Tent installed on truck compartment

Abstract

A tent assembly for a truck compartment of a pickup truck includes a frame assembly, a cover, and a plurality of anchoring members. The frame assembly includes at least a central axle, a first edge bar, a second edge bar, a third edge bar, and a fourth edge bar. The cover is configured to extend at least between the first edge rod and the second edge rod, between the second edge rod and the third edge rod, between the third edge rod and the fourth edge rod, and between the fourth edge rod and the first edge rod. The plurality of anchoring members includes at least four corner anchors, each configured to connect a distal end of one of the edge bars to a corner of one of the opposing compartment rails of the truck compartment of the pickup truck.

Description

Cross-references and priorities

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 592,967, filed on October 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. background

[0002] Tents have been used ubiquitously throughout history to provide shelter, particularly in forests, deserts, and other outdoor environments. A typical tent includes a series of poles connected at a central point and a flap extending around and / or between the poles to prevent insects, debris, and the like from entering the interior of the tent. The flap also provides protection for the occupants of the tent from wind, rain, and other weather conditions.

[0003] With the advent of outdoor activities such as off-road driving and road sports, people have been able to use vehicles, especially pickup trucks, to access remote wilderness areas. Efforts have been made to incorporate tents into various vehicles. Typically, these efforts focus on mounting tents on the roof of the vehicle. Doing so reduces the footprint of the campsite and raises the tent, providing additional protection for the occupants from wild animals trying to enter the tent.

[0004] Roof-mounted vehicle tents present several drawbacks. Most notably, they can be difficult for passengers to access, often requiring a separate ladder to climb in and out of a roof-mounted vehicle tent. Additionally, vehicle roofs often lack sufficient attachment points to secure a roof-mounted vehicle tent. Inadequate anchoring can cause a roof-mounted tent to become detached from a vehicle due to high winds, wildlife attempting to enter the tent, or even simply due to normal movement of people inside the tent.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved vehicle tent that is easier for passengers to enter, remains protected from wild animals attempting to enter the tent, and can be securely anchored to the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A tent assembly for a truck bed of a pickup truck is described herein. The tent assembly includes a frame assembly, a cover, and a plurality of anchoring members. The frame assembly includes a center axle, a first edge bar, a second edge bar, a third edge bar, and a fourth edge bar. The cover is configured to extend at least between the first edge bar and the second edge bar, between the second edge bar and the third edge bar, between the third edge bar and the fourth edge bar, and between the fourth edge bar and the first edge bar. The plurality of anchoring members include a first corner anchor, a second corner anchor, a third corner anchor, and a fourth corner anchor.

[0007] The center axle includes an inner column and an outer column slidably engaged with the inner column. The center axle also includes a first rod attachment member attached to the top end of the inner column and a second rod attachment member attached to the top end of the outer column. A cover attachment member extends from the bottom end of the inner column. A portion of the cover is connected to the cover attachment member.

[0008] The first edge bar is connected to the first rod attachment member at the first edge bar proximal end.The first edge bar also includes a first support bar extending between the first edge bar component and the second rod attachment member.

[0009] The second edge bar is connected to the first rod attachment member at the second edge bar proximal end.The second edge bar also includes a second support bar extending between the second edge bar component and the second rod attachment member.

[0010] The third edge bar is connected to the first rod attachment member at the third edge bar proximal end.The third edge bar also includes a third support bar extending between the third edge bar component and the second rod attachment member.

[0011] The fourth edge bar is connected to the first rod attachment member at the fourth edge bar proximal end.The fourth edge bar also includes a fourth support bar extending between the fourth edge bar component and the second rod attachment member.

[0012] The first corner anchor is configured to connect the first edge bar distal end to the first corner of the first rail of the truck bed. The second corner anchor is configured to connect the second edge bar distal end to the second corner of the first rail of the truck bed. The third corner anchor is configured to connect the third edge bar distal end to the first corner of the second rail of the truck bed. The fourth corner anchor is configured to connect the fourth edge bar distal end to the second corner of the second rail of the truck bed of the truck bed.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cover may include a cover first side having at least one first window opening. When present, the first window opening may include a first screen. The first window opening may also include a first closure flap, at least a portion of which is removably connected to a corresponding portion of the first window opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover may include a cover second side having at least one second window opening. When present, the second window opening may include a second screen. The second window opening may also include a second closure flap, at least a portion of which is removably connected to a corresponding portion of the second window opening.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cover may include a cover third side having at least one third window opening. When present, the third window opening may include a third screen. The third window opening may also include a third closure flap, at least a portion of which is detachably connected to a corresponding portion of the third window opening.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of anchor members may include a first edge anchor configured to connect the cover first portion to the first side of the truck bed. The plurality of anchor members may also include a second edge anchor configured to connect the cover second portion to the second side of the truck bed.

[0017] In some embodiments, the frame assembly may include a first entryway support extending between the first edge bar distal end and the fourth edge bar distal end. In such embodiments, the cover fourth side may include an entryway opening. In these embodiments, the cover may also include an entryway cover portion.

[0018] In some embodiments including a first entryway support, the frame assembly may include a second entryway support. When present, the second entryway support may extend between the first entryway support first component and the first entryway support second component.

[0019] In some embodiments, the entryway covering portion may include a fourth closure flap, at least a portion of which may be partially removable. In some embodiments, the entryway covering portion may include a plurality of entryway covering anchoring members, which may be configured to connect the entryway covering portion to a tailgate of a pickup truck. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a view of a tent assembly for a truck bed of a pickup truck.

[0021] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the frame assembly.

[0022] Figure 3 It is an assembly drawing of the frame components.

[0023] Figure 4 is a close-up view of the top of the frame assembly.

[0024] Figure 5 is a view of the tent assembly mounted in the truck bed of a pickup truck.

[0025] Figure 6 is an alternate view of the tent assembly mounted in the truck bed of a pickup truck.

[0026] Figure 7 is another alternate view of the tent assembly mounted in the truck bed of a pickup truck.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a front view of the entryway.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a front view of the window in the closed position.

[0029] Fig.10 is a front view of the window in the open position. Detailed description

[0030] A tent assembly for a truck bed of a pickup truck is disclosed herein. As described herein and in the claims, the following numbers refer to the following structures shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] 10 refers to pickup trucks.

[0032] 20 refers to the truck compartment.

[0033] 21 refers to the first corner of the first fence of the truck compartment.

[0034] 22 refers to the second corner of the first fence of the truck compartment.

[0035] 23 refers to the first corner of the second fence of the truck compartment.

[0036] 24 refers to the second corner of the second fence of the truck compartment.

[0037] 25 refers to a first side of the truck bed.

[0038] 26 refers to the second side of the truck bed.

[0039] 30 refers to the tailgate.

[0040] 100 refers to the tent assembly.

[0041] 200 refers to the frame assembly.

[0042] 210 refers to the center wheel axle.

[0043] 211 refers to the inner column.

[0044] 212 refers to the outer column.

[0045] 213 refers to a first rod attachment member.

[0046] 214 refers to the top of the inner column.

[0047] 215 refers to a second rod attachment member.

[0048] 216 refers to the top of the outer column.

[0049] 217 refers to a cover attachment member.

[0050] 218 refers to the bottom end of the inner column.

[0051] 220 refers to a first edge rod.

[0052] 221 refers to the proximal end of the first edge rod.

[0053] 222 refers to the first support rod.

[0054] 223 refers to a first edge rod member.

[0055] 224 refers to the distal end of the first edge rod.

[0056] 230 refers to a second edge rod.

[0057] 231 refers to the proximal end of the second edge rod.

[0058] 232 refers to a second support rod.

[0059] 233 refers to a second edge rod member.

[0060] 234 refers to the distal end of the second edge rod.

[0061] 240 refers to the third edge rod.

[0062] 241 refers to the proximal end of the third edge rod.

[0063] 242 refers to the third support rod.

[0064] 243 refers to the third edge rod member.

[0065] 244 refers to the distal end of the third edge rod.

[0066] 250 refers to the fourth edge rod.

[0067] 251 refers to the proximal end of the fourth edge rod.

[0068] 252 refers to the fourth support rod.

[0069] 253 refers to a fourth support rod component.

[0070] 254 refers to the distal end of the fourth support rod.

[0071] 260 refers to the first inlet channel support.

[0072] 261 refers to the first inlet channel support first component.

[0073] 262 refers to the second component of the first inlet channel support.

[0074] 270 refers to the second inlet channel support.

[0075] 300 refers to the capping.

[0076] 310 refers to the first side of the cover.

[0077] 311 refers to the first window opening.

[0078] 312 refers to the first screen window.

[0079] 313 refers to the first closing valve.

[0080] 320 refers to the second side of the cover.

[0081] 321 refers to the second window opening.

[0082] 322 refers to the second screen window.

[0083] 323 refers to the second closing valve.

[0084] 330 refers to the third side of the cover.

[0085] 331 refers to the third window opening.

[0086] 332 refers to the third screen window.

[0087] 333 refers to the third closing valve.

[0088] 340 refers to the first portion of the cover.

[0089] 350 refers to the second portion of the cover.

[0090] 360 refers to the fourth side of the cover.

[0091] 361 refers to the entryway opening.

[0092] 370 refers to the inlet channel cover portion.

[0093] 371 refers to the fourth closing valve.

[0094] 400 refers to an anchoring member.

[0095] 410 refers to the first corner anchor.

[0096] 420 refers to the second corner anchor.

[0097] 430 refers to the third corner anchor.

[0098] 440 refers to the fourth corner anchor.

[0099] 450 refers to a first edge anchor.

[0100] 460 represents a second edge anchor.

[0101] 470 refers to the entryway cover anchoring member.

[0102] Figure 1 Shown for a pickup truck ( Figure 5 The truck compartment (shown as 10) Figure 5 A perspective view of a tent assembly (100) as shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown, the tent assembly includes a frame assembly (200), a cover (300), and a plurality of anchor members (400) configured to connect the tent assembly to a truck bed.

[0103] Figures 2 to 4 Additional details of the frame assembly (200) are shown, wherein Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view. Figure 3 is an assembly perspective view, and Figure 4 is a top view. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the frame assembly may have at least a center axle (210), a first edge bar (220), a second edge bar (230), a third edge bar (240), and a fourth edge bar (250). Figure 2 Also shown are optional additional posts, including a first entryway support post (260) and a second entryway support post (270).

[0104] The center axle (210) includes an inner column (211) that is slidably engaged with an outer column (212). In some embodiments, the slidable engagement between the inner column and the outer column may include a spring that helps to advance and / or retract the outer column along the length of the inner column. A first rod attachment member (213) is attached to the top end (214) of the inner column, and a second rod attachment member (215) is attached to the top end (216) of the outer column. A cover attachment member (217) extends from a bottom end (218) of the inner column opposite the top end of the inner column. The cover attachment member may be in the form of a fastener, non-limiting examples of which include hooks, buttons, and hook and loop fasteners, and may include a strap extending between the bottom end of the inner column and the fastener.

[0105] As the outer column (212) is advanced (slid) upward, the distance between the first rod attachment member (213) and the second rod attachment member (215) decreases, causing the edge rods (220, 230, 240 and 250) to extend away from the central wheel axle (210) with the assistance of the support rods (222, 232, 242 and 252). Conversely, as the outer column is retracted (slid) downward, the distance between the first rod attachment member and the second rod attachment member increases, causing the edge rods to fold toward the central wheel axle for storage.

[0106] The first edge rod (220) is connected to the first rod attachment member (213) at the first edge rod proximal end (221). The connection between the first edge rod proximal end and the first rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figures, the attachment is accomplished by fasteners, non-limiting examples of which include bolts, rivets, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-clip and pin connection, a rod and cylinder connection, or the like.

[0107] The first edge rod (220) includes a first support rod (222) extending between the first edge rod component (223) and the second rod attachment member (215). Preferably, as shown in the figure, the first edge rod component will be closer to the first edge rod proximal end (221) than the first edge rod distal end (224). The connection between the first support rod and the second rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figure, the attachment is completed by a fastener, non-limiting examples of which include bolts, rivets or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-clip and pin connection, a rod and cylinder connection, or a similar connection.

[0108] The second edge rod (230) is connected to the first rod attachment member (213) at the second edge rod proximal end (231). Preferably, the second edge rod will be connected to the first rod attachment member at a circumferential distance of about 90° from the position where the first edge rod (220) is attached to the first rod attachment member. The connection between the second edge rod proximal end and the first rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figures, the attachment is accomplished by fasteners, non-limiting examples of which include bolts, rivets, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-clip and pin connection, a rod and cylinder connection, or a similar connection.

[0109] The second edge rod (230) includes a second support rod (232) extending between the second edge rod component (233) and the second rod attachment member (215). Preferably, the second support rod will be connected to the second rod attachment member at a circumferential distance of about 90° from the position where the first support rod (222) is attached to the second rod attachment member. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the second edge rod component will be closer to the second edge rod proximal end (231) than the second edge rod distal end (234). The connection between the second support rod and the second rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figure, the attachment is completed by a fastener, and its non-limiting examples include bolts, rivets or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-shaped clip and a pin connection, a rod and a cylinder connection, or a similar connection method.

[0110] The third edge rod (240) is connected to the first rod attachment member (213) at the third edge rod proximal end (241). Preferably, the third edge rod will be connected to the first rod attachment member at a circumferential distance of about 90° from the position where the second edge rod (230) is attached to the first rod attachment member. The connection between the third edge rod proximal end and the first rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figures, the attachment is completed by a fastener, non-limiting examples of which include bolts, rivets or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-clip and pin connection, a rod and cylinder connection, or a similar connection.

[0111] The third edge rod (240) includes a third support rod (242) extending between the third edge rod component (243) and the second rod attachment member (215). Preferably, the third support rod will be connected to the second rod attachment member at a circumferential distance of about 90° from the position where the second support rod (232) is attached to the second rod attachment member. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the third edge rod component will be closer to the third edge rod proximal end (241) than the third edge rod distal end (244). The connection between the third support rod and the second rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figure, the attachment is completed by a fastener, and its non-limiting examples include bolts, rivets or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-shaped clip and a pin connection, a rod and a cylinder connection, or a similar connection mode.

[0112] The fourth edge rod (250) is connected to the first rod attachment member (213) at the fourth edge rod proximal end (251). Preferably, the fourth edge rod will be connected to the first rod attachment member at a circumferential distance of about 90° from the position where the third edge rod (240) is attached to the first rod attachment member. The connection between the fourth edge rod proximal end and the first rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figures, the attachment is accomplished by fasteners, non-limiting examples of which include bolts, rivets, or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-clip and pin connection, a rod and cylinder connection, or a similar connection.

[0113] The fourth edge rod (250) includes a fourth support rod (252) extending between the fourth edge rod component (253) and the second rod attachment member (215). Preferably, the fourth support rod will be connected to the second rod attachment member at a circumferential distance of about 90° from the position where the third support rod (242) is attached to the second rod attachment member. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the fourth edge rod component will be closer to the fourth edge rod proximal end (251) than the fourth edge rod distal end (254). The connection between the fourth support rod and the second rod attachment member can take a variety of forms. In the figure, the attachment is completed by a fastener, and its non-limiting examples include bolts, rivets or the like. However, in some embodiments, the attachment can take the form of a ball joint, a U-shaped clip and a pin connection, a rod and a cylinder connection, or a similar connection mode.

[0114] Attaching each edge bar (220, 230, 240, and 250) to the first bar attachment member (213), and attaching the support bars (222, 232, 242, and 252) to the second bar attachment member (215), allows the tent assembly (100) to be transported and / or stored in a pre-assembled manner. By sliding the outer pole top end (216) toward the inner pole top end (214), the distance between the first pole attachment member and the second pole attachment member is reduced, and the edge bars and support bars fold toward the central wheel axle for easy transportation and storage. Conversely, when the outer pole top end slides away from the inner pole top end, the distance between the first pole attachment member and the second pole attachment member is increased, the edge bars and support bars expand away from the central wheel axle, quickly and easily placing the frame (200) in a partially or fully assembled position. In some embodiments, the edge bars can be color coordinated with the various attachment points of the first pole attachment member, and / or the support bars can be color coordinated with the various attachment points of the second pole attachment member to allow a user to more easily assemble the frame.

[0115] Preferably, each of the first edge bar (220), the second edge bar (230), the third edge bar (240) and the fourth edge bar (250) is flexible, allowing the bar to bend or bend between its proximal and distal ends when a force applied by a human hand is applied, and to return to a straight position when the force is released. A flexible bar is in contrast to a deformable bar, which can be bent, e.g., bend, by a force (e.g., a force applied by a human hand), but will not return to a straight position when the force is released. A flexible bar is also in contrast to a rigid bar, which cannot be bent by a force (e.g., a force applied by a human hand). Preferably, each edge bar is non-deformable and / or non-rigid.

[0116] Each of the first edge bar (220), the second edge bar (230), the third edge bar (240), and the fourth edge bar (250) can be divided into one or more parts. For example, the edge bar can be a single part, and the attachment mechanism is arranged on or around the portion of the edge bar for connecting to the support rod (222, 232, 242, 252), the center wheel shaft (210) and / or the first entryway support column (260). Alternatively, the edge bar can be divided into two or more parts connected together by a fastener, such as a cylindrical tube, in which the ends of the two parts can be fitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the fasteners can be used to connect to the support rod and / or the first entryway support column.

[0117] Figures 2 to 3 Also shown are optional first inlet passage support (260) and second inlet passage support (270). Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, when present, the first entryway support post extends between the first edge rod distal end (224) and the fourth edge rod distal end (254) and is attached thereto by a fastener such as a grommet. When extending between the first edge rod distal end and the fourth edge rod distal end, the first entryway support post arches upward from the first edge rod distal end toward the center wheel axis and then arches downward toward the fourth edge rod distal end. When present, the second entryway support post can extend between the first entryway support post first component (261) and the first entryway support post second component (262) and can be attached thereto by a fastener such as a grommet. The first entryway support post first component is located near the first edge rod distal end and the first entryway support post second component is located near the fourth edge rod distal end.

[0118] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A tent assembly (100) is shown installed in a truck bed (20) of a pickup truck (10), wherein Figure 5 The tent assembly is shown from the rear passenger side of the pickup truck. Figure 6 The tent assembly is shown from the rear driver's side of the pickup truck. Figure 7 The tent assembly is shown from the rear of a pickup truck. As shown, the truck bed can include a first truck bed rail located on top of a first side (25) of the truck bed, the first truck bed rail having a first corner (21) of the first truck bed rail and a second corner (22) of the first truck bed rail. The truck bed can also include a second truck bed rail located on top of a second side (26) of the truck bed, the second truck bed rail having a first corner (23) of the second truck bed rail and a second corner (24) of the second truck bed rail. The truck bed can also include a hinged tailgate (30) that can be in an open position when the tent assembly is installed in the truck bed, as shown. When installed, a portion of the tent assembly rests against each of the first truck bed rail and the opposing second truck bed rail, and the tent assembly extends through the opposing truck bed rails to the floor of the truck bed. Preferably, the tent assembly will also extend over at least a portion of the tailgate when the tailgate is in the lowered position, as shown. Figures 5 to 7 shown, thereby allowing for additional sleeping area.

[0119] like Figures 5 to 7As shown, the plurality of anchoring members may include at least a first corner anchor (410), a second corner anchor (420), a third corner anchor (430), and / or a fourth corner anchor (440). As shown, each corner anchor (410, 420, 430, and 440) may take a variety of forms, non-limiting examples of which include a rope or a strap (with or without a rigid hook member at one or both ends thereof). When the corner anchor is in the form of a rope or a strap, the rope or strap may be divided into two parts connected by a slide mechanism that allows adjustment of the length of the respective corner anchor to securely secure the tent assembly (100) to the truck bed (20) of the pickup truck (10).

[0120] When present, the first corner anchor (410) is configured to attach the distal end of the first edge bar (eg Figure 2 224) is connected to the first corner (21) of the first rail of the truck bed. Similarly, when present, the second corner anchor (420) will be configured to connect the distal end of the second edge bar (such as Figure 2 234) is connected to the second corner (22) of the first rail of the truck bed. When present, the third corner anchor (430) will be configured to connect the distal end of the third edge bar (such as Figure 2 Finally, when present, the fourth corner anchor (440) will be configured to connect the distal end of the fourth edge bar (such as Figure 2 254) shown connected to the second corner (24) of the second fence of the truck bed.

[0121] Corner anchors (410, 420, 430 and 440) may be supplemented or replaced by other anchoring members. One such anchoring member is an edge anchor, which may be a first edge anchor (450) and / or a second edge anchor (460). When present, the first edge anchor may be configured to connect the cover first portion (340) to the truck bed first side (25). Similarly, when present, the second edge anchor may be configured to connect the cover second portion (350) to the truck bed second side (26). As with the corner anchors, as shown, the edge anchors may take many different forms, non-limiting examples of which include ropes or straps (with or without rigid hook members at one or both ends thereof). When the edge anchor is in the form of a rope or strap, the rope or strap can be divided into two parts connected by a slide mechanism, which allows the length of the corresponding edge anchor to be adjusted to securely fix the tent assembly (100) to the truck bed (20) of the pickup truck (10).

[0122] Various anchoring members allow the tent assembly (100) to be secured to the truck bed (20) of the pickup truck (10) when the pickup truck is stationary, thereby allowing a user to occupy the tent. However, the anchoring members also allow the tent assembly to remain secured in the truck bed while the pickup truck is in motion, preferably at speeds below 25 miles per hour to reduce or prevent damage from wind and / or road debris.

[0123] Figures 5 to 7 Various features of the cover (300) are also shown. As shown, the cover can include a first side (310) of the cover, which extends between at least a portion of the first edge bar (220) and at least a portion of the second edge bar (230), thereby corresponding to the first side (25) of the truck compartment. The cover can also include a second side (320) of the cover, which extends between at least a portion of the second edge bar and at least a portion of the third edge bar (240), thereby corresponding to the front side of the truck compartment (20). The cover can also include a third side (330) of the cover, which extends between at least a portion of the third edge bar and at least a portion of the fourth edge bar (250), thereby corresponding to the second side (26) of the truck compartment. The cover can also include a fourth side (360) of the cover, which extends between at least a portion of the fourth edge bar and the first edge bar, thereby corresponding to the tailgate (30) side of the truck compartment. The cover sides may be connected to the respective edge bars by any number of attachment mechanisms, non-limiting examples of which include sleeves embedded in the cover and through which the edge bars extend, hook and loop fastening systems, adhesives, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cover may also include a rain fly portion (not shown) extending over at least a portion of the top surface of the tent assembly (including the cover first side, the cover second side, the cover third side, and the top edge of the cover fourth side) as an additional layer of protection from precipitation.

[0124] like Figure 7 As shown, the fourth side (360) of the cover may include an entryway opening (361) that allows access to the interior of the tent assembly (100). The entryway opening may or may not be present. Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 and 12. The cover (300) may include a first entryway support (260) and a second entryway support (270) as shown in FIG. 1 . When the first entryway support and (optionally) the second entryway support are present, the cover (300) may include an entryway cover portion (370) extending between the second entryway support and at least a portion of the first entryway support. In embodiments where the cover includes a canopy portion, a portion of the canopy portion may extend above the entryway cover portion.

[0125] Preferably, the entryway cover portion (370) includes a closure valve, sometimes referred to herein as a fourth closure valve (371). The size and shape of the fourth closure valve can correspond to the entryway opening (361) so that the fourth closure valve blocks access to the interior of the tent assembly (100) through the entryway opening when installed. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the attachment between the fourth closure valve and the entryway opening can be removable, such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like. In other embodiments, the entire attachment between the fourth closure valve and the entryway opening can be removable, such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like.

[0126] When entryway pillars (260 and 270) are present, the plurality of anchoring members (400) may also include a plurality of entryway cover anchoring members (470). When present, each entryway cover anchoring member may be configured to connect an entryway cover portion (370) to a tailgate (30) of a pickup truck (10). As with the corner anchors and edge anchors, the entryway cover anchoring members may take many different forms, non-limiting examples of which include ropes or straps (with or without rigid hook members at one or both ends thereof), as shown. When the entryway cover anchoring members are in the form of ropes or straps, the ropes or straps may be divided into two parts connected by a slide mechanism that allows adjustment of the length of the respective edge anchors to securely secure the tent assembly (100) to the truck bed (20) of the pickup truck (10).

[0127] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Additional features are shown in the form of optional windows. When present, one or more windows may be located on the first side (310) of the cover, the second side (320) of the cover, and / or the third side (330) of the cover. The optional windows include window openings (311, 321, 331) that are material-free areas of the respective cover sides, thereby allowing access to the interior of the tent assembly (100).

[0128] In some embodiments, the window opening (311, 321, 331) may include a screen (312, 322, 332), sometimes referred to as a mesh material, sized and shaped to correspond to the window opening such that the screen allows airflow into and out of the interior of the tent assembly (100), but prevents insects, debris, etc. from entering the interior of the tent assembly from outside the tent assembly. The screen may be connected to the window opening by a permanent attachment, such as sewing or gluing the screen to the perimeter of the window opening, or by a removable attachment, such as a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like.

[0129] The window may also include a closure flap (313, 323, 333). When present, each closure flap may be sized and shaped to correspond to the window opening (311, 321, 331) such that the closure flap, when installed, blocks access to the interior of the tent assembly (100) through the window opening. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the attachment between the closure flap and the window opening may be removable, such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like. In other embodiments, the entire attachment between the closure flap and the window opening may be removable, such as by a zipper, a series of buttons, a series of snaps, or the like.

[0130] The tent assembly disclosed herein is designed to be mounted in the truck bed of a pickup truck and is difficult or impossible to use in other applications, such as ground mounting or mounting to the roof of a vehicle. Because the tent is mounted in the truck bed of a pickup truck, the tent assembly is relatively easy to access compared to existing roof-top tents. The lower position of the pickup truck bed reduces or eliminates the necessity of a ladder or other tool to climb onto the roof of the truck to access the interior of the tent. However, the positioning of the vehicle-mounted tent on the truck bed also provides additional protection from wildlife attempting to gain access to the interior of the tent compared to traditional ground-mounted tents. Finally, multiple anchoring members can be connected to existing structures in the truck bed, such as tie-down points, allowing the tent assembly to be securely attached to the vehicle and reducing the likelihood of the tent being dislodged due to high winds, wildlife activity, and / or passenger movement.

[0131] Although the tent assembly is described as having one or more exemplary designs, the tent assembly of the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the tent assembly using its general principles.

Claims

1. A tent assembly (100) for a truck compartment (20) of a pickup truck (10), the tent assembly comprising: A frame assembly (200) having: a central hub (210) comprising an inner column (211), an outer column (212) slidably engaged with the inner column, a first rod attachment member (213) attached to a top end (214) of the inner column, a second rod attachment member (215) attached to a top end (216) of the outer column, and a cap attachment member (217) extending from a bottom end (218) of the inner column; a first edge bar (220) connected to the first bar attachment member at a first edge bar proximal end (221), the first edge bar comprising a first support bar (222) extending between a first edge bar component (223) and the second bar attachment member; a second edge bar (230) connected to the first bar attachment member at a second edge bar proximal end (231), the second edge bar including a second support bar (232) extending between a second edge bar component (233) and the second bar attachment member; a third edge bar (240) connected to the first bar attachment member at a third edge bar proximal end (241), the third edge bar including a third support bar (242) extending between a third edge bar component (243) and the second bar attachment member; and a fourth edge bar (250) connected to the first bar attachment member at a fourth edge bar proximal end (251), the fourth edge bar comprising a fourth support bar (252) extending between a fourth edge bar component (253) and the second bar attachment member; a cover (300) configured to extend at least between the first edge bar and the second edge bar, between the second edge bar and the third edge bar, between the third edge bar and the fourth edge bar, and between the fourth edge bar and the first edge bar, a portion of the cover being connected to the cover attachment member; and A plurality of anchoring members (400) comprising: a first corner anchor (410) configured to connect the first edge bar distal end (224) to a first corner (21) of a first rail of a truck bed; a second corner anchor (420) configured to connect the second edge bar distal end (234) to a second corner (22) of the first rail of the truck bed; a third corner anchor (430) configured to connect the third edge bar distal end (244) to the first corner (23) of the second rail of the truck bed; and A fourth corner anchor (440) is configured to connect a fourth edge bar distal end (254) to a second corner (24) of a second truck bed rail of the truck bed.

2. The tent assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a cover first side (310) having at least one first window opening (311).

3. The tent assembly of claim 2, wherein the first window opening comprises a first screen (312).

4. The tent assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the first window opening comprises a first closing valve (313), at least a portion of which is detachably connected to a corresponding portion of the first window opening.

5. The tent assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover comprises a cover second side (320) having at least one second window opening (321).

6. The tent assembly of claim 5, wherein the second window opening comprises a second screen (322).

7. The tent assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The second window opening comprises a second closing shutter (323), at least a portion of which is detachably connected to a corresponding portion of the second window opening.

8. The tent assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover comprises a cover third side (330) having at least one third window opening (331).

9. The tent assembly of claim 8, wherein the third window opening comprises a third screen (332).

10. The tent assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The third window opening comprises a third closing shutter (333), at least a portion of which is detachably connected to a corresponding portion of the third window opening.

11. The tent assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of anchor members includes a first edge anchor (450) configured to connect the cover first portion (340) to the truck bed first side (25).

12. The tent assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of anchor members includes a second edge anchor (460) configured to connect the cover second portion (350) to the truck bed second side (26).

13. The tent assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The frame assembly includes a first entryway support post (260) extending between a distal end of the first edge bar and a distal end of the fourth edge bar; The cover fourth side (360) includes an inlet channel opening (361); and The cover includes an inlet channel cover portion (370).

14. The tent assembly of claim 13, wherein the frame assembly includes a second entryway support post (270) extending between a first entryway support post first section (261) and a first entryway support post second section (262).

15. A tent assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the inlet channel cover portion comprises a fourth closure flap (371), at least a portion of which is partially removable.

16. The tent assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The entryway cover portion includes a plurality of entryway cover anchoring members (470) configured to connect the entryway cover portion to a tailgate (30) of the pickup truck.

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