MULTI-PURPOSE CABINET

Abstract: A multi-purpose cabinet (1) for a caravan or the like, which can be transformed between its various configurations by the operation of a locking means (5) to selectively open the door (2A) in one of three ways. The first in which the cabinet can be used as a storage compartment (6), the second, in which the storage compartment (6) and door section (2b) pivots with said door (2a), as a toilet facility (11), and a third, in which the toilet facility (11) also pivots with the above features, as a shower facility.

Description: MULTI PURPOSE CABINET The present invention relates, in general, to what might be termed a multi-purpose enclosure, cabinet or unit and is more particularly, but not exclusively, directed to an enclosure, cabinet or unit intended for installation in a mobile home, camper-trailer, campervan, caravan or the like. Throughout the ensuing description reference will be made to an especially preferred embodiment of the arrangement of the present invention, specifically designed for utilisation in or in conjunction with a mobile home, camper-trailer, campervan, caravan or the like. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be considered to be restricted solely to usage in such a context. In actual fact the multi-purpose enclosure, cabinet or unit in accordance with the invention lends itself equally to usage in a variety of other contexts. By way of example only, the unit in accordance with the present invention could be employed as a free-standing unit on a construction site or the like. With any mobile home, camper-trailer, campervan, caravan or the like, invariably space is at a premium. This problem is further enhanced by reason of the need to provide, in such mobile homes, camper- trailers, campervans , caravans or the like areas of spaces designed for a particular usage, such as for storage, a toilet facility, a washing facility or whatever. Nowadays our society or community provides for so-called caravan parks etc. where users of such mobile homes etc. can secure temporary access to facilities such as, for example, hot and cold running water for purposes of washing and showers, toilet facilities etc. In a practical sense, however, it should be realised that under certain circumstances the owner of such a vehicle or conveyance will not have access to such caravan parks and their facilities, choosing or in some cases being forced to park, as for the night, in secluded areas far removed from normal f cilities. In order to cope with such a situation it has become the norm to, where possible, include in such caravans, mobile homes, camper-trailers, campervans and the like full toilet and bathing facilities. The problem is, however, that the provision of such facilities can be expected to take up an inordinately large amount of space and, since as stated earlier space in such structures is at a premium, room available for other facilities, such as sleeping and cooking, would tend to suffer. In a purely practical sense, the provision of full toilet and bathing facilities - which are used on an erratic rather than a regular basis - necessitates the full-time usage of scarcely available room, in accordance with the known arrangements, that is. Any user or owner of a caravan or the like conveyance will also know that, therein, space available for storage of clothes, linen, food and the like is also usually at a premium. Once again the provision of a space or enclosure purely for purposes of sometimes storage constitutes an unacceptable (in practical terms) wastage of such space. The present arrangement seeks to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art caravans, campervans, camper trailers, mobile homes and the like by providing what might be termed a multi¬ purpose cabinet, unit or enclosure, designed to maximise usage of the overall space taken up thereby. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cabinet, unit or enclosure which, principally at least and for the vast majority of the time, functions as a storage cabinet for clothing, linen, food and the like. However, and when desired, that cabinet can be readily "transformed" into either a toilet enclosure and/or even a shower recess . In accordance with the present arrangement, therefore, a given space is utilised in its most efficient and effective manner. In actual fact the cabinet in accordance with the present invention can at all times provide storage space for clothing and the like, yet when needed can constitute the toilet enclosure/shower recess. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a multi-purpose cabinet or enclosure, for use in a campervan, caravan or the like, said cabinet being adapted, in use, to be capable of assuming a selected one of three separate functional configurations, a first corresponding to a storage facility only, a second corresponding to a usable toilet facility, and a third corresponding to a shower recess or washing facility, said' cabinet including operating or actuating means serving to allow for selective movement of said cabinet between said three functional configurations. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided said actuating means for achieving selection of the desired functional configuration for a cabinet of the aforementioned type. In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred embodiments of a multi-purpose enclosure or unit in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a multi¬ purpose enclosure, unit or cabinet in accordance with the present invention, in isolation and in its fully closed position; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the cabinet in its normal or principal configuration, providing internal storage space for clothing, linen etc.; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, but showing the cabinet in a second functional configuration, with the storage compartment being pivotted outwardly therefrom thereby providing access to an inbuilt toilet facility; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing the cabinet in a third functional configuration, with both the storage compartment and the toilet facility pivotted outwardly therefrom, thereby providing access to a shower recess; Fig. 5 is an exploded view of an operating means in accordance with the present invention, adapted to allow for selective transformation of the cabinet between any of its functional configurations when the cabinet is in the first functional configuration illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but showing the operating means when the cabinet is in the configuration equivalent to Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a view similar to Figs. 5 and 6 showing the operating means when the cabinet is in the configuration equivalent to Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the operating means in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a multi-purpose cabinet or enclosure in accordance with the present invention, of a type including an expandable upper portion; and Fig. 10 is a view of the cabinet of Fig. 9 in its fully expanded condition. As illustrated in Fig. 1 a multi-purpose cabinet 1 in accordance with the pres-ent invention preferably is designed to be fitted, in any known means or manner, into a space provided in a caravan, campervan, camper-trailer, mobile home or the like. The cabinet 1 as illustrated can be constructed wholly or principally of any suitable material, but most preferably of a plastics material for purposes of lightness. Preferably the multi-purpose cabinet 1 in accordance with the present invention will be constructed in the form of a substantial one-piece moulding or shell, adapted to house therein certain other components as explained hereinafter in more detail. The cabinet 1 will have associated therewith a bipartite door, generally designated 2, the door 2 including separable components 2a and 2b to be described in more detail hereinafter in terms of the intended function of the overall cabinet 1. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the door 2 will be located on hinges 3 of any known type. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the hinges 3 will be so ' constructed and arranged as to allow for selective and separable pivotting movement of the components 2a and 2b of the door 2 as desired. Associated with the door 2 will be a suitable handle means 4 and a locking or operating means , generally designated 5 , the purpose and principle of operation thereof also to be explained hereinafter . Turning now to Fig. 2, there is shown therein the multi-purpose cabinet 1 of Fig. 1 with the first separable section 2a of the door 2 in its open or ajar position, thereby revealing an inner storage space or compartment 6 for the storage of clothing, linen, food etc. In the preferred embodiment illustrated a suitable clothes hanger rail 7 may be provided extending laterally of the storage compartment 6. Again in the preferred embodiment illustrated co¬ operating means 8 and 9 are provided for releasably securing the first separable door section 2a relative to the storage compartment 6. As shown in Fig. 3, the storage compartment 6 and associated door section 2a, and the remainder of the door 2b, are both adapted to be pivotally movable out of the multi-purpose cabinet 1, thereby exposing a compartment, generally designated 11, disposed in the lower-most portion of that cabinet 1, the compartment 11 being adapted to house a suitable toilet facility, generally designated 12. The toilet facility 12 actually employed, including pan, flushing means or cistern, etc., is not of the essence of the invention and can be of any known type. The arcuate section or compartment 11 housing such toilet facility 12 can include therein a toilet roll holder 13 of any known type. For purposes of affording a degree of privacy in use a screen or curtain 14 of the retractable type may also be provided. On the exposed innermost rear wall 10 of the storage compartment 6 may be provided one or more towel rails 15. As illustrated in Fig. 4, in a third mode or configuration of operation both the storage compartment 6 and the compartment 11 housing the toilet facility 12 can be pivotally movable out of the multi-purpose cabinet 1, thereby providing an enlarged space 20 adapted to function as a shower recess. Associated with the multi-purpose cabinet 1 there can therefore be provided a suitable shower rose 21 of any known type, and taps 22 for connection to hot and cold running water as desired. In one embodiment the hot and cold running water can be obtained from a tank or the like receptacle associated with the caravan, mobile home or the like. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) means can be provided allowing for ready and temporary connection to external hot and cold water facilities. The shower recess 20 as provided also includes a soap holder 23 of any known type and a drainage hole 24 allowing for egress of water from the cabinet 1. The screen 14 functions to provide privacy during operation of the shower and also to prevent unwanted ejection of water from the cabinet 1 to the surroundings. Reference will now be made to Figs. 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, wherein there is illustrated in more detail the operating means 5 in accordance with the present invention which functions to allow the overall cabinet to assume or be brought into positions corresponding to the modes of usage or functional configurations for the cabinet 1 illustrated in Figs. 2, 4 and 3 respectively. As illustrated the operating means 5 includes an operating lever or handle 31 adapted to be selectively movable between any one of three operating positions. Associated therewith, as by pivotal connection, is a linkage arrangement 32, the linkage arrangement 32 being made up of an interconnected array of hinged members (as_ shown in phantom) . In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 5, respective end portions 33, 34 of the linkage arrangement 32 are disposed in the manner illustrated, projecting into corresponding blind bores, sockets or the like 35, 36 included in the substantially one-piece cabinet 1. When in such a configuration one separable component 26 of the door 2 is in its locked position, allowing access only to the storage compartment 6 via the handle 4 , allowing for pivotal movement of the other separable component 2a of the door 2. When moved to the position illustrated in Fig. 6, the end portion 33 of the linkage arrangement 32 is extracted from or moved out of its associated socket 35, yet the other end portion 34 is still retained within its socket 36. As such both the storage compartment 6 and the toilet compartment 11 can, by means of a single pulling action on, for example, the operating means 5, be pivotally moved out of the overall multi-purpose cabinet 1, thereby allowing for the remainder of the cabinet 1 to function as the shower recess 20. On the other hand, when in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 7, both end portions 33 and 34 of the linkage arrangement 32 are moved out from the corresponding sockets 35 and 36, such that when a rearward pulling action is applied to the operating means 5 only the storage compartment 5 is pivotally movable out of the overall multi-purpose cabinet 1, thereby allowing access to the toilet compartment 11. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 9 there is shown a multi-purpose cabinet 1 in accordance with the present invention of a type which lends itself to expansion in the height direction if required. Such a multi-purpose cabinet 1 therefore may be suitable for use in pop- op caravans and camper- trailers of the type currently enjoying usage. As illustrated in Fig. 10 the cabinet 1 is expandable upwardly, whereby to afford increased height. In order to achieve such a result a collapsible portion 41 of any known type can be associated with the multi-purpose cabinet 1. It should be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the ensuing claims. In accordance with the invention cabinets may be provided having two different arrangements for the toilet facility 11. In a first arrangement the toilet facility is so sized and shaped that, in use, the entire body of the user, including the feet, can be housed or located within the cabinet, with the user in fact facing towards the side wall of the cabinet itself. In another embodiment or arrangement the facility will be of a size such that the feet and legs of the user must be directed outwardly of the cabinet.

Claims: 1. A multi-purpose cabinet or enclosure, for use in a campervan, caravan or the like, said cabinet being adapted, in use, to be capable of assuming a selected one of three separate functional configurations, a first configuration corresponding to a storage facility only, a second configuration corresponding to a usable toilet facility, and a third configuration corresponding to a shower recess or washing facility, said cabinet including operating or actuating means allowing for selective movement of said cabinet between said three functional configurations. 2. The cabinet as claimed in claim 1, in the form of a substantial one-piece member forming or defining an enclosure and having a closure means associated therewith. 3. The cabinet as claimed in claim 2 including a storage compartment and a toilet facility disposed internally thereof, said storage compartment and said toilet facility being adapted to be individually or collectively pivotally movable out of said cabinet. 4. The cabinet as claimed in claim 3, wherein said closure means is adapted to be pivotally movable outwardly away from said cabinet whereby to allow selected access to said storage compartment, said toilet facility and/or shower recess, dependent on the assumed functional configuration of said cabinet. 5. The cabinet as claimed in claim 4, wherein said closure means is in the form of a hinged door, movable pivotally whereby to allow for access to the interior of said cabinet. 6. The cabinet as claimed in claim 5, wherein said door includes two separable components, adapted to be selectively pivotally movable either together or in isolation, thereby allowing access to the interior of said cabinet in the selected one of said three functional configurations. 7. The cabinet as claimed in claim 6, wherein said storage compartment is pivotally located internally of said cabinet and adapted to be releasably secured to a first separable component of said door, thereby to be ' selectively retained within said cabinet as said separable component of said door is moved pivotally outwardly or to be moved outwardly of said cabinet with said door. 8. The cabinet as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first separable component of said door, said storage compartment and said second separable component of said door are mutually pivotally movable out of said cabinet, thereby providing access to a toilet facility housed within the lower portion of said cabinet. 9. The cabinet as claimed in claim 8, wherein said toilet, facility is also pivotally movable out of said cabinet, thereby providing access to the full interior dimensions of said cabinet, when said cabinet is adapted to function as a shower recess. 10. The cabinet as claimed in claim 9, having associated therewith and located internally thereof a shower rosette, means for connection to a supply of water and means allowing for drainage of used water from said cabinet. 11. The cabinet as claimed in claim 10, wherein said actuating means is in the form of a hand-operated lever, selectively movable between three positions each corresponding to one of said functional configurations for said cabinet, said actuating means being operatively connected, preferably by means of a linkage system, to said first and second separable components of said door, and thereby to said storage compartment and said toilet facility. 12. The cabinet as claimed in claim 11 wherein, dependent upon the position assumed by said lever, said separable door components, storage compartment and toilet facility are adapted to be individually or collectively movable, thereby allowing for selection of the desired functional configuration for said cabinet. 13. The cabinet as claimed in claim 9, constructed substantially of a plastics material in a one-piece moulding. 14. An actuating or locking means for a multi¬ purpose cabinet of the type as claimed in claim 1, said actuating means including a hand-operated lever selectively movable to any one of at least three positions, and having linkage means associated therewith adapted to allow said cabinet to adopt, or be movable to, any one of said three functional configurations .

Inventors: CROOKE PETER ATHORNE, CROOKE, PETER, ATHORNE
Applicants: CROOKE PETER ATHORNE, CROOKE, PETER, ATHORNE
Application year: 1988
Main classification: B60R15
IPC codes: B60P3, B60R15