US3886609A

US3886609A - Lightweight transportable tent cot

Info

Publication number: US3886609A
Application number: US470347A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert H Mackenzie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-05-16
Filing date: 1974-05-16
Publication date: 1975-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 1992-06-03

Abstract

A lightweight transportable articulated tent cot having an attached knapsack is disclosed, which tent cot includes mounting means for supporting it upon a hiker''s back.

Description

[ June 3, 1975 LIGHTWEIGHT TRANSPORTABLE TENT 3,619,827 ll/l97l MacKenzie.............................

COT

Primary Examiner-Paul R. Gilliam Assistant ExaminerDoris L. Troutman 6 0 E5 8 L m ,A e m K0 Ch P M H0 m em mum AC E m n e V n l m 7 .I.

[22] Filed A May 16 1974 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cahill, Sutton & Thomas [211 App]. 010.; 470,347

ABSTRACT [52] U.S. Cl. 5/110 51 Int. E03d 13/00 A llghtwelght transportflble amculated cot having 58 Field of Search 5/110, 343, 344, 113 an attached knapsack discbsed which tent cludes mounting means for supporting it upon a hikers back.

[56] References Cited 10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures 3 4 3 N S T N. E" Tm Am M mm Te mm SH D n H9 NH U7 o 2 5 4 3 LIGHTWEIGHT TRANSPORTABLE TENT COT The present invention relates to and is an improvement over the Lightweight Detachable Tent Cot Means" described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,619,827. issued Nov. 16, 1971, and invented by the present applicant.

The present invention relates to camping equipment, and, more particularly, to portable backpack tent cot combinations.

Outdoorsmen, whether they be campers, hikers. fishermen, hunters, or those who only occasionally spend a night outdoors, generally carry with them some means for keeping warm during the night and some further means for protecting themselves against the elements and against the invasion of insects and reptiles. Most often, these persons transport both sleeping bags and tent-like shelters during their outdoor trips. Older style sleeping bags and tents are generally relatively bulky and of such weight as to require some vehicle for transporting them to the camping site. For those who travel to the camping site by motor vehicle or horse, the transportation problem is easily solved. However, for those who visit thewilderness areas and who do not have pack animals, the lack of ready portability of both a sleeping bag and a tent severely restricts their cross country traveling range.

In an effort to satisfy the prevailing needs of outdoorsmen. manufacturers sought to develop lightweight sleeping bags and lightweight tents. These new models alleviate the problems to some extent but do not circumvent the necessity and inconvenience of carrying too bulky items in addition to the remaining gear. In an effort to reduce the number of articles to be carried, shelters have been combined with cots. These devices also minimize the intrusion of rodents, snakes, and various insects. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,173,156, 3,278,953, 3,584,322, 3,601,825 and 3,757,360, are representative of various take-down shelter and cot devices. In all of these devices, a relatively conventional cot is employed which is adapted to receive the superstructure for an enveloping tent. Because of the need for substantial construction materials, the weight of the devices generally precludes an average hiker from carrying the device more than a minimum distance. Further, each of these devices must be carried by hand.

In an effort to overcome some of the disadvantages of the known prior art devices, the present applicant invented a tent cot combination which overcomes many of the problem areas of the prior art devices. This invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,619,827. While applicants prior invention has been extensively used over a period of years, it has been learned that it does not set forth the ultimate solution to an outdoorsman's needs.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a self contained tent-cot combination which, with carrying straps and a backpack container for other camping gear, is easily mountable upon an outdoorsmans back.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tent cot combination adjustably mountable upon an outdoorsmans back at a position commensurate with the outdoorsmansize and physical build.

,Still another object of the present invention is to provide a self contained unit for an outdoorsman having mounting means, cot means, shelter means, and carrying means for gear.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a portable tent cot combination having rapid setup and take-down features, without the necessity to attach or detach any parts.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a shelter resiliently attached to the framework of a cot to accommodate movement of an occupant without damage to the shelter.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

The present invention may be described with greater clarity and specificity with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention mounted upon an outdoorsmans back.

FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention in its fully folded out position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the construction features at one end of the cot of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the shelter securable to a cot.

FIG. 5 illustrates the foldable cot.

FIG. 6 illustrates the canvas supporting disposed within the cot.

FIG. 7 illustrates the pivot intermediate the cot rails and the head frames.

FIG. 8 illustrates the pivot point intermediate the cot rails.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a biker l transporting a backpack tent cot assembly 2, which assembly is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The assembly 2 includes a backpack frame 5 adjustably secured to head frame 10 of cot 6. The backpack frame 5 is formed of a pair of form fitting supports, of which support 12 is shown, and a plurality of transverse bars of which transverse bars 12a, 12b are shown. Shoulder straps l5 and 16 are secured to one of the transverse bars of the form fitting frame, i.e., 12a, and fit about the hikers shoulders in a conventional manner. One or two wide

load bearing bands

17 and 18 extend horizontally intermediate form fitting supports 12 and 13 and are positioned to transmit the load to the hikers back and to prevent chafing of the tent fabric by the hikers back.

The cot 6 is illustrated in its articulated form in FIG. 1. Cot 6 includes a pair of

head frames

10 and 11 intermediate which the rails, central support and canvas support have been folded. In addition, a tent 7 is secured to each of

head frames

10 and 11 and extends therebetween. It is shown in its collapsed and folded position sandwiched intermediate the head frames. A knapsack 8 depends from head frame 11 and may be used to store and transport food, clothing and other gear. A downwardly opening envelope 9 fixed to knapsack 8 is configured to receive the upper end portion of head frame 11 and thereby support the knapsack. A plurality of ties 4 may extend from the vertical edge of knapsack 8 to secure the lower portion of the knapsack to the vertically oriented tubing of head frame 11.

From the above description, it may be readily appreciated that the present invention permits a hiker to carry his sleeping accommodations, shelter, and additional gear by securing them to his back and thus need not hand carry any of these items.

FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention in its outfolded position ready for occupancy by the hiker. Head frame is formed as a downwardly oriented U-shaped piece of tubing 20.

In order to increase the elevation of head frame 10 and thus increase the ingress and egress height of the head of the tent, while still maintaining the elevation of the cot the same from head to foot, two

tubular members

21 and 22 are secured by pin means 23.

A first transverse rod 25 is securely disposed intermediate the arms of tubing to maintain them fixedly separated from one another. It also serves to receive the successive wrappings of elastic cord 61 (see FIG. 3). A second transverse rod 26' is disposed toward the top of head frame 10 and serves two purposes. First, it tends to add additional rigidity to tubing 20. Second, it serves as the point of attachment between form fitting supports 12 and 13 of the form fitting backpack frame 5 and the head frame 10. Conventional attachment means 27 may be employed intermediate form fitting supports 12 and 13 and transverse rod 26. Reseasable connection means 28 are disposed in proximity to each end of transverse rod 26 and cooperate with mating connection means 29 disposed within predetermined sections of tubing 20. The releasable feature of connection means 28 permits the transverse rod 26 to be selectively repositioned upwardly or downwardly, whereby the center of gravity of assembly 2, when transported as shown in FIG. 1, may be varied to suit the hikers physical size and build.

Elastic cords

37 and 38 may be wrapped around transverse rod and supports 12 and 13 to secure the lower end of headframe 10 to back pack frame 5.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a flexible brace 47 is wrapped around the arms of head frame 10. Brace 47 serves as a load bearing support acting against the form fitting supports 12 and 13 of backpack frame 5 to prevent the assembly 2 from pivoting downwardly about transverse rod 26. Further, brace 47 prevents chafing between the sandwiched tent cot combination and the hikers back. It may take the form of a rectangular canvas piece, as shown, having the ends connected to one another by means of a laced cord 48 or any one of several forms.

The framework of cot 6 will be described with con.- bined reference to FIGS. 2 and 5. Headd frame 11 is similar to head frame 10 in that it is formed as a downwardly oriented U-shaped piece of tubing 39 having a transverse rod 40 fixedly secured to and extending intermediate the arms of the tubing. The height of head frame 11 may be equivalent to or less than that of head frame 10. Each of the horizontal rails 30 are formed of a pair of telescoping

tubular members

31 and 32. Detent means 24 may be disposed

intermediate telescoping members

31 and 32 to lockably secure them in the extended position. Pairs of tubular members 31 are connected to one another by central pivots 34. Each of tubular members 32 is pivotally connected to its

respective head frame

10 or 11 by end pivots 33. The arms of a U-shaped center support 35 are also connected to center pivots 34, which support serves as a brace for rails 30. Center support 34 may include a transverse rod 36 for rigidity.

Referring momentarily to FIGS. 7 and 8. the end pivots and central pivots, respectively, will be described in further detail. The end pivot 33 may be formed of a piece of sheet metal bent into a U-shaped device 41 which is pivotally secured to tubing 43 by means of a bolt or rivet 44. The base 42 of the device is partially cut away to receive the respective tubing 43 of an end frame extending therethrough. The respective telescoping tubular member 32 is rigidly secured within device 41 adjacent base 42 by means of a bolt or rivet 45. From the above description. it may be appreciated that device 41 pivots about rivet 44 to position the telescoping member 32 normal to tubing 43 or parallel thereto. When cot 6 is folded out, the flanges 46 engage either side of tubing 43 to restrain lateral movement of telescoping tubular member 32.

Central pivot 34 includes a pair of T-shaped plates 50 disposed at either side of the junction between telescoping members 31 and the end of each arm of center support 35. The T-shaped plates 50 are rigidly secured to either side of the center support arm by means of bolts or rivets 51. Telescoping members 31 are pivotally secured intermediate the T-shaped plates 50 by means of bolts or rivets 52 and 53. It will now become apparent that telescoping members 31 are longitudinally aligned with one another when the cot is in its outfolded position and aligned parallel with the arms of central support 35 when the cot has been folded.

The canvas support 55 attached intermediate rails 30 and

transverse rods

25 and 40 of cot 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6. The canvas support 55 is formed in an essentially rectangular configuration but of lesser length than the length of rails 30 when the latter are in their extended position. A pair of indentations 57 are disposed in proximity to central pivots 34 to prevent the canvas support 55 from binding thereon when cot 6 is folded and unfolded. Each of the corners of canvas support 55 are cut away to accommodate each of the respective end pivots 33 and may be suitably reinforced as necessary. The sides of canvas support 55 include a plurality of sleeves 56, each of which receives one set of

tubular members

31 and 32. A further sleeve 58 is disposed at one end of the canvas support 55 to receive transverse rod 40. In the alternative, canvas support 55 may be attached to transverse rod 40 as described below. The other end of canvas support 55 includes an apertured reinforced transverse section 59. An elastic cord 61 is threaded through each of apertures 60 in section 69 and wrapped around transverse rod 25. Thereby, the canvas support 55 can give in the longitudinal axis to accommodate movement of a person lying thereupon; compensate for repositioning of the canvas support during the cot folding and unfolding operation; and, maintain the canvas support in a tuat configuration without impeding the folding of cot 6. The elastic cord 61 aslo accommodates contraction or elongation of canvas support 55 due to weather changes.

Tent 7 will be described with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. Tent 7 is constructed as a rectangular shaped envelope having pentagonal shaped ends 65 and 66, a peaked roof 67, sides 68 and 69, and a floor 70. The length and width of tent 7 is configured to be approximately that of the cot 6 shown in FIG. 5. Each of ends 65 and 66 may include a screened window 77 having an internally or externally disposed rain shield. Side 68 includes an elongated flap 72 secured to the side by a zipper 73. Flap 72 may also include a screen window 74 having an openable rain shield.

Loops

75, 76. 77, 78, and 79 are disposed at each of the apices of end 65.

Similar loops

80, 81, 82, 83 and 84 are disposed at each of the apices of end 66 (although loop 84 is now shown in the drawings, it is disposed at end 66 opposite to loop 80). An elastic

cord interconnects loops

75, 79, to anchor

points

85, 89, and loops 80 and 84 to anchor

points

90, 103 at the respective head frames and 11 in proximity to end pivots 33. Head frames 10 and 11 (see FIG. 5) include three anchor points 36, 87, 88 and 91, 92, 99, respectively. These anchor points are located at a point corresponding to the position of the

loops

76, 77, 78, and 81, 82 and 83. Additional lengths of elastic cord interconnect each of these loops with their corresponding anchor points. By the above arrangement, it may be understood that the elastic cords interconnecting tent 7 and cot 6 tend to resiliently maintain the tent upon the cot and prevent tearing of the tent material should the tent be displaced from the cot, especially by abrupt movement of the occupant.

As the peaked roof 67 is not intended to be. drawn extremely tightly, troughs may form therein which could catch the rain and create puddles. To eliminate the formation of such puddles, braces 93 and 94 may be disposed transverse to peaked roof 67 in engagement with respective ones of

ears

95, 96, 97, and 98.

To further stabilize assembly 1 in the outfolded position as shown in FIG. 2, guide lines 100 and 101 may be secured intermediate anchor points 87 and 90, respectively, and a tree or a peg 102 driven into the ground.

In operation, assembly 2, as shown in FIG. 1, may be outfolded to the position shown in FIG. 2 by the following process. The assembly 2 is removed from the hikers back and placed upon the ground such that head frame 10 is positioned at the intended location of the hikers head when he reclines upon the cot 6. For convenience, the ends of

rigid members

21 and 22 may be slightly forced into the ground to provide a firm anchor. The hiker 1 would then grasp head frame 11 and pull it away from head frame 10. The resulting displacement between head frames 10 and 11 causes rails to unfold to a horizontal position and the tubular members 32 will be withdrawn from within tubular members 31. In the fully extended position, the components of rails 30 will be aligned with one another and the base of center section 35 will be in a plane generally defined by the lower extremities of the two head frames. The guy lines, if used, may now be secured to their anchor points. As the ends 65, 66 of tent 7 are resiliently attached to head frames 10 and 11, the process of outfolding cot 6 will simultaneously result in an outfolding of tent 6 from its folded position intermediate the head frames to the position shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, canvas support 55 will be properly positioned with respect to cot 6 due to the biasing force provided by elastic cord 61 and the slidably accommodating sleeves 56.

The assembly 2 may be folded into its compact state shown in FIG. 1 by the following procedure. The guy lines, if used, are detached from their anchoring points but for simplicity of operation it might be recommended that guy line 100 be temporarily retained in its anchored position. By lifting cot 6 at apoint approximately coincidental with central pivots 34, the rails 30 will pivot and draw head frame 11 toward head frame 10. Once rails 30 have begun to pivot about their centers, the hiker may grasp head frame 11 and force it toward head frame 10. Such action will cause further pivotal movement of the rails until the respective half sections thereof are parallel to one another and parallel to the adjacent head frames. Simultaneously, the tubular members 32 will slide within tubular members 31, provided that the detent means 24, if used, have been released. The degree of construction of the pairs of rails is such that the folded length of each rail 30 is equivalent to, or less than, the distance between end pivots 33 and the top of the head frames 10 and 11. Concurrently, the canvas support 55 will tend to bag slightly as its length now becomes greater than that of rails 30. The bagging of the canvas support will provide sufficient recesses to receive the adjacent collapsed sec tions of tent 7. Thereby, the rails, canvas support, and tent will be retained compactly intermediate the two head frames. In practice, it has been found that the overall depth of the assembled unit is approximately 6 inch, and from the side view it roughly resembles the letter W compressed.

Knapsack 8, supported by head frame 11 during transporting, need not be removed during the extension and compaction of assembly 2. In fact, head frame 11 provides a convenient means by which knapsack 8 may be maintained off the ground to discourage rodents and insects from crawling therein and yet be of ready access to the hiker.

From the above description, it may be appreciated that the present invention teaches a lightweight single compact unit which includes: means for transporting it upon a hikers back; means for providing a place to sleep which is off the ground; a means for protecting oneself against the elements; and, a means for transporting other gear necessary for comfortable survival in the wilderness. Further, the interaction of the various components without the necessity to attach or detach any parts, permits the user, rapidly and with greater facility, to extend or collapse the unit.

It is to be understood that some or all of the laterally extending members could be formed as telescoping members. Thereby, the present invention can be compacted in the lateral axis as well as in the longitudinal axis during transport or storage.

While the principles of the invention have now been made clear in an illustrative embodiment, there will immediately be obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components, used in the practice of the invention which are particularly adapted for specific environments and operating requirements without departing from those principles.

I claim:

1. A self contained transportable shelter unit for hikers, said unit comprising in combination:

A. a foldable cot for providing off-the-ground support for the hiker, said cot having a first folded position and a second extended position and including:

1. a first and second head frame disposed at opposite ends of said cot, said first head frame including at least one transverse rod extending horizontally across said first head frame and means for vertically repositioning said transverse rod with respect to said first head frame;

2. a pair of articulated spaced apart rails extending intermediate said first and second head frames, said rails in combination with said first and second head frames defining the perimeter of said cot;

3. each said rail including joined pairs of telescoping members, for reducing the length of said rails when said cot is in said first position, said pairs of telescoping members being positionalbe adjacent one another when said cot is in said first position and positionable in axial alignment with one another when said cot is in said second position;

4. pivot means disposed at each junction of each of said rails and the corresponding one of said first and second head frames to permit said rails to pivot with respect to said first and second head frames;

5. further pivot means disposed at the junction of said pairs of telescoping members of each said rail to accommodate the articulation of said pairs of telescoping members;

6. a center support secured to said further pivot means for supporting said pair of rails; and

7. a foldable canvas support disposed intermediate to and supported by said first and second head frames and said pair of rails;

B. a foldable tent for sheltering the hiker, said tent being disposed upon said canvas support and extending intermediate said first and second head frames, said tent including resilient means inter connecting said tent with each of said first and second head frames for maintaining said tent upon said cot;

C. a form fitting backpack frame for mounting said cot upon the hikers back, said form fitting backpack frame including a pair of vertical supports, releasable connection means engaging said vertical supports and said transverse rod for securing said form fitting backpack frame to said first head frame, whereby said form fitting backpack frame may be repositioned in the vertical axis with respect to said first head frame; and

D. a knapsack for carrying the provisions of the hiker, attachment means extending from said knapsack for supporting said knapsack on said second head frame; whereby, said cot is foldable to said first position by articulating said rails to draw said first and second head frames and said attached knapsack toward said first head frame while foldably storing said canvas support and said tent intermediate said drawn together first and second frames to compress said unit and permit the hiker to carry said unit, and, whereby, said cot is extended to said second position by positioning said first and second head frames in a spaced apart relationship to axially extend and align said pairs of telescoping members to form said cot and extend said tent while retaining said knapsack off the ground by said second head frame.

2. A transportable tent cot unit for hikers, said unit comprising in combination:

A. a cot foldable to a first position and extendable to a second position, said cot including:

1. a pair of head frames, one of said head frames including a positionable transverse rod and means for engaging said transverse rod in one of a plurality of vertically displaced positions;

2. a pair of articulated collapsible rails disposed intermediate said pair of head frames and pivotally connected thereto at a point between the upper and lower extremities of each of said pair of head frames. said pair of rails, in combination with said pair of head frames, defining the boundaries of said cot; whereby, said pair of rails are articulated and collapsed to draw said pair of head frames toward one another into a compact ensemble to establish said first position and whereby said pair of rails are unfolded and extended to displace said pair of head frames from one another to define said cot and establish said second position;

3. a foldable canvas support slidably secured to said head frames and said pair of rails; and

4. support means defined by another of said head frames for maintaining a knapsack; whereby, the knapsack is transportable in conjunction with said cot and is positioned off-ground when said cot is placed in said second position;

B. a foldable tent defining a shelter for the hiker, said tent including end pieces generally in conformation with the outline of that part of the corresponding one of said pair of head frames which extends upwardly from said pair of rails, said tent including a plurality of resilient means disposed about the perimeter of each of said end pieces for resiliently attaching said tent to each of said head frames, whereby movement of said tent with respect to said cot is accommodated by said resilient means; and

C. a form fitting backpack frame for transporting said cot, said tent and the knapsack, said backpack frame including a pair of form fitting supports and engagement means for attaching said form fitting supports to said transverse rod such that the hiker can adjust the vertical position of said one head frame with respect to said backpack frame, said backpack frame further including shoulder straps for mounting said backpack frame and attached load upon his shoulders.

3. The unit as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said pair of head frames comprise:

A. an inverted U-shaped piece of tubing having a pair of arms extending from a base; and

B. a further transverse rod interconnecting said arms at a point in proximity to the pivotal connection between said rails and said head frame.

4. The unit as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said head frames includes a plurality of anchor points for engagement with a corresponding one of said resillent means, one of said anchor points being disposed at: each junction between said head frame and said rails; each junction between each of the head frame arms and the head frame base; and, the center of the head frame base.

5. The unit as set forth in claim 4 including a brace extending across the arms of said one head frame. said brace, on engagement with said backpack frame. limiting the pivotal movement of said one head frame toward the hiker.

6. The unit as set forth in claim 5 wherein said canvas support includes sleeves for receiving said rails and said second transverse rod of one of said head frames and resilient cord means for movably securing said canvas support to said second transverse rod of another of said head frames.

7. The unit as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cot includes a central support pivotally secured to said pivot means for providing support for said cot.

flap extending across said opening and at least one screened aperture for providing ventilation for an 0ccupant of said tent.

10. The unit as set forth in claim 2 including a guy line attached to each of said head frames for retaining said cot in said second position.

Claims

1. A self contained transportable shelter unit for hikers, said unit comprising in combination: A. a foldable cot for providing off-the-ground support for the hiker, said cot having a first folded position and a second extended position and including:

1. A self contained transportable shelter unit for hikers, said unit comprising in combination: A. a foldable cot for providing off-the-ground support for the hiker, said cot having a first folded position and a second extended position and including: 1. a first and second head frame disposed at opposite ends of said cot, said first head frame including at least one transverse rod extending horizontally across said first head frame and means for vertically repositioning said transverse rod with respect to said first head frame; 2. a pair of articulated spaced apart rails extending intermediate said first and second head frames, said rails in combination with said first and second head frames defining the perimeter of said cot; 3. each said rail including joined pairs of telescoping members, for reducing the length of said rails when said cot is in said first position, said pairs of telescoping members being positionalbe adjacent one another when said cot is in said first position and positionable in axial alignment with one another when said cot is in said second position; 4. pivot means disposed at each junction of each of said rails and the corresponding one of said first and second head frames to permit said rails to pivot with respect to said first and second head frames; 5. further pivot means disposed at the junction of said pairs of telescoping members of each said rail to accommodate the articulation of said pairs of telescoping members; 6. a center support secured to said further pivot means for supporting said pair of rails; and 7. a foldable canvas support disposed intermediate to and supported by said first and second head frames and said pair of rails; B. a foldable tent for sheltering the hiker, said tent being disposed upon said canvas support and extending intermediate said first and second head frames, said tent including resilient means interconnecting said tent with each of said first and second head frames for maintaining said tent upon said cot; C. a form fitting backpack frame for mounting said cot upon the hiker''s back, said form fitting backpack frame including a pair of vertical supports, releasable connection means engaging said vertical supports and said transverse rod for securing said form fitting backpack frame to said first head frame, whereby said form fitting backpack frame may be repositioned in the vertical axis with respect to said first head frame; and D. a knapsack for carrying the provisions of the hiker, attachment means extending from said knapsack for supporting said knapsack on said second head frame; whereby, said cot is foldable to said first position by articulating said rails to draw said first and second head frames and said attached knapsack toward said first head frame while foldably storing said canvas support and said tent intermediate said drawn together first and second frames to compress said unit and permit the hiker to carry said unit, and, whereby, said cot is extended to said second position by positioning said first and second head frames in a spaced apart relationship to axially extend and align said pairs of telescoping members to form said cot and extend said tent while retaining said knapsack off the ground by said second head frame.

2. a pair of articulated collapsible rails dispoSed intermediate said pair of head frames and pivotally connected thereto at a point between the upper and lower extremities of each of said pair of head frames, said pair of rails, in combination with said pair of head frames, defining the boundaries of said cot; whereby, said pair of rails are articulated and collapsed to draw said pair of head frames toward one another into a compact ensemble to establish said first position and whereby said pair of rails are unfolded and extended to displace said pair of head frames from one another to define said cot and establish said second position;

2. A transportable tent cot unit for hikers, said unit comprising in combination: A. a cot foldable to a first position and extendable to a second position, said cot including:

3. The unit as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said pair of head frames comprise: A. an inverted U-shaped piece of tubing having a pair of arms extending from a base; and B. a further transverse rod interconnecting said arms at a point in proximity to the pivotal connection between said rails and said head frame.

4. support means defined by another of said head frames for maintaining a knapsack; whereby, the knapsack is transportable in conjunction with said cot and is positioned off-ground when said cot is placed in said second position; B. a foldable tent defining a shelter for the hiker, said tent including end pieces generally in conformation with the outline of that part of the corresponding one of said pair of head frames which extends upwardly from said pair of rails, said tent including a plurality of resilient means disposed about the perimeter of each of said end pieces for resiliently attaching said tent to each of said head frames, whereby movement of said tent with respect to said cot is accommodated by said resilient means; and C. a form fitting backpack frame for transporting said cot, said tent and the knapsack, said backpack frame including a pair of form fitting supports and engagement means for attaching said form fitting supports to said transverse rod such that the hiker can adjust the vertical position of said one head frame with respect to said backpack frame, said backpack frame further including shoulder straps for mounting said backpack frame and attached load upon his shoulders.

4. The unit as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said head frames includes a plurality of anchor points for engagement with a corresponding one of said resilient means, one of said anchor points being disposed at: each junction between said head frame and said rails; each junction between each of the head frame arms and the head frame base; and, the center of the head frame base.

5. The unit as set forth in claim 4 including a brace extending across the arms of said one head frame, said brace, on engagement with said backpack frame, limiting the pivotal movement of said one head frame toward the hiker.

7. a foldable canvas support disposed intermediate to and supported by said first and second head frames and said pair of rails; B. a foldable tent for sheltering the hiker, said tent being disposed upon said canvas support and extending intermediate said first and second head frames, said tent including resilient means interconnecting said tent with each of said first and second head frames for maintaining said tent upon said cot; C. a form fitting backpack frame for mounting said cot upon the hiker''s back, said form fitting backpack frame including a pair of vertical supports, releasable connection means engaging said vertical supports and said transverse rod for securing said form fitting backpack frame to said first head frame, whereby said form fitting backpack frame may be repositioned in the vertical axis with respect to said first head frame; and D. a knapsack for carrying the provisions of the hiker, attachment means extending from said knapsack for supporting said knapsack on said second head frame; whereby, said cot is foldable to said first position by articulating said rails to draw said first and second head frames and said attached knapsack toward said first head frame while foldably storing said canvas support and said tent intermediate said drawn together first and second frames to compress said unit and permit the hiker to carry said unit, and, whereby, said cot is extended to said second position by positioning said first and second head frames in a spaced apart relationship to axially extend and align said pairs of telescoping members to form said cot and extend said tent while retaining said knapsack off the ground by said second head frame.

8. The unit as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said rails include two pairs of telescoping members for foreshortening said rails when said cot is folded to said first position and detent means for retaining said pairs of telescoping members in an extended position.

9. The unit as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tent includes an opening for ingress and egress, a closeable flap extending across said opening and at least one screened aperture for providing ventilation for an occupant of said tent.