AU2019100764A4

AU2019100764A4 - Roof tent and bedding for same

Info

Publication number: AU2019100764A4
Application number: AU2019100764A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jack Nelson Beet; Harrison Bell; Cameron Hamilton; Michael Hinchy; Kirby James Nankivell; Simon Noel Pearce
Original assignee: Patriot Campers Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Patriot Campers Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-31
Filing date: 2019-07-15
Publication date: 2019-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-15
Also published as: CN212002608U; AU2019100764B4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roof tent assembly. The assembly includes a cover for mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored roof tent. A moving mechanism is provided for moving the cover to facilitate erection of the roof tent. Advantageously, the moving mechanism may move the cover to facilitate easy erection and/or storage of the roof tent. c0

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention generally relates to a roof tent assembly and associated bedding for camping.

BACKGROUND [0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Automotive roof tents are fitted to four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles when camping. The roof tent is stored in a canvas bag for transport. In practice, it is difficult or awkward to remove the roof tent from the bag during erection of the tent, and to return the tent to the bag afterwards. The bag zipper is difficult to use in cold weather when hands are also cold and often breaks, leading to the undesirable ingress of dust and water.

[0004] Embodiments of the preferred embodiment provide a means for improving erection and/or storage of the roof tent.

[0005] Roof tents are erected by unfolding a bed to which the awning is attached. In this manner, the space within the roof tent is somewhat restricted.

[0006] Embodiments of the preferred embodiment provide for additional space in the roof tent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roof tent assembly including:

a cover for mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored roof tent; and a moving mechanism for moving the cover to facilitate erection of the roof tent.

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 [0008] Advantageously, the moving mechanism may move the cover to facilitate easy erection and/or storage of the roof tent.

[0009] The cover may include a lid. The lid may be aerodynamically shaped. The lid may define a diffuser for sucking air down to the rear of the vehicle to mitigate a vacuum which would otherwise be formed. The cover may include a base to which the lid is mounted. The lid may be pivotally mounted to the base. The lid may pivot along one side of the vehicle with the tent being erected on the opposite side of the vehicle. The lid may seal to the base. The base may include a rubber seal. The base may be endless. The base may include a pair of lips defining a gutter. The base may include an aluminium extrusion. The base may include a lighting strip.

[00010] The lid may include a body. The lid may be hard or durable. The body may be formed from molded composite material (e.g. carbon fibre, fibreglass, etc.) which is light-weight. The lid may include a window fitted to the body. The window may be located adjacent the bedding support. The roof tent may seal to the cover, preferably above the window. The cover may include an internal liner for lining the body.

[00011] The moving mechanism may include a lift for lifting at least one side of the cover. The moving mechanism may be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated. The moving mechanism may include one or more articulated arms. The moving mechanism may include an actuator located between portions of each arm. The actuator may extend proximal a joint of the arm. Each arm may be located within the cover. The assembly may further include bows which are deployed to support the tent once when the cover is opened.

[00012] The vehicle may include a camper trailer. The camper trailer may define a kitchen adjacent the bedding support and covered by the erected roof tent. The tent may include a magnetic coupler for coupling the tent to the camper trailer and/or the bedding support.

[00013] The assembly may further include retractable bedding support. Preferably, the bedding support can be erected independent of the roof tent. The assembly may further include an erectable roof tent.

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 [00014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for movably mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored roof tent.

[00015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moving mechanism for moving a cover to facilitate erection of a roof tent.

[00016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roof tent assembly including a cover for mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored tent, the cover including a base and a lid for movably mounting to the base.

[00017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tent assembly including:

a cover for mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored tent; and a moving mechanism for moving the cover to facilitate erection of the tent.

[00018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retractable bedding support for use in forming bedding for a roof tent and which can be deployed independent of the roof tent.

[00019] Advantageously, the bedding support may be retracted to make more space within the erected tent. The bedding support may be unfolded when forming bedding for the roof tent.

[00020] The bedding support may be articulated. The bedding support may include a sleeping platform coupled to one or more flexible joints. The bedding support may further include one or more support arms coupled to respective flexible joints. The sleeping platform may remain separated from the support arms by virtue of the flexible joints. The sleeping platform may be located parallel to, yet not coplanar with the support arms, to provide a height differential.

[00021] Each flexible joint includes pivotally coupled members to enable movement of the sleeping platform through at least 180 degrees. The pivot locations on the members may be adjusted to alter the angular movement of the sleeping platform. The members may be compactly arranged upon retraction of the bedding support. The members may engage with each other upon retraction for a strong joint terminating movement in a retraction direction.

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 [00022] The bedding support may include one or more actuators for actuating respective flexible joints to move the bedding support. The actuator may be electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated.

[00023] The bedding support may include a damper to dampen the movement of the bedding support. The damper may include a ram (e.g. gas strut). The damper may be arranged to impede slamming down of the sleeping platform from a vertical to horizontal configuration.

[00024] The bedding support may further include retractable stairs coupled to the sleeping platform. The stairs may be pivotally mounted to the sleeping platform. The stairs may pivot to be coplanar with the sleeping platform, thereby extending the platform. The stairs may angularly move in a plane perpendicular to a plane of angular movement of the sleeping platform.

[00025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retractable panel assembly including:

a panel; and one or more flexible joints coupled to the platform.

[00026] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00027] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in anyway. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00028] Figure 1 is a lower perspective view of a roof tent assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00029] Figure 2a is a plan view of the closed roof tent assembly of Figure 1;

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 [00030] Figure 2b is a front view of the roof tent assembly of Figure 2a;

[00031] Figure 2c is a sectional view of the roof tent assembly of Figure 2a through the line A-A;

[00032] Figure 2d is a detail view of region Z of the roof tent assembly of Figure2c;

[00033] Figure 2e is a detail view of region Y of the roof tent assembly of Figure2c;

[00034] Figure 3a is a plan view of the open roof tent assembly of Figure1;

[00035] Figure 3b is a front view of the roof tent assembly of Figure 3a;

[00036] Figure 3c is a sectional view of the roof tent assembly of Figure 3a through the line A-A;

[00037] Figure 3d is a detail view of region Z of the roof tent assembly of Figure 3c;

[00038] Figure 3e is a detail view of region Y of the roof tent assembly of Figure 3c;

[00039] Figure 4a is a plan view of a retractable bedding support for use in forming bedding for a roof tent;

[00040] Figure 4b is a side view of the bedding support of Figure 4a;

[00041] Figure 4c is a detail view of region Z of the bedding support of Figure 4a;

[00042] Figure 4d is an end view of the bedding support of Figure 4a; and [00043] Figures 5a to 5c show the progressive retraction of the bedding support of Figure 4a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [00044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a roof tent assembly 100 as shown in Figure 1. The roof tent assembly includes a cover 102 for mounting to a camper trailer (i.e. vehicle) and for covering a stored roof tent. A moving mechanism 104 is provided for moving the cover 102 to an open configuration so as to facilitate removal and erection of the roof tent. Advantageously, the moving

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 mechanism 104 lifts the cover 102 to facilitate easy erection and/or storage of the roof tent.

[00045] The cover 102 includes an aerodynamically-shaped lid 106 with angled sides. In this manner, the lid 104 defines a rear diffuser for sucking air down to the rear of the camper trailer to mitigate a vacuum which would otherwise be formed. The cover 102 also includes an endless ring-like base 108 to which the lid 106 is mounted. The lid 106 is pivotally mounted to the base 108 which, in turn, is fixedly mounted to the roof of the camper trailer. The lid 106 pivots along one side of the camper trailer with the tent being erected on the opposite side of the camper trailer.

[00046] The hard and durable lid 106 includes a body 110 formed from molded composite material (e.g. carbon fibre, fibreglass, etc.) which is light-weight. The body 110 includes ribs 112 for improved strength. The lid 106 also includes a window 114 fitted to the body 110. The window 114 is located adjacent and above the bedding support 400 of Figures 4 and 5 to provide light into the tent. The cover 102 also includes an internal plush liner for lining the body 110.

[00047] As can best be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the moving mechanism 104 is in the form of a lift for lifting one side of the lid 106. The moving mechanism 104 is mounted between the lid 106 and the base 108 within the cover 102, and includes a pair of articulated arms at opposite ends of the assembly 100. The moving mechanism 104 includes an actuator 200 located between upper and lower portions 202a, 202b of each arm. The actuator 200 extends upwardly to proximal an elbow joint of the arm. The moving mechanism may be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated.

[00048] The roof tent seals to the cover 102 by its canvass being received in lid and base recesses 204, with the lid recess 204 being above the window 114 in use. The base 108 includes a pair of lips 206 defining an endless gutter 208. The lid 106 and base 108 together form a seal 210 when the cover 102 is closed. In this regard, the base 108 includes a rubber seal fitted within an aluminium extrusion to impede the ingress of dust and water.

[00049] The base 108 also includes a LED lighting strip 212 inserted in a cavity that has a light diffusing cover. The lid 106 and the base 108 are coupled together with a hinge 214 on one side.

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 [00050] Figures 4 and 5 show a retractable bedding support 400 for use in forming bedding for the roof tent, and which can be erected independent of the roof tent. Advantageously, the bedding support 400 can be foldably retracted to make more space within the erected tent as required and unfolded when forming bedding for the roof tent.

[00051] The articulated bedding support 400 includes a sleeping platform 402 coupled to a pair of flexible joints 404. The bedding support 400 further includes a pair of support arms 406 coupled to respective flexible joints 404.

[00052] Each flexible joint includes pivotally coupled bar members 408 to enable angular movement of the sleeping platform 402 through at least 180 degrees. The pivot locations 410 on the members 408 be adjusted to alter the angular movement of the sleeping platform 402.

[00053] The bedding support 400 also includes a damper 412, in the form of a ram or gas strut, to dampen the movement of the bedding support 402. In particular, the damper 412 is arranged to impede slamming down of the sleeping platform 402 from a vertical to horizontal configuration. The bedding support 400 also includes one or more electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for actuating respective flexible joints 402 to move the bedding support 402.

[00054] The bedding support 400 further includes retractable stairs 414 pivotally coupled to the sleeping platform 402. The stairs 414 pivot to be coplanar with the sleeping platform 402, thereby effectively extending the platform 402. The stairs 414 angularly move up and down in a plane perpendicular to a plane of angular movement of the sleeping platform 402.

[00055] Figures 5a to 5c show the progressive retraction of the bedding support 400. The sleeping platform 402 does not pivot relative to the support arms 406, but is rather angularly thrown out as it is unfolded with the virtual hinge point moving outwardly away from the support arms 406, and visa versa.

[00056] As can best be seen in Figure 5a, when extended, the sleeping platform 402 is located parallel to, yet not coplanar with the support arms 406, to provide a suitable

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 height differential which is adjustable based upon the pivot adjustment of the members 408.

[00057] As can best be seen in Figure 5c, the bar members 408 are compactly arranged upon retraction of the bedding support 400. The edges of the members 408 engage with each other upon retraction for a strong joint terminating movement in the retraction direction. The sleeping platform 402 remains separated from the support arms 406 by virtue of the flexible joints 404.

[00058] A method for assembling the roof tent is now briefly described.

[00059] Initially, the roof tent is stored in the cover 102 mounted on the roof of a camper trailer. The lid 106 is closed as shown in Figure 2c.

[00060] Next, the moving mechanism 104 lifts the lid 106 as shown in Figure 3c and the compacted tent is drawn out of the cover 102 for easy erection by the camper. The tent includes a magnetic coupler for coupling the tent to the camper trailer. The tent is also sealed in the base and lid recesses 204 (Fig. 2d).

[00061] Next, bows or rods of the assembly 100 are deployed to support the erected tent once the cover 102 is opened. The cover remains open 102 whilst the tent is erected. The camper trailer has a kitchen adjacent the bedding support 400 and that is covered by the erected roof tent. Typically, the bedding support 400 is retracted so that the kitchen in the tent can be accessed or to provide more space in the tent.

[00062] When sleeping, the elevated bedding support 400 is unfolded in the erected tent, without affecting the tent, and a mattress is positioned on the sleeping platform 402. The tent includes a magnetic coupler for coupling the tent to the bedding support.

[00063] The reverse steps can be performed to readily store the tent in the cover 102 once more for transport.

[00064] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

2019100764 15 Jul 2019 [00065] The tent assembly can be used on any vehicle, such as a 4WD, in providing an elevated bed.

[00066] The retractable bedding support may be adapted for other applications such as retractable platforms, walls, bases, roofs, doors, or other like panels.

[00067] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[00068] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A roof tent assembly including:

a cover for mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored roof tent; and a moving mechanism for moving the cover to facilitate erection of the roof tent.
2. A roof tent assembly including a cover for mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored tent, the cover including a base and a lid for movably mounting to the base.
3. A tent assembly including:

a cover for mounting to a vehicle and for covering a stored tent; and a moving mechanism for moving the cover to facilitate erection of the tent.
4. A retractable bedding support for use in forming bedding for a roof tent and which can be deployed independent of the roof tent.
5. A retractable panel assembly including:

a panel; and one or more flexible joints coupled to the platform.