Mattress system for a tent with adjustable backrest

Abstract

The present invention relates a mattress system (10) for a tent, such as a vehicle tent The mattress system (10) comprises a mattress (12) with a first section (18) and a second section (20) and an adjustment device (30). The adjustment device (30) is configured to adjust the mattress (12) between a flat configuration, in which both sections (18, 20) are arranged essentially flat, and an inclined configuration, in which at least a first subsection (22) of the second section (20) adjacent to the first section (18) is inclined upwards relative to the first section (18). The adjustment device (30) comprises a rope element (40) configured to adjust the mattress (12) from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration. The invention further relates to a tent with such a mattress system (10).

Description

[0001] MATTRESS SYSTEM FOR A TENT WITH ADJUSTABLE BACKREST

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a mattress system for a tent, in particular a roof top tent. The present invention also relates to a tent, in particular for a vehicle.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] A tent can usually be adjusted between an erected configuration and a transport configuration. An interior space of the tent is limited in the transport configuration and an overall low profile is desired. For example, in tents for roof tops of motor vehicles, only a mattress remains within the tent if the tent is collapsed. This provides ready access to the mattress upon tent erection and a designated space during transportation. However, this limits the mattress to a flat configuration. Users may desire part of the mattress to be inclined upwardly during use, for example providing a backrest for a sitting position while observing nature, reading a book or watching TV. Such a function may increase space required for storing the mattress within the collapsed tent, though.

[0006] EP 4 210 544 A1 describes a camping mattress for use with a roof tent. Said camping mattress comprises an upper section for supporting an upper portion of a user and a lower section for supporting a lower portion of the user. The upper section is rotatable about an axis such that, in use, the upper section can be rotated and reversibly fixed at one or more inclined positions relative to the lower section. Adjustment requires the user to turn around on the mattress and pull on the upper section for the desired inclined position. In addition, a retaining member may need to be adjusted into appropriate notches to support the upper section in its desired inclined position.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A first aspect relates to a mattress system for a tent, such as a vehicle tent. The vehicle tent may be configured as a roof top tent and / or tent configured for attachment to a trailer hitch. The tent may be adjustable between an erected configuration and a transport configuration. Some or all parts of the mattress system may be stored inside the tent in both configurations. In the erected configuration, the tent may provide an interior space for one or more users. In the transport configuration, the tent may not provide sufficient interior space to be used for living by one or more users. The tent may still provide sufficient interior space for housing the mattress system. The tent may comprise a canopy and / or a tent floor. Optionally, the tent may comprise a hard top that acts as a roof in the erected configuration and as a lid in the transport configuration. The tent floor may be formed by a section of the canopy or another part of the tent. The tent floor may be a rigid floor, for example formed by one or more wooden, plastic, metal or composite materials. For example, the tent floor may comprise an aluminium honeycomb floorboard. The canopy may comprise an entrance door, windows and / or form ventilation openings in the erected configuration.

[0009] The mattress system comprises a mattress. The mattress may comprise a cover and a filling. The cover may, for example, be configured as some form of textile or plastic film shell. The filling may be foam, such as latex foam, comprise other materials, such as down feather, an air-filled bladder, and may also include springs. The filling may form a core of the mattress. A positioning of other elements relative to the mattress may be defined by the filling and / or the cover. The mattress may be flexible. The mattress may be sized for one, two or more people to sleep thereon. The mattress may generally rest on the tent floor. The mattress system may also be used inside the vehicle, such as on the floor of an RV or in a trailer. The floor may be a surface supporting the mattress. The mattress may be configured as a camping mattress.

[0010] The mattress comprises a first section and a second section. The two sections may be formed as a Unitarian one-piece. The two sections may also be formed by separate elements, such as two parts of the filing, for example by two separate pieces of foam. The two sections may be formed by separate elements that are connected by the mattress cover, which may also form a living hinge of the mattress. The cover may comprise one cover element that covers both sections or a cover element for each of the sections. The two sections may be hingedly connected to each other. The two cover elements may be attached to each other. The cover may be removable for washing or permanently attached to the rest of the mattress.

[0011] The mattress system further comprises an adjustment device. The adjustment device is configured to adjust the mattress between a flat configuration and an inclined configuration. In the flat configuration, both sections may be arranged essentially flat. For example, the two sections may form a continuous flat surface in the flat configuration. In the inclined configuration, at least a first subsection of the second section may be inclined upwards relative to the first section. The first subsection may be arranged adjacent to the first section.

[0012] In the flat configuration, users may lay flat on the mattress along the whole extension of the mattress. Such a configuration may provide a large area for laying. The flat configuration may be a bed configuration. In the inclined configuration, at least the first subsection or the whole second section may provide an inclined backrest and / or headrest. This may support users in a sitting or inclined position, for example for observing nature, reading or watching TV. The inclined configuration may form a couch configuration. The mattress may thus provide both the functionality of a large bed as well as a couch, without requiring substantial storage space. The inclined configuration may also be used for users to sleep, providing a slightly upright position and / or elevated head position.

[0013] The first section may form a leg rest and / or a lower section of the mattress. Lower and upper may be defined in the longitudinal direction of the mattress in this context. The longitudinal extension of the mattress may correspond to its longest extension. The mattress may have a generally rectangular shape. The first section may, for example, extend about 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of a total length of the mattress. The second section may form a head rest and / or an upper section of the mattress. The second section may, for example, extend about 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the total length of the mattress. In intended use, the users may rest with their lower body on the first section and with their upper body on the second section.

[0014] The second section may also comprise a second subsection. The second subsection may be arranged on a side of the first subsection opposite the first section. In the inclined configuration, the first subsection and the second subsection may be arranged essentially flat. For example, the two subsections may form a continuous flat surface in the flat configuration. In the inclined configuration, the first subsection may be inclined relative to the first subsection. For example, the second subsection may be inclined downwards towards the floor relative to the first subsection. The two subsections may be formed as a Unitarian one-piece. The two subsections may also be formed by separate elements, such as two pieces of foam. The two subsections may be formed by separate elements that are connected by the mattress cover, which may also form a living hinge for the two subsections. The two subsections may be hingedly connected to each other. The second section may also be free of further subsections, such as the second subsection or a third subsection. The second section of the mattress may consist of the first subsection or of the first subsection and second subsection. The first subsection may form half of the second section. The second subsection may form the other half of the second subsection. Such a configuration allows use of the same parts for a first support element and a second support element, which will be discussed further down below.

[0015] The adjustment device comprises a rope configured to adjust the mattress from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration. For example, the rope may be attached to the second section of the mattress, in particular to the second subsection or first subsection. The rope may allow comfortable remote adjustment. For example, the rope may allow a user to adjust the mattress in the inclined configuration while laying or sitting on the mattress without the need to turn around or carefully insert elements into notches, which may also cause pinching of fingers. The adjustment system may be purely manually actuated or may be partially or fully motor actuated. Further, the adjustment system may have a hoist functionality, which provides a gear ratio to either lower actuation forces or increase actuation speed. The adjustment system may have a gear ratio of one, for example if the rope is simply directly attached. The adjustment system may be lightweight and require little to no extra space. The rope may be a textile rope, cable, cord, wire or other limp elongated element and may be formed of an arbitrary material. The rope may be a webbing strap. The rope may be formed by multiple filaments or a single fiber. The rope may be a rope element. The adjustment device may be configured for stepless adjustment of the inclination of the first subsection of the second section relative to the first section. For example, the inclination angle may be freely set by the user. This allows both slight elevation of the first subsection for a comfortable sleeping position as well as a couch like configuration with a very upright backrest for a sitting user. For example, in a maximum inclined configuration, the first subsection may be angled by at least 45°, 60° or even 75° with regard to the first section. With the first section resting on a horizontal surface, the first subsection may thus form an angle with a vertical axis of less than 45°, in particular less than 30° or even less than 15°. The adjustment device may be removable, e.g. completely removable, for washing the mattress. The adjustment device may comprise two subsystems, each comprising a rope and being configured according to one of the embodiments described below. The two subsystems may be configured identically to each. The two subsystems may be provided at opposing sides of the mattress, e.g. on opposing longitudinal side surfaces of the mattress.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the adjustment device comprises a first support element and a second support element. The first support element and / or the second support element may be adjustable by the rope for adjusting the mattress from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration. For example, actuating the adjustment system may move the support elements, in particular erect them in a reverse V- shape. Actuating the adjustment system may involve pulling the rope by a user to adjust the mattress from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration. The adjustment may cause the first support element and / or the second support element to be moved into an inclined position. The first support element and the second support element may be arranged next to each other, for example in the flat configuration or in both configurations. For example, the first support element and the second support element may be attached to each other at an adjacent edge, in particular with a hinge. The hinge may be a living hinge. The support elements may be hingedly connected, either directly with a dedicated hinge attached to both support elements or indirectly through the mattress, in particular by the cover of the mattress. The first support element may form an essentially continuous surface or other structure that may support a person resting thereon with the mattress. A support element may be configured as a frame, optionally with a net tensioned therein or slats supported thereby. A support element may also be configured as a board or some other rigid element capable of supporting a person resting thereupon with their upper body and the mattress. A support element may comprise or consist of a hard panel. The support elements may have an essentially flat extension. For example, the support elements may have the general form of a flat sheet. In one embodiment, both support elements are formed as a unitary sheet, e.g. a plastic sheet, and are connected via a living hinge. The support elements may support the second section of the mattress, in particular in the inclined configuration and / or instead of the tent floor. The support elements may be easier to actuate with the adjustment system instead of the mattress directly to adjust the mattress into the inclined configuration. The adjustment of the support elements may also force the adjacent subsections of the second section of the mattress in a corresponding shape and / or orientation. The support elements may be attached to the mattress, for example with straps, a Velcro, buttons or by the mattress cover. For example, the support elements may be arranged in corresponding pockets of the mattress cover. One or both support elements may not be attached to the mattress, instead for example simply resting underneath the mattress. The support elements may be arranged within the cover of the mattress and / or underneath the mattress. Underneath the mattress may mean an arrangement on a side of the filling of the mattress facing towards the tent floor and / or away from the user resting on the mattress. Underneath the mattress may also mean on a side of the cover of the mattress facing towards the tent floor and / or away from the user resting on the mattress. Underneath may also mean an arrangement within pockets of the cover of the mattress, which may be arranged on the side of the cover of the mattress facing towards the tent floor and / or away from the user resting on the mattress. Alternatively, the pockets may also be arranged on the side of the cover mattress facing away from the tent floor and / or towards the filling of the mattress. For example, the support elements may still be considered arranged underneath the mattress and its sections when arranged between the filling and the cover of the mattress on the side facing towards the floor and thus away from users resting on the mattress.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the first support element and the second support element are arranged essentially flat in the flat configuration. For example, the first and / or second support element may form a flat surface in the flat configuration. The first and second support element may be arranged in one plane in the flat configuration. The first and second support element may be arranged parallel to the tent floor in the flat configuration. The first and second support element may rest flat on the tent floor in the flat configuration. The first support element may be arranged parallel to the first subsection and / or underneath the first subsection, for example in both the flat configuration and the inclined configuration. The second support element may be arranged parallel to a second subsection and / or underneath the second subsection in the flat configuration, thus supporting the second subsection of the mattress. The second support element may also be arranged underneath the first support element and / or spaced apart from the mattress in the flat configuration.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the first support element is inclined upwards relative to the first section in the inclined configuration. Upwards may be understood in a direction from the first section towards the second section and relative to the tent floor. The first support element may still be arranged parallel to the first subsection and / or underneath the first subsection in the inclined configuration, thus supporting the first subsection of the mattress. The second support element may be arranged parallel to the second subsection and / or underneath the second subsection in the inclined configuration, thus supporting the second subsection of the mattress. The second support element may also support the first support element in the inclined configuration. The first subsection may be inclined upwards and the second subsection may be inclined downwards, resulting in a reverse V-shape of the second section of the mattress in the inclined configuration. The mattress may comprise a second subsection angled downwards relative to the first sub-section in the inclined configuration. The second section of the mattress may thus form a triangle with the tent floor. The two subsections may be formed by separate parts or may be sections of a Unitarian mattress, for example with a single piece of bendable foam filling. The first support element may be inclined upwards and the second support element may be inclined downwards, resulting in a reverse V-shape of the two support elements in the inclined configuration. The shape of the second subsection of the mattress may correspond to this reverse V-shape. In the inclined configuration, the first support element may rest with an end adjacent the first section of the mattress on the tent floor and the second support element may rest with an end spaced apart from the first support element on the tent floor. The second support element may extend angled downwards from the first support element, in particular from an end of the second support element facing away from the first section of the mattress and / or from a top of the first support element and / or towards a surface supporting the mattress system, such as a tent floor, in the inclined configuration. The second support element may also be spaced apart from the mattress in the inclined configuration. The second support element may be configured to support the second support element in the inclined position. For example, the first support element may rest on second support element with an end spaced apart from the ground. The two support elements may thus provide a sturdy support of the inclined parts of the mattress. The second support element may be arranged parallel to the second subsection and / or underneath the second subsection of the mattress, in particular in the inclined configuration and / or both configurations. A shape and size of the support elements may correspond to the adjacent subsections of the mattress. The support elements may rest loosely on the tent floor or may be moveably connected to the tent floor at one end, for example with pins in a guide groove.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the first support element and the second support element are hingedly connected to each other. An axis of this hinge may extend orthogonal to a longitudinal extension of the mattress. The hinge may allow both the relative inclination of the two support elements while also ensuring that the two support elements are supporting each other in the inclined configuration. A load on the rope from a user resting on the inclined mattress may thus be reduced. The hinge may, for example, be formed by a hinge element or the cover of the mattress or overall the mattress.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the rope is configured to pull the first subsection of the second section in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mattress, e.g. upwards, to incline the first subsection of the second section with respect to the first section. This movement of the first subsection of the second section in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the mattress may be brought about by pulling a portion of the rope, e.g. a handle as described below, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mattress, e.g. upwards. By pulling the first subsection of the second section in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the mattress, a hinge between first and second subsections of the second section may engage.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the rope is configured to pull an end of the second section, e.g. an end of the second support element and / or an end of the second subsection, facing away from the first section of the mattress towards the first section of the mattress, e.g. the first subsection of the mattress, to adjust the mattress from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration. Such a design may provide a lever effect to incline the mattress and also both adjust the first and second support element at once in a simple manner. Adjustment may thus be particular comfortable for the user. The rope may be connected to that end of the second support element. The rope may be connected to areas at an end of the second support element that are spaced apart, for example in a lateral direction of the mattress. For example, the rope may split into two ends, each of which is connected to one of those areas. The rope may thus form a Y-shape. The connection to two areas may stabilize the second and / or first support element during adjustment and may prevent uneven movement of the support elements. Alternatively, the rope may be configured to pull an end of the first support element facing away from the first section of the mattress towards the first section of the mattress and upwards to adjust the mattress from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a handle to exert a pulling force onto the rope by a user. The handle may comprise a loop to be grabbed by a user. The handle may be attached or integrally formed with the rope. For example, the handle may be provided at the rope in between the two ends of the rope. The handle may be connected to the rope at a first connection point. The rope may be connected to the first subsection at a second connection point, e.g. at a hinge formed between the first and second subsections of the second section. The rope may be connected to the end of the second section facing away from the first section, e.g. an end of the second subsection of the second section facing away from the first section, at a third connection point. The rope may be directly or indirectly connected to a cover of the mattress and / or to first and / or second support elements at the connection points. The rope extension length between the first and second connection points may be smaller than the rope extension length between the first and third connection points. This ensures that a pulling force is firstly applied to the second connection point, e.g. for engaging a hinge, before being applied to the third connection point, e.g. for pulling the second subsection towards the first subsection.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the mattress comprises a cutout for accommodating the handle, e.g. in the flat configuration of the mattress system. The cutout may be formed in a side surface of the mattress. The mattress may comprise cutouts on opposing side surfaces of the mattress for accommodating handles of opposing subsystems of the adjustment device as described above. The cutout can be formed to allow for a grabbing of the handle accommodated in the cutout by a user.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the adjustment device comprises a fixation device configured to hold the mattress in the inclined configuration. For example, the user may pull on the rope to adjust the mattress into the inclined configuration. The fixation device may then hold the mattress in the inclined configuration by blocking a reverse movement of the rope, in particular by blocking movement of a rope towards the section and / or in an opposite direction. The fixation device may be adjustable between a fixing state and a release state. In the release state, the fixation device may allow adjustment of the rope and thus the mattress towards the flat configuration. In the fixing state, the fixation device may block adjustment of the rope and thus the mattress towards the flat configuration. The fixation device may always allow adjustment toward the inclined configuration, for example by allowing the rope to be pulled therethrough in one direction, regardless of state. The fixation device may also be configured to only allow adjustment toward the inclined configuration if in the release state. The fixation device can be actuated to be adjusted into the release state. The fixation device may be biased towards the fixing state. The rope and the fixation device may need to be brought into engagement in one embodiment to block adjustment of the mattress system towards the flat configuration or generally into another configuration. In another embodiment, the rope and the fixation device are always in engagement. The fixation device may comprise a clamp and / or a lever. For example, the fixation device may comprise a one-way clutch for the rope that allows adjusting in the direction of the inclined configuration but blocks adjustment in the direction of the flat configuration until released. For example, the fixation device may comprise a clam cleat, such as often used on sail boats. The fixation device may be mounted to the support surface for the mattress, such as the tent floor, or to the mattress, such as to the first section of the mattress. The fixation device may also be mounted to the vehicle. The fixation device may be configured to hold the mattress in the inclined configuration with one or more users resting on the first subsection of the mattress.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the fixation device comprises a lock / release buckle. The lock / release buckle may be selectively fixed to the rope. If not fixed, the lock / release buckle may be moved along the rope. The lock / release buckle may be released by pushing the buckle. When fixed onto the rope, lock / release buckle may engage with a further element, e.g. a guiding element for guiding the rope, to fix the mattress in the inclined configuration. By releasing the lock / release buckle, the engagement of the lock / release buckle with the further element may be released. The further element may be connected to the mattress, e.g. a cover of the mattress.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the mattress self-adjusts into the flat configuration, in particular upon release of the fixation device. For example, once the first and / or second support element are not held in the inclined position anymore, such as by the fixation device, gravity and / or a tension in the mattress due to being bent may cause the first support element, second support element and / or the mattress to return back to the flat configuration. For example, the two support elements may slide back with a flat surface to rest upon the tent floor and the mattress may elastically form back into a flat shape. For example, the use may not be required to pull on the pulley system to adjust the mattress into the flat configuration but may only be required to release the fixation device.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the adjustment device is configured for a stepless adjustment of the inclination of the first subsection of the second section relative to the first section. For example, the rope may be pulled to any position between the flat configuration and a maximum inclined configuration of the mattress. For example, the fixation device may be configured to hold the rope in a stepless manner at any position. For example, the fixation device may engage the rope along the entire length that may run through the fixation device. A user may thus incline the first subsection of the mattress as desired.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the adjustment device comprises a pulley system including the rope element. The mattress system may comprise a channel configured to guide the pulley system towards an end of the first section of the mattress opposite the second section. The channel may prevent the pulley system to rub against other parts, such as the mattress, which may potentially cause abrasion otherwise. Further, the channel may minimize friction in the pulley system. For example, the channel may be arranged underneath the mattress and may prevent a user resting on the mattress from pinching the rope and thus potentially hindering adjustment of the mattress. For example, the channel may be formed as a groove in the support surface for the mattress, such as the tent floor, and / or in the first section of the mattress and optional the first subsection of the second section of the mattress. The groove may reduce space required for the pulley system in the tent. Alternatively or additionally, the channel may comprise a cover element, such as a steel cover attached to the tent floor and / or arranged in the groove in the mattress. The cover element may be rigid, such as a plastic, carbon fiber or metal cover element. The channel may be arranged underneath the mattress cover or between the cover and the filling, for example as a groove within the filling of the mattress. The channel may have openings that correspond to openings in the cover of the mattress.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the pulley system comprises a rerouting element. The rerouting element may guide a rope of the pulley system to extend into a different direction. The rerouting element may be configured to allow a user to actuate the pulley system for adjusting the mattress from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration while resting on the first section of the mattress. For example, the rope may run underneath the mattress towards an end of the first section opposite the end adjacent the second section. At this free end, the rerouting element may be arranged. The rerouting element may be arranged adjacent the end of the first section of the mattress opposite the second section of the mattress. The rerouting element may allow pulling the rope towards the first section and / or second section of the mattress while the second support element is pulled towards the first section. For example, the rerouting element may be formed by a roller, a bar or the fixation device. The rerouting element may be mounted to the tent floor, the vehicle or the mattress. The rerouting element may be a rigid element over which the rope of the pulley system may slide.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the adjustment device comprises an end stop limiting a maximum inclination of the first subsection of the second section relative to the first section. For example, the end stop may prevent a user from pulling the first support element and / or the second support element in a vertical position, which may be unstable. The end stop may limit how far a user may pull the rope. For example, the end stop may be formed by ball or other protrusion on the rope abutting against the channel, rerouting element or fixation device at the maximum inclination. For example, the end stop may also be formed by a wall or ridge limiting movement of the second support element towards the first section of the mattress. The flat configuration may be defined by the tent floor, which may form an end stop for adjusting the mattress towards the flat configuration.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the mattress system, the mattress is attachable to the surface supporting the mattress, such as the tent floor, via an attachment means. For example, at least or only the first section of the mattress may be attached to the tent floor via the attachment means. The attachment means may provide the attachment, for example, with Velcro, buttons, holes and hooks for a removable attachment. The attachment means may also provide the attachment to be permanent, for example with screws and / or glue. The attachment means prevents the mattress from sliding when adjusting the mattress between its configurations. This may facilitate adjustment.

[0032] A second aspect relates to a tent, in particular for a vehicle. The tent may be configured as a trailer hitch and / or roof top tent. The tent may comprise the mattress system according to the first aspect. Embodiments, examples and features of the first aspect constitute embodiments, examples and features of the second aspect and vice-versa.

[0033] The tent may comprise a tent canopy. The tent canopy may comprise a waterproof fabric. The tent canopy may be a limp part of the tent, for example held by tent poles in the erected configuration of the tent. The canopy may define an interior space of the tent. The mattress system may be arranged in the interior space. There may be sufficient interior space for the mattress system in both the erected configuration and transport configuration of the tent. The mattress may only fit in the interior space in the transport configuration of the tent if adjusted into the flat configuration. The tent may comprise a tent floor. The tent floor may be formed by the tent canopy, some part of the vehicle or a separate part, such as a floorboard. The mattress may rest at least with the first section on the tent floor. The tent may have a wedge shape. A wedge-shaped tent may adjust from the transport configuration into the erected configuration by combining a translatory vertical movement of a roof with a pivoting movement at one end. The roof is thus inclined along its longitudinal extension and may provide even at a lower end enough space for the mattress in the inclined configuration and optionally also a sitting person. The wedge shape may thus allow full and comfortable use of the inclined configuration without requiring an unduly large tent.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the tent, the tent can be adjusted between a transport configuration and an erected configuration. For example, adjustment may be effected by another pulley system, extendable poles and / or release of springs. Adjusting the tent from the erected configuration into the transport configuration may also cause the mattress to be adjusted into its flat configuration. For example, actuating an element of the tent that needs to be actuated for adjusting the tent from the erected configuration into the transport configuration may also release the fixation device. The roof of the tent and / or gravity may press the mattress into its flat configuration. This may facilitate adjustment of the tent into the transport configuration since a user does not need to remember to adjust the mattress into its flat configuration before starting to adjust the tent configuration.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the tent, the first subsection is arranged spaced apart of side windows and / or side pockets of the tent in the inclined configuration, in particular with a maximum inclination of the first subsection. For example, the first subsection can be spaced apart from side windows and / or side pockets in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may be defined by the largest extension of the mattress in the flat configuration and / or a direction from the first section to the second section. For example, the first subsection is thus not arranged in front of the side windows and / or side pockets, such as interior side pockets, of the tent in the inclined configuration of the mattress. This prevents the mattress from obstructing a view and / or access to the pockets. The windows and / or side pockets may be formed by the canopy, in particular openings and / or inserts in the canopy. A further aspect relates to a vehicle, such as a car, RV, van, trailer or truck. The vehicle comprises the tent according to the second aspect and / or the mattress system according to the first aspect. For example, the tent may be mounted to the vehicle, such as to the vehicle roof. Embodiments, examples and features of the first and second aspect constitute embodiments, examples and features of the further aspect and vice-versa.

[0036] Other features of the present invention will be apparent from consideration of the information contained above as well as in or in combination with the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0038] Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic side view, a mattress system for a vehicle tent in a flat configuration according to an embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows, in a schematic side view, the mattress system of Fig. 1 in an inclined configuration.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows, in a schematic top view, the mattress system of Fig. 1 .

[0041] Fig. 4 shows, in a schematic side view, a mattress system for a vehicle tent in a flat configuration according to a further embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic side view, the mattress system of Fig. 4 during an inclining action.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows, in a schematic side view, the mattress system of Fig. 4 in an inclined configuration.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows, in a schematic top view, the mattress system of Fig. 4.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows, in a schematic side view, a mattress system for a vehicle tent in a flat configuration according to a further embodiment. Fig. 9 shows, in a schematic side view, the mattress system of Fig. 8 in an inclined configuration.

[0046] Fig. 10 shows, in a schematic top view, the mattress system of Figs. 8 and 9 with an alternative arrangement.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a mattress system 10 for a vehicle tent, such as a tent configured for mounting to the roof of a vehicle, in a schematic side view. The mattress system 10 comprises a mattress 12. The mattress 12 comprises a textile cover 14 and a Unitarian one piece foam core as a filling 16 arranged within the cover 14. The cover 14 fully encloses the filling 16. In other embodiments, the filling 16 is formed by several foam pieces, wherein each foam piece may form one of the sections or subsections described in the following. In Fig. 1 , the mattress 12 is shown in a flat configuration. The mattress 12 thus has a plane upper surface and rests completely on a tent floor. A user may thus lay flat on the flat upper surface of the mattress 12 with his legs on the right side and his head on the left side in the plane of Fig. 1 .

[0049] The mattress 12 may be adjusted into an inclined configuration, as shown in the schematic side view of Fig. 2. For adjustment, a part of the mattress 12 is folded to be inclined upwards. This fold divides the mattress 12 along its longitudinal extension in a first section 18 and a second section 20. The division is illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with a dashed line. In the inclined configuration, at least a first subsection 22 of the second section 20, which is adjacent to the first section 18, is inclined upwards relative to the first section 18 and from the tent floor. A user may thus rest on the first section 18 with a lower part of his body, such as his legs and buttocks, and on the first subsection 22 with an upper part of his body, such as his lower back, upper back, neck and / or head. The inclined configuration provides a couch function with a backrest for the user. A second subsection 24 extends adjacent to the first subsection 22 on a side opposite the first section 18 and extends from a peak of the first subsection 22 back to towards the tent floor. In some embodiments, the mattress 12 does not extend all the way to the floor due to its curvatures in the inclined configuration. A division between the two subsections 22, 24 is also illustrated with another dashed line in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The mattress system 10 comprises an adjustment device 30 that is configured for a stepless adjustment of the mattress 12 between its flat configuration and a maximum inclined configuration, as shown in Fig. 2. For that purpose, the adjustment device 30 comprises a pulley system 32, a first support element 34, a second support element 36, a fixation device 38 and a rerouting element.

[0050] The first support element 34 and the second support element 36 are configured as hard panels, such as metal or plastic panels. Both support elements 34, 36 are arranged in pockets in the cover 14 on a side of the mattress 12 facing the tent floor and away from the user resting on the mattress 12. The pockets may be arranged on a side of the cover 14 facing towards the filling 16 or on a side facing away from the filling 16. When the pockets are facing towards the filling 16, the support elements 34, 36 are arranged inside the cover 16 but may still be considered to be arranged underneath the mattress 12. The support elements 34, 36 may thus not easily slip out. When the pockets are facing away from the filling 16, the support elements 34, 36 are arranged outside the mattress 12 at an underside. The support elements 34, 36 are then easily accessible, for example for replacement. The cover 14 connects the two pockets and thus the two support elements 34, 36 in a hinged manner, so that the two support elements 34, 36 can pivot relatively to each other at the respective edges adjacent to each other.

[0051] The first support element 34 is arranged underneath the first subsection 22. The first subsection 22 is inclined together with the first support element 34 when adjusting the mattress 12 in the inclined configuration, thus supporting the first subsection 22 of the filling 16. The second support element 36 is arranged underneath the second subsection 24. The second subsection 24 is also inclined together with the second support element 36 when adjusting the mattress 12 in the inclined configuration, thus supporting the second subsection 24 of the filling 16 and also the first support element 34. In the inclined configuration, both the two subsections 22, 24 as well as the two support elements 34, 36 form an inverse V or a triangle with the tent floor as a bottom, as can be seen in Fig. 2.

[0052] The pulley system 32 comprises a rope element 40. At a head end of the mattress 12, the rope element 40 splits into two ends. Each end is attached to a corresponding area of the second support element 36 at the end of the second support element 36 facing away from the first section 18 of the mattress 12. The two areas and thus the two ends are spaced apart in the lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the mattress 12. The rope element 40 forms a Y-Shape with the base of the Y forming a free end of the rope element 40 protruding from a leg end of the mattress 12 and thus an end of the first section 18 opposite the second section 20. The rope element 40 extends underneath the cover 14 of the mattress 12 between the mattress 12 and the tent floor. In other embodiments, the rope element 40 may be arranged in a channel that extends between the mattress 12 and the tent floor or partially or completely in the mattress 12 and / or the tent floor.

[0053] At the end of the first section 18 opposite the second section 20, the rerouting element is arranged as an integral part of the fixation device 38, for example formed by a bar or roller. The fixation device 38 is mounted to the tent floor, for example by screws. The rerouting element allows a user resting on the mattress 12 to pull the rope element 40 towards him and thus towards the second section 20, as illustrated in Fig. 2. This force is redirected together with the rope element 40 by the rerouting element towards the second support element 36. Pulling on the rope element 40 thus causes the end of the second support element 36 facing away from the first support element 34 and the first section 18 to be pulled towards the first section 18 and thus towards the leg end of the mattress 12. This causes both the first support element 34 and the second support element 36 to fold upwards, forming the inverse V-shape. This also causes the mattress 12 to bend upwards with the first subsection 22 relative to the first section 18, thus providing a backrest for the user. This also causes the mattress 12 to bend downwards with the second subsection 24 relative to the first subsection 22. Depending on how far the user pulls the rope element 40 and thus the connected end of the second support element 36, the user can freely set in a stepless manner an angle of inclination of the first subsection 22 and thus the backrest.

[0054] The fixation device 38 is configured to hold the pulley system 32 with the mattress 12 in the inclined configuration. For this purpose, the fixation device 38 comprises a cleat clamp into which the rope element 40 may be inserted or in which the rope element 40 is permanently arranged. The cleat clamp allows the rope element 40 to be pulled through by the user to incline the mattress 12. However, the cleat clamp blocks any movement of the rope element 40 in the reverse direction, thus keeping the first subsection 22 in its inclined position. The cleat clamps holding power is strong enough to hold the mattress 12 in its inclined configuration even with users resting on the inclined first subsection 22. To adjust the mattress 12 back into its flat configuration, a user needs to adjust the fixation device 38 from its fixing state to its release state. In the release state, the rope element 40 may slide through the fixation device 38 in the reverse direction and thus towards the second section 20 of the mattress. The weight of the mattress 12, the support elements 34, 36 and a potential user partially resting on the second section 20 causes the mattress 12 to then self-adjust back into its flat configuration. To adjust the fixation device 38 into its release state, thus releasing the rope element 40, a user may need to actuate the fixation device 38, for example by means of a lever or button.

[0055] The adjustment device 30 device may comprise an end stop limiting a maximum inclination of the first subsection 22 of the second section 20 relative to the first section 18. For example, a protrusion might be arranged on the rope element 40 that abuts against the fixation device 38 when the rope element 40 has been pulled far enough outwards to adjust the mattress 12 into the maximum inclined configuration. This prevents the two support elements 34, 36 to be pulled in an unstable position, such as a vertical position. The second support element 36 may support the first support element 34 in an inclined position with a lower angle.

[0056] The mattress 12 is attached to the surface supporting the mattress 12, presently the tent floor. The attachment prevents the mattress 12 from sliding over the tent floor while still allowing the second section 20 to be folded upwards. In the present example, the attachment is provided by a Velcro 42 that attaches the edge of the first section 18 adjacent the second section 20 to the tent floor. The attachment is thus detachable, so that the mattress 12 can easily be removed for maintenance, washing and / or replacement.

[0057] The free end of the rope element 40 may be stored in a pocket. The pulley system 32 may also have a spring biased roller or the like for self-storage of the free end of the rope element 40.

[0058] Figs. 4 to 7 show a mattress system 10 for a vehicle tent according to a further embodiment. The embodiment of Figs. 4 to 7 is configured like the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 except for the differences outlined below. Corresponding components are designated with the same reference signs. In the embodiment of Figs. 4 to 7, the first and second support elements 34, 36 are formed as a unitary component comprising a hinge, e.g. a living hinge, in between the first and second support element 34, 36. In the present embodiment, a thin material sheet, which may be formed of plastic, is provided, said material sheet forming both the first and second support elements 34, 36 which are mechanically coupled via a living hinge. The material sheet is integrated into the textile cover 14 as described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 4 to 7.

[0059] Furthermore, the adjustment device 30 of the embodiment of Figs. 4 to 7 comprises two subsystems formed identically to each other and being provided at opposing longitudinal sides of the mattress 12 in lateral direction as shown in Fig. 7. In the following, only one of said subsystems of the adjustment device 30 will be described. The adjustment device 30 comprises a rope element 40 configured to adjust the mattress 12 from the flat configuration shown in Fig. 4 into the inclined configuration shown in Fig. 6. A handle 41 is mechanically connected to the rope element 40 to exert a pulling force onto the rope element 40 by a user for moving the mattress 12 from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration as will described below. The mattress 12 comprises a cutout 47 at its longitudinal side surface shown in Fig. 7 for accommodating the handle 41 in the flat configuration of the mattress 12. A corresponding cutout 47 is formed at the opposite longitudinal side surface for accommodating the handle 41 of the opposite subsystem of the adjustment device 30 in the flat configuration of the mattress 12.

[0060] The handle 41 is connected to the rope element 40 at a first connection point 43, which is positioned in between the two ends of the rope element 40. One end of the rope element 40 is connected to the first subsection 22 of the second section 20 of the mattress 12 at a second connection point 44. The second connection point 44 is provided at the underside of the mattress 22 at the hinge in between the first subsection 22 and the second subsection 24 of the second section 20. The other end of the rope element 40 is connected to the second subsection 24 of the second section 20 at a third connection point 45. The third connection point 45 is provided at the underside of the mattress 12 at the end of the second section 20 facing away from the first section 18.

[0061] The rope element 40 extends from the second connection point 44 to the first connection point 43, and from the first connection point 43 through a guiding element 46 shown in Fig. 7, presently a guide loop, to the third connection point 45. The guiding element 46 is provided at the mattress 12 at the interface of the first section 18 and the second section 20. The rope extension length between the first and second connection points 43, 44 is smaller than the rope extension length between the first and third connection points 43, 45.

[0062] To move the mattress 12 from the flat configuration shown in Fig. 4 to the inclined configuration shown in Fig. 6, the user grabs the handles 41 of both subsystems of the adjustment device 30, which are accommodated in the cutouts 47 of the mattress 12. The mattress 12 is fixed to the tent via the Velcro 42 provided at the interface of the first and second sections 18, 20. The handles 41 are then pulled upwards, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mattress 12, and towards the first section 18 of the mattress 12 as shown by the arrow in Fig. 5. As the extension length of the rope elements 40 between the first and second connection points 43, 44 is smaller than between the first and third connection points 43, 45, this pulling movements on the handles 41 will firstly engage the living hinge between first and second subsection 22, 24 of the second section 20 by moving the second connection points 44 upwards, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mattress 12. Subsequently, this pulling movement will pull the third connection points 45 towards the guiding elements 46 provided at the longitudinal position of the Velcro 42 to incline the first subsection 22 of the second section with respect to the first section 18, and the first subsection 22 and the second subsection 24 of the second section 20 with respect to each other.

[0063] When the pulling forces on the handles 41 of the rope elements 40 are released, the mattress 12 acts as a spring to move from the inclined configuration back into the flat configuration. For keeping the mattress 12 in the inclined configuration, a fixation device 38 is provided at both subsystems of the adjustment device 30, which is respectively formed as lock / release buckle in the present embodiment. The lock / release buckle 38 is provided on the rope element 40 in between the first and third connection points 43, 45. When moved towards the third connection point 45 when the mattress 12 is in the inclined configuration, it engages the guiding element 46 to fix the rope extension length in between the third connection point 45 and the guiding element 46, thereby fixing the mattress 12 in the inclined configuration. To release said fixation state, the buckle of the lock / release buckle 38 is pushed.

[0064] Figs. 8 to 10 show a mattress system 10 for a vehicle tent according to a further embodiment. The embodiment of Figs. 8 to 10 is configured like the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 except for the differences outlined below. Corresponding components are designated with the same reference signs. In the embodiment of Figs. 8 to 10, the first and second support elements 34, 36 are provided outside and separate from the mattress 12. The adjustment device 30 comprises a rope element 40, which is coupled to the first support element 34 at the bottom thereof. The rope element 40 further extends through the bottom of the second support element 36 to provide a free end which may be pulled by a user. By pulling the free end of the rope element 40, the first and second support elements 34, 36 are moved from a flat configuration shown in Fig. 8 to an inclined configuration shown in Figs. 9 and 10. This also moves the mattress 12 from the flat configuration to the inclined configuration. In contrast to the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 7, in the embodiment of Figs. 8 to 10, only the first subsection 22 of the second section 20 is inclined with respect to the first section 18 but there is no inclination between the first and second subsections 22, 24 of the second section 20.

[0065] To fix the mattress in the inclined configuration, a fixation device 38 is provided to fix the extension length of the rope element 40 between the first and second support elements 34, 36. By releasing said fixation device 38, the spring effect of the mattress 12 will move the support elements 34, 36 and also the mattress 12 back into the flat configuration.

Claims

Claims1 . Mattress system (10) for a tent, such as a vehicle tent, the mattress system (10) comprising a mattress (12) with a first section (18) and a second section (20) and an adjustment device (30), wherein the adjustment device (30) is configured to adjust the mattress (12) between a flat configuration, in which both sections (18, 20) are arranged essentially flat, and an inclined configuration, in which at least a first subsection (22) of the second section (20) adjacent to the first section (18) is inclined upwards relative to the first section (18), wherein the adjustment device (30) comprises a rope (40) configured to adjust the mattress (12) from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration.

2. Mattress system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment device (30) comprises a first support element (34) and a second support element (36) adjustable by the rope (40) for adjusting the mattress (12) from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration.

3. Mattress system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first support element (34) and the second support element (36) are arranged essentially flat in the flat configuration and / or wherein the first support element (34) is inclined upwards relative to the first section (18) in the inclined configuration.

4. Mattress system (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the first support element (34) and the second support element (36) are hingedly connected to each other.

5. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rope (40) is configured to pull the first subsection (22) of the second section (20) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mattress (12) to incline22the first subsection (22) of the second section (20) with respect to the first section (18).

6. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section (20) comprises the first subsection (22) and a second subsection (24), both subsections (22, 24) being arranged essentially flat in the flat configuration and inclined with respect to each other in the inclined configuration.

7. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rope (40) is configured to pull an end of the second section (20), optionally an end of the second support element (36) and / or an end of the second subsection (24), facing away from the first section (18) of the mattress (12) towards the first section (18), optionally towards the first subsection (22), of the mattress (12) to adjust the mattress (12) from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration.

8. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment device (30) comprises a handle (41 ) to exert a pulling force onto the rope (40) by a user.

9. Mattress system (10) according to claims 6, 7 and 8, wherein the handle (41 ) is connected to the rope (40) at a first connection point (43), the rope (40) is connected to the first subsection (22) at a second connection point (44) and the rope (40) is connected to the end of the second section (20) facing away from the first section (18) at a third connection point (45), the rope extension length between the first and second connection points (43, 44) being smaller than the rope extension length between the first and third connection points (43, 45).

10. Mattress system (10) according to any of claims 8 and 9, wherein the mattress (12) comprises a cutout (47) for accommodating the handle (41 ).11 . Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment device (30) comprises a fixation device (38) configured to hold the mattress (12) in the inclined configuration.

12. Mattress system (10) according to claim 11 , wherein the fixation device (38) comprises a lock / release buckle, the lock / release buckle optionally engaging the rope (40) between the first connection point (43) and the third connection point (45).

13. Mattress system (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the mattress (12) self-adjusts into the flat configuration upon release of the fixation device (38).

14. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment device (30) is configured for a stepless adjustment of the inclination of the first subsection (22) of the second section (20) relative to the first section (18).

15. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment device (30) comprises a pulley system (32) including the rope element (40).

16. Mattress system (10) according to claim 15, wherein the mattress system (10) comprises a channel configured to guide the pulley system (32) towards an end of the first section (18) of the mattress (12) opposite the second section (20).

17. Mattress system (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the pulley system (32) comprises a rerouting element configured to allow a user to actuate the pulley system (32) for adjusting the mattress (12) from the flat configuration into the inclined configuration while resting on the first section (18) of the mattress (12).

18. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment device (30) comprises an end stop limiting a maximum inclination of the first subsection (22) of the second section (20) relative to the first section (18).

19. Mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the mattress (12), in particular at least the first section (18), is attachable to the surface supporting the mattress (12), such as the tent floor, via an attachment means (42).

20. Tent, in particular for a vehicle and / or configured as a roof top tent, with a tent canopy and a mattress system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims arranged in an interior space of the tent defined by the canopy.

21. Tent according to claim 20, wherein the tent can be adjusted between a transport configuration and an erected configuration, wherein adjusting the tent from the erected configuration into the transport configuration also causes the mattress (12) to be adjusted into its flat configuration.

22. Tent according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the first subsection (22) is arranged spaced apart of side windows and / or side pockets of the tent in the inclined configuration.25

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