Patent Publication Number: US-2018042397-A1

Title: Portable bed with attachable tent

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/105,397, filed 20 Jan. 2015, which is entitled “Clever Bed,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/154,803, filed 30 Apr. 2015, which is entitled “Clever Bed,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to camping and recreational equipment, and more specifically, to a portable bed with an attachable tent. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sportsmen and vacationers often use portable mats or mattresses for sleeping or relaxing. Common mats come in many varieties, such as beach mats, camping mats, play mats, or the like. A mat is typically a layer of foam, sometimes with a protective covering to prevent damage to the mat foam. Portable mattresses are typically thicker than a mat, and are often inflatable. For example, many portable mattresses include inflatable bladders which are filled with air, and then plugged to retain a layer of air between the ground and the user. Some mats are also inflatable, or self-inflating. A self-inflating mat generally includes a layer of compressible material, such as foam, within the bladder. When a valve is opened, the foam expands and draws air into the bladder. Once inflated, the valve is closed and the air is retained within the bladder. 
     Because of the portability of most portable mats or mattresses, they are generally small relative to a typical mattress. When sleeping on a mat, campers generally use a sleeping back to stay warm. Unfortunately, because of the size of the mat, many users wake to find that they have, at least partially, moved off of the mat during sleep. As a result, the user is often cold or uncomfortable during the night. Also, this arrangement requires a camper to separately pack and carry a portable mat, sleeping bag, and pillow. If the camper forgets any of these, then he or she must do without for the night. 
     A further problem with camping is the pitching and setup of tents. Often, campers must pitch a tent, which may include several components including poles, stakes, and a rain fly. Then, the user must put all of the bed components into the tent and try to make the bed inside the tent. This is problematic for several reasons. First, tents are typically rather small, so it can be difficult to inflate a mat or mattress, and set up a bed within the tent. Second, most tents have an integrated bottom, which is not removable. Because of this, tents may become dirty during the process of putting all of the bed components inside. To prevent water from seeping in, most tent bottoms are raised, and therefore it can be difficult to clean out a tent once it has become dirty. For these and other reasons, the embodiments described below represent a significant improvement over prior camping beds and tents. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of a portable bed with attachable tent are described. In an embodiment, the portable bed may include a mat for insulating a user from the ground. Additionally, the portable bed may include a pillow portion coupled to the mat. In a further embodiment, the portable bed may include attachable bedding coupled to the mat, the attached bedding being attachable to the mat by an attachment mechanism. 
     In an embodiment, the portable bed may include an attachment point for attaching an attachable tent to the portable bed. The attachment point may further include an attachment strap. The attachment strap may be adjustable. In a further embodiment, the attachment strap include an eyelet configured to receive an attachment point of an attachable tent. 
     In an embodiment, the mat may include a bottom sheet and a top sheet, the bottom sheet and the top sheet being attached together. Additionally, the mat may include a self-inflating foam mattress disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. Also, the mat may include a self-inflating foam pillow block disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. In one embodiment, the mat may include a comfort foam layer disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. Also, the mat may include an inflation valve coupled to at least one of the top sheet and the bottom sheet. In a further embodiment, the mat may include an attachment point further comprises a zipper for zipping the bedding to the mat. 
     An embodiment of an attachable tent for attachment to a portable bed is described. In an embodiment, the attachable tent may include a cover comprising a layer of material configured to define a sleeping space. Also, the tent may include a support structure configured to support the cover. The tent may also include an attachment point configured to attach the attachable tent to the portable bed. 
     In a further embodiment, the support structure further includes a tent pole. In such an embodiment, the attachment point further includes and exposed end of the tent pole configured to engage an eyelet in a second attachment point coupled to the portable bed. 
     A system is also presented, comprising a portable bed and an attachable tent. The portable bed may include a mat for insulating a user from the ground. The bed may also include a pillow portion coupled to the mat. Additionally, the bed may include attachable bedding coupled to the mat, the attached bedding being attachable to the mat by an attachment mechanism. Also, the bed may include a first attachment point coupled to the mat, the first attachment point. In an embodiment, the attachable tent may include a cover comprising a layer of material configured to define a sleeping space. The tent may include a support structure configured to support the cover. Also, the tent may include a second attachment point configured to attach the attachable tent to the portable bed by engaging with the first attachment point. 
     In an embodiment, the first attachment point further comprises a strap coupled to the mat. The strap may further include an eyelet. Also, the support structure may further comprise a tent pole. In one embodiment, the second attachment point further comprises an exposed portion of the tent pole. In such an embodiment, the exposed portion of the tent pole is further configured to engage with the eyelet, thereby attaching the attachable tent to the portable bed. 
    
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed with an attachable tent with detail views of attachment points. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective cutaway view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent. 
         FIG. 4  is a left side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent. 
         FIG. 5  is a right side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent. 
         FIG. 8  is a base view diagram illustrating an underside of an attachable tent. 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed with a detail view of an attachment point. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed with a detailed view of an attachment point and a detailed view of an attachment mechanism. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 13  a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 14  is a back view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 15  is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 19  a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 21  is a back view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
         FIG. 23  is a side exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     The present embodiments include embodiments of portable beds with attachable tents. In an embodiment, the portable bed may include a mat. The mat may be inflatable or self-inflating. The mat may also include an integral pillow portion. In an embodiment, the mat may further include attachable bedding. In still a further embodiment, the mat may include one or more attachment points for attaching a tent to the mat. The tent may be configured to attach to the attachment points and cover the bed. In some embodiments, the tent may include a flap for attaching the tent to the bed, thereby preventing moisture and pests from entering the tent. The tent may include a door in some embodiments. In further embodiments, the tent may include additional features, including by not limited to windows, window covers, hangers for lights and accessories, pouches, and the like. 
     Beneficially, the present embodiments enable a user to easily set up an ready-made bed, that includes a mat, a pillow, and bedding. Set up and deployment of the bed may be easier than prior camping or recreation beds, particularly when used in conjunction with embodiments of an attachable tent. For example, the bed may be completely set up first, and then the tent portion may be attached, thereby eliminating the dirt that is typically introduced to the dent during bed setup. Further, the bed may be set up in open space, and then the tent may be attached, rather than requiring setup of the bed within the cramped space of a tent. These and other benefits and advantages over the prior art will become apparent as in the following description of the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104  with an attachable tent  102  with detail views of attachment points  106 ,  108 . In an embodiment, the portable bed  104  may include a mat and attached bedding as described further with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 17  below. The attachable tent  102  may include one or more first attachment points  106 . In an embodiment, the first attachment points  106  may comprise pegs configured to be inserted into one or more second attachment points connected to the portable bed  104 . In such an embodiment, the second attachment points  108  may be adjustable straps  112  having eyelets  110  configured to receive the first attachment points  106 , as illustrated in the detail callout portions of  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the first attachment points  106  may be ends of tent poles used to erect the tent  102 . Alternatively, the first attachment points may be pins, hooks, catches, or the like. Although the portable bed  104  and attachable tent  102  are shown together in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , one of ordinary skill will appreciate that the portable bed  104  may be provided separately from the attachable tent  102 . Indeed, as a matter of product sourcing or retail distribution, the portable bed  104  and the attachable tent  102  may be manufactured, distributed, sold, or used separately. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent  102 . In an embodiment, the attachable tent  102  includes a first door flap  202  and a second door flap  204  with a fastener  206 , such as a zipper for closing the first door flap  202  and the second door flap  204  together. In an alternative embodiment, only a single door flap may be provided, with a fastener  206  for fastening the door flap closed to the body of the tent  102 . Additionally, the attachable tent  102  may include one or more window openings  208 . In some embodiments, the window openings  208  may include a window covering  210 , such as a flap, a mesh screen, or the like. In some embodiments, a strap  212  may be provided to hold the window covering  210  in an open position. In certain further embodiments, the tent  102  may include a fastener for fastening the window covering  210  in a closed position. Fasteners may include loop and toggles, buttons, hood and loop strips, zippers, or the like. As described above, the tent  102  may further include attachment points  106  for attaching the attachable tent  102  of the portable bed  104 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective cutaway view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent  102 . As shown, a space is provided inside of the tent for a user to sleep or sit within the tent on the portable bed  104 . In an embodiment, the tent  102  may include one or more internal pouches  302  for holding various items. In some embodiments, the pouch may be made of a mesh material, such as nylon mesh to be easily cleanable. Additionally, the tent  102  may include one or more pole sleeves  304  for retaining tent poles in position. In addition, the tent  102  may include a hanger  306  for hanging various items, such as lights, insect nets, etc. 
       FIGS. 4-8  illustrate various views of an embodiment the tent  102 . The tent  102  be manufactured from various fabrics and materials, including nylon, polyester, canvas, etc. One of ordinary skill will recognize various materials that are suitable for use according to the present embodiments.  FIG. 4  is a left side view diagram illustrating an embodiment of the tent  102 .  FIG. 5  is a right side view diagram illustrating an embodiment of the tent  102 .  FIG. 6  is a is a front view diagram illustrating an embodiment of the tent  102 . The illustrations of  FIGS. 4-6  designate a “side” or “end” of the tent, and include certain features, such as the door on the left side and the window on the front end, but one of ordinary skill will recognize that these features may be placed on any of the ends or sides without limitation, and depending upon design preference and configuration. Placement of a particular feature on any side or end is not intended to be limiting. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view diagram illustrating an embodiment of the attachable tent  102 .  FIG. 8  is a base view diagram illustrating an underside or interior of the attachable tent  102 . As illustrated, the tent may include a first pole  802  and a second pole  804  in a cross-pole configuration. One of ordinary skill will recognize a variety of pole configurations which may be equally suitable for use in the present embodiments. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the tent  102  may include a total of four poles, two in a cross configuration over the middle and two in an parallel configuration over the ends. Additionally, the embodiment of  FIG. 8  illustrates the hanger  306 , which may be used for handing accessories, such as lights, lanterns, insect nets, etc. 
       FIG. 9  is a top perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104  with a detail view of an attachment point  108 . In an embodiment, the portable bed  104  may include a mat  902 , an attached pillow  904 , and attached bedding  906 . In some embodiments, the pillow  904  may include foam or batting disposed within a liner. Alternatively, the pillow  904  may be inflatable. In some embodiments, the pillow  904  may be self-inflatable through a self-inflation valve, and may also include a filler such as foam or batting for expanding the pillow when the self-inflation valve is open. Similarly, the mat  902  may comprise a durable liner, made from fabric such as canvas, nylon, polyester, or the like. The mat  902  may additionally include a filler such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam, memory foam, or the like. In an embodiment, the attachable bedding  906  may include a top-sheet, an under-sheet, a comforter, or a sleeping-bag style bedding. The bedding may include an attachment mechanism, such as a zipper, snaps, hooks or loops, toggles, hook and loop strips, etc. The bedding may be fabricated from a variety of textile types, including for example, cotton, polyester, rayon, fiber blends, etc. The bedding may include multiple layers, including outer layers that are waterproof, inner insulation layers, or soft layers for near-skin contact. Although the embodiments of  FIGS. 9-16  illustrate the portable bed with integrated or attached attachment points  108 , one of ordinary skill will recognize that alternative embodiments may not include attachment points  108 , or attachment points  108  may be removed for use of the portable bed  104  independent of the attachable tent  102  as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 17-23 . 
     Advantages of a portable bed  104  with attached bedding  906  include cost savings. Indeed, half of the material of a standard sleeping bag may be eliminated when an attachable cover is used. Additionally, the attachable bedding may be interchangeable to provide a variety of customization options, which may enhance appeal to potential customers, and provide a stream of add-on revenues. Further, the variety of options for the attached bedding  906  provide for modification of the portable bed  104  for use in a variety of conditions, such as light weight configurations for portability, heavyweight fills for extra warmth, girls designs, boys designs, waterproof options for use in inclement weather, etc. 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104  with a detailed view of an attachment point  108  and a detailed view of an attachment mechanism  1004  for attaching the bedding  906  to the mat  902 . In a further embodiment, the bed  104  may have a bottom liner  1002  comprised of a material suitable for protecting the bed from dirt or damage. For example, the bottom liner  1002  may include a layer that is thicker than other layers of the bed. In some embodiments, the bottom liner  1002  may include 2-10 millimeter thick plastic, vinyl, or the like. In one such embodiment, tarp material may be used for the bottom liner  1002 . 
       FIGS. 11-15  illustrated multiple views of an embodiment of the bed  104 .  FIG. 11  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 .  FIG. 12  is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 .  FIG. 13  a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 .  FIG. 14  is a back view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 .  FIG. 15  is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view diagram illustrating another embodiment of a mat. In such an embodiment, the mat  902  may be integrated with the pillow  904 . Additionally, one or more connection points  108  having eyelets  110  for receiving mating connection points  106  from the tent  102  may be included, as shown in the detail portion of  FIG. 16 . In the described embodiment, the connection points may include straps or tabs, but the straps may not be adjustable, as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 9-15 .  FIGS. 22-23  illustrates various layers that may be included in the embodiment of  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 17  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 . In an embodiment, the bed  104  may include attachable bedding  906  coupled to the mat  903 . In an embodiment, the bedding may include a bottom layer  1702  and a top layer  1704 . In some embodiments, the top layer  1704  may include an outer layer  1706  and a liner  1708 . The liner may be soft to the touch, and include materials such as polyester pongee, or the like. In some embodiments, the bed  104  may be substantially rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the bed  104  may be configured in a close-fitting mummy-style profile. In a further embodiment, the embodiment of  FIG. 17  may include an inflation valve  1710  for inflating at least one of the mat  902  or the pillow  904 . The inflation valve  1710  may be configured to receive an inflation pump. Alternatively, the inflation valve  1710  may be configured to allow self-inflation of the mat  902 . 
       FIGS. 18-21  illustrate various views of the portable bed  104 .  FIG. 18  is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 .  FIG. 19  a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 .  FIG. 21  is a back view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 .  FIG. 21  is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 . 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 . In an embodiment, the bed  104  may include attachable bedding  906 . In an embodiment, the pillow  904  and mat  902  may include several layers. For example, the mat  902  may include a base sheet  2212  and a self-inflating foam mattress  2210 . The pillow portion  902  may be formed of a self-inflating foam block  2208 . In some embodiments, a memory foam topper  2206  may be added for additional comfort. In still further embodiments a top sheet  2204  may be provided. In some embodiments, the top sheet  2204  may be attached to the bottom sheet  2212 . For example, the sheets may be glued, thermal welded, or otherwise joined. The inflation valve  1710  may be attached to allow inflation of the pillow block  2208  and the self-inflating pad  2210 . In further embodiments, the attachable bedding  906  may be attached to an outer protective layer  2202 .  FIG. 23  is a side exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed  104 , which further illustrates the layers provided in the embodiment of  FIG. 22 . 
     In an embodiment, the bottom sheet  2212  and top sheet  2204  may comprise PVC coated polyester. In an embodiment the memory foam layer  2206  may be a 1 cm thick layer. The pillow block  2208  may be 7 cm thick. The foam mattress  2210  may be 3 cm thick. The bedding  906  may be comprised of various materials, including for example, polyester with hollow fiber filling, down/feather fill, or other insulating materials. 
     Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. 
     Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operably coupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.