Patent Abstract:
There is proposed a towable expandable accommodation or storage assembly that includes a floor portion that is affixed to or supported on a drawbar, wherein an expansion portion is configured to be pivoted to one side of said floor portion to form at least one wall when the assembly is being used for the purpose of accommodation or utility. The assembly may provide a collapsible ablutions cubicle or kitchen area that can be reduced in size during transportation of the assembly. In this way, the assembly can be towed to a site and expanded to provide an expanded living area. Furthermore, the configuration of the floor portion means that grey water can be captured for the ablutions cubicle or kitchen area for storage in a tank or to be directed to a drain.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to trailers and in one aspect relates to a towable accommodation or storage assembly including an expandable portion. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are numerous configurations of trailers and caravans current on the market that provide portable accommodation or that provide the means for transporting equipment, such as tents, recreation vehicles and boats. Towable accommodation in the form of camper trailers, caravans, campers, towable RVs and tent trailers are widely used in Australia and the USA. 
         [0003]    There are also trailers that allow for the transportation of recreational vehicles, such as quad bikes, which also include a sleeping cubicle or sealed compartment for storing bedding. 
         [0004]    All of these types of trailers or mobile accommodation units, typically comprise a chassis supported on wheels connected to a respective axle or independent suspension, a drawbar connectable to a towing vehicle and a body fixedly attached to the chassis. 
         [0005]    Many of the trailers and caravans currently on the market include awnings that are configured to provide additional covered living space. Furthermore, there are a number of caravans and campers that include expandable body portions to provide an enlargeable internal living space such as the units disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,749 to Counsel, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,993 to Pellicer. These expandable body portions typically include a slidable portion that can be slid outwardly when on site and then stored away during transport. 
         [0006]    Existing expandable body portions are however typically configured to retract into the internal space of the caravan or camper trailers, which means that they can impinge upon the existing structures within the caravan or can make packing of the trailer or caravan problematic. 
         [0007]    En-suite caravans have become popular in recent times. However, such caravans are typically larger in length thereby affecting off-road ability and requiring the towing vehicle to have sufficient towing capacity. Alternatively, an en-suite tent can be attached to a side of a camper trailer or caravan, however these typically cannot be accessed from the interior of the tailer or caravan and accordingly lack privacy. Furthermore, such en-suite tents cannot be used at many caravan or trailer park sites since they do not capture or at least direct the grey water in a controlled fashion. 
         [0008]    The phase ‘towable accommodation or storage assembly’ used throughout the specification should be understood to include any type of towable vehicle including, but not limited to, on-road camper trailers, on-road caravans, off-road camper trailers, off-road caravans, tent trailers, RV&#39;s, motorhomes, haulage trailers, mobile homes, caravanettes, goods trailers, flatbed trailers, tradesman trailers, storage trailers, car carriers, boat trailer, horse floats or any other type of towable vehicle having a drawbar. 
         [0009]    It should be appreciated that any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification is included solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention and should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art was widely known or formed part of the common general knowledge in the field as it existed before the priority date of the application. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It could be broadly understood that the invention resides in a towable accommodation or storage assembly that includes a floor portion that is affixed to or supported on a drawbar, wherein an expansion portion is configured to be pivoted to one side of said floor portion to form at least one wall when said assembly is being used for the purpose of accommodation or utility. 
         [0011]    In one aspect of the invention, but not the broadest or only aspect there is proposed a towable accommodation or storage assembly including, a chassis supported on at least two wheels connected to a respective axle or independent suspension, a drawbar, and a body generally rigidly mounted to said chassis, the towable accommodation or storage assembly being towable behind a towing vehicle, the body having spaced apart first and second sidewalls, a rear wall extending therebetween, a roof attached to upper parts of said sidewalls and rear wall, and a main floor attached to lower parts of said sidewalls and rear wall, an expansion portion, pivotably mounted to, or adjacent a generally vertical front edge of the first sidewall and pivotable to abut a generally vertical front edge of said second sidewall, a fixed first floor portion adjoining or extending outwardly of said main floor, and a movable second floor portion attached to or adjacent the first floor portion and supportable on or above said drawbar, wherein said expansion portion is configured to pivot about a generally vertical axis from a first position wherein the expansion portion abuts or is positioned adjacent said vertical front edge of the second sidewall and covers at least a part of the first floor portion, and a second position wherein at least a part of the first floor portion is exposed and said second floor portion is supported in a generally horizontal orientation on or above the drawbar to thereby provide at least a part of an expanded floor for an expanded living space and the expansion portion forms at least a first side wall of said expanded living space. 
         [0012]    In one form the expanded floor of the expanded living space comprises the first floor portion that is fixed to the chassis or drawbar, and the second floor portion that is hingedly attached to a front edge of the first floor portion and pivotable about a horizontal axis between a generally vertical or oblique orientation and a generally horizontal orientation wherein it is configured to be supported on an upper surface of said drawbar. 
         [0013]    Preferably the expansion portion completely overlays the first floor portion when in said first position, to seal the first floor portion from the ingress of dust. An underside of the expansion portion may include seals to inhibit the ingress of dust and sliders, rollers or wheels to assist in the movement of the expansion portion over said first and/or second floor portions. 
         [0014]    In one form the body may include a front wall that encloses the body to define an internal living or storage space. The front wall may include a door to permit access to the internal living or storage space. In another form the body may include an open front or a movable partition wall. Alternatively, the body may include or comprise a rear flatbed or box tray, or the rear wall of the body may include or comprise a door for accessing the internal living or storage space 
         [0015]    The towable accommodation or storage assembly could therefore be broadly understood to comprise an internal living or storage space at least partially delineated by the body, and an expanded living space that is at least partially delineated by the expansion portion and the expanded floor. 
         [0016]    The front wall of the body or a portion thereof may be movable when the expansion portion is in said second position or between the first and second positions, to permit access between the expanded living space and the internal living or storage space. 
         [0017]    In one form, generally rigid panels are used to form a roof, front wall and second side wall of the expanded living space. The panels are secured in place by relevant clamps, clips or temporary fixing means. The panels that form the roof and walls may be hingedly or slidably attached to the body. In one form the roof panel slidably engages the roof of the body wherein it can be extended when the expansion portion is in the second position. 
         [0018]    In another form, at least some of the walls and/or roof of the expanded living space are constructed from a flexible material, such as but not limited to canvas, PVC or ripstop nylon, wherein zips, elastic cords, press studs, or strips of hook and loop fasters are used to hold the flexible material in place. 
         [0019]    In another form an awning, tunnel tent or gusset may be used to connect the expanded living space to a rear internal space of said towing vehicle. The awning, tunnel tent or gusset may be connected to, or extends over, a rear of said towing vehicle. 
         [0020]    The walls and/or roof of the expanded living space may include a foldable frame wherein as the expansion portion is opening the frame folds out from a storage position to form the walls and/or roof. This automatic deployment of the walls and/or roof may be used to reduce the time of setup. Alternatively, the flexible walls and/or roof may be manually retrieved from a storage cavity and may be clipped or otherwise secured in place. A removable pole/s or frame can be manually located in position in a similar fashion to the tent of some tent trailers. 
         [0021]    The opening and closing of the expansion portion to provide the expanded living space may be undertaken by way of electric or mechanical assistance and include actuators, levers, pulleys, cables or any other necessary apparatus that are required to assist the user in moving the expansion portion. In one form the movement of the expansion portion may be completely automated with appropriate stops and override mechanisms to inhibit damage to any opening/closing apparatus. 
         [0022]    The roof and walls of the expanded living space are configured to interconnect with each other and the expanded floor to thereby provide a generally enclosed expanded living space. The connection devices used to connect the roof and walls preferably provide a barrier to the ingress of water and dust, but in some forms may simply provide connection between the roof, walls and expanded floor without a weather seal to the surrounding environment. 
         [0023]    In one form the fixed first floor portion and hinged second floor portion are generally planar and configured to be positioned on generally the same horizontal plane when being used for accommodation or utility purposes, i.e. kitchen, en-suite. 
         [0024]    In another form the first and/or second floor portions includes at least one part that is sloped to permit drainage. Alternatively, the first and/or second floor portions may be slatted to permit movement of water therethrough into a sump or drain. In the immediately preceding forms the first and/or second floor portions are configured to act as shower base and includes a drainage hole or holes to be used to direct grey water into a detachable hose or a grey water tank. 
         [0025]    The first and/or second floor portions may be rectangular or may conform to the shape of the drawbar and be generally triangular shaped. In the triangular configuration, the expansion portion will be configured to open to around 60° relative to a front vertical plane of the body, or any other suitable angle. 
         [0026]    A movable internal panel attached to the expansion portion or a front portion of the body may be used to provide an internal sidewall for an ablutions cubicle containing a toilet and/or shower and/or basin. 
         [0027]    In another form the internal panel is a bi-fold partition that includes two pivotable parts that are vertically connected and are positionable to form two walls of said ablutions cubicle. 
         [0028]    Preferably the expansion portion includes storage compartments or facilities that can only be accessed from within the expanded living space. In one form the facilities may comprise a toilet, shower or sink with appropriate plumbing. The plumbing may include couplings for connection to a water source or dumping point. The couplings are preferably accessible from an exterior of the expansion portion and may include covers or caps to protect them when not in use. 
         [0029]    In one form when the second floor portion is in a generally upright position it covers the external access points or couplings for the services i.e. power, gas or water couplings. The second floor portion may also be configured to cover a hot water system and/or water filtration system and/or storage area when in the upright position. 
         [0030]    Preferably a door is located in at least one of said walls of the expanded living space to allow access thereto. 
         [0031]    In one form a partition wall may be located between the expanded living space and the internal living or storage space of the body. The partition wall may be movable to fold out from an edge of the body or expansion portion. The partition wall may include a door therethrough or a void or voids to permit access between the expanded living space and the internal living or storage space of the body. 
         [0032]    In another form, there is no barrier between the expanded living space and the internal living or storage space of the body, whereby the expanded living space provides an extension of the internal living or storage space of the body. 
         [0033]    The body may provide a living space including at least one sleeping structure and the expansion portion may provide an expandable en-suite and/or kitchen space. An internal door is preferably used to separate the expandable en-suite from the living space. 
         [0034]    The ablutions cubicle or en-suite may include movable walls wherein the size of the ablutions cubicle may be reduced by moving a wall or walls to access a part of the kitchen space or a storage area. 
         [0035]    In another form, the expandable en-suite may be accessible from an exterior of the towable accommodation or storage assembly through an external door. 
         [0036]    The expansion portion may provide cooking, preparation, eating, storage, sleeping and/or ablutions areas. 
         [0037]    Preferably the hinged second floor portion acts as a stone guard when the towable accommodation or storage assembly is being towed and as a part of the expanded floor of the expanded living space when in an expanded arrangement. 
         [0038]    The second floor portion is hingedly attached to or adjacent a forward edge of the fixed first floor portion. The hinged second floor portion is configured to hinge about a generally horizontal axis between an upright or angled position wherein it protects the expandable accommodation unit from damage by stones, and a lowered position wherein it is configured to rest generally horizontally on, or parallel with, the drawbar to thereby form part of the base of the expanded living space. 
         [0039]    In another form, the second floor portion is slidably connected to or adjacent the first floor portion whereby it can be slid out of a stored position to be supported on or above the drawbar when the expansion portion is in the second position. 
         [0040]    The expansion portion may be generally rectangular in its horizontal cross-sectional profile to thereby limit its footprint when in the first or folded position, whilst maximising the size of the expanded living space when the expansion portion is in the second or extended position. 
         [0041]    Stabilising legs or struts may be used to support the hinged floor portion. Stabilising legs or struts may also support the expansion portion when in the first or open position. The legs or struts are preferably connected to the expansion portion and second floor portion, and can be pivoted or slid into place to support the respective structures. In another form, they may be reversibly attachable thereto. 
         [0042]    Preferably the legs or struts are configured to engage a ground surface and may include feet or the legs, or the struts may be configured to engage receiving brackets on the chassis or drawbar. 
         [0043]    Alternatively, the second floor portion may be supported completely on the drawbar and the expansion portion is supported on the first and/or second floor portions. 
         [0044]    In another aspect of the invention there is proposed a method of providing an expandable portable living space, including the steps of: providing a towable accommodation or storage assembly including a chassis supported on at least two wheels connected to a respective axle or independent suspension, a drawbar for coupling to a towing vehicle for transportation thereof, a body generally rigidly mounted to said chassis, an expansion portion pivotably mounted to, or adjacent said body, and a floor portion or portions mounted to, or supported on, an upper surface of said drawbar; towing said towable accommodation or storage assembly with the expansion portion in a retracted position, to a lodging site; pivoting said expansion portion about a generally vertical axis into an extended position thereby exposing or positioning said floor portion or portions to provide an expanded floor for an expanded living space, the expansion portion forming at least one wall of said expanded living space; and attached or positioning a roof and walls in place to thereby at least partially enclose said expanded living space. 
         [0045]    Preferably when in said retracted position the expansion portion abuts or is at least positioned adjacent a front of said body. The expansion portion may overlay a part of said floor portion or portions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0046]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the invention and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings, 
           [0047]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating an expansion portion in a retracted or closed position; 
           [0048]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 1  illustrating the expansion portion in an intermediate position; 
           [0049]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 1  in an extended or open position; 
           [0050]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating in doted lines the walls and roof of the expanded living space; 
           [0051]      FIG. 5 a    is a top view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the expansion portion in the retracted or closed position; 
           [0052]      FIG. 5 b    is a top view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the expansion portion in the intermediate position; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5 c    is a top view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 3 , illustrating the expansion portion in the extended or open position; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating the locking brackets; 
           [0055]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating a wet area, internal partition wall and internal door; 
           [0056]      FIG. 8  is an underside view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 7  in the fully expanded arrangement with the walls and roof attached; 
           [0058]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating a front boot; 
           [0059]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 10 , illustrating the front boot open and the stone guard/second floor portion lowered to reveal a lower storage/couplings/services area; 
           [0060]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly having dual axles; 
           [0061]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating a foldable roof; 
           [0062]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating movable partitions; 
           [0063]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 14  with the roof lifted and a tent attached to encloses the expanded living area; 
           [0064]      FIG. 16 a    is a top schematic view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 14  illustrating the partitions in a first position to thereby access the ablutions cubicle; 
           [0065]      FIG. 16 b    is a top schematic view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 14  illustrating the partitions in a second position to thereby access the kitchen sink; 
           [0066]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly having a tear-drop shape; 
           [0067]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 17  with part of the roof lifted and tent attached; and 
           [0068]      FIG. 19  is a side schematic view of the towable accommodation or storage assembly of  FIG. 17  illustrating the use of an awning to connect the rear of the tow vehicle to the extended living space of the towable accommodation or storage assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0069]    Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration. 
         [0070]    Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description, there is illustrated a towable accommodation or storage assembly  10 , demonstrating by way of examples, arrangements in which the principles of the present invention may be employed. 
         [0071]      FIG. 1  illustrates the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  including a chassis  12  supported on at least one wheeled axle  14 , a drawbar  16 , and a body  18  rigidly mounted to the chassis  12 . The drawbar  16  includes a hitch  20  for connection to a tow ball  22  of a towing vehicle  24 . The drawbar  16  further includes a jockey wheel  26 . The reader will appreciate that the wheeled axle may alternatively be independent suspension. 
         [0072]    The body  18  includes a main floor  28  spaced apart from a main roof  30  with a rear wall  32  and opposing sidewalls  34 ,  36  extending therebetween. 
         [0073]    The towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  further includes an expansion portion  38  that in the present embodiment is pivotably mounted to sidewall  36  by way of a vertically extending hinge  40 . When in the closed of retracted position as illustrated in  FIG. 1  the expansion portion  38  is positioned over a fixed first floor portion  42 . It should be appreciated that the fixed first floor portion  42  may be integral with the main floor  28 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , or may be separate to and abutting a front edge of the main floor  28 . 
         [0074]    The expansion portion  38  is configured to pivot about a generally vertical axis from a first or retracted position as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , through an intermediate position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , to a second or extended position, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , to thereby provide an expanded living space  44  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0075]    The towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  includes a hinged second floor portion  46  that in an upright or slanted position may act as a stone guard. The second floor portion  46  is pivotable between an inclined position as illustrated in  FIG. 1  wherein it protects the front of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  from damage by rocks and debris when being towed, and a generally horizontal position as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 4 . In the horizontal position the second floor portion  46  rests upon the drawbar  16  and an upper surface forms at least a part of the expanded floor  48  of the expanded living space  44 . 
         [0076]    The reader will now appreciate that the fixed first floor portion  42  and hinged second floor portion/stone guard  46  forms the expanded floor  48  of the expanded living space  44 . 
         [0077]    In the present embodiment, the second floor portion  46  is attached to a front edge of the first floor portion  42  by a horizontally extending hinge  50 . 
         [0078]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4  the second floor portion  46  is supported on legs  52 . These support legs  52  may be attached to or deployed from the second floor portion  46  to stabilise the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  at the front outer corners. The reader should however appreciate that struts (not shown) that engage the drawbar may alternatively be used, or the second floor portion  46  may be sufficiently supported on the drawbar to not require legs or struts. 
         [0079]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the main floor  28 , main roof  30 , rear wall  32  and opposing sidewalls  34 ,  36  of the body  18  define an internal living or storage space  54 . This internal living or storage space  54  may include fixed structures, such as a bed  56 , storage draws  58  or other structures typically found in caravans or campers. 
         [0080]    The expanded living space  44  is enclosed by a roof  60 , front wall  62  and sidewall  64 , shown as transparent in  FIG. 4  to illustrate the boundaries of the expanded living space  44 . 
         [0081]    The expansion portion  38  also includes fixed structures, such as shelves  66  and a window  68 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 5 a  to 5 c    illustrate the expansion portion  38  being pivoted about a generally vertical axis into the expanded or open position. As shown in  FIG. 5 a   , the expansion portion  38  is positioned in a first or retracted position when being towed behind a towing vehicle  24 . When the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  is to be used the expansion portion  38  is pivoted through a series of intermediate positions, one of which is illustrated in  FIG. 5 b   , until it is in a second or extended position as illustrated in  FIG. 5 c   , whereafter it is locked in place. Once in position the walls  62 ,  64  and roof  60  can be attached as previously illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The walls  62 ,  64  and roof  60  may be constructed from a canvas material or similar. Alternatively, the walls  62 ,  64  and roof  60  may be semi-rigid and removably attached in place or may comprise panels that are hingedly or slidably connected to the body  18  or expansion portion  38  and which may be pivoted or slid into place and locked with appropriate fixing means. 
         [0083]    When in a closed or retracted position, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 a   , during transit the expansion portion  38  covers and seals the floor area  42  beneath it and seals access to the internal living or storage space  54 . Opening of the expansion portion  38  is supported and controlled in stages via interaction with the fixed first floor portion  42  beneath and also the second floor portion  46 . 
         [0084]    The reader should however appreciate that the opening and/or closing of the expansion portion may be undertaken by way of electric or mechanical assistance and include actuators, levers, pulleys, cables or any other necessary apparatus that are required to assist the user in moving the expansion portion, with appropriate stops and override mechanisms to inhibit damage to the apparatus. 
         [0085]    A lower edge of the expansion portion  38  may include sliders, rollers and brush seals (not shown) to permit the smooth opening and closing thereof. When fully open, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 c   , the outside corner of the expansion portion  38  is latched to the second floor portion  46  to provide horizontal and vertical support. 
         [0086]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6  the expansion portion  38  is secured to the body  18  during transport by way of latches  70 , with appropriate seals (not shown) to inhibit ingress of dust or moisture. 
         [0087]    The roof  30  or a portion thereof, may be raised from a lowered position as shown in  FIG. 7  into a raised position as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . This is commonly referred to in the art as a pop-top configuration. As further shown in  FIG. 7  the expanded living space  44  may be used as a wet area having a shower collection tray/drain  72  in the first floor portion  42  for collecting grey water. A fixed partition wall  74  separates a part of the expanded living space  44  from the internal living or storage space  54 . In the present embodiment, the fixed partition wall  74  forms a rear side of the shower recess and is used to mount a showerhead  76  thereto. A pivoted wall portion  78  is configured to act as a sidewall for the shower or as a door between the expanded living space  44  and internal living or storage space  54 . The expansion portion  38  may include a toilet  80  and storage shelves  66 . 
         [0088]    The reader will appreciate that other configurations are possible within the scope of the patent and include, but are not limited to sinks, cooking facilities, sleeping structures, foldable tables and seating. 
         [0089]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , an exterior of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  includes appropriate plumbing and couplings  82 ,  84  for connection to inlet pipe  86  in fluid communication with a water source (not shown) and outlet pipe  88  for connection to a dump point (not shown). The couplings  82 ,  84  are preferably accessible from an exterior of the expansion portion and may include covers or caps (not shown) to protect them when not in use. In other embodiments, some of the coupling and a hot water system may be concealed behind the second floor portion  46  when it is in the raised position. 
         [0090]      FIG. 9  illustrates the main roof  30  in a raised position and the walls  62 ,  64  and roof  60  attached or repositioned to at least partially enclose the expanded living space  44 . A door  90  is located in wall  64  to permit access to the interior of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10 . 
         [0091]      FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate an upper front boot  92  with corresponding lid  94  and a lower storage area  96  that is sealed by the second floor portion  46 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The upper front boot  92  and lower storage area  96  include respective seals and latches (not shown). 
         [0092]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , in another embodiment the chassis  12  is supported on dual axles  14   a ,  14   b  and a door  97  is located in the rear wall  32  of the body  18  and used to form a ramp to assist in loading a vehicle such as a quad bike into the storage area  54 . 
         [0093]    In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 13  the main roof  30  and roof  60  may be replaced by a single segmented or expandable roof  98  that includes a plurality of segments  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 , which are configured to cooperate to thereby form the roof of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  when expanded. The segments  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 , may comprise a flexible roof with internal frame (not shown) or the segments may cooperate in such a way as to provide a barrier to the ingress of water and dust. 
         [0094]    Turning to  FIGS. 14 to 16   b  there is illustrated another embodiment of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  that includes an ablutions cubicle  116  formed by movable partition walls  118 ,  122 . As shown in  FIG. 14  the pivoted wall portion  78  form a door that seals the internal living or storage space  54 . This door  78  may include a lockable handle so that at least the internal living or storage space  54  can be locked up if the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  is left unattended for a period of time. This would be particular relevant where the expanded living space  44  is at least partially constructed from canvas. 
         [0095]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 14  partition wall  118  is attached by hinges  120  and can be either positioned against door  78  when the expansion portion  38  is in the closed position or moved to a position where it forms one of the walls of the ablution cubicle  116 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16 a   . The partition wall  118  may also act as a door for providing access to the ablutions cubicle  116  and moved as indicated by the arrow and dotted lines of  FIG. 16   a.    
         [0096]    The partition wall  122  in the present embodiment is bi-fold and includes panels  124 ,  126 , hingedly attached by hinges  128  and  130 . 
         [0097]    The first floor portion  42  in the present embodiment is slatted and includes slots  132  that fluidly connect the upper surface of the first floor portion  42  with the collection tray/drain  72 . The reader should appreciate that the second floor portion  46  may similarly be slatted. 
         [0098]    The present embodiment includes a kitchen module  134  that is located within the expansion portion  38 . The kitchen module  134  includes a bench  136  or preparation area and, although not illustrated, may include shelves, a fridge, microwave or other kitchen appliances or infrastructure. 
         [0099]    As illustrated in  FIG. 15  the expanded living area  44  is enclosed by a flexible tent  138 , such as, but not limited to canvas. The tent  138  is stored within a roof cavity (not shown) when not in used and when the roof  30  is lifted the tent  138  is pulled out and attached around an edge to the floor  42 ,  46 , expansion portion  38  and wall  34  by way of zips, clips or other fastening devices. The tent  138  is supported by poles  140   a ,  140   b  and includes door  90 . 
         [0100]      FIGS. 16 a  and 16 b    show two different top schematic views of the layout of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10 . In  FIGS. 16 a    the panels  124 ,  126  of the partition wall  122  are positioned so that a user can have full access to the ablutions cubicle  116 . In this arrangement panel  126  abuts or at least conceals part of the kitchen  134 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 16 a    the partition wall  118  can be moved in the direct of the arrow to act as a door to provided assess to the toilet  80  and shower  76 . Any water that falls onto the floor  42  passes through the slots  132  into the drain  72 . 
         [0101]    When the user wants full access to the kitchen  134 , the panels  124 ,  126  of the partition wall  122  can be pivoted around hinges  128 ,  130  and repositioned into the arrangement as illustrated in  FIG. 16 b   . In this configuration, a kitchen sink  142  that is attached to the rear side of panel  126  is exposed for use. 
         [0102]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 16 a , 16 b    the internal living space  54  may include a raised double bed  144  and benches  146 ,  148  at a lower level which extend under bed  144  and can be converted into individual single beds. A table  150  is locatable between the benches  146 ,  148  and can be slid under the bed  144  when not required as illustrated by the arrow in the figures. 
         [0103]    In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 to 19 , there is provided what is commonly referred to as a tear drop camper configuration. Typically, in the prior art a tear drop camper will open rearwardly and the bed will be located at a front of the body. In the present invention, the bed  144  is located at a rear of the body  18 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17  and a portion  152  of the roof  30  is configured to open to provide access to the front of the body  18 , as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0104]    The tent  138  can then be retrieved from within the roof cavity and be supported by poles  140   a ,  140   b  as previously discussed. The tent  138  may also include an awning  154  that extends outwardly or connects thereto as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . The awning  154  is connected to, or extends over, a rear of the towing vehicle  24 . In this way, the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  is connected directly to the towing vehicle  24  and the expanded living space  44  can act as a foyer or intermediate area between the towing vehicle  24  and the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10 , thereby allowing covered access to the rear of the towing vehicle  24  through a window  156  or by opening the rear door of the vehicle  24 . This is particularly beneficial if a bedding area, storage draws or a fridge are located in the rear of the vehicle  24 . 
         [0105]    The skilled addressee will now appreciate the advantages of the illustrated invention over the prior art. In one form the invention provides a second floor portion that is fixed on its lower horizontal edge with a hinge so it can be lowered forwardly over the drawbar to thereby create a forward expanded floor area over space that is normally void due to the required towing vehicle&#39;s turning clearance. Accordingly, the present invention uses space that is typically not utilises in existing caravans, campers and the like. 
         [0106]    The expansion portion  38  can be swung open to expand the footprint of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  to one side. The expansion portion  38  can also be partially opened to access the interior of the towable accommodation or storage assembly  10  such as at a roadside stop. Accordingly, the present invention provides benefits or at least a useful alternative to current caravan and camper configurations. 
         [0107]    Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the exemplified embodiments of the invention, however it must be understood that these particular arrangements merely illustrate the invention and it is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the invention can include various modifications, which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4