AU2016102006A4 - Rood system for caravans and recreational vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A means for and method of raising the roof of a caravan or RV is disclosed. The caravan has struts supporting the roof, each strut being associated with a pushing member such as a flexible spring. The pushing members run through the outside of the caravan to the chassis. A drive mechanism is provided such that turning a crank forces the pushing members away from each other, and provides the force for raising of the roof. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 4-- -1 ---------- ---- -- --- -- -- - - 10---- --- ------------ - ---------12 ---- ~ ~~~ ~ ~ ~ ------ ---- -----'----- Fig12

Description

“ROOF SYSTEM FOR CARAVANS AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES” Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to caravans and recreational vehicles. Background to the Invention [0002] Caravans and recreational vehicles (RVs) are generally arranged to be towed behind an automobile. In order to make transport and storage of caravans and RVs easier and more efficient, it is common to design the towed vehicle to be transformable between a stowed configuration and an expanded configuration.

[0003] In particular, it is common to design a caravan or RV with an expandable upper section, whereby the roof can be raised for use and lowered for transportation or storage. Typically, this involves a hard roof (for instance, made from aluminium or fibreglass) together with a flexible upper wall portion, such as one made from canvas.

[0004] In order to raise and lower the roof, it is typical to have the roof supported at its corners by telescoping struts. These struts are generally controlled by an arrangement of cables and pulleys, whereby an operator can use a winch to move the struts and thus move the roof into a desired configuration.

[0005] Cable-and-pulley arrangements are subject to several problems during use. In particular, seizing of bearings within a pulley can render the entire system inoperable. Similarly, fraying and breaking of a cable can likewise render the caravan or RV unusable.

[0006] The present invention has been developed in light of the known problem with roof raising and lowering systems.

Summary of the Invention [0007] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a means for raising the roof of a caravan or RV, the means including struts supporting the roof, each strut being associated with a pushing member, the pushing members being associated with a force distributing means, such that the application of an operating force to the force distributing means places the pushing members into compression, each pushing member acting against its associated strut in order to raise the strut and thus raise the roof.

[0008] It is preferred that the pushing members are flexible members located within rigid guides. In a preferred embodiment, the pushing members are formed of a helical spring, such as a tension spring.

[0009] The force distributing means may include a force directing means, which may be arranged to convert rotational motion (for instance, driven by a crank handle) into linear motion. This may include a guide screw on which at least one actuator is located. In a preferred embodiment, the force distributing means includes two actuators located on guide screws, the actuators being threaded in opposition directions such that rotation of the guide screw in a first direction causes the actuators to move apart, and rotation of the guide screw in a second direction causes the actuators to move towards each other.

[0010] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for raising the roof of a caravan or RV, the method including the steps of: receiving rotational input; converting the rotational input into linear motion of at least one actuator; converting the linear motion of the actuator into a compressive force applied to a first end of a pushing member; arranging the second end of the pushing member to act against a roof strut; directing the compressive force of the pushing member against the roof strut so as to raise the roof.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0011] It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible, and consequently the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings: [0012] Figure 1 is a side view of a caravan including a roof system in accordance with the present invention, shown with the roof in a lowered position; [0013] Figure 2 is a side view of the caravan of Figure 1, shown with the roof in a raised position; [0014] Figure 3 is a perspective of the chassis and roof of the caravan of Figure 1, showing the roof system; [0015] Figure 4 is an upper perspective of the chassis of the caravan of Figure 1; [0016] Figure 5 is a close view of a portion of the chassis of Figure 4; [0017] Figure 6 is a perspective of a portion of the roof system from within the caravan of Figure 1, shown when the roof is in the lowered position; [0018] Figure 7 is a perspective of the portion of the roof system of Figure 6, shown when the roof is in the raised portion; and [0019] Figure 8 is a close view of a portion of the roof of the caravan of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [0020] Figures 1 and 2 show a caravan 10, having a chassis 12, a body 14 and a roof 16. The roof 16 is moveable between a lowered position as shown in Figure 1, and a raised position as shown in Figure 2. The caravan 10 includes a flexible upper wall portion 18 which is compressed in the lowered position of Figure 1 and expanded in the raised position of Figure 2.

[0021] The roof 16 is supported by four roof struts 20, one connected to each corner of the roof 16. Each roof strut 20 is arranged to telescope within a vertically oriented supporting shaft 22.

[0022] The caravan 10 has a force distributing means 30 located within the chassis 12. The force distributing means 30 is connected to four guide paths 32. Each guide path 32 has a longitudinal portion 34 located near a centre line of the chassis 12, a transverse portion 36 extending along an end of the chassis 12, and a vertical portion 38 aligned with a respective supporting shaft 22. These three orthogonal portions 34, 36, 38 are connected at bends 40, each bend 40 having a relatively large radius of curvature, in the order of 110mm.

[0023] The force distributing means 30 includes a drive shaft 50, arranged to locate along a central line of the chassis 12. The drive shaft 50 is supported by bearings 52. The drive shaft 50 is threaded along most of its length, acting as a guide screw.

[0024] Two actuators 54 are located on the drive shaft 50. Each actuator 54 is threadedly engaged with the drive shaft 50, and is arranged to move in a linear, axial direction when the drive shaft 50 is rotated. The actuators 54 are reversely threaded relative to each other, such that rotation of the drive shaft 50 in a clockwise direction causes the actuators 54 to move away from each other, and rotation of the drive shaft 50 in an anti-clockwise direction causes the actuators 54 to move towards each other.

[0025] The actuators 54 each extend laterally of the drive shaft 50 sufficiently far to align with the longitudinal portions 34 of the guide paths 32.

[0026] Flexible elongate pushing members, being helical springs 60, are located within each guide path 32. Each helical spring 60 is connected at an inner end to an actuator 54, and at an outer end to a roof strut 20. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the helical springs 60 are tension springs, with limited compressibility, but with the ability to move through the bends 40 while in a state of compression.

[0027] As the drive shaft 50 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the actuators 54 move apart from each other. This has the effect of pushing each helical spring 60 through its associated guide path 32. The outer ends of the helical springs 60 act against the roof struts 20. The arrangement is such that the helical springs 60 are maintained in compression, meaning that they provide a pushing force to the roof struts 20. The roof struts 20 are thereby urged upwards, raising the roof 16. The movement of the force distributing means 30 between the lowered position and the raised position is shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0028] The drive shaft 50 is coupled to a crank handle 62 located at a rear of the caravan 10.

[0029] It will be appreciated that the helical springs 60 are arranged to move in unison. In the event that there is a misalignment of components, and the roof 16 is not level, an adjustable connection means 64 is provided between each roof strut 20 and the roof 16 to allow for correction and calibration.

[0030] In use, rotation of the crank handle 62 in the clockwise direction causes rotation of the drive shaft 50, resulting in axial movement of the actuators 54 away from each other. This has the effect of pushing the helical springs 60 through their respective guide paths 32, and of applying a pushing force to the base of the roof struts 20. The roof struts 20 are thereby raised, lifting the roof 16 into its raised position and exposing the flexible upper wall portion 18. When the roof is in its raised position the crank handle 62 can be secured, with the helical springs being maintained in compression. Alternatively, it is envisaged that a pin system may be provided to secure the roof 16 in its raised position without continued stress on the helical springs 60.

[0031] When the roof is to be lowered, the crank handle 62 can be rotated in the anti-clockwise direction, reversing the raising process. The action of gravity will be sufficient to lower the roof 16 in the absence of a force applied by the helical springs 60. It is envisaged that the roof can be secured in its lowered position by other means, for instance by clips.

[0032] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (5)

1. Claims

   1. A means for raising the roof of a caravan or RV, the means including struts supporting the roof, each strut being associated with a pushing member, the pushing members being associated with a force distributing means, such that the application of an operating force to the force distributing means places the pushing members into compression, each pushing member acting against its associated strut in order to raise the strut and thus raise the roof.
2. 2. A means for raising the roof of a caravan or RV as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pushing members are flexible members located within rigid guides.
3. 3. A means for raising the roof of a caravan or RV as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the force distributing means may include a force directing means, arranged to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
4. 4. A means for raising the roof of a caravan or RV as claimed in claim 3, wherein the force distributing means includes two actuators located on guide screws, the actuators being threaded in opposition directions such that rotation of the guide screw in a first direction causes the actuators to move apart, and rotation of the guide screw in a second direction causes the actuators to move towards each other.
5. 5. A method for raising the roof of a caravan or RV, the method including the steps of: receiving rotational input; converting the rotational input into linear motion of at least one actuator; converting the linear motion of the actuator into a compressive force applied to a first end of a pushing member; arranging the second end of the pushing member to act against a roof strut; directing the compressive force of the pushing member against the roof strut so as to raise the roof. FLEETWOOD RECREATIONAL VEHICLES PTY LTD