GB2325652A - Folding camper with a rigid roof extension - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding camper comprises a trailer 1 supporting a rigid main roof 2 which can be moved between raised and lowered positions, eg on telescopic corner posts (4 fig 1), to define a living space, collapsible side sections and at least one extension structure (8 fig 2) at a side of the trailer with a rigid roof extension 6 supported by the main roof. The roof extension may be slidably received within the main roof or pivotally attached to the main roof by hinges (5 fig 2). The roof parts may be thermally insulated. Two extension structures may be provided at opposite ends of the camper. The extension structure may be supported by braces (9 fig 2) swung out from the trailer side.

Description

FOLDING CAMPER The present invention relates to a folding camper.

Towable trailers supporting collapsible arrangements which can be folded out to define a tent-like structure are well known and are variously described as folding campers, trailer tents and folding caravans. The term "folding camper" as used herein is intended to encompass all such structures.

Many folding campers comprise a collapsible arrangement in the form of a series of tubular frame members supporting a fabric roof and fabric side sections. An occupant of such an arrangement has the impression of using a tent which, particularly in inclement weather, does not give a sense of security.

Folding campers also are available which incorporate a substantially rigid roof structure. The area of the roof structure corresponds substantially to the plan area of the trailer itself, and the roof structure is vertically displaceable between a lowered position in which it defines the upper portion of the trailer and a raised position in which a living space is defined between the roof structure and the trailer. An occupant of such an arrangement has an enhanced sense of security similar to that given by a rigid caravan.

It is known in folding campers with substantially rigid roof structures to provide for example two extension structures which may be deployed from opposite sides of the trailer to extend the area of the living space beyond the area directly beneath the rigid roof structure.

Such extension structures are enclosed with fabric panels including fabric roof panels which extend from the outer edges of the extension structures to edges of the rigid roof structure.

These fabric roof sections are tent-like and despite the presence of the rigid roof structure give a user the impression that the assembly as a whole is insecure. Given that the area of the rigid roof structure is limited by limits imposed on the area of the trailer, it has been accepted that tent-like extensions are the only option if the living area is to extend beyond the area of the trailer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a folding camper in which the problems outlined above are obviated or mitigated.

According to the present invention, there is provided a folding camper comprising a trailer supporting a substantially rigid roof structure which may be displaced between a lowered position on the trailer and a raised position in which a living space is defined between the roof structure and the trailer, at least one extension structure which may be deployed from a side of the trailer to extend the area of the living space beyond the area directly beneath the roof structure, and collapsible side sections extending between the roof structure and the trailer to enclose the sides of the living space, wherein the roof structure supports at least one substantially rigid roof extension structure which may be deployed to extend above and form the roof of the or each extension structure.

The present invention in effect enables the expansion of the area of the rigid roof structure to cover all of the extended living space formed within the folding camper.

Generally two roof extension structures will be provided at opposite ends of the roof structure. Each roof extension structure may be for example pivotally mounted on or slidably received within the roof structure. The roof structure and the or each roof extension structure may be thermally insulated.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a partially erect folding camper in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the folding camper of Figure 1 in its fully erect condition; and Figure 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a rigid trailer 1 upon which a rigid central roof structure 2 is supported. The roof structure 2 can be raised in the direction of arrows 3 to the position shown in Figure 2. The roof structure 2 is mounted on telescopic corner supports 4 which can be locked in an extended configuration so as to maintain the roof structure 2 in the position shown in Figure 2. Alternatively the roof structure 2 can be lowered on to the trailer body 1 in which case the supports 4 are received within the body 1 and are not visible. Thus when the roof structure 2 is fully lowered it forrns the uppermost section of the assembly.

The rigid roof structure 2 is coupled by hinges 5 to roof extension structures 6 which may be deployed as shown in full lines in Figures 1 and 2 by swinging the extension structures 6 in the direction of arrows 7 or may be stowed in the position shown in broken lines. When deployed, the roof extension structures 6 overlie trailer extension structures 8 which are supported by braces 9 swung out from the ends of the trailer 1. The trailer extension structures 8 provide a support surface for mattresses or the like. Thus a substantially rectangular living space is defined beneath the central rigid roof structure 2 and the roof extension structures 6 and that living space is enclosed in fabric side sections 10 which are shown in broken lines and which may incorporate for example window panels 11.

As a result, all of the roof defined above the living space is rigid, providing an impression of a large secure space within the folding camper.

With the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2, parts of the underside of the roof assembly are uppermost when the extension structures 6 are folded back to overlie the trailer. It is necessary therefore to provide a cover to protect the structures 6. This problem is avoided with the arrangement shown in Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 3, this illustrates an alternative arrangement in accordance with the invention in which the roof extension structures 6 are slidably received within the central rigid roof structure 2 rather than being supported thereon by hinges. Thus, erection of the folding camper involves the initial extension of the roof structure in the direction of arrows 12 followed by the elevation of the extended roof structure in the direction of arrows 13.

In both of the described embodiments of the invention, appropriate means are provided for attaching the fabric side sections 10 to the roof structure. The side sections may be attached to the roof structure before it is elevated and therefore the process is easily implemented. In addition, the roof structures 2 and 6 may be thermally insulated.

The term "substantially rigid" is used herein to encompass any structures which retain a predetermined shape in normal use, for example moulded plastics materials and the like.

Claims (5)

1. A folding camper comprising a trailer supporting a substantially rigid roof structure which may be displaced between a lowered position on the trailer and a raised position in which a living space is defined between the roof structure and the trailer, at least one extension structure which may be deployed from a side of the trailer to extend the area of the living space beyond the area directly beneath the roof structure, and collapsible side sections extending between the roof structure and the trailer to enclose the sides of the living space, wherein the roof structure supports at least one substantially rigid roof extension structure which may be deployed to extend above and form the roof of the or each extension structure.

2. A folding camper according to claim 1, wherein the or each roof extension structure is pivotally mounted on the rigid roof structure.

3. A folding camper according to claim 1, wherein the or each roof extension structure is slidably received within the rigid roof structure.

4. A folding camper according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof structure and the or each roof extension structure are thermally insulated.

5. A folding camper substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.