Multi-story recreational vehicle

[0002] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/299,683, filed Jun. 20, 2001.

[0003] The present invention relates to recreational vehicles such as trailers and motor homes, and specifically to multi-story self-contained fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers and motor homes with a living area, a kitchen or galley, a bathroom and multiple bedrooms or sleeping compartments.

[0004] One problem with conventional recreational vehicles is that they do not provide as many separated bedrooms or sleeping compartments as many people would like to have. Longer recreational vehicles with two bedrooms are available but they are usually difficult to drive, tow or park whereas double-deck recreational vehicles such as converted double-deck buses are usually too tall to travel on most highways.

[0005] Many recreational vehicles include a cabover bed or a loft bed which can be accessed by means of a ladder. However, these types of bed do not provide the users with the same degree of convenience and privacy as walk-in bedrooms.

[0006] Various types of split-level recreational vehicles with staggered floors have been disclosed but they are usually either too large on the outside or do not have a large and open living area on the inside due to the fact that the walking areas on the upper story are positioned below the ceiling of the lower story.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a split-level recreational vehicle with multiple bedrooms or sleeping compartments which utilizes the available space more efficiently than previously thought possible.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medium-size recreational vehicle with 3 walk-in bedrooms, with an island bed in one of the bedrooms, as well as a large and open living area and a bathroom. This is to be done in such a way that an occupant can walk from any bedroom to the living area or the bathroom without going through another bedroom.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a recreational vehicle which includes the above features as well as an office, a second bathroom and a fourth sleeping compartment.

[0010] These objects are achieved by positioning one bedroom on top of another in the rear section of the recreational vehicle and by providing the downstairs bedroom with a slide on one side. The middle section of the vehicle includes a bathroom, a passageway, and a third bedroom positioned on top of the bathroom whereas the front section includes a living area, preferably with one or two additional slides.

[0011] Since any of the bedrooms or sleeping compartments may be used as a storage compartment, this type of arrangement also provides an efficient use of space when some of the bedrooms are not used for sleeping.

[0012] The interior height of the recreational vehicle of the present invention is approximately one and a half times that of a conventional one-story recreational vehicle. However, since the recreational vehicle of the present invention may be built without a basement and the air conditioner may be positioned under the roof, its overall exterior height may be comparable to that of a conventional one-story recreational vehicle with a large basement and a roof-mounted air conditioner.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment which is a fifth-wheel trailer of approximately 9.1 m (30 feet) in length with the right side wall, the rear end wall and the roof omitted to show the interior of the vehicle.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an external side view of the preferred embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the preferred embodiment with the slides extended.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the preferred embodiment taken along line 4-4′ in FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of the preferred embodiment taken along line 5-5′ in FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows a floor plan of the lower story of the preferred embodiment with the right slide extended.

[0019] FIG. 7 shows a floor plan of the upper story of the preferred embodiment with the left slide extended.

[0020] FIG. 8 shows a floor plan of the lower story of the preferred embodiment with the right slide retracted.

[0021] FIG. 9 shows a floor plan of the upper story of the preferred embodiment with the left slide retracted.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a front view of the preferred embodiment with the slides retracted.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment with the slides retracted.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment taken along line 12-12′ in FIG. 3.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment taken along line 13-13′ in FIG. 3.

[0026] FIG. 14 is an external side view of the second embodiment which is a fifth-wheel trailer of approximately 11 m (36 feet) in length.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of the second embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 16 shows a floor plan of the lower story of the second embodiment with the right slide extended.

[0029] FIG. 17 shows a floor plan of the upper story of the second embodiment with the left slide extended.

[0030] FIG. 18 is an external side view of the third embodiment which is a travel trailer with a body length of approximately 9.4 m (31 feet).

[0031] FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of the third embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 20 shows a floor plan of the lower story of the third embodiment with the slides extended.

[0033] FIG. 21 shows a floor plan of the upper story of the third embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 22 is an external side view of the fourth embodiment which is a motor home of approximately 11 m (36 feet) in length.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a sectional side view of the fourth embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 24 shows a floor plan of the lower story of the fourth embodiment with the slides extended.

[0037] FIG. 25 shows a floor plan of the upper story of the fourth embodiment.

[0038] 100 fifth-wheel trailer

[0039] 101 upper front end wall

[0040] 102 lower front end wall

[0041] 103 rear end wall

[0042] 104 left side wall

[0043] 105 right side wall

[0044] 106 main deck

[0045] 107 upper deck

[0046] 108 roof

[0047] 109 lower surface of roof 108

[0048] 110 wheel

[0049] 111 wheel

[0050] 112 wheel

[0051] 113 wheel

[0052] 114 hatch

[0053] 115 hitch assembly

[0054] 116 passageway

[0055] 117 first bedroom

[0056] 118 bathroom

[0057] 119 storage compartment

[0058] 120 upper floor of passageway 116

[0059] 121 lower floor of passageway 116

[0060] 122 entry door

[0061] 123 retractable steps

[0062] 124 staircase

[0063] 125 staircase

[0064] 126 landing

[0065] 127 first bedroom floor

[0066] 128 slide

[0067] 129 exterior wall of slide 128

[0068] 130 queen-size bed

[0069] 131 mattress

[0070] 132 storage compartment

[0071] 133 head end of bed 130

[0072] 134 foot end of bed 130

[0073] 135 closet

[0074] 136 wardrobe

[0075] 137 door

[0076] 138 interior wall

[0077] 139 bathroom floor

[0078] 140 bath tub

[0079] 141 sink

[0080] 142 toilet

[0081] 143 combination washer and dryer

[0082] 144 storage compartment

[0083] 145 storage compartment

[0084] 146 door

[0085] 147 interior wall

[0086] 148 interior wall

[0087] 149 interior wall

[0088] 150 living area

[0089] 151 second bedroom

[0090] 152 third bedroom

[0091] 153 floor of living area 150

[0092] 154 slide

[0093] 155 exterior wall of slide 154

[0094] 156 refrigerator

[0095] 157 dinette

[0096] 158 dining table

[0097] 159 bench

[0098] 160 bench

[0099] 161 sofa

[0100] 162 kitchen counter

[0101] 163 stove

[0102] 164 double sink

[0103] 165 storage compartment

[0104] 166 entertainment center

[0105] 167 television

[0106] 168 second bedroom floor

[0107] 169 queen-size bed

[0108] 170 mattress

[0109] 171 platform

[0110] 172 lower surface of platform 171

[0111] 173 steps

[0112] 174 inclined partition

[0113] 175 ladder

[0114] 176 storage compartment

[0115] 177 storage compartment

[0116] 178 door

[0117] 179 third bedroom floor

[0118] 180 twin bed

[0119] 181 mattress

[0120] 182 platform

[0121] 183 lower surface of platform 182

[0122] 184 steps

[0123] 185 inclined partition

[0124] 186 storage compartment

[0125] 187 storage compartment

[0126] 188 door

[0127] 200 fifth-wheel trailer

[0128] 201 passageway

[0129] 202 first bedroom

[0130] 203 first bathroom

[0131] 204 second bathroom

[0132] 205 office

[0133] 206 storage compartment

[0134] 207 upper floor of passageway 201

[0135] 208 lower floor of passageway 201

[0136] 209 entry door

[0137] 210 staircase

[0138] 211 staircase

[0139] 212 landing

[0140] 213 slide

[0141] 214 bed

[0142] 215 closet

[0143] 216 sink

[0144] 217 shower stall

[0145] 218 toilet

[0146] 219 sliding door

[0147] 220 floor of office 205

[0148] 221 desk

[0149] 222 chair

[0150] 223 living area

[0151] 224 second bedroom

[0152] 225 third bedroom

[0153] 226 fourth sleeping compartment

[0154] 227 slide

[0155] 228 loft bed

[0156] 229 mattress

[0157] 230 platform

[0158] 231 ladder

[0159] 232 storage compartment

[0160] 300 travel trailer

[0161] 301 passageway

[0162] 302 first bedroom

[0163] 303 bathroom

[0164] 304 living area

[0165] 305 upper floor of passageway 301

[0166] 306 lower floor of passageway 301

[0167] 307 entry door

[0168] 308 staircase

[0169] 309 landing

[0170] 310 slide

[0171] 311 slide

[0172] 312 second bedroom

[0173] 313 third bedroom

[0174] 400 motor home

[0175] 401 driver's seat

[0176] 402 passenger's seat

[0177] 403 living area

[0178] 404 passageway

[0179] 405 first bedroom

[0180] 406 bathroom

[0181] 407 entry door

[0182] 408 staircase

[0183] 409 landing

[0184] 410 slide

[0185] 411 slide

[0186] 412 dinette

[0187] 413 storage compartment

[0188] 414 television

[0189] 415 sofa

[0190] 416 refrigerator

[0191] 417 kitchen counter

[0192] 418 double sink

[0193] 419 stove

[0194] 420 drop leaf

[0195] 421 slide

[0196] 422 second bedroom

[0197] 423 third bedroom

[0198] FIGS. 1-13 show the preferred embodiment of the present invention which is a 3-bedroom fifth-wheel trailer 100. This embodiment is approximately 9.1 m (30 feet) long, 2.6 m (8.5 feet) wide and 3.9 m (12.9 feet) tall.

[0199] The term “fifth-wheel trailer” is used herein to include any type of trailer with an overhanging front section which is designed to be positioned over the rear section of a tow vehicle, such as the bed of a pick-up truck.

[0200] The term “bedroom” is used herein to mean a substantially enclosed sleeping compartment which includes a standing area.

[0201] The body and chassis of fifth-wheel trailer 100 include an upper front end wall 101, a lower front end wall 102, a rear end wall 103, a left side wall 104, a right side wall 105, a main deck 106, an upper deck 107, a roof 108 with a lower surface 109, and four wheels 110, 111, 112 and 113. A hatch 114 is provided on roof 108 and may be used as an emergency exit. Fifth-wheel trailer 100 may be connected to a tow vehicle by means of a hitch assembly 115.

[0202] The lower story of fifth-wheel trailer 100 includes a passageway 116, a first bedroom 117, a bathroom 118 and a storage compartment 119 which are positioned on main deck 106. Passageway 116 includes an upper floor 120 and a lower floor 121. Upper floor 120 is positioned above right wheels 111 and 113 at approximately 1 m above the ground whereas lower floor 121 is positioned at approximately 0.8 m above the ground.

[0203] An entry door 122 and retractable steps 123 are provided on the right side of the vehicle. Two staircases 124 and 125 are provided at the front and rear ends of passageway 116 in the respective order. Staircase 125 leads to a landing 126 which is positioned at approximately 0.9 m above lower floor 121 of passageway 116. Alternatively, any other type of access member such as a ladder or an elevator may be used in place of staircase 125 and landing 126.

[0204] First bedroom 117 has a floor 127 which is positioned at the same level as lower floor 121 of passageway 116 at approximately 0.8 m above the ground. First bedroom 117 is equipped with a slide 128 on the right side of the vehicle. Slide 128 includes an exterior wall 129 and resembles an open box positioned on one side with its open end facing the left side of the vehicle. Slide 128 is shown in its extended position in FIGS. 1, 3, 6 and 12 and shown in its retracted position in FIG. 8. Exterior wall 129 is flush with right side wall 105 when slide 128 is in its retracted position. Slide 128 may be extended outwards by approximately 0.6 m by means of a hand crank or an electric motor in the usual manner. Alternatively, any other type of retractable room extension such as a fold-out room extension may be used.

[0205] First bedroom 117 contains a queen-size bed 130 which includes a mattress 131 and a storage compartment 132. Bed 130 has a head end 133 which is connected to the interior of slide 128, and a foot end 134 which slides over bedroom floor 127 when slide 128 is moved between its extended position and its retracted position. Alternatively, a sofa bed or a Murphy bed may be used so that first bedroom 117 may also serve as a family room or an office. When slide 128 is extended, bed 130 becomes an island bed as shown in FIGS. 6 and 12 so that it can be accessed from either side. First bedroom 117 also contains a closet 135 which includes a wardrobe 136. Closet 135 may extend under landing 126 and staircase 125. First bedroom 117 is separated from passageway 116 by a door 137 and an interior wall 138. Either a hinged door or a sliding door may be used.

[0206] Bathroom 118 has a floor 139 which is also positioned at the same level as lower floor 121 of passageway 116 at approximately 0.8 m above the ground. Bathroom 118 includes a bathtub 140, a sink 141, a toilet 142, a combination washing machine and dryer 143, and two storage compartments 144 and 145. Bathroom 118 is separated from lower floor 121 of passageway 116 by a door 146 and an interior wall 147. Interior walls 148 and 149 separate bathroom 118 from storage compartment 119 and upper floor 120 of passageway 116 in the respective order.

[0207] One possible modification is to install a shower stall adjacent to left side wall 104 in place of storage compartment 145. In this case, bath tub 140 may be omitted to make room for a larger entry way or a small second bathroom which may be accessible through a door in interior wall 149.

[0208] The upper story of fifth-wheel trailer 100 includes a living area 150, a second bedroom 151 and a third bedroom 152. Living area 150 is positioned on upper deck 107 at the front end of the vehicle. Second bedroom 151 and third bedroom 152 are positioned above first bedroom 117 and bathroom 118 in the respective order.

[0209] Living area 150 has a floor 153 which is positioned above storage compartment 119 at approximately 1.8 m above the ground. Living area 150 is equipped with a slide 154 which includes an exterior wall 155. Slide 154 is shown in its extended position in FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 12 and 13 and shown in its retracted position in FIG. 9. Exterior wall 155 is flush with left side wall 104 when slide 154 is in its retracted position. Slide 154 may be extended outwards by approximately 0.8 m in the usual manner.

[0210] Slide 154 contains a refrigerator 156 and a dinette 157. Dinette 157 includes a dining table 158 and two benches 159 and 160. A sofa 161 is provided on the right side of living area 150. Dinette 157 and sofa 161 may be converted into beds in the usual manner. A kitchen counter 162, a stove 163, a double sink 164, and a storage compartment 165 are provided at the front end of living area 150. An entertainment center 166 and a television 167 are provided at the rear end of living area 150.

[0211] If more space is desired for living area 150, an additional slide containing sofa 161 may be installed on the right side of the vehicle. Alternatively, the total length of the vehicle may be increased so that living area 150 may be made longer.

[0212] Second bedroom 151 has a floor 168 which is positioned a step higher than landing 126 at approximately 1.1 m above first bedroom floor 127 and 1.9 m below lower surface 109 of roof 108. Second bedroom 151 is equipped with a queen-size bed 169 which includes a mattress 170 and a platform 171. Platform 171 has a lower surface 172 which serves as a ceiling for first bedroom 117. Platform 171 is positioned at approximately 1.9 m above first bedroom floor 127 and approximately 0.8 m above second bedroom floor 168. The combined thickness of mattress 170 and platform 171 is approximately 0.2 m so that the vertical distance between mattress 170 and lower surface 109 of roof 108 is approximately 0.9 m.

[0213] Bed 169 may be accessed by means of steps 173. Alternatively a small ladder may be used. An inclined partition 174 is positioned between second bedroom floor 168 and platform 171. Although a vertical partition may be used, an inclined partition can provide significantly more space at the waist level in second bedroom 151 without taking away a lot of usable space in first bedroom 117. When slide 128 is in its retracted position, foot end 134 of bed 130 in first bedroom 117 is positioned under wardrobe 136, second bedroom floor 168 and inclined partition 174 as shown by hidden lines in FIG. 8 and shown by phantom lines in FIG. 12. A ladder 175 is provided in second bedroom 151 for accessing roof 108 through hatch 114. Two storage compartments 176 and 177 are also provided for second bedroom 151. A door 178 and the top part of interior wall 138 separate second bedroom 151 from landing 126, staircase 125 and passageway 116.

[0214] The arrangement of first bedroom floor 127, second bedroom floor 168 and platform 171 makes it possible for an average adult to stand upright inside first bedroom 117 and second bedroom 151. This arrangement also provides enough room for an average adult to sit on bed 169.

[0215] Similarly third bedroom 152 has a floor 179 which is positioned a step higher than landing 126 at approximately 1.2 m above bathroom floor 139 and 1.8 m below lower surface 109 of roof 108. Bedroom 152 is equipped with a twin bed 180 which includes a mattress 181 and a platform 182. Platform 182 has a lower surface 183 which serves as a ceiling for bathroom 118. Platform 182 is positioned at approximately 2 m above bathroom floor 139 and approximately 0.8 m above third bedroom floor 179. The combined thickness of mattress 181 and platform 182 is approximately 0.2 m so that the vertical distance between mattress 181 and lower surface 109 of roof 108 is approximately 0.8 m.

[0216] Bed 180 may be accessed by means of steps 184. An inclined partition 185 is positioned between third bedroom floor 179 and platform 182. Although a vertical partition may be used, an inclined partition can provide significantly more space at the waist level in third bedroom 152 without taking away a lot of usable space in bathroom 118. Two storage compartments 186 and 187 are also provided for third bedroom 152. A door 188 and the top part of interior wall 147 separate third bedroom 152 from landing 126, staircase 125 and passageway 116 while the top part of interior wall 148 separates third bedroom 152 from living area 150.

[0217] If a shower stall is installed in bathroom 118 in place of storage compartment 145 as mentioned earlier, storage compartment 186 may be made smaller and the ceiling above the shower stall may protrude above the level of platform 182 to provide more headroom for people to take a shower.

[0218] The arrangement of upper floor 120 of passageway 116, bathroom floor 139, third bedroom floor 179, platform 182 and storage compartment 187 makes it possible for an average adult to stand upright above upper floor 120 of passageway 116 as well as inside bathroom 118 and third bedroom 152. This arrangement also provides enough room for an average adult to crawl on bed 180.

[0219] FIGS. 14-17 show the second embodiment of the present invention which is a fifth-wheel trailer 200 of approximately 11 m (36 feet) in length.

[0220] The lower story of fifth-wheel trailer 200 includes a passageway 201, a first bedroom 202, a first bathroom 203, a second bathroom 204, an office 205 and a storage compartment 206. Passageway 201 includes an upper floor 207 and a lower floor 208. First bathroom 203 is similar to bathroom 118 of the preferred embodiment. An entry door 209 is provided on the right side of the vehicle. Two staircases 210 and 211 are provided at the front and rear ends of passageway 201 in the respective order. Staircase 211 leads to a landing 212 on the left side of the vehicle.

[0221] First bedroom 202 is equipped with a slide 213, a bed 214 and a closet 215 which are similar to slide 128, bed 130 and closet 135 of the preferred embodiment 100. A sink 216 is also provided in first bedroom 202.

[0222] Second bathroom 204 contains a shower stall 217 and a toilet 218. Second bathroom 204 is separated from first bedroom 202 by a sliding door 219. A rear entry door may also be provided so that second bathroom 204 may be directly accessed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0223] Office 205 has a floor 220 which is positioned a step lower than upper floor 207 of passageway 201. A desk 221 and a chair 222 are provided in office 205.

[0224] The upper story of fifth-wheel trailer 200 includes a living area 223, a second bedroom 224, a third bedroom 225 and a fourth sleeping compartment 226. Sleeping compartment 226 is not considered as a bedroom because it is not substantially enclosed and does not include a standing area. Living area 223 and third bedroom 225 are similar to living area 150 and third bedroom 152 of the preferred embodiment 100 in the respective order. Living area 223 is equipped with a slide 227 on the left side of the vehicle. Sleeping compartment 226 is equipped with a loft bed 228 which includes a mattress 229 and a platform 230. It may be accessed by means of a removable ladder 231 when slide 227 is in its extended position. Second bedroom 224 is similar to second bedroom 151 of the preferred embodiment 100 with the addition of a large storage compartment 232 at the rear end of the vehicle. Alternatively, a pet balcony may be provided in place of storage compartment 232.

[0225] Another possible modification is to put the galley on the lower story in place of office 205 to create more open space in living area 223.

[0226] FIGS. 18-21 show the third embodiment which is a travel trailer 300 with a body length of approximately 9.4 m (31 feet).

[0227] The lower story of travel trailer 300 includes a passageway 301, a first bedroom 302, a bathroom 303 and a living area 304. Passageway 301 includes an upper floor 305 and a lower floor 306. Upper floor 305 is positioned at approximately 1 m above the ground whereas lower floor 306 is positioned at approximately 0.8 m above the ground. An entry door 307 is provided on the right side of the vehicle. A staircase 308, which is connected to lower floor 306 of passageway 301, leads to a landing 309 on the left side of the vehicle. Living area 304 is equipped with a slide 310 on the left side whereas first bedroom 302 is equipped with a slide 311 on the right side.

[0228] The upper story of travel trailer 300 includes a second bedroom 312 and a third bedroom 313.

[0229] The floor plan of travel trailer 300 is similar to that of the preferred embodiment 100. The main difference is that living area 304 is positioned on the lower story at the same level as upper floor 305 of passageway 301.

[0230] First bedroom 302, bathroom 303, second bedroom 312 and third bedroom 313 are similar to first bedroom 117, bathroom 118, second bedroom 151 and third bedroom 152 of the preferred embodiment 100 in the respective order.

[0231] FIGS. 22-25 show the fourth embodiment which is a 3-bedroom motor home 400 of approximately 11 m (36 feet) in length.

[0232] The lower story of motor home 400 includes a driver's seat 401, a passenger's seat 402, a living area 403, a passageway 404, a first bedroom 405 and a bathroom 406. An entry door 407 is provided on the right side of the vehicle. A staircase 408 at the rear end of passageway 404 leads to a landing 409 on the left side of the vehicle. Living area 403 is equipped with two slides 410 and 411. Slide 410 contains a dinette 412, a storage compartment 413 and a television 414. Slide 411 contains a sofa 415 and a refrigerator 416. A kitchen counter 417, a double sink 418, a stove 419 and a drop leaf 420 are provided at the rear end of living area 403.

[0233] First bedroom 405 and bathroom 406 are similar to first bedroom 117 and bathroom 118 of the preferred embodiment 100 in the respective order. First bedroom 405 is equipped with a slide 421 on the right side of the vehicle.

[0234] The upper story of motor home 400 includes a second bedroom 422 and a third bedroom 423 which are similar to second bedroom 151 and third bedroom 152 of the preferred embodiment 100 in the respective order.

[0235] The engine (not shown) may be positioned at the front end of the vehicle in the usual manner.

[0236] Accordingly, the reader will see that the recreational vehicle of the present invention provides multiple sleeping compartments, including 3 walk-in bedrooms, a spacious living area, and one or two bathrooms in a relatively compact body which makes it as easy to tow, drive or park as many conventional one-bedroom recreational vehicles.

[0237] The reader will also see that the present invention provides an arrangement of bedrooms, living area and bathroom which allows an occupant to walk from any bedroom to the living area or the bathroom without going through another bedroom.

[0238] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, a fifth-wheel trailer may be built based on the floor plan of fifth-wheel trailer 200 without second bathroom 204 and storage compartment 232, or without office 205 and loft bed 228; a travel trailer may be built based on the floor plan of fifth-wheel trailer 200 with the living area positioned on the lower story; the front and rear ends of travel trailer 300 may be reversed so that first bedroom 302 and second bedroom 312 are positioned at the front end and living area 304 is positioned at the rear end; motor home 400 may be made longer with the addition of a second bathroom at the rear end of the vehicle, etc.

[0239] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.