Abstract:
The present invention is an ultra-light, aerodynamic, and towable recreational vehicle with integral self-inflating tent and accessory storage compartments. With motorcycles or a lightweight car as the intended towing vehicle, the ultra-light tent trailer includes a lightweight welded tubular steel frame, independent adjustable suspension, and composite aerodynamic body components to support the mechanicals of the tent trailer. A swingarm and crossbar assembly may support the floor of the tent component and may be controlled by a motor system. The motors may be remotely activated to open the tent trailer from a stowed configuration to an open configuration, and an inflation unit may also be remotely activated to inflate an inflatable tent. Thus, the push-button convenience makes this an incomparably quick and easy method of establishing a camp shelter. The aerodynamic features combined with the lightweight assembly reduce fuel consumption and present an efficient and stylish alternative over the prior art.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/209,979 filed Mar. 13, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to lightweight mobile camping shelters and specifically to tent trailers that can be towed by low-powered and lightweight vehicles including hybrid vehicles, motorcycles and sub-compact vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The towable tent trailer has been in existence for many years and is being manufactured today in much the same configuration it was over 30 years ago. These trailers consist of substantial steel frames with aluminum clad wood boxes housing the interior of the trailer and having a top section that elevates through extension of telescopic corner supports. These conventional tent trailers are typically comprised of tables, settees, counters, sinks, ranges, fold out beds and other comforts and conveniences. These trailers require significant effort to set up when establishing a campsite and they also require a towing vehicle with a robust drive train and suspension system in order to safely navigate the highways. 
         [0004]    Motorcycle tent trailers have become popular in more recent years with the advent of larger, more comfortable, more powerful cruising motorcycles. These tent trailers are typically aluminum clad boxes set on heavy-duty steel frames similar to the aforementioned tent trailers but are much lighter due to the resultant scale configured for motorcycle towing. However, these conventional motorcycle tent trailers still have the look and feel of the old tent trailer technology and involve substantial procedures in order to set up the camper. In light of the towing limitations of motorcycles, one lightweight alternative has been motorcycle trailers with composite bodies. These systems are severely limited because no tent is included with these body configurations although they do offer storage for items during long-term cruising. 
         [0005]    Additionally, as non-renewable resources have become increasingly scarce, consumers have begun reevaluating their needs for large and inefficient vehicles. Indeed, consumers have responded enthusiastically to the efforts by automakers to produce more energy-efficient vehicles by purchasing these new vehicles in record numbers. Further, new emissions standards suggest that more consumers will be driving such lightweight vehicles in the near future. Although the towing capacity of these new vehicles may restrict the comforts and conveniences of traditional tent trailers and campers, consumers do not want to leave behind their conveniences entirely behind. 
         [0006]    The present invention addresses these issues for the adventurous, energy-conscious individuals that would like some of the traditional comforts, the technological conveniences and the overall efficiency of these trailer systems. It also addresses the needs of the cruising motorcyclist that wants a tent trailer with as much towability, convenience, style and comfort as possible. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    This summary is provided to introduce (in a simplified form) a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0008]    In overcoming the above disadvantages associated with traditional resource-intensive camping vehicles, a lightweight tent camper system and apparatus are described herein. 
         [0009]    The present invention may include a lightweight tent camper, comprising a frame member; a body member attached to the frame member providing a storage area; a first swing arm member attached to the frame member with a first hinge member; a second swing arm member attached to the frame member with a second hinge member; a first panel attached to the first swing arm member; a second panel attached to the second swing arm member, wherein the first panel and the second panel enclose the storage area when the first swing arm member and the second swing arm member are in a first closed position; at least one actuator member attached to the frame member for rotating the first swing arm and the second swing arm from the first closed position to a second open position; and a tent attached to the first swing arm member and the second swing arm member. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the actuator member automatically rotates the first swing arm member and the second swing arm member from the first closed position to the second open position in response to a remote trigger. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first swing arm member is further hingably coupled to a crossbar member, and the second swing arm member is further hingably coupled to the crossbar member. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the crossbar member comprises: a first crossbar portion hingably connected to the first swing arm member; a second crossbar portion hingably connected to the second swing arm member; and a central crossbar portion slidably coupled with the first crossbar portion and the second crossbar portion. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the crossbar member telescopically changes length when the at least one actuator member rotates the first swing arm and the second swing arm from the first closed position to the second open position. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tent further comprises a tarpaulin floor tensioned by the first swing arm member and the second swing arm member. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tent further comprises a paneled floor. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the body member comprises an aerodynamic composite shell. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the composite shell is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon graphite molded panels, fiberglass molded panels, and vacuum formed plastic compositions. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the frame member further comprises: at least one axle; at least one pair of wheel and tire assemblies associated with the at least one axle; and at least one trailer attachment member for attaching the lightweight tent camper to a towing vehicle. 
         [0019]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the lightweight tent camper is a trailer capable of being towed by a motorcycle or small car. 
         [0020]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tent is an inflatable tent, and wherein the lightweight tent camper further comprises: an inflation member attached to the frame member for inflating the inflatable tent. 
         [0021]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the inflation member automatically inflates the inflatable tent while the actuator member is rotating the first swing arm member and the second swing arm member from the first closed position to the second open position in response to a remote trigger. 
         [0022]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the inflation member is selected from the group consisting of compressed air, a fan blower, and an air compressor. 
         [0023]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tent is erected using tent poles. 
         [0024]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tent is configured in a tent configuration selected from the group consisting of a dome configuration, barrel configuration, and teepee configuration. 
         [0025]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the actuator member is selected from the group consisting of an electric motor, an actuator, pneumatics, hydraulics, a gear motor, and a spring-loaded mechanism. 
         [0026]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tent camper is adaptable to attach to a cargo portion of a truck. 
         [0027]    The present invention may further include a lightweight tent camper system, comprising: a frame member; a body member attached to the frame member providing a storage area; a first swing arm member attached to the frame member with a first hinge member; a second swing arm member attached to the frame member with a second hinge member; a first panel attached to the first swing arm member; a second panel attached to the second swing arm member, wherein the first panel and the second panel enclose the storage area when the first swing arm member and the second swing arm member are in a first closed position; at least one actuator member attached to the frame member for rotating the first swing arm and the second swing arm from the first closed position to a second open position; and a tent attached to the first swing arm member and the second swing arm member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below by way of example and with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a tent trailer in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric front view of a tent trailer in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a tent trailer in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric rear view of a tent trailer in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric front view of a tent trailer in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of the frame of a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detail view of a motor and linkage in a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  illustrates a tent camper in the cargo portion of a vehicle in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  illustrates a tent camper in the cargo portion of a vehicle in a opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a detailed view of a tent trailer in a opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10B  illustrates a detailed view of a tent trailer in an intermediate configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10C  illustrates a detailed view of a tent trailer in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate frame configuration of a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  illustrates block diagram view of a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of a panel floor configuration in a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of a tarpaulin floor configuration in a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a tent trailer  100  in a stowed configuration. In this stowed configuration, tent trailer  100  presents an aerodynamic profile for efficient towing. Top panels  102  and  104  form the roof of the tent trailer  100  in the stowed configuration and also enclose the storage area created by the body panels  112 . Additionally, panels  106 ,  108 , and  110  enclose a smaller storage compartment in the front of the trailer  100 . The tent trailer  100  rides on a wheel and tire assembly  114 , and may be towed by attaching any standard towing hitch to the towing member  116 . 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, the body panels  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 , and  112  may be made out of carbon graphite molded panels, fiberglass molded panels, and vacuum formed plastic compositions. In another embodiment, the body panels may be made out of any stamped or formed metal or alloy. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric front view of a tent trailer  200  in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, top panels  210  and  212  (e.g., “wings”) are in an open position, allowing the tent to be erected to provide shelter. The tent in this tent trailer  200  is an example of a barrel configuration, with upper panel  202  providing the walls and roof of the tent. Air chambers  204  and  206  are inflated to provide structure and support for the tent top panel  202  and the tent front panel  214 . In this example, tent front panel  214  may include a zippered window  208 . 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, top panel  202  and front panel  214  may include any number of windows or doors. Further, traditional interlocking plastic, aluminum, steel, or graphite tent poles may be used in lieu of or in addition to air chambers  204  and  206 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a tent trailer  300  in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The side/top panel  302  corresponds to the top panel  202  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric rear view of a tent trailer  400  in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This tent trailer  400  corresponds to the tent trailer  200  and  300  seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The side panel  402  corresponds with the side/top panels  202  and  302  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Further, tent body wings  408  and  410  are shown in an open position, providing a base for the tent portion of the tent trailer  400 . Rear gate  412  allows a user access to the storage portion of the tent trailer  400  when the tent trailer  400  is in a closed or open position. Additionally, when in the open position  400 , a user may enter the tent via door  406  in rear panel  404 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric front view of a tent trailer  500  in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the tent may be configured in a dome configuration. In alternate embodiments, the tent may be configured in a teepee configuration or any configuration known in the art. The dome tent in the tent trailer  500  is supported by inflatable cells  506  and  508 . Front panel  504  and side panel  502  can be seen in this configuration. Further, the storage area cover  510  is shown in an open configuration, allowing a user to access the mechanicals of the tent trailer  500  or to access stored materials. 
         [0052]    In an alternate embodiment, solid tent poles may be used in lieu or in addition to inflatable chambers  506  and  508 . In another embodiment, the tent may be configured in any manner as is known in the art. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of a tent trailer frame  600  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The frame  600  may be constructed of a light gauge fully welded steel frame fabricated in a similar manner used to fabricate light and ultra-light aircraft steel tubular frames. Alternatively, the frame  600  may be constructed using any techniques conventional to constructing frames and may be constructed using a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, aluminum, carbon fiber, or any metal or composite known in the art. In one embodiment, frame  600  may comprise at least one axle and an associated wheel and tire assembly. Frame  600  may additionally comprise an independent air ride suspension system which allows for adjustments to the ride of the trailer based on the relative load introduced by variable load factors. In another embodiment frame  600  may include any type of stabilizers, levelers, or jacks to support the frame  600  in an open configuration. 
         [0054]    Mounted to the frame are swingarms  602   a - c  and  606   a - b , and crossbars  604   a - c . End rails  608  and  610  provide structural support for the wings (collectively formed by swingarms  602   a - c  and end rail  608  on the left side and by swingarms  606   a - c  and end rail  610  on the right side of the frame  600 ). Additionally, mounting brackets  612  and  614  attach the body panels (e.g.,  408  and  410  of  FIG. 4 ) to the wings. Motors  616  and  618  control movement of the wings when activated from a closed to open position and vice versa. Inflation member  620  may inflate and deflate the air cells in the tent when directed. Hinge  622  provides a hidden hinge for mounting the storage area cover  510  of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, one or more motors may be used in lieu of motors  616  and  618 . In an alternate embodiment, the motors may be any articulating means including, but not limited to, a gear motor, an electric motor, an actuator, pneumatics, hydraulics, or a spring-loaded assist. Further, an actuator member may be omitted entirely in a further embodiment. 
         [0056]    In another embodiment, the inflation member  620  may include, but is not limited to, a fan blower, an air compressor, or compressed air. Further, the inflation member may include a manual pump used as a backup for or in addition to the inflation member  620 . In another embodiment, the inflation member  620  may be configured to inflate an air mattress or other inflatable object (e.g., an inflatable raft or beach ball). 
         [0057]    In an alternate embodiment, the hinge  622  may be powered by a motor or alternate actuator means (not shown) for automatic opening and closing of a storage area cover (e.g.,  510 ). In another embodiment, the hinge  622  motor, the inflation member  620 , and the motors  616  and  618  may be activated by a remote control mechanism or by a control unit incorporated into the tent trailer configuration. 
         [0058]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detail view  700  of the motor and linkage in a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This detail view  700  shows components corresponding to the swingarms (e.g.,  602   a - c  and  606   a - c ), crossbars  604   a - c , and motors  616  and  618  in  FIG. 6 . In the detail view  700 , motor  712  is mounted to the frame of the tent trailer. Motor  712  may be any articulating means as described above in relation to motors  616  and  618 . Further, motor  712  is connected to linkage  710  and  708  which in turn are connected to swingarm  702 . Thus, when motor  712  is activated, the torque generated is transferred to the linkage  710  and  708  which moves the swingarm from an open position to a closed position and back. In this detail view  700 , the linkage moves clockwise to close the swingarm  702  and counter-clockwise to move the swingarm  702  to an open position. As will be explained in more detail shortly, swingarm  702  is mounted on rotating tube component  706  and is coupled with the crossbar  704  via hinge mechanism  716 . Detail view  700  additionally shows the mounting bracket  714  which connects a body panel (e.g.,  408  and  410 ) to the swing arm  714  while allowing the body panel to move into optimized positions in both the open and closed position. 
         [0059]      FIG. 8  illustrates a tent camper  800  in the cargo portion of a vehicle  802  in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Tent camper  800  is mounted in a cargo portion (e.g., in the back of a pickup truck) with mounts  808  and  810 . Mounts may be adaptable to a variety of vehicles or may be specific to a particular attachment method or vehicle. Additionally, mounts may comprise straps, hooks, or any mounting hardware known in the art. Tent camper  800  may be configured to rest on the top of the cargo area without detracting from usable storage space underneath. Thus, cargo may be stored on the flatbed portion  812  of the vehicle with the tent camper  800  providing protection from the weather. While in the closed position, wings  804  and  806  are folded against the tent camper  800  to provide for a compact, aerodynamic shape. 
         [0060]      FIG. 9  illustrates a tent camper  900  in the cargo portion of a vehicle  902  in an opened configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This tent camper  900  corresponds to the tent camper  800  shown in  FIG. 8 . While in the open position, wings  904  and  906  extend from the central portion of the tent camper to provide a base for a tent  916 . A door  914  allows access to the interior of the tent  916 . 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, the opening mechanisms of the tent camper  900  are structurally similar to the opening mechanisms shown in the tent trailer  600 . Tent camper  900  includes, but is not limited to, a swingarm  910  connected to a crossbar portion  908 . As will be explained in relation to  FIGS. 10A-C , the crossbar includes a central portion  912 . Tent camper  900  may include any number of crossbars and swingarms similar to the tent camper  600 . 
         [0062]    In one embodiment, tent  916  may correspond to the tents shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . Additionally, tent  916  may be configured in any configuration, including but not limited to, a barrel or tunnel configuration, a dome configuration, or a teepee configuration. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  10 C illustrate various positions of the tent camper including an open position  1000 , an intermediate position  1024 , and a closed position  1038 . The tent camper illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-C  may correspond to the tent trailers and campers shown in  FIGS. 1-9 . For ease of explanation,  FIGS. 10A-C  show a simplified view of the tent trailer and do not include motors, tents, linkage, etc. 
         [0064]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a detailed view of a tent trailer in an opened configuration  1000  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This view corresponds to a rear view of a tent trailer  600 , for example. The tent trailer includes a tire and wheel assembly  1022  and a frame portion  1020 . A left swingarm  1002  is mounted to the frame  1020  via a rotatably mounted tube  1016 , corresponding to tube support  706  in  FIG. 7 . Left swingarm  1002  is hingably coupled with a first crossbar portion  1006  via a first hinge  1004 . The first crossbar portion  1006  is coupled with a central crossbar portion  1008 , which in turn is coupled with a second crossbar portion  1010 . As will become clear in relation to  FIGS. 10B and 10C , central crossbar portion  1008  provides structural integrity to the crossbar mechanism, while allowing the entire assembly of first portion  1006 , central portion  1008 , and second portion  1010  to change in length depending on the position of the wings. The central crossbar portion  1008  may be affixed to either the first portion  1006  or the second portion  1010  as long as the range of motion is not restricted. The second crossbar portion  1010  is further hingably coupled with the right swingarm  1014  via a second hinge  1012 . The right swingarm  1014  is mounted with the frame with a rotating tube  1018 . 
         [0065]    As the tent trailer transitions between a closed or open position, the components are moved into intermediate configuration  1024  illustrated in  FIG. 10B  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Left swingarm  1026  and right swingarm  1032  rotate about the axis of the corresponding tube mounts  1034  and  1036 . This rotation directs the first crossbar portion  1028  and the second crossbar portion  1030  inwards and down towards the center of the tent trailer. In this intermediate view  1024 , the first and second portions  1028  and  1030  have completely obscured the central crossbar portion  1008  (not shown in  FIG. 10B ). This configuration allows the tent trailer to maintain structural integrity in the open configuration while still transitioning into a small, aerodynamic package with a low center of gravity in the stowed configuration. 
         [0066]      FIG. 10C  illustrates a detailed view of a tent trailer in a closed configuration  1038  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Left swingarm  1040  and right swingarm  1042  are in a stowed position, while first crossbar portion  1044  and second crossbar portion  1048  have moved apart and downwards relative to their positions in the intermediate position  1024 , revealing the central crossbar portion  1046 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate frame configuration  1100  of a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Frame configuration  1100  may be used in conjunction with the tarpaulin floor configuration shown in  FIG. 14 . Motor  1106  is mounted to frame  1112 . When activated, motor  1106  extends lateral actuator  1104 , driving swingarm  1108  from a closed position to an open position. A corresponding motor, actuator, and wing configuration (unnumbered) may be used for the right wing in  FIG. 11 . When the wings are in the open position, outer rails  1102  and  1114  become support frames for the tarpaulin foundation (i.e., a tent floor) shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0068]    In one embodiment, motor  1106  may include, but is not limited to a gear motor, an electric motor, an actuator, pneumatics, hydraulics, spring-loaded assist. Further, an actuator member may be omitted entirely in a further embodiment. Although not shown, frame  1100  may include any mechanical systems including an inflation member, a remote activation device, etc. and may include a tent with any tent configuration known in the art. 
         [0069]      FIG. 12  illustrates block diagram view  1200  of a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Any of the tent trailers and campers seen in  FIGS. 1-9  and  11  may include the mechanical and electrical devices in the block diagram  1200 . These components have been logically grouped in block diagram view  1200  and may be implemented according to any electrical and/or mechanical topology known in the art. Furthermore, an implementation of the block diagram  1200  may omit or add components. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment, each tent trailer may include a power supply  1202 , which may be any battery or electrical storage device. In another embodiment, the power supply may include an alternator connected to a wheel assembly (e.g.,  114 ) to recharge a battery during travel. The power supply may be in turn connected to a fuse block  1204 , a set of relays  1206 , a receiver  1208 , and limit switches  1210 . These components drive gear motors  1212  and  1214  as well as an air pump  1216 . 
         [0071]    In one embodiment, the receiver  1208  may receive signals from an external remote or key fob activated by the user to control the operation of the tent trailer system. For example, a user may activate the motors  1212  and  1214  to transition the tent trailer from a closed position (e.g., tent trailer  100 ) to an open position (e.g., tent trailer  200 ). After or while the trailer is opening, the operation may trigger the air pump to begin inflating an associated inflatable tent. Alternately, the air pump may not begin until directed by the user. The receiver may also control the system to run in reverse, thereby deflating the inflatable tent and stowing the wings of the tent trailer to the closed configuration. 
         [0072]      FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of a panel floor configuration  1300  in a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The panel floor configuration  1300  may be used in conjunction with the crossbar frame  600  shown in  FIG. 6 . In one embodiment, wing panels  1302  and  1308  are affixed to the movable wings corresponding to the left wing (e.g., comprised of swingarms  602   a - c  and end rail  608 ) and the right wing (e.g., comprised of swingarms  606   a - c  and end rail  610 ). In one embodiment, central panel  1304  is attached to the first crossbar portion (e.g., first crossbar portion  1006  in  FIG. 10A ) while central panel  1306  is attached to a second crossbar portion (e.g., second crossbar portion  1010  in  FIG. 10A ). Because the crossbar portion changes length as the wings move from a closed position to an open position (e.g., as described in relation to  FIGS. 10A-C ), central panel  1304  overlaps with central panel  1306  in the area indicated by overlap region  1310 . Thus, the central portion of the panel floor  1300  provides full support to the tent while the tent trailer is in the open position (e.g., corresponding to  FIG. 10A ) while stowing easily (e.g., with varying width as seen in  FIGS. 10B and 10C ) in a closed position. 
         [0073]      FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of a tarpaulin floor configuration  1400  in a tent trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tarpaulin floor configuration  1400  may be used in conjunction with the tension frame  1100  shown in  FIG. 11 . In one embodiment, the tarpaulin  1402  is affixed to the end rails  1404  and  1406 . These end rails  1404  and  1406  correspond to the end rails  1102  and  1114  in  FIG. 11 . When the wings are extended to the fully open position, the tarpaulin  1402  is tensioned from edge to edge resulting in a taught but cushioned sleeping foundation for support of a sleeping cover or an air mattress. 
         [0074]    While several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, 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 any disclosed embodiment. Instead, the scope of the invention should be determined from the appended claims that follow.