PORTABLE SHELTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Aspects of the subject technology relate to a removable shelter that electrically and/or communicatively integrates with an electric vehicle when the removable shelter is mounted to the vehicle. The removeable shelter may leverage electrical contacts in accessory mounting ports on the roof, crossbars, and/or truck bed of the vehicle. The removeable shelter may also communicate wirelessly with the electric vehicle. The removable shelter may include any of various integrated electronic accessories that can be powered by the vehicle battery, including, but not limited to, external lighting, external proximity sensing, proximity-based external lighting, interior lighting, air temperature control, other temperature control, speakers, charging ports for mobile phones and/or other devices, and/or other features.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/515,060, entitled, “PORTABLE SHELTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS”, filed on Jul. 21, 2023 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/559,140, entitled, “PORTABLE SHELTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS”, filed on Feb. 28, 2024, the disclosure of each which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
INTRODUCTIONPortable shelters, such as tents, are typically provided without any electrical and/or electronic features.
SUMMARYThe present description relates generally to a removable (e.g., portable) shelter that electrically and/or communicatively integrates with a vehicle when the removable shelter is mounted to the vehicle. In one or more implementations, the removeable shelter leverages electrical contacts in accessory mounting ports on a roof and/or truck bed of the vehicle. The removeable shelter may also communicate wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth communications) with the vehicle. The removable shelter may include any of various integrated electronic components that can be powered by the vehicle (e.g., by a battery of the vehicle), including, but not limited to, external lighting (e.g., entry port lighting, flood lighting, etc.), external proximity sensing, proximity-based external lighting, interior lighting (e.g., including reading lights, overhead lighting, flood lighting, ambient lighting, etc.), air temperature control (e.g., including one or more powered fans and/or ported vehicle HVAC), other temperature control (e.g., heated floor, heated blankets, heated walls, etc.), speakers, charging ports for mobile phones and/or other devices, and/or other features.
In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes a removable shelter configured to be mounted to a vehicle and having at least one electrical connector configured to electrically couple one or more electronic components of the removable shelter to an electrical system of the vehicle when the removable shelter is mounted to the vehicle. The apparatus may also include communications circuitry configured to communicatively couple to vehicle communications circuitry of the vehicle. The communications circuitry of the removable shelter may include wireless communications circuitry.
The at least one electrical connector may be associated with a mechanical connector for mechanically mounting the removable shelter to the vehicle. The removable shelter may also include an enclosure configured to be occupied by one or more persons, in which at least one of the one or more electronic components is integrally mounted within the enclosure. The one or more electronic components may include at least one exterior light. The at least one exterior light may be configured to project light onto an entrance to the enclosure. The at least one exterior light may be configured to project light onto an access structure for the enclosure. The access structure may include a ladder. The ladder may include a powered ladder operable using power received from the vehicle via the at least one electrical connector.
The one or more electronic components may include at least one sensor configured to detect an object at or near the entrance to the enclosure. The at least one exterior light may be configured to project light onto an entrance to the enclosure responsive to a detection of the object using the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may include a LIDAR sensor.
The apparatus may also include a switch for the at least one exterior light on an exterior surface of the removable shelter. The at least one exterior light may include an entrance light and a flood light. The one or more electronic components may include a powered dock for a flashlight. The one or more electronic components may include a heating component configured to heat at least a portion of the removable shelter. The heating component may include a heating element embedded in a floor of the removable shelter. The one or more electronic components may include a cooling component configured to cool at least a portion of the removable shelter. The cooling component may include a fan. The cooling component may include an air conditioning unit.
The one or more electronic components may include at least one interior light within an enclosure of the removable shelter. The at least one interior light may include a directional reading light. The at least one interior light may include a flood light embedded within a portion of the enclosure. The one or more electronic components may include a speaker. The one or more electronic components may include a charging port for a portable electronic device. The charging port may include a universal serial bus (USB) port. The one or more electronic components may include a display component for displaying visual content within an enclosure of the removable shelter. The display component may include a projection screen. The projection screen may be configured to allow viewing of the visual content from both of two opposing sides of the projection screen. The display component may also include a projector configured to project the visual content onto the projection screen. The display component may include an active display screen. The display component may be configured to display vehicle information for the vehicle, the vehicle information obtained via wired or wireless communication between the removable shelter and the vehicle. The vehicle information may include one or more of: a battery charge level, a battery discharge rate, a number of miles corresponding to the battery charge level, a change in the battery charge level based on a state of the removable shelter, or a change in the number of miles based on the state of the removable shelter.
The apparatus may also include a control panel integrally formed within an enclosure of the removable shelter, the control panel including one or more control elements for controlling the one or more electronic components. The one or more electronic components may be operable via a portable electronic device that is communicatively coupled to the removable shelter via communications circuitry of the removable shelter. The one or more electronic components of the removable shelter may be operable via a control panel within the vehicle. One or more electronic features of the vehicle may be operable via a control panel within the removable shelter. The electrical system of the vehicle may include a battery configured to power one or more wheels of the vehicle. The one or more electronic components may include a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).
In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a method is provided that includes mechanically mounting a removable shelter to a vehicle, where mechanically mounting the removable shelter to the vehicle electrically couples an electrical system of the removable shelter to an electrical system of the vehicle; and operating at least one electronic component of the removable shelter using power provided from the electrical system of the vehicle. The method may also include receiving, by the removable shelter, an electronic communication from the vehicle. Receiving the electronic communication may include receiving the electronic communication wirelessly from the vehicle. Receiving the electronic communication may include receiving the electronic communication via a communications port that is integrated into a mechanical connector for mechanically mounting the removable shelter to the vehicle. The mechanical connector may include an electrical connector for electrically coupling the electrical system of the removable shelter to the electrical system of the vehicle.
In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a frame for a shelter is provided, the frame including a first portion including a window; a second portion coupled to the first portion and configured to form a first part of base for a floor of the shelter; a third portion coupled to the second portion and configured to form a second part of the base for the floor of the shelter; a first hoop coupled to the second portion and the third portion of the frame; and one or more second hoops coupled to the second portion of the frame. The first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the first hoop, and the one or more second hoops may be configured to support one or more fabric bounding features that form an enclosure for the shelter.
The first portion may include an inner shell, an outer shell, and an air gap between the inner shell and the outer shell, and the first portion may be configured to open to an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the second portion. The inner shell may be configured to house a control panel having a fan, and an inlet, where the air gap forms a duct between the inlet and the fan. The inner shell may be configured to support a screen that is extendible over the window. The one or more second hoops may include a door frame for a door for the enclosure, and an outer frame. The door frame may be configured to receive an inner door frame of the door, the door including a plurality of panels coupled together by fabric hinges.
The inner door frame and the plurality of panels may each include one or more magnets configured to hold the door in any of an open, partially open, or closed position. The door frame may be configured to open to an angle of ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame, and the outer frame may be configured to open to an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame. The outer frame may include a plurality of Keder slots configured to receive a plurality of anchors for a plurality of fabric portions of the one or more fabric bounding features. The plurality of Keder slots may include a Keder slot for an anchor for a first end of a fabric bridge between the door frame and the outer frame, and the door frame may include an additional Keder slot configured to receive an anchor for an opposing end of the fabric bridge between the door frame and the outer frame.
The frame may also include a hydraulic strut that couples the first portion and the second portion; and a mechanism that couples the second portion and the outer frame. The mechanism may include a pulley mechanism or a ratchet mechanism. The frame may also include a plurality of mechanical connectors on the second portion, each of the plurality of mechanical connectors configured to attach to a corresponding crossbar on a roof of a vehicle. Each of the plurality of mechanical connectors may include a pair of opposing clamping members that are configured to move in unison to clamp that mechanical connector to the corresponding crossbar. Each of the plurality of mechanical connectors may include a spring and a paddle, the paddle configured to compress the spring to press the pair of opposing clamping members against the crossbar. The window may include a solid transparent cover.
In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a removable shelter is provided that includes a frame configured to removably mount to a vehicle, the frame including a first portion including a window; a second portion coupled to the first portion and configured to form a first part of base for a floor of the removable shelter; a third portion coupled to the second portion and configured to form a second part of the base for the floor of the removable shelter; a first hoop coupled to the second portion and the third portion of the frame; and one or more second hoops coupled to the second portion of the frame. The first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the first hoop, and the one or more second hoops may be configured to support one or more fabric bounding features that form an enclosure for the removable shelter. The removable shelter may also include the one or more fabric bounding features. At least one of the one or more fabric bounding features may be anchored within at least one respective Keder slot in the first hoop.
In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a system is provided that includes a vehicle and a removable shelter configured to removably mount to the vehicle, the removable shelter including a frame that includes a first portion including a window; a second portion coupled to the first portion and configured to form a first part of base for a floor of the removable shelter; a third portion coupled to the second portion and configured to form a second part of the base for the floor of the removable shelter; a first hoop coupled to the second portion and the third portion of the frame; and one or more second hoops coupled to the second portion of the frame. The first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the first hoop, and the one or more second hoops may be configured to support one or more fabric bounding features that form an enclosure for the removable shelter.
In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a shelter is provided that includes a first portion including a window. The first portion may be coupled to a second portion configured to form a first base of a floor of the shelter, and the second portion may be coupled to a third portion configured to form a second base for the floor. The shelter may also include a first hoop coupled to the second portion and the third portion, and one or more second hoops coupled to the second portion. One or more of the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the first hoop, and the one or more second hoops may be configured to support one or more fabrics that bind to form an enclosure for the shelter. The first portion may include an inner shell, an outer shell, and an air gap between the inner shell and the outer shell, and the first portion may be configured to open to an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the second portion. An inner shell of the first portion may be configured to house a control panel having a fan, and an inlet. An air gap may form a duct between the inlet and the fan.
An inner shell of the first portion may be configured to support a screen that is extendible over the window. The one or more second hoops may include a frame for a door for the enclosure, and an outer frame. A frame for a door for the enclosure may be configured to receive an inner door frame of the door, the door including a plurality of panels coupled together by fabric hinges. The inner door frame and the plurality of panels may each include one or more magnets configured to hold the door in any of an open, partially open, or closed position. The frame for the door may be configured to open to an angle of ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame, and the outer frame may be configured to open to an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame. The outer frame may include a plurality of Keder slots configured to receive a plurality of anchors for a plurality of fabric portions of the one or more fabrics. The plurality of Keder slots may include a Keder slot for an anchor for a first end of a fabric bridge between the frame and the outer frame, and the frame may include an additional Keder slot configured to receive an anchor for an opposing end of the fabric bridge between the frame and the outer frame.
The shelter may also include a hydraulic strut that couples the first portion and the second portion; and a mechanism that couples the second portion and the outer frame. The mechanism may include a pulley mechanism or a ratchet mechanism.
The shelter may also include a plurality of mechanical connectors on the second portion, each of the plurality of mechanical connectors configured to attach to a corresponding crossbar on a roof of a vehicle. Each of the plurality of mechanical connectors may include a pair of opposing clamping members that are configured to move in unison to clamp that mechanical connector to the corresponding crossbar. Each of the plurality of mechanical connectors may include a spring and a paddle, the paddle configured to compress the spring to press the pair of opposing clamping members against the crossbar. The window may include a solid transparent cover.
In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a removable shelter may be provided that includes a frame configured to removably mount to a vehicle. The frame may include a first base portion coupled to a window portion and configured to form at least part of a floor base; a second base portion configured to form at least another part of the floor base; and a support structure coupled to the first base portion and the second base portion. The first base portion, the second base portion, and the support structure are configured to support one or more fabrics that bind to form an enclosure for the removable shelter. The removable shelter may also include the one or more fabrics. At least one of the one or more fabrics may be anchored within at least one respective Keder slot in the support structure.
In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a system may be provided that includes a vehicle and a removable shelter configured to removably mount to the vehicle. The removable shelter may include a frame that includes a first portion including a window. The first portion may be coupled to a second portion configured to form a first base of a floor of the removable shelter, and the second portion may be coupled to a third portion configured to form a second base for the floor. The removable shelter may also include a first hoop coupled to the second portion and the third portion of the frame; and one or more second hoops coupled to the second portion of the frame. At least one of the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the first hoop, and the one or more second hoops may be configured to support one or more fabrics that bind to form an enclosure for the removable shelter. The removable shelter may also include a first light source on the first hoop, a second light source on the one or more second hoops, and a third light source on the third portion.
Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and can be practiced using one or more other implementations. In one or more implementations, structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.
Aspects of the subject technology described herein relate to a removable shelter that can be mechanically mounted to, and thereby electrically coupled to, a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle.
In one or more implementations, the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle having one or more electric motors that drive the wheels 102 of the vehicle using electric power from the battery 110. In one or more implementations, the vehicle 100 may also, or alternatively, include one or more chemically powered engines, such as a gas-powered engine or a fuel cell powered motor. For example, electric vehicles can be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., hybrid or plug-in hybrid).
In the example of
As shown, the battery 110 may be include in, or be electrically coupled to, an electrical system that may include a charging port 130, one or more electrical outlets 132 within the interior cab and/or within the truck bed of the vehicle, and/or one or more electrical contacts 160 that are incorporated into one or more respective mechanical connectors 159. For example, the mechanical connectors 159 may be disposed on a roof of the vehicle 100 and/or on a surface or a wall of the truck bed of the vehicle 100. The electrical system of the vehicle may include the battery 110 configured to power one or more wheels 102 of the vehicle 100.
In one or more implementations, the electrical system of the vehicle 100 may also include control circuitry 134. The control circuitry 134 may switchably couple the battery 110 to the charging port 130 (e.g., for charging the battery when the charging port 130 is connected to an external power source, such as an electrical grid or an external battery), to the electrical outlets 132 (e.g., for providing direct-current (DC) or alternating-current (AC) power to the electrical outlets 132), and/or to the electrical contacts 160 disposed in the mechanical connectors 159 (e.g., for providing power to one or more electronic components of the removable shelter 150, when the removable shelter 150 is mounted to the vehicle 100).
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As shown, the at least one electrical connector 166 of the removable shelter 150 may be integrated into a mechanical connector 161 for mechanically mounting the removable shelter 150 to the mechanical connector 159 of the vehicle 100. In one or more other implementations, the electrical connector 166 may be associated with the mechanical connector 161 without integrating the electrical connector 166 into the mechanical connector 161 (e.g., by placing the electrical connector 166 near the mechanical connector 161 such that connecting a mechanical connector 161 to a mechanical connector 159 on the vehicle 100 causes electrical contact between the associated, nearby, electrical connector 166 of the removable shelter 150 with an associated electrical contact 160 on the vehicle 100 (e.g., an electrical contact 160 that is nearby the mechanical connector 159 on the vehicle 100).
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In one or more implementations, the removable shelter 150 may include a display component 214 for displaying visual content within the enclosure 215 of the removable shelter 150 (e.g., for watching movies or other video content, and/or for viewing status information for the vehicle and/or the removable shelter). For example, the display component may include a projection screen on a wall 202 of the enclosure 215. The projection screen may be configured to allow viewing of the visual content from one or both of two opposing sides of the projection screen. In one or more implementations, the display component 214 may also include a projector (not shown) configured to project the visual content onto the projection screen. In one or more implementations, the display component 214 may include an active display screen, such as a touchscreen or a non-interactive screen. In one or more implementations, the display component 214 may be configured to display vehicle information for the vehicle 100, the vehicle information obtained via wired or wireless communication between the removable shelter 150 and the vehicle 100. As examples, the vehicle information may include one or more of: a battery charge level, a battery discharge rate, a number of miles corresponding to the battery charge level, a change in the battery charge level based on a state of the removable shelter, or a change in the number of miles based on the state of the removable shelter. As shown in
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In one or more implementations, the floor 200 of the removable shelter 150 may also include powered components (e.g., for lifting a portion of the floor 200 to provide a backrest or other seating feature).
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As discussed in further detail hereinafter (see, e.g.,
The rear hoop 503 can be actuated using a variety of mechanisms, such as a mechanism 506. As examples, the mechanism 506 may be implemented as a pulley mechanism or a ratchet mechanism. For example, a pulley mechanism may be provided that enables the rear hoop 503 to be deployed in the same motion of the removable shelter 150 being deployed (e.g., by opening the portion 304 of the frame 152 from the portion 400, and/or rotating the portion 402 away from the portion 400), such as by connecting the rotation of the rear hoop 503 to the mid hoop 500. In one or more other implementations, the mechanism 506 may be implemented as a ratchet mechanism. For example, the ratchet mechanism may include two ratchets, one extending from each side of the portion 402 to each side (e.g., arm) of the outer frame 504. When the ratchet is engaged, it can be used to tension the fabric of the bounding features 154 that form the enclosure 215. When released, the entire rear hoop 503 can be folded down.
The frame 152, including its components, may carry several light sources. For example, the mid hoop 500 may carry a light source 507a. When illuminated, the light source 507a may provide light in one or both directions along the Z-axis (of Cartesian coordinates). Also, the door frame 502 may carry a light source 507b designed to provide light near an entryway of the removable shelter 150. Further, the portion 402 may carry a light source 507c designed to provide light to the access feature 158.
In one or more implementations of the mechanism 506, in an “on” position of the ratchet, the ratchet clicks as a user further tensions the tent (e.g., by pulling the outer frame 504) towards the one hundred five degree angle shown in
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In this example, the outermost leaves 700 of each of the door panels 703 may be attached to the inner door frame 705. In one or more implementations, the leaves 700 may be formed from a sandwich of fabric and plastic (e.g., polypropylene) corrugate with magnets 706 at the edge of the leaf 700. In this way, the door 600 may be configured to be stable in the closed configuration of
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When the bounding features 154 (e.g., fabric walls 307) of the enclosure 215 are mounted to the frame 152 (e.g., with at least one portion of the bounding features 154 mounted in the Keder slot 1103), the portion 1100 of the inner shell 1000 may form a sidewall 1104 of the enclosure 215 that is interior to the enclosure 215. In this configuration, the portion 1102 of the inner shell 1000 may be located externally to the enclosure 215. In this arrangement, inlet 1108 may be exposed to external (e.g., “fresh”) air from outside the enclosure 215. In this arrangement, the channel 1003 between the inner shell 1000 and the outer shell 1002 may act as a duct between the inlet 1108 and the fan 1106. By providing the inlet 1108 on the inner shell 1000 and outside the fabric of the enclosure 215, air can be drawn into the enclosure 215 by the fan 1106 from the outside, without the inlet 1108 being visible on the exterior of the outer shell 1002. The location of the inlet 1108 in the inner shell 1000 may also allow air to be drawn in while preventing water ingress through the inlet 1108 (e.g., by providing the inlet 1108 on a portion of the inner shell 1000 that is protected from rainfall onto the outer shell 1002). In one or more implementations, the fan 1106 may be a bi-directional fan that can also blow air from inside the enclosure 215 out to the external environment via the inlet 1108.
The Keder slot 1303 may be configured to receive an anchor 1304 for a main fabric 1308 of the enclosure 215 (e.g., a fabric layer, such as a portion of the fabric walls 307, that forms the interior roof and/or walls of the enclosure 215). For example, the main fabric 1308 may extend over the door frame 502 and the mid hoop 500 to the portion 304 (e.g., and may be attached or anchored, at the opposite end, to the portion 304) of the frame 152. The Keder slot 1305 may be configured to receive an anchor 1306 for the outer layer 306 (e.g., the canopy or rainfly). The outer layer 306 may also extend, externally to the main fabric 1308, over the door frame 502 and the mid hoop 500 to the portion 304 (e.g., and may by attached or anchored at the opposite end to the portion 304) of the frame 152.
One or more of the multiple Keder slots in the outer frame 504 and/or the door frame 502 may extend around several portions (e.g., the entire hoop) thereof to create a seamless connection between the fabric and frame parts. For example,
In one or more implementations, the clamping members 1702 may be configured to move in unison to clamp together. For example,
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The inner shell 1000 may be configured to house a control panel 204 having a fan 1106, and an inlet 1108. The air gap may form a duct between the inlet 1108 and the fan 1106. The inner shell 1000 may be configured to support a screen 602 that is extendible over the window 302. The one or more second hoops may include a door frame 502 for a door 600 for the enclosure, and an outer frame 504. The door frame 502 may be configured to receive an inner door frame 705 of the door 600, the door 600 include multiple panels (e.g., multiple leaves 700) coupled together by fabric hinges 711. The inner door frame 705 and the multiple panels may each include one or more magnets (e.g., magnets 704 and 706) configured to hold the door 600 in any of an open, partially open, or closed position.
The door frame 502 may be configured to open to an angle of ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame, and the outer frame 504 may be configured to open to an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame. The outer frame 504 may include multiple Keder slots (e.g., Keder slots 1301, 1303, and 1305) configured to receive a multiple anchors (e.g., anchors 1302, 1304, and 1306) for a multiple fabric portions (e.g., including main fabric 1308, fabric bridge 702, and/or outer layer 306) of the one or more fabric bounding features (e.g., bounding features 154). The multiple Keder slots may include a Keder slot 1301 for an anchor 1302 for a first end of a fabric bridge 702 between the door frame 502 and the outer frame 504, and the door frame 502 may include an additional Keder slot 1307 configured to receive an anchor 1300 for an opposing end of the fabric bridge 702 between the door frame 502 and the outer frame 504.
In one or more implementations, the frame 152 may also include a strut 508 that couples the first portion and the second portion; and a mechanism 506 that couples the second portion and the outer frame. The mechanism 506 may be implemented as a pulley mechanism. The mechanism 506 may be implemented as a ratchet mechanism. In one or more implementations, the frame 152 may also include multiple mechanical connectors 161 on the second portion, each of the multiple mechanical connectors 161 configured to attach to a corresponding crossbar 1915 on a roof of a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100). Each of the multiple mechanical connectors 161 may include a pair of opposing clamping members 1702 that are configured to move in unison to clamp the mechanical connector 161 to the corresponding crossbar 1915. Each of the multiple mechanical connectors may include a spring 1904 and a paddle 1900, the paddle 1900 configured to compress the spring 1904 to press the pair of opposing clamping members against the crossbar 1915. In one or more implementations, the shelter may also include a first light source (e.g., light source 507a) on (e.g., carried by or mounted to) the first hoop, a second light source (e.g., a light source 507b) on (e.g., carried by or mounted to) the one or more second hoops, and a third light source (e.g., light source 507c) on (e.g., carried by or mounted to) the third portion.
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At block 2004, at least one electronic component (e.g., sensor 168, powered dock 172, exterior light 174, flood lights 176, reading light 201 such as a directional reading light, flood light 203, control panel 204, speaker 208, thermal component 212, cooling component 210, etc.) of the removable shelter may be operated using power provided from the electrical system of the vehicle (e.g., from the battery 110). In one or more implementations, the process 2000 may also include receiving, by the removable shelter, an electronic communication from the vehicle (e.g., via communications circuitry 178 of the removable shelter, and/or via vehicle communications circuitry 180 of the vehicle). For example, the electronic communication may include vehicle status information, adjusted according to the presence, the weight, and/or the operational state of the removable shelter. In one or more implementations, receiving the electronic communication may include receiving the electronic communication wirelessly from the vehicle. In one or more other implementations, receiving the electronic communication may include receiving the electronic communication via a communications port that is integrated into a mechanical connector 161 for mechanically mounting the removable shelter to the vehicle. For example, the mechanical connector may also include an electrical connector 166 for electrically coupling the electrical system of the removable shelter to the electrical system of the vehicle.
The bus 2110 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of the computing system 2100. In one or more implementations, the bus 2110 communicatively connects the one or more processing unit(s) 2114 with the ROM 2112, the system memory 2104, and the permanent storage device 2102. From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s) 2114 retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the subject disclosure. The one or more processing unit(s) 2114 can be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations.
The ROM 2112 stores static data and instructions that are needed by the one or more processing unit(s) 2114 and other modules of the computing system 2100. The permanent storage device 2102, on the other hand, may be a read-and-write memory device. The permanent storage device 2102 may be a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the computing system 2100 is off. In one or more implementations, a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device 2102.
In one or more implementations, a removable storage device (such as a flash drive) may be used as the permanent storage device 2102. Like the permanent storage device 2102, the system memory 2104 may be a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike the permanent storage device 2102, the system memory 2104 may be a volatile read-and-write memory, such as random-access memory. The system memory 2104 may store any of the instructions and data that one or more processing unit(s) 2114 may need at runtime. In one or more implementations, the processes of the subject disclosure are stored in the system memory 2104, the permanent storage device 2102, and/or the ROM 2112. From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s) 2114 retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of one or more implementations.
The bus 2110 also connects to the input and output device interfaces 2106 and 2108. The input device interface 2106 enables a user to communicate information and select commands to the computing system 2100. Input devices that may be used with the input device interface 2106 may include, for example, alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”). The output device interface 2108 may enable, for example, the display of images generated by computing system 2100. Output devices that may be used with the output device interface 2108 may include, for example, printers and display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, a projector, or any other device for outputting information.
One or more implementations may include devices that function as both input and output devices, such as a touchscreen. In these implementations, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.
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Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure can be partially or entirely realized using a tangible computer-readable storage medium (or multiple tangible computer-readable storage media of one or more types) encoding one or more instructions. The tangible computer-readable storage medium also can be non-transitory in nature.
The computer-readable storage medium can be any storage medium that can be read, written, or otherwise accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computing device, including any processing electronics and/or processing circuitry capable of executing instructions. For example, without limitation, the computer-readable medium can include any volatile semiconductor memory, such as RAM, DRAM, SRAM, T-RAM, Z-RAM, and TTRAM. The computer-readable medium also can include any non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, NVRAM, flash, nvSRAM, FeRAM, FeTRAM, MRAM, PRAM, CBRAM, SONOS, RRAM, NRAM, racetrack memory, FJG, and Millipede memory.
Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include any non-semiconductor memory, such as optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, magnetic tape, other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing one or more instructions. In one or more implementations, the tangible computer-readable storage medium can be directly coupled to a computing device, while in other implementations, the tangible computer-readable storage medium can be indirectly coupled to a computing device, e.g., via one or more wired connections, one or more wireless connections, or any combination thereof.
Instructions can be directly executable or can be used to develop executable instructions. For example, instructions can be realized as executable or non-executable machine code or as instructions in a high-level language that can be compiled to produce executable or non-executable machine code. Further, instructions also can be realized as or can include data. Computer-executable instructions also can be organized in any format, including routines, subroutines, programs, data structures, objects, modules, applications, applets, functions, etc. As recognized by those of skill in the art, details including, but not limited to, the number, structure, sequence, and organization of instructions can vary significantly without varying the underlying logic, function, processing, and output.
While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, one or more implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs. In one or more implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself.
Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application. Various components and blocks may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated blocks be performed. Any of the blocks may be performed simultaneously. In one or more implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components (e.g., computer program products) and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.
The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to” do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.
Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some implementations, one or more implementations, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include”, “have”, or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”.
The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject disclosure.
The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.
Claims
1. A shelter, comprising:
- a first portion comprising a window, wherein the first portion is coupled to a second portion configured to form a first base of a floor of the shelter, and wherein the second portion is coupled to a third portion configured to form a second base for the floor;
- a first hoop coupled to the second portion and the third portion; and
- one or more second hoops coupled to the second portion, wherein one or more of the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the first hoop, and the one or more second hoops are configured to support one or more fabrics that bind to form an enclosure for the shelter.
2. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises an inner shell, an outer shell, and an air gap between the inner shell and the outer shell, and wherein the first portion is configured to open to an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the second portion.
3. The shelter of claim 1, wherein an inner shell of the first portion is configured to house a control panel having a fan, and an inlet, wherein an air gap forms a duct between the inlet and the fan.
4. The shelter of claim 1, wherein an inner shell of the first portion is configured to support a screen that is extendible over the window.
5. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the one or more second hoops comprise a frame for a door for the enclosure, and an outer frame.
6. The shelter of claim 1, wherein a frame for a door for the enclosure is configured to receive an inner door frame of the door, the door comprising a plurality of panels coupled together by fabric hinges.
7. The shelter of claim 6, wherein the inner door frame and the plurality of panels each include one or more magnets configured to hold the door in any of an open, partially open, or closed position.
8. The shelter of claim 5, wherein the frame for the door is configured to open to an angle of ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame, and the outer frame is configured to open to an angle of greater than ninety degrees relative to the second portion of the frame.
9. The shelter of claim 8, wherein the outer frame comprises a plurality of Keder slots configured to receive a plurality of anchors for a plurality of fabric portions of the one or more fabrics.
10. The shelter of claim 9, wherein the plurality of Keder slots include a Keder slot for an anchor for a first end of a fabric bridge between the frame and the outer frame, and wherein the frame comprises an additional Keder slot configured to receive an anchor for an opposing end of the fabric bridge between the frame and the outer frame.
11. The shelter of claim 8, further comprising:
- a hydraulic strut that couples the first portion and the second portion; and
- a mechanism that couples the second portion and the outer frame.
12. The shelter of claim 11, wherein the mechanism comprises a pulley mechanism or a ratchet mechanism.
13. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mechanical connectors on the second portion, each of the plurality of mechanical connectors configured to attach to a corresponding crossbar on a roof of a vehicle.
14. The shelter of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of mechanical connectors comprises a pair of opposing clamping members that are configured to move in unison to clamp that mechanical connector to the corresponding crossbar.
15. The shelter of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of mechanical connectors comprises a spring and a paddle, the paddle configured to compress the spring to press the pair of opposing clamping members against the crossbar.
16. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a solid transparent cover.
17. A removable shelter, comprising:
- a frame configured to removably mount to a vehicle, the frame comprising: a first base portion coupled to a window portion and configured to form at least part of a floor base; a second base portion configured to form at least another part of the floor base; and a support structure coupled to the first base portion and the second base portion, wherein the first base portion, the second base portion, and the support structure are configured to support one or more fabrics that bind to form an enclosure for the removable shelter.
18. The removable shelter of claim 17, further comprising the one or more fabrics, wherein at least one of the one or more fabrics is anchored within at least one respective Keder slot in the support structure.
19. A system, comprising:
- a vehicle; and
- a removable shelter configured to removably mount to the vehicle, the removable shelter comprising: a frame, comprising: a first portion comprising a window, wherein the first portion is coupled to a second portion configured to form a first base of a floor of the removable shelter, and wherein the second portion is coupled to a third portion configured to form a second base for the floor; a first hoop coupled to the second portion and the third portion of the frame; and one or more second hoops coupled to the second portion of the frame, wherein the at least one of the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the first hoop, and the one or more second hoops are configured to support one or more fabrics that bind to form an enclosure for the removable shelter.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the removable shelter further comprises a first light source on the first hoop, a second light source on the one or more second hoops, and a third light source on the third portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 19, 2024
Publication Date: Jan 23, 2025
Inventors: Kevin Karl MAYER (Costa Mesa, CA), Nathan Philip WANG (Costa Mesa, CA), Daniel Geoffrey WALKER (Laguna Niguel, CA), Neil Joseph KWIATKOWSKI (Costa Mesa, CA), Paula Michelle LOBACCARO (San Clemente, CA), Evan Patrick HIGGINS (Mission Viejo, CA), Fong Shyr YANG (Irvine, CA), Kaitlyn Noel OLAH (Irvine, CA), Jeremy FU (Palo Alto, CA), Matthew MATERA (Newport Beach, CA), Steven Digby NICOL (San Clemente, CA)
Application Number: 18/778,730
