Modular Attachment Mounting System

A vehicle mounted camp kitchen accessory system comprises a central frame with an internal drawer. The drawer has a front end and two sides and drawer is mounted on a sliding mechanism. The drawer has at least one mounting fixture at the front end and at least one mounting fixture on each of the sides that are accessible when the drawer is in the open position. Each mounting fixture receives accessories having coupling fixtures that are compatible with the mounting fixtures.

BACKGROUND

Overlanding is an outdoor recreation practice consisting of journeying, often via a personal vehicle, to a location of note over a period of days or weeks. Due to the volume of supplies needed, storage optimization is paramount when driving long distances. Disclosed herein is a mounting system to connect a multitude of compatible system accessories that allow for interchange of accessories as needed. The mounting system also allows for quick setup without compromising the structural integrity, user safety, or functionality of the system.

SUMMARY

A vehicle mounted camp kitchen accessory system comprises a central frame with an internal drawer. The drawer has a front end and two sides and drawer is mounted on a sliding mechanism. The drawer has at least one mounting fixture at the front end and at least one mounting fixture on each of the sides that are accessible when the drawer is in the open position. Each mounting fixture receives accessories having coupling fixtures that are compatible with the mounting fixtures.

The mounting fixture at said front end is accessible while said drawer is in the open or closed position. The drawer contains a sink. Accessories may be any of a flat work surface, a hook, a trash receptacle, a rack, a towel folder, and a roll. The mounting fixture is a slot for receiving a coupling fixture that is a hook. The mounting fixture is a female opening for receiving a coupling fixture that is a male prong. The mounting fixture is coupled with one accessory mounted to said front end and one or more accessories mounted to one or both of said sides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, some of the reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding parts through several of the embodiments and figures shown and described. Corresponding parts are denoted in different embodiments with the addition of lowercase letters. Variations of corresponding parts in form or function that are depicted in the figures are described. It will be understood that variations in the embodiments can generally be interchanged without deviating from the invention.

When on an extended camping journey, space optimization is important. Many campers and overlanders would prefer to have the convenience of their home kitchen available to them while traveling long distances, though this is often impossible without taking up precious space. What is presented is a space-efficient system featuring a modular attachment system, allowing the user to swap out universally compatible accessories within a central frame.

As shown inFIG.1, the drawer10of the system12is housed within a central frame14assembly and mounted in the rear of a vehicle16. The user can easily and quickly access the drawer10to utilize accessories performing a variety of functions, including but not limited to, a trash receptacle, storage, or food prep station. The system maximizes volume optimization while also prioritizing ease of use and accessibility. When the drawer10is closed, as shown inFIG.1, it fits snugly with the frame14within the vehicle16allowing it to be easily stowed away and transported with the vehicle16.

As shown inFIGS.1and13, the drawer10has a front end20, with at least one mounting fixture22which is accessible when the drawer10is in the open or closed position.FIG.14shows the drawer10in the closed position with a flat work surface18accessory occupying the available mounting fixture22. The drawer10is mounted on a sliding mechanism24which slides the drawer10from the closed position (FIGS.1,14-15) to the open position (FIG.2).

FIG.2shows the vehicle mounted camp kitchen accessory system12fully deployed. As best shown by comparingFIGS.4and5, the drawer10has a front end20and two sides26.FIG.2shows that one side26of the drawer10has an accessory mounted to it that is a trash can38. When the vehicle16is at camp, the drawer10may be extended into an open position revealing mounting fixtures22on each side26that allow a user to set up a camp kitchen from the back of the vehicle16. The utility and flexibility of the system12is enhanced by the mounting fixtures22which allow interchange of accessories as needed. The universal compatibility of the system12allows the user to customize setups to their preferences. For example, the embodiment shown inFIG.2has a sink36in the internal drawer10. As shown, the user can choose to mount accessories to the front end20and one side26of the drawer10and still have access to the sink36. If the user did not need access to the sink36, they could choose instead to mount accessories to all available mounting fixtures, as shown inFIG.3.

FIG.3shows one embodiment of the system12with all three available mounting fixture22positions occupied with accessories, thereby hiding the mounting fixtures22from view.FIG.3features three mounted accessories that are a drying rack40, a trash can38, and a flat work surface18. Other accessories are also possible so long as they have compatible coupling fixtures30that are able to mount to the available mounting fixtures22. The positions and combinations of accessories can be rearranged to suit the user's preferences, since the mounting fixtures22and coupling fixtures30are universally compatible.FIGS.4and5show the two sides26of the drawer10, each with at least one mounting fixture22, which are accessible only when the drawer10is in the open position.

FIG.6is an isolated view of the flat work surface18accessory, which has two coupling fixtures30.FIG.8shows an isolated view of the coupling fixture30, which has a threaded end34for attachment to accessories. The coupling fixture30is a male prong compatible with the mounting fixture22, which has a female opening32, shown inFIG.9.FIG.7shows a cross section view of how the coupling fixture30is mounted to the mounting fixture22to install the flat work surface18on one side of the drawer10. It will be understood that accessories are installed to any available mounting fixture22position in a similar way and the flat work surface18is only shown by way of example.

Another embodiment of the coupling fixture30ais shown inFIGS.10and11. In this embodiment a pair of male hooks34aare compatible with the mounting fixture22ashown inFIG.12in which two corresponding female opening32athat are corresponding slots to receive the male hooks34a. Other types of coupling and mounting systems could be used so long as the accessories are securely mounted to the drawer. It would be preferred if such systems allow for easy installation and removal of the accessories from the drawer.

This invention has been described with reference to several preferred embodiments. Many modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such alterations and modifications in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents of these claims.