AU2018204104A1 - Inflatable Camper Trailer Tent and Annex with Single Inflation Point - Google Patents

Abstract

A camper trailer with air inflatable tent and annexe includes a joiner between the tent and annexe inflatable elements to allow them to be inflated from a single air source. Fig. 1

Description

Inflatable Camper Trailer Tent and Annex with Single Inflation Point

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to camper trailers, in particular to inflatable camper trailers and annexes.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Camper trailers are an attractive alternative to caravans when a small and robust trailer is desired, particularly for off-road applications. By their very nature camper trailers require a fair degree of setup before they can be used, with the erected camper often covering an area of up to 4 times that of the packed trailer and also being several times taller. Setting up a conventional camper trailer can take up to 15 minutes and can a difficult task for the aged and infirm.

[0003] To make erecting a camper trailer quicker and easier the applicant developed air inflation systems for erecting camper trailer tents and annexes that abrogate the need for poles or hoops and the like. The camper trailer tents and annexes are often manufactured separately and are often used independently. Consequently each has its own air inflation system, with the obvious cost and space implications, or a single system is moved between the two with its obvious inconvenience.

[0004] The object of this invention is to provide an air inflation system that can operate at a single point to inflate either the tent of a camper trailer alone, or in combination with an annexe to alleviate the above problems, or at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In a first aspect the invention provides a camper trailer including a tent with inflatable elements and an annexe with inflatable elements, wherein the camper trailer further comprises a joiner to provide an air passage way between the tent inflatable elements and the annexe inflatable elements.

[0006] Preferably the joiner is attached to the tent and annexe via a valve and is detachable from the tent and annexe.

2018204104 08 Jun 2018 [0007] In preference the camper trailer further comprises an integral air source for inflating the tent and annexe.

[0008] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an inflatable camper trailer and annexe incorporating the invention.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a cutaway view of the camper trailer and annexe showing the connection between their respective inflatable components.

[0012] Figure 3 shows the joiner for airflow between the tent and the annexe.

[0013] Figure 4 shows the joiner detached from the tent and the annexe.

DRAWING COMPONENTS [0014] The drawings include the following integers.

camper trailer trailer tent inflatable rib connector spigot lip thread valve annexe inflatable rib

2018204104 08 Jun 2018 connector joiner tube mating connector

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0015] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0016] The present invention provides an inflation system for a camper trailer that allows the tent and annexe to be inflated together from a single point, or for the tent to be inflated by itself. This abrogates the need for a separate inflation system for the annexe and allows the single inflation system to be built into the camper trailer as it does not need to be moved to inflate the annexe [0017] Figure 1 shows the general arrangement of a camper trailer 10 incorporating the invention. The camper trailer comprises a trailer 20 with an inflatable tent 30 and an inflatable annexe 40. The tent 30 includes a number of inflatable ribs 32; similarly the annexe 40 includes inflatable ribs 32. The ribs of the tent are joined together so that they may be inflated in unison, similarly the ribs of the annexe. The invention provides for the tent ribs to be connected to the annexe ribs so that all ribs may be inflated in unison.

[0018] Figure 2 shows the camper trailer 20 with the tent 30 and annexe 40 cut away to reveal the joiner 50 which provides an air path between the ribs 32 of the tent and the ribs 42 of the annexe.

[0019] The joiner 50 is shown in detail in Figure 3. Connector 40 is attached to a rib 42 of the annexe (not shown) and connector 34 is attached to a rib 32 of the tent (not shown). A flexible tube 52 joins the two connectors together to provide an air passage between the tent ribs and the annexe ribs.

[0020] In Figure 4 the tube 52 has been disconnected from the connectors 34 and

2018204104 08 Jun 2018

44, revealing the other parts of the joiner. Only connector 34 need be discussed; connector 44 operates identically. The connector 34 accepts the end of the tube 52 between spigot 35 and lip 36. Mating connector 53 sits over the end of the tube 52 and has an internal thread (not shown) that engages thread 37 allowing it to securely attach the tube 52 to the connector 34. The connector 34 includes valve 38 which can be closed to stop air flow when the tube is not fitted. Typically the valve 38 of the tent connector would be closed when the annexe is not being used so that the tent can be inflated independently of the annexe.

[0021] With the inflatable components of the tent and annexe connected to each other the tent and annexe can be inflated as one. This allows a single source of air to be used. Typically this would be supplied by a small air compressor integrated within the trailer and connected to the tent ribs. As there is no need to move the compressor between the tent and the annexe it is free to be located in a relatively inaccessible part of the trailer, space that might otherwise go unused.

[0022] The reader will now appreciate the present invention which provides an air inflation system that can operate at a single point to inflate either the tent of a camper trailer alone, or in combination with an annexe.

[0023] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field.

[0024] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word comprising and its derivatives including comprises and comprise include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Claims (6)

1. A camper trailer comprising a tent with inflatable elements and an annexe with inflatable elements, wherein the camper trailer further comprises a joiner to provide an air passage way between the tent inflatable elements and the annexe inflatable elements.

2. A camper trailer as in claim 1, wherein the joiner is attached to the tent via a valve.

3. A camper trailer as in claim 1, wherein the joiner is detachable from the tent.

4. A camper trailer as in claim 1, wherein the joiner is attached to the annexe via a valve.

5. A camper trailer as in claim 1, wherein the joiner is detachable from the annexe.

6. A camper trailer as in claim 1, further comprising an integral air source.