Portable shelter

Abstract

A portable shelter is attachable to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The portable shelter enables the user to use the base of the shelter as a cargo rack when the shelter is not being used as such. The cargo rack is used as the sub-base to the shelter. On top of the sub-base is a removable thermoformed plastic base having tent framing and one or more seats removably attached to it. Support legs are also provided at the sub-base. Each of the support legs is rotatable from the sub-base to ensure stability of the shelter and allow the shelter to stand by itself and without attachment to the vehicle. A framework is provided with telescoping members to allow the full frame of the shelter to be enclosed with a tent or other like covering, the covering intended to be a barrier against the elements.

1 . A portable shelter which comprises 
 a sub-base,    means for removably attaching the sub-base to the receiver hitch of a vehicle,    at least one stabilizer leg,    means for attaching the at least one stabilizer leg to the sub-base,    at least one support leg,    means for attaching the at least one support leg to the sub-base attachment means,    a base,    a framework for supporting a covering, and    a covering.    
   
   
       2 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the sub-base attachment means comprises means for rotating the sub-base about the attachment means.  
   
   
       3 . The portable shelter of  claim 2  wherein the sub-base attachment means comprises a support member and the sub-base rotating means comprises a tongue pivot disposed on the support member, wherein the sub-base is rotatably movable from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position.  
   
   
       4 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the at least one support leg attachment means comprises a leg support member that is attached to the sub-base attachment means.  
   
   
       5 . The portable shelter of  claim 4  wherein the leg support member is configured to allow rotation of the support leg about the leg support member, wherein the support leg is movable from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position.  
   
   
       6 . The portable shelter of  claim 5  wherein the length of the support leg is adjustable.  
   
   
       7 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the at least one stabilizer leg attachment means comprises a stabilizer leg support member that is attached to the sub-base.  
   
   
       8 . The portable shelter of  claim 7  wherein the stabilizer leg support member is configured to allow rotation of the stabilizer leg about the support member, wherein the stabilizer leg is movable from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position.  
   
   
       9 . The portable shelter of  claim 8  wherein the length of the stabilizer leg is adjustable.  
   
   
       10 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the base is made of a single piece of molded material.  
   
   
       11 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the base is removably attachable to the sub-base.  
   
   
       12 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the base is provided with means for receiving at least one seat.  
   
   
       13 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the supporting framework for the covering is attached to the base.  
   
   
       14 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  wherein the supporting framework for the covering includes a plurality of extensible framework conduit members, each of the conduit members being rotatably attachable to a framework support member.  
   
   
       15 . The portable shelter of  claim 1  further comprising brake light and directional light means attachable to the sub-base.  
   
   
       16 . A portable shelter for recreational use which comprises 
 a sub-base, said sub-base including means for removably attaching the sub-base to the receiver hitch of a vehicle,    at least one stabilizing leg, said at least one stabilizing leg including means for attaching the at least one stabilizing leg to the sub-base,    at least one supporting leg, said at least one supporting leg including means for attaching the at least one supporting leg to the sub-base attachment means,    a base, said base including a framework for supporting a covering, said supporting framework including a plurality of extensible framework conduit members, each of the conduit members being rotatably attachable to a framework support member, and    a covering to shield occupants of the portable shelter from the elements,    wherein the portable shelter can be used when attached to the vehicle and can be used as a stand-alone shelter when detached from the vehicle.    
   
   
       17 . The portable shelter of  claim 16  wherein the sub-base attachment means comprises means for rotating the sub-base about the attachment means and wherein the sub-base attachment means comprises a support member and the sub-base rotating means comprises a generally U-shaped tongue pivot disposed on the support member, wherein the sub-base is rotatably movable from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position.  
   
   
       18 . The portable shelter of  claim 16  wherein the at least one supporting leg attachment means comprises a generally U-shaped leg support member that is attached to the sub-base attachment means and is configured to allow rotation of the supporting leg about the leg support member, wherein the supporting leg is movable from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position and wherein the length of the supporting leg is adjustable.  
   
   
       19 . The portable shelter of  claim 16  wherein the at least one stabilizing leg attachment means comprises a generally U-shaped stabilizing leg support member that is attached to the sub-base and the stabilizing leg support member is configured to allow rotation of the stabilizing leg about the support member, wherein the stabilizing leg is movable from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position and wherein the length of the stabilizing leg is adjustable.  
   
   
       20 . The portable shelter of  claim 16  wherein the base is removably attachable to the sub-base and is provided with means for receiving at least one seat.