Abstract:
The present invention relates tents, and in particular, relates to various features and accessories for vehicle roof-top tents. The claimed inventions provide many advantages over tents in the prior art. For example, the roof-top design frees up space inside your vehicle, and height acts as a secondary safety defense against wildlife and ground-related elements. Other advantageous aspects of the claimed inventions include a superior curved frame, removable shoe bags, a roll up window awning, semicircular windows, a canopy PVC window, an aluminum honeycomb tent base, an advantageous stowing arrangement for the canopy pole, bungee cord pockets, dual PVC skylights and a quick release mounting for the vehicle roof rack. Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention are also described and presented in the figures and detailed description.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates tents, and in particular, relates to various features and accessories for vehicle roof-top tents. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Camping has been a popular recreation for many years. Although camper vans and motor homes are commonly used by campers, they are expensive and they do not allow the campers to enjoy a close experience with nature to the extent that canvas and fabric tents do. However, canvas and fabric tents are typically placed on the ground, exposing them to problems with dampness, puddles, mud, rocky or uneven ground, insects, small mammals and other pests. Larger mammals such as bears, are downright dangerous for campers in tents placed on the ground. As a result, many attempts have been made to offer tents which are elevated, being mounted for example, on the tops of cars, SUVs and vans, or in the beds of trucks. 
         [0003]    But the current offerings of vehicle-mounted tents still have many undesirable features such as weight, bulkiness, slow and/or complicated set-up, lack of aesthetic or convenient features, and many loose parts to be stored. 
         [0004]    There is therefore a need for an improved vehicle-mounted tent and accessories. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an object of the invention to provide an improved vehicle-mounted tent and accessories. 
         [0006]    According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle roof-mounted tent comprising a base including: a fixed portion for mounting on the roof of the vehicle and a pivoting portion connected to the fixed portion, the pivoting portion being arranged to pivot away from the vehicle. The tent also comprises a main tent portion, generally of tent fabric, including a pivoting frame, the main tent portion being positioned over the fixed and pivotal portions of the base; and a canopy portion, generally of tent fabric, extending beyond the end of the pivoting portion of the base. 
         [0007]    According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle comprising: a base including a fixed portion for mounting on the roof of the vehicle and a pivoting portion connected to the fixed portion, the pivoting portion being arranged to pivot away from the vehicle. The tent also comprises a main tent portion of tent fabric, including: a pivoting frame; a door; and at least one window on a roof surface to serve as a skylight; the main tent portion being positioned over the fixed and pivotal portions of the base; a canopy portion of tent fabric, extending beyond the end of the pivoting portion of the base; a rain fly, comprising a PVC window positioned above the window on the roof surface of the main tent, the rain fly being positioned over the main tent portion and the canopy portion; and an access ladder pivotally connected to the end of the pivoting portion of the base. 
         [0008]    As explained herein after, the claimed inventions provide many advantages over tents in the prior art. For example, the roof-top design frees up space inside your vehicle, and height provides a defense against wildlife and ground-related elements. Other advantageous aspects of the claimed inventions include a superior curved frame, removable shoe/utility bags, a roll-up window awning, large semicircular windows, a canopy PVC window, aluminum honeycomb tent base, an advantageous stowing arrangement for the canopy pole, bungee cord pockets, dual PVC skylights and a quick release mounting for the vehicle roof rack. 
         [0009]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of a tent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, having dual sky lights, in the deployed position on the roof of a vehicle, with the rain fly installed and the front awning deployed. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the arrangement of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the arrangement of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, from the rear, canopy side and below. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the interior frame and base portions of a tent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a detailed view of one of the pairs of brackets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show perspective views of a socket to support the canopy pole, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows a top perspective view of the tent with the pivoting portion of the base in the stowed position, the ladder in the contracted and stowed position, and the canopy pole in a stowed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  shows a rear perspective view of a tent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, having no sky lights, in the deployed position on the roof of a vehicle, with the rain fly installed and the rear awning stowed. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  shows a front perspective view of a tent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, having dual sky lights, in the deployed position, without the rain fly installed, and with the front awning in a stowed position. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 11 a , 11 b  and 11 c    shows details of the quick-release mounting system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 11 a    showing the installed arrangement,  FIG. 11 b    showing the slides, threaded rods, plate and hand screws, and  FIG. 11 c    showing a hand screw in isolation. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b    show the details of the shoe/utility bags in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 13 a  and 13 b    show a top view of the pivoting base portion in a stowed position, with the utility pocket in a stowed position, and the ladder not yet installed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  shows a top view of the pivoting base portion in a stowed position, with the ladder and its support brackets installed, and with the canopy pole in a stowed position, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by way of example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. 
         [0025]    The preferred embodiment of the tent features a rugged, lightweight aluminum honeycomb base and dual skylights that allow for extra natural light even while the fly is on. Oversized awning windows can be rolled up for unrestricted views. Other unique features include utility storage bags and a hi-tech Diamond Ripstop rain fly. The tent can be set up and taken down in minutes, and comes with a built-in, cloth covered, high density foam mattress that can stay inside the tent during travel. The new curved design reduces weight, improves water shedding and improves aerodynamics. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , the preferred tent  10  is not symmetrical when viewed from the exterior, consisting of a main portion  12  and an extended canopy portion  14 . The main portion  12  of the tent  10  has a base  16  which rests on and is clamped to a conventional rack  46  on the roof-top of a vehicle  18 , but also cantilevers out from the vehicle  18  somewhat, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The extended canopy portion  14  provides additional shelter outside the vehicle  18 , as well as providing some protection for the accessory/shoe bags  20  and access ladder  22  from the elements. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the main portion  12  of the tent  10  is supported by a system of three frame poles  24  which are pivotally connected to the base  16 . The base  16  consists of two portions, which are hinged together with a pair of brackets  30 . One portion of the base  16  is fixed to the vehicle while in use (i.e. ‘the fixed portion of the base  26 ’), while the other portion of the base  16  (i.e. ‘the pivoting portion of the base  28 ’) pivots between a stowed position in which it lies over the fixed portion of the base  26 , and a deployed position in which it cantilevers out from the vehicle  18 . The pair of brackets  30  have flange-like members which stand off from the surface of the fixed  26  and pivoting  28  portions of the base  16 , provide a pivot point that is raised from the surface of the fixed  26  and pivoting portions  28  of the base  16 . In this way, the fixed  26  and pivoting  28  portions of the base  16  are spaced apart from one another in the stowed position, leaving room for the mattress  32  and the three frame poles  24 . In the preferred embodiment the fixed  26  and pivoting  28  portions of the base  16  will be spaced apart by about 8½″, although other dimensions could also be used. The three frame poles  24  are connected to the pair of brackets  30  on the base  16 , so that they pivot as the tent  10  is assembled or stowed. The pivot points for the three frame poles  24  are spaced apart on the brackets  30 , so that they do not interfere with one another. 
         [0028]    A detail of one of the pair of brackets  30  is shown in  FIG. 5 . As shown, each of the brackets  30  consists of two parts, each part having a foot  34  which is screwed to the U-channel of the base  16 , and an upright portion  36  having two holes. Each of the three frame poles  24  terminates in a clevis or yoke  38  that is attached to the frame pole  24  with a screw. The devises or yokes  38  allow the three frame poles  24  to pivot with respect to the upright portions  36  of the brackets  30 , being attached with a bolt and a nylon nut  40  or locknut arrangement. Note that the middle bolt  42  passes through two upright portions  36  of the bracket  30  as well as through the clevis or yoke  38  of the middle frame pole, so that the two parts of the bracket  30  can pivot with respect to one another. 
         [0029]    The fixed  26  and pivoting  28  portions of the base  16  are preferably fabricated from 23 mm thick aluminum honeycomb, with a U-shaped channel  44  fixed about the perimeter. Other thicknesses of aluminum honeycomb could be used, or other materials which have sufficient strength to provide the desired cantilever distance. For example, the base  16  could be fabricated from an aluminum frame filled with polyurethane foam, covered on both sides with a 0.4 mm aluminum sheet. The aluminum honeycomb base described herein has dimensions of 310 cm length×143 cm width. As a result, the preferred embodiment of the tent as described herein has the following dimensions:
       tent dimensions open: 310 cm length×143 cm width×126 cm height (i.e. this is the sleeping are, not including the canopy);   tent dimensions closed: 125 cm length×143 cm width×30 cm height;   mattress: 240 cm length×140 cm width×6 cm height;   total pack size: 150 cm length×125 cm width×30 cm height; and   weight: 97 lbs.       
 
         [0035]    This arrangement fits on a vehicle with a roof rack  46  wider than 37 inches, and can be adjusted to fit roof racks  46  smaller than 37 inches with minor modifications. 
         [0036]    The U-shaped channel  44  fixed about the perimeter of the base  16  has a groove  48  on the underside (see  FIGS. 7 and 12A ), which is used to hold the travel cover  50  and to hold the tent fabric in the conventional manner. But as will be explained hereinafter, this groove  48  is also used to support the removable shoe/utility bags  20 . 
         [0037]    The frame arrangement in the main portion  12  of the tent  10  is generally symmetrical. The three pivoting frame poles  24  may have slightly different sizes so that they nest together, or they may be the same size so that they lay on top of one another in the stowed position. The three pivoting frame poles  24  are preferably ¾″ diameter aluminum, which is light and sufficiently strong for this application. Steel poles would be less expensive, but would be heavier than aluminum. Smaller diameter or light gauge aluminum could be used, but it would be less durable. Fibreglass or other materials may also be used as known to one skilled in the art. Because the three pivoting frame poles  24  have a small outside diameter, it is not necessary for them to nest together in order to provide a low-profile in the stowed position. Thus, it is preferred that they all be the same size. 
         [0038]    The system of three pivoting frame poles  24  are connected together by fabric straps  52 . At one end, the fabric straps  52  are attached to the outside edge  54  of the fixed portion of the base, while at the other end, they are connected to the outside edge  56  of the pivoting portion of the base. The fabric straps  52  are also frictionally engaged at specific positions on the three pivoting frame poles  24  so that the tent  10  has the desired shape in the assembled state. Thus, when the two base portions  26 ,  28  are pivoted into the deployed position, the fabric straps  52  will draw the three pivoting frame poles  24  with them, pivoting them into evenly spaced arrangement about the pair of brackets  30  on the base  16 . Conversely, when the two base portions  26 ,  28  are pivoted into the stowed position, the fabric straps  52  will relax and allow the three pivoting frame poles  24  to pivot back into the stowed position. The two fabric straps  52  shown in  FIG. 4  are simply sewn into a loop at each point in which they cross the three pivoting frame poles  24 , so the fabric straps  52  are in frictional engagement with the three pivoting frame poles  24 . The fabric straps  52  could be fixed to the three pivoting frame poles  24 , for example, using a single screw through the fabric straps  52 , but this is generally not necessary. 
         [0039]    The extended canopy  14  has an additional frame member, the canopy pole  58 , which is connected to the pivoting portion of the base  28  by way of a pair of sockets  60  which pivot in yokes or devises  62  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), fixed to the outside edge of the pivoting portion of the base  28  (see  FIG. 3 ). The canopy pole  58  is removed completely when the tent  10  is disassembled and can be stowed on the top of the base  16  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the preferred arrangement, the canopy pole  58  slides through the four loops  64  on the sides of the base  16 , and is fixed in position with a single loop  66  of Velcro. When the tent  10  is assembled, the ends of the canopy pole  58  are fitted into the sockets  60 , and the canopy pole  58  is rotated into position, supporting the tent fabric over the extended canopy  14 . The extended canopy  14  is also deployed by way of a pair of guy lines  68  which are fixed to the ground with conventional stakes or pegs per  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The canopy pole  58  is preferably fabricated from ¾″ diameter aluminum, like the three pivoting frame poles  24 . 
         [0040]    All of the three pivoting frame poles  24  and the canopy pole  58  have curved profiles. Combining these curved profiles with the profile along the perpendicular axis of the tent  10  (i.e. the long axis of the tent), provides a curved aerodynamic design in all dimensions. This results in less noise inside the tent  10  on a windy day, along with less likelihood of damage. As well, it allows rain and other precipitation to roll off of the tent  10  more easily than in designs with flatter, horizontal surfaces. Preferably, the tent  10  should have the curvature as shown in the drawings, but the precise curvature is a trade-off between the amount of space inside the tent  10 , and the degree of aerodynamics and precipitation runoff that would be provided. In other words, having less curvature (i.e. a larger curvature radius) would provide more room inside the tent  10 , but poorer aerodynamics and reduced ability to shed precipitation. 
         [0041]    The tent  10  itself is fabricated from water resistant 280 g Poly Cotton with flame retardant, PU (polyurethane water-proofing) and mold/mildew resistant coating. The rain fly  70  is fabricated from 420 denier waterproof Diamond Ripstop Polyester with flame retardant, PU and mold/mildew resistant coating. The travel cover  50  is fabricated from 2000 denier PVC coated durable polyester. The precise dimensions of the tent  10 , rain fly  70  and travel cover  50  follow directly from the dimensions of the base  16  and frame. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  the tent  10  preferable has large windows  72  on both sides, and on the end of the tent  74  over of the fixed portion of the base. The windows  72 ,  74  themselves are fabricated from “no-see-um mesh”, that is, extra-fine gauge netting which keeps out even very small bugs. Such netting is available in very sheer form which maintains a high level of visibility. The windows  72 ,  74  are fully zippered in that the mesh is held to the tent fabric by zippers, as are the window covers. The windows  72 ,  74  are also provided with a cover of tent fabric which can be unzipped and secured above with a loop and bone system. 
         [0043]    The windows  72 ,  74  are larger than those typically used, both in terms of height and width. The larger size provides for more light inside the tent  10 , better ventilation and better viewing for campers. The larger window size for the side windows  72  is facilitated in part by the use of the generally semi-circular shape; typical windows in the prior art are quite square or rectangular. The windows  72 ,  74  are also equipped with awnings, which consist of sheets of fabric double-sewed to the tent above each window  72 ,  74 . While awnings are available on prior art tents, it was found that the existing awnings were not effective with the larger semi-circular side windows  72  of the invention. The existing awnings were not shaped properly to be fitted across the entirety of the arcuate upper profile of the windows, resulting in a bunching of loose material when they were deployed. In order to obtain awnings  76  that properly fit the arcuate upper profile of the side windows  72 , so they could be connected all the way to the horizontal edge of the side windows  72 , awnings were roughly installed and then the superfluous material was removed. These new rounded awnings  76  are double-sewn to the tent fabric, and are extend out from the tent  10  using conventional curved steel rods  78  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The awnings  76  can be rolled-up or furled, being held with a typical loop, and bone system. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 10  the tent  10  preferably has dual skylights  80  on the ‘roof’ of the tent  10 , with PVC windows  82  in corresponding locations on the rain fly  70 . This provides additional light into the tent  10  during the day, as well as a view of the sky at night. The PVC windows  82  are sheets of frost-proof PVC, which has been double-sewn into the fabric of the rain fly  70 . The skylights  80  in the tent  10  itself may either be a similar arrangement (i.e. PVC windows that have been double-sewn into the tent fabric) or may be the same arrangement as the side and end windows  72 ,  74  (i.e. a window of “no-see-um” mesh with a flap of tent fabric, both of which are zippered onto the tent fabric). Other than the skylights and the curvature/dimensions of the rain fly  70 , the rain fly  70  is of generally conventional design being extended from the tent  10  with steel fly poles and/or guy lines. Note that the extended canopy  14  also has a PVC window  84  fabricated in the same way as the rain fly skylights  82 , using PVC which has been double-sewn into the fabric of the tent  10  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0045]    Quick release hand screws  86  as shown in  FIGS. 11 a , 11 b  and 11 c    are provided to facilitate easy installation and removal of the tent  10  from the roof rack  46  of a vehicle  18 . Two U-shaped aluminum slide channels  88  are provided across the bottom of the fixed portion  26  of the base  16 . These U-shaped slide channels  88  are configured with the open side down, allowing slide plates  90  to slide back and forth so their positions can be adjusted to accommodate the particular roof rack  46  on the vehicle  18 . Each slide plate  90  has a threaded rod  92  extending from it, the threaded rod  92  comprising a carriage bolt or being tack-welded to the slide plate  90  (for example). Each hand screw  86  is of a knurled polymer construction and has an imbedded nut  94  which mates with the threaded rod  92 . As shown in  FIG. 11 a   , the hand screws  86  are used to sandwich an arm of the vehicle roof rack  46  between a plate  96  and the U-shaped slide channels  88 . Four of such mounting arrangements would be used with the typical tent  10 , although a different number of such assemblies could also be used, such as six. Other variations on this design could also be used such as adding locknuts or lockwashers, using steel materials instead of aluminum, and adding neoprene or rubber pads to reduce scratching or damage to components. 
         [0046]    Removable shoe/utility storage bags  20  are provided as shown in  FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b   . The removable shoe/utility storage bags  20  are suspended from the pivoting portion of the base  28  as shown in  FIG. 3 , so the user can store his/her shoes before entering the tent  10 . The removable shoe/utility storage bags  20  have two pockets: a large primary pocket  100  which is fabricated from rain fly fabric, and a smaller pocket  102  on the lower portion of the front which is formed from “no-see-um” material. The large primary pocket  100  can be closed with a Velcro strap  104  sewn into two portions of the removable shoe/utility storage bags  20 . A piece of Velcro is also secured to the base  16  (not shown) so that the removable shoe/utility storage bags  20  can be secured during disassembly, or can be positioned out of the way during use. The removable shoe/utility storage bags  20  include a rubber rod  106  which is sewn into the top edge (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). This rubber rod  106  is sized to mate with the groove  48  in the bottom edge of the U-channel  44 . With this arrangement the user can slide the removable shoe/utility storage bags  20  sideways out of the groove  48  so that they can be removed completely. 
         [0047]    The access ladder  22  preferably hinges to the underside of the pivoting portion of the base  28  using a pair of brackets  108 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 14 . Thus, in the stowed position, the access ladder  22  rests on top of the pivoting portion of the base  28  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The access ladder  22  is of aluminum construction and is extendible. When the user wishes to unfold the tent  10  from the stowed position, he/she simply pulls on the bottom rung of the access ladder  22 , and the access ladder  22  and pivoting portion of the base  28  will unfold to the deployed position. The access ladder  22  also has two adjustable pins  110 , one on each rail (see  FIG. 14 ). When the access ladder  22  is pulled out to the deployed position, these pins  110  may be set so that the access ladder  22  has the proper angle for access, and so that it bears part of the weight of the cantilevered pivoting portion of the base  28 . 
         [0048]    The access ladder  22  is also hinged to the underside of the pivoting portion of the base  28  so that it will not interfere with the door of the tent  10  (not shown). The door is fabricated with “no see um” mesh and tent fabric, both of which are zippered to the tent fabric. The door is positioned between the main portion of the tent  12  and the outside edge  56  of the pivoting portion of the base  28 . The door material may be rolled up and held to the roof of the tent  10  using a loop and bone system. 
         [0049]    The tent  10  is also provided with a large rectangular utility pocket  112  as shown in  FIGS. 13 a  and 13 b   . This utility pocket  112  is fabricated from two layers of “no-see-um” fabric, and is held in position with four bungee cords  114  or other elastic means, and some manner of removable connectors or carabiners, preferably plastic hooks with fabric loops secured to the U-channel of the base  16 . The utility pocket  112  is used to secure additional parts, accessories or other camping gear in a secure position during travel. 
         [0050]    Finally, the tent  10  is also preferably provided with the following accessories:
       2 inch thick, high density foam mattress;   removable cotton mattress cover;   Unisex emergency urinal; and   D-ring  116  for hanging lighting (see  FIG. 4 ).       
 
         [0055]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is clear that changes and modifications may be made to such embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0056]    All citations are hereby incorporated by reference.