SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A VEHICLE CAMPER
This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper. In one embodiment, the invention includes a vehicle camper having a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within a cargo space of a vehicle, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle; at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/018,146 filed Dec. 31, 2007 (our ref. OGDN-1-1001). The foregoing application is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper.
BACKGROUNDAlthough there are many instances where sleeping in a passenger vehicle would be desirable, such vehicles are not generally designed for overnight accommodations. Instead, passenger vehicles have relatively confined spaces that are disrupted by seating, consoles, and other immovable objects. A number of tent extensions for automobiles have been invented to address this problem, including Woodward (U.S. Pat. No. 3,746,386), Davis (U.S. Pat. No. 3,410,598), Baughman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,065). However, each of these inventions suffers from deficiencies that reduce their usability and effectiveness. For example, Woodward discloses a prism shaped tent that provides increased headroom for a hatchback vehicle. While Woodward does enhance the ability of an individual to sit more upright in the trunk area of a hatchback, Woodward does not increase the horizontal surface of the vehicle to permit lateral body extension. Differently, Davis discloses a platform coupled with a tent that provides an extension to the trunk of a sedan. While Davis does slightly increase the horizontal surface area, it does so in an awkward fashion by resting on the frame of the sedan. Furthermore, the increase is limited because it relies on a mount within the trunk to support the entire weight of the platform, tent, and any individuals therein. Moreover, Davis requires the installation of a physical coupling mechanism within the trunk, a modification that is both difficult and undesirable in modern vehicles. Lastly, Baughman discloses a platform coupled with a rigid roof that provides an extension to a vehicle. While Baughman increases the horizontal surface area of the vehicle, the Baughman shelter is not accessible from outside the vehicle, provides only limited headroom, has a cumbersome and rigid design, and results in moisture leakage at the interface with the vehicle.
Accordingly, while desirable results have been achieved in the art, there exists much room for improvement. What is needed then are systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper.
SUMMARYThis invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper. In one embodiment, the invention includes a vehicle camper having a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within a cargo space of a vehicle, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle; at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.
Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:
This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper. Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in
In certain embodiments, the base 106 is not mounted to the vehicle 102 and instead merely rests against a floor of the cargo space. In one particular embodiment, the base 106 is customized for a particular cargo space, is coupled within the cargo space, or is alternatively coupled to the vehicle 102, such as using a hook or a trailer hitch. In another embodiment, the base 106 is configurable to slidably or unfoldably extend from the vehicle 102 (
While preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
Claims
1. A vehicle camper, the vehicle camper comprising:
- a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within a cargo space of a vehicle, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle;
- at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and
- a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle,
- wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.
2. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base is not mounted to the vehicle.
3. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base is coupled to the vehicle using a trailer hitch.
4. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are configurable to foldably collapse into a stowable and portable unit.
5. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base includes padding.
6. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the at least one support is adjustable relative to the base.
7. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the at least one support includes a shock absorbance system.
8. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the tent provides for a plurality of rooms.
9. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one of a plumbing system, a kitchen system, an electrical system, a heating or cooling system, a computer or network system, an entertainment system, and a security system, any of which are usable in coordination with the vehicle.
10. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one of steps, a bed, a seat, a table, and a shelf.
11. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising:
- a plurality of living levels.
12. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising:
- a tent insert,
- wherein the vehicle camper is configurable to being usable on a ground surface without the vehicle and the tent insert is configurable to filling an aperture resulting from removal of the vehicle.
13. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the vehicle camper is configurable to being stowed within a compartment of the vehicle.
14. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the tent and/or the at least one support are removably coupled to the base.
15. A vehicle camper, the vehicle camper comprising:
- a means for extending a cargo space of a vehicle;
- a means for supporting the means for extending the cargo space on a ground surface; and
- a means for providing an interior space above the means for extending the cargo space that is automatically deployable, that is sealed from moisture at an interface with the vehicle, and that is accessible from an exterior of the vehicle,
- wherein the means for extending the cargo space, the means for support, and the means for providing an interior space are collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.
16. The vehicle camper of claim 15, wherein the means for extending the cargo space of the vehicle is not mounted to the vehicle.
17. The vehicle camper of claim 15, wherein the means for support is adjustable relative to the means for extending the cargo space.
18. The vehicle camper of claim 15, wherein the means for support includes a shock absorbance system.
19. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
- a body, an engine, and at least one wheel, the body defining a cargo space and a compartment;
- a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within the cargo space, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle;
- at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and
- a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle,
- wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible and stowable within the compartment of the vehicle.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising:
- at least one of a plumbing system, a kitchen system, an electrical system, a heating or cooling system, a computer or network system, an entertainment system, and a security system, any of which are usable in coordination with the vehicle.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 27, 2008
Publication Date: Jul 16, 2009
Inventor: Eric Ogden (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 12/344,476
International Classification: E04H 15/06 (20060101);