AU2021104444A4

AU2021104444A4 - Roof top sleeping arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2021104444A4
Application number: AU2021104444A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Clinton McCarthur
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-22
Filing date: 2021-07-22
Publication date: 2021-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-22

Abstract

The invention relates to a sleeping arrangement suitable for installation atop a vehicle roof. The sleeping arrangement comprises a base (201) connected to one or more tops (202), wherein the one or more tops, when in a fully open position, substantially form a plane with the base (201), and each of the base (201) and the one or more tops (202) are suitable for supporting one or more one-piece mattresses. When in a closed position the sleeping arrangement may be covered with a soft cover or enclosed within hard cover. The cover may be partially opened using one or more mechanical or electrical actuators (261) and fully opened using a second one or more mechanical or electrical actuators (262). The sleeping arrangement may include one or more supported covers (230) and supports (211a) or (211b) extending laterally from the base (201) and or the top (202) which at least part of the top is connected to, thereby enabling covered access to the sleeping arrangement. The base (201) and top (202), when closed, may mate together to form a seal, protecting the interior from the elements when installed onto or into the roof of a vehicle. 1 FIGURE 1A 300 FIGURE 1B 7/ s 2o 1/3

Description

FIGURE 1A

300

FIGURE 1B

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s 2o

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ROOF TOP SLEEPING ARRANGEMENT FIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed to a sleeping arrangement suitable for installation atop a vehicle.

[0002] The person skilled in the art will understand that a sleeping arrangement refers to an arrangement suitable for sleeping on or within, but that such an arrangement may be used for other purposes.

[0003] Further, such a sleeping arrangement may be stored or installed in various locations including: atop or integrated into the roof of, or inside, a vehicle such as a utility, utility canopy, utility tray/bed, trailer, bus, caravan. Alternatively, such a sleeping arrangement may be stored or installed on a freestanding platform, on the ground, fixed in a permanent or semi-permanent location, or inside a building such as a domestic house.

BACKGROUND

Most sleeping arrangements including roof top tents and beds used with large vehicles such as buses, campervans, and trailers, are configured to accommodate only two adults on one bed with one mattress. Further, various mechanisms to open and close roof top sleeping arrangements are known but existing arrangements have various drawbacks.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a sleeping arrangement which could accommodate multiple separate beds, would be comfortable to sleep on, and would be fast and simple to open and close.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sleeping arrangement which addresses one or more of the above disadvantages in the prior art.

[0006] The reference in this specification to any prior publication, or information derived from it, or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication, or information derived from it, or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a sleeping arrangement comprising: a base (201); and a top (202), wherein the sleeping arrangement is configured to transfer between: a closed position in which the top (202) overlies the base (201), and a fully open position in which the top (202) and the base (201) are each substantially horizontal, and wherein the base (201) and the top (202) are each configured to supporting a mattress.

[0008] In an embodiment, the base (201) and the top (202) are connected such that either: (a) the top (202) hingedly connects to the base (201) such that the top (202) rotates about the hinge between the closed position and the fully open position; (b) the base (201) is connected to the top (202) using a scissor-lift means such that the top (202) raises and lowers between the closed position and the fully open position; or (c) the base (201) is connected to the top (202) via a rotating support means (205), which enabling the top (202) to translate in an arc between the closed position the fully open position.

[0009] In an embodiment, the base (201) and the top (202) form a sealed compartment in a closed position.

[0010] In an embodiment, when the sleeping arrangement is in a partially open position, the unopened portion of the cover (230) remains sealed between a partition wall and the top (202), ensuring it does not obstruct use of the bed (221).

[0011] In an embodiment, the sleeping arrangement includes: a cover (230); and support means (209, 210, 211a, 211b, 212) configured to support the cover (230) above the base (201) and top (202) and thereby provide shelter when the sleeping arrangement is in a fully open position.

[0012] In an embodiment, the support means comprises: a vertical support (210) configured to rotate to substantially vertically from the base (201) or the top (202) in an extended position; and optionally at least one angled support (209, 210) configured to extend at an angle between horizontal and vertical from the base (201) or the top (202) in an extended position.

[0013] In an embodiment, the support means comprises at least one lateral support (211a, 211b) configured to extend or rotate to a position horizontal from the base (201) or the top (202).

[0014] In an embodiment, the sleeping arrangement comprise a first actuator (261) configured to transfer the sleeping arrangement between the closed position and an at least partially open position, optionally the fully opened position.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first actuator comprises a motor or a hand crank.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first actuator (261) is configured to transfer the sleeping arrangement between the closed position and a partially open position, further comprising a second actuator (262) configured transfer the sleeping arrangement between the partially open position and the fully open position.

[0017] In an embodiment, the second actuator comprises a motor or a hand crank.

[0018] In an embodiment, the sleeping arrangement comprises a ladder means configured to extend from the base (201) or the top (202) to enable access to the sleeping arrangement in a partially or fully open position.

[0019] In an embodiment, the top (202) comprises horizontal bars on the exterior of the top (202) to permit storage of items on the top (202) when closed and when open and which add structural support to the top (202) to support one or more people sleeping on.

[0020] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, and unless the context requires otherwise: the term "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps'; terms such as "side," "end," "top," "bottom,", "above," "below," "vertical" and "horizontal" and the like are only used to describe elements as they relate to one another, but are in no way meant to recite specific orientations of the device, to indicate or imply necessary or required orientations of the device, or to specify how the invention described herein will be used, mounted, displayed, or positioned in use; and reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) is intended to also incorporate reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figures 1A to 1D show a sleeping arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the top (202) is hingedly connected to a base (201). In Figure 1A the sleeping arrangement is shown in a closed position, while Figure 1B shows the sleeping arrangement in a partially open position, and Figure 1C shows the sleeping arrangement in a fully open position. Figure 1D exemplifies optional supports (211), which extend from the base (201) and top (202) to permit covered access to both sides of the sleeping arrangement.

[0022] FIGURE 2 shows a sleeping arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, in which at least one support (205) is pivotally connected between a base (201) and a top (202), thereby permitting the top (202) to move to an open position while remaining in a plane substantially the same as the base (201). FIGURE 2 further illustrates an optional hard cover (203) and optional lateral support (211b) according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figures 3A to 3C shows a sleeping arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention that utilises a scissor lift mechanism. The embodiment shown further comprises an optional hard cover (203) and optional supports (209), (212), (211b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In broad terms, the invention relates to a sleeping arrangement comprising a base (201) and at least one top (202) connected to the base (201), the base (201) and the at least one top (202) each being suitable for supporting a sleeping mattress.

[0025] Figures 1A to 1D illustrate the sleeping arrangement configured for installation onto or integral to the roof of a vehicle including trailer, caravan, or canopy but the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the sleeping arrangement can be installed or configured for other locations without compromising the benefits of the advantage.

[0026] Figure 1A illustrates the present sleeping arrangement for use with a roof top tent when in a closed position. Further, Figure 1A and other figures illustrate the use of one top (202) but the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the top (202) could be split in half and hingedly connected to opposite sides of the base (201), opening either side of the base, and thereby enabling 3 separate beds.

[0027] When in a closed position, the base (201) and top (202) may be locked to each other using any well known locking mechanism (300) such as toggle latches, locks, or any other suitable arrangement to prevent the top from opening during transit, accidental opening, and or access when the sleeping arrangement is unattended. It should be understood that a lock is not necessary, particularly when electric actuators are used as these can serve to prevent the top (202) from opening.

[0028] In one embodiment, a position sensor may be connected which prevents accidental electric engagement of the actuators when the top (202) is in a closed or locked position. The sensor may be positioned in any suitable location including but not limited to between the lock and base (201) or top (202); or between the base (201) and top (202). The actuators may therefore become electrically engaged when the lock is unlocked and or the top (202) is partially open.

[0029] The base (201) and top (202) may optionally be protected from the elements using a soft material such as canvas or PVC. Alternatively, the base (201) and top (202) may be a rigid shell made from a suitable material such as aluminum, steel, plastic, carbon fiber etc. which mate with each other when closed to form a seal, protecting the interior of the sleeping arrangement when closed.

[0030] In one embodiment, each of the base (201) and top (202) may be single piece material with additional structural support integrated or external to the piece. The single piece may be formed from a mold or mechanically created through welding. Alternatively, the base (201) and top (202) may be formed from multiple components, in particular each of the sides may be separately formed and mechanically joined during assembly of the roof top tent. The substantially planar portion of each of the base (201) and top (202) may be separately joined during assembly and may optionally be made of a different material from the sides such as a composite board which may provide additional insulation.

[0031] The person skilled in the art will understand that the base (201) and top (202) are designed to support one or more persons sleeping on each of the base (201) and the top (202). This may be achieved using a single platform made from e.g. plywood, aluminum, or steel; and or a frame connected to the interior and or exterior of the base (201) and or the top (202).

[0032] Optionally, where one or more frame members are needed for the top (202), they may be installed on the exterior of the top to both provide structural support and permit storage of items on the top when in a closed and or open position.

[0033] Fastened to each of the top side of the base (201) and the bottom side of the top when closed of the inside of the top (202) is one or more mattresses (221) and (222) such that when the top (202) is opened the mattress(es) remain in position to form a second, separate bed. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that mattresses (221) and (222) could be replaced with zero, two or more slimmer beds while still achieving the benefits of the present invention and that the mattress(es) could be fastened using any one or combination of velcro, straps, brackets over each corner of the mattress, or a mechanical means such as a hook and loop connecting the mattress(es) to the base (201) or top (202).

[0034] The top (202) may fold to a partially open state of between 50 and 130 degrees such that just one mattress (221) may be used. Alternatively the top (202) may be fully opened to substantially 180 degrees, or a position such that the top (202) opens to substantially the same plane as the base (201) even if the top (202) opens to a position at a different elevation to the base (201) due to the hinge (240) used to open the top (202).

[0035] To assist with opening the top (202), struts or linear actuators (261) and (262) may be used. Since assisted opening to about 180 degrees is challenging, two or more struts or actuators may be used. Preferably two struts or actuators (261) are used on each of a first and second side opposite each other. The first strut or actuator (261) is connected between the base (201) and the support (212), and the second strut or actuator is connected between the support (212) and top (202). The same configuration may appear on the opposite side to distribute the load taken by the strut or actuators (261). This arrangement has the advantage of enabling the top (202) to be opened only partially to between about 50 and 130 degrees relative to the base

(201) when only one bed base is needed and or when the top (202) would open to an area which is obstructed.

[0036] Preferably one or more supports may be pivotally or hingedly connected to the top (202) such that the support poles can easily be erected upon opening of the top (202) to support the weight of the top including with people on the bed when in use. In addition or alternatively, the weight of the top may be supported by one or more connections linked between the top (202) and base (201) which transverse from the base (201) and or supports (211a) and or (211b), supports (209), support (212), support (210), and top (202) and or hoop (211). The connection may be caused by the cover or a cable fastened at each support. Alternatively, the support poles may be stored separately.

[0037] In addition or alternatively, a ladder may be used which permits access and acts to support the top (202). Alternatively or in addition, a second ladder may be used to access the mattress(es) housed within the base (201).

[0038] An internal divider (not illustrated) may be installed on support (212) which permits the remaining supports (210) and cover (230) to remain discretely packed between the divider and top (202) when the sleeping arrangement is in a partially opened position. The divider may be optionally removable and or comprise a zip to permit access between the base (201) and top (202).

[0039] Preferably supports (211a) and (211b) may be extended relative to each of the base (201) and or top (202) which permit covered access to each bed. The method of extension may include one or more of a combination of the following or any other suitable arrangement:

[0040] Fixed length, or telescopic poles pivotally connected to the base and or top which may fold open 90 degrees and clip into the edge of the cover (230) or a bar connected to the outer edge of cover (230). This arrangement is similar to many roll out awnings for vehicles.

[0041] A fixed length or telescopic support which the cover (230) is connected to and which extends to the outer edge of the cover (230) and the hoop is either extendable from a recess or slide within the top and or base; or it may remain loose within the sleeping arrangement and is required to be separately connected.

[0042] An awning room, not illustrated, may be connectable to both sides of the sleeping arrangement using any means well known to the person skilled in the art such as velcro, clips and or zips.

[0043] The awning room may comprise one or more walls and optionally a floor and may be connected to the base (201) and or top (202) and supports (211a) and or (211b). The awing room may remain fixed to the sleeping arrangement when packed away or may be optionally installed separately.

[0044] While Figure 1A illustrates only three primary supports (209), (212), (210) and two secondary support supports (211), the person skilled in the art will understand the invention will work with more or less of each of the primary and secondary supports.

[0045] More generally, to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the present invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein, which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates; such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Claims

1. A sleeping arrangement comprising: a base (201); and a top (202), wherein the sleeping arrangement is configured to transfer between: a closed position in which the top (202) overlies the base (201), and a fully open position in which the top (202) and the base (201) are each substantially horizontal, and wherein the base (201) and the top (202) are each configured to support a mattress.

2. The sleeping arrangement of claim 1 wherein the base (201) and the top (202) are connected such that either: (a) the top (202) hingedly connects to the base (201) (b) the top (202) rotates about the hinge between the closed position and the fully open position; (c) the base (201) is connected to the top (202) using a scissor-lift means such that the top (202) raises and lowers between the closed position and the fully open position; or (d) the base (201) is connected to the top (202) via a rotating support means (205), which enabling the top (202) to translate in an arc between the closed position the fully open position.

3. The sleeping arrangement of either of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the base (201) and the top (202) form a sealed compartment in a closed position.

4. The sleeping arrangement of claim 3 wherein when the sleeping arrangement is in a partially open position, the unopened portion of the cover (230) remains sealed between a partition and the top (202), thereby enabling use of the bed (221).

5. The sleeping arrangement of any one of the previous claims, wherein the sleeping arrangement includes: a cover (230); and support means (209, 210, 211a, 211b, 212) configured to support the cover (230) above the base (201) and top (202) and thereby provide shelter when the sleeping arrangement is in a fully open position.

6. The sleeping arrangement of claim 5, wherein support means comprises: a vertical support (210) configured to extend substantially vertically from the base (201) or the top (202) in an extended position; and optionally at least one angled support (209, 210) configured to extend at an angle between horizontal and vertical from the base (201) or the top (202) in an extended position.

7. The sleeping arrangement of either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the support means comprises at least one lateral support (211a, 211b) configured to extend horizontally from the base (201) or the top (202) in an extended position.

8. The sleeping arrangement of any one of the previous claims, comprising a first actuator (261) configured to transfer the sleeping arrangement between the closed position and an at least partially open position, optionally the fully closed position.

9. The sleeping arrangement of claim 8 wherein the actuator comprises a motor or a hand crank.

10. The sleeping arrangement of either claims 8 or 9 wherein the first actuator (261) is configured to transfer the sleeping arrangement between the closed position and a partially open position, further comprising a second actuator (262) configured transfer the sleeping arrangement between the partially open position and the fully open position.

11. The sleeping arrangement of claim 10 wherein the second actuator comprises a motor or a hand crank.

12. The sleeping arrangement of any one of the previous claims, further comprising a ladder means configured to extend from the base (201) or the top (202) to enable access to the sleeping arrangement in an open position, optionally the sleeping arrangement comprises a second ladder means such that a ladder means extends from each of the base (201) and the top (202) to enable access to the sleeping arrangement in an open position.

13. The sleeping arrangement of any one of the previous claims wherein the top (202) comprises horizontal bars on the exterior of the top (202) to permit storage of items on the top (202) when closed and when open and which add structural support to the top (202) to support one or more people sleeping on.

FIGURE 1A 2021104444

FIGURE 1B

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FIGURE 1C 2021104444

FIGURE 1D

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FIGURE 2 2021104444

FIGURE 3

3A 3B 3C

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