WO2024008588A1

WO2024008588A1 - Tent comprising an under structure and an inflatable frame

Info

Publication number: WO2024008588A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/068072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emilien Bruneteau; Benjamin Lafoux
Original assignee: Decathlon
Priority date: 2022-07-04
Filing date: 2023-06-30
Publication date: 2024-01-11
Also published as: FR3137399A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tent (10) comprising an under structure (20) comprising a central board (22) and a first lateral board (24) and a second lateral board (26), said first and second lateral boards being able to be placed in an unfolded position and in a folded position, the tent comprising an inflatable frame (40) extending in a longitudinal direction (Y) and comprising at least a first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (42) that forms a first longitudinal inflatable arch (44) and a second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (46) that forms a second longitudinal inflatable arch (48); the tent further comprising a tent fabric (12) that collaborates with said inflatable frame.

Description

Title of the invention: Tent comprising a frame and an inflatable frame

Technical area

The present invention relates to the technical field of deployable tents for camping, provided with an inflatable frame with which a tent canvas cooperates. Such tents are called deployable because they can take an deployed position allowing their use and a folded position in which they can be stored.

The present invention relates more precisely to tents configured to rest on a ground or to be placed on the roof of a vehicle and whose frame is mounted on a foldable chassis.

Prior art

Tents such as that described in document US 9,567,767 B2 are known, configured to be placed on the roof of a vehicle. This tent comprises a so-called “jacket” frame, comprising a first plate and a second plate pivotally mounted relative to the first plate. In the folded position, the two trays rest on top of each other, while they extend side-by-side when unfolded. The tent further comprises a rigid frame mounted on the frame and which can be deployed like a fan when the second plate is pivoted relative to the first plate.

A disadvantage of this tent is that in the folded position, it has a large footprint, corresponding to the dimensions of the first tray. This tent, once folded, is not very compact and particularly bulky. In particular, when mounted on the roof of a vehicle, this tent in the folded position covers substantially the entire surface area of the roof, leaving no possibility of installing other luggage on said roof, such as bags or bikes. Another disadvantage is that, given its large transverse dimensions, this tent has a high wind resistance when mounted on the roof of a vehicle. This increases the fuel consumption of the vehicle transporting the tent and can disrupt driving.

This tent according to the prior art is also difficult to handle, particularly when it must be installed, moved or stored by the user alone. Presentation of the invention

An aim of the present invention is to propose a tent remedying the aforementioned drawbacks.

To do this, the invention relates to a tent comprising: a frame comprising a central plate, a first side plate pivotally mounted relative to the central plate around a first pivot axis, and a second side plate mounted pivotally relative to the central plate around a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis, said first and second side plates being able to be placed in an unfolded position in which they extend on either side of the central plate in a plane of base passing through the central plate, so as to form, with the central plate, a base for the tent, the first and second side plates being able to further be placed in a folded position in which they extend one on the another above the central plateau; an inflatable frame mounted on the chassis and extending in a longitudinal direction which is transverse to said first pivot axis of the first lateral plate, said inflatable frame comprising at least a first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion forming a first longitudinal inflatable arch and a second portion longitudinal inflatable tubular forming a second longitudinal inflatable arch; and a tent canvas cooperating with said inflatable frame.

Preferably, the tent according to the present invention is a roof tent, particularly suitable for resting on the roof of a vehicle, such as a car or van, without damaging it. The tent can also be placed on ground, for example outdoors, and in particular on uneven ground.

The tent can take at least one folded position in which the first and second side plates are in the folded position and in which the inflatable frame is not inflated. The tent can also take at least one deployed position in which the first and second side plates are in the unfolded position and the inflatable frame is inflated. The tent can advantageously take an intermediate position in which the first and second side plates are unfolded and the inflatable frame is not inflated.

The tent advantageously extends in said longitudinal direction of the inflatable frame. Preferably, but not limited to, the first and second side plates and the central plate are rectangular in shape. They could also be square in shape. The first and second side plates are advantageously identical.

The central plate and the first and second side plates advantageously have a width considered transversely to the first pivot axis. Preferably, the width of the first and second side plates is equal to the width of the central plate. More preferably, the first and second side plates are identical to the central plate. The central plate and the first and second side plates advantageously have a length considered parallel to the first and second pivot axes.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, the first and second side plates may have a width less than the width of the central plate.

Preferably, the central plate has a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge opposite the first connecting edge, the first side plate being pivotally mounted relative to the first connecting edge of the central plate while the second side plate is mounted pivoting relative to the second connecting edge of the central plate. The first connecting edge advantageously extends parallel to the first pivot axis.

The first side plate is preferably pivotally mounted relative to the central plate by means of a hinge, more preferably by means of two hinges.

Said chassis advantageously extends in said longitudinal direction. The first and second pivot axes advantageously extend orthogonally to said longitudinal direction.

The first pivot axis is advantageously parallel to the second pivot axis. The distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis is preferably substantially equal to, or slightly greater than, the width of said central plate.

When the first and second side plates are in the folded position, the first side plate advantageously extends above the second side plate. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the second side plate could extend above the first side plate. Thanks to the invention, when the first and second side plates are in the folded position, the chassis is particularly compact. The tent then has a footprint corresponding to the dimensions of the central platform. The tent according to the invention therefore has a reduced footprint compared to wallet-type tents according to the prior art in which the footprint corresponds to the dimensions of one of the two plates constituting the chassis. In fact, the width of the central plate of the frame of the tent according to the invention is less than the width of the plates of these wallet tents according to the prior art. The width of the central plate of the frame of the tent according to the invention is approximately equal to two thirds of the width of the plates of these wallet tents according to the prior art. For example, considering that the side plates of the tent according to the invention are substantially identical to the central plate, placing these side plates in the folded position makes it possible to divide the footprint of the tent by three. In comparison, folding the frame of a wrap tent according to the prior art only allows the footprint of the tent to be halved. The width of the frame of the tent according to the invention when the first and second side plates are in the folded position is less than the width of the frame in the folded position of the tents according to the prior art.

The tent according to the invention is therefore particularly compact and takes up little space in the folded position without reducing the dimensions of the base when the side plates are unfolded. In particular, when placed in the folded position on the roof of a vehicle, the tent according to the invention occupies only a reduced portion of the surface area of this roof, thus leaving the possibility of installing other luggage, next to the tent, for example bags or even bicycles. The tent according to the invention, installed on the roof of a vehicle in the folded position, also has low wind resistance, reducing fuel consumption during travel and not disrupting driving.

The width of the central plate of the frame of the tent according to the invention is advantageously between 60 centimeters and 100 centimeters, more preferably approximately equal to 80 centimeters.

The tent according to the invention in the folded position is also easily handled and transported.

Preferably, when the first and second side plates are in the folded position, the inflatable frame and/or the tent fabric extends between the second side plate and the central plate, as well as between the first side plate and the second side plate.

To deploy the tent, the user successively pivots the first and second side plates relative to the central plate so as to bring them into the unfolded position in which they extend in said base plane. Said base plane advantageously extends horizontally, parallel to the surface on which the tent rests.

The base, formed by the first and second side plates in the unfolded position and by the central plate, advantageously has a rectangular shape. It constitutes a floor for the tent.

When the tent is mounted on the roof of a vehicle and the side plates are in the unfolded position, the central plate advantageously rests on said roof, while the first and second side plates extend cantilevered from said roof. One of the two side plates advantageously rests partly on said roof.

As long as it is not inflated, the inflatable frame rests on the frame with the tent fabric. The bulk of said inflatable frame, when deflated, is greatly reduced, particularly compared to a rigid frame.

The user then inflates the inflatable frame until the tent is brought into the deployed position. Inflating the inflatable frame shapes it and in particular makes it possible to form said longitudinal inflatable arches.

The inflatable frame advantageously comprises at least one inflation valve configured to cooperate with an inflation device, for example a pump. Preferably, the inflatable frame comprises a single inflation valve.

The inflatable frame is preferably attached to the chassis. Preferably, the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion is fixed to at least one of the first and second side plates, more preferably to the two side plates.

The inflatable frame is preferably removably attached to the chassis.

The first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions extend in said longitudinal direction. They advantageously extend transversely to the first pivot axis. The said first and second longitudinal inflatable arches extend in said longitudinal direction.

Said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions are advantageously curved, the curvature being directed upwards. Said longitudinal inflatable arches advantageously have the shape of a vault or even substantially the shape of an inverted “U”. Said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions advantageously comprise a central portion extending above the end portions of said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

The longitudinal inflatable arches formed by the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions of the inflatable frame of the tent according to the invention give the frame better resilience to deformation, particularly considered in said longitudinal direction. The balance and stability of the inflatable frame are improved. The resistance of the frame to external forces, particularly wind gusts, is also improved. Furthermore, taking into account these longitudinal inflatable arches, the conformation of the longitudinal inflatable tubular portions in the form of the same inflatable tubular element is facilitated.

Preferably, the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion extends between the first side plate and the second side plate. Likewise, the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion preferably extends between the first side plate and the second side plate.

The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion advantageously has a first end part mounted, preferably fixed, to the first lateral plate and a second end part, opposite the first end part and mounted, preferably fixed, to the second plate lateral. Said first and second end parts are advantageously fixed to said first and second side plates respectively in a removable manner.

Preferably, said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions do not cooperate with the central plate.

The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion and the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion are advantageously identical.

The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion advantageously extends along a first longitudinal edge of the chassis, while the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion advantageously extends along a second longitudinal edge of the chassis. The first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions advantageously extend on either side of the chassis.

Preferably, the distance between the first end part and the second end part of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion is substantially equal to the length of the chassis considered in said longitudinal direction, when the first and second side plates are in position unfolded.

When the inflatable frame is inflated, it keeps the tent fabric at a distance from the frame in order to delimit an interior volume of the tent in which the user can move. In a non-limiting manner, the tent fabric can rest on said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions of the inflatable frame. Alternatively, the tent fabric can be connected or fixed to said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

The first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions are advantageously in fluid communication, so that a single inflation valve makes it possible to inflate them simultaneously.

The tent fabric is advantageously fixed to the frame, preferably in a removable manner. The tent fabric is advantageously fixed to at least one of the first and second side plates, preferably in a removable manner.

The tent fabric advantageously defines a first side wall formed between the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion and the chassis as well as a second side wall formed between the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion and the chassis. Said first side wall advantageously extends substantially perpendicular to the base plane.

The tent fabric preferably defines a roof portion formed between said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

Preferably, said first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion extends in a first plane which is transverse to the first pivot axis of the first lateral plate and said second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion extends in a second plane which is transverse to said first pivot axis . It is understood that the inflation of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion makes it possible to automatically bring it into said first plane and that the inflation of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion makes it possible to automatically bring it into said second plane.

Said first and second planes extend parallel to said longitudinal direction. Said first and second planes are transverse to the base plane.

Said first and second planes are advantageously vertical.

Preferably, said first plane is perpendicular to the first pivot axis. Preferably, said second plane is perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

The first and second planes are preferably perpendicular to the base plane and the main frame.

The first side wall formed by the tent fabric advantageously extends in said first plane while the second side wall formed by the tent fabric advantageously extends in said second plane. Said side walls preferably extend transversely to the base plane, more preferably perpendicular to the base plane.

Advantageously, said first and second planes are substantially parallel to each other. Also, said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions advantageously extend parallel to each other. An advantage is also to improve the stability of the inflatable frame by preventing said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions from being inclined towards each other, thus reducing the risk of them collapsing. towards the other. Another advantage is to maintain the first and second side walls of the tent, formed by the tent fabric respectively between the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions and the frame, parallel to each other. As a result, the interior space of the tent is also increased, thereby improving user comfort.

Preferably, said inflatable frame further comprises at least one inflatable junction portion transversely connecting said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. Said inflatable junction portion is advantageously in fluid communication with said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. The inflatable junction portion advantageously allows said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions to be placed in communication, so that a single inflatable valve can be used to simultaneously inflate said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions and said inflatable junction portion.

The inflatable junction portion is advantageously tubular. The inflatable junction portion is advantageously formed in the same material as the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

The inflatable junction portion also makes it possible to reinforce the frame by helping to maintain a constant gap between the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

Advantageously, said inflatable junction portion extends substantially parallel to the first pivot axis of the first side plate.

The inflatable junction portion advantageously has a length substantially equal to the width of the central plate considered transversely to said longitudinal direction.

In a non-limiting manner, the inflatable junction portion may rest on one of the first and second plates or extend at a distance from the base plane.

Preferably, said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions each have a first end portion, said inflatable junction portion connecting the first end portion of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion to the first end portion of the second portion longitudinal inflatable tubular. The inflatable junction portion makes it possible to maintain a substantially constant gap between said first end portions of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. The inflatable frame then forms a continuous elongated element.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect, said first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion has a second end part, opposite the first end part and forming a free end for said inflatable frame. Advantageously, said second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion also has a second end part, opposite the first end part and forming another free end for said inflatable frame. The second end parts of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions being free, it is understood that the inflatable frame is devoid of any portion, inflatable or not, attached or not, connecting the second end parts of the first and second tubular portions longitudinal inflatables.

Advantageously, when the first side plate is in the unfolded position, said inflatable junction portion rests on said first side plate. This inflatable junction portion then forms additional support for the inflatable frame on said chassis, further improving the stability of said inflatable frame.

Preferably, said inflatable junction portion extends along an end edge of the first plate, forming an end edge for the chassis.

Preferably, said first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion, said second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion and said inflatable junction portion are formed from a single inflatable tubular element, whereby the manufacture of the tent is simplified. In addition, said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions and said inflatable junction portion are thus placed in fluid communication. A single inflation valve then allows these different portions to be inflated simultaneously. This configuration further facilitates the repair of the inflatable frame and reduces the risk of air leakage at the junction between the longitudinal inflatable tubular portions and the inflatable junction portion.

Another advantage is to avoid the connection, for example by sewing, of several inflatable tubular elements between them, the junction between such inflatable tubular elements being able to prove particularly fragile. In addition, the overall sealing of the assembly formed by the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions and the inflatable junction portion is improved.

Preferably, said inflatable tubular element comprises an inflatable tube made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In addition, it advantageously comprises a preformed textile sleeve in which is arranged said inflatable tube, in order to constrain the latter to give it the chosen shape when it is inflated.

Preferably, the inflatable frame comprises a single inflatable tubular element. One advantage is to facilitate the deployment of the tent by reducing the number of elements to inflate. The weight and bulk of the inflatable frame are also reduced.

Advantageously, the inflatable frame comprises at least one added stiffening element transversely connecting said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. An advantage is to maintain a substantially constant spacing between the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions, in order to prevent them from collapsing towards each other or from moving away from one another. 'other. Said stiffening element may comprise a rigid rod extending between said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. Said stiffening element can be flexible. Said stiffening element is preferably rigid. The stiffening element is preferably not inflatable. The stiffening element is distinct from the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. Said stiffening element is advantageously connected to the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions in a removable manner.

Preferably, said stiffening element has a constant length. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the stiffening element may have an adjustable length.

The inflatable frame advantageously comprises a plurality of stiffening elements connecting the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

The stiffening element advantageously extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inflatable frame and parallel to the first and second pivot axes.

The stiffening element is advantageously removably connected to the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

Preferably, the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion has at least one first bent part, and the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion has at least one first bent part. These bent parts make it possible to impose an angle between two parts of the corresponding longitudinal inflatable tubular portion which it connects together. The bent parts make it possible in particular to adjust the curvature of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions in order to give the tent a chosen shape. In particular, these bent portions make it possible to give the roof portion of the tent fabric an inclination and a chosen shape, following the curvature of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. The tent fabric advantageously has an edge formed between the first bent part of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion and the first bent part of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion.

Preferably, the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion and the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion comprise a plurality of bent parts. Preferably, each of the elbow parts extends to a different height.

Preferably, the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion comprises at least three bent parts, more preferably at least four bent parts.

Preferably, the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion is not symmetrical considered with respect to a median plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the frame.

Advantageously, said added stiffening element extends between the first bent part of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion and the first bent part of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion. An advantage is to reduce the risk that the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions move away from or approach one another at these bent parts, further improving the stability of the inflatable frame. This also makes it possible to keep the tent fabric stretched between the longitudinal inflatable tubular portions and thus avoid the formation of water pockets on the tent fabric.

Advantageously, the chassis comprises at least one first hinge for mounting the first side plate in a pivoting manner relative to the central plate around the first pivot axis, and the chassis comprises at least one second hinge for mounting the second side plate pivotally relative to the central plate around the second pivot axis, said first and second hinges being configured so that the height of the first axis of pivoting relative to the central plate is greater than the height of the second pivot axis relative to the central plate.

An advantage is to be able to easily fold the first side plate above the second side plate. An advantage is also to provide a larger space between the central plate and the first side plate, as well as between the first side plate and the second side plate when said side plates are in the folded position, to receive said tent fabric and /or said inflatable frame in the deflated position.

This configuration advantageously makes it possible to maintain said first and second side plates substantially parallel to the main plate.

Said heights are considered transversely to the base plane.

Preferably, said first hinge comprises a first part of the first hinge secured to the central plate and a second part of the first hinge secured to the first side plate, the second part of the first hinge being pivotally mounted relative to the first part of the first hinge around the first pivot axis, said second hinge comprises a first part of the second hinge secured to the central plate and a second part of the second hinge secured to the second lateral plate, the second part of the second hinge being pivotally mounted relative to the first part of the second hinge around the second pivot axis, said first and second first hinge parts having a height greater than the height of the first and second second hinge parts.

Preferably, said tent fabric and/or said inflatable frame is fixed to said chassis. An advantage is to keep said tent canvas and/or said inflatable frame fixed to the frame when folding and storing the tent. The size of the tent in the folded position is therefore reduced. The risk of losing or damaging said tent fabric and/or said inflatable frame is further reduced. More preferably, said tent fabric and/or said inflatable frame is fixed to said chassis in a removable manner. Preferably, said tent fabric and/or said inflatable frame is fixed to said first side plate and said second side plate.

Preferably, said tent fabric and/or said inflatable frame comprises at least one fixing part and at least one groove is formed in said frame, said groove being configured to receive said fixing part, so as to fix the tent fabric and/or said inflatable frame to said frame.

Advantageously, the tent further comprises a telescopic ladder pivotally mounted relative to one of the first and second side plates. Said ladder advantageously rests on the ground and supports the first or second side plate when said plate is unfolded. Preferably, said ladder serves as a lever to unfold the side plate to which it is pivotally mounted.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tent according to the invention mounted on the roof of a vehicle;

[Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tent of Figure 1, the tent fabric having been removed;

[Fig. 3] Figure 3 illustrates the frame of the tent of Figure 1;

[Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows the frame of the tent of Figure 1 mounted on the roof of the vehicle, the first and second side plates being folded;

[Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows the frame of the tent of Figure 1 mounted on the roof of the vehicle, the first side plate being unfolded;

[Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows the frame of the tent of Figure 1 mounted on the roof of the vehicle, the first and second side plates being unfolded; and [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tent of Figure 1 in the deployed position.

Description of embodiments

A tent includes a frame and an inflatable frame mounted to the frame.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tent 10 according to the invention mounted on the roof T of a vehicle V. In this Figure 1, the tent 10 is shown in the deployed position. The tent 10 comprises a frame 20, an inflatable frame 40, visible in Figure 2, and a tent fabric 12 cooperating with said inflatable armature. The tent also includes a telescopic ladder E cooperating with the chassis 20.

Figure 2 illustrates the tent of Figure 1 in which the tent fabric 12 has been removed to facilitate the description of the chassis 20 and the inflatable frame 40.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the chassis 20 comprises a central plate 22, a first side plate 24 and a second side plate 26. The first side plate 24 is pivotally mounted relative to the central plate 22 around a first pivot axis XI, between a folded position and an unfolded position. In this Figure 2, the first side plate is in the unfolded position. The second lateral plate 26 is pivotally mounted relative to the central plate 22 around a second pivot axis X2, between a folded position and an unfolded position. In this figure 2, the second side plate is in the unfolded position.

The chassis 20 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3 in which neither the tent fabric 12 nor the inflatable frame 40 are shown. The central plate 22 has a first connecting edge 22a, a second connecting edge 22b, opposite the first connecting edge 22a, as well as a first side edge 22c and a second side edge 22d, opposite the first side edge 22c. The first side plate 24 has a first transverse edge 24a, a second transverse edge 24b, opposite the first transverse edge 24a, as well as a first side edge 24c and a second side edge 24d, opposite the first side edge 24c. The second side plate 26 has a first transverse edge 26a, a second transverse edge 26b, opposite the first transverse edge 26a, as well as a first side edge 26c and a second side edge 26d, opposite the first side edge 26c.

The first and second side plates 24,26 and the central plate 22 are rectangular in shape. In this non-limiting example, they are substantially identical.

The first side plate 24 is pivotally mounted relative to the first connecting edge 22a of the central plate 22. The second side plate 26 is pivotally mounted relative to the second side edge 22b of the central plate 22.

In Figures 2 and 3, the first and second side plates 24,26 are in the unfolded position. They extend in a base plane P passing through the central plate 22. This base plane P is parallel to the ground and therefore extends substantially horizontally. The assembly formed by the central plate 22 and the first and second side plates 24,26 in the unfolded position forms a base 28 for the tent 10. This base 28 extends in the base plane P. The first and second plates lateral 24,26 extend on either side of the central plate 22.

The chassis 20 has a first longitudinal edge 23 formed by the first side edges 22c, 24c, 26c of the first and second side plates 24,26 and the central plate 22. The frame 20 has a second longitudinal edge 25 formed by the second side edges 22d, 24d, 26d of the first and second side plates 24,26 and the central plate 22.

The frame 20 includes a first hinge 30 and a third hinge 34 connecting the first side plate 24 to the central plate 22 in a pivotal manner. The frame 20 further comprises a second hinge 32 and a fourth hinge 36 connecting the second side plate 26 to the central plate 22 in a pivotal manner.

The first and second hinges 30,32 are arranged near the first longitudinal edge 23 of the chassis 20 while the third and fourth hinges 34,36 are arranged near the second longitudinal edge 25 of the chassis.

The first and third hinges 30,34 are identical so that only the first hinge 30 will be described in detail. Said first hinge 30 comprises a first part of first hinge 30a which is secured to the central plate 22 and a second part of first hinge 30b which is secured to the first lateral plate 24. The second part of first hinge 30b is pivotally mounted relative to the first part of first hinge 30a around the first pivot axis XI.

The second and fourth hinges 32,36 are identical so that only the second hinge 32 will be described in detail. Said second hinge 32 comprises a first part of second hinge 32a which is secured to the central plate 22 and a second part of second hinge 32b secured to the second lateral plate 26. The second part of second hinge 32b is pivotally mounted relative to the first part second hinge 32a around the second pivot axis X2. Said first and second first hinge parts 30a, 30b have a height hl greater than the height h2 of the first and second second hinge parts 32a, 32b. Also, considered in relation to the base plane P, or in relation to the central plate 22, the height hl of the first pivot axis XI is greater than the height h2 of the second pivot axis X2.

Referring again to Figure 2, we see that the inflatable frame 40 is mounted and fixed on the chassis 20. In this figure, said inflatable frame 40 is inflated. The inflatable frame 40 extends in a longitudinal direction Y.

The inflatable frame 40 comprises a first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 defining a first longitudinal inflatable arch 44. The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42, and therefore the first longitudinal inflatable arch 44, extend in said longitudinal direction Y and in a first PI plan. This first plane PI is transverse, and in this non-limiting example is perpendicular, to the first pivot axis XI and to the second pivot axis X2. This first plane PI is vertical. The first plane PI is perpendicular to the base plane P. It is also parallel to the longitudinal direction Y.

The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 has a first end portion 42a and a second end portion 42b opposite the first end portion. The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 further comprises a plurality of bent portions 42c formed between said first and second end portions 42a, 42b. The second end portion 42b of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 forms a free end for the first longitudinal inflatable arch 44 and for the inflatable frame 40.

The first end part 42a of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion is fixed to the chassis 20, and more precisely to the first side plate 24 at the corner formed at the intersection between the first side edge 24c and the second transverse edge 24b of said first side plate 24 The second end portion 42b of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion is fixed to the chassis 20, and more precisely to the second side plate 26 at the corner formed at the intersection between the first side edge 26c and the second transverse edge 26b of said second side plate 26. The inflatable frame 40 further comprises a second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46 defining a second longitudinal inflatable arch 48. The second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46, and therefore the second longitudinal inflatable arch 48, extend in said longitudinal direction Y and in a second plan P2. This second plane P2 is transverse, and in this non-limiting example is perpendicular, to the first pivot axis XI and to the second pivot axis X2. This second plane P2 is here vertical. The second plane P2 is perpendicular to the base plane P. It is also parallel to the longitudinal direction Y. In a non-limiting manner, the second plane P2 is parallel to the first plane PI.

When the tent 10 is installed on a ground or on the roof of a vehicle, said first and second planes P1, P2 extend substantially vertically.

The second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46 has a first end portion 46a and a second end portion 46b opposite the first end portion. The second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46 further comprises a plurality of bent portions 46c formed between said first and second end portions. The second end portion 46b of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46 forms a free end for the second longitudinal inflatable arch 48 and for the inflatable frame 40. The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 is here identical to the second inflatable tubular portion longitudinal 46.

In this non-limiting example, each of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46 comprises four bent parts 42c, 46c located at different heights.

The first end part 46a of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion is fixed to the chassis 20, and more precisely to the first lateral plate 24 at the corner formed at the intersection between the second lateral edge 24d and the second transverse edge 24b of said first plate lateral 24. The second end part 46b of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion is fixed to the chassis 20, and more precisely to the second lateral plate at the corner formed at the intersection between the second lateral edge 26d and the second transverse edge 26b of said second plate lateral 26. The inflatable frame 40 is devoid of any portion, inflatable or not, attached or not, connecting the second end portions 42b, 46b of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46.

Each of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions extends between the first side plate 24 and the second side plate 26.

The first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46 have the shape of a vault, or even substantially the shape of an inverted “U”. They have an upward curvature. Said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46 do not cooperate with the central plate 22.

The inflatable frame 40 also comprises an inflatable junction portion 50. This inflatable junction portion is also tubular. It transversely connects said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46. More precisely, said inflatable junction portion 50 extends between the first end portion 42a of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 and the first end portion 46a of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46. The inflatable junction portion 50 extends parallel to the first and second pivot axes XI, X2. It also extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction Y.

The inflatable junction portion 50 rests on the first side plate 24 when the latter is unfolded. The inflatable junction portion 50 extends along the second transverse edge 24b of the first side plate 24. The inflatable junction portion 50 is fixed to the first side plate.

The first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42, the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46 and the inflatable junction portion 50 form a single tubular element 52. In this non-limiting example, said inflatable tubular element 52 comprises an inflatable tube of thermoplastic polyurethane ( TPU) placed in a textile sleeve. The textile sleeve is preformed in order to constrain the inflatable tube to give it the chosen shape when inflated. In a non-limiting manner, the inflatable frame 40 comprises a single inflatable tubular element 50. The inflatable tubular element comprises an inflation valve 56 making it possible to inflate the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46 as well as the inflatable junction portion 50. In Figure 2, we also see that the inflatable frame 40 comprises a plurality of added stiffening elements 54 transversely connecting said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46. More precisely, the inflatable frame comprises four stiffening elements 54. Each of these stiffening elements 54 extends between a bent part 42c of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 and a bent part 46c, located at the same height, of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46. In this non-limiting example, the stiffening elements 54 comprise a rod whose ends engage in sheaths arranged on the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46. The stiffening elements 54 extend parallel to the first and second pivot axes XI, X2 and perpendicular to the first and second planes P1, P2. They make it possible to maintain a constant distance between the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions and to reinforce the inflatable frame 40.

The steps for unfolding the tent will now be described in conjunction with Figures 4 to 6.

In Figure 4, the tent 10 is in the folded position and placed on the roof T of the vehicle V. Here again, in this Figure 4 as well as in Figure 5, the tent fabric 12 and the inflatable frame 40 are not not illustrated for visibility reasons. The tent fabric 12 and the inflatable frame can however be kept connected to the chassis 20 when it is brought into the folded position. The first and second side plates 24,26 are in the folded position. In this folded position, the first and second side plates 24,26 extend one over the other, above the central plate 22. Taking into account the configuration of the hinges described previously, the first side plate 24 s 'extends above the second side plate 26. In other words, when they are folded, the second side plate 26 extends between the central plate 22 and the first side plate 24.

The first side plate 24 in the folded position extends substantially parallel to the central plate 22. The second transverse edge 24b of the first side plate 24 rests on the first transverse edge 26a of the second side plate 26.

The telescopic ladder E has a first end El which is pivotally mounted on a lower surface 27 of the first side plate 24. We see in this Figure 4 that the footprint of the tent 10 in the folded position, when the side plates 24,26 are folded, corresponds to the surface area of the central plate 22. In particular, the frame 20 then extends over a width L corresponding to the width of the central plate. The footprint is therefore reduced compared to a wallet-type tent according to the prior art in which the footprint corresponds to the surface area of one of the two platforms. The tent according to the invention in the folded position extends over a width approximately equal to two thirds of the width over which the tents according to the prior art extend in the folded position.

To deploy the tent 10, and as illustrated in Figure 5, the user first unfolds the first side plate 24. To do this, he deploys the telescopic ladder E and uses this ladder E as a lever to tilt and pivot the first side plate 24 relative to the central plate 22, around the first pivot axis XI. The first and third hinges 30,34 are configured to limit the pivoting of the first lateral plate 24, and interrupt its pivoting when the latter extends in the base plane P, in the extension of the central plate 22.

The chassis 20 is then placed in the intermediate position illustrated in Figure 5 in which only the first side plate 24 is unfolded. The ladder E then rests on the ground and supports the first side plate 24 which is cantilevered relative to the roof T of the vehicle V. The first side plate, however, rests partly on said roof T.

From then on the user can climb onto the central plate 22 and onto the first plate 24, using the ladder E, in order to be able to access the second side plate 26. The user then manually rotates the second side plate relative to the central plate 22, around the second pivot axis X2. The second and fourth hinges 32,36 are configured to limit the pivoting of the second lateral plate 26, and interrupt its pivoting when the latter extends in the base plane P, in the extension of the central plate 22.

The first and second side plates 24,26 are then unfolded and extend in the base plane P, on either side of the central plate 22, as illustrated in Figure 6. The second side plate 26 is in cantilevered relative to the roof T. The tent fabric 12 and the inflatable frame 40 in the deflated position then rest on the chassis 20.

The user then inflates the inflatable frame 40, for example by connecting an inflation device to the inflation valve 56. Inflation of the inflatable tubular element 52 makes it possible to shape the inflatable frame and in particular the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46 and the inflatable junction portion 50. The first and second longitudinal inflatable arches 44,48 are formed.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the tent fabric 12, cooperating with said inflatable frame 40, is then put in tension by the inflatable frame and defines the walls of the tent 10. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the tent could include a flysheet covering the tent fabric.

The tent fabric 12 is fixed to the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions. The tent fabric 12 defines a first side wall 14 for the tent 10, formed between the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 42 and the first longitudinal edge 23 of the chassis. The tent fabric 12 further defines a second side wall 16 for the tent, formed between the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion 46 and the second longitudinal edge 25 of the frame. Said first and second side walls 14,16 extend substantially perpendicular to the first and second pivot axes. They extend vertically and are parallel to each other. The first and second side walls 14,16 extend respectively in the first plane PI and in the second plane P2.

The tent fabric 12 further defines an upper wall 18 for the tent, formed between the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions 42,46. The shape of this upper wall follows the curvature of the first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions.

Claims

Claims Tent (10) comprising: a frame (20) comprising a central plate (22), a first side plate (24) pivotally mounted relative to the central plate around a first pivot axis (XI), and a second plate side plate (26) pivotally mounted relative to the central plate around a second pivot axis (X2) parallel to the first pivot axis, said first and second lateral plates being able to be placed in an unfolded position in which they extend on both sides and on the other side of the central plate in a base plane (P) passing through the central plate, so as to form, with the central plate, a base (28) for the tent, the first and second side plates being able to furthermore be placed in a folded position in which they extend one on top of the other above the central tray; an inflatable frame (40) mounted on the chassis and extending in a longitudinal direction (Y) which is transverse to said first pivot axis of the first lateral plate, said inflatable frame comprising at least a first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (42) forming a first longitudinal inflatable arch (44) and a second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (46) forming a second longitudinal inflatable arch (48); and a tent fabric (12) cooperating with said inflatable frame. Tent according to claim 1, in which said first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (42) extends in a first plane (PI) which is transverse to the first pivot axis (XI) of the first lateral plate (24) and in which said second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (46) extends in a second plane (P2) which is transverse to said first pivot axis. Tent according to claim 2, wherein said first and second planes (P1,P2) are substantially parallel to each other. Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said inflatable frame (40) further comprises at least one inflatable junction portion (50) transversely connecting said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions (42,46).

5. Tent according to claim 4, wherein said inflatable junction portion (50) extends substantially parallel to the first pivot axis (XI) of the first side plate (24).

6. Tent according to claim 4 or 5, in which said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions (42,46) each have a first end portion (42a, 46a), said inflatable junction portion (50) connecting the first end portion of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion to the first end portion of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion.

7. Tent according to claim 6, in which said first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (42) has a second end portion (42b), opposite the first end portion (42a) and forming a free end for said inflatable frame (40).

8. Tent according to any one of claims 4 to 7, in which, when the first side plate (24) is in the unfolded position, said inflatable junction portion (50) rests on said first side plate.

9. Tent according to any one of claims 4 to 8, in which said first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (42), said second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (46) and said inflatable junction portion (50) are formed of a single and even inflatable tubular element (52).

10. Tent according to claim 9, wherein the inflatable frame (40) comprises a single inflatable tubular element (52).

11. Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inflatable frame (40) comprises at least one added stiffening element (54) transversely connecting said first and second longitudinal inflatable tubular portions (42,46). Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (42) has at least one first bent part (42c), and in which the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (46) has at least one first bent part (46c). Tent according to claims 11 and 12, in which said added stiffening element (54) extends between the first bent part (42c) of the first longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (42) and the first bent part (46c) of the second longitudinal inflatable tubular portion (46). Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the frame (20) comprises at least a first hinge (30) for mounting the first side plate (24) in a pivoting manner relative to the central plate (22) around of the first pivot axis (XI), and in which the frame comprises at least a second hinge (32) for mounting the second side plate (26) in a pivoting manner relative to the central plate around the second pivot axis (X2) , said first and second hinge being configured so that the height of the first pivot axis relative to the central plate is greater than the height of the second pivot axis relative to the central plate. Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said tent fabric (12) and/or said inflatable frame (40) is fixed to said frame (20).