wall panels hinged to it can remain inside the roof section, providing a better hinge point and water tightness when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. The front interior edge may also be a different height than the rear interior edge of the roof section to allow the front and rear wall panel hinge points to be staggered, allowing one wall panel to rest above the other when the shelter/camper is folded. In one embodiment, the front and rear wall panels may each be long enough to extend between the interior edges of the roof and the interior edges of the floor. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section, then the dropped edge of the roof may be tall enough to only contain the bed system, and/or upper sections of the upper wall panels, when in a closed/collapsed configuration. The roof section102may have a length and width equivalent to the floor. The width may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than that of a mattress200contained within the shelter/camper, and the length may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than the length of the side wall panels. Having the width and length at least slightly greater than the mattress may ensure that the mattress sits completely within the 4 walls that are attached to the roof section and the mattress and walls sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. For example, a shelter/camper containing a Queen mattress (e.g., 60″×80″ give or take a couple of inches) and having 1″ thick panels, may have a roof section that is about 62″ wide×84″ long (or slightly longer than the side walls, which may be 82″ long in this case). The edge(s) (e.g., a continuous dropped edge) of the roof section102may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls or wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the mid-section connector142when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11).

The top of the roof section102may include solar panels118, roof rack attachments and/or antennae for radio, television and/or internet transmissions. The interior of the roof section102(i.e., the ceiling of the shelter/camper) may include light fixtures and/or other fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The roof section102may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The roof may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising or lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202). The roof section102may also include lock and latch components or other connection components to latch it to the mid-section connector and/or floor section to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly. The roof section102may also include handles (e.g., in the front and rear and/or on the sides of the shelter/camper) for manual lifting or lowering of the roof section102for opening/expanding or closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, respectively, or for carrying the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. The roof section102may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, brake lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., brake lights on each are coordinated).

The shelter/camper100may include one or more connectors or connector components/sections (e.g., the same as or similar to connector142). In one embodiment, connector142may be a mid-section connector. Connector142may be a continuous, structural ring around the perimeter of the shelter/camper (e.g., for shelter/campers that have two or more pairs of wall panels per side). The connector142may connect the upper pairs of wall panels (e.g., wall panels110and114) to the lower pairs of wall panels (e.g., wall panels112and116). The connector142may be tall enough to allow the lower sections128and136of the upper pairs of wall panels and the upper sections130and138of the lower pairs of wall panels to sit completely or partially within the connector142when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration, and all wall panels are folded flat. Assuming 1″ thick panels, this may result in at least a 2″ tall mid-section connector, but the connector142may be a variety of sizes, including 1″ to 24″ tall, 2″ to 12″ tall, or 2″ to 6″ tall. The connector142may give structural rigidity to the shelter/camper during the opening/expanding and closing/collapsing processes or transitions (e.g., as may be seen inFIGS. 9 and 10). The connector142may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls or wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the roof section102and/or the floor section104when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 17).

The connector142may include a portion/segment (e.g., a front end portion/segment) that may be hinged and/or latched on one or both sides of an end or portion of the shelter/camper (e.g., at a portion of a mid-section connector across the front door122) allowing the door122to open and close freely when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. This hinged/latched portion may be unlatched from the rest of the connector142allowing the hinged/latched portion to swing open and closed with the door122, if attached to the door. Optionally, the hinged/latched portion may be unlatched and swung away to the side or completely removed to allow free movement of the door122. During opening/expanding, closing/collapsing, and in closed/collapsed configuration, this hinged/latched portion of the connector142may be latched to the rest of the connector142, forming a continuous structural ring around the perimeter of the shelter/camper. If only a portion of the shelter/camper is to be opened/expanded (e.g., if only the top half is opened/expanded), the bottom ends of the upper panel sections of the front and rear wall panels may latch to the connector142, and the connector may remain in a locked position. A window or half door in the upper section of a front wall panel may allow entry to and exit from the shelter/camper, if just the upper half of the shelter/camper is opened/expanded for sleeping. For shelter/campers with bi-fold front and rear wall panels, both halves of the door in the front bi-fold wall panel may latch to the connector142and operate as one whole door when the shelter/camper is fully open/expanded. The connector142may include components of a lock, latch and/or hinge system. The connector142may also include handles (e.g., in the front and rear and/or on the sides of the shelter/camper) for manual lifting or lowering of a portion/section (e.g., the mid-section) of the shelter/camper during opening/expanding or closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, respectively, or for carrying the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed.

The floor section104may be the same as or similar to the floor section4of camper1above. In one embodiment, the floor section104may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper and may have an edge (e.g., a continuous raised edge) along all or a portion of the perimeter of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the floor section104may be curved, contoured, ridged, and/or include other aerodynamic features as discussed previously. A raised edge may be tall enough to completely contain various fixtures or components (e.g., an optional dinette, kitchenette, bath and interior accordion wall fixtures) (see e.g., components146-170,174-198inFIG. 7). The raised edge may be tall enough also to contain wall panels or sections of wall panels (e.g., the lower sections132and140of the lower pairs of wall panels112and116inside the floor when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11). In one embodiment, the interior fixtures may be folded, minimized, or rearranged to reduce size in the closed/collapsed configuration. The floor section104may include an interior edge208in the front and an interior edge210in the rear of the shelter/camper that are slightly shorter than adjacent exterior edges so that the joint between it and the front and rear wall panels latched to it can remain inside the floor section104, which may also provide a better hinge point and water tightness when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section, then a raised edge of the floor may be tall enough to accommodate those panels as well, when in the closed/collapsed configuration.

The floor section104may have a length and width that matches or is equivalent to the roof section102or floor section4. The width may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than that of a mattress200contained within the shelter/camper or wider, and the length may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than the length of the side wall panels or longer. Having the width and length at least slightly greater than the mattress may ensure that the mattress sits completely within the walls or wall panels that are attached to the floor section104. The dimensions may be such that the mattress200, walls/wall panels, interior fixtures, etc. sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. For example, a shelter/camper containing a Queen mattress (e.g., 60″×80″ give or take a couple of inches) and having 1″ thick panels, may have a floor section that is 62″ wide×84″ long (slightly longer than the bi-fold side walls, which may be 82″ long). The edge(s) (e.g., a continuous raised edge) of the floor section104may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls/wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the connector142when the shelter/camper is in the closed/collapsed configuration.

The bottom of the floor section104may include an access panel120, allowing access to batteries and/or other system components (e.g., any components or features discussed with respect to floor section4). The bottom or sides of the floor section (internally or externally) may also include access panels or ports, allowing access to plumbing or electrical connections for fresh water supply, waste and waste water drainage, fuel supply (e.g., propane) or electrical supply (e.g., external generator). The floor section104may include fixtures such as lighting, light switches, electrical outlets, venting fans, storage pockets, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The floor section104may include a dinette with storage (e.g., a left side back rest146, a left side seat148, under left seat cabinets150and152, a piston lift154to raise the left side seat height, a right side back rest156, a right side seat158, under right seat cabinets160and162, and/or a piston lift164to raise the right side seat height); kitchenette (e.g., a kitchenette section192with a sink, faucet and/or burners, kitchenette sections194and196with storage, refrigeration, and/or plumbing components and a piston lift198to raise the kitchenette height); bathroom (e.g., a vanity section174with a sink and faucet, vanity sections176,178,180and182with storage and/or plumbing components, piston lifts184and186to raise the vanity height, a shower188, and/or a toilet190); and/or interior accordion wall fixtures (e.g., a left side accordion wall166, a right side accordion wall168, and/or an accordion door170); and other associated components. The floor section104may also include attachments to allow mounting to vehicle roof racks, utility trailers or pick-up truck beds or secure attachment to any surface below it. The floor section104may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The floor section may also include connection, lock, and/or latch components to latch it to a connector142and/or the roof section102to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly. The exterior of the floor section104may also include small wheels for transportation or direct towing/pulling (e.g., transportation over short distances like that to and from a vehicle). The floor section may also include fixed height or adjustable feet removably or permanently attached thereto (e.g., to one or more exterior portions of the floor section). The Floor section104may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, brake lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., brake lights on each are coordinated).

The bed system may comprise or consist of a mattress200, a mattress platform202, components of a system for raising and lowering of the bed, and/or other components. The bed system may be stored in or near the roof section102(e.g., as shown inFIG. 7) when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration, and when maximum standing height below the bed is preferred, or when the shelter/camper is closed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11). As shown inFIG. 8, the bed system may be lowered or positioned at a variety of heights, including to a position about half of the interior height of the shelter/camper (or any comfortable height between the ceiling of the shelter/camper and any fixtures below the bed platform) to allow entry to the sleeping area while still allowing any dinette, kitchenette, bathroom or any other fixtures below it to remain in either collapsed or stacked/extended configurations. The bed system may be positioned at any height between the ceiling of the shelter/camper and any fixtures below the bed platform to allow comfortable access to either the sleeping area, the area below the bed or both areas simultaneously. The bed system may be raised or lowered manually or mechanically using a track system; slots, ledges, a cable system, a pulley system, a hook system; and/or using a combination of components (e.g., a combination of track and pulley systems); or using some other system capable of easily and quickly raising and lowering the bed system. A mechanical system for raising or lowering the bed system may be powered or operated manually.

The bottom surface of the bed platform may serve as a ceiling for the areas below the bed, when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration and the bed system is raised or located in or near the top of the shelter/camper; therefore the bed system or bed platform202may include light fixtures, components to attach one or more accordion walls166and168, curtains, dividers, an accordion door170, a shower curtain, and/or any combination of these. As the bed system rises or lowers, any accordion walls, curtains, dividers, accordion door, and/or shower curtain may rise and lower with the bed system, without detachment from it. This may allow the shelter/camper to quickly convert between sleep and standing height positions. If the shelter/camper is wide and long enough to just contain the mattress, then movement from the sleeping area to the living, kitchen and bathroom areas, and vice versa, with the bed in sleep position (FIG. 8), may be accomplished by exit and reentry through the door122. If however, the shelter/camper is sufficiently wider or longer than the mattress contained in the shelter/camper, then movement between the sleep area and the other areas may be possible without exiting and reentering the shelter/camper. Movement between the sleep area and other areas may also be possible via a hatch in the bed platform, and a movable or removable section of the mattress.

In one embodiment, the shelter/camper may include bi-fold front and rear wall panels and may be capable of opening/expanding only the upper half of the shelter/camper for sleeping while allowing the lower half to remain closed/collapsed. The bed may then be lowered to rest above the horizontal, lower sections of the front and rear bi-fold wall panels below it, to allow enough room for sleeping. The bed platform202may also include other fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling-mounted televisions, storage pockets, storage hooks, removable tables, electrical connections and plumbing connections. The mattress200contained within the shelter/camper may be any standard size mattress (Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King) or any custom size mattress. The mattress200may be foam, inner-spring, or any type of mattress commonly available.

The shelters/campers (e.g., camper1or camper100) described herein may include a variety of interior fixtures or components for convenience (see e.g., fixtures/components146-198) and related system components. Depending on the size of the shelter/camper, several combinations of seating, cooking and bathroom fixtures may be possible. The fixtures or other components described herein may be designed to remain in the shelter/camper when in the closed/collapsed configuration or may be designed to be removed when closing/collapsing the shelter/camper and reinstalled when opening/expanding the shelter/camper. If the interior fixtures are to remain inside the shelter/camper when it is closed/collapsed, the fixture dimensions, especially the heights, may be limited by the available space in the shelter/camper when it is in the closed/collapsed configuration. For example, the dimensions may be limited by the size or depth of the floor section104under the wall panels or by the space between wall panels, when all panels are folded flat for closing, or by any space available in the roof section. The floor section104may be any depth necessary to accommodate interior fixtures. If desired to reduce the overall height of the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed to allow for easier transportation (e.g., on a roof rack), the height of the floor section may need be kept to a minimum, and interior components may need to be collapsible or removable for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 11, only 7″ H×18″ W×80″ L on each side of the floor section plus 11″ H×24 in W×80″ L in the center of the floor section may be available for interior components that may remain in the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. Accordingly, in this and similar situations of other dimensions, interior seat, storage, kitchenette and bathroom components may have to be collapsible into a small area (e.g., no more than 7″ or 11″ tall sections in the example above), depending on where they will rest in the closed/collapsed shelter/camper. This can be accomplished by use of sectional components that are either connected (e.g., by sliding hinges or some other connectors) or completely detached, which may enable the sections to lay flat for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper (seeFIGS. 9-11) or stacked for use while the shelter/camper is open/expanded (seeFIG. 7). For example, seat benches with storage (see e.g., components146-152and156-162), a bath vanity (see e.g., components174-182) or a kitchenette (see e.g., components192-196) may be laid flat for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or stacked for opening/expanding of the shelter/camper, and possibly even raised to a more comfortable user height by use of lifts, piston lifts (see e.g., components154,164,184,186and198), or other lifting mechanism appropriate for the size and weight of the component. Some components such as the shower basin188may be short enough to fit in the space of the floor section without the need to be collapsed or removed, and associated shower components such as a flexible shower head, shower curtain and/or other shower components may fit inside the shower basin. Some components such as a sink faucet and/or drain may either be folded into the sink without detachment, or detached and stored in the available space in the sink or vanity cabinets. The toilet190may be a fixed height component that can be removed for closing, may be sectional, or may be a collapsible camp style toilet.

A wall divider may be used between various areas within the shelter/camper (e.g., between the seating/cooking areas and the bathroom area). For example, use of one or more collapsible, accordion-type walls166-168with an accordion door170may be attachable to the bottom of the bed platform202, while the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration, whether in a sleep position as shown inFIG. 8or in a standing height position as shown inFIG. 7. The accordion wall(s) and accordion door may be detachable and compressible into the floor area below the folded wall panels while the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration. Similarly, a shower curtain can be attached to the bed platform202while the shelter/camper is open/expanded and detached while the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. In one embodiment, plumbing lines for the kitchenette and bathroom fixtures can be tubes, pipes, flexible tubing, etc. attached to the sectional components themselves, embedded in the panels of the roof, floor, walls or bed platform, or detached and stored when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed and reattached when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. Fresh water tanks and fuel tanks may be (1) included external to the shelter/camper and attached with piping, tubing, flexible tubing, etc.; (2) placed inside when the shelter/camper is open/expanded and removed when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed, (3) fitted into any available space inside storage cabinets or in lieu of other components; or (4) otherwise associated and/or connected to the shelter/camper. Other fixtures, such as one or more mirrors172, wall/ceiling mounted televisions, storage pockets and hooks and other components may be embedded in the panels of the roof, floor, walls or bed platform.

In one embodiment, where the exterior height of the closed/collapsed shelter/camper is not limited or may be greater, e.g., as in shelters/campers designed for attachment to a utility trailer, the depth of the floor section (or height of the raised edge of the floor) may be tall enough to accommodate seating, kitchenette fixtures, bathroom fixtures, and other fixtures or components that do not need to be collapsed when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. For example, a floor section104with a height of 30-36″ or more may accommodate fixtures such as seating, cooking, bath fixtures, etc. that may be permanently installed, do not need to be collapsed and may remain inside the shelter/camper when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed.

When the shelter/camper100is in an open/expanded configuration, all wall panels106,108,110,112,114and116may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section102and floor section104, forming a complete enclosure that is suitable for sleeping and living, in properly equipped shelter/campers. The front wall panel106and rear wall panel108may sit flush against the right side wall panels110and112, left side wall panels114and116and connector/mid-section connector142. Positioned between the side wall panels, the front and rear wall panels may help prevent the side wall panels from folding inward. Slide latches or other components, as mentioned above, may also be used to help prevent wall panels from folding inward when in an open/expanded configuration. Weather stripping or gaskets may ensure a weather tight seal between all joints. The door122may allow entry to and exit from the shelter/camper and may be locked, securing occupants and/or belongings inside the shelter/camper. The door may allow occupants to move between the sleeping area and the areas below the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202) in shelter/campers that are just wide and long enough to contain mattress200. The windows144may also be opened or closed.

In open/expanded, standing-height configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 7), the shelter/camper may have an interior height between the floor and the mattress platform202comfortable enough for most occupants to stand. In an open/expanded, sleeping configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 8), the interior height between the mattress and the ceiling may be enough to sit, crawl, sleep and in some cases even stand. In an open/expanded configuration, interior fixtures146-170and174-198may be stacked and/or extended for use or collapsed for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. If the shelter/camper (e.g., in the floor section104) is tall enough to accommodate interior fixtures that do not need to be collapsed or removed for closure of the shelter/camper, the fixtures can remain in place while the shelter/camper is in open/expanded configuration or in the closed/collapsed configuration. In an open/expanded configuration, the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202) may be raised for full standing height (e.g., as shown inFIG. 7), or sleeping position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 8) or any height in between the ceiling and the fixtures (e.g., fixtures146-170and174-198) below the bed system.

If the front and rear wall panels are also bi-fold wall panels and each side wall has an upper and lower pair of bi-fold wall panels, the upper half only may be opened/expanded while the lower half remains closed/collapsed. In this case, with the bed system lowered, just the sleeping area may be accessible. The upper half of the front panel can be latched to the mid-section connector142in the front of the shelter/camper, and an openable window or half door in the door may provide entry to the sleeping area, if just the upper half is open/expanded. Water and fuel tanks may be placed externally or internally and connected to interior components as described previously. Use of optional heating and cooling equipment can maintain a comfortable interior environment in an open/expanded configuration. Components such as televisions and other electrical equipment may also be used when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. Optional solar panels118and batteries can continue to operate in the open/expanded configuration or in the closed/collapsed configuration. The shelter/camper100may remain open/expanded in place on a vehicle roof rack, in a pick-up truck bed, on a trailer, or on any surface that can support its weight and the weight of its occupants.

When the shelter/camper is in closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11), the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202), all wall panels (e.g., wall panels106,108,110,112,114and116) and all interior components/fixtures that remain in the closed/collapsed shelter/camper (e.g., fixtures/components146-198) may sit entirely inside a closed case formed by joining the roof section102, one or more connectors142(if used), and/or the floor section104. In one embodiment, the closed case may contain components in the following order, from top to bottom (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11): Mattress200, mattress platform202; front wall panel106; rear wall panel108; upper panel sections126and134of the upper pairs of wall panels110and114; lower panel sections128and136of the upper pairs of wall panels110and114; upper panel sections130and138of the lower pairs of wall panels112and116; lower panel sections132and140of the lower pairs of wall panels112and116; and all interior components/fixtures attached to the floor (e.g., fixtures/components146-170and174-198) (portions of components158,162,190and196are shown inFIG. 11). If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section instead of the roof section, the order of the front and rear wall panels may be switched or the front and rear wall panels may sit between lower panel sections of the lower pair of bi-fold wall panels and any interior components/fixtures attached to the floor. In embodiments where the front and rear wall panels are also bi-fold wall panels and each side wall has an upper and lower pair of bi-fold wall panels, the lower half of the shelter/camper100may be closed and locked while the upper half of the shelter/camper100remains open/expanded. The roof section102, one or more connectors142, the floor section104, or various combinations of these may have weather stripping or gaskets in between, forming a weather tight enclosure when in the closed/collapsed configuration. Locks, latches, connectors, etc. connecting the roof section, mid-section connector and the floor section may ensure the case remains tightly closed while in transit or not used. Optional solar panels118and batteries can continue to operate in closed/collapsed configuration.

The shelter/camper may be simple and easy to transition between configurations without any tools/specialized tools or, optionally, with additional tools that aid transitioning. In one embodiment, to open/expand the shelter/camper100, the locks, latches, or other connectors connecting the roof section102, one or more connectors142, the floor section104, or various combinations of these may first be unlocked, unlatched, unconnected, etc. and opened. Then the roof section102and the side wall panels110and114may be raised (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 10) until the wall panels110and114are completely vertical (e.g., as shown inFIG. 9). The raising/opening of the roof section102and side wall panels may be done either manually or using some manner of mechanical assistance or mechanical system (e.g., lifting/lowering mechanisms that are either powered or manually operated, such as motorized hinges, pistons, other systems/components described elsewhere herein, etc.) that is appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. Slide latches or other components may be used between sections of the wall panels (e.g., between upper sections126and134and lower wall panel sections128and136of the upper pairs of wall panels110and114) to prevent the bi-fold wall panels from folding inward. This process may open/expand the upper half of the shelter/camper. The same or a similar process may open/expand the lower half. The side wall panels112and116may be raised/opened simultaneously with the other side wall panels110and114, may be raised/opened successively, or may be left closed/collapsed if only the top half of the shelter/camper is to be opened/expanded. Opening processes may be performed simultaneously or in succession in any order.FIG. 9show the shelter/camper100in the fully raised position with the side wall panels110,112,114, and116all expanded and vertical.

With the shelter/camper in fully raised position, the front wall panel106and rear wall panel108free or unhinged ends can be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) until they latch or otherwise connect with the front and rear edges (e.g., raised interior edges) of the floor section104.FIG. 9show the front and rear wall panels106and108in the process of being lowered. Once fully lowered, the front and rear wall panels may sit flush with the edges of the side wall panels, further preventing the wall panels (e.g., bi-fold wall panels) from folding inward. Once the shelter/camper is fully opened/expanded, the interior fixtures146-170and174-198may be extended, stacked, raised, and/or otherwise situated for use. The bed system may be raised or lowered as desired for use. External tanks, plumbing components, and/or other equipment may be connected and/or attached for operation. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section instead of the roof section, the free ends of the front and rear wall panels may then be raised (manually or mechanically) until they latch with the front and rear edges (e.g., dropped interior edges) of the roof section.

To close/collapse the shelter/camper, the interior fixtures146-170and174-198may be collapsed or removed for storage, if necessary, the bed system may be raised to its highest position, and external tanks, plumbing components, and/or other equipment may be disconnected, detached or removed, if necessary. Then the free ends of the front wall panel and rear wall panel may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the edge of the floor section and the panels may be raised (manually or mechanically) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 9) toward the roof section and latched or otherwise connected/attached flat against the bottom of the mattress platform202(e.g., as shown inFIG. 10). Then any slide latches or other components holding the side wall panels open can be unlatched or adjusted, so that the side wall panels (e.g., bi-fold side wall panels) can begin to fold inward and the roof section102and any connector(s)142can begin to lower (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 10). The upper and lower halves of the shelter/camper may be lowered simultaneously or in succession, in any order. The lowering of the roof section, any connector(s), and the side wall panels (e.g., four pairs of bi-fold side wall panels as shown inFIG. 10) may be mechanically assisted by lifting/lowering mechanisms or other mechanical systems described herein that are either powered or manually operated, such as motorized hinges, pistons, etc. that are appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the floor section instead of the roof section, the free ends of the of the front wall panel and rear wall panel may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the dropped edge of the roof section so that the panels may be lowered (manually or mechanically) until they rest flat against the tops of the interior components/fixtures146-170and174-198contained in the floor section. Once the wall panels are fully lowered, the roof section102, any connector(s)142, and the floor section104may be latched, connected, and/or locked together, creating a tightly closed, secure case (e.g., as shown inFIG. 11).

Where the front and rear wall panels are also bi-fold wall panels and each side wall has an upper and lower pair of bi-fold wall panels, the upper half of the shelter/camper only may be opened/expanded and used while the lower half remains closed/collapsed as mentioned above. In this case, to open/expand just the upper half, the lock and latches or other connectors between the roof section102, a connector142, and/or floor section104may be unlocked and opened, while the latches between a connector142and the floor section104remain closed/collapsed and locked. The opening/expanding process can proceed as described above for the upper pairs of side wall panels. With the roof section fully raised and the upper pairs of side wall panels completely vertical and slide latches engaged to prevent the upper pairs of wall panels from folding inward, the front and rear wall panels (e.g., bi-fold wall panels) can be lowered so that the upper sections of both front and rear wall panels are completely vertical and latched to the inside of the locked connector142. The lower sections of front and rear wall panels (e.g., bi-fold wall panels) may remain horizontal and rest above the folded lower pairs of side wall panels below them. To use the bed system it may then be lowered to rest above the horizontal lower sections of the front and rear bi-fold wall panels. Exit from and entry to the shelter/camper can be done via an opening window or half door in the upper section of the front wall panel. The closing/collapsing process of just the upper half of the shelter/camper is similar to the closing/collapsing process of the shelter/camper described above. For example, the bed system may be raised to its highest position in the roof section for storage, and any other components or equipment may be disconnected, detached and/or removed, if necessary. Then the bottom ends of the upper section of the front and rear bi-fold wall panels can be detached from the connector142, and the entire front and rear bi-fold wall panels can be raised to latch or otherwise attach to the bottom of the mattress platform. Then any slide latches or other components keeping the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels from folding inward can be opened/adjusted to allow the wall panels to fold flat as the roof section lowers. Once all wall panels are folded flat and the roof section is fully lowered, the roof section102can be latched, locked, and/or otherwise connected to the connector142and/or the floor section104for secure closure of the shelter/camper.

The enclosure walls106,108,110,112,114, and116, roof section102, connector(s)142, and floor section104may be constructed of composite material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any other composite material. Alternatively, the panels may be constructed with wood or aluminum framing and sided with wood, aluminum, laminate, fiberglass or any other siding material. The panels may have a solid, honeycombed, sectioned, or hollow core. The panels may be insulated with polystyrene, fiberglass, any other insulating material, and/or any other vapor barrier material (e.g., one or more of these may be used inside the panels). Interior surfaces may be painted, left unfinished or finished with any appropriate material, such as plastic, wood or fiberglass paneling, or may be upholstered. Interior fixtures146-198,202may be constructed of any appropriate material such as plastic, wood, laminate, fiberglass, glass, stainless steel, or other metal or fabric.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 18-20, the exterior dimensions of shelter/camper100that contains a 4″ thick Queen mattress (e.g., 60″×80″ give or take a couple of inches), 1″ thick panels and has front and rear wall panels hinged to the roof may be 62″ W×84″ L×92″ H in an open/expanded configuration and 62″ W×84″ L×20″ H in a closed/collapsed configuration. This embodiment has 18″ H×82″ L bi-fold side panel sections126,128,130,132,134,136,138and140. This embodiment also has a 9″ tall floor section104, which has a floor thickness of 1″, plus 7″ of height to accommodate the interior fixtures146-170and174-198, plus 1″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick lower sections132and140of the lower pairs of bi-fold side wall panels112and116when in a closed/collapsed configuration. This embodiment may have a 2″ tall mid-section connector142that may provide 2″ of height for the 1″ thick upper sections130and138of the lower pairs of bi-fold side wall panels112and116and the 1″ thick lower sections128and136of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels110and114. This embodiment may have a 9″ tall roof section102with a ceiling thickness of 1″, plus 4″ of height to accommodate the mattress200, plus 1″ of height to accommodate the mattress platform202, plus 1″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick upper sections126and134of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels110and114, plus 2″ of space to accommodate the 1″ thick front wall panel106and 1″ thick rear wall panel108when closed/collapsed.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7 and 11, the front wall panel106may be 60″ W×78″ H or have a total combined length of 78″ for both or all sections of a bi-fold or multi-fold front wall panel, if present. The rear wall panel108may be 60″ W×77″ H or have a total combined length of 77″ for both or all sections of a bi-fold or multi-fold panel, if present. The roof section102may have a dropped interior front edge204that is 5″ H and a dropped interior rear edge206that is 6″ H. The floor section104may have raised interior edges208and210that are 7″ H. With the shelter/camper fully opened/expanded, the distance between the roof and floor exterior edges may be 74″. With the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202) in fully raised position, the distance between the mattress platform and the floor is 85″, resulting in over 7′ of interior standing height. In this embodiment, the available space for interior fixtures may be 7″ H×18″ W×80″ L along each side of the floor, under the folded side wall panels; and 11″ H×24″ W×80″ L in the center, in the gap between the 2 pairs of folded bi-fold wall panels on each side. This embodiment employs a configuration that accommodates the following: 18″ W×44″ L left seat bench with 2 cabinets below; 18″ W×18″ L right bench with 2 cabinets below; 12″ W×26″ L kitchenette in 3 sections; shower basin that is 7″ H×24″ W×36″ L; a 12″ deep bath vanity in 5 sections, 3 of which are 24″ W and 2 of which are 12″ W; space for a collapsible camp toilet. Depending on the thickness of the accordion wall and door, a small amount of space between fixtures on either side of the wall may be needed, so those fixture dimensions may be reduced slightly. The benches, kitchenette and bath vanity sections may collapse to sections that have a total combined height of about 7″ for the sections that occupy the 7″ H×18″ W space under the bi-fold side wall panels on either side of the shelter/camper or no more than 11″ for the sections that occupy the 11″×24 in W space in the center of the shelter/camper extending into the gap between the bi-fold side wall panels. These example dimensions are for a shelter/camper with a Queen mattress. The dimensions and/or configurations of components and interior fixtures may vary depending on the size of the mattress the shelter/camper contains and other factors. For example, in one embodiment, the dimensions cited above may vary within plus or minus 15″, 12″, 6″, 3″, or other amounts. In one embodiment, the dimensions may be sized to leave room in the collapsed/closed configuration for interior fixtures that could be 36″ tall or taller and/or to allow for shelters where the floor is tall enough to accommodate fixtures such that they do not need to be collapsed. In one embodiment, the dimensions affecting the height of the shelter may be increased by an amount between 2″ and 40″, between 10″ and 30″, and/or between 12″ and 24″.

The shelters/campers and components thereof described herein may be customizable by the end user. For example, an end user may wish to configure the interior with certain fixtures and components in a particular arrangement at one time, but configure the interior with other fixtures and components in a different arrangement at a different time and/or for a different purpose. The fixtures and components may have one or more standardized attachment mechanisms (e.g., posts, rails, screws, bolts, latches, slots, clamps, holes, receptacles, etc.) that may match corresponding connection points or attachment mechanisms (e.g., posts, rails, screws, bolts, latches, slots, clamps, holes, receptacles, etc.) in the floor section, roof section, and/or panels. This may allow different fixtures and components to be interchangeably attached to different connection points or areas in the shelter. For example, a bench and a table may include similarly shaped and designed attachments that correspond to receptacles in the floor section such that either the bench or the table may be placed in a particular location as desired, and then later removed and/or rearranged. Methods of customizing the shelter/camper may include (1) addition, deletion, rearrangement or modification of fixtures or components; (2) addition, deletion, rearrangement or modification of 3rd party or aftermarket fixtures or components; (3) addition of end-user constructed fixtures or components.

The apparatuses, devices, systems, fixtures, components, etc. described herein may be manufactured in a variety of ways, including using a mold or cast, injection molding, 3D printing, welding, carving, other methods, and/or a combination of these. All or some materials used to make the apparatuses, devices, systems, fixtures, components, etc. discussed above may be “green” friendly, e.g., made from recycled materials or as recyclable materials.

While generally described herein in terms of portable shelters or campers, the principles and design features of campers1and100may also be used with a permanent or stationary shelter that is not moved or not moved often, but may still provide comfortable and safe shelter and may be collapsible and expandable or transitionable between different configurations for different purposes.

The shelters/campers and components thereof described herein may be used in a variety of methods. Methods of using the shelter/camper or any of its components may include any of the steps discussed herein, including steps of opening/expanding, closing/collapsing, assembling, arranging, etc. the shelter/camper or components thereof in a desired way (e.g., including any of the steps required to assemble/arrange variations of the shelter/camper or components as discussed or shown herein). Methods of using the shelters/campers described herein may also include (1) providing or obtaining a shelter/camper having any of the components or features described herein; (2) transporting/moving the shelter/camper in an open/expanded or closed/collapsed configuration; (3) opening/expanding the shelter/camper from the closed/collapsed configuration to the open/expanded configuration; (4) opening/expanding/positioning the walls or wall panels as desired; (5) latching portions of the walls or wall panels; (6) connecting fixtures, components, and/or plumbing or tubing; (7) opening or closing windows or doors; (8) raising, lowering, or otherwise positioning a bed system (e.g., a mattress, platform, and/or other components); (9) assembling or using fixtures; (10) connecting propane or other energy source to kitchenette, stove, and/or oven; (11) closing/collapsing the shelter/camper to a closed/collapsed configuration from the open/expanded configuration. These and other steps (including specifics for how the shelter/camper and its panels and components are transitioned between configurations) described herein may be performed in the order disclosed or in a different sequence, and steps may be omitted or added.

The shelter (e.g., shelter1and/or shelter100discussed above) or groups of more than one of the shelter may be used in various ways (e.g., in emergency disaster relief as a portable and collapsible shelter that can be easily transported and easily and quickly set up for use, for group events, movie crews filming in various locations, chartered vacations, vacation tour groups, construction projects, remote location projects, touring professionals, etc.). Multiple shelters, in collapsed configurations, can be stacked for transportation to remote locations (e.g., by tractor trailer truck, cargo ship, freight train, cargo plane, helicopter or any other method of delivery and/or a combination of delivery methods). The shelters may be easily deployed and set up without the need for specialized tools or personnel (e.g., one or more victims of a natural or man-made disaster may set up a shelter with simple instructions and begin use immediately). In properly equipped shelters, the shelters may capable of producing energy or have energy stores to run its own systems by use of attached solar panels, batteries and/or generators. Multiple shelters may also be connected to a central power supply, fresh water supply and/or waste removal system. For example, electric supply from a commercial generator or other power source may power multiple, linked shelters; fresh water from a central water supply may be delivered to multiple, linked shelters via tubes, hoses and/or pumps; a common drain line may remove waste from multiple, linked shelters. The shelters may optionally be delivered and deployed with some or all necessities included in the collapsed configuration and ready for use in the expanded configuration (e.g., on-board food, water, sanitary supplies and/or energy sources).

FIGS. 12-19illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a shelter or camper. Camper400depicted inFIGS. 12-19may include features the same as or similar to those described above with respect to camper1or camper100(and camper1or camper100may include features the same as or similar to those of camper400). In one embodiment, camper400may be configured as a hard-sided, collapsible camping unit that is a fully enclosed, weather tight, lockable and private living structure while in an open/expanded configuration and is an easily portable, hard case for transportation while in a closed/collapsed configuration. While camper400is in an open/expanded configuration, occupants may be able to sleep, sit, eat or use the bathroom in a properly equipped unit. The walls, wall panels, floor, roof, etc. may be constructed of rigid material or of materials similar to those described above with respect to camper1and camper100. In one embodiment, camper400may be configured as a stationary or non-portable shelter with similar features to those described herein, but configured to remain in a permanent or semi-permanent location.

In one embodiment, the structure (e.g., a rigid structure) of the shelter/camper400in both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations may allow the shelter/camper to contain a mattress, seating, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, as well as televisions, lighting, electrical outlets, solar panels, batteries, heating and cooling appliances and any other system or convenience components that may be permanently or temporarily attached to or included in the shelter/camper. A rigid structure may also provide protection from the elements by forming a secure, weather-tight enclosure that may be heated or cooled with optional equipment. A rigid structure design may also allow the use of insulation in the structure's panels, further improving its interior climate control performance. The rigid structure (e.g., including hard-siding) may offer security by being lockable in both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations. While in the open/expanded configuration and with the bed system raised (e.g. with the mattress486raised toward the top and rear of camper400, creating a loft, as shown inFIG. 14), the shelter/camper400can provide comfortable standing height below the bed system while still providing a comfortable height above the mattress for sitting, sleeping and crawling, without the need to adjust the height of the bed system. When the camper400is closed, it may be collapsed into a low-profile, case (e.g., a hard case) that may be mounted to a vehicle roof rack; placed in the bed of a pick-up truck; placed on a trailer and towed behind a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or any other tow vehicle; placed in or on a boat; and/or placed anywhere there is a sufficient foundation or surface below and sufficient height above while open/expanded. The shelter/camper may be designed and configured to be easily and quickly opened/expanded in place for occupancy and closed/collapsed when in transit or in storage.

Camper400may include wall panels406,408,410,412,414and416, which may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding, or may be similar to other panels described herein. In one embodiment, camper400may maintain a rigid structure in both opened/expanded (FIGS. 12-14) and closed/collapsed (FIG. 19) configurations by use of rigid wall panels406,408,410,412,414and416(e.g., folding and bi-folding wall panels, or panels similar to those described with respect to camper1and camper100). The wall panels406,408,410,412,414and416may be hinged and/or latched to a rigid roof section402, a mid-section connector442, and/or a rigid floor section404. When opening/expanding (e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 15-18), the wall panels406,408,410,412,414and416may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section402and floor section404. When closing/collapsing the camper400(e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 15-18), the wall panels406,408,410,412,414and416may be folded flat or until they are parallel to the roof section402and floor section404. When fully opened/expanded (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 12-14), the shelter/camper400may provide comfortable living quarters for occupants. When closed/collapsed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19), the roof section402, floor section404, and mid-section connector442(if used), may come together to form a weather tight and portable case, fully enclosing all interior fixtures that may remain in the shelter/camper and front, rear and side wall panels. Components of the shelter/camper400may be the same as or similar to components of shelter/camper1or camper shelter/camper100described above; additional components/features are also described in detail below.

Shelter/camper400may have one or more wall panels the same as or similar to the wall panels of camper1or camper100described above. The wall panels may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding, etc. Optionally, the side wall panels may be a combination of two or more bi-fold panels, may be a quadri-fold panel, or may be another type of panel or combination of panels. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 12-14 and 15-18, the shelter/camper400may have two pairs of right side bi-fold wall panels410and412and two pairs of left side bi-fold wall panels414and416. Each wall panel and/or section of the wall panels may be of similar size/dimensions as the wall panels and sections of wall panels described above with respect to camper1or camper100. In one embodiment, the height of the sections of the wall panels may be between 27″ to ½ of the interior width of the shelter/camper. Combined with space provided by the roof section402, a mid-section connector442, and the floor section404, this may allow for well over 10′ of interior height (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14) with about 7′ between the floor and bed system (including mattress486and platform488) and about 3′ between the top of the mattress and the roof when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 12-14), and when the bed system is fully raised (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14). The right side wall panels may sit side by side with the left side wall panels, without overlapping, when folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 18-19).

In an embodiment with four pairs of bi-fold wall panels, all four pairs of bi-fold wall panels may be slightly longer than the mattress486contained within the shelter/camper or longer. For example, a shelter/camper with an adult mattress about 80″ long may have bi-fold wall panel sections that are roughly 27″×100″ or longer, extending roughly 1″ (or the equivalent thickness of the front or rear wall panels) or more beyond one end of the mattress and 19″ or more beyond the other end of the mattress. This configuration may allow the front wall panel406and rear wall panel408edges to sit flush with the side wall panel edges when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration; with weather stripping or gaskets, this can create a weather tight corner joint between side walls and front and rear walls. Arranging/positioning the front wall panel406and rear wall panel408between the side wall panels may also allow the front and rear wall panels to prevent the side wall panels from folding inward when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration. This configuration may also allow a gap of about 18″ between the front wall panel and the mattress, allowing an occupant to move between the bed and the areas below the bed without exiting the shelter/camper, when the shelter/camper is open/expanded and the bed system is fully raised (e.g. as shown inFIG. 14). This configuration may also allow a gap of about 18″ between the mattress and the rear of the shelter/camper, allowing some taller interior components, such as a toilet and/or vanity sections, to sit between the mattress and the rear of the shelter/camper, when the mattress is lowered for storage and the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. In one embodiment, the right and left side walls may each have a set of upper bi-fold wall panels410and414and a set of lower bi-fold wall panels412and416. The upper panel sections426and434of the upper wall panels410and414may be hinged on the top to an edge (e.g., a dropped edge) of the roof section402, and the lower panel sections428and436of the same set of upper wall panels may be hinged on the bottom to the top of an optional mid-section connector442or other panel. The bottom of the mid-section connector442may be hinged to the tops of upper panel sections430and438of the lower set of wall panels412and416, and the lower panel sections432and440of the same set of lower wall panels412and416may be hinged on the bottom to the raised edge of the floor section404. Weather stripping or gaskets along some or all of the edges of each section of the wall panels may form weather tight joints between the side walls and the roof, mid-section connector and floor and in between the upper and lower wall sections of the wall panels. Latches, hooks, locks, or other connectors/attachments may also be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration.

Shelter/camper400may also include slide latches (or other latches or locks) that can slide or be positioned between the walls, wall panels, or sections of the wall panels (e.g. to prevent folding or other undesired movement). For example, wall panel slide latches may be included that can slide or be positioned between the upper sections426,430,434, and438and the lower sections428,432,436and440to further prevent the wall panels from folding inward and to help maintain the open/expanded configuration. When in a closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section, and/or any combination of these. Each section of the wall panels410,412,414and416may also contain a window or multiple windows444. The windows may be fixed or capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and blinds. Any or all wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, storage pockets, storage hooks, venting fans, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The wall panels may also include fixtures such as mirrors, tables, or seat back rests embedded in their interior surfaces. The wall panels may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., including a mattress486and a platform488).

In one embodiment, shelters/campers may be wide enough to achieve an interior height sufficient for standing below the bed system and sleeping above with only one set of wall panels per side, e.g., similar to the side wall design of camper1above. For example, use of one pair of bi-fold wall panels with panel sections that are 54″ tall (rather than 27″ tall) per side may result in a standard interior height of over 10′, combined with the heights of the floor and roof sections, when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. In this case, no mid-section connector may be necessary and the bi-fold wall panels may be hinged in a similar manner as with camper1.

Shelter/Camper400may have one or more front and rear wall panels the same as or similar to the wall panels of camper1and camper100described above. The wall panels may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding, etc. Optionally the front and rear wall panels may be a folding panel, may be a bi-fold panel, or may be another type of panel or combination of panels. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 12-14 and 16-17, the shelter/camper400may have a folding front wall panel406and a folding rear wall panel408. Each wall panel and/or section of the wall panels may be of similar size/dimensions as the wall panels and sections of wall panels described above with respect to camper1and camper100. In one embodiment, the height of the upper wall panel section406A of the folding front wall panel may be 33″ and the lower wall panel section406B may be 80″. As can be seen inFIG. 14, this may allow the folding front wall panel to extend between a raised interior edge (e.g., raised interior edge492) of the floor section and a bottom surface, or ceiling, of the roof section when the shelter/camper is in open/expanded configuration. In one embodiment, the height of the upper wall panel section408A of the folding rear wall may be 18″ and the lower wall panel section408B may be 97″. As can be seen inFIG. 14, this configuration may allow the folding rear wall panel to extend between a raised interior edge (e.g., raised interior edge494) of the floor section and a bottom surface, or ceiling, of the roof section. The upper panel section of the front wall may sit end to end with the upper panel section of the rear wall, or both upper panel sections may sit at the same level, without overlapping; and the larger, lower panel sections of the front and rear wall may sit above and below the upper sections, respectively, when folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 16-19).

In an embodiment with folding front and rear wall panels, all panel sections of the front and rear wall panels may be at least the same width as, slightly wider than, or wider than a mattress486contained within the shelter/camper. In one embodiment, the lower panel sections406B and408B of the front and rear folding wall panels406and408may be hinged to raised interior edges492and494of the floor section404. The lower panel406B of the front wall406may be hinged at least 2″ (or the equivalent thickness of two wall panel sections stacked on top of each other) higher than the lower panel408B of the rear wall408. In other words, the hinge points on the edges (e.g., on interior raised edges492and494) in the front and rear of the floor section404may be staggered for the lower panel sections of the front and rear wall panels. This may allow the lower panel section406B of the folding front wall406to sit above both of the folded, upper panel sections406A and408A of the front and rear wall panels406and408and may allow those, in turn, to sit above the lower panel section408B of the folding rear wall408when the walls are folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. Alternatively, if the lower panel of the rear wall is hinged higher than the lower panel of the front wall this may allow the lower panel section408B of the folding rear wall408to sit above both of the folded, upper panel sections406A and408A of the front and rear wall panels406and408and may allow those, in turn, to sit above the lower panel section406B of the folding front wall406when the walls are folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper.

In an embodiment with folding front and rear walls, if one section of each folding wall panel is shorter than the other section and the shorter section has one hinged end (e.g., an end that is hinged to the larger panel section) and one unattached (free/unhinged) end (e.g., an end that can be latched to a roof or floor section), as described above, then the shorter panels may occupy the same level in a closed/collapsed shelter/camper, between the two larger panel sections, as previously described. This configuration may minimize the combined height folded front and rear wall panels may take up in a closed/collapsed camper, if the camper is not long enough to contain front and rear panels without the need to fold them or not long enough to contain a folded front panel that may sit side by side with a folded rear panel (e.g., similar to how the folded pairs of left and right side panels sit in a closed/collapsed camper). The panel sections may be any height necessary to contain components such as doors and/or windows and/or any other components while still being capable of folding or collapsing in the manner mentioned above.

When opening/expanding the shelter/camper (e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 16 and 17), the unattached (free or unhinged) ends of these wall panels may be raised until they latch, connect, or otherwise attach to an edge (e.g., an interior surface of the dropped, interior edge) of the roof section402in the front and rear of the shelter/camper, or directly to the bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of shelter/camper), forming a continuous and weather tight front and rear wall connecting the roof and floor. Alternatively, the front and rear wall panels may be hinged to edges (e.g., dropped, interior edges) of the roof section402and lowered to latch, connect, or otherwise attach to edges (e.g., raised, interior edges492and494) of the floor section404. When the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the walls may be completely unfolded. The front and rear wall edges may sit flush with the side wall edges, forming a weather tight corner joint as described above. Latches, hooks, locks, weather stripping, or other connectors/attachments may optionally be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration. The front and rear wall panels, if hinged to the floor section404, may sit between the mattress486as well as any fixtures or components included in the floor section that are in that portion of the floor section not covered by the mattress (e.g., a portion of the shower basin482, toilet484and the lower two vanity sections476and478) and the lower sections432and440of the lower pairs of wall panels412and416when closed/collapsed. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section402, the front and rear wall panels may sit between the upper sections426and434of the upper pairs of wall panels410and414and the roof section. When in closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section, and/or a combination of these (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19). Optionally, the front and rear wall panels may also be bi-fold (e.g., folding in half) or multi-fold panels. The panels or sections of the panels may include a door or large window in one or more sections or halves of the front or rear wall panels.

The front wall panel406may include a door422, and the door may contain a window424or multiple windows. The rear wall panel408may also include a small door496. The doors and/or windows may include locks, latches, etc. Any doors422and496or window424may include weather stripping or gaskets, creating a weather tight seal between the door and the rest of the front or rear wall panel, when the door or window is closed.

The front wall panel may also latch to a portion of the mid-section connector in the front of the shelter/camper, allowing that portion of the mid-section connector to swing open and closed with the door, or alternatively that portion of the mid-section connecter can simply be left open and swung away to allow free operation of the door, when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. The front and rear wall panels may each contain a window444or multiple windows. The windows may be fixed or capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and/or blinds. The front and rear wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The front and rear wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The front and rear wall panels may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488) or the bed system may be removed and reinserted in a variety of slots at different heights (e.g., similar to adjustable levels in an oven).

The roof section402of camper400may be the same as or similar to roof section2of camper1or roof section102of camper100. For example, the roof section402, in one embodiment, may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper and may have a continuous dropped edge along the perimeter of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the roof section402may be curved, contoured, ridged, or include other aerodynamic features as discussed above with respect to camper1and camper100. The dropped edge may be tall enough to completely contain the side wall panels or sections of the side wall panels (e.g., upper sections426and434of the upper pairs of side wall panels410and414) inside the roof section402when the shelter/camper is in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19). If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section, then a dropped edge of the roof may be tall enough to accommodate those panels as well, when in the closed/collapsed configuration.

In one embodiment, the front and rear wall panels may each be long enough to extend between the interior edges or bottom surface of the roof and the interior edges of the floor. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section, then the dropped edge of the roof may be tall enough to contain the front and rear wall panels, and/or upper sections of the upper wall panels, when in a closed/collapsed configuration. The roof section402may have a length and width equivalent to the floor. The width may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than that of a mattress486contained within the shelter/camper, and the length may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than the length of the side wall panels. Having the width and length at least slightly greater than the mattress may ensure that the mattress sits completely within the 4 walls that are attached to the roof section and the mattress and walls sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. For example, a shelter/camper containing a King mattress (e.g., 76″×80″ give or take a couple of inches) and having 1″ thick panels, may have a roof section that is about 78″ wide×102″ long (or slightly longer than the side walls, which may be 100″ long in this case, to provide a gap between the mattress and the front wall when the shelter is open/expanded and between the mattress and the rear of the shelter when the shelter is closed/collapsed) (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 15 and 19). The edge(s) (e.g., a continuous dropped edge) of the roof section402may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls or wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the mid-section connector442when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19).

The top of the roof section402may include solar panels418, roof rack attachments and/or antennae for radio, television and/or internet transmissions. The interior of the roof section402(i.e., the ceiling of the shelter/camper) may include light fixtures and/or other fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The roof section402may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The roof may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising or lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488). The roof section402may also include lock and latch components or other connection components to latch it to the mid-section connector and/or floor section to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly. The roof section402may also include handles (e.g., in the front and rear and/or on the sides of the shelter/camper) for manual lifting or lowering of the roof section402for opening/expanding or closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, respectively, or for carrying the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. The roof section402may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, break lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., brake lights on each are coordinated).

The shelter/camper400may include one or more connectors or connector components/sections (e.g., the same as or similar to connector442). In one embodiment, connector442may be a mid-section connector. Connector442may be a continuous, structural ring around the perimeter of the shelter/camper (e.g., for shelters/campers that have two or more pairs of wall panels per side). The connector442may connect the upper pairs of wall panels (e.g., wall panels410and414) to the lower pairs of wall panels (e.g., wall panels412and416). The connector442may be tall enough to allow the lower sections428and436of the upper pairs of wall panels and the upper sections430and438of the lower pairs of wall panels to sit completely or partially within the connector442when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration, and all wall panels are folded flat. Assuming 1″ thick panels, this may result in at least a 2″ tall mid-section connector, but the connector442may be a variety of sizes, including 1″ to 24″ tall, 2″ to 12″ tall, or 2″ to 6″ tall. The connector442may give structural rigidity to the shelter/camper during the opening/expanding and closing/collapsing processes or transitions (e.g., as may be seen inFIGS. 16, 17 and 18). The connector442may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls or wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the roof section402and/or the floor section404when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19).

The connector442may include a portion/segment (e.g., a front end portion/segment) that may be hinged and/or latched on one or both sides of an end or portion of the shelter/camper (e.g., at a portion of a mid-section connector across the front door422) allowing the door422to open and close freely when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. This hinged/latched portion may be unlatched from the rest of the connector442allowing the hinged/latched portion to swing open and closed with the door422, if attached to the door. Optionally, the hinged/latched portion may be unlatched and swung away to the side or completely removed to allow free movement of the door422. During opening/expanding, closing/collapsing, and in closed/collapsed configuration, this hinged/latched portion of the connector442may be latched to the rest of the connector442, forming a continuous structural ring around the perimeter of the shelter/camper. The connector442may include components of a lock, latch and/or hinge system. The connector442may also include handles (e.g., in the front and rear and/or on the sides of the shelter/camper) for manual lifting or lowering of a portion/section (e.g., the mid-section) of the shelter/camper during opening/expanding or closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, respectively, or for carrying the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. The connector442may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The connector442may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., including a mattress486and a platform488).

The floor section404may be the same as or similar to the floor section4of camper1and the floor section104of camper100above. In one embodiment, the floor section404may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper and may have an edge (e.g., a continuous raised edge) along all or a portion of the perimeter of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the floor section404may be curved, contoured, ridged, and/or include other aerodynamic features as discussed previously. A raised edge may be tall enough to completely contain various fixtures or components (e.g., optional seating, bath fixtures, interior wall components and a bed system) (see e.g., components446-470,474-490inFIG. 14). The raised edge may be tall enough also to contain wall panels or sections of wall panels (e.g., front and rear wall panels406and408and the lower sections432and440of the lower pairs of wall panels412and416inside the floor when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed) (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19). In one embodiment, the interior fixtures may be folded, minimized, or rearranged to reduce size in the closed/collapsed configuration. The floor section404may include an interior edge492in the front and an interior edge494in the rear of the shelter/camper that are slightly shorter than adjacent exterior edges so that the joint between it and the front and rear wall panels hinged to it can remain inside the floor section404, which may also provide a better hinge point and water tightness when the shelter/camper is open/expanded.

The floor section404may have a length and width that matches or is equivalent to the roof section402, floor section4of camper1or floor section104of camper100. The width may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than that of a mattress486contained within the shelter/camper or wider, and the length may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than the length of the side wall panels or longer. Having the width and length at least slightly greater than the mattress may ensure that the mattress sits completely within the walls or wall panels that are attached to the floor section404. The dimensions may be such that the mattress486, walls/wall panels, interior fixtures, etc. sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. For example, a shelter/camper containing a King mattress (e.g., 76″×80″ give or take a couple of inches) and having 1″ thick panels, may have a floor section that is 78″ wide×102″ long (slightly longer than the bi-fold side walls, which may be 100″ long in this case, to provide a gap between the mattress and the front wall when the shelter/camper is open/expanded and between the mattress and the rear of the shelter when the shelter is closed/collapsed). The edge(s) (e.g., a continuous raised edge) of the floor section404may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls/wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the connector442when the shelter/camper is in the closed/collapsed configuration.

The floor section404may include an access panel420, allowing access to batteries and/or other system components (e.g., any components or features discussed with respect to floor section4of camper1or floor section104of camper100). The bottom or sides of the floor section (internally or externally) may also include access panels or ports, allowing access to plumbing or electrical connections for fresh water supply, waste and waste water drainage, fuel supply (e.g., propane) or electrical supply (e.g., external generator). The floor section404may include fixtures such as lighting, light switches, electrical outlets, venting fans, storage pockets, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The floor section404may include seating (e.g., a left side backrest446, a left side seat448, a left side backrest frame450, a left side seat frame452, a right side backrest456, a right side seat458, a right side backrest frame460, a right side seat frame462); a bathroom (e.g., a vanity section474with a sink and faucet, vanity sections476and478, with storage and/or plumbing components, piston lifts480to raise the vanity height, a shower482, and/or a toilet484); an interior wall464(e.g., an upper interior wall panel466with door470, a section468(e.g., a raised interior section of the floor section), and/or a track system490attached to the bed platform for moving the upper interior wall panel); a bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488); and other associated components. The floor section404may also include attachments to allow mounting to vehicle roof racks, utility trailers or pick-up truck beds or secure attachment to any surface below it. The floor section404may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The floor may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising or lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488). The floor section may also include connection, lock, and/or latch components to latch it to a connector442and/or the roof section402to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly. The exterior of the floor section404may also include small wheels for transportation or direct towing/pulling (e.g., transportation over short distances like that to and from a vehicle). The floor section may also include fixed height or adjustable feet removably or permanently attached thereto (e.g., to one or more exterior portions of the floor section). The Floor section404may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, break lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., break lights on each are coordinated).

The bed system may comprise or consist of a mattress486, a mattress platform488, components of a system for raising and lowering of the bed, and/or other components. The bed system may be positioned roughly 3′ or more or less below the roof section402and toward the rear wall panel408(e.g., creating a loft as shown inFIG. 14) when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration, and when standing height below the bed and sleeping height above the bed are simultaneously preferred; or the bed system may be moved to a position in or near the floor section404and toward the front of the shelter/camper, resting on any interior components below, when the shelter/camper is closed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19). The bed system may be raised or lowered manually or mechanically using a track system; slots, ledges, a cable system, a pulley system, a hook system; and/or using a combination of components (e.g., a combination of track and pulley systems); or using some other system capable of easily and quickly raising and lowering the bed system. A mechanical system for raising or lowering the bed system may be powered or operated manually.

The bottom surface of the bed platform may serve as a ceiling for the areas below the bed, when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration and the bed system is raised or located roughly 3′ below the roof section402and adjacent to and optionally attached (e.g., attached using one or more latches or other types of connectors) to the rear wall408of the shelter/camper, creating a loft; therefore the bed system or bed platform488may include light fixtures, components (e.g., track system490) to attach an upper section466of interior wall464, curtains, dividers, a shower curtain, and/or any combination of these. As the bed system rises or lowers, the upper panel466of the interior wall (e.g., if detached from raised section468in the floor section), curtains, dividers, and/or shower curtain may rise and lower with the bed system, without detachment from it (e.g., as can be seen inFIG. 15). This may allow the interior components attached to the bed system to quickly convert between configurations for use and storage when the shelter/camper converts between open/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations. Movement between the loft area and other areas may be possible via a ladder454placed in the gap between the front wall406and the bed system (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14), in a camper configured to be sufficiently longer than the mattress it contains. If the shelter/camper is sufficiently wider than the mattress it contains, the ladder may be placed in the gap between the left and/or right wall panels and the bed system. The ladder may be a collapsible ladder that may capable of transitioning between a collapsed configuration for storage and an expanded configuration for use; or the ladder may be a standard, fixed length ladder. For closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper the ladder may be collapsed, if necessary, and stored in any available space in a closed/collapsed shelter (e.g., in the space between the folded right side wall panels and the folded left side wall panels). Alternatively, the shelter/camper may contain other components or methods that may enable an occupant to move between the loft and the areas below the bed system, such as: foot and/or hand holds embedded in the wall panels, retractable into the wall panels or otherwise attached to the wall panels; interior components arranged in a manner that they may be stepped on or climbed up or down on (e.g., an occupant may be able to step on seats, backrests, and/or other fixtures to reach the bed or climb down from the bed); a rope ladder; a ladder attached to and retractable into the bed system; and/or any other fixtures or components or combinations of fixtures or components or methods that may allow an occupant to move between the bed and the areas below it. The bed platform488may also include other fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling-mounted televisions, storage pockets, storage hooks, removable tables, electrical connections and plumbing connections. The mattress486contained within the shelter/camper may be any standard size mattress (Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King) or any custom size mattress. The mattress486may be foam, inner-spring, or any type of mattress commonly available.

Shelter/camper400may have one or more interior wall panels or dividers the same as or similar to its exterior panels described above. The interior wall panels may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding or sectional; or the interior wall may be flexible (e.g., similar to accordion walls and door166-170of camper100). Optionally, the interior walls may be a combination of sectional components or maybe another type of panel or may be a combination of panels or components. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 14, interior wall464may be a combination of upper interior wall panel466and section468(e.g., a raised interior section of the floor section). The interior wall panel may be the same width as the front and rear wall panels, extending from the right side wall panels410and412to the left side wall panels414and416, and sitting flush against the side panels and mid-section connector442. Interior wall464may be attached to the bed system, as described above. The interior wall may contain an upper, movable interior wall panel466hinged on the top to platform488using track system490or other type of track or connector. The track may be embedded or otherwise attached to a bottom surface of the bed platform488. The track system may allow the interior wall panel to move with the bed platform, as the bed platform is moved between positions for use and storage, as previously mentioned. The upper panel section may also be connected to the bed platform using hinges, latches, hooks or any other types of connectors. In a closed/collapsed configuration or for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, the upper interior wall panel may be positioned parallel to and underneath the bed platform488(e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 15and in a closed/collapsed shelter/camper inFIG. 19). In an open/expanded configuration, the upper interior wall panel may be positioned perpendicular to the bed platform and latched to a raised interior section468in the floor section (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14). The upper panel466of the interior wall464may be tall enough to extend between the bed platform in a raised or loft position and section468(e.g., a raised interior section attached to floor section404, or integrated or integrated with the floor section), forming a continuous interior wall. In one embodiment the upper interior wall panel section may be 80″ L. When connected to section468, which may be 4″ L in this case, the interior wall may be about 7′ tall. Movement from one section to another section of the shelter/camper (e.g., from the seating area to the bathroom) through the interior wall may be accomplished through door470.

Shelter/camper400may have seating (e.g., components446-452and456-462) that may be convertible into extra sleeping surfaces. In one embodiment, the seating may be converted into an extra bed by repositioning both backrests446and456from vertical positions, or almost vertical positions, for sitting, to horizontal positions, between left seat bottom448and right seat bottom458. The backrests may each be about ½ the depth of the seat bottoms to allow one backrest to rest on top of the other back rest for sleep or storage configurations, when positioned between the seat bottoms. The backrest frames450and460may be stacked, one on top of the other, as described above, and may be secured to the seat frames452and462by use of hinges, latches, hooks or other types of connectors, or may simply rest on the floor404between the seat bottoms, if the seat bottoms are also lowered to the floor (e.g., similar to the configuration of the seat benches when stored in a closed/collapsed shelter/camper, as can be seen inFIG. 19). One backrest frame (e.g., frame450, which may be the lower backrest frame when positioned horizontally) may have a hard bottom surface and side surfaces and the other backrest frame (e.g., frame460, which may be the upper backrest frame when positioned horizontally) may have just hard side surfaces. When frame460rests on top of frame450for use as a bed, this may allow the attached cushion for backrest456to rest directly on top of the attached cushion for backrest446(e.g., with no hard frame or surface between the cushions), providing cushion depth for sleeping roughly similar to the depth of each seat bottom cushion while still providing a hard support surface below the cushions (e.g., when the backrests are stacked and placed between the seat bottoms, each of the three sections of the converted bed may have a similar mattress depth and support below). The seat frames may contain adjustable legs which may be used to adjust the height of the seats, if configured for sitting, or the bed, if configured for sleeping. The seats may also be attached to and positioned using a track system or any other components that may exist for raising and lowering the bed system above (e.g., mattress486and platform488) (e.g., the seat frames may also be attached, below the bed platform, to the same track system or other components for raising and lowering the bed system). Alternatively, the backrests446and456may simply be cushions themselves (e.g., with no backrest frame), and conversion for sleep may be done by simply lowering the seat bottoms to the floor and repositioning the cushions in the center, between the seat bottoms (e.g., as in a closed shelter/camper). In one embodiment, shelter/camper400may contain seat bottoms448and458that are 26″ W×55″ L and backrests446and456that are 24″ W×55″ L. When configured for sleep position, components446-452and456-462may combine to form a bed that is similar in size to a Full mattress (e.g., 54″×75″ give or take a couple of inches). Optionally, a shelter/camper may also be configured to use the seating as the only sleeping surface (e.g., shelters/campers with no bed system, as described above).

The shelters/campers (e.g., camper1, camper100and camper400) described herein may include a variety of interior fixtures or components for convenience (see e.g., fixtures/components446-484) and related system components. Depending on the size of the shelter/camper, several combinations of seating, cooking and bathroom fixtures may be possible. The fixtures or other components described herein may be designed to remain in the shelter/camper when in the closed/collapsed configuration or may be designed to be removed when closing/collapsing the shelter/camper and reinstalled when opening/expanding the shelter/camper. If the interior fixtures are to remain inside the shelter/camper when it is closed/collapsed, the fixture dimensions, especially the heights, may be limited by the available space in the shelter/camper when it is in the closed/collapsed configuration. For example, the dimensions may be limited by the size or depth of the floor section404under the wall panels or by the space between wall panels, when all panels are folded flat for closing, or by any space available in the roof section. The floor section404may be any depth necessary to accommodate interior fixtures. If desired to reduce the overall height of the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed to allow for easier transportation (e.g., on a roof rack), the height of the floor section may need be kept to a minimum, and interior components may need to be collapsible or removable for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 15 and 19, only 9″ H×76″ W×98″ L in the floor section plus 4″ H×22″ W×100″ L in the center, between the folded side wall panels may be available for interior components that may remain in the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. Accordingly, in this and similar situations of other dimensions, interior seat, storage, kitchenette and bathroom components may have to be collapsible into a small area (e.g., no more than 9″ or 4″ tall sections, with the exception of a 16″ tall component or section of a component that may fit through door496in the lower rear wall panel408B, in the example above), depending on where they will rest in the closed/collapsed shelter/camper. This can be accomplished by use of sectional components that are either connected (e.g., by hinges or some other connectors) or completely detached, which may enable the sections to lay flat for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper (seeFIGS. 15-19) or stacked for use while the shelter/camper is open/expanded (seeFIGS. 12 and 14). For example, seat benches (see e.g., components446-452and456-462) or a bath vanity (see e.g., components474-478) may be laid flat for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or stacked for opening/expanding of the shelter/camper, and possibly even raised to a more comfortable user height by use of adjustable legs, lifts, piston lifts (see e.g., component480), or other lifting mechanism appropriate for the size and weight of the component. Some components such as the shower basin482may be short enough to fit in the space of the floor section without the need to be collapsed or removed, and associated shower components such as a flexible shower head, shower curtain and/or other shower components may fit inside the shower basin. Some components such as a sink faucet and/or drain may either be folded into the sink without detachment, or detached and stored in the available space in the sink or vanity cabinets. The toilet484may be a fixed height component that can be removed for closing, may extend through openings in the wall panels (e.g., through a door496in the lower rear wall panel408B, as can be seen inFIGS. 16-18), may be sectional, or may be a collapsible camp style toilet.

A wall divider the same as or different from interior wall464may be used between various areas within the shelter/camper (e.g., between the seating/cooking areas and the bathroom area). For example, use of one or more collapsible, accordion-type walls with an accordion door (e.g., similar to walls166-168with door170in camper100), or other type of flexible or collapsible wall (e.g., a rigid wall panel466or flexible/fabric wall that may be foldable and/or collapsible) may be attachable to the bottom of the bed platform488, while the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. The wall and door may be detachable and compressible into the floor area below the folded wall panels while the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration. Alternatively, all or part of the collapsible/flexible wall may remain fixed to the bed platform488and may be detachable from the floor or a raised section in the floor (e.g., lower section468). The wall may be stored under the bed platform and parallel relative to the bed platform in a closed/collapsed configuration, as described previously. Similarly, a shower curtain can be attached to the bed platform488while the shelter/camper is open/expanded and detached while the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. A shower curtain may also remain attached to platform488and stored flat under the platform while the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. In one embodiment, plumbing lines can be tubes, pipes, flexible tubing, etc. attached to the sectional components themselves, embedded in the panels of the roof, floor, walls or bed platform, or detached and stored when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed and reattached when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. Fresh water tanks and fuel tanks may be (1) included external to the shelter/camper and attached with piping, tubing, flexible tubing, etc.; (2) placed inside when the shelter/camper is open/expanded and removed when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed, (3) fitted into any available space inside storage cabinets or in lieu of other components; or (4) otherwise associated and/or connected to the shelter/camper. Other fixtures, such as one or more mirrors472, wall/ceiling mounted televisions, storage pockets and hooks and other components may be embedded in the panels of the roof, floor, walls or bed platform.

In one embodiment, where the exterior height of the closed/collapsed shelter/camper is not limited or may be greater, e.g., as in shelters/campers designed for attachment to a utility trailer, the depth of the floor section (or height of the raised edge of the floor) may be tall enough to accommodate seating, kitchenette fixtures, bathroom fixtures, and other fixtures or components that do not need to be collapsed when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. For example, a floor section404with a height of 30-36″ or more may accommodate fixtures such as seating, cooking, bath fixtures, etc. that may be permanently installed, do not need to be collapsed and may remain inside the shelter/camper when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed.

When the shelter/camper400is in an open/expanded configuration, all wall panels406,408,410,412,414and416may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section402and floor section404, forming a complete enclosure that is suitable for sleeping and living, in properly equipped shelters/campers. The front wall panel406and rear wall panel408may sit flush against the right side wall panels410and412, left side wall panels414and416and connector/mid-section connector442. Positioned between the side wall panels, the front and rear wall panels may help prevent the side wall panels from folding inward. Slide latches or other components, as mentioned above, may also be used to help prevent wall panels from folding inward when in an open/expanded configuration. Weather stripping or gaskets may ensure a weather tight seal between all joints. The door422may allow entry to and exit from the shelter/camper and may be locked, securing occupants and/or belongings inside the shelter/camper. The windows444may also be opened or closed.

In open/expanded configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14), the shelter/camper may have an interior height between the floor and the mattress platform488comfortable enough for most occupants to stand. The interior height between the mattress and the ceiling may also be enough to sit, crawl, sleep and in some cases even stand. In an open/expanded configuration, interior fixtures446-470and474-490may be stacked and/or extended for use or collapsed for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. If the shelter/camper (e.g., in the floor section404) is tall enough to accommodate interior fixtures that do not need to be collapsed or removed for closure of the shelter/camper, the fixtures can remain in place while the shelter/camper is in open/expanded configuration or in the closed/collapsed configuration. In an open/expanded configuration, the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488) may be raised to a loft position for full standing height below the platform488and sleeping height above the mattress486(e.g., as shown inFIG. 14) or any height in between the ceiling and the fixtures (e.g., fixtures446-470and474-484) below the bed system.

Water and fuel tanks may be placed externally or internally and connected to interior components as described previously. Use of optional heating and cooling equipment can maintain a comfortable interior environment in an open/expanded configuration. Components such as televisions and other electrical equipment may also be used when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. Optional solar panels418and batteries can continue to operate in the open/expanded configuration or in the closed/collapsed configuration. The shelter/camper400may remain open/expanded in place on a vehicle roof rack, in a pick-up truck bed, on a trailer, or on any surface that can support its weight and the weight of its occupants.

When the shelter/camper is in closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19), all wall panels (e.g., wall panels406,408,410,412,414and416), interior wall464, the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488), and all interior components/fixtures that remain in the closed/collapsed shelter/camper (e.g., fixtures/components446-462and472-484) may sit entirely inside a closed case formed by joining the roof section402, one or more connectors442(if used), and/or the floor section404. In one embodiment, the closed case may contain components in the following order, from top to bottom: Upper panel sections426and434of the upper pairs of wall panels410and414; lower panel sections428and436of the upper pairs of wall panels410and414; upper panel sections430and438of the lower pairs of wall panels412and416; lower panel sections432and440of the lower pairs of wall panels412and416; lower panel section406B of the front wall panel406; upper panel sections406A and408A of the front and rear wall panels406and408; lower panel section408B of the rear wall panel408; mattress486, mattress platform488; shower curtain, if attached to the mattress platform; upper panel466of the interior wall464; and all interior components/fixtures attached to the floor (e.g., fixtures/components446-452and456-462,468and474-484). If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section instead of the floor section, the front and rear wall panels may sit between the roof section and the upper panel sections of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels. The roof section402, one or more connectors442, the floor section404, or various combinations of these may have weather stripping or gaskets in between, forming a weather tight enclosure when in the closed/collapsed configuration. Locks, latches, connectors, etc. connecting the roof section, mid-section connector and the floor section may ensure the case remains tightly closed while in transit or not used. Optional solar panels418and batteries can continue to operate in closed/collapsed configuration.

The shelter/camper may be simple and easy to transition between configurations without any tools/specialized tools or, optionally, with additional tools that aid transitioning. In one embodiment, to open/expand the shelter/camper400, the locks, latches, or other connectors connecting the roof section402, one or more connectors442, the floor section404, or various combinations of these may first be unlocked, unlatched, unconnected, etc. and opened. Then the roof section402and the side wall panels410and414may be raised (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 18) until the wall panels410and414are completely vertical (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17). The raising/opening of the roof section402and side wall panels may be done either manually or using some manner of mechanical assistance or mechanical system (e.g., lifting/lowering mechanisms that are either powered or manually operated, such as motorized hinges, pistons, other systems/components described elsewhere herein, etc.) that is appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. Slide latches or other components may be used between sections of the wall panels (e.g., between upper sections426and434and lower wall panel sections428and436of the upper pairs of wall panels410and414) to prevent the bi-fold wall panels from folding inward. This process may open/expand the upper half of the shelter/camper. The same or a similar process may open/expand the lower half. The side wall panels412and416may be raised/opened simultaneously with the other side wall panels410and414or may be raised/opened successively. Opening processes may be performed simultaneously or in succession in any order.FIGS. 16 and 17show the shelter/camper400in the fully raised position with the side wall panels410,412,414, and416all expanded and vertical.

With the shelter/camper in fully raised position, the front wall panel406can be raised (manually or mechanically) until the free or unhinged end of the upper panel section406A of the front wall latches or otherwise connects with the front edge (e.g., an interior surface of the dropped front edge) of the roof section402or directly with the bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of the shelter/camper). Once the front wall is raised, the rear wall panel408can be raised (manually or mechanically) until the free or unhinged end of the upper panel section408A of the rear wall latches or otherwise connects with the rear edge (e.g., an interior surface of the dropped rear edge) of the roof section402or directly with the bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of the shelter/camper).FIGS. 16 and 17show the front and rear wall panels406and408in the process of being raised. Once fully raised, the front and rear wall panels may sit flush with the edges of the side wall panels, further preventing the wall panels (e.g., bi-fold wall panels) from folding inward. Once the shelter/camper is fully opened/expanded, the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488) may be raised and positioned toward the top and rear of the camper. The upper panel section466of the interior wall464may then be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) and positioned so that the free or unhinged end may latch or otherwise connect with a raised section (e.g., raised interior section468) of the floor section404.FIG. 15shows the bed system and upper panel section of the interior wall in the process of being raised. Once the bed system is raised and the internal wall is connected, the interior fixtures446-462and474-484may be extended, stacked, raised, and/or otherwise situated for use. External tanks, plumbing components, and/or other equipment may be connected and/or attached for operation. If the rear wall panel is hinged higher than the front wall panel to the edges (e.g., raised interior edges) of the floor section, then the order mentioned above for raising and lowering the front and rear wall panels may be reversed. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section instead of the floor section, the free ends of the front and rear wall panels may then be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) until they latch with the front and rear edges (e.g., raised interior edges) of the floor section.

To close/collapse the shelter/camper, the interior fixtures446-462and474-484may be collapsed or removed for storage, if necessary, the upper section of the interior wall may be disconnected from the raised interior section of the floor, the bed system, along with the upper interior wall panel, may be moved toward the front of the camper and lowered into the floor section, and external tanks, plumbing components, and/or other equipment may be disconnected, detached or removed, if necessary. Then the free end of the upper panel section408A of the rear wall panel may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the edge or bottom surface of the roof section and the panel may be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 16) toward the floor section and folded inward so that the lower panel section408B of the rear wall may rest flat against the top of the mattress486and the upper panel section408A may rest above the lower panel section (e.g., as shown inFIG. 17). Then the free end of the upper panel section406A of the front wall panel may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the edge or bottom surface of the roof section and the panel may be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 17) toward the floor section and folded inward so that the upper panel section406A rests flat against the lower panel section408B of the rear wall and the lower panel section406B rests above both of the upper panel sections of the front and rear wall (e.g., shown inFIG. 18). Then any slide latches or other components holding the side wall panels open can be unlatched or adjusted, so that the side wall panels (e.g., bi-fold side wall panels) can begin to fold inward and the roof section402and any connector(s)442can begin to lower (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 18). The upper and lower halves of the shelter/camper may be lowered simultaneously or in succession, in any order. The lowering of the roof section, any connector(s), and the side wall panels (e.g., four pairs of bi-fold side wall panels as shown inFIG. 18) may be mechanically assisted by lifting/lowering mechanisms or other mechanical systems described herein that are either powered or manually operated, such as motorized hinges, pistons, etc. that are appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section instead of the floor section, the free ends of the of the front wall panel and rear wall panel lower sections may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the raised edge of the floor section so that the panels may be raised (manually or mechanically) until they latch flat against the ceiling of the roof section. Once the wall panels are fully lowered, the roof section402, any connector(s)442, and the floor section404may be latched, connected, and/or locked together, creating a tightly closed, secure case (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19).

The enclosure walls406,408,410,412,414, and416, roof section402, connector(s)442, and floor section404may be constructed of composite material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any other composite material. Alternatively, the panels may be constructed with wood or aluminum framing and sided with wood, aluminum, laminate, fiberglass or any other siding material. The panels may have a solid, honeycomb, sectioned or hollow core. The panels may be insulated with polystyrene, fiberglass, any other insulating material, and/or any other vapor barrier material (e.g., one or more of these may be used inside the panels). Interior surfaces may be painted, left unfinished or finished with any appropriate material, such as plastic, wood or fiberglass paneling or may be upholstered. The interior wall panel466may be constructed the same as or similar to the exterior walls or from any of the materials or combinations of materials mentioned above for the exterior wall panels. Interior fixtures446-462,472-484,488and490may be constructed of any appropriate material such as plastic, wood, laminate, fiberglass, glass, stainless steel, or other metal or fabric.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 15 and 19, the exterior dimensions of shelter/camper400that contains a 3″ thick King mattress (e.g., 76″×80″ give or take a couple of inches), 1″ thick panels and has front and rear wall panels hinged to the floor may be 78″ W×102″ L×126″ H in an open/expanded configuration and 78″ W×102″ L×18″ H in a closed/collapsed configuration. This embodiment has 27″ H×100″ L bi-fold side panel sections426,428,430,432,434,436,438and440. This embodiment also has a 14″ tall floor section404, which has a floor thickness of 1″, plus 9″ of height to accommodate the interior fixtures446-470and474-490, plus 3″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick front and rear folding wall panels406and408(e.g., 1″ for the lower panel section408B of the rear wall, 1″ for both of the upper panel sections406A and408A of the front and rear walls, and 1″ for the lower panel section406B of the front wall), plus 1″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick lower sections432and440of the lower pairs of bi-fold side wall panels412and416when in a closed/collapsed configuration. This embodiment may have a 2″ tall mid-section connector442that may provide 2″ of height for the 1″ thick upper sections430and438of the lower pairs of bi-fold side wall panels412and416and the 1″ thick lower sections428and436of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels410and414. This embodiment may have a 2″ tall roof section402with a ceiling thickness of 1″, plus 1″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick upper sections426and434of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels410and414when closed/collapsed.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 15 and 19, the lower panel section406B of the front wall406may be 76″ W×80″ H and the upper panel section406A may be 76″ W×33″ H or have a total combined length of 113″ for both or all sections of a foldable, bi-fold or multi-fold front wall panel. The lower panel section408B of the rear wall408may be 76″ W×97″ H and the upper panel section408A may be 76″ W×18″ H or have a total combined length of 115″ for both or all sections of a foldable, bi-fold or multi-fold rear wall panel. The roof section402may have a dropped interior edge that is 1″ H. The floor section404may have a raised interior front edge492that is 11″ H and a raised interior rear edge494that is 9″ H (except for a middle portion of the raised interior rear edge that is 16″ H, in this case, to accommodate a fixed height toilet484). With the shelter/camper fully opened/expanded, the distance between the roof and floor exterior edges may be 110″. With the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488) in fully raised position, the distance between the mattress platform and the floor is 84″, resulting in about 7′ of interior standing height, and the distance between mattress platform and the ceiling is 39″, resulting in about 3′ of interior height for sleeping, depending on the thickness of the mattress. In this embodiment, the available space for interior fixtures may be 9″ H×76″ W×98″ L along the floor, under all of the folded wall panels; and 4″ H×22″ W×100″ L in the center, in the gap between the 2 pairs of folded bi-fold wall panels on each side (this amounts to a continuous height of 16″ from the floor to the bottom surface of the roof section through door496in the rear wall panel for a fixed height component such as a toilet). This embodiment employs a configuration that accommodates the following: 4″ H×26″ W×55″ L left seat bench; 4″ H×26″ W×55″ L right seat bench; 2″ H×24″ W×55″ L left and right seat backrests stacked on top of each other for storage; a 1″ thick fixed lower section of an interior wall; shower basin that is 4″ H×27″ W×36″ L; a bath vanity in 3 sections, 1 of which is 4″ H×30″ W×12″ L and 2 of which are 9″ H×30″ W×9″ L; 16″ H×16″ W×18″ L toilet; and available space for components such as electrical outlet boxes or other smaller interior components. When the shelter/camper is collapsed, the benches, backrests, fixed lower interior wall section, the upper vanity section and a portion of the shower basin may occupy the 4″ of height under the upper interior wall panel section when it is positioned horizontally. That panel will occupy 1″ of height and the mattress and platform together will occupy about 4 in of height above that, adding up to 9″ of total height for the interior components below all of the folded wall panels. The rest of the shower basin and the other two vanity sections will occupy the rest of the 9″ of height in the gap between the upper interior wall panel section, mattress, or platform and the rear of the shelter/camper. The toilet may occupy the 16″ of height between the floor and the roof, through the door in the rear lower wall panel section. These example dimensions are for a shelter/camper with a King mattress. The dimensions and/or configurations of components and interior fixtures may vary depending on the size of the mattress the shelter/camper contains and other factors. For example, in one embodiment, the dimensions cited above may vary within plus or minus 15″, 12″, 6″, 3″, or other amounts. In one embodiment, the dimensions may be sized to leave room in the collapsed/closed configuration for interior fixtures that could be 36″ tall or taller and/or to allow for shelters where the floor is tall enough to accommodate fixtures such that they do not need to be collapsed. In one embodiment, the dimensions affecting the height of the shelter may be increased by an amount between 2″ and 40″, between 10″ and 30″, and/or between 12″ and 24″.

FIGS. 20-27illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a shelter or camper. Camper600depicted inFIGS. 20-27may include features the same as or similar to those described above with respect to camper1, camper100or camper400(and camper1, camper100or camper400may include features the same as or similar to those of camper600). In one embodiment, camper600may be configured as a hard-sided, collapsible camping unit that is a fully enclosed, weather tight, lockable and private living structure while in an open/expanded configuration and is an easily portable, hard case for transportation while in a closed/collapsed configuration. While camper600is in an open/expanded configuration, occupants may be able to sleep, sit, eat or use the bathroom in a properly equipped unit. The walls, wall panels, floor, roof, etc. may be constructed of rigid material or of materials similar to those described above with respect to camper1, camper100and camper400. In one embodiment, camper600may be configured as a stationary or non-portable shelter with similar features to those described herein, but configured to remain in a permanent or semi-permanent location.

In one embodiment, the structure (e.g., a rigid structure) of the shelter/camper600in both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations may allow the shelter/camper to contain a mattress, seating, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, as well as televisions, lighting, electrical outlets, solar panels, batteries, heating and cooling appliances and any other system or convenience components that may be permanently or temporarily attached to or included in the shelter/camper. A rigid structure may also provide protection from the elements by forming a secure, weather-tight enclosure that may be heated or cooled with optional equipment. A rigid structure design may also allow the use of insulation in the structure's panels, further improving its interior climate control performance. The rigid structure (e.g., including hard-siding) may offer security by being lockable in both opened/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations. While in the open/expanded configuration, shelter/camper600may contain two sections or rooms separated by an interior wall. In one section (e.g., a section/room between the front wall and an interior wall), the shelter/camper600can provide a comfortable interior standing height with the bed system fully raised and stored (e.g., with the mattress678stored at the top of the camper600as shown inFIG. 22), or can provide a comfortable height for siting, sleeping and crawling when the bed system is lowered to a sleeping position (e.g., with mattress678in a low or middle position as shown, for example, inFIG. 23). The mattress678may be positioned in different locations (e.g., at different heights) in the camper600for different purposes/uses. In a second section (e.g., a section/room between the interior wall and the rear wall), the shelter/camper600can provide full interior standing height for use of components located that section (e.g., bathroom components662-676) that is unaffected by the height of the bed system (e.g., as can be seen inFIGS. 22-23). Occupants may be able to move freely between the two sections, regardless of the bed position (e.g., the bed may be positioned at any height, and movement may be either over the bed and/or under the bed). When the camper600is closed, it may be collapsed into a low-profile, case (e.g., a hard case) that may be mounted to a vehicle roof rack; placed in the bed of a pick-up truck; placed on a trailer and towed behind a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or any other tow vehicle; placed in or on a boat; and/or placed anywhere there is a sufficient foundation or surface below and sufficient height above while open/expanded. The shelter/camper may be designed and configured to be easily and quickly opened/expanded in place for occupancy and closed/collapsed when in transit or in storage.

Camper600may include wall panels606,608,610,612,614and616, which may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding, or may be similar to other panels described herein. In one embodiment, camper600may maintain a rigid structure in both opened/expanded (FIGS. 20-23) and closed/collapsed (FIG. 27) configurations by use of rigid wall panels606,608,610,612,614and616(e.g., folding and bi-folding wall panels, or panels similar to those described with respect to camper1, camper100and camper400). The wall panels606,608,610,612,614and616may be hinged and/or latched to a rigid roof section602, a mid-section connector642, and/or a rigid floor section604. When opening/expanding (e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 24-26), the wall panels606,608,610,612,614and616may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section602and floor section604. When closing/collapsing the camper600(e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 24-26), the wall panels606,608,610,612,614and616may be folded flat or until they are parallel to the roof section602and floor section604. When fully opened/expanded (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 20-23), the shelter/camper600may provide comfortable living quarters for occupants. When closed/collapsed (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27), the roof section602, floor section604, and mid-section connector642(if used), may come together to form a weather tight and portable case, fully enclosing all interior fixtures that may remain in the shelter/camper and front, rear and side wall panels. Components of the shelter/camper600may be the same as or similar to components of shelter/camper1, shelter/camper100or shelter/camper400described above; additional components/features are also described in detail below.

Shelter/camper600may have one or more wall panels the same as or similar to the wall panels of camper1, camper100or camper400described above. The wall panels may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding, etc. Optionally, the side wall panels may be a combination of two or more bi-fold panels, may be a quadri-fold panel, or may be another type of panel or combination of panels. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 20-23 and 25-26, the shelter/camper600may have two pairs of right side bi-fold wall panels610and612and two pairs of left side bi-fold wall panels614and616. Each wall panel and/or section of the wall panels may be of similar size/dimensions as the wall panels and sections of wall panels described above with respect to camper1, camper100or camper400. In one embodiment, the height of the sections of the wall panels may be between 17″ to ½ of the interior width of the shelter/camper. Combined with space provided by the roof section602, a mid-section connector642, and the floor section604, this may allow for well over 6′ of interior height (e.g., as shown inFIG. 22) with about 6½ ft between the floor and bed system (including mattress678and platform680) in the living section (e.g., the section/room between the front wall606and the interior wall654) and with almost 7′ between the floor and ceiling in the bathroom section (e.g., the section/room between the interior wall654and the rear wall608) when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 20-22), and when the bed system is fully raised and stored (e.g., as shown inFIG. 22). The right side wall panels may sit side by side with the left side wall panels, without overlapping, when folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 26-27).

In an embodiment with four pairs of bi-fold wall panels, all four pairs of bi-fold wall panels may be long enough to contain a mattress678, an interior wall654, space for a bathroom and the front and rear wall panels606and608within the shelter/camper or longer. For example, a shelter/camper with an adult mattress about 75″ long may have bi-fold wall panel sections that are roughly 17″×114″ (e.g., as shown inFIG. 21) or longer, extending roughly 1″ (or the equivalent thickness of the front wall panel) or more beyond one end of the mattress and 38″ or more beyond the other end of the mattress. This configuration may allow the front wall panel606and rear wall panel608edges to sit flush with the side wall panel edges when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration; with weather stripping or gaskets, this can create a weather tight corner joint between side walls and front and rear walls. Arranging/positioning the front wall panel606and rear wall panel608between the side wall panels may also allow the front and rear wall panels to prevent the side wall panels from folding inward when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration. This configuration may also allow enough space for an interior wall654and about 36″ for bathroom fixtures664-676(e.g. as shown inFIG. 22). In one embodiment, the right and left side walls may each have a set of upper bi-fold wall panels610and614and a set of lower bi-fold wall panels612and616. The upper panel sections626and634of the upper wall panels610and614may be hinged on the top to an edge (e.g., a dropped edge) of the roof section602, and the lower panel sections628and636of the same set of upper wall panels may be hinged on the bottom to the top of an optional mid-section connector642or other panel. The bottom of the mid-section connector642may be hinged to the tops of upper panel sections630and638of the lower set of wall panels612and616, and the lower panel sections632and640of the same set of lower wall panels612and616may be hinged on the bottom to the raised edge of the floor section604. Weather stripping or gaskets along some or all of the edges of each section of the wall panels may form weather tight joints between the side walls and the roof, mid-section connector and floor and in between the upper and lower wall sections of the wall panels. Latches, hooks, locks, or other connectors/attachments may also be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration.

Shelter/camper600may also include slide latches (or other latches or locks) that can slide or be positioned between the walls, wall panels, or sections of the wall panels (e.g. to prevent folding or other undesired movement). For example, wall panel slide latches may be included that can slide or be positioned between the upper sections626,630,634, and638and the lower sections628,632,636and640to further prevent the wall panels from folding inward and to help maintain the open/expanded configuration. When in a closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section, and/or any combination of these. Each section of the wall panels610,612,614and616may also contain a window or multiple windows644. The windows may be fixed or capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and blinds. Any or all wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, storage pockets, storage hooks, venting fans, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The wall panels may also include fixtures such as mirrors, tables, or seat back rests embedded in their interior surfaces. The wall panels may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., including a mattress678and a platform680).

In one embodiment, shelters/campers may have a width greater than or equal to 72″, e.g., to contain a King (e.g., 76″×80″ give or take a couple of inches) or California King (e.g., 72″×84″ give or take a couple of inches) mattresses, which may achieve an interior height sufficient for standing with only one set of wall panels per side, e.g., similar to the side wall design of camper1above. For example, use of one pair of bi-fold wall panels with panel sections that are 36″ tall (rather than 17″ tall) per side may result in a standing interior height of over 6′, combined with the heights of the floor and roof sections, when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. In this case, no mid-section connector may be necessary and the bi-fold wall panels may be hinged in a similar manner as with camper1.

The front wall panel606and rear wall panel608may be the same as or similar to the front wall panel6and the rear wall panel8of camper1, the front wall panel106and rear wall panel108of camper100, or the front wall panel406and rear wall panel408of camper400. The front wall panel606and rear wall panel608may have a fixed length, or may be bi-fold or multi-fold panels hinged to edges (e.g., raised, interior edges682and684as shown inFIG. 22) of the floor section604in the front and rear of the shelter/camper. The front and rear wall panels may be at least the same width as, slightly wider than, or wider than a mattress678contained within the shelter/camper. As can be seen inFIG. 22, the front and rear wall panels606and608may be long enough to extend between an edge (e.g., a raised interior edge682and684) of the floor section and an edge (e.g., an interior surface of the dropped, interior edge) of the roof section in the front and rear of the shelter/camper, or directly to the bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of the shelter/camper). In one embodiment with fixed length front and rear panels, the panels have a length less than the interior length of the shelter/camper. The front wall panel606may be hinged at least 1″ (or an equivalent thickness of the wall panels) higher than the rear wall panel608. In other words, the hinge points on the edges (e.g., on interior raised edges682and684) in the front and rear of the floor section604may be staggered for the front and rear wall panels. This may allow the front wall panel606to sit above the rear wall panel608when the walls are folded for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. The hinge points may be staggered to allow the rear wall panel to sit above the front wall panel when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed.

When opening/expanding the shelter/camper (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 25), the unattached (free or unhinged) ends of these wall panels may be raised until they latch, connect, or otherwise attach to an edge (e.g., an interior surface of the dropped, interior edge) of the roof section602in the front and rear of the shelter/camper, or directly to the bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of shelter/camper), forming a continuous and weather tight front and rear wall connecting the roof and floor. Alternatively, the front and rear wall panels may be hinged to edges (e.g., dropped, interior edges) of the roof section602and lowered to latch, connect, or otherwise attach to edges (e.g., raised, interior edges682and684) of the floor section604. When the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, the walls may be completely unfolded. The front and rear wall edges may sit flush with the side wall edges, forming a weather tight corner joint as described above. Latches, hooks, locks, weather stripping, or other connectors/attachments may optionally be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. (e.g., between side walls and front and rear walls) to help securely hold the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration. The front and rear wall panels, if hinged to the floor section604, may sit between the upper interior wall panel656as well as any fixtures or components included in the bathroom section (e.g., components664-676) and the lower sections632and640of the lower pairs of wall panels612and616when closed/collapsed (e.g., as can be seen inFIG. 25). If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section602, the front and rear wall panels may sit between the upper sections626and634of the upper pairs of wall panels610and614and the roof section, or the upper interior wall panel656if that panel is hinged to the roof section as well. When in closed/collapsed configuration, all wall panels may sit entirely inside the closed case formed by the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section, and/or a combination of these (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27). Optionally, the front and rear wall panels may also be bi-fold (e.g., folding in half) or multi-fold panels. The panels or sections of the panels may include a door or large window in one or more sections or halves of the front or rear wall panels.

The front wall panel606may include a door622, and the door may contain a window624or multiple windows. The doors and/or windows may include locks, latches, etc. Any door622or window624may include weather stripping or gaskets, creating a weather tight seal between the door and the rest of the front or rear wall panel, when the door or window is closed.

The front wall panel may also latch to a portion of the mid-section connector in the front of the shelter/camper, allowing that portion of the mid-section connector to swing open and closed with the door, or alternatively that portion of the mid-section connecter can simply be left open and swung away to allow free operation of the door, when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. The front and rear wall panels may each contain a window644or multiple windows. The windows may be fixed or capable of being opened. The windows may also include or be fitted with screens and/or blinds. The front and rear wall panels may also include fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, wall-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The front and rear wall panels may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The front and rear wall panels may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680) or the bed system may be removed and reinserted in a variety of slots at different heights (e.g., similar to adjustable levels in an oven).

The roof section602of camper600may be the same as or similar to roof section2of camper1, roof section102of camper100or roof section402of camper400. For example, the roof section602, in one embodiment, may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper and may have a continuous dropped edge along the perimeter of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the roof section602may be curved, contoured, ridged, or include other aerodynamic features as discussed above with respect to camper1, camper100and camper400. The dropped edge may be tall enough to completely contain the side wall panels or sections of the side wall panels (e.g., upper sections626and634of the upper pairs of side wall panels610and614) inside the roof section602when the shelter/camper is in the closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27). If the front, rear or interior wall panels are hinged to the roof section, then a dropped edge of the roof may be tall enough to accommodate those panels as well, when in the closed/collapsed configuration.

In one embodiment, the front and rear wall panels may each be long enough to extend between the interior edges or bottom surface of the roof and the interior edges of the floor. If the front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section, then the dropped edge of the roof may be tall enough to contain the front and rear wall panels, and/or upper sections of the upper wall panels, when in a closed/collapsed configuration. The roof section602may have a length and width equivalent to the floor. The width may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than that of a mattress686contained within the shelter/camper, and the length may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than the length of the side wall panels. Having the width at least slightly greater than the mattress and the length slightly more than enough to contain the mattress, interior wall and a bathroom may ensure that the mattress, interior wall and bathroom sit completely within the 4 exterior walls that are attached to the roof section and the mattress, bathroom fixtures and walls sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. For example, a shelter/camper containing a Twin mattress (e.g., 39″×75″ give or take a couple of inches), a bathroom that is about 39″ W×36″ L and having 1″ thick panels, may have a roof section that is about 41″ wide×116″ long (or slightly longer than the side walls, which may be 114″ long in this case) (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 21 and 27). The edge(s) (e.g., a continuous dropped edge) of the roof section602may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls or wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the mid-section connector642when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27).

The top of the roof section602may include solar panels618, roof rack attachments and/or antennae for radio, television and/or internet transmissions. The interior of the roof section602(i.e., the ceiling of the shelter/camper) may include light fixtures and/or other fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling-mounted televisions, venting fans, storage pockets, storage hooks, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment. The roof section602may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The roof may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising or lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680). The roof section602may also include lock and latch components or other connection components to latch it to the mid-section connector and/or floor section to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly. The roof section602may also include handles (e.g., in the front and rear and/or on the sides of the shelter/camper) for manual lifting or lowering of the roof section602for opening/expanding or closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, respectively, or for carrying the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. The roof section602may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, break lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., brake lights on each are coordinated).

The shelter/camper600may include one or more connectors or connector components/sections (e.g., the same as or similar to connector642). In one embodiment, connector642may be a mid-section connector. Connector642may be a continuous, structural ring around the perimeter of the shelter/camper (e.g., for shelters/campers that have two or more pairs of wall panels per side). The connector642may connect the upper pairs of wall panels (e.g., wall panels610and614) to the lower pairs of wall panels (e.g., wall panels612and616). The connector642may be tall enough to allow the lower sections628and636of the upper pairs of wall panels and the upper sections630and638of the lower pairs of wall panels to sit completely or partially within the connector642when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration, and all wall panels are folded flat. Assuming 1″ thick panels, this may result in at least a 2″ tall mid-section connector, but the connector642may be a variety of sizes, including 1″ to 24″ tall, 2″ to 12″ tall, or 2″ to 6″ tall. The connector642may give structural rigidity to the shelter/camper during the opening/expanding and closing/collapsing processes or transitions (e.g., as may be seen inFIGS. 25 and 26). The connector642may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls or wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the roof section602and/or the floor section604when the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27).

The connector642may include a portion/segment (e.g., a front end portion/segment) that may be hinged and/or latched on one or both sides of an end or portion of the shelter/camper (e.g., at a portion of a mid-section connector across the front door622) allowing the door622to open and close freely when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. This hinged/latched portion may be unlatched from the rest of the connector642allowing the hinged/latched portion to swing open and closed with the door622, if attached to the door. Optionally, the hinged/latched portion may be unlatched and swung away to the side or completely removed to allow free movement of the door622. During opening/expanding, closing/collapsing, and in closed/collapsed configuration, this hinged/latched portion of the connector642may be latched to the rest of the connector642, forming a continuous structural ring around the perimeter of the shelter/camper. The connector642may include components of a lock, latch and/or hinge system. The connector642may also include handles (e.g., in the front and rear and/or on the sides of the shelter/camper) for manual lifting or lowering of a portion/section (e.g., the mid-section) of the shelter/camper during opening/expanding or closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, respectively, or for carrying the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. The connector642may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. The connector642may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising and lowering of the bed system (e.g., including a mattress678and a platform680).

The floor section604may be the same as or similar to the floor section4of camper1, the floor section104of camper100or the floor section404of camper400above. In one embodiment, the floor section604may be flat across the entire length and width of the shelter/camper and may have an edge (e.g., a continuous raised edge) along all or a portion of the perimeter of the shelter/camper. Optionally, the floor section604may be curved, contoured, ridged, and/or include other aerodynamic features as discussed previously. A raised edge may be tall enough to completely contain various fixtures or components (e.g., optional seating, bath fixtures, interior wall components and a bed system) (see e.g., components646-660and664-680inFIG. 22). The raised edge may be tall enough also to contain wall panels or sections of wall panels (e.g., front and rear wall panels606and608and the lower sections632and640of the lower pairs of wall panels612and616inside the floor when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed) (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27). In one embodiment, the interior fixtures may be folded, minimized, or rearranged to reduce size in the closed/collapsed configuration. The floor section604may include an interior edge682in the front and an interior edge684in the rear of the shelter/camper that are slightly shorter than adjacent exterior edges so that the joint between it and the front and rear wall panels hinged to it can remain inside the floor section604, which may also provide a better hinge point and water tightness when the shelter/camper is open/expanded.

The floor section604may have a length and width that matches or is equivalent to the roof section602, floor section4of camper1, floor section104of camper100or floor section404of camper400. The width may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than that of a mattress678contained within the shelter/camper or wider, and the length may be about the same as, slightly greater than, or greater than the length of the side wall panels or longer. Having the width at least slightly greater than the mattress and the length slightly more than enough to contain the mattress, interior wall and a bathroom may ensure that the mattress, interior wall and bathroom sit completely within the exterior walls or wall panels that are attached to the floor section604. The dimensions may be such that the mattress678, walls/wall panels, interior fixtures, etc. sit entirely inside the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. For example, a shelter/camper containing a Twin mattress (e.g., 39″×75″ give or take a couple of inches), a bathroom that is about 39″ W×36″ L and having 1″ thick panels, may have a floor section that is 41″ wide×116″ long (slightly longer than the bi-fold side walls, which may be 114″ long in this case). The edge(s) (e.g., a continuous raised edge) of the floor section604may include weather stripping or gaskets that may form a weather tight seal between it and the walls/wall panels connected to it. The weather stripping or gasket may also form a weather tight seal with the connector642when the shelter/camper is in the closed/collapsed configuration.

The floor section604may include an access panel620, allowing access to batteries and/or other system components (e.g., any components or features discussed with respect to floor section4of camper1, floor section104of camper100or floor section404of camper400). The bottom or sides of the floor section (internally or externally) may also include access panels or ports, allowing access to plumbing or electrical connections for fresh water supply, waste and waste water drainage, fuel supply (e.g., propane) or electrical supply (e.g., external generator).

The floor section604may include fixtures such as lighting, light switches, electrical outlets, venting fans, storage pockets, electrical connections, plumbing connections and attachments for mounting heating/cooling equipment.

The floor section604may include seating (e.g., backrest646, seat648, backrest frame650, seat frame652); a bathroom (e.g., a vanity section664with a sink and faucet, vanity sections666-670with storage and/or plumbing components, a shower672with a shower basin integrated with the floor (e.g., the floor of the bathroom is also the shower pan, similar to a wet bath in an RV), and/or a sectional, portable toilet674and tank676); an interior wall654(e.g., an upper interior wall panel656with door660, and a section658(e.g., a raised interior section of the floor section)); a bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680); and other associated components.

The floor section604may also include attachments to allow mounting to vehicle roof racks, utility trailers or pick-up truck beds or secure attachment to any surface below it. The floor section604may include a mechanical system or components of a mechanical system for opening/expanding and closing/collapsing of the camper. The mechanical system may include a crank, pump, lever, pulley, spring(s), piston(s), hinges, spring-loaded hinges, motorized hinges, motor, other opening/closing mechanisms or components, and/or any combination of one or more of the foregoing as appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper.

The floor may also include components of a track or pulley system for raising or lowering of the bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680). The floor section may also include connection, lock, and/or latch components to latch it to a connector642and/or the roof section602to keep the shelter/camper closed tightly. The exterior of the floor section604may also include small wheels for transportation or direct towing/pulling (e.g., transportation over short distances like that to and from a vehicle). The floor section may also include fixed height or adjustable feet removably or permanently attached thereto (e.g., to one or more exterior portions of the floor section). The Floor section604may include lights or light fixtures internally and/or externally. Internally, lights or light fixtures may provide light for the occupant. Externally, the lights may act as car lights (e.g., tail lights, break lights, head lights, etc.) and may connect with the lights or other electronics of the vehicle towing the shelter/camper such that the lights of each are similarly controlled (e.g., break lights on each are coordinated).

The bed system may comprise or consist of a mattress678, a mattress platform680, components of a system for raising and lowering of the bed, and/or other components. The bed system may be stored in or near the roof section602(e.g., as shown inFIG. 22) when the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration, and when maximum standing height below the bed is preferred. As shown inFIG. 23, the bed system may be lowered or positioned at a variety of heights, including to a position about half of the interior height of the shelter/camper (or any comfortable height between the ceiling of the shelter/camper and any fixtures below the bed platform) to allow entry to the sleeping area while still allowing any fixtures below it to remain in either collapsed or stacked/extended configurations. The bed system may be positioned at any height between the ceiling of the shelter/camper and any fixtures below the bed platform to allow comfortable access to either the sleeping area, the area below the bed or both areas simultaneously. The bed system may be moved to a position in or near the floor section604to rest on any interior components below (e.g., bench components646-652), when the shelter/camper is closed (e.g., as can be seen inFIG. 24). The bed system may be raised or lowered manually or mechanically using a track system; slots, ledges, a cable system, a pulley system, a hook system; and/or using a combination of components (e.g., a combination of track and pulley systems); or using some other system capable of easily and quickly raising and lowering the bed system. A mechanical system for raising or lowering the bed system may be powered or operated manually.

The bottom surface of the bed platform may serve as a ceiling for the areas below the bed, when the shelter/camper is in the open/expanded configuration and the bed system is raised or located in or near the top of the shelter/camper; therefore the bed system or bed platform680may include light fixtures or other components. Movement from the sleeping area to the area below the bed, with the bed in sleep position (FIG. 23), may be accomplished by exit and reentry through the door622in the front wall panel606or exit and reentry through door660in the interior wall panel656of interior wall654. Movement from the sleeping area to the bathroom (e.g., to use the bathroom or the section of the shelter/camper between the interior wall654and the rear wall608, which is not under the bed system) may be accomplished through door660. In a shelter/camper that is sufficiently longer than the mattress it contains to have components/fixtures (e.g., all bathroom components664-676) that may sit in a separate section of the shelter/camper, not under the bed system, those components/fixtures may be used without the need to raise the bed system (e.g., an occupant may exit the sleeping area through the door in the interior wall, as described above, and use the bathroom without adjusting the height of the bed system as shown inFIG. 23). If the section of the shelter/camper that contains the bed system (e.g., the area between the front wall606and interior wall654) is sufficiently wider or longer than the mattress contained in that section of the shelter/camper, then movement between the sleep area and the other areas may be possible without exiting and reentering the shelter/camper or moving through the interior door (e.g., an occupant may simply get down from the bed if the that section of the camper is sufficiently wider or longer than the bed, without the need to move through an interior or exterior door). Movement between the sleep area and other areas may also be possible via a hatch in the bed platform, and a movable or removable section of the mattress. The bed platform488may also include other fixtures such as light switches, electrical outlets, ceiling-mounted televisions, storage pockets, storage hooks, removable tables, electrical connections and plumbing connections. The mattress678contained within the shelter/camper may be any standard size mattress (Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King) or any custom size mattress. The mattress678may be foam, inner-spring, or any type of mattress commonly available.

Shelter/camper600may have one or more interior wall panels or dividers, as described above. The wall panels may be the same as or similar to the front and rear panels described above. The interior wall panels may be rigid, folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding, multi-folding or sectional; or the interior wall may be flexible (e.g., similar to accordion walls and door166-170of camper100). Optionally, the interior walls may be a combination of sectional components or maybe another type of panel or may be a combination of panels or components. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 22, interior wall654may consist of upper interior wall panel656hinged to a section (e.g., a raised interior section658) of the floor section. The interior wall panel may be the same width as the front and rear wall panels, extending from the right side wall panels610and612to the left side wall panels614and616, and sitting flush against the side panels and mid-section connector642. The interior wall654may also have the same height as the total height of the front and rear walls (e.g., the total, combined height of the interior wall panel656and raised section658may be equivalent to the total, combined height of the front wall606and the raised interior front edge682and the total, combined height of the rear wall608and the raised interior rear edge684). As can be seen inFIG. 22, the interior wall panel656may be long enough to extend between a section (e.g., a raised interior section658) of the floor section. In one embodiment the upper interior wall panel section may be 75″ L. When connected to section658, which may be 7″ L in this case, the interior wall may be almost 7′ tall. The interior wall panel656may be hinged at least 1″ (of the equivalent thickness of the wall panels) lower than the either the front wall panel or the rear wall panel, whichever is hinged lower. In other words, the hinge points for the front, rear and interior wall panels may be staggered. If the front wall panel is hinged higher than the rear wall panel, this may allow the interior wall panel to sit below the rear wall panel and the rear wall panel, in turn, to sit below the front wall panel for closing/collapsing of the shelter or camper (e.g., as shown in transition inFIGS. 24-26and in a closed/collapsed configuration inFIG. 27). Movement from one section to another section of the shelter/camper (e.g., from the living area to the bathroom) through the interior wall may be accomplished through door660, as described above.

When opening/expanding the shelter/camper (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 24), the unattached (free or unhinged) end of interior wall panel656may be raised until it latches, connects or otherwise attaches to a bottom surface (e.g., the ceiling) of the roof section602of the shelter/camper, forming a continuous internal wall connecting the roof and floor. Alternatively, the interior wall panel may be hinged to a bottom surface (e.g., the ceiling) of the roof section602and may be lowered until it latches, connects or otherwise attaches to a section (e.g., a raised interior section658) of the floor section604. When the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration as shown inFIGS. 22-23, the interior wall may be completely unfolded. The interior wall edges may sit flush with the side wall edges. Latches, hooks, locks or other connectors/attachments may optionally be used at the corners or joints between the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. (e.g., between the side walls and the interior wall) to help securely hold the walls, panels, connector(s), sections, etc. together and in position when in the open/expanded configuration. The interior wall panel may sit between the mattress678and rear wall608when closed/collapsed. If the rear wall panel is hinged higher than the front wall panel, then the interior wall panel may sit between the mattress678and the front wall panel606.

Shelter/camper600may have seating (e.g., components646-652) that may be convertible into extra sleeping surfaces. The seating may be the same as or similar to the seating (e.g., components446-452and456-462) of camper400. In one embodiment, the seating may be converted into an extra bed by repositioning the backrest446from a vertical position, or almost vertical position, for sitting to a horizontal position, next to seat bottom648(e.g., as seen inFIG. 23). The backrest frame650and seat frame652may each contain adjustable legs that may be used to: (1) adjust the height of the seat if the legs of the seat are extended only and the back rest is positioned for sitting; (2) or may be used to adjust the height of the bed, if both the back rest and seat are positioned for sleeping and legs attached to both frames are extended. The backrest frame and seat frame may optionally be attached or otherwise connected to each other using hinges, latches, hooks or other types of connectors. The backrest and/or seat may also be attached to and positioned using a track system or any other components that may exist for raising and lowering the bed system above (e.g., mattress678and platform680) (e.g., the seat and backrest frames may also be attached, below the bed platform, to the same track system or other components for raising and lowering the bed system). Alternatively, the backrest may be just a cushion without a frame, in which case the bench may be positioned for sleep by laying both the seat and backrest flat on the floor (e.g., as in a closed/collapsed camper).

If the bed system above (e.g., mattress678and platform680) is lowered for sleeping (e.g., to a position roughly halfway down the shelter/camper or to any comfortable height between the ceiling and the fixtures below for simultaneous use of the bed system and the bench below), then the bench may be positioned for either sitting below the bed or for sleeping below the bed (e.g., as an additional sleep surface as shown inFIG. 23). The bench may also be lowered completely to the floor for sleeping, as mentioned above.

If the bench is configured for either sitting or sleeping and the bed system above is either raised toward the roof section for storage or lowered to a roughly middle position for use, then movement from the bench to other areas may be accomplished by exiting and reentering through door622in front wall606or through door660in interior wall654. An occupant may move from the bench, to use the bathroom or exit the shelter/camper, for example, without the need to reposition the bed system above, if the bed system is positioned at a height sufficient for the occupant to move, sit, sleep or crawl on the bench. In one embodiment, shelter/camper600may contain a seat bottom448that is 19½″ W×75″ L and backrest446that is 19½″ W×75″L.

When configured for sleep position, components446-452may combine to form a bed that is similar in size to a Twin mattress (e.g., 39″×75″ give or take a couple of inches). The seating may be configured to be any size however, and may be equivalent in size to the mattress above or smaller or larger. For example, shelters containing a Full, Queen or King mattress, may contain one or more benches below the bed system and may be converted to beds equivalent in size to the mattress above, or smaller or larger. Optionally, a shelter/camper may also be configured to use the seating as the only sleeping surface (e.g., shelters/campers with no bed system, as described above).

The shelters/campers (e.g., camper1, camper100, camper400and camper600) described herein may include a variety of interior fixtures or components for convenience (see e.g., fixtures/components646-676) and related system components. Depending on the size of the shelter/camper, several combinations of seating, cooking and bathroom fixtures may be possible. The fixtures or other components described herein may be designed to remain in the shelter/camper when in the closed/collapsed configuration or may be designed to be removed when closing/collapsing the shelter/camper and reinstalled when opening/expanding the shelter/camper. If the interior fixtures are to remain inside the shelter/camper when it is closed/collapsed, the fixture dimensions, especially the heights, may be limited by the available space in the shelter/camper when it is in the closed/collapsed configuration. For example, the dimensions may be limited by the size or depth of the floor section604under the wall panels or by the space between wall panels, when all panels are folded flat for closing, or by any space available in the roof section. The floor section604may be any depth necessary to accommodate interior fixtures. If desired to reduce the overall height of the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed to allow for easier transportation (e.g., on a roof rack), the height of the floor section may need be kept to a minimum, and interior components may need to be collapsible or removable for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 21, 22 and 27, only 8″ H×39″ W×75″ L in the floor section between raised interior front edge682and raised section658, plus 8″ H×39″ W×36″ L in the floor section between raised section658and raised interior rear edge684, plus 4″ H×5 in W×114″ L in the center, between the folded side wall panels may be available for interior components that may remain in the shelter/camper when closed/collapsed. Accordingly, in this and similar situations of other dimensions, interior seat, storage, kitchenette and bathroom components may have to be collapsible into a small area (e.g., no more than 8″ or 4″ tall sections in the example above), depending on where they will rest in the closed/collapsed shelter/camper. This can be accomplished by use of sectional components that are either connected (e.g., by hinges or some other connectors) or completely detached, which may enable the sections to lay flat for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper (seeFIGS. 24-27) or stacked for use while the shelter/camper is open/expanded (seeFIGS. 22-23).

For example, seat benches (see e.g., components646-652) or a bath vanity (see e.g., components664-670) may be laid flat for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or stacked for opening/expanding of the shelter/camper, and possibly even raised to a more comfortable user height by use of adjustable legs, lifts, piston lifts, or other lifting mechanism appropriate for the size and weight of the component. Some components such as the shower basin672may be integrated into the bathroom portion of the floor section604(e.g., similar to an RV wet bath floor) or may be short enough to fit in the space of the floor section without the need to be collapsed or removed, and associated shower components such as a flexible shower head, shower curtain and/or other shower components may fit inside the shower basin, in any available floor space, or in the vanity cabinets. If a shower curtain is attached directly to the roof section (e.g., to hooks or other connectors in the ceiling), then the shower curtain may be raised or compressed and stored in the 4″×5″ gap between the side wall panels. Some components such as a sink faucet and/or drain may either be folded into the sink without detachment, or detached and stored in the available space in the sink or vanity cabinets. The toilet may be a fixed height component that can be removed for closing, may be sectional (e.g., components674and676), or may be a collapsible camp style toilet.

A wall divider the same as or different from interior wall654may be used between various areas within the shelter/camper (e.g., between the seating/cooking areas and the bathroom area). For example, use of one or more collapsible, accordion-type walls with an accordion door (e.g., similar to walls166-168with door170in camper100), or other type of flexible or collapsible wall (e.g., a rigid wall panel656or flexible/fabric wall that may be foldable and/or collapsible) may be attachable to the bottom of the bed platform680or the bottom of the roof section or ceiling, while the shelter/camper is in an open/expanded configuration. The wall and door may be detachable and compressible into the floor area below the folded wall panels while the shelter/camper is in a closed/collapsed configuration. Alternatively, all or part of the collapsible/flexible wall may remain fixed to the bed platform680or ceiling of the shelter/camper and may be detachable from the floor or a raised section in the floor (e.g., section658). The wall may be stored under the bed platform or ceiling and parallel relative to the bed platform or ceiling in a closed/collapsed configuration, as described previously. Similarly, a shower curtain can be attached to the ceiling of the shelter/camper, as described above, while the shelter/camper is open/expanded and detached while the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. A shower curtain may also remain attached to the ceiling and stored flat between the roof section and the upper panel sections626and634of the folded side wall panels610and614, and/or occupy the gap in the center, between the left and right side wall panels, while the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. In one embodiment, plumbing lines can be tubes, pipes, flexible tubing, etc. attached to the sectional components themselves, embedded in the panels of the roof, floor, walls or bed platform, or detached and stored when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed and reattached when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. Fresh water tanks and fuel tanks may be (1) included external to the shelter/camper and attached with piping, tubing, flexible tubing, etc.; (2) placed inside when the shelter/camper is open/expanded and removed when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed, (3) fitted into any available space inside storage cabinets or in lieu of other components; or (4) otherwise associated and/or connected to the shelter/camper. Other fixtures, such as one or more mirrors662, wall/ceiling mounted televisions, storage pockets and hooks and other components may be embedded in the panels of the roof, floor, walls or bed platform.

In one embodiment, where the exterior height of the closed/collapsed shelter/camper is not limited or may be greater, e.g., as in shelters/campers designed for attachment to a utility trailer, the depth of the floor section (or height of the raised edge of the floor) may be tall enough to accommodate seating, kitchenette fixtures, bathroom fixtures, and other fixtures or components that do not need to be collapsed when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed. For example, a floor section604with a height of 30-36″ or more may accommodate fixtures such as seating, cooking, bath fixtures, etc. that may be permanently installed, do not need to be collapsed and may remain inside the shelter/camper when the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed.

When the shelter/camper600is in an open/expanded configuration, all wall panels606,608,610,612,614and616may be extended vertically until they are perpendicular to the roof section602and floor section604, forming a complete enclosure that is suitable for sleeping and living, in properly equipped shelters/campers. The front wall panel606and rear wall panel608may sit flush against the right side wall panels610and612, left side wall panels614and616and connector/mid-section connector642. Positioned between the side wall panels, the front and rear wall panels may help prevent the side wall panels from folding inward. Slide latches or other components, as mentioned above, may also be used to help prevent wall panels from folding inward when in an open/expanded configuration. Weather stripping or gaskets may ensure a weather tight seal between all joints. The door622may allow entry to and exit from the shelter/camper and may be locked, securing occupants and/or belongings inside the shelter/camper. The windows644may also be opened or closed.

In open/expanded configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 22), the shelter/camper may have an interior height between the floor and the mattress platform678comfortable enough for most occupants to stand. In an open/expanded, sleeping configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 23), the interior height between the mattress and the ceiling may also be enough to sit, crawl, sleep and in some cases even stand. In an open/expanded configuration, interior fixtures646-660and664-680may be stacked and/or extended for use or collapsed for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper. If the shelter/camper (e.g., in the floor section604) is tall enough to accommodate interior fixtures that do not need to be collapsed or removed for closure of the shelter/camper, the fixtures can remain in place while the shelter/camper is in open/expanded configuration or in the closed/collapsed configuration. In an open/expanded configuration, the bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680) may be raised for full standing height (e.g., as shown inFIG. 22) or any height between the ceiling and the fixtures (e.g., fixtures446-652) below the bed system. In shelters/campers that are sufficiently longer than the bed system to contain fixtures/components in a section of the shelter/camper that does not lie under the bed system (e.g., bathroom section with components664-676), the interior height of that portion of the shelter/camper may have full interior standing height between the floor and the ceiling and may not be affected by the position of the bed system (e.g., as shown inFIG. 22).

Water and fuel tanks may be placed externally or internally and connected to interior components as described previously. Use of optional heating and cooling equipment can maintain a comfortable interior environment in an open/expanded configuration. Components such as televisions and other electrical equipment may also be used when the shelter/camper is open/expanded. Optional solar panels618and batteries can continue to operate in the open/expanded configuration or in the closed/collapsed configuration. The shelter/camper600may remain open/expanded in place on a vehicle roof rack, in a pick-up truck bed, on a trailer, or on any surface that can support its weight and the weight of its occupants.

When the shelter/camper is in closed/collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27), all wall panels (e.g., wall panels606,608,610,612,614and616), interior wall654, the bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680) and all interior components/fixtures that remain in the closed/collapsed shelter/camper (e.g., fixtures/components646-652and662-676) may sit entirely inside a closed case formed by joining the roof section602, one or more connectors642(if used), and/or the floor section604. In one embodiment, the closed case may contain components in the following order, from top to bottom: Upper panel sections626and634of the upper pairs of wall panels610and614; lower panel sections628and636of the upper pairs of wall panels610and614; upper panel sections630and638of the lower pairs of wall panels612and616; lower panel sections632and640of the lower pairs of wall panels612and616; front wall panel606; rear wall panel608; bathroom components664-670,674and676(in the portion of the floor section between the rear edge684and raised section658) and upper panel656of the interior wall654(in the portion of the floor section between raised section658and front edge682); mattress678; mattress platform680; bench646-652and any other interior components/fixtures attached to the floor. If the front, rear and interior wall panels are hinged to the roof section instead of the floor section, the interior wall may sit between the roof section and the front or rear wall panels and the front and rear wall panels may sit between the interior wall panel and the upper panel sections of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels. The roof section602, one or more connectors642, the floor section604, or various combinations of these may have weather stripping or gaskets in between, forming a weather tight enclosure when in the closed/collapsed configuration. Locks, latches, connectors, etc. connecting the roof section, mid-section connector and the floor section may ensure the case remains tightly closed while in transit or not used. Optional solar panels618and batteries can continue to operate in closed/collapsed configuration.

The shelter/camper may be simple and easy to transition between configurations without any tools/specialized tools or, optionally, with additional tools that aid transitioning. In one embodiment, to open/expand the shelter/camper600, the locks, latches, or other connectors connecting the roof section602, one or more connectors642, the floor section604, or various combinations of these may first be unlocked, unlatched, unconnected, etc. and opened. Then the roof section602and the side wall panels610and614may be raised (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 26) until the wall panels610and614are completely vertical (e.g., as shown inFIG. 25). The raising/opening of the roof section602and side wall panels may be done either manually or using some manner of mechanical assistance or mechanical system (e.g., lifting/lowering mechanisms that are either powered or manually operated, such as motorized hinges, pistons, other systems/components described elsewhere herein, etc.) that is appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. Slide latches or other components may be used between sections of the wall panels (e.g., between upper sections626and634and lower wall panel sections628and636of the upper pairs of wall panels610and614) to prevent the bi-fold wall panels from folding inward. This process may open/expand the upper half of the shelter/camper. The same or a similar process may open/expand the lower half. The side wall panels612and616may be raised/opened simultaneously with the other side wall panels610and614or may be raised/opened successively. Opening processes may be performed simultaneously or in succession in any order.FIG. 25show the shelter/camper600in the fully raised position with the side wall panels610,612,614, and616all expanded and vertical.

With the shelter/camper in fully raised position, the front wall panel606can be raised (manually or mechanically) until the free or unhinged end latches or otherwise connects with the front edge (e.g., an interior surface of the dropped front edge) of the roof section602or directly with the bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of the shelter/camper). Once the front wall is raised, the rear wall panel608can be raised (manually or mechanically) until the free or unhinged end latches or otherwise connects with the rear edge (e.g., an interior surface of the dropped rear edge) of the roof section602or directly with the bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of the shelter/camper).FIG. 25show the front and rear wall panels606and608in the process of being raised. Once fully raised, the front and rear wall panels may sit flush with the edges of the side wall panels, further preventing the wall panels (e.g., bi-fold wall panels) from folding inward. Once the shelter/camper is fully opened/expanded, the interior wall panel656can be raised (manually or mechanically) until the free or unhinged end latches or otherwise connects with a bottom surface of the roof section (e.g., the ceiling of the shelter/camper) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 24). Once the interior wall is raised, the bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680) may be raised and positioned toward the roof section602of the camper for storage and when maximum standing height below the bed is preferred (e.g., as shown inFIG. 22) or may be positioned at any height below the roof section and above any interior components below for use (e.g., as shown inFIG. 23). Once the bed system is raised and the internal wall is connected, the interior fixtures646-652and664-676may be extended, stacked, raised, and/or otherwise situated for use. External tanks, plumbing components, and/or other equipment may be connected and/or attached for operation. If the rear wall panel is hinged higher than the front wall panel to the edges (e.g., raised interior edges) of the floor section, then the order mentioned above for raising and lowering the front and rear wall panels may be reversed. If the interior, front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section instead of the floor section, the free ends of the interior, front and rear wall panels may then be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) until they latch with the raised section (e.g., raised section658) or the front and rear edges (e.g., raised interior edges) of the floor section.

To close/collapse the shelter/camper, the interior fixtures646-652and664-670,674and676may be collapsed or removed for storage, if necessary, the bed system may be lowered into the floor section, and external tanks, plumbing components, and/or other equipment may be disconnected, detached or removed, if necessary. Next, the free end of the interior wall panel may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the bottom surface of the roof section and the panel may be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 24) toward the floor section until it rests flat against the mattress678. The free end of the rear wall panel may then be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the edge or bottom surface of the roof section and the panel may be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 25) toward the floor section until it rests flat against the upper interior wall panel. Then the free end of the front wall panel may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the edge or bottom surface of the roof section and the panel may be lowered (by gravity or mechanically) (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 25) toward the floor section until it rests flat against the rear wall panel. Next, any slide latches or other components holding the side wall panels open can be unlatched or adjusted, so that the side wall panels (e.g., bi-fold side wall panels) can begin to fold inward and the roof section602and any connector(s)642can begin to lower (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 26). The upper and lower halves of the shelter/camper may be lowered simultaneously or in succession, in any order. The lowering of the roof section, any connector(s), and the side wall panels (e.g., four pairs of bi-fold side wall panels as shown inFIG. 26) may be mechanically assisted by lifting/lowering mechanisms or other mechanical systems described herein that are either powered or manually operated, such as motorized hinges, pistons, etc. that are appropriate for the size and weight of the shelter/camper. If the interior, front and rear wall panels are hinged to the roof section instead of the floor section, the free ends of the of the interior, front and rear wall panels may be unlatched or otherwise disconnected from the raised section or edges of the floor section so that the panels may be raised (manually or mechanically) until they latch flat against the ceiling of the roof section. Once the wall panels are fully lowered, the roof section602, any connector(s)642, and the floor section604may be latched, connected, and/or locked together, creating a tightly closed, secure case (e.g., as shown inFIG. 27).

The enclosure walls606,608,610,612,614, and616, roof section602, connector(s)642, and floor section604may be constructed of composite material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any other composite material. Alternatively, the panels may be constructed with wood or aluminum framing and sided with wood, aluminum, laminate, fiberglass or any other siding material. The panels may have a solid, honeycomb, sectioned or hollow core. The panels may be insulated with polystyrene, fiberglass, any other insulating material, and/or any other vapor barrier material (e.g., one or more of these may be used inside the panels). Interior surfaces may be painted, left unfinished or finished with any appropriate material, such as plastic, wood or fiberglass paneling or may be upholstered. The interior wall panel656may be constructed the same as or similar to the exterior walls or from any of the materials or combinations of materials mentioned above for the exterior wall panels. Interior fixtures646-652,662-676and680may be constructed of any appropriate material such as plastic, wood, laminate, fiberglass, glass, stainless steel, or other metal or fabric.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 21, the exterior dimensions of shelter/camper600that contains a 3½″ thick Twin mattress (e.g., 39″×75″ give or take a couple of inches), a bathroom that is 39″ W×36″ L, 1″ thick panels and has interior, front and rear wall panels hinged to the floor may be 41″ W×116″ L×84″ H in an open/expanded configuration and 41″ W×116″ L×16″ H in a closed/collapsed configuration. This embodiment has 17″ H×114″ L bi-fold side panel sections626,628,630,632,634,636,638and640. This embodiment also has a 12″ tall floor section604, which has a floor thickness of 1″, plus 8″ of height to accommodate the interior fixtures646-660and664-680, plus 2″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick front and rear wall panels606and608, plus 1″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick lower sections632and640of the lower pairs of bi-fold side wall panels612and616when in a closed/collapsed configuration. This embodiment may have a 2″ tall mid-section connector642that may provide 2″ of height for the 1″ thick upper sections630and638of the lower pairs of bi-fold side wall panels612and616and the 1″ thick lower sections628and636of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels610and614. This embodiment may have a 2″ tall roof section602with a ceiling thickness of 1″, plus 1″ of height to accommodate the 1″ thick upper sections626and634of the upper pairs of bi-fold side wall panels610and614when closed/collapsed.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 21-27, the front wall panel606may be 39″ W×73″ H or have a total combined length of 73″ for both or all sections of a foldable, bi-fold or multi-fold front wall panel. The rear wall608may be 39″ W×74″ H or have a total combined length of 74″ for both or all sections of a foldable, bi-fold or multi-fold rear wall panel. The roof section602may have a dropped interior edge that is 1″ H. The floor section604may have a raised interior front edge682that is 9″ H and a raised interior rear edge684that is 8″ H. With the shelter/camper fully opened/expanded, the distance between the roof and floor exterior edges may be 70″. With the bed system (e.g., mattress678and platform680) in fully raised position, the distance between the mattress platform and the floor is 78″, resulting in about 6½ ft of interior standing height in the portion of the shelter/camper between the raised interior front edge682and raised interior section658. The distance between the floor and the ceiling in the portion of the shelter/camper between raised interior section658and raised interior rear edge684is 82″, resulting in almost 7′ of interior standing height. In this embodiment, the available space for interior fixtures may be 8″ H×39″ W×112″ L along the floor under all of the folded exterior wall panels; and 4″ H×5″ W×114″ L in the center, in the gap between the 2 pairs of folded bi-fold wall panels on each side. This embodiment employs a configuration that accommodates the following: 3″ H×19½″ W×75″ L seat bench (including frame); 3″ H×19½″ W×75″ L backrest (including frame); 4″ thick bed (including mattress and platform); a 1″ thick upper interior wall panel; a 7″ H×39″ W×1″ L fixed raised section (e.g., section658); a shower basin integrated into the floor (e.g., a shower basin that takes up no additional space or very little space); a bath vanity in 4 sections, each of which is 8″H×18″ W×9″ L; a 7½″ H×15″ W×16″ L toilet section1; a 4½″ H×15″ W×16″ L toilet section2; and available space for components such as electrical outlet boxes or other smaller interior components. When the shelter/camper is collapsed, the seat, backrest, bed system, upper interior wall panel, fixed raised interior wall section, the vanity sections and the toilet sections may occupy the 8″ of height under the rear wall panel (e.g., as can be seen inFIG. 25). These example dimensions may be especially useful for use with a shelter/camper with a Twin mattress. The dimensions and/or configurations of components and interior fixtures may vary depending on the size of the mattress the shelter/camper contains and other factors. For example, in one embodiment, the dimensions cited above may vary within plus or minus 15″, 12″, 6″, 3″, or other amounts. In one embodiment, the dimensions may be sized to leave room in the collapsed/closed configuration for interior fixtures that could be 36″ tall or taller and/or to allow for shelters where the floor is tall enough to accommodate fixtures such that they do not need to be collapsed. In one embodiment, the dimensions affecting the height of the shelter may be increased by an amount between 2″ and 40″, between 10″ and 30″, and/or between 12″ and 24″.

It would be beneficial if the walls, roof sections, floor sections, mid-section connectors, interior components and other components of camper1, camper100, camper400and camper600collapsed to form closed cases with low profiles wherever a compact closed shelter/camper is preferred for transportation or storage purposes (e.g., for shelters/campers that may be attached to roof racks, towed by small vehicles, transported in multiples for emergency relief or other events, stored in pick-up truck beds, or stored in small storage closets or garages, etc.). To this end, it would be beneficial if the walls, roof sections, floor sections, mid-section connectors, interior components and other components maintained as low a profile as possible and stacked as flat as possible in closed/collapsed shelters/campers. It would also be beneficial if as many components as may be possible were interconnected in the closed/collapsed and open/expanded configurations of these shelters/campers to reduce the amount of time, number of steps, and overall complexity involved in transitioning these shelters/campers between configurations (e.g., it may be easier to open/expand and/or close/collapse shelters/campers with hinged, hinged and/or latched, partially hinged and/or latched or otherwise connected panels or other components than it would be to assemble and disassemble shelters/campers with completely independent panels or components). For these and other reasons, hinges, latches, locks, hooks, connectors, track systems or any other components may be used to attach or connect components or fixtures to each other, or easily expand or collapse components or fixtures for use or storage; connector or accessory components can be made flush with the surfaces or edges of the exterior or interior wall panels, roof sections, floor sections, mid-section connectors, mattress platforms, seat frames, cabinets or other internal or external components to maintain as low a profile as possible for these components. Connector components and other components that may aide in transitioning the shelters/campers are discussed herein.

Hinges that connect two wall panel sections (e.g., the panel sections of a folding, bi-folding, tri-folding, quadri-folding or multi-folding panel) together, connect a door with a wall panel, connect a wall panel with a raised front or rear edge or raised interior section of a floor section, connect a panel with a dropped edge or ceiling of a roof section, connect a front portion of a mid-section connector with the rest of the connector or with a door or wall panel, connect two vanity sections together, connect two kitchenette sections together, connect a window with a door, connect a window with a wall panel, connect an interior wall with a mattress platform or connect any two components together may be any type of flush mounted or concealed hinge available, such as flush mounted door or panel hinges, concealed SOSS® hinges or similar concealed hinges, low-profile carbon fiber hinges, or similar type of hinge. These hinges may be recessed into slight indentations in the surfaces of connected components that are adjacent to the joints between the two components or they may be recessed or otherwise concealed in the adjacent or adjoining edges between the two components. This may allow the hinges to add no additional or minimally additional height, depth or thickness to the height, depth or thickness of the components which they connect. These connectors may aide in maintaining a low profile in a closed/collapsed shelter/camper. Use of these types of connectors may also prevent the connectors from protruding beyond the component surfaces and interfering with other components that may come in contact with those surfaces (e.g., flush mounted or concealed hinges in wall panels may not interrupt or impede the movement of a bed platform or another wall panel whose edges are flush with the side wall edges and may need to move freely past or along the surfaces of the side walls for closing/collapsing or opening/expanding of the shelter/camper or otherwise situating the component for use or storage).

Similarly, any latch, lock or lock and latch combination available, such as panel latches, panel slam latches, surface mountable toggle latches, or any flush mountable or recessed latch connecting two otherwise unattached edges or surfaces (e.g., connecting the free or unhinged end of a front, rear or interior wall panel with a roof edge (e.g., a dropped front or rear interior edge of a roof section or the ceiling of the shelter/camper) or a floor edge (e.g., a raised front or rear interior edge or raised interior section of a floor section), connecting the unhinged end of a door with its wall panel, connecting a cabinet door with its cabinet housing, etc.) may likewise be used.

Similarly, hooks or other connectors for temporary or semi-permanent attachment of any components (e.g., attachment of a shower curtain or wall divider to a bed platform or ceiling; for attaching plumbing tubes, hoses or attachments to wall panels; for hanging clothes, toiletry cases, pots and pans or other supplies; for temporary or semi-permanent attachment of any component, item or personal belonging) may be fully recessed into the wall panels, bed platforms, ceilings or any other component surfaces in open/expanded or closed/collapsed shelters/campers for the reasons discussed above.

Tracks and any other components or systems for connecting two or more components or used to move or otherwise situate components for use or storage may similarly be recessed into or made flush with the surfaces or edges of wall panels, roof sections, mid-section connectors, floor sections or any surface of components that may remain inside or be attached to a shelter/camper in either open/expanded or closed/collapsed configurations. The connectors or accessory components described above may be commercially available or may be made specific to the shelters/campers described herein or to the components included in the shelters/campers, depending on the purpose, size, weight and material of the shelter/camper or the component.

FIGS. 28-35illustrate exemplary connectors or accessory components or features that may be applicable to camper1, camper100, camper400or camper600or any of the components associated with these shelters/campers. The components described herewith illustrate only some possibilities for connecting components, expanding or collapsing components, or improving the performance of certain components or of the shelter/camper as a whole.

Shelters/campers with one or more pairs of bi-fold wall panels per side may use a rod hinge or rod connector similar to the connectors shown in theFIGS. 28-32. These figures illustrate an example of how such a rod connector may connect bi-fold wall panels to the roof sections, mid-section connectors, or floor sections of camper1, camper100, camper400or camper600. To show detail, the wall panels, roof sections, mid-section connectors or floor sections shown in these figures are compressed portions of example components shown in a cross-sectional view. Versions of these exemplary rod hinges or similar hinges may be used in full sized versions of shelters/campers.

The rod hinges (e.g., components902-906, shown inFIGS. 28-32) may allow example upper panel section826of example upper bi-fold wall panel810to be hinged on top to example roof section802, and example lower panel section828of the same upper bi-fold wall panel to be hinged on the bottom to example mid-section connector842, and connector842to be hinged to the top of example upper panel section830of example lower bi-fold wall panel812, and example lower panel section832of the same lower bi-fold wall panel to be hinged on the bottom to example floor section804. Rod902in the rod hinge/connector may be a continuous rod that runs the full length or almost the full length of a floor section, mid-section connector or roof section (e.g., example components802,804and842inFIGS. 28, 29, 30 and 31).

The rod902may pass through one or more inserts904which may slide into sleeves906(e.g. as shown inFIG. 32). The rod hinge/connector may contain as many inserts/sleeves as may be appropriate for the size and weight of the wall panel section attached to it. The rod902and one or more inserts (e.g., insert904) may be attached to (e.g., permanently attached to, fastened to or integrated with) an edge of a roof section, mid-section connector or a floor section (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 28-31) that connects with an end of a bi-fold wall panel section. Each insert904may slide into a sleeve906, which may be attached to (e.g., permanently attached to, fastened to, or integrated with) an edge of a wall panel section that may rest directly below or above an edge of a roof section, mid-section connector or floor section in an open/expanded shelter/camper.

The rod902in the connector may allow the insert to rotate around the rod or alternatively with the rod, allowing or causing the sleeve and therefore the wall panel to rotate. This will allow a connected wall panel section to move from a vertical position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 28) in an open/expanded shelter/camper to a horizontal position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 31) in a closed/collapsed shelter/camper.

For closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper, the rod hinge/connector may allow the wall panel section connected to it, to rotate one quarter turn into the shelter (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 30) until the wall panel exterior surface is flush with or above the dropped edge of the roof section, flush with or below the top edge of the mid-section connector, flush with or above the bottom edge of the mid-section connector, or flush with or below the raised edge of the floor section, whichever edge the wall panel is connected to (e.g., the wall panel is rotated into the shelter/camper until it sits completely within the dropped edge of the roof section, the top or bottom edge of the mid-section connector or the raised edge of the floor section allowing the wall panel to sit completely inside the closed case formed by the shelter/camper, as shown inFIG. 31). A standard hinge may not fold the wall panel enough to completely sit within the edges of the sections it is connected to. Or if the wall panel is hinged to the roof section, floor section or mid-section connector in such a manner that it sits completely within the edges of those sections in a closed/collapsed shelter/camper (e.g., similar to an inset kitchen cabinet door), then a standard hinge may not unfold the panel until it lines the panel edge up directly and in line with an edge of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section in an open/expanded shelter/camper.

Other hinge types, (e.g., similar to some inset kitchen cabinet hinges) may allow a wall panel section to sit completely within the edges of the roof section, mid-section connector, or floor section when closed/collapsed (e.g., as can be seen inFIG. 31and similar to how an inset cabinet hinge may allow a cabinet door to sit completely within the frame edges of the cabinet) and may also allow the panel section to unfold properly and rest end to end and in line with the edge of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section that it is hinged to (e.g., as shown inFIG. 28), however that hinge type may not be capable of being completely recessed into the wall panel; this would add additional depth to each wall panel and therefore may add significant depth to the closed shelter/camper since they may be attached to all side wall panel sections (e.g., two, four or more panel sections per side) and the hinges would interfere with the movement of bed systems and front, rear and interior wall panels that have to move passed those surfaces of the hinged side-wall panels.

The rod hinge/connector components (e.g., components902-906) may sit completely inside the wall panels or edges of the roof sections, mid-section connectors or floor sections in both open/expanded and closed/collapsed configurations of these shelters/campers (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 28 and 31) and therefore may not add any additional depth to the panels and the closed/collapsed shelter/camper and may not interfere with the movement of any other components.

The rod hinge/connector may also allow each side wall panel section to move (e.g., the sleeve906may slide up or down the insert904, as can be seen in transition inFIG. 29) just enough to clear the edge of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section as the panel rotates for closing/collapsing or opening/expanding. Without that clearance or the ability to move slightly the wall panel edges would butt up against the edges or interior surfaces of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section, preventing the panels from rotating when the panels are vertical, in open/expanded configuration, or horizontal, in closed/collapsed configuration. The gap may be created during the opening and closing processes (e.g., as shown in transition inFIG. 30) as the roof section or mid-section connectors are lifted.

To transition the shelter/camper from a closed/collapsed configuration, lifting the roof or mid-section connectors will pull the sleeves906slightly away from the inserts904and therefore the wall panel sections will be pulled away from the interior surfaces of the roof section, mid-section connector and floor section as the corners of the wall panel edges touch those interior surfaces, thereby creating the clearance needed to rotate the bi-fold side wall panel sections passed the edges of the roof section, mid-section connector and floor section.

To transition the shelter/camper from an open/expanded configuration, lifting the roof section or mid-section connector will pull the sleeves apart slightly from the inserts, creating the clearance needed to fold the bi-fold wall panel sections inward. A set screw attached to the insert904through a gap in the sleeve906may limit the amount of movement that can occur between the sleeve and the insert to just the length of the gap, preventing the sleeve from completely separating from the insert (e.g., a screw passing through a gap in the sleeve and interior surface of a side wall panel section and screwing into to an insert, may limit the movement of that insert to just the length of the gap in the sleeve). Removing the set screws may allow the sleeve and insert to completely separate, allowing for detachment of the bi-fold wall panel sections from the roof section, mid-section connector for repair, replacement or servicing of any of those components.

The gap needed to fold/unfold the bi-fold wall panel sections may be done manually by lifting sections of the shelter/camper during opening and closing processes. Alternatively, springs may aide in the creation and/or closing of the gaps needed to fold/unfold the side wall panels. A spring attached inside and positioned between the sleeve906and the insert904end, may cause the panel section to separate just enough to create that clearance (e.g., a spring inside the sleeve906may push on the end of the insert904, creating a small gap inside and therefore pushing the wall panel section slightly away from the edge or interior surface of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section). The spring in its natural state may push the wall panel section slightly away from the edges or interior surfaces of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 29 and 31).

In this configuration, for opening/expanding the shelter/camper, a downward pressure on the roof section or upward pressure on the floor section may cause the springs in all of the rod hinges/connectors to compress and close the gaps, as shown inFIG. 28(e.g., compression, toggle latches or slam latches connecting the roof or floor section with the free or unhinged ends of the front and rear wall panels may provide the pressure needed to close the gaps by pulling the roof downward, if the front and rear wall panels are latched to the roof section, or by pulling the front and rear wall panels downward, if the panels are latched to the floor section instead, closing all of the gaps between all side wall panel sections and edges of the roof, mid-section connector and floor).

For closing/collapsing the shelter/camper, unlatching the front and rear wall panels from the roof section or floor section, if latched to the floor, will allow the springs to return to their natural state and create the gap needed to rotate the side wall panel edges passed the edges of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section. In a closed/collapsed shelter/camper the gap between the bi-fold side wall panel edges and the interior surfaces of the roof section, mid-section connector and floor section may remain since it may not take up a significant amount of space (e.g., as shown inFIG. 31).

Alternatively, a spring attached inside and positioned between the sleeve906and insert904may pull the sleeve toward the insert in its natural state (e.g., if an insert is slightly shorter than the sleeve then a spring fixed to the inside of the sleeve and end of the insert may pull the sleeve and insert toward each other, creating no gap between the wall panel section and an edge or interior surface of a roof section, mid-section connector or floor section). In this case, the spring's natural state would cause the side wall panel to be pulled toward the edge or interior surface of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section (e.g. as shown inFIG. 28in an open/expanded shelter/camper).

In this configuration, for closing/collapsing or opening/expanding the shelter/camper, an upward pressure during opening or closing processes may stretch the springs and create a gap just wide enough for the panel edges to clear the edges of the roof section, mid-section connector or floor sections so that the wall panel edges may rotate over them, and once released the gaps will close as the springs return to their natural state. The gaps needed between the bi-fold side panel section edges and the edges and interior surfaces of the roof section, mid-section connector and floor sections of shelters/campers described herein, may also be mechanically created or closed by use of screws between the sleeves906and inserts904. The screws may turn in one direction to create the gap and another direction to close the gap. The screws may be configured in such a way that the rotation of the rod hinge/connector inward for closing/collapsing of the shelter/camper or outward for opening/expanding the shelter/camper itself may cause the screws to turn in the necessary direction (e.g., similar to the mechanism used in some right angled screw drivers).

Another benefit of the rod hinge/connector may be the ability to attach mechanisms that aid in opening or closing the shelters/campers to the rod hinges/connectors, if the inserts904are configured to turn with the rods902as the rods turn. A hand crank or motor may be connected via a pulley system to the rods to turn the rods and therefore unfold or fold the bi-fold side wall panels for opening or closing of the shelter/camper. Belts or chains may connect a crank or motor in the floor section to rods on either side of the floor section. One belt may be connected directly to a rod on one side to allow the rod to turn in the direction the crank or motor turns, and the other belt may form aFIG. 8formation to cause the rod on the other side to turn in the opposite direction the crank or motor turns (e.g., as is a common setup in pulley systems). Therefore turning the crank or motor will turn the rods on the right and left side of the shelter/camper in opposite directions simultaneously to fold/lower or unfold/raise the bottom sections of the lower pairs (or pair, if only one pair bi-fold panels per side is used). As the lower panel sections move it will force the upper panel sections to move since they're hinged together. This process may unfold/fold only the pairs of bi-fold wall panels connected to the floor section, causing the mid-section connector and everything above it to rise/lower or causing only the roof section to rise/lower, if the shelter/camper has only one pair of bi-fold wall panels per side. A similar configuration connecting a crank or motor in the mid-section connector to the rods along the upper edge of the mid-section connector may fold/close or unfold/open the upper pairs of bi-fold wall panels. Alternatively, one or more cranks or motors turning just the rods in the mid-section connector (e.g., one or more cranks or motors turning 4 rods connecting the upper pairs of bi-fold wall panels and lower pairs of bi-fold wall panels) may unfold or fold all bi-fold wall panels connected to it, possibly unfolding or folding the entire shelter/camper. Optionally cranks or motors and belts or chains may be used to turn rods in the roof section and/or lower rods of the mid-section connectors, directly rotating the upper panel sections of the bi-fold wall panels and forcing the lower pairs to rotate as well. Access to cranks or the crank handles may be located externally either at the front or rear end of the shelter/camper which may allow a user to turn the crank from outside to unfold or fold the shelter/camper. If motors are used, one or more motors located at various locations may be connected via belts or chains to the rods (e.g., a motor may be located in the front, rear or middle of the shelter/camper and located in the center or positioned to the side and connected to the rods with belts long enough to reach the rods on each side). One or more motors may be used in combination or separately for separate pairs of bi-fold wall panels. Optionally any mechanism for opening or closing the shelter/camper as discussed previously or elsewhere may be used.

The roof section, mid-section connector and floor section may contain rods902in a variety of ways. If the components are made from molded material, the molds may be formed around the rods and the rods may be permanently integrated into the components. If the roof section, mid-section connector or floor section have aluminum frames or other types of frames, the rods may be inserted into the frames or otherwise attached to the frames. Similarly the sleeves906may be molded into the side wall panel sections or integrated into the frames or otherwise attached to the frames. Alternatively, the sleeves may be part of the panels themselves (e.g., not separate components but rather indentations in the panel structure).

A track system may be used to lower, raise or otherwise reposition a bed system in shelters/campers with movable bed platforms as described elsewhere.FIGS. 33-34show an exemplary track system (e.g., track908and wheels (not shown)) that may be used to easily move a bed system in camper100, camper400and camper600between positions for use and storage or for various purposes. For illustrative purposes, an exemplary camper/shelter800containing wall panels, roof, floor, mid-section connectors and bed systems similar to those of camper100, camper400and camper600is shown. However, the track system may however be used in any of the shelter/campers described herein that contain a movable bed platform.

The track system may be similar to a c-rail type of track that is in sections embedded in the surfaces of side wall panels, and/or vertical surfaces of the roof section, mid-section connector and/or floor section. The track system908may be in several sections spanning multiple panels or component surfaces and may be contain several paths or tracks (e.g., track system908may contain two or more tracks per side of the bed platform and may be divided into sections that are embedded in the vertical surfaces of the floor section, bi-fold side wall panels, mid-section connector and roof section, as shown inFIG. 33). The rails of the tracks908may contain a channel (e.g., a c-rail) that has an opening wide enough for just an axel of a wheel, connected to an example bed platform846, to extend beyond the track to connect with a platform (e.g., an axel may extend across, through the platform or under it to the other opposite side of the platform to connect with another wheel and track908on the other side of the shelter, or the axels may attach to one wheel only allowing each wheel to be independent), without allowing the wheel to exit the track. This configuration may ensure that the wheels attached to the bed platform remain inside the track, and the bed platform remains securely attached to the track, as the bed is moved for different purposes and or positioned for use or storage.

The rails of the tracks may contain slots, ledges, grooves, catches, stops etc. that may be used to hold the bed system in a particular location or at a particular height during the process of moving it or may secure the bed system in a particular location or at a particular height for use or storage. Latches connected to the bed platform and positioned inside the track may connect to or be inserted into the slots, ledges, grooves, catches or stops in the track rails. The latches may be spring loaded and curved on one end and straight on the other end allowing the bed system to move upward or in a particular direction freely, while preventing unwanted movement downward or in an another unwanted direction unless the latches are unlatched, opened, pulled in, disengaged, etc. (e.g., similar to a door latch which is curved on one end and straight on the other end, allowing free movement in one direction, to close it, but requiring unlatching, by turning the knob, to move in the other direction, to open it). Optionally, the latches may prevent movement of the bed platform in any direction unless the latches are disengaged. The track rails themselves may contain spring loaded stops that allow a wheel to pass in one direction but close the track and prevent the wheel from moving in an opposite, unwanted direction, unless the stops are disengaged.

The tracks may take any path as necessary to move a bed system (e.g., mattress844and platform846) from one location to another, however the track system should contain tracks on both sides of a bed platform to provide support for the bed system. If the track is a straight track, the rails on either side of the shelter/camper or either side of the bed system may not have to be in the same positions along the walls, roof, floor or mid-section connectors, however, if the track is curved or do not follow a straight path, the tracks on either side may need to be at the same positions and be mirror images of each other (e.g., as shown inFIG. 34, without any wall panels, roof, floor or mid-section connector to show detail). The track can be positioned anywhere along the vertical surfaces as necessary to avoid windows or any other components attached to those surfaces or below those surfaces (e.g., as shown inFIG. 33). Other components such as benches may also utilize the same track system908using wheels for support or for repositioning those components for use or storage (e.g., as shown inFIG. 34). It may be beneficial for the tracks908to be embedded in, made flush with, recessed or otherwise inserted into or integrated with, the components (e.g., roof section, mid-section connector, floor section and bi-fold side wall panels) for the same reasons mentioned above, that other components such as hinges, latches, hooks, or other connectors may be embedded in, made flush with, recessed or otherwise inserted into or integrated with the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section, and bi-fold side wall panels. The tracks may be in separable sections, embedded in the surfaces of each of the components they cross or that are in the path of the tracks (e.g., as shown inFIG. 26).

As the shelter/camper is closed/collapsed the track may separate or come together (e.g., similar to the sectional tracks of toy train sets or slot cars and as shown in transition inFIG. 26). In an opened/expanded shelter/camper, the tracks may come together to form a complete track system or path to facilitate movement of a bed system or other attached component along its path. For closing or collapsing of a shelter/camper, the track may be used to move the bed system (e.g., platform and mattress) to its storage position in the floor section, or optionally in the roof section if the shelter/camper is configured to store the mattress there. In a closed/collapsed shelter/camper, the track system may be configured so that it adds no additional or minimally additional height to any wall panels that contain sections of the track.

Track systems may be configured to move a bed system along any path and position the bed system in any location that is appropriate for that shelter/camper. For example, camper100may contain a track system (e.g., tracks908and wheels connected to platform202) with sections of straight track embedded in the right and left sides of roof section102, bi-fold wall panel sections126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140and right and left sides of mid-section connector142. This may allow the bed system (e.g., mattress200and platform202) to move downward from a storage position in the roof section to any position between the ceiling and the fixtures below the bed system for use in an open/expanded shelter/camper. Camper400may contain a track system (e.g., tracks908and wheels connected to platform488) with sections of straight track embedded in the right and left sides of the floor section404, bi-fold wall panel sections430,432,438and440, right and left sides of mid-section connector442, and a curved section with multiple tracks embedded in wall panel sections428and436. This may allow the bed system (e.g., mattress486and platform488) to move from a storage position in the floor section and toward the front of the shelter/camper up to a position roughly 3′ from the roof section402and near the rear of the shelter/camper, forming a loft, in an open/expanded shelter/camper. Camper600may contain a track system (e.g., tracks908and wheels connected to platform680) with sections of straight track embedded in the left and right sides of the floor section604, bi-fold side wall panel sections626,628,630,632,634,636,638and640and left and right sides of mid-section connector642, toward the front of the shelter/camper. This may allow the bed system (e.g., mattress680and platform678) to move from a storage position in the floor section604in the front section of the shelter/camper (e.g., between the front wall and an interior wall) to second storage position toward the roof section602, if standing height below the bed system is preferred in that portion of the shelter or camper, or to a position between the ceiling of the shelter/camper and any fixtures below for use, in an open/expanded shelter or camper.

The roof section, mid-section connector, floor sections and bi-fold side wall panel sections may contain tracks908in a variety of ways. If the components are made from molded material, the molds may be formed around the tracks and the tracks may be permanently integrated into the component surfaces. If the roof section, mid-section connector, floor section or bi-fold side wall panel sections have aluminum frames or other types of frames, the tracks may be inserted into the frames or otherwise attached to the frames and may even form part of the frame.

The edges of the bi-fold wall panel sections, roof sections, floor sections, mid-section connectors and front and rear wall panel sections may have weather stripping or gaskets between some or all of the joints, creating a weathertight enclosure in an open/expanded configuration or a weathertight case in a closed/collapsed configuration as previously discussed elsewhere. In some cases, the edges of the wall panels, roof sections, floor sections, mid-section connectors and front and rear wall panels may also benefit from having tongue and groove joints, (e.g., components912and914, as shown inFIG. 35). These joints may further improve the weather tightness between all of the panels, sections or components. A tongue912on one panel edge may match a groove914in an adjoining panel edge, or adjoining edge of a roof section, floor section or mid-section connector. The tongue and groove joints between the roof, mid-section connector (if used), and floor may match each other in a closed/collapsed shelter/camper and may match the tongue and groove joints in adjoining wall panel sections, in an open/expanded shelter/camper. Weather stripping and gaskets916may also be used between a tongue912and a groove916, which may further improve weather tightness.

The above apparatuses, devices, components, systems, assemblies, methods, etc. have generally been described as being applied to a portable shelter or camper and its components; however, the principles described may be applied to other types of shelters (e.g., a permanent, stationary, emergency, or medical shelter), apparatuses, devices, components, systems, assemblies, methods, etc. Further, the features described in one embodiment herein may generally be combined with features described in other embodiments herein.

While the apparatuses, devices, components, systems, assemblies, methods, etc. of this invention may have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited and that variations may be applied to other shelters, apparatuses, devices, components, systems, assemblies, methods, etc. For example, with respect to the methods, uses, and/or steps described herein variations may occur in the steps, uses, the sequence/order of steps, etc. described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. Likewise, the dimensions described herein may be viewed as illustrative of preferred embodiments, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, to the extent there are variations of the invention which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well.