CAMPING FURNITURE
United States Patent 3722011
A pair of bench units may be utilized by campers in vans or under canopies or tents. Each unit embodies a padded lid serving as a single bed. The two bench units side-by-side in a van or tent form a double bed. Beneath the lid of one unit is a complete kitchen apparatus and beneath the lid of the other unit is a large insulated storage chest. The twin units have adjustable legs and convenient carrying handles.
US Patent References:
Bed with storage compartment
Warshaver - October 1954 - 2692009
Combined ice chest, seat, life preserver, and reversible back
Woodruff, Sr. - July 1963 - 3099482
Pew
Hoven et al. - May 1959 - 2886098
Combined settee and cover
Bachrach - December 1955 - 2725923
Pullman camper truck attachment
Maidl - March 1961 - 2976078
Bed with storage compartment
Warshaver - October 1954 - 2692009
Combined ice chest, seat, life preserver, and reversible back
Woodruff, Sr. - July 1963 - 3099482
Pew
Hoven et al. - May 1959 - 2886098
Combined settee and cover
Bachrach - December 1955 - 2725923
Pullman camper truck attachment
Maidl - March 1961 - 2976078
Application Number:
05/140745
Publication Date:
03/27/1973
Filing Date:
05/06/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
297/188.090, 5/58, 5/308, 312/237, 296/164, 248/188.200, 5/2.100
International Classes:
A47C17/64; A47C17/00; A47C17/64
Field of Search:
5/8,52,58,118,308,310 297/192,193,422,217 248/188.2,446,148,180 312/236,237,228,231,214 296/23R
US Patent References:
| 2233864 | Slip cover construction | March 1941 | Edson |
Primary Examiner:
Gelak, Bernard A.
Assistant Examiner:
Marquette, Darrell
Claims:
1. Equipment for campers comprising a pair of companion bench units each having a box-like body defining storage and equipment compartments, removable covers for the box-like bodies having cushioning material thereon so that the tops of the bench units may form sleeping surfaces when the covers are in place, the pair of units then adapted to form a double sleeping surface when arranged side-by-side, and adjustable length supporting legs on each unit enabling it to be leveled and held at the desired elevation, said legs forming parts of end supporting assemblies for the units, said assemblies comprising pairs of angle brackets which embrace the corners of said box-like bodies, and transverse arms rigidly interconnecting the angle brackets, said legs secured rigidly to the angle brackets.
2. The structure of claim 1, and each leg comprising an inclined tubular element secured rigidly to one angle bracket, and a leg element secured adjustably within the tubular element.
3. The structure of claim 2, and a clamping set screw on each tubular element engaging the leg element to secure the same in a selected adjusted position.
4. The structure of claim 1, and said removable covers for the box-like bodies comprising slip top rectangular covers having a dependent marginal side flange, each box-like body having a depressed marginal shoulder abutting said side flange when the slip top cover is in place thereon.
5. The structure of claim 4, and wherein at least one of said box-like bodies has thick thermal insulation on its side, end and bottom walls.
2. The structure of claim 1, and each leg comprising an inclined tubular element secured rigidly to one angle bracket, and a leg element secured adjustably within the tubular element.
3. The structure of claim 2, and a clamping set screw on each tubular element engaging the leg element to secure the same in a selected adjusted position.
4. The structure of claim 1, and said removable covers for the box-like bodies comprising slip top rectangular covers having a dependent marginal side flange, each box-like body having a depressed marginal shoulder abutting said side flange when the slip top cover is in place thereon.
5. The structure of claim 4, and wherein at least one of said box-like bodies has thick thermal insulation on its side, end and bottom walls.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many forms of camping equipment are available on today's market and are disclosed in prior art patents and literature. Such equipment commonly takes the form of a camping trailer or truck body having an expandable body which may be opened up at night to provide sleeping accommodations as well as kitchen and toilet facilities. These devices are made collapsible to a rather compact form for highway travel. One problem with such conventional camping equipment is that it is very costly initially and therefore beyond the reach of many campers in the lower income levels. Many such individuals cannot afford to purchase a customized camping vehicle and all that it entails. In lieu of this, there is little available on the market as a substitute except for some haphazard camp stoves, toilet units, bunks and the like which are not capable of forming an integrated unit for the convenience of campers who have tents. Additionally, many campers either own or can readily rent a van type vehicle without expensive camping attachments and there is a strong need for suitable equipment not forming a permanent part of such vehicles but readily usable therewith to make a camping expedition comfortable and convenient.
It is the object of the present invention, therefore, to provide camping equipment which does not form a permanent part of any vehicle or housing structure but which can readily be employed inside of many vehicles, tents, canopies and the like, to provide the camper with all of the necessities and conveniences commonly required.
The invention embodies a pair of twin units or benches which have padded lids or tops serving as sleep surfaces. The units have extensible legs so that the heights of the units may be varied. At least one unit or bench embodies beneath its top a generous insulated ice chest, a sink and a propane gas stove. The other unit of equipment preferably contains beneath its top a single large storage chest which may be insulated.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of twin camping equipment units inside of a van-type vehicle and arranged therein to form a double bed.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one equipment unit with its lid or top open to illustrate an internal storage compartment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the other twin unit with the padded sleeping top in place.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second unit with the top raised to show the underlying kitchen equipment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged transverse vertical section taken on line 5--5 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the unit shown in FIG. 4 with the top removed.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged transverse vertical section taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken on line 8--8 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a leg assembly and associated parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals designate like parts, the numerals 10 and 11 designate companion or twin camping benches or units which are separate and independent and which may be used together or separately in a variety of situations by campers. The two units 10 and 11 are completely portable and may be placed inside of a van-type vehicle such as the vehicle 12 shown in FIG. 1. The units may be placed beneath a tent or canopy during usage and may be transported by any suitable truck or vehicle. The flexibility of the equipment in its usage by campers is one of the most important features of the invention, and the fact that the equipment is not permanently attached to any vehicle or restricted in its movement.
The units 10 and 11 have a number of common structural features which can be described simultaneously as follows. Each unit comprises an open top rectangular elongated box-like body 13 well adapted to be made of plywood and each body 13 is equipped at opposite ends with a support leg assembly 14 consisting of sturdy corner angle brackets 15 which are firmly anchored in any conventional manner to the adjacent corners of the plywood body 13. The two brackets 15 are rigidly interconnected by transverse arms 16 of wood or the like and these arms serve to unitize each assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the tops of one or more arms 16 may be provided with recesses 17 for drink containers and this is an optional feature.
Each assembly 14 further includes a pair of inclined rectangular leg holding tubes 18 rigid with and adjacent angle bracket 15 and within each tube 18 is an adjustable inclined leg 19 having a level foot 20 which may be a swiveled foot, if desired. Each leg 19 is clamped in the selected adjusted position by a set screw 21 or some equivalent means on the tube 18. The lower end of each leg is disposed somewhat outwardly of the end of the bench body 13 for stability and the tops of the elements 18 and 19 project inside of the body 13 as most clearly shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. In this manner, each bench unit 10 and 11 has its opposite ends supported by a rigid adjustable leg assembly including a transverse horizontal arm 16 whose upper surface is generally flush with the top of the bench unit.
Each unit 10 and 11 further comprises a rectangular lid or top 22 also preferably formed of plywood and this top is heavily padded at 23 with foam rubber or the like to form a comfortable sleeping surface. The lid or top 22 is bodily removable from the bench unit and as depicted in FIG. 5 includes a shallow side wall portion 24 which fits snugly over a molding 25 formed around the top of each unit.
The above completes the description of the common or identical components on the two units 10 and 11, and as the drawings depict, the two units possess the same overall external dimensions.
Referring to FIG. 2, the unit 10 possesses a single large rectangular storage compartment 26 beneath the top 22 and this compartment preferably has insulated side and bottom walls as depicted in FIG. 5 so that it may be employed as an ice chest for cold storage. Other articles may be stored in the unit 10, if desired. The cover 22 of the unit 10 may also be additionally insulated on its lower side.
The unit 11 is provided under the lid or cover 22 and within the box-like body 11 with full kitchen equipment for the camper including near one end a fully insulated deep ice chest 27, FIG. 7, having a removable insulated lid 28 which is also grooved at 29 to provide a drain for dishes placed thereon. At the center of the unit 11, a kitchen sink 30 is provided including a pump-type faucet 31 and a funnel 32 for filling the water storage tank. This kitchen equipment is conventional and is available on the open market. Therefore, the details of the sink and cooker need not be described in full detail.
At the other end of the unit 11 a preferably propane gas two burner cooker or stove 33 is provided in the body 13, as shown. Other types of stove may be built in if preferred, such as an oil or kerosene stove. Details of the particular kitchen equipment chosen may vary.
In use, the two units 10 and 11 with their lids in place form a convenient adjustable height double bed inside of the van 12 or in any other location where it may be desired to use the equipment. The padding 23 is preferably covered with waterproof upholstery and is easy to clean. The units are easy to lift out of the van and set up in the field at a convenient height for use by adjusting the legs as illustrated in FIG. 4. While the two units fit together very conveniently to form a double bed, they are entirely separate and independent for use in any desired manner outside of the carrying vehicle. When the lids 22 are removed and set aside, they may be used as a bed or seat while the kitchen equipment is in use. The flexibility and the other advantages of the equipment over the known prior art will now be readily understood by anyone skilled in the art.
It may be further explained in connection with FIGS. 2, 5 and 7 that the interior compartments 26 and 27 may be formed conveniently of sturdy plastic or, in some cases, sheet metal and the previously-described top molding 25 around the perimeter of each unit body forms an integral continuation of the plastic or metal compartment shell which is disposed inwardly of the external plywood shell shown clearly in the drawings.
It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims.
Many forms of camping equipment are available on today's market and are disclosed in prior art patents and literature. Such equipment commonly takes the form of a camping trailer or truck body having an expandable body which may be opened up at night to provide sleeping accommodations as well as kitchen and toilet facilities. These devices are made collapsible to a rather compact form for highway travel. One problem with such conventional camping equipment is that it is very costly initially and therefore beyond the reach of many campers in the lower income levels. Many such individuals cannot afford to purchase a customized camping vehicle and all that it entails. In lieu of this, there is little available on the market as a substitute except for some haphazard camp stoves, toilet units, bunks and the like which are not capable of forming an integrated unit for the convenience of campers who have tents. Additionally, many campers either own or can readily rent a van type vehicle without expensive camping attachments and there is a strong need for suitable equipment not forming a permanent part of such vehicles but readily usable therewith to make a camping expedition comfortable and convenient.
It is the object of the present invention, therefore, to provide camping equipment which does not form a permanent part of any vehicle or housing structure but which can readily be employed inside of many vehicles, tents, canopies and the like, to provide the camper with all of the necessities and conveniences commonly required.
The invention embodies a pair of twin units or benches which have padded lids or tops serving as sleep surfaces. The units have extensible legs so that the heights of the units may be varied. At least one unit or bench embodies beneath its top a generous insulated ice chest, a sink and a propane gas stove. The other unit of equipment preferably contains beneath its top a single large storage chest which may be insulated.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of twin camping equipment units inside of a van-type vehicle and arranged therein to form a double bed.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one equipment unit with its lid or top open to illustrate an internal storage compartment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the other twin unit with the padded sleeping top in place.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second unit with the top raised to show the underlying kitchen equipment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged transverse vertical section taken on line 5--5 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the unit shown in FIG. 4 with the top removed.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged transverse vertical section taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken on line 8--8 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a leg assembly and associated parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals designate like parts, the numerals 10 and 11 designate companion or twin camping benches or units which are separate and independent and which may be used together or separately in a variety of situations by campers. The two units 10 and 11 are completely portable and may be placed inside of a van-type vehicle such as the vehicle 12 shown in FIG. 1. The units may be placed beneath a tent or canopy during usage and may be transported by any suitable truck or vehicle. The flexibility of the equipment in its usage by campers is one of the most important features of the invention, and the fact that the equipment is not permanently attached to any vehicle or restricted in its movement.
The units 10 and 11 have a number of common structural features which can be described simultaneously as follows. Each unit comprises an open top rectangular elongated box-like body 13 well adapted to be made of plywood and each body 13 is equipped at opposite ends with a support leg assembly 14 consisting of sturdy corner angle brackets 15 which are firmly anchored in any conventional manner to the adjacent corners of the plywood body 13. The two brackets 15 are rigidly interconnected by transverse arms 16 of wood or the like and these arms serve to unitize each assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the tops of one or more arms 16 may be provided with recesses 17 for drink containers and this is an optional feature.
Each assembly 14 further includes a pair of inclined rectangular leg holding tubes 18 rigid with and adjacent angle bracket 15 and within each tube 18 is an adjustable inclined leg 19 having a level foot 20 which may be a swiveled foot, if desired. Each leg 19 is clamped in the selected adjusted position by a set screw 21 or some equivalent means on the tube 18. The lower end of each leg is disposed somewhat outwardly of the end of the bench body 13 for stability and the tops of the elements 18 and 19 project inside of the body 13 as most clearly shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. In this manner, each bench unit 10 and 11 has its opposite ends supported by a rigid adjustable leg assembly including a transverse horizontal arm 16 whose upper surface is generally flush with the top of the bench unit.
Each unit 10 and 11 further comprises a rectangular lid or top 22 also preferably formed of plywood and this top is heavily padded at 23 with foam rubber or the like to form a comfortable sleeping surface. The lid or top 22 is bodily removable from the bench unit and as depicted in FIG. 5 includes a shallow side wall portion 24 which fits snugly over a molding 25 formed around the top of each unit.
The above completes the description of the common or identical components on the two units 10 and 11, and as the drawings depict, the two units possess the same overall external dimensions.
Referring to FIG. 2, the unit 10 possesses a single large rectangular storage compartment 26 beneath the top 22 and this compartment preferably has insulated side and bottom walls as depicted in FIG. 5 so that it may be employed as an ice chest for cold storage. Other articles may be stored in the unit 10, if desired. The cover 22 of the unit 10 may also be additionally insulated on its lower side.
The unit 11 is provided under the lid or cover 22 and within the box-like body 11 with full kitchen equipment for the camper including near one end a fully insulated deep ice chest 27, FIG. 7, having a removable insulated lid 28 which is also grooved at 29 to provide a drain for dishes placed thereon. At the center of the unit 11, a kitchen sink 30 is provided including a pump-type faucet 31 and a funnel 32 for filling the water storage tank. This kitchen equipment is conventional and is available on the open market. Therefore, the details of the sink and cooker need not be described in full detail.
At the other end of the unit 11 a preferably propane gas two burner cooker or stove 33 is provided in the body 13, as shown. Other types of stove may be built in if preferred, such as an oil or kerosene stove. Details of the particular kitchen equipment chosen may vary.
In use, the two units 10 and 11 with their lids in place form a convenient adjustable height double bed inside of the van 12 or in any other location where it may be desired to use the equipment. The padding 23 is preferably covered with waterproof upholstery and is easy to clean. The units are easy to lift out of the van and set up in the field at a convenient height for use by adjusting the legs as illustrated in FIG. 4. While the two units fit together very conveniently to form a double bed, they are entirely separate and independent for use in any desired manner outside of the carrying vehicle. When the lids 22 are removed and set aside, they may be used as a bed or seat while the kitchen equipment is in use. The flexibility and the other advantages of the equipment over the known prior art will now be readily understood by anyone skilled in the art.
It may be further explained in connection with FIGS. 2, 5 and 7 that the interior compartments 26 and 27 may be formed conveniently of sturdy plastic or, in some cases, sheet metal and the previously-described top molding 25 around the perimeter of each unit body forms an integral continuation of the plastic or metal compartment shell which is disposed inwardly of the external plywood shell shown clearly in the drawings.
It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims.