Patent Application
20080238138
This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application does not claim priority to any United States Provisional Patent applications or any foreign patent applications.
The disclosures made herein relate generally to the automotive industry. The invention discussed herein is in the general classification of recreational vehicles and campers.
Millions of people travel for vacation, utilizing a variety of vehicles. Trucks or vans with hitched trailers or campers along with RV's (recreational vehicles) are some of the most popular vehicles used for extended travel.
Unfortunately, normal hitched trailers and campers are difficult to turn and maneuver because they are simply linked to a towing vehicle's hitch ball. The cumbersome steering also leads to a greater likelihood of traffic accidents.
Traditional recreational vehicles and drivable campers solve the maneuverability problem but create other problems. For example, if the engine or other vital part of the recreational camper or drivable camper is in need of repair, the entire vehicle must be brought in for work. In addition, these traditional recreational vehicles are often extremely expensive.
Hence, there is a need in the art for an easy to use, affordable, safe and maneuverable camper that can be attached and detached from a frontal vehicle whenever necessary.
Cocoon Camper is a two-unit camper consisting of a frontal van and a camper section. The van and camper section are connected and locked together allowing the vehicle to drive as if it were a single unit. The rear camper section of Cocoon Camper overlaps the van on top with a section that locks in place and connects directly to the top of the van unit with supports. The rear camper also locks in place from the back of the van unit to fully connect and stabilize the vehicle.
The top of the camper section rises up via air or hydraulic cylinders to make sufficient head room inside when the vehicle is stationary. This extra space is provided by a fold-up canvas top section and includes an air vent for circulation.
Cocoon Camper works by connecting the drive shaft from the van to the camper in order to drive the rear wheels of the camper. Cocoon Camper makes this possible by allowing the rear wheels of the van unit to lift when the camper is in use to provide the proper clearance. The rear wheels of the van lift and lower using air cylinders that also double as the rear suspension when the van is being used independently. The van has a unique modified differential that includes a selector to activate the wheels on the van or the wheels on the camper unit. Obviously, this design only works for vehicles/vans that have rear wheel drive capabilities. The Cocoon Camper includes a gear box that swings on bearings to move the rear wheels of the van up or down. A brake would also be installed on the trailer and would be electrically activated.
The principal object of this invention is to provide a two-piece camper consisting of a rear camper unit and frontal vehicle whereby the rear camper unit can be firmly attached to the frontal vehicle rather than simply towed behind the frontal vehicle.
Another object of this invention is to provide an affordable and easily maneuvered two-piece camper that drives like a single unit.
Another object of this invention is to provide a rear camper unit that is easily attached and detached from the frontal vehicle so the frontal vehicle can be used independently.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a two-piece camper that can be safely driven when the rear camper is attached to the frontal vehicle.
Cocoon Camper consists of at least some of the following: a frontal vehicle and a rear camper section, an attaching mechanism to attach the frontal vehicle to the rear camper section, hydraulic cylinders to lift a canvas top of the rear camper section, air or hydraulic cylinders to lift the rear wheels of the frontal vehicle, a modified differential, an electronically activated brake on the rear camper section, and a unified drive train assembly to operatively connect the frontal vehicle and the rear camper section.
As can be seen in
The components Cocoon Camper may vary widely but will likely utilize metal, plastic, rubber, canvas, glass and electrical components. The metals would ideally be selected from available steel or alloys of steel and aluminum. The production process related to the use of these metals insures that the metal is non-corrosive, durable and strong. The selected metal should have high impact strength and be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.
The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.
The plastic components of Cocoon Camper can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.
All electronic components of the invention will also be ideally selected from those currently having the highest industry ratings. These components will also meet and/or exceed all safety and usage regulations. Wiring and associated connecting hardware should be insulated and otherwise protected from intrusion by any harmful or degrading elements, including water, medium level temperatures, and low to medium impact force.
The size of Cocoon Camper may vary widely. The preferred embodiment is approximately ten to fourteen feet in height, thirty to forty-five feet in length, and six feet and six inches in width. It should be obvious that any camper shape or color could be utilized. It should also be obvious that any suitable vehicle, including a van, can be used as the frontal vehicle with the present invention.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.
