This invention relates to recreational vehicles (“RVs”) and more particularly relates to camping trailers.
Camping trailers are RVs that can be towed by a car or truck. Camping trailers are an alternative to traditional tent camping and allow a user to bring many of the comforts of home with them on road trips and camping expeditions. As camping trailers have grown more popular, sellers of camping trailers have developed numerous innovations and distinct styles of camping trailers have developed.
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a trailer. In one embodiment, a trailer includes a trailer frame and a body coupled to the trailer frame. The body includes a monocoque structure that is molded from a plurality of material layers. The molded body includes at least one access and a storage compartment located towards a tongue of the trailer frame.
In one embodiment, the plurality of layers includes fiberglass matting that has a low-density polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) core positioned between an inner layer and an outer layer of the plurality of layers of fiberglass matting such that the body is structurally rigid and insulated.
In one embodiment, the body includes at least one accessory point molded into the body, the at least one accessory point comprising one or more of a magnet, a hook, an eye, and a clip.
In one embodiment, the body includes a plurality of return flange mechanical gutters for each of the at least one accesses molded into the body, the plurality of return flange mechanical gutters configured to capture moisture and direct it away from the trailer without additional sealing materials around the at least one access.
In one embodiment, the body is further molded to form at least one of an interior cabin, a rear galley, a rear galley access, a window, a roof rack system, and a roof access.
In one embodiment, the rear galley includes a kitchen, the kitchen including one or more of a sink, a stove, a cooler, a table, and one or more cabinets.
In one embodiment, the table forms a removable cabinet door for a cabinet of the rear galley, the table including an adjustable fold-out leg on a first side and a mounting point along an edge of the table for mounting to a side of the trailer.
In one embodiment, the edge of the table that mounts to the side of the body includes a metal edge that selectively couples to a corresponding mounting point on the fender.
In one embodiment, the roof rack system includes a pair of oppositely located elongated protrusions on the roof of the body that are molded as part of the body and provide an elevated flat surface for mounting items to the roof.
In one embodiment, the trailer includes at least one adjustable rail that is couplable to the pair of elongated protrusions and spans a width of the roof between the pair of elongated protrusions for securing items mounted to the roof.
In one embodiment, the trailer includes a trailing arm style suspension system coupled to the frame, the suspension system including Delrin bushings, eccentric bolts for toe and camber wheel alignment, an angled shock-in-spring mount, and built-in rock sliders for protection of the suspension components.
In one embodiment, the trailer includes a hidden galley hinge system that mounts to an interior of the body and the rear galley hatch door such that when activated the hinge extends outward and upward, clearing the galley hatch door from the rest of the body.
In one embodiment, the trailer includes a solar panel coupled to an exterior surface of the body for providing power to electrical components of the trailer.
In one embodiment, an interior of the trailer includes a plurality of storage compartments that include three upper storage cabinets and two lower storage cabinets, each storage cabinet having a hinged door.
In one embodiment, the middle upper cabinet door, when hinged open, folds down and rests onto an angle cut into the two lower cabinet doors, creating an angled surface for resting an object, the two lower cabinets including metal plates that are selectively coupled to two hidden magnets in the middle upper cabinet door.
In one embodiment, the at least one access includes a doorway to an interior of the trailer, an interior edge of the doorway lined with magnetic material for attaching accessories along the doorway.
In one embodiment, the trailer includes a door for the doorway, the door comprising a window that includes an edge that is lined with magnetic material for attaching accessories on the window.
In one embodiment, the accessories include a screen that has magnetic material along an edge of the screen and is sized to fit one of the doorway and the window.
In one embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a trailer frame and a body coupled to the trailer frame, the body comprising a monocoque structure that is molded from a plurality of material layers. In one embodiment, the body is molded to include at least one access and a storage compartment located towards a tongue of the trailer frame and a plurality of return flange mechanical gutters for each of the at least one accesses configured to capture moisture and direct it away from the trailer without additional sealing materials around the at least one access. In one embodiment, the system includes a trailing arm style suspension system coupled to the trailer frame and each wheel, the trailing arm style suspension system including independent suspension for each wheel of the trailer.
A method is disclosed for forming a trailer body including creating a master body mold by layering a plurality of fiberglass matting layers and a PET core, injecting the master body mold with resin, vacuum sealing the master body mold, curing the master body mold for a predetermined period of time.
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
In general, the subject matter herein describes a trailer that can be used for camping. In one embodiment, the trailer is a teardrop-style camping trailer. As used herein, a teardrop-style camping trailer may refer to a streamlined, compact, lightweight, trailer that gets its name from its teardrop profile. Teardrop-style camping trailers provide an alternative to large, cumbersome RVs that limit access to different areas and experiences. In recent years, this minimalist product has found newcomers looking to upgrade from tent-camping, but not limit their experiences by the bulk and cheap quality/aesthetic of the traditional RV. The shift has gone from “RV-ing” to “Overlanding,” and a new generation of vehicles are necessary to support the industry.
As used herein, “Overlanding” describes self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway capable transport where the principal form of lodging is camping. While expedition is defined as a journey with a purpose, overlanding sees the journey as the purpose.
Traditional small campers are made with materials that require slow manufacturing methods (e.g., plywood core, aluminum exterior, exposed fasteners) and are hard to build rugged enough to withstand the elements for years. Conventional solutions on the market are either built with inferior form, function, or antiquated materials and processes.
In addition to the cabin construction, the frame and suspension of conventional trailers in this industry are often leaf-spring design or rubber torsion axles that are ill-equipped to stand up to the rigors of off-road travel.
Conventional solutions for building a trailer that can withstand Overlanding's demands include over-building, often using excessive amounts of heavy metals or redundant body construction that adds unnecessary weight to the unit, making it cumbersome (and in many cases impossible) to pull with common tow vehicles.
The subject matter disclosed herein describes an apparatus for an off-road camper trailer that improves upon conventional teardrop-style camping trailers. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a monocoque trailer body made of layers of fiberglass with a low-density polyethylene (“PET”) core creating an insulated and rigid trailer body. In one embodiment, the trailer body is formed using a vacuum bag/infused fiberglass manufacturing process to create a strong, lightweight, aesthetically unique, and functionally superior trailer body. The insulated body houses the components and accessories needed for overlanding (e.g., water, air, heat, power, refrigeration, storage) within the internal structure of the body, reducing risk of exposure/damage, and allowing unlimited four-season use.
In one embodiment, the trailer body is mounted to a light-weight frame. The frame, in one embodiment, includes a frame and a trailing arm style suspension that enables high clearance and superior damped suspension for travel on inconsistent terrain.
In one embodiment, the body further comprises one or more entry door openings, a rear galley hatch opening, and a stargazing window opening. In one embodiment, the entry door openings and the galley hatch opening include a return flanged mechanical gutter system built into the body such that any water that enters the gutter is directed down and away from the trailer.
In one embodiment, customer-centric add-ons are installed including, for example, a full queen-sized bed, heater interior storage, a full kitchen galley with sink, stove, and cooled food storage, as well as mounted solar panels and functional roof racks that make the trailer incredibly capable for its size and weight.
Thus, the subject matter herein describes a trailer that is a minimal home on wheels, able to follow the user's tow vehicle wherever it goes, making camp setup easy and convenient. Integrated storage allows the user to take more on their trips and have less setup time when they get there, ultimately allowing easier and safer access to more places for individuals and families who want the adventure of camping and the convenience of RVing.
In such an embodiment, the trailer body 102 is formed by creating a master body mold by layering the plurality of fiberglass matting layers and the PET core, injecting the master body mold with resin, vacuum sealing the master body mold, and curing the master body mold for a predetermined period of time.
In certain embodiments, at least one accessory point is molded into the body. An accessory point, as used herein, may be an area or portion of the external or internal surface of the body 102 that allows for attaching, coupling, connecting, hanging, or the like various accessors to the body 102. In certain embodiments, at least one accessory point includes one or more of a magnet, a hook, an eye, a clip, and/or the like that can be used to attach different accessories such as flashlights, phones or other devices, hats, clothing, bags, cooking accessories, or the like to the body 102. The accessory point may include a portion of the body that is molded where an attachment device can be installed such as a hook, magnet, or the like. In other embodiments, attachment devices may be installed during the molding/forming process (e.g., a hook may be installed in the body during the molding/forming process).
In one embodiment, one or more accesses or entryways are molded into the body 102. The one or more accesses may include doors, windows, ports, or the like, which may be selectively opened and closed. In such an embodiment, a plurality of return flange mechanical gutters for each of the at least one accesses is molded into the body 102. As used herein, the plurality of return flange mechanical gutters are configured to capture moisture at an access/pre-formed point and direct it away from the trailer without additional sealing materials around the at least one access, as described in detail below with reference to
The body 102 may be formed or molded to form/shape various compartments, accesses, or the like located within an interior of the body 102 and/or on an exterior of the body 102. For instance, a storage compartment 110 may be formed towards the front of the body 102 and towards the tongue of the frame 104. Further, the body 102 may form an interior cabin, a rear galley, a rear galley access 108, a window 112, a roof rack system 120 that includes one or more elongated protrusions, and a roof access.
In one embodiment, a trailer hitch 106 allows the trailer 100 to be towed by a car or truck. In certain embodiments, two oversized, all-terrain or offroad tires 118 are coupled to an axle that is mounted to the frame 104 and provide traction and high clearance to enable the trailer 100 to pass over uneven surfaces. In one embodiment, a fender 116 is coupled to each side of the trailer frame 104 to protect the tires 118, to act as a step, or to act as a table extension.
In one embodiment, a storage door provides access to the storage compartment 110. In one embodiment, an entry door 114 provides access to an interior of the trailer body 102. A galley door 108, in one embodiment, provides access to a rear galley. In one embodiment, a window 112 allows for light to enter the interior of the trailer. One or more elongated protrusions 120, in one embodiment, on the roof allow for items such as a roof rack to be mounted to the roof. In certain embodiments, an interior edge of the windows 112, entry doors 114, or the like are lined with magnetic material for attaching accessories along the windows 112 or entry doors 14, including screens, curtains, or the like that include corresponding magnetic material along their edges.
In one embodiment, the frame 104 includes various mounting points for attaching different accessories to customize the trailer 100. For instance, the frame 104 may include mounting points for rock rails, steps, extra receiver tubes, and/or the like. The mounting points may be shaped to receive accessories that include correspondingly shaped attachment points, e.g., square metal tubing (similar to a receiver hitch), and corresponding holes/openings for securing the accessories with pins.
The fenders 116 may be bolted to the frame 104 and inset into the wheel-well, e.g., by about six inches, which minimizes protrusion and maximizes usable interior space. The frame 104 may include a rear hitch receiving tube 202 for mounting a hitch for pulling an additional trailer, attaching a hitch-mounted cargo rack, a bike rack, or the like. Furthermore, a trailing arm suspension system 170 may be coupled to the frame 104 to provide independent suspension to each wheel/tire coupled to the frame 104, as described in more detail below.
In one embodiment, the mechanical area 302 may include various mechanical parts such as one or more batteries (or other power sources) and/or other electrical components; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) components; a water tank and other plumbing components; and/or the like. For instance, the power source may include a 100 amp hour VPR 4EVER lithium battery powers the 12V system throughout the trailer, such as strategically placed, dimmable, warm-light LED lighting in the cabin and galley, ground lights beneath each entry door, and reading lights above each nightstand. In one embodiment, the trailer 102 may include USB ports (or other charging and data ports) in both the galley and the cabin.
In certain embodiments, the HVAC system may include a fan, e.g., a standard four-speed MaxxAir exhaust fan, as well as integrated forced-air heating ducts behind a soft-touch molded headliner keeps the cabin climate-controlled. In one embodiment, a water tank provides a usable capacity of water, e.g., 21-gallons of water. The water tank may be nested within the insulated trailer, reducing concerns over freezing temperatures. Combined with a unique water cut-off, the water system may be used year-round. In certain embodiments, a water fill port is provided on the side of the trailer to refill the water tank.
In one embodiment, the rear galley 150 includes a full-size sink (12″ W×6″ D×14″ L), a stove (e.g., an ENO 2-burner stove (8000 BTUs)), and space for a cooler or refrigerator (e.g., a standard YETI® 75 cooler or an ARB 63 Fridge/Freezer). Further, in one embodiment, additional cabinet space is included in a hidden knife storage cabinet (e.g., an additional 7.5 cubic feet of space), a spice drawer, and modular shelving that allows for customization of the galley.
At the other end of the table 1008, the table 1008 may be secured to the trailer 100 at an attachment point 1108. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment point 1108 may be at the fender 116 and may include a magnetic coupling, a clip or snap coupling, a bolt coupling, or other mechanical means for coupling the table 1108 to the trailer 100. In one embodiment, the table 1008 may include a protrusion or a lip that fits into a slot or groove in the fender 116, e.g., a metal edge that selectively couples to a corresponding mounting lip, groove, slot, or edge on the fender 116. The trailer 100 may include other attachment points in addition to or alternative to the fender 116.
In further embodiments, the interior 130 includes built-in nightstands. In one embodiment, a true queen-sized mattress is included, and the bed frame may include an angled headboard where a user can lay back and stare at the night sky through a window 112, e.g., a 2.5′×5′ stargazer window. In certain embodiments, the interior includes 42½ inches of headroom.
In one embodiment, the interior 130 includes a heated mudroom at each entry-door. In one embodiment, a strategically designed utility space (e.g., with dimensions 4.5″×32″) provide a perch for the user's feet to assist the user as the user removes their shoes. In certain embodiments, two coat hooks at each entry are included. The cabinets 1304, 1302, in one embodiment, provide nearly eight cubic feet of cabinet space. In one embodiment, storage space is provided behind the headboard, e.g., about five cubic feet. In certain embodiments, the cabinets 1302, 1304 include Baltic birch cabinet faces.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
As used herein, a list with a conjunction of “and/or” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, a list of A, B and/or C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one or more of” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, one or more of A, B and C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one of” includes one and only one of any single item in the list. For example, “one of A, B and C” includes only A, only B or only C and excludes combinations of A, B and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C,” includes one and only one of A, B, or C, and excludes combinations of A, B, and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C and combinations thereof” includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/354,149 entitled “TRAILER” and filed on Jun. 21, 2022, for Christopher Hudak, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63354149 | Jun 2022 | US |