Patent Application
20250137281
Tents have been used ubiquitously throughout history to provide shelter, particularly in forests, deserts, and other outdoor environments. The typical tent includes a series of poles connected at a central point and a cover which extends around and/or between the poles to prevent ingress to the tent's interior by insects, debris, and the like. The cover also provides the tents occupants with an element of protection against wind, precipitation, and other weather events.
With the advent of outdoor activities such as off-roading and overlanding which allow individuals to utilize vehicles—in particular pickup trucks—to access remote wilderness areas, efforts have been made to incorporate tents into various vehicles. Typically, these efforts have focused on mounting a tent to the vehicle's roof. Doing so reduces the campsite footprint and elevates the tent to provide the tent's occupants with additional protection against wildlife attempting to enter the tent.
Rooftop mounted vehicle tents suffer from several flaws. Most notably, they can be difficult for an occupant to access—often requiring a separate ladder to climb into and out of the rooftop mounted vehicle tent. In addition, vehicle roofs often lack sufficient attachment points at which to anchor the rooftop mounted vehicle tent. Insufficient anchoring can result in the rooftop mounted tent becoming dislodged from the vehicle as the result of high winds, wildlife attempting to enter the tent, or even simply as the result of normal movements of the tent's occupants.
The need exists, therefore, for an improved vehicle mounted tent which is easier for occupants to access, maintains protection against wildlife attempting to enter the tent, and can be securely anchored to the vehicle.
Described herein is a tent assembly for a truck bed of a pickup truck. The tent assembly includes a frame assembly, a cover, and a plurality of anchor members. The frame assembly includes a central hub, a first edge post, a second edge post, a third edge post, and a fourth edge post. The cover is configured to extend between at least the first edge post and the second edge post, the second edge post and the third edge post, the third edge post and the fourth edge post, and the fourth edge post and the first edge post. The plurality of anchor members includes a first corner anchor, a second corner anchor, a third corner anchor, and a fourth corner anchor.
The central hub includes an interior column and an exterior column slideably engaged with the interior column. The central hub also includes a first post attachment member attached to an interior column top end, and a second post attachment member attached to an exterior column top end. A cover attachment member extends from an interior column bottom end. A portion of the cover is connected to the cover attachment member.
The first edge post is connected at a first edge post proximal end to the first post attachment member. The first edge post also includes a first brace post extending between a first edge post section and the second post attachment member.
The second edge post is connected at a second edge post proximal end to the first post attachment member. The second edge post also includes a second brace post extending between a second edge post section and the second post attachment member.
The third edge post is connected at a third edge post proximal end to the first post attachment member. The third edge post also includes a third brace post extending between a third edge post section and the second post attachment member.
The fourth edge post is connected at a fourth edge post proximal end to the first post attachment member. The fourth edge post also includes a fourth brace post extending between a fourth edge post section and the second post attachment member.
The first corner anchor is configured to connect a first edge post distal end to a truck bed first rail first corner. The second corner anchor is configured to connect a second edge post distal end to a truck bed first rail second corner. The third corner anchor is configured to connect a third edge post distal end to a truck bed second rail first corner. The fourth corner anchor is configured to connect a fourth edge post distal end to a truck bed second rail second corner of the truck bed.
In some embodiments, the cover may comprise a cover first side having at least one first window opening. When present, the first window opening may include a first screen. The first window opening may also include a first closure flap with at least a portion of the first closure flap being removably connected to a corresponding portion of the first window opening.
In certain embodiments, the cover may comprise a cover second side having at least one second window opening. When present, the second window opening may include a second screen. The second window opening may also include a second closure flap with at least a portion of the second closure flap being removably connected to a corresponding portion of the second window opening.
In some embodiments, the cover may comprise a cover third side having at least one third window opening. When present, the third window opening may include a third screen. The third window opening may also include a third closure flap with at least a portion of the third closure flap being removably connected to a corresponding portion of the third window opening.
In certain embodiments, the plurality of anchor members may include a first edge anchor configured to connect a cover first portion to a truck bed first side. The plurality of anchor members may also include a second edge anchor configured to connect a cover second portion to a truck bed second side.
In some embodiments, the frame assembly may include a first entryway pole extending between the first edge post distal end and the fourth edge post distal end. In such embodiments, a cover fourth side may include an entryway opening. The cover in such embodiments may also include an entryway cover portion.
In some embodiments which include a first entryway pole, the frame assembly may include a second entryway pole. When present, the second entryway pole may extend between a first entryway pole first section and a first entryway pole second section.
In certain embodiments, the entryway cover portion may include a fourth closure flap at least a portion of which may be partially removable. In some embodiments, the entryway cover portion may include a plurality of entryway cover anchor members which may be configured to connect the entryway cover portion to a tailgate of the pickup truck.
Disclosed herein is a tent assembly for a truck bed of a pickup truck. As described herein and in the claims, the following numbers refer to the following structures as noted in the Figures.
The central hub (210) comprises an interior column (211) slideably engaged with an exterior column (212). In some embodiments, the slideable engagement between the interior column and the exterior column may include a spring which assists in advancing and/or retracting the exterior column along the length of the interior column. A first post attachment member (213) is attached to an interior column top end (214) while a second post attachment member (215) is attached to an exterior column top end (216). A cover attachment member (217) extends from an interior column bottom end (218) opposite the interior column top end. The cover attachment member may be in the form of a fastener—non-limiting examples of which include a hook, a button, and a hook and loop fastener—and may include a strap extending between the interior column bottom end and the fastener.
As the exterior column (212) is advanced (slid) upwardly, the distance between the first post attachment member (213) and the second post attachment member (215) decreases, causing the edge posts (220, 230, 240, and 250)—assisted by the brace posts (222, 232, 242, and 252)—to extend away from the central hub (210). Conversely, as the exterior column is retracted (slid) downwardly, the distance between the first post attachment member and the second post attachment member increases, causing the edge posts to collapse towards the central hub for purposes of storage.
The first edge post (220) is connected at a first edge post proximal end (221) to the first post attachment member (213). The connection between the first edge post proximal end and the first post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener-non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
The first edge post (220) includes a first brace post (222) which extends between a first edge post section (223) and the second post attachment member (215). Preferably, the first edge post section will be located closer to the first edge post proximal end (221) than the first edge post distal end (224) as shown in the Figures. The connection between the first brace post and the second post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener-non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
The second edge post (230) is connected at a second edge post proximal end (231) to the first post attachment member (213). Preferably, the second edge post will be connected to the first post attachment member at a circumferential distance approximately 90° away from the position at which the first edge post (220) is attached to the first post attachment member. The connection between the second edge post proximal end and the first post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener—non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
The second edge post (230) includes a second brace post (232) which extends between a second edge post section (233) and the second post attachment member (215). Preferably, the second brace post will be connected to the second post attachment member at a circumferential distance approximately 90° away from the position at which the first brace post (222) is attached to the second post attachment member. Preferably, the second edge post section will be located closer to the second edge post proximal end (231) than the second edge post distal end (234) as shown in the Figures. The connection between the second brace post and the second post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener—non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
The third edge post (240) is connected at a third edge post proximal end (241) to the first post attachment member (213). Preferably, the third edge post will be connected to the first post attachment member at a circumferential distance approximately 90° away from the position at which the second edge post (230) is attached to the first post attachment member. The connection between the third edge post proximal end and the first post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener—non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
The third edge post (240) includes a third brace post (242) which extends between a third edge post section (243) and the second post attachment member (215). Preferably, the third brace post will be connected to the second post attachment member at a circumferential distance approximately 90° away from the position at which the second brace post (232) is attached to the second post attachment member. Preferably, the third edge post section will be located closer to the third edge post proximal end (241) than the third edge post distal end (244) as shown in the Figures. The connection between the third brace post and the second post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener—non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
The fourth edge post (250) is connected at a fourth edge post proximal end (251) to the first post attachment member (213). Preferably, the fourth edge post will be connected to the first post attachment member at a circumferential distance approximately 90° away from the position at which the third edge post (240) is attached to the first post attachment member. The connection between the fourth edge post proximal end and the first post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener—non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
The fourth edge post (250) includes a fourth brace post (252) which extends between a fourth edge post section (253) and the second post attachment member (215). Preferably, the fourth brace post will be connected to the second post attachment member at a circumferential distance approximately 90° away from the position at which the third brace post (242) is attached to the second post attachment member. Preferably, the fourth edge post section will be located closer to the fourth edge post proximal end (251) than the fourth edge post distal end (254) as shown in the Figures. The connection between the fourth brace post and the second post attachment member may take many forms. In the Figures, the attachment is accomplished by a fastener—non-limiting examples of which include a bolt, a rivet, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment may take the form of a ball and socket joint, a clevis and pin connection, a post and cylinder connection, or the like.
Attaching each of the edge posts (220, 230, 240, and 250) to the first post attachment member (213), and attaching the brace posts (222, 232, 242, and 252) to the second post attachment member (215) allows the tent assembly (100) to be shipped and/or stored in a pre-assembled fashion. By sliding the exterior column top end (216) towards the interior column top end (214) such that the distance between the first post attachment member and the second post attachment member is decreased, the edge posts and brace posts collapse towards the central hub to allow for easy shipment and storage. Conversely, when the exterior column top end is slid away from the interior column top end such that the distance between the first post attachment member and the second post attachment member is increased, the edge posts and brace posts expand away from the central hub, quickly and easily placing the frame (200) in a partially or fully assembled position. In some embodiments, the edge posts may be color coordinated to the various attachment points of the first post attachment member, and/or the brace posts may be color coordinated to the various attachment points of the second post attachment member to allow a user to more easily assemble the frame.
Preferably, each of the first edge post (220), the second edge post (230), the third edge post (240), and the fourth edge post (250) will be flexible permitting the post to bend or curve between the proximal end and distal end thereof upon application of a force applied by human hand and return to straight when such force is released. Flexible is contrasted with a deformable post which can be bent—such as to a curve—by a force (such as that applied by a human hand), but which does not return to straight when such force is released. Flexible is also contrasted with a rigid post which cannot be bent by a force (such as that applied by a human hand). It is preferred that each of the edge posts not be deformable and/or not be rigid.
Each of the first edge post (220), the second edge post (230), the third edge post (240), and the fourth edge post (250) may come in one or more sections. For example, the edge posts may come in a single section with attachment mechanisms disposed onto or around portions of the edge post for connecting to the brace post(s) (222, 232, 242, 252), the central hub (210) and/or the first entryway pole (260). Alternatively, the edge posts may come in two or more sections joined together by a fastener—such a cylindrical tube into which ends of the two sections may be mated. In some embodiments, one or more of said fasteners may be utilized to connect to the brace post(s) and/or the first entryway pole.
As shown in
When present, the first corner anchor (410) will be configured to connect a first edge post distal end (224 as shown in
The corner anchors (410, 420, 430, and 440) may be supplemented or replaced by additional anchor members. One such anchor member is an edge anchor which may be either a first edge anchor (450) and/or a second edge anchor (460). When present, the first edge anchor may be configured to connect a cover first portion (340) to the truck bed first side (25). Similarly, when present, the second edge anchor may be configured to connect a cover second portion (350) to the truck bed second side (26). Like the corner anchors, the edge anchors may come in many different forms, non-limiting examples of which include a rope or strap (with or without rigid hook members on one or both ends thereof) as shown in the Figures. When the edge anchors are in the form of a rope or a strap, the rope or strap may come in two sections connected by a slider mechanism which allows the length of the respective edge anchor to be adjusted to firmly secure the tent assembly (100) to the truck bed (20) of the pickup truck (10).
The various anchor members allow the tent assembly (100) to be secured into the truck bed (20) of the pickup truck (10) while the pickup truck is stationary allowing users to occupy the tent. However, the anchor members also allow the tent assembly to remain secure in the truck bed when the pickup truck is driven—preferably at speeds below 25 miles per hour to reduce or prevent damage from wind and/or road debris.
Also shown in
The cover fourth side (360) may include an entryway opening (361) allowing access to the interior of the tent assembly (100) as shown in
Preferably, the entryway cover portion (370) will include a closure flap—sometimes referred to herein as a fourth closure flap (371). The fourth closure flap may be sized and shaped to correspond with the entryway opening (361) such that the fourth closure flap—when installed—blocks access to the interior of the tent assembly (100) through the entryway opening. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the attachment between the fourth closure flap and the entryway opening may be removable such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like. In other embodiments, the entirety of the attachment between the fourth closure flap and the entryway opening may be removable such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like.
When the entryway poles (260 and 270) are present, the plurality of anchor members (400) may also include a plurality of entryway cover anchor members (470). When present, each entryway cover anchor member may be configured to connect the entryway cover portion (370) to the tailgate (30) of the pickup truck (10). Like the corner anchors and the edge anchors, the entryway cover anchor member(s) may come in many different forms, non-limiting examples of which include a rope or strap (with or without rigid hook members on one or both ends thereof) as shown in the Figures. When the entryway cover anchor member(s) are in the form of a rope or a strap, the rope or strap may come in two sections connected by a slider mechanism which allows the length of the respective edge anchor to be adjusted to firmly secure the tent assembly (100) to the truck bed (20) of the pickup truck (10).
In some embodiments, the window opening(s) (311, 321, 331) may include a screen (312, 322, 332)—sometimes referred to as a mesh material—which is sized and shaped to correspond with the window opening such that the screen allows for airflow into and out of the interior of the tent assembly (100), but prevents ingress of insects, debris and the like from outside of the tent assembly to the interior of the tent assembly. The screen may be connected to the window opening by a permanent attachment such as sewing or gluing the screen to the perimeter of the window opening, or by a removable attachment such as a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like.
The windows may also include a closure flap (313, 323, 333). When present, each closure flap may be sized and shaped to correspond with the window opening (311, 321, 331) such that the closure flap—when installed—blocks access to the interior of the tent assembly (100) through the window opening. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the attachment between the closure flap and the window opening may be removable such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like. In other embodiments, the entirety of the attachment between the closure flap and the window opening may be removable such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like.
The tent assemblies disclosed herein are designed for fitment into the bed of a pickup truck and would be difficult or impossible to utilize in other applications such as ground installed or installed to the roof of a vehicle. Being vehicle mounted within the truck bed of a pickup truck—the tent assemblies are comparatively easy to access when measured against existing vehicle rooftop mounted tents. The lower location of the pickup truck bed reduces or eliminates the necessity of ladders or other implements to climb to the rooftop of the truck to access the tent interior. Yet, the pickup truck bed location of the vehicle tent continues to provide additional protection against wildlife attempting to access the interior of the tent when compared to traditional ground mounted tents. Finally, the plurality of anchor members can be attached to existing structures in the truck bed—such as tie down points—allowing the tent assembly to be securely attached to the vehicle and reducing the likelihood that the tent becomes dislodged due to high winds, wildlife activity, and/or occupant movement.
While the tent assembly has been described as having one or more exemplary designs, the present tent assembly may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure flap. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the tent assembly using its general principles.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/592,967 filed on 25 Oct. 2023, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63592967 | Oct 2023 | US |
