EP3247243A1

EP3247243A1 - Portable bed with attachable tent

Info

Publication number: EP3247243A1
Application number: EP16703854.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anthony BRERETON; Mark Thompson
Original assignee: Ninja Corp
Current assignee: Finecard International Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-20
Filing date: 2016-01-20
Publication date: 2017-11-29
Also published as: CA2974305A1; WO2016116865A1; US20180042397A1; MX2017009392A; CN107734999A

Abstract

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.

Description

PORTABLE BED WITH ATTACHABLE TENT

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/105,397, filed 20 January 2015, which is entitled "Clever Bed," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/154,803, filed 30 April 2015, which is entitled "Clever Bed," both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to camping and recreational equipment, and more specifically, to a portable bed with an attachable tent. Background

[0003] 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. [0004] 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. [0005] 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

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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. [0012] 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

[0013] 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. [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed with an attachable tent with detail views of attachment points.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective cutaway view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a left side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent. [0018] FIG. 5 is a right side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an attachable tent.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a base view diagram illustrating an underside of an attachable tent. [0022] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed with a detail view of an attachment point.

[0023] 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.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. [0025] FIG. 12 is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0026] FIG. 13 a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a back view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0028] FIG 15 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. [0030] FIG. 17 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0032] FIG. 19 a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a back view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0034] FIG 21 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. [0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a side exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portable bed. Detailed Description

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 ot the portable bed 104.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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. [0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

Claims

1. A portable bed, comprising:

a mat for insulating a user from the ground;

a pillow portion coupled to the mat; and

attachable bedding coupled to the mat, the attached bedding being attachable to the mat by an attachment mechanism.

2. The portable bed of claim 1, further comprising an attachment point for attaching an attachable tent to the portable bed.

3. The portable bed of claim 2, wherein attachment point further comprises an attachment strap.

4. The portable bed of claim 3, wherein the attachment strap is adjustable.

5. The portable bed of claim 3, wherein the attachment strap comprises an eyelet configured to receive an attachment point of an attachable tent.

6. The portable bed of claim 1, further comprising a bottom sheet and a top sheet, the bottom sheet and the top sheet being attached together.

7. The portable bed of claim 5, further comprising a self-inflating foam mattress disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

8. The portable bed of claim 5, further comprising a self-inflating foam pillow block disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

9. The portable bed of claim 5, further comprising a comfort foam layer disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

10. The portable bed of claim 5, further comprising an inflation valve coupled to at least one of the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

11. The portable bed of claim 5, further comprising an attachment point further comprises a zipper for sipping the bedding to the mat.

12. An attachable tent for attachment to a portable bed, the attachable tent comprising: a cover comprising a layer of material configured to define a sleeping space;

a support structure configured to support the cover; and

an attachment point configured to attach the attachable tent to the portable bed.

13. The attachable tent of claim 12, wherein the support structure further comprises a tent pole.

14. The attachable tent of claim 13, wherein the attachment point further comprises an exposed end of the tent pole configured to engage an eyelet in a second attachment point coupled to the portable bed.

15. A system comprising: a portable bed comprising:

a mat for insulating a user from the ground;

a pillow portion coupled to the mat;

attachable bedding coupled to the mat, the attached bedding being attachable to the mat by an attachment mechanism; and

a first attachment point coupled to the mat, the first attachment point. an attachable tent configured to be coupled ot the portable bed, the attachable tent comprising:

a cover comprising a layer of material configured to define a sleeping space; a support structure configured to support the cover; and

a second attachment point configured to attach the attachable tent to the portable bed by engaging with the first attachment point.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first attachment point further comprises a strap coupled to the mat.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the strap further comprises an eyelet.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the support structure further comprises a tent pole.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the second attachment point further comprises an exposed portion of the tent pole.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the exposed portion of the tent pole is further configured to engage with the eyelet, thereby attaching the attachable tent to the portable bed.