AU2006200136B2

AU2006200136B2 - A camper trailer back pack sleeper

Info

Publication number: AU2006200136B2
Application number: AU2006200136A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Walter Meville Jinman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-09-20
Filing date: 2006-01-13
Publication date: 2007-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-13
Also published as: AU2006200136A1

Description

P/00/009 28/5/91 Regulation 3 2

ORIGINAL

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: "A CAMPER TRAILER BACK PACK

SLEEPER"

Applicant: WALTER MEVILLE JINMAN Associated Provisional Application No.: 2005905170 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: "A CAMPER TRAILER BACK PACK SLEEPER" Field of the Invention The invention relates to a device that is mounted on the back of a camping trailer and/or any vehicle that will accommodate it. The purpose of this invention is to provide accommodation for overnight camping or for extended camping periods.

Background to the Invention Caravans, which include accommodation, are mostly not taken off road in outback Australia because of the structure of the caravans. It would be very difficult to tow these caravans in the outback conditions and to off road destinations.

For this reason compact off road camper trailers have been invented in which all equipment can be stored. Most of these are still inefficient because the bedding system covers the storage area of the trailer. When the system is set up it is difficult to gain access to storage areas beneath the sleeper.

Having a bed system that takes up the under section of the trailer also limits the storage capacity available in the bottom section of the trailer.

The main bed for the camper is normally stored within the or on top of the trailer system making it difficult for storage and food preparation.

A top-loaded bed is most times only accessible by ladder and can be hazardous to negotiate and restrictive for a lot of people. For example, in the bush, condensation can form on the steps of the ladder making it slippery and dangerous for most people to climb up and down especially at night.

It is therefore considered desirable to have a folding bed system suitable for mounting on the back of a camper trailer that does not interfere with the storage capacity of the trailer and that can be more easily accessed.

References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a folding bed system for mounting on the back of a camper trailer or other vehicle, the bed system comprising: a bed frame adapted to fold down from a substantially upright, stowed position to a substantially horizontal, lowered position; a support plate adapted to be attached to the back of the camper trailer or other vehicle, the bed frame being pivotally coupled on a first side of the bed frame to the support plate so that the support plate helps to support the first side of the bed frame in its lowered position, and fully supports the bed frame in its stowed position; and, a plurality of legs for supporting the bed frame on the ground in its lowered position.

Preferably the bed frame comprises a first section and a second section, said first side of the bed frame being on the first section, the first section being pivotally connected to the second section along a second side of the first section. Preferably the two sections of the bed frame are substantially identical so that a pivot axis of the pivotal connection between the first and second sections forms a centre line of the bed frame. Advantageously the two sections of the bed frame can be folded from a substantially coplanar side by side configuration in the lowered position to a substantially parallel face to face configuration in the stowed position.

Preferably the bed system further comprises a mattress which is held in a folded condition between the two sections of the bed frame in the stowed position.

Preferably the bed system further comprises a tent that opens up and covers the entire bed frame in the lowered position. Advantageously the tent is also held in a folded condition between the two sections of the bed frame in the stowed position.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the folding bed system, given by way-of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the folding bed system mounted on the back of a camper trailer shown in side elevation; Figure 2 shows the location of the folding bed system of Figure 1 on the back of the camper trailer shown in rear elevation; Figure 3 shows a bed frame of the bed system of Figure 1 in a partially unfolded position after it has been let down from a stowed position; Figure 4 shows the bed frame of Figure 3 in a fully lowered position; Figure 5 shows a bracket fixed to a side of the bed frame for attaching a leg to the bed frame in its lowered position; Figure 6 shows a trailer hatch opening up on the camper trailer shown in rear elevation; Figure 7 shows a support plate and hinge of the bedding system of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a plan view of a removable tray mesh in a roof rack of the camper trailer; Figure 9 shows a rollout drawer for convenient access to a kitchen area in the camper trailer shown in side elevation; Figure 10 shows a lift-up panel to provide further access to storage space within the camper trailer shown in side elevation; Figure 11 shows a plan view of the camper trailer illustrating the location of its various components; and, Figures 12a and 12b show a preferred embodiment of a tent of the folding bed system in a partially and fully assembled condition respectively.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments A preferred embodiment of a folding bed system 10 mounted on the back of a camper trailer 12, as shown in of the accompanying drawings, comprises a bed frame 14 adapted to fold down from a substantially upright, stowed position as shown in Figure 1 to a substantially horizontal, lowered position as shown in Figure 4. The camper trailer 12 has a body 16 with ground engaging wheels 18 and a forward towing attachment (not shown).The bed system can also be mounted on the back of any other suitable vehicle that will accommodate it such as, for example, a car or a horse float.

The folding bed system 10 includes a support plate 20 adapted to be attached to the back of the camper trailer or any other suitable vehicle. The bed frame 14 is pivotally coupled on a first side of the bed frame 14 to the support plate by a hinge 22. The hinge 22 extends along the full length of the first side of the bed frame 14 and allows it to swing down to its lowered position. The support plate 20 helps to support the first side of the bed frame 14 in its lowered position, and fully supports the bed frame 14 in its stowed position.

-6- The folding bed system 10 further comprises a plurality of legs 24 for supporting the bed frame 14 on the ground in its lowered position. Figure shows a bracket 26 which is fixed (welded) to a side of the bed frame to allow a leg 24 to pass through and be removably attached to the bed frame 14. Six legs 24 are provided, one at each corner of the bed frame 14 and two on a centre line of the bed frame. One of the leg support brackets 26 is welded to the bed frame 14 at each of these locations. Preferably each leg 24 is an adjustable telescopic leg having a plurality of apertures 28 provided therein for receiving a gudgeon pin (not shown) there through. The apertures 28 allow the height of each leg 24 to be adjusted independently so as to fully support the bed frame 14 on uneven ground.

Preferably the bed frame 14 comprises a first section 30 and a second section 32. The first side of the bed frame 14, which is pivotally coupled to the support plate 20 by hinge 22, is on the first section 30, and the first section is in turn pivotally connected to the second section 32 along a second side of the first section. Preferably the two sections 30 and 32 of the bed frame 14 are substantially identical so that a pivot axis of the pivotal connection between the first and second sections forms a centre line of the bed frame. A second hinge 34 provides the pivotal connection between the first and second sections 30 and 32. Advantageously the two sections 30 and 32 of the bed frame 14 can be folded from a substantially coplanar side by side configuration in the lowered position, as shown in Figure 4, to a substantially parallel face to face configuration in the stowed position, as shown in Figure 1. Advantageously each section of the bed frame is strengthened with cross bars to carry the weight of up to three people.

The folding bed system 10 is carried on the back of the camper trailer 12 like a "backpack", and is held securely on a back steel frame of the camper trailer in its stowed position with a plurality of holding clips 36. The holding clips 36 also hold the two sections 30 and 32 of the bed frame together. A lid 38 is provided to hold the top of the "backpack" and provide a cover so as to seal the contents from dust and moisture in its upright stowed position. Hinges on the lid 38 allow it to swing under the bed when it is in its lowered position and to stay in place when the bed is put back upright. The "backpack" is further protected within a canvas cover to prevent dust and water from entering into the bed system.

The support plate 20 is typically welded to the chassis of the camper trailer 12 with a gusset 40 to help support the full weight of the "backpack" when stowed in its upright position. A gully 42 is preferably provided in the support plate 20, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 7, to act as a water course to divert rainwater away from the bed system. When a tent is mounted over the bed system it allows part of the tent side to sit in the gully 42 and divert water away from the bed. The hinge 22 is positioned so that it will not bend down too far and break when the bed is swung down to its lowered position.

Preferably the bed system 10 further comprises a mattress (not shown) which is held in a folded condition between the two sections 30 and 32 of the bed frame 14 in the stowed position. The bed frame 14 of this embodiment is designed to accommodate a Queen Size mattress, however clearly it can be modified to suit other mattress sizes.

Preferably the bed system 10 further comprises a tent 44 that opens up and covers the entire bed frame 14 in the lowered position, as shown in Figure 12.

Advantageously the tent 44 is also held in a folded condition between the two sections 30 and 32 of the bed frame in the stowed position. The tent 44 comprises a canvas enclosure and folded aluminium frames (not visible) which can be attached to the sides of the bed frame 14 on a plurality of support plates 46 (see Figures 3 and When the bed frame 14 is folded down the tent 44 is in a position ready to be erected in its upright stage. The tent 44 opens up and covers the entire bed system 10 and also provides a living area at ground level on one side of the Queen Size bed.

The camper trailer 12 has hatch doors 48 on either side that open up to provide access to a kitchen on one side and a storage area on the other side, as shown in Figure 6. The camper trailer 12 also has a storage area beneath the trailer which is accessible from both the lift up side in the kitchen and the -8off side storage area. There is also a large storage area in the centre of the trailer for tables, chairs, double mattress, sleeping gear, etc.

Attached to the camper trailer are also five large pullout drawers 50 on rollers for further storage, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The rollout drawer B provides convenient access to the kitchen area. The storage area alongside drawer B can be used for storing a battery and electrical system. Drawers A and E provide a storage area under the kitchen sink 52 for detergents and disposable rubbish and the legs 24 for the bed. A lift-up panel 54, shown in Figure 10, gives further access to the pullout drawers 50 when the trailer is stationary and the side of the trailer is in a down position. C, D and G are further storage areas 56 for storing recovery equipment and other camping equipment including tent poles for a shade area over the kitchen. An 80 litre fridge 58 is set on rollers and pulls out for easy access. Figure 11 shows the arrangement of the various storage areas within the camper trailer 12, including a water tank A drawer on the back of the camper trailer, at the bed head, can be accessed from the bed through a tent window when the bed is made up, and the bed system 10 is in its lowered position and the tent is fully erected. This is convenient because it allows access to personal items in the drawer while the person is in bed.

The camper trailer 12 also has a roof rack 64 for carrying additional equipment and luggage on top of the trailer. Support bars 66, which hold the "backpack" bed system 10 onto the back of the trailer in its upright stowed position, also double as supports for the roof rack 64. These support bars 66 are connected to the chassis of the trailer for optimum strength. A cleat 68 is fixed to each support bar 66 to hold the roof rack to the trailer, and the "backpack" bed system is attached to the roof rack support on the back of the trailer to stop any movement. An easy to remove mesh tray 70 (see Figure 8) is provided in the roof rack 64, for carrying goods that cannot be carried within the camper trailer. Removable brackets 72 are provided for attaching the roof rack 64 to the support bars 66.

The arrangement of the "backpack" folding bed system 10 on the back of the camper trailer 12 means that valuable storage space within the trailer is not wasted and provides a more efficient system. It is also easy to operate and can be lowered down in two stages. In the first stage the whole "backpack" is swung down from its upright position to a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 3, and the first two legs 24 are attached to the corresponding brackets 26. The second section 32 of the bed frame 14 is then swung up and over to a position in which it is coplanar with the first section 30 and the remaining legs 24 attached, as shown in Figure 4. When the bed is repacked the second section 32 is positioned over the first section and a gas lift helps to lift the entire bed system back to its upright stowed position on the back of the camper trailer.

Now that preferred embodiments of the folding bed system have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following: It is more easily accessed since it unfolds down onto solid legs, low to the ground.

(ii) It can be left made up for sleeping throughout the camping period.

(iii) Minimal effort is required to enter the sleeping compartment, which is at ground level with an enclosed floor space.

(iv) The bed is standard height and can be entered by merely sitting on the side of the bed and swinging one's legs onto the bed, making it very appealing to any camper especially the older generation.

It decreases the likelihood of falls because one does not have to climb up and down a ladder which is a bonus in isolated areas where medical assistance may not be readily available.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, it is not essential that the bed frame be formed in to two sections. It could have a single section to provide a more compact design for a single bed mattress, or indeed three sections to accommodate a King Size mattress. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and is to be determined from the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding bed system for mounting on the back of a camper trailer or other vehicle, the bed system comprising: a bed frame adapted to fold down from a substantially upright, stowed position to a substantially horizontal, lowered position; a support plate adapted to be attached to the back of the camper trailer or other vehicle, the bed frame being pivotally coupled on a first side of the bed frame to the support plate so that the support plate helps to support the first side of the bed frame in its lowered position, and fully supports the bed frame in its stowed position; and, a plurality of legs for supporting the bed frame on the ground in its lowered position.

2. A folding bed system as defined in claim 1, wherein the bed frame comprises a first section and a second section, said first side of the bed frame being on the first section, the first section being pivotally connected to the second section along a second side of the first section.

3. A folding bed system as defined in claim 2, wherein the two sections of the bed frame are substantially identical so that a pivot axis of the pivotal connection between the first and second sections forms a centre line of the bed frame.

4. A folding bed system as defined in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the two sections of the bed frame can be folded from a substantially coplanar side by side configuration in the lowered position to a substantially parallel face to face configuration in the stowed position. A folding bed system as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bed frame is pivotally coupled to the support plate by means of a hinge that extends along the first side of the bed frame.

6. A folding bed system as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each leg is removably attached to the bed frame in a support bracket. I

12- 7. A folding bed system as defined in claim 6, wherein each leg is provided with a plurality of apertures therein for attaching the leg to its support bracket and to allow the height of the leg to be adjusted. 8. A folding bed system as defined in claim 4, the bed system further comprising a mattress which is held in a folded condition between the two sections of the bed frame in the stowed position. 9. A folding bed system as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the bed system further comprising a tent that opens up and covers the entire bed frame in the lowered position. A folding bed system as defined in claim 6, wherein the tent is held in a folded condition within the bed frame in the stowed position. 11. A camper trailer or other vehicle having a folding bed system as defined in any one of the preceding claims mounted on the back of the trailer or other vehicle. 12. A folding bed system substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

13. A camper trailer substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Dated this 18th day of May 2007 Walter Meville Jinman by his Patent Attorneys Janet Stead Associates