Patent Application
20230337832
The present invention relates to a camping mattress or a roof tent comprising a camping mattress. In particular, the camping mattress comprises an upper section that can be rotated and inclined relative to a lower section.
Roof tents are camping tents that, in use, are attached to the roofs of vehicles such as cars and vans. As such, a roof tent is a vehicle accessory. To go camping, the user merely needs to drive to an appropriate location and set-up the tent on the roof of their vehicle. Typically, the roof tent is attached to cross bars on the vehicle's roof and is transported while attached to the roof of the vehicle. The roof tent is generally detachably, reversibly or removeably attached to the cross bars such that the user can detach roof tent when not in use. Generally, the roof tent is transported in a packed, collapsed or flattened configuration and is set-up or put-up by the user at their desired camping location. Roof tents provide a quick, safe and convenient way for a user to go camping.
Roof tents typically contain a camping mattress inside for the user to rest and sleep on. The camping mattress is usually stored within the roof tent when the roof tent is in the packed, collapsed or flattened configuration during transport. This is beneficial as it saves space within the user's vehicle during transit. Additionally, this allows for larger, thicker and more comfortable camping mattresses to be used within a roof tent than would be typically used for conventional camping.
However, current roof tents and the camping mattresses used inside of them have a number of significant drawbacks. For example, there is not much internal height within a roof tent and this restricts the user to lying down or sitting uncomfortably on the mattress with no back support. There is not enough internal height for the user to stand, so the options for arranging yourself in different ways are very limited. In addition, there is not enough room to put a regular chair, or camping chair inside a roof tent to create a seating option. It might be tempting for a user to lean against the fabric sides of the roof tent, but this poses a safety hazard as it could lead to the user falling through the fabric or damaging the roof tent. In larger roof tents, in which there may be enough room to sit on a chair or stand-up in, such actions are highly discouraged by roof tent manufactures due to the safety issues associated with a user standing or sitting on the top of a vehicle. It is typically not safe, not comfortable nor practical for a user to stand-up right or sit on a chair within a roof tent. If a user wants to sit up and read a book, use a laptop, or watch a movie, this is currently very difficult and would likely lead to neck strain or back injury. As such, the functionality of the internal space and the comfort of the user is compromised within the roof tent as there is currently not a way for the user to sit, with their back supported, inside of the roof tent, with current camping mattress designs.
Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems associated with the prior art.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a camping mattress for use with a roof tent, said camping mattress comprising: a upper section for supporting an upper portion of a user, and a lower section for supporting a lower portion of the user; wherein the upper section is rotatable about an axis such that, in use, the upper section can be rotated and reversibly fixed at one or more inclined positions relative to the lower section.
In use, the upper section is rotated and inclined by the user in accordance with their needs. Given that roof tents are typically not much larger than the camping mattress which they house, a user will normally be sitting on the lower section of the camping mattress while raising and inclining the upper section.
By rotating and inclining the upper section of the camping mattress, and then reversibly fixing it in an inclined position, the upper section can act as a backrest for the user. This enables the user to sit in an upright or partially upright position with their back supported by the upper section. This improves the comfort of the user within the roof tent and improves the safety of the roof tent as the user is much less likely to sit on a chair or lean on the walls of the roof tent. Furthermore, by increasing the versatility of the camping mattress within the roof tent, the user does not need to bring extra seating equipment such as such as chairs or stools, thereby increasing the space within the relatively tight constraints of a roof tent. This is particularly advantageous as it is typically either not possible for a user to stand-up or sit on a chair within a roof tent. Additionally, even if a user is able to stand or sit on a chair or stool in the roof tent such actions are strongly advised against and discouraged for the user's safety due to the elevated positioning of the roof tent. The camping mattress possess dual functionality as it can comfortably support the user in a sleeping or sitting position. By allowing the user to sit in an upright or partially upright position, the user can read or use an electronic device such as a laptop, tablet or phone with greater ease and comfort. Additionally, since the upper section can be rotated back into a flat orientation with respect to the lower section, the camping mattress can be easily slept on or transported within a roof tent when it is flattened or packed-up.
Typically, the axis about which the upper section is rotated is located between and defines the boundary, junction or connection between the upper section and the lower section.
In use, the camping mattress is typically directly supported by the floor of the roof tent. That is, it is preferable that the camping mattress does not comprise legs or supports that raises its height off floor of the roof tent in use. This is because the height from such legs or supports decreases the safety of the user when using camping mattress.
It is also preferable that the camping mattress does not comprises a further section that is rotatable or inclinable relative to the lower section. In other seating arrangements not in accordance with the present invention, a further section is attached to the lower section at the end of the lower section opposing the upper section. Typically, this further section rotates and declines relative to the lower section in the opposing direction to the upper section to give a zig-zag like configuration. This further section is not for directly supporting the user but mainly for raising the user off the ground such that the user's lower leg hangs adjacent to this further section while their upper leg and buttocks are supported by the lower section. The inclusion of such a further section is not preferred in the present invention as it means the lower section must be raised of the floor of the roof tent, which, as discussed above, is unsafe. Rather, the present invention relates to seating the user in a L-shaped, reclined or lounging position.
Preferably, the camping mattress comprises a mechanism attached to the upper section that, in use, facilitates the rotation and inclination of the upper section relative to the lower section. Typically, the mechanism facilitates the rotation and inclination by focusing the rotational force or movement applied by the user on the upper section to the axis. Thus, the mechanism beneficially ensures that the upper section is rotated and inclined with respect to the lower section.
Preferably, the mechanism is also attached to the lower section.
Preferably, the mechanism can be reversibly fixed in one or more positions such that the upper section can be reversibly positioned at one or more inclinations relative to the lower section. In this way, the inclined positions at which the upper section can be reversibly fixed at are supported in their raised positions by the mechanism. For example, the mechanism may comprise one or more notches and a retaining member or protrusion, whereby the retaining member or protrusion is accepted by one of the notches to fix the mechanism reversibly in a position and, therefore, fix the upper section in an inclined position.
Preferably, the camping mattress comprises two mechanisms that are located on opposing sides or edges of the camping mattress. Each of the two mechanisms may have the preferred properties of the mechanism described above.
Preferably, the mechanism comprises a hinge. Preferably, the hinge is attached to the upper section of the camping mattress. Preferably, the hinge comprises a locking or fixing member to reversibly fix the hinge in one or more positions such that the upper section can be reversibly positioned at one or more inclinations relative to the lower section. For example, the hinge may comprise one or more notches and a retaining member or protrusion, whereby the retaining member or protrusion is accepted by one of the notches to fix the hinge reversibly in a position and, therefore, fix the upper section in an inclined position. In embodiments comprising two mechanisms, it is preferably that each mechanism comprises a hinge located on opposing sides or edges of the camping mattress and it is preferable that each of the two hinges are coaxial.
Preferably, the mechanism comprises a support member for supporting the upper section in one or more inclined positions. Preferably, the support member is arranged to be reversibly fixed in one or more different positions relative to the upper section such that the upper section is reversibly fixed in one or more inclined positions relative to the lower section. In this way, a support member, such as a beam, rod, legs or sheet, can support the upper section by providing it with firm and ridged support. The support member can be pivotally attached to the camping mattress or it can be separate. Preferably, the support member is pivotally attached to an underside or rear side of the upper section.
Preferably, the mechanism comprises both a hinge and a support member. When the mechanism comprises both a hinge and a support, the hinge and support member may comprises any of the optional or preferred features described above.
Preferably, the upper section comprises a backboard attached to the underside or rear side of the upper section. Preferably, the backboard extends across the substantial majority of the underside or rear side of the upper section. More preferably, the backboard extends across the entire underside or rear surface of the upper section. The backboard predominantly comprises a material that is stiffer and more rigid than the camping mattress and upper section. Thus, the provision of a backboard advantageously stiffens the upper section and helps to support the weight of the user on the floor of the roof tent in use. Additionally, the backboard helps to define the axis and boundary, junction or connection between upper section and the lower section. When the upper section comprises backboard and is attached to a mechanism, it is preferably that the mechanism is attached to the backboard of the upper section. By attaching the mechanism to the backboard, rotation of the backboard rotates and inclines the remainder of the upper section.
Preferably, the lower section comprises a backboard attached to the underside or rear side of the lower section. Preferably, the backboard extends across the substantial majority of the underside or rear side of the lower section. More preferably, the backboard extends across the entire underside or rear surface of the lower section. The backboard predominantly comprises a material that is stiffer and more rigid than the camping mattress and lower section. Thus, the provision of a backboard advantageously stiffens the lower section and helps to support the weight of the user on the floor of the roof tent in use. Additionally, the backboard helps to define the axis and boundary, junction or connection between upper section and the lower section. When the lower section comprises backboard and is attached to a mechanism, it is preferably that the mechanism is attached to the backboard of the lower section. By attaching the mechanism to the backboard, rotation of the backboard rotates and inclines the remainder of the upper section.
Preferably, the upper section comprises a backboard attached to the underside or rear side of the upper section and the lower section comprises a backboard attached to the underside or rear side of the lower section. In such embodiments, it is preferably that both backboards are attached to the mechanism such as the hinge.
Preferably, the upper section comprises one or more handles for rotating and inclining the upper section relative to the lower section. Preferably, the one or more handles comprise loops of material. More preferably, the loops of material are located at an edge of the camping mattress. Alternatively, the camping mattress may comprise a handle, such as a cavity handle, on the underside of the upper section and backboard, if present.
Preferably, the upper section and the lower section are integrally formed. In this way, the camping mattress is provided as a single-piece. It is beneficial to provide the upper section and lower section as an integrally formed single-piece as it affords the user with a more comfortable sitting and sleeping experience. When the upper section and lower section are integrally formed, the camping mattress can optionally comprise a thinner or weakened section between the upper section and the lower section. The camping mattress does not need to comprise such a thinner or weakened section as the material from which the integrally formed camping mattress consists of can be flexible, deformable, elastic and malleable enough to undergo the rotation and inclination of the upper section in accordance with the present invention without such a feature. As such, it can be preferable that the camping mattress is of a continuous thickness and strength along its length. However, it has been found to be beneficial for some embodiments of the camping mattress to comprise a thinner or weakened section between the upper section and the lower section. This is particular beneficial when the camping mattress is thicker or consists of stiffer materials. In these embodiments, the thinner or weakened section is located at the parallel and proximate to the rotational axis. In this way, the action of the user to rotate and incline the upper section is directed to axis, or section between the upper and lower sections, and the force required by the user is lessened. Furthermore, this can beneficial limit damage to the camping mattress when the upper section is rotated and inclined. Preferably, the thinner or weakened section between the upper section and the lower section comprises grooves. Preferably, the grooves extend laterally across the camping mattress in a direction substantially parallel with the rotational axis. The grooves may preferably be in either or both the top or bottom face of the camping mattress. When the grooves are in the top face of the camping mattress they are preferably V-shaped channels. When the grooves are in the bottom face of the camping mattress they are preferably vertical incisions.
Preferably, the camping mattress comprises a thinner or weakened section when the mechanism does not comprises a hinge, as the thinner or weakened section directs and facilitates rotation by the user as the junction or connection between the upper and lower sections.
Alternatively, the upper section and lower section are separate sections that are connected by, for example, a hinge. Having a camping mattress comprising separate sections can be beneficial to reduce the force required to rotate and incline the upper section of the mattress relative to the lower section of the mattress.
Preferably, the upper section is equal to in size or smaller than the lower section. It is also preferable that the size of the upper section is greater than one-tenth of the camping mattress.
Preferably, the axis extends across the second longest dimension of the camping mattress.
Preferably, the camping mattress comprises foam. More preferably, the camping mattress is a foam camping mattress. It is preferable for the camping mattress to comprise foam or be a foam mattress as it is relatively easy to deform the foam to allow the upper section to rotate and incline relative to the lower section.
Preferably, the camping mattress comprises two layers: a top layer for supporting the weight of the user and a bottom layer for supporting the top layer and engaging with a floor of the roof tent. In this way, the top layer can be made from a material more suitable to supporting the user in a comfortable manner and the bottom layer can be made from a material that adds strength and rigidity to camping mattress. For example, the top layer can be soft and comfortable for the user to rest or sleep on and the bottom layer can be strong enough to support the weight of the user on the cross bars of the vehicle.
Preferably, the top layer comprises a first foam and the bottom layer comprises a second foam. More preferably, the first foam is softer than the second foam. This can be beneficial for inclining the upper section relative to the lower section as the softer first foam can be more easily compressed than the harder second foam.
Preferably, the upper section can be rotated about the axis relative to the lower section by an angle in the range of 0 degree to 90 degrees. Preferably, the upper section can be reversibly fixed at one or more inclined positions wherein the angle between the upper section and the lower section is between 15 and 75 degrees.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts, said kit comprising a roof tent and a camping mattress according to the first aspect of the present invention. The camping mattress included in this aspect of the invention may comprise any of the optional or preferred features of first aspect of the invention. When the roof tent in is its flattened, collapsed or packed configuration the camping mattress fits inside of the roof tent. As such, the camping mattress is also transported on the roof of the vehicle in normal use.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a roof tent, said roof tent comprising the camping mattress of the first aspect of the present invention. The camping mattress may comprise any of the optional or preferred features of the first aspect of the invention. When the roof tent in is its flattened, collapsed or packed configuration the camping mattress fits inside of the roof tent. As such, the camping mattress is also transported on the roof of the vehicle in normal use.
Preferably, the roof tent and the camping mattress are reversibly attached to one another. It is further preferable that the camping mattress and roof tent are attached by the hinge of the first aspect. In this way, the camping mattress comprises hinge a hinge that is connected to the upper section of the camping mattress and the floor of the roof tent. The applicant has found this arrangement to be beneficial for the rotation of the upper section when the user and their weight is not positioned on the lower section. Accordingly, the position of the camping mattress is reversibly fixed inside of the roof tent such that when the upper section of the camping mattress is rotated and inclined relative to the lower section, the lower section is restrained from moving inside of the roof tent.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The camping mattress 10 and the body 20 comprise an upper section 30 and a lower section 40. The upper section 30 of the camping mattress 10 is for supporting an upper portion of a user such as their head, back and torso, and the lower section 40 of the camping mattress 10 is for supporting a lower portion of the user such as their lower back, buttocks and legs.
In this embodiment, the upper section 30 and lower section 40 are integrally formed such that upper section 30 and the lower section 40 are a single piece. As such, the upper section 30 and lower section 40 are two portions of the camping mattress 10 and the body 20. In other envisaged embodiments, the upper section 30 and the lower section 40 can be separate or discrete entities that are connected by, for example, a hinged connection.
In this embodiment, the upper section 30 is approximately half the size of the lower section 40. Other sizes for the sections are envisaged, for example, the size of the upper section 30 may range between being equally sized with the lower section 40 to being approximately one-tenth the size of the camping mattress 10. Varying the size of the upper section 30 and lower section 40 changes the proportion of the user that each section supports.
Located at the boundary, junction or connection between the upper section 30 and lower section 40 is the rotational axis R. In this embodiment, and most other envisaged embodiments, the rotational axis R extends in a direction parallel with the second largest dimension of the mattress. That is, the rotational axis R extends across the camping mattress 10 in a direction perpendicular with the direction that the user would typically lay on the camping mattress 10. In terms of the art, the rotational axis R extends across the width of the camping mattress 10. The direction of the rotational axis R orientates the upper section 30 and the lower section 40 to support the upper and lower portions of the user, respectively.
The camping mattress further comprises two handles 45 that are attached to and extend from the top edge of the upper section 30. In this embodiment, the handles 45 are a loop of material that the user can grip in order to rotate and incline the upper section 30. The handles 45 makes movement of the upper section 30 by the user easier. The handles 45 may come in other forms and extend from any edge or face of the upper section 30.
The camping mattress 10 further comprises two hinges 50. The hinges 50 are attached to opposing sides of the camping mattress 10 at positions coaxial with to the rotational axis R. Thus, the hinges are proximate with the boundary, junction or connection between the upper section 30 and the lower section 40. The hinges 50 facilitate rotation and inclination of the upper section 30 relative to the lower section 40.
In this embodiment, the hinges 50 comprise a first hinge member 60 and a second hinge member 70 rotationally connected by a biased rotational member (not shown). The first hinge member 60 is fixedly attached to a backboard 80 that supports the upper section 30, and the second hinge member 70 is fixedly attached to the floor of the roof tent (not shown). The second hinge member 70 comprises apertures (not shown) for receiving fixings for attachment to the floor of the roof tent. In other embodiments, the second hinge member 70 is attached to the lower section 40 of the camping mattress.
The backboard 80 extends across the whole underside or rear side of the upper section 30, that is, the side of the upper section 30 that the user would not lay down on during normal use of the camping mattress 10.
To incline or raise the upper section 30 relative to the lower section 40 the user first grips the handles 45 and then pulls the upper section 3 in a rotating motion 0, as indicated by the dashed arrow, off the floor of the roof tent towards the lower section 40. This motion by the user rotates the upper section 30 about the hinges 50 and rotational axis R and inclines the upper section 30. In typically use it is envisaged that the user will be seated on the lower section 40 when performing this motion and will pull and rotate the upper section 30 towards them. The user does not need to grip the handles 45 to incline the upper section 30 and may instead do this by simply gripping the upper section directly. However, the handles 45 improves the ease of this motion and prevent the user from damaging the body 20 with their grip.
The rotational motion applied by the user to incline the upper section 30 will compress the top surface of the body 20 and stretch the bottom surface of the body along the rotational axis R and the junction between the upper section 30 and lower section 40. The material of the body 20 should have sufficient elasticity to allow the rotation and associated deformations to be repeated without damaging body 20.
The user can then reversibly fix the position of the upper section 30 in an inclined position. In this embodiment, this is made possible by the hinges 50 and the biased rotational member that extends between the first hinge member 60 and the second hinge member 70. The rotational member comprises notches or grooves that can reversibly accept and accommodate a protrusion on the second hinge member 60. To reversibly fix the upper section 30 in a raised position the user rotates the upper section 30 passed the desired position and then lowers upper section 30 a relatively small amount that allows the notches or groove of the biased rotational member to accept the protrusion on the second hinge member 60. The biased nature of the rotational member is provide by, for example, a spring with ensures that the engagement between the protrusion and notches or groove do not merely slip out of position during normal use. The notches are angled such that they do not engage the protrusions during the raising or inclination of the upper section 30 and only engage when the upper section 30 is lowered into them. In this embodiment, the rotational member comprises a series of three notches such that the upper section 30 can be fixed at a three different inclined positions. The number of notches provided can be larger or smaller to increase the number of predetermined inclined positions.
To lower the upper section 30 into a flat configuration, where the upper section 30 and lower section are coplanar, from any of the inclined positions, the user simply rotates and inclines the upper section 30 further than the reversibly fixed position. This causes the notches or groove and protrusion to disengaged and then the user can push or lower the upper section 30 onto the floor of the roof tent. A slight pulling motion of the upper section 30 away from the lower section 40 can assist the user in not re-engaging the notches or grooves and protrusion. The handles 45 make the application of this pulling motion easier to apply by the user.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014338.4 | Sep 2020 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2021/052206 | 8/25/2021 | WO |
