AU2018222888A1 - Swag - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable swag or bedding frame comprising: a foldable base comprising a planar surface to receive bedding, the base having a width and a length extending between a head end and a foot end; the foldable base comprising two or more parts and a fastening arrangement for movably fastening said two or parts of the base to each other such that: in a first operable configuration, the parts of the base can be folded along the length into a stowed configuration; and in a second operable configuration, the parts of the base can be unfolded or spread along the length into an extended configuration to provide the planar surface to receive the bedding thereon; one or more deployable legs extending from the folding base, the legs being adapted to be extended downwardly for supporting the base above an underlying surface in the second configuration; and a plurality of supports fastened to the base, the supports being adapted to be erected relative to the base to mount a tent enclosure. 100 122 124 112 116 34 14132B lo14 1 5 1715 5A 150B 140-' 14250

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [001] The present invention relates a portable swag or bedding frame and is particularly suitable for mounting a tent enclosure. The invention is particularly useful for campers and travellers.

BACKGROUND [002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[003] In recent years the popularity of camping and leisure activities has seen an increased use of various styles of camping structures and leisure items. Swags, rooftop tents and regular ground tents have been popular for those who like portability or have limited storage at home. Swags and rooftop tents are also favoured by people who like to camp at camping sites for short durations. Whilst swags, rooftop tents and ground tents are popular among campers, each of these systems have their own limitation.

[004] Rooftop tents have the benefit of allowing the camper to leave their bedding such as sleeping bag, pillows or clothing in the tent when they are packed up at the end of a campsite stay. However some of the major limitations of rooftop tents include:

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 • Difficulties associated with climbing a ladder particularly for campers who suffer from mobility issues;

• Permanent fixation of the rooftop tent to the vehicle’s roof which prevents campers from leaving a campsite once the roof top tent has been erected on the roof of the vehicle;

• Inability to erect a rooftop tent independently of the vehicle particularly when a campsite is located some distance from a designated area for parking vehicles.

• Difficulties associated with removing a rooftop tent from the vehicle’s roof once a camping trip has been completed;

• Difficulties with limited vehicle roof space which invariably results in a rooftop ten occupying the entire width of a vehicle’s roof or roof rack which in turn limits the vehicle’s ability to mount any other desirable camping items such as a kayak or bike on the roof of the vehicle.

[005] Ground tents are available in many different styles. Some of the popular ground tent styles include cabin and dome tents. Most ground tents provide similar functions. Ground tents are suitable for those campers that don’t like the challenges of a rooftop tent, have limited storage space at home or desire a camping solution that doesn’t require towing a trailer. However, some of the major limitations of a ground tent are:

• Inability to store bedding once the tent has been packed up. As a result, campers need to carry additional camping items, namely mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows.

• Difficulties for some people to bend down and get up from a low lying mattresses that has been placed at ground level. Camping stretchers address

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 this problem. However camping stretchers are bulky and increase the overall number of camping items.

• Trapped moisture between the floor of the tent and the mattresses can also result in the mattress becoming wet and causing discomfort to campers.

[006] Swags are popular as a camping structure for those while like a portable camping solution and only camp in one spot for a short period of time. Being able to roll your swag with the bedding contained in the swag improves setup speed and means there are no extra items to store on your vehicle for travel. However, some of the major limitations of swags are:

• Sleeping on the ground can make it challenging for some people to climb down and get up from a low bed.

• Using a stretcher to provided an elevated bed is difficult with a swag.

• Lack of options for campers to sleep off the ground particularly in areas where there is a risk from dangerous animals or other security concerns.

• Limited comfort during extended periods of use due to lack of options for using mattresses in combination with a swag.

[007] In view of the above, is desirable to provide a portable swag or bedding system which addresses some of the shortcoming of the prior art.

2018222888 27 Aug 2018

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [008] In an aspect, the invention provides a portable swag or bedding frame comprising:

a foldable base comprising a planar surface to receive bedding, the base having a width and a length extending between a head end and a foot end; the foldable base comprising two or more parts and a fastening arrangement for movably fastening said two or parts of the base to each other such that:

in a first operable configuration, the parts of the base can be folded along the length into a stowed configuration; and in a second operable configuration, the parts of the base can be unfolded or spread along the length into an extended configuration to provide the planar surface to receive the bedding thereon;

one or more deployable legs extending from the folding base, the legs being adapted to be extended downwardly for supporting the base above an underlying surface in the second configuration; and a plurality of supports fastened to the base, the supports being adapted to be erected relative to the base to mount a tent enclosure.

[009] In an embodiment, the parts of the foldable base extend along the length of the base and wherein the parts of the base comprise first and second spaced apart base portions with an intermediate base portion positioned there-between such that:

in the first operable configuration the first base portion is adapted to be folded and positioned above the second base portion and wherein the intermediate base portion is adapted to be moved into a transverse position relative to the folded first and

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 second base portions to define a gap therebetween to accommodate the plurality of supports in the gap; and in the second operable configuration the first and second base portions and the intermediate portion can be unfolded relative to each other such that respective planes of the first and second base portions and the intermediate portion can be aligned to become substantially coplanar.

[010] In an embodiment, the one or more of said plurality of support are movably fastened relative to the intermediate base portion.

[011] In an embodiment, each support comprises a substantially U-shaped or C shaped frame extending along a length of the intermediate base portion.

[012] In an embodiment, end portions of the substantially U-shaped or C shaped frame is fastened to opposite end portions of the intermediate base portion.

[013] In an embodiment, the portable swag or bedding frame comprises:

at least a first central support adapted to be positioned in a substantially perpendicular positioned relative to the planar surface of the base; and one or more additional supports adapted to be positioned at an angle (x) relative to the planar surface of the base, wherein x is less than 90 degrees.

[014] In an embodiment, orientation of the one or more additional supports can be varied to align the additional supports in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the central support.

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 [015] In an embodiment, the one or more additional supports can be pivoted relative to one or more brackets attached onto the intermediate base portion.

[016] In an embodiment, the one or more parts of the base comprise a fastening arrangement positioned along an underside of at least one part of the base to removably attach the base onto a roof of the vehicle in the first operable configuration.

[017] In an embodiment, the fastening arrangement is positioned along an underside of one or both of the first and second base portions.

[018] In an embodiment, the portable swag or bedding frame further comprises: a detachable wheel assembly for transporting the portable swag or bedding frame in the first operable configuration, the wheel assembly comprising one or more wheels supported on an axle coupled to one or more frame members, said frame members being adapted to be removably fastened to the base.

[019] In an embodment, the one or more frame members of the wheel assembly are adapted to be telescopically received into one or more corresponding frame members of the base.

[020] In an embodiment, the one or more frame members of the wheel assembly are adapted to be telescopically received into one or more corresponding frame members of the first and/or second base portions.

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 [021] In an embodiment, the one or more frame members of the wheel assembly are adapted to be positioned transversely relative to the base to allow the frame to be wheeled in the first operable configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [022] 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:

Figures 1 is a perspective view of a portable swag frame 100 (in a spread out-extended configuration) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the portable swag frame 100 (in a folded configuration).

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the portable swag frame 100 (in a folded configuration) whereby the frame 100 has been mounted onto roof racks R1 and R2

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portable swag frame 100 (in a spread out-extended configuration) with a tent enclosure mounted onto the swag frame 100.

Figure 5A illustrates a bracket 25 in accordance with a first embodiment for attachment of the supports 120 to the swag frame 100.

Figure 5B illustrates brackets 25A, 25B and 25C in accordance with another embodiment for attachment of the supports 120 to the swag frame 100.

2018222888 27 Aug 2018

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [023] Throughout, the specification the terms “swag” and “bedding frame” will be used interchangeably. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a portable bedding frame or a swag 100. The portable swag 100 includes a foldable base 110 that provides a planar surface for receiving bedding thereon. The base 110 comprises a width (W) and a length (L) extending between a head end and a foot end. The foldable base 110 includes first and second spaced apart base portions 112 and 114 with an intermediate base portion 116 positioned there-between. A plurality of supports 120 (122, 124 and 126) are provided for mounting a tent enclosure 160 (shown in Figure 4). The plurality of supports 120 are fastened to the base 110 by way of a mounting bracket 25 (or multiple mounting brackets 25A, 25B and 25C shown in Figure 5B for an alternative embodiment) to allow the supports 120 to be erected relative to the base 110 which allows the tent enclosure to be mounted thereon and enclose an internal space when the swag frame 100 is in an unfolded and spread-out configuration.

[024] Referring particularly to Figure 2, the portable swag 100 is shown in a folded configuration. Each of the spaced apart base portions 112 and 114 are hinged relative to the intermediate base portion 116. The hinged arrangement allows the first base portion 112 to be folded and positioned above the second base portion 114. In the folded configuration, the intermediate base portion 116 is positioned in a transverse (substantially perpendicular) position relative to the folded base portions 112 and 114 to define a gap between the folded base portions 112 and 114 that is sufficiently large for housing the plurality of supports 120. On the other hand, in the spread-out and erected configuration as shown in Figure 1, the first and second base portions 112

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 and 114 and the intermediate portion 116 can be unfolded relative to each other such that respective planes of the first and second base portions 112 and 114 and the intermediate base portion 116 can be aligned to become substantially coplanar so that a user may use the base for positioning bedding on the base once the swag 100 has been positioned in the spread-out configuration. The foldable configuration of the base 110 allows the swag frame 100 to be conveniently folded into a compact configuration as a result of which the folded swag frame 100 (as shown in Figure 2) occupies a much smaller space and can be easily mounted onto a roof of a vehicle (see Figure

3) while also allowing users to mount other items on the roof.

[025] Once again, referring to Figure 1, the swag frame 100 is also provided with two pairs of deployable legs 132 (132A, 132B) and 134(134A, 134B) extending from the folding base 110. Specifically, a pair of deployable legs (132 and 134 respectively) is provided underneath each of the spaced apart base portions 112 and 114. The deployable legs can be deployed to extend in a downwardly direction to support the base 110 for supporting the base above an underlying surface in the standing spreadout configuration. Provision of the deployable legs (132, 134) prevents the bedding (positioned on the base 110) from becoming wet or capturing moisture. It is important to note that the legs 132 and 134 may be provided in any shape or configuration without departing from the scope of the invention.

[026] Referring to the supports 120 (See Figure 1), three C-shaped or U-shaped support members 122, 124 and 126 (that extending along the length L of the base 110) are provided to mount the tent enclosure 160 (See Figure 4). The end portions for each of the supports 122, 124 and 126 are fastened to brackets 125 that are

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 provided at the head end and foot end of the intermediate base portion 116. The central support member 126 is positioned centrally and in between additional support members 122 and 124. The central support member 126 can be positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the planar surface ofthe base 110.

The additional support members 122 and 124 are adapted to be positioned at an acute angle (preferably between 30 degrees and 60 degrees-non limiting). The brackets 125 (See Figure 5A) allows the additional supports 122 and 124 to be pivoted relative to the bracket 25. IN an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5B, separate brackets 25A, 215B and 25C may be provided for fastening each end ofthe support members 122, 124 and 126 respectively. The bracket 125 (or brackets 125A and 125C) allows the orientation ofthe additional support members 122 and 124 can be varied to align the additional support members 122 and 124 in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the central support member 126 as shown in Figure 2 (in the folded configuration).

[027] Turning to Figures 2 and 3 the folded swag frame 100 can be mounted onto roof racks R1 and R2 of a vehicle V. At least one of the spaced apart base portions 112 and 114 includes a fastening arrangement positioned along an underside ofthe base portion 112 or 114 to removably attach the base portion 112 and/or 114 onto roof racks R1 and R2 of the vehicle V thereby allowing the swag frame 100 to be easily mounted onto the roof of the vehicle in a compact and folded configuration.

[028] Turning to Figure 2, an optional detachable wheel assembly 140 is provided to wheel the folded swag frame 100 and allow easy transportation of the swag frame 100. The wheel assembly 140 includes two spaced apart wheels 142 supported on an

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 axle 145. The wheel assembly 140 also includes spaced apart wheel frame members 144 that support the axle 145 and the wheels 142. Each of the wheel frame member

144 is coupled to the underside of the base 110 (specifically the base portion 112 and/or 114). In the preferred embodiment, the wheel frame 144 extends transversely relative to the plane of the base 110. Additional telescopically coupled wheel assemblies 150A and 150B may also be provided at the head end or foot end of the base 110 to allow the folded swag frame 100 to be wheeled in an upright transport position. Each additional wheel assembly 150A and 150B includes a telescopic member 152 that be received into a corresponding hollow frame member 117 of the base 110, specifically the base portion 114. The telescopic member 152 may be retracted into the hollow frame 117 during periods of non-use.

[029] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of’ is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[030] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[031] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (14)

1. A portable swag or bedding frame comprising:

a foldable base comprising a planar surface to receive bedding, the base having a width and a length extending between a head end and a foot end; the foldable base comprising two or more parts and a fastening arrangement for movably fastening said two or parts of the base to each other such that:

in a first operable configuration, the parts of the base can be folded along the length into a stowed configuration; and in a second operable configuration, the parts of the base can be unfolded or spread along the length into an extended configuration to provide the planar surface to receive the bedding thereon;

one or more deployable legs extending from the folding base, the legs being adapted to be extended downwardly for supporting the base above an underlying surface in the second configuration; and a plurality of supports fastened to the base, the supports being adapted to be erected relative to the base to mount a tent enclosure.

2. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 1 wherein the parts ofthe foldable base extend along the length ofthe base and wherein the parts ofthe base comprise first and second spaced apart base portions with an intermediate base portion positioned there-between such that:

in the first operable configuration the first base portion is adapted to be folded and positioned above the second base portion and wherein the intermediate base

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 portion is adapted to be moved into a transverse position relative to the folded first and second base portions to define a gap therebetween to accommodate the plurality of supports in the gap; and in the second operable configuration the first and second base portions and the intermediate portion can be unfolded relative to each other such that respective planes of the first and second base portions and the intermediate portion can be aligned to become substantially coplanar.

3. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 2 wherein one or more of said plurality of support are movably fastened relative to the intermediate base portion.

4. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 3 wherein each support comprises a substantially U-shaped or C shaped frame extending along a length of the intermediate base portion.

5. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 4 wherein end portions ofthe substantially U-shaped or C shaped frame is fastened to opposite end portions of the intermediate base portion.

6. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with any one of the preceding claims comprising:

2018222888 27 Aug 2018 at least a first central support adapted to be positioned in a substantially perpendicular positioned relative to the planar surface of the base; and one or more additional supports adapted to be positioned at an angle (x) relative to the planar surface of the base, wherein x is less than 90 degrees.

7. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 6 wherein orientation of the one or more additional supports can be varied to align the additional supports in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the central support.

8. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 7 wherein the one or more additional supports can be pivoted relative to a bracket attached onto the intermediate base portion.

9. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more parts of the base comprise a fastening arrangement positioned along an underside of at least one part of the base to removably attach the base onto a roof of the vehicle in the first operable configuration.

10. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 8 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein the fastening arrangement is positioned along an underside of one or both of the first and second base portions.

2018222888 27 Aug 2018

11. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a detachable wheel assembly for transporting the portable swag or bedding frame in the first operable configuration, the wheel assembly comprising one or more wheels supported on an axle coupled to one or more frame members, said frame members being adapted to be removably fastened to the base.

12. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 11, wherein the one or more frame members of the wheel assembly are adapted to be telescopically received into one or more corresponding frame members of the base.

13. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 12 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein the one or more frame members of the wheel assembly are adapted to be telescopically received into one or more corresponding frame members of the first and/or second base portions.

14. A portable swag or bedding frame in accordance with claim 11 wherein the one or more frame members of the wheel assembly are adapted to be positioned transversely relative to the base to allow the frame to be wheeled in the first operable configuration.