TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to rooftop tents and customization of vehicles for mounting thereon, and, more particularly, to rooftop tents and modifications to vehicles to permit tent ingress and egress from an access port through the roof of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] By way of background, often vans and similar vehicles are modified for recreational use. In particular, custom vans can be used for camping, and may include a bed, a small kitchen, and other amenities that permit overnight use on extended road trips. However, a bed within a van takes up a substantial amount of space and limits storage and excludes other amenities. Attachable rooftop tents have been employed to provide additional sleeping space. These collapsible tents are generally mounted on roof racks or other similar structures mounted to the roof of the vehicle. They are typically accessed externally, requiring the user to be exposed to the elements, or may be accessed directly from the inside of the vehicle. Due to their size, they often leave little or no space for roof-mounted accessories, such as vent fans, air conditioning units, glass panels, and so on. Thus, the user must often choose to do without these accessories when using a rooftop tent. What is needed is a system that permits the use of both the rooftop tent and accessories simultaneously.

[0003] Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described below.

SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

[0005] A portal system for connecting an accessory with a vehicle having an outer panel with an outer panel opening therethrough is described herein, and includes in one or more embodiments, a vehicle opening portal, and access portal, and an accessory portal. The vehicle opening portal has a vehicle opening frame delineating an accessory first opening through the vehicle opening portal, and the vehicle opening frame has an outer panel conforming portion and an accessory receiving portion opposite the outer panel conforming portion, the accessory receiving portion having an accessory first sealing face surrounding the accessory first opening. The access portal has an access frame delineating an access passage through the access portal and a sealing face. The accessory portal has an accessory portal frame delineating an accessory second opening and an accessory second sealing face surrounding the second accessory opening. In an assembled configuration, the access portal is positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned above the access portal, the access portal sealing face of the access portal is configured to be mated to the accessory first sealing face, the accessory portal is configured to receive the accessory on the accessory second sealing face.

[0006] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the at least one non-limiting embodiment of present invention. In such drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent;

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent;

[0010] Figure 3 is a side view of the present vehicle rooftop tent;

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent;

[0012] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent;

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent;

[0014] Figure 7 is a side view of the present vehicle rooftop tent;

[0015] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent mounted to a vehicle;

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent mounted to a vehicle;

[0017] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the present portal system, vehicle rooftop tent, and accessory;

[0018] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent mounted to a vehicle;

[0019] Figure 12 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the present portal system, vehicle rooftop tent, and accessory mounted to a vehicle;

[0020] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the present access portal;

[0021] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the present access portal being inserted into the lower deck platform; [0022] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the present access portal and latch assembly;

[0023] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the present access portal and latch assembly;

[0024] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the latch shroud and lower deck;

[0025] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the present accessory portal and accessory;

[0026] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the present accessory portal and accessory;

[0027] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the present lower deck frame;

[0028] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the lower deck frame member;

[0029] Figure 22 is a magnified perspective view of the lower deck frame;

[0030] Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the upper deck frame;

[0031] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the upper deck frame member;

[0032] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the upper deck frame;

[0033] Figure 26 is a magnified perspective view of the grab bar and a lower deck frame member connection point;

[0034] Figure 27 is a magnified perspective view of the cargo and a lower deck frame member connection point;

[0035] Figure 28 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the present portal system and vehicle rooftop tent;

[0036] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent mounted to a vehicle; and

[0037] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the present vehicle rooftop tent mounted to a vehicle.

[0038] The above-described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Example devices, systems, and methods are directed to vehicle rooftop tent and accessory mounting systems, which permits the easy exchange of rooftop accessories. Examples merely typify possible variations. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, components and functions are optional and may be combined or subdivided, and operations may vary in sequence or be combined or subdivided. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It will be evident to one skilled in the art, however, that the present subject matter may be practiced without these specific details.

[0040] FIGS. 1-30 illustrate example embodiments of the present vehicle rooftop tent 50, portal system 48, and compatible accessory examples. Looking first at FIGS. 1-9, an example embodiment of the present rooftop tent 50 is illustrated alone and mounted to the roof R of a vehicle (a van in this example, such as a MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER, FORD TRANSIT, etc.), but may include a variety of vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, trailers, and so on. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle rooftop tent 50 is clamshell like and opens to a triangular-like profile from a slim profile of roughly 8.6 inches, for example. FIGS. 1-5 and 8 illustrates the vehicle rooftop tent 50 in the open arrangement; and FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 illustrate the vehicle rooftop tent 50 in the closed arrangement. The vehicle rooftop tent 50 includes a lower deck 52 connected to an upper deck 58 through hinges 74, 76 that are illustrated as 4- bar linkages that enable the upper deck 58 to be lifted inches above the lower deck 52 at a back end of the vehicle rooftop tent 50 (nearest the hinges 74, 76), while enabling the opposite front end to be lifted several feet up by tilting, resulting in a truncated triangular profile. Spanning between the lower deck 52 and the upper deck 58, about their respective perimeters, is a fabric sidewall 66 that encloses an interior space 67, defined between the lower deck 52, the upper deck 58, and the fabric sidewall 66, where the upper edge 94 of the fabric sidewall 66 is zippered to the zipper strip 92 attached to the upper deck frame 60 and the lower edge 96 of the fabric sidewall 66 is zippered to the zipper strip 90 attached to the lower deck frame 54. The fabric sidewall 66 includes a side window 68, 70 on each side and a front window 72, each of which can be unzipped to expose a screen or provide an opening to the exterior. To aid in lifting the upper deck 58 and keep the fabric sidewalls taut, struts 78, 80 are provided for controlled deployments and stowing. Since it is often a desire to use electrical devices within the interior space 67 and provide power and signal to optional accessories, a connector cable 82 connects the lower deck 52 with the upper deck 58 to provide signal therebetween. As will be described in further detail below, power/signal can be routed through the vehicle V and into the lower deck 52.

[0041] Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5, the interior details of the vehicle rooftop tent 50 can be seen more clearly. The lower deck 52 includes a lower deck frame 54 surrounding a lower deck platform 56 (made of a light-weight honeycomb composite panel or the like), which supports a mat 86 and a mattress 84 thereabove. An access portal 88 in assembled with the lower deck platform 56 within the lower deck frame 54, and defines a portal opening 138 that provides access between the vehicle V interior and the interior space 67. A latch assembly 100 is substantially enclosed within a shroud 64 that includes compartments 126, 128. The upper deck 58 includes an upper deck frame 60 surrounding an upper deck platform 62, which can be made of a similar material as the lower deck 52 or can be one of many suitable materials, including fabric, screen material, etc. In this example embodiment, the upper deck 58 does not include an accessory opening formed therethrough, but this can be easily cut out for installing the accessory portal, as described below. The upper deck 58 includes a pull bar 1 12 and a cargo net 98 as an option.

[0042] FIGS 8 and 9 illustrate the present vehicle rooftop tent 50 installed on the roof top RT of a vehicle V, with the vehicle rooftop tent 50 in the open arrangement and FIG. 9 in the closed arrangement. The outer body OB sheet metal of the vehicle V rooftop RT generally has a non-planar surface, with a variety of curves, creases, elongated ridges R, and so on. which makes it difficult to seal an accessory against. The present portal system 48 are made with customized conforming surfaces that mate and confirm to the rooftop RT shape. Looking at the accessory 166 seated in the accessory portal 164. The accessory 166 can be a variety of items, including a transparent, translucent, or solid panel, a device with a fan unit (such as an air conditioner unit, a circulation fan, etc.), a solar panel, an emergency exit, a passage to another space, antennae, a drone station, a weapons system, roof rack system, sensors, and so on.

[0043] FIG. 10 (and referring to FIGS. 11-12) illustrates the first assembly configuration of the present vehicle rooftop tent 50 and portal system 48 (excluding the van V rooftop RT for clarity purposes). At the bottom (and positioned in the interior of the van V) is the trim member 196, with the purpose of covering the sharp edges of the outer panel opening through the van V rooftop RT, to protect cabling routed from the van and through the portal system 48, and for aesthetic purposes. The trim member 196 is generally made from plastic that is injection molded, and includes a trim flange 198 that overlays the roof liner of the van V to hide the oversized hole and cutting damage of the outer panel opening. The trim member 196 further includes a trim skirt 200 that defines an opening 202 through the trim member 196, and hides the edges of the cut outer panel opening. The skirt 200 inserts within a grove 187 formed in the vehicle opening frame 186, and locks in place with a snap fit. The vehicle opening portal 184 includes a vehicle opening frame 186 having an outer panel conforming portion 188 that faces and seals against the outer panel OP of the vehicle V (using a sealant, gasket, or the like) and includes a curvature and ridge clearances 190 to accommodate and closely follow the contours of the rooftop RT. [0044] The accessory first opening 192 permits either an accessory 166 to be seated in the accessory first sealing face 194 (seen in FIG. 12). The accessory first sealing face 194 is generally shaped as a step down on the side opposite the outer panel conforming portion 188. The lower deck portal assembly (or access portal) 88 includes a sealing face 89 that rests within and seals against the accessory first sealing face 194 (using sealant, a gasket, etc.). The lower deck portal assembly 88 is seated within the access opening 182 of the lower deck platform 56 of the vehicle rooftop tent 50. A accessory opening (not shown) cut through the upper deck 58 receives the accessory portal 164, which includes the accessory portal frame 170 that rests atop the upper deck 58 and the accessory portal bezel 168 that is positioned beneath the upper deck 58 to sandwich the upper deck 58 therebetween. The accessory 166 can be seated within the accessory second portal sealing face 222 or be selectively seated within the accessory first sealing face 194 (when the vehicle rooftop tent 50 is removed).

[0045] FIGS. 13-17 illustrate the construction of the lower deck portal or access portal assembly 88 and the latch assembly 100. The lower deck portal assembly 88 includes four frame members 130, 132, 134, 136 attached end-to-end by comer members 140, 142, 144, 146 to form a rectangular portal opening 138. About the outer perimeter face 152 is formed an adhesive groove 150 for receiving the lower deck platform 56 within the access cutout opening 204 formed in the lower deck platform 56. The front face of frame member 130 is a tongue 148 instead of a groove 150, for insertion into a groove of the lower deck frame54. Thus, the lower deck portal assembly 88 is securely held to and assembled with the lower deck 52. The bottom side 156 of the lower deck portal assembly 88 forms a sealing face that seats within and seal against the accessory first sealing face 194. T-slots 158, 160 are longitudinally formed in the frame members 130, 132, 134, 136, so that T-slot nuts 208 (or similar fasteners) can receive items for mounting to the lower deck portal assembly 88, such as the latch assembly 100. The latch assembly 100 includes a latch handle 102 mounted to a latch bracket 120, with the latch handle 102 connected to latches 108, 110 (like car door or hood latches), each respectively mounted on brackets 109, 111. Further, corner brackets 122, 124 each respectively have mounted thereon buckles 113, 114 (like car seat belt buckles). Cables 104, 124 connect the handle 102 to each of the respective latches 108, 110, so that pulling the handle 102 opens each latch to release the pull bar 112 (described later). As seen in FIG. 17, the latch assembly shroud 64 includes various opening for permitting operational access to the latch handle 102 (through handle opening 210), the buckles 113, 114 (through buckle openings 214, 216, and the latches 108, 110 (through openings 218, 220). Bins 126, 128 are formed in the shroud 64 for holding items. Bin 126 includes openings 212 for sockets delivering data and power to electronic devices or the like.

[0046] Looking at FIGS. 20-22, the lower deck frame 54 is shown ready for assembly, and includes frame members 226, 228, 230, 232. The frame members 226, 228, 230, 232 are connected end-to-end by comer members 234, 236, 238, 240 to form a rectangular frame. FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-section of frame member 226 (or any frame member for that matter), showing various details. The frame member 226 cross section shows cable channel 244 within which cables and other elongate items can be snaked. A zipper rope channel 250 receives a track rope on the edge of the lower zipper strip 90 (like an awning track rope), adhesive channel 258 receives either the edge of the lower deck platform 56 or the tongue 148 of the lower deck portal assembly 88 (depending on the region), with an adhesive securing them in place. Threaded holes 256 receive threaded fasteners 257 to attach the comer member 234 (in this example) to the frame member 226. A fastener clearance depression 242 is provided on the outer corner of the comer member 234, so that the threaded fasteners can be easily inserted or removed. T-slot channels 254 are formed on various sides of the frame members 226, 228, 230, 232 for attachment or items.

[0047] FIG. 22 shows the alignment of the cable channels 244, 246, 248 within frame member 226, comer member 234, and frame member 232. A cable, wiring harness, water tube, etc. can be inserted or removed from the connected channels 244, 246, 248 by removing the corner cap (see FIG. 17, comer cap 235 is fastened to comer member 234 and corner cap 237 is fastened to comer member 238). Removal of the corner cap 235 permits clearance for access to cables held thereunder. Further, the track rope can be easily fed into or pulled out of the zipper rope channel 250 with the corner cap 235 removed. Once installed back into place on the corner member 234, the corner cap 235 traps the track rope in place and covers the cabling.

[0048] Looking at FIGS. 23-27, the upper deck frame 60 is shown ready for assembly, and includes frame members 260, 262, 264, 266. The frame members 260, 262, 264, 266 are connected end-to-end by corner members 268, 270, 272, 274, to form a rectangular frame. FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-section of frame member 260 (or any frame member for that matter), showing various details. The frame member 260 cross section (illustrated upside down) shows cable channel 302 within which cables and other elongate items can be snaked. A zipper rope channel 300 receives a track rope on the edge of the upper zipper strip 92 (like an awning track rope). Adhesive channel 298 receives the edge of the upper deck platform 62, with an adhesive securing them in place. Threaded hole 296 receive threaded fasteners to attach the comer member 268 (in this example) to the frame member 260. Much like the lower deck frame 54 of FIGS. 20-22, the corner members 268, 270, 272, 274 include cable channels 286, covered by caps 276, 278, 280, 282 with the same advantages previously described.

[0049] A cargo net 98 is attached to the upper deck frame 60 with the cargo net anchor 290 (attached to a loop formed at the end of rope 306) fastened to a T-slot nut within T-slot 294 in four places about the inner perimeter of the upper deck frame 60. Similarly, the flange 304 at each end of the pull bar 1 12 is fastened to a T-slot nut within T-slot 294. Also, buckle bracket 292 has attached thereon buckle tongues 116, 118, and is attached to the inner perimeter of the upper deck frame 60 by threading fasteners into T-slot nuts within T-slot 294. Further, fill strips 288 may be placed within the T-slots 294 to acts as a spacer (such as to prevent the cargo net anchors 290 from moving within slot 294 or to cover the unused portion of the slot 292).

[0050] In FIG. 28, the vehicle rooftop tent 50 and the portal system 48 are shown assembled in cross-section (the fabric sidewall 66 is not shown for clarity). The U-shaped latch striker 114 is latched within latch 108 and buckle tongue 116 is latched within buckle 113 with strap 117 strapped about the fabric sidewall 66 to neatly stow the sidewall 66.

[0051] Finally, looking at FIGS. 29-30, the vehicle rooftop tent 50 is mounted to a vehicle V with roof rack brackets 312, 314 (or similar), and includes a cross bars 308, 310 for additional cargo (such as the surfboard illustrated). Further, T-slot brackets can hold further tools and accessories to the vehicle rooftop tent 50. Each of these can be mounted to one of several T-slots on the upper and lower frames of the vehicle rooftop tent 50.

[0052] FIG. 15 illustrates the present vehicle rooftop tent and accessory mounting system, with the tent installed on the vehicle and the tent in the closed configuration, with no accessories attached to the portals. It can be seen that, when the tent is closed, the vehicle roof portal, the lower deck portal, and the upper deck portal are substantially aligned. In this way, the accessory that will be attached to the upper deck provides benefit to the vehicle interior. For example, if the air vent accessory, the air conditioner accessory, a glass panel accessory, etc. is installed in the upper deck portal, light and/or conditioned air is provided to the vehicle interior. Similarly, when the tent is opened or deployed, the vehicle roof portal and the lower deck portal remain aligned (since the tent is purposely installed in alignment to permit ingress and egress) and the upper deck portal and its installed accessory are in communication (i.e., light communication, fluid communication, etc.) with the interior of the tent and the interior of the vehicle. Such that, for example, the air conditioner will cool the tent interior and the vehicle interior, as the flow of cool air will travel through the tent and through the vehicle roof portal to the vehicle interior. As can be seen perfect alignment between the various portals is not required, but is preferred. Ducting, for example can be used to direct vented air or conditioned air between the upper deck and interiors.

[0053] Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

1. A portal system for connecting an accessory with a vehicle having an outer panel with an outer panel opening therethrough, the portal system having a vehicle opening portal having a vehicle opening frame delineating an accessory first opening through the vehicle opening portal, the vehicle opening frame having an outer panel conforming portion and an accessory receiving portion opposite the outer panel conforming portion, the accessory receiving portion having an accessory first sealing face surrounding the accessory first opening; an access portal having an access frame delineating an access passage through the access portal and a sealing face; and an accessory portal having an accessory portal frame delineating an accessory second opening and an accessory second sealing face surrounding the second accessory opening; where, the vehicle opening portal is configured to be sealed to the outer panel at the outer panel opening with the outer panel conforming portion facing the outer panel, with the accessory first opening aligned with the outer panel opening, and with the first accessory sealing face oriented away from the outer panel; and where, in a first assembly configuration, the access portal is positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned above the access portal, the access portal sealing face of the access portal is configured to be mated to the accessory first sealing face, the accessory portal is configured to receive the accessory on the accessory second sealing face; and where, in a second assembly configuration, the vehicle opening portal is configured to receive the accessory on the accessory first sealing face.

2. The portal system of embodiment 1 where, the access portal is integrated into a lower deck of a rooftop tent.

3. The portal system of embodiments 1 or 2 where the accessory portal is integrated into the upper deck of the rooftop tent.

4. The portal system of embodiments 1-3 where the lower deck, the upper deck, and a sidewall define a living space therewithin, where when in the first assembly configuration, access is configured to be provided between a vehicle interior and the living space via the vehicle opening portal and the access portal.

5. The portal system of embodiments 1-4 where, in a closed arrangement, the upper deck is in proximity of the lower deck such that the sidewall is substantially stowed therebetween with the access portal positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned directly above the access portal.

6. The portal system of embodiments 1-5 where, in an open arrangement, the upper deck is lifted above the lower deck such that the sidewall is deployed and spanning therebetween with the access portal positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned above the access portal.

7. The portal system of embodiments 1-6 where, in the first assembly configuration, the accessory includes an integral fan unit, where the integral fan unit is configured to force air between the vehicle interior and the living space through the vehicle opening portal and the access portal.

8. The portal system of embodiments 1-8 where, wherein, the accessory includes a window unit, where the window unit is configured to permit natural light to travel therethrough into the living space through the vehicle opening portal and the access portal and into the vehicle interior.

9. The portal system of embodiments 1-8 where, in a first assembly configuration, an elastomeric sealing material is arranged between the accessory first sealing face of the vehicle opening portal and the sealing face of the accessory portal, when in the first assembly configuration.

10. A portal system for connecting an accessory with a vehicle having an outer panel with an outer panel opening therethrough, the portal system having: a vehicle opening portal having a vehicle opening frame delineating an accessory first opening through the vehicle opening portal, the vehicle opening frame having an outer panel conforming portion and an accessory receiving portion opposite the outer panel conforming portion, the accessory receiving portion having an accessory first sealing face surrounding the accessory first opening; an access portal having an access frame delineating an access passage through the access portal and a sealing face; and an accessory portal having an accessory portal frame delineating an accessory second opening and an accessory second sealing face surrounding the second accessory opening; where, in an assembled configuration, the access portal is positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned above the access portal, the access portal sealing face of the access portal is configured to be mated to the accessory first sealing face, the accessory portal is configured to receive the accessory on the accessory second sealing face.

11. The portal system of embodiment 10 wherein, the vehicle opening portal is configured to be sealed to the outer panel at the outer panel opening with the outer panel conforming portion facing the outer panel, with the accessory first opening aligned with the outer panel opening, and with the first accessory sealing face oriented away from the outer panel.

12. The portal system of embodiments 10-11 where, in a second assembly configuration, the vehicle opening portal is configured to receive the accessory on the accessory first sealing face.

13. The portal system of embodiments 10-12 where, the access portal is integrated into a lower deck of a rooftop tent.

14. The portal system of embodiments 10-13 where the accessory portal is integrated into the upper deck of the rooftop tent.

15. The portal system of embodiments 10-14 where the lower deck, the upper deck, and a sidewall define a living space therewithin, where when in the first assembly configuration, access is configured to be provided between a vehicle interior and the living space via the vehicle opening portal and the access portal.

16. The portal system of embodiments 10-15 where, in a closed arrangement, the upper deck is in proximity of the lower deck such that the sidewall is substantially stowed therebetween with the access portal positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned directly above the access portal.

17. The portal system of embodiments 10-16 where, in an open arrangement, the upper deck is lifted above the lower deck such that the sidewall is deployed and spanning therebetween with the access portal positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned above the access portal.

18. The portal system of embodiments 10-17 where in the first assembly configuration, the accessory includes an integral fan unit, where the integral fan unit is configured to force air between the vehicle interior and the living space through the vehicle opening portal and the access portal.

19. The portal system of embodiments 10-18 where the accessory includes a window unit, where the window unit is configured to permit natural light to travel therethrough into the living space through the vehicle opening portal and the access portal and into the vehicle interior.

20. A method of installing and operating a portal system for connecting an accessory with a vehicle having an outer panel with an outer panel opening therethrough, the method including: providing a vehicle opening portal having a vehicle opening frame delineating an accessory first opening through the vehicle opening portal, the vehicle opening frame having an outer panel conforming portion and an accessory receiving portion opposite the outer panel conforming portion, the accessory receiving portion having an accessory first sealing face surrounding the accessory first opening; sealing the vehicle opening portal to the outer panel at the outer panel opening with the outer panel conforming portion facing the outer panel, with the accessory first opening aligned with the outer panel opening, and with the first accessory sealing face oriented away from the outer panel; providing an access portal having an access frame delineating an access passage through the access portal and a sealing face, where the access portal is integrated into a lower deck of a rooftop tent; mating the access portal sealing face of the access portal to the accessory first sealing face; providing an accessory portal having an accessory portal frame delineating an accessory second opening and an accessory second sealing face surrounding the second accessory opening, where the accessory portal is integrated into the upper deck of the rooftop tent; mating the accessory to the accessory second sealing face of the accessory portal; providing access to a living space of the rooftop tent defined within the lower deck, the upper deck, and a sidewall between a vehicle interior and the living space via the vehicle opening portal and the access portal when the rooftop tent is deployed; and transitioning the rooftop tent to a closed arrangement where the upper deck is in proximity of the lower deck such that the sidewall is substantially stowed therebetween with the access portal positioned directly above the vehicle opening portal and the accessory portal positioned directly above the access portal.

[0054] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0055] The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. [0056] As used herein, the term "or" may be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate resources in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or resource.

Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within a scope of embodiments of the present disclosure as represented by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.