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Rivian is advancing the accessory offerings for its electric vehicle line.
The company submitted a patent proposal identified as “Retractable Double Width Expanding Camper Shell” to the USPTO in 2022. The proposal surfaced on May 30, unveiling the concept of a retractable tent upgrade that could augment Rivian’s R1T pickup model.
This innovative bed-mounted tent configuration proposes a space enhancement feature that has the capacity to host up to three mattresses within the truck’s bed. The build incorporates a solid, extensible framework operated by actuators, with supplementary surfaces that utilize the truck’s sides for support, projecting beyond the truck’s body. Rivian describes this as a hybrid between a camper shell and a tent due to the use of foldable external panels.
Apart from the two-person accommodation within the truck bed, the design accommodates an additional individual on each side, totalling a four-person capacity. To boost this potential product’s appeal, Rivian may include a range of amenities, such as inflatable mattresses, temperature regulation systems, integrated solar panels, and netted windows.
Rivian’s illustrative patent sketch for bed-mounted retractable tent
In the detailed patent documentation, Rivian critiques the current market solutions, noting that standard truck bed canopies and racks often protrude from the bed, increasing drag and hence, reducing efficiency. Rivian’s inventive design, when retracted, remains enclosed within the bed’s dimensions.
As of now, there’s no clear indication from Rivian that this retractable tent system will move to production stages. Nonetheless, rivals such as Volkswagen are ahead in this market, already offering camper vans with retractable tents among their customizable features.
Additionally, Rivian has shown interest in patenting an awning-like structure that could be deployed from a rooftop pod, alongside exploring possibilities of removable roofs, bed-mounted workstations, and camp kitchens.
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FAQ Section
What is the Rivian patent for a bed-mounted tent?
The patent filed by Rivian describes a “Retractable Double Width Expanding Camper Shell” that is designed to transform a truck’s bed into a sleeping area capable of holding up to three mattresses, with a potential occupancy of four people.
How does the bed-mounted tent work?
The tent unfolds from the bed of the truck using actuators and has a rigid frame. It includes additional flat surfaces on the side to extend the usable area.
What kind of features might the tent include?
The tent could feature accessories for comfort such as inflatable mattresses, climate control systems, solar panels, and windows with netting for ventilation.
Is Rivian’s tent design considered more efficient than current models?
Yes, according to Rivian, the tent design reduces drag because it is fully retractable within the truck bed, unlike some canopies and racks existing on the market that extend beyond the bed and cause extra drag.
