A whole inflatable motor home roof lifting structure and a whole inflatable roof tent structure

Abstract

This invention relates to an integrated inflatable RV roof structure and an integrated inflatable roof tent structure, belonging to the field of RV technology. Specifically, it relates to an integrated inflatable RV roof structure and an integrated inflatable roof tent structure. The integrated inflatable RV roof structure of this invention includes a top cover, an integrated inflatable box body, and a bottom plate. Its key feature is that the integrated inflatable box body is made of inflatable fabric and includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls. The top cover is located above the top wall, and the bottom plate is located below the bottom wall. The bottom wall and bottom plate have large openings corresponding to the openings in the roof of the vehicle. This invention offers good thermal insulation, sound insulation, and wind resistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of RV technology. Specifically, it relates to an integral inflatable RV pop-top structure and an integral inflatable roof tent structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, self-driving travel has become a popular mode of transportation. To address the accommodation issue for self-driving trips, various solutions have emerged. These include using RVs or campervans, and using a vehicle with a rooftop tent, among others.

[0003] There are various types of motorhomes, generally classified according to their weight. They can be divided into large, medium, and small motorhomes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Small motorhomes, in particular, offer advantages such as ease of driving and parking, fuel efficiency, and lower prices, making them increasingly popular. However, their interior space is limited, so many manufacturers use pop-top technology to expand the usable space within the vehicle.

[0004] Its technical solution adopts the same approach as existing rooftop tents, with identical materials and structures. The technical solutions and materials of both are interchangeable in each other's fields. The main differences lie in the size of the folding container, the number and size of windows on the container, and the location and size of the opening on the bottom wall. The size and location of the bottom wall opening in a rooftop tent correspond to the roof skylight. The bottom wall opening of the RV pop-top structure is continuous with the vehicle cabin, and its size depends on the area of ​​the opening in the roof panel. Both also present the same problems. The following explanation uses the RV pop-top structure as an example to illustrate these problems and provides solutions.

[0005] Existing RV pop-top structures consist of a roof, a pop-top body, a floor, and a lifting mechanism. The raising and lowering of the RV pop-top is achieved through the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism moves the roof, and the body follows the roof to open and fold. The body folds and retracts between the roof and the floor, which are then locked together by latches. Some RV models allow for a simplified pop-top structure, where the roof and the vehicle's roof panel can be directly locked together, eliminating the need for a floor. Based on the materials used in the folding body, there are two main categories: rigid pop-tops (the body is made of rigid sheet material that folds to raise and lower) and flexible pop-tops (the body is made of multiple layers of fabric).

[0006] Regardless of the type of container structure, they all generally suffer from three long-standing problems: poor insulation, poor soundproofing, and poor wind resistance. Furthermore, because the size of the pop-up container cannot be expanded in all directions, it cannot meet the demand for larger space. Hard pop-up structures in RVs also tend to leak after prolonged use. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems by providing an integral inflatable pop-top structure for RVs and rooftop tents, constructed from inflatable fabric. Utilizing the inherent insulation, soundproofing, and structural strength of the inflatable fabric's air walls after inflation, it significantly solves the three long-standing problems of poor insulation, poor soundproofing, and poor wind resistance in existing RV pop-top structures and rooftop tents. Furthermore, it allows for space expansion based on vehicle size and actual needs. The inflation and deflation process enables the roof to rise and fall. By eliminating the existing lifting mechanism in pop-top RVs, a significant weight reduction is achieved, resulting in a substantial decrease in manufacturing costs.

[0008] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: the overall inflatable RV lift-top structure of the present invention includes a top cover, an overall inflatable box body and a bottom plate, characterized in that: the overall inflatable box body is made of inflatable woven fabric, the overall inflatable box body includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a side wall, the top cover is disposed above the top wall, the bottom plate is disposed below the bottom wall, and the bottom wall and the bottom plate are provided with large openings corresponding to the openings of the car body roof.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the inner sides of the four side facades of the top cover are fixed to the top of the inflatable box body by Velcro.

[0010] As another preferred embodiment of this utility model, the base plate includes a frame, with a plate welded to the surface of the frame. The large opening on the base plate has a border around its four sides. The position and size of the large opening on the base plate correspond to the large opening on the bottom wall of the overall inflatable box, and also correspond to the position and size of the opening on the roof of the car body.

[0011] Furthermore, a horizontal cover plate that flips upwards is connected to the edge of the base plate via a hinge.

[0012] As a third preferred embodiment of this utility model, the top cover and the bottom plate are all fixed with belts and buckle holes around their four perimeters.

[0013] As a fourth preferred embodiment of this utility model, the outer wall of the integral inflatable box is provided with an explosion-proof inflation valve.

[0014] As a fifth preferred embodiment of this utility model, one or two elastic bands are provided on the outside or inside of the side wall of the overall inflatable box. The elastic bands provide tension, and the tension ensures that the side wall folds into the inflatable box when the inflatable box is deflated.

[0015] Furthermore, after inflation, the overall inflatable box's structural space is connected to the carriage, becoming one unit; part of the inflatable box extends from the sides of the top cover and bottom plate, forming an extended space.

[0016] As a sixth preferred embodiment of this utility model, an intermediate layer is provided inside the integral inflatable box, and an intermediate opening is provided on the intermediate layer.

[0017] The present invention relates to an integral inflatable roof tent structure, comprising a top cover, an integral inflatable box, and a bottom plate. The integral inflatable box is characterized in that: the integral inflatable box is made of inflatable fabric, and the integral inflatable box includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls. The top cover is disposed above the top wall, and the bottom plate is disposed below the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the bottom plate are provided with small openings that cooperate with the sunroof of the car body.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: It addresses three long-standing problems in existing RV pop-top structures: poor insulation, poor sound insulation, and poor wind resistance. This technical solution creatively utilizes the principles of air pressure and the unique properties of inflatable fabric material to create a novel pop-top structure that solves these three problems. Furthermore, by leveraging the expandable and foldable properties of the inflatable fabric material after inflation and deflation, it achieves a larger space expansion within the pop-top structure compared to the vehicle roof area, thus meeting users' needs for more space.

[0019] The pop-up roof of the RV is raised and lowered by inflating and deflating an integral inflatable box made of inflatable fabric. Utilizing the natural heat insulation, sound insulation, and high strength properties of the air wall formed after inflation, the pop-up roof's insulation, sound insulation, and wind resistance are significantly improved. The expandable and foldable nature of the inflatable box after inflation and deflation allows for convenient spatial expansion in any direction. Because this technical solution eliminates the metal frame and lifting mechanism of existing RV pop-up structures, the weight of the RV pop-up structure and roof tent structure is significantly reduced, as are manufacturing costs. This technical solution utilizes the properties of inflatable fabric to achieve a unique space expansion function, applicable to various vehicle models in the fields of RV pop-up structures and roof tents. It is particularly friendly to various small vehicles, achieving the goal of a large space in a small car without the need for additional auxiliary structures. Furthermore, it can be further expanded according to actual space requirements.

[0020] Since the overall inflatable pop-top structure of a motorhome and the overall inflatable roof tent structure are the same, and also made of the same materials, we will use the overall inflatable pop-top structure of the motorhome as an example to explain its technical implementation elements. The similarities between the two structures will not be elaborated upon here. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the integrated inflatable RV with a rising roof.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the base plate.

[0023] Figure 3This is a structural diagram of a car body.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the bottom of the pop-up roof of the inflatable RV.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pop-up roof structure of a double-layered inflatable RV.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of inflatable filament fabric.

[0027] Figure 7 This utility model relates to an integral inflatable vehicle roof tent structure.

[0028] In the attached diagram, 1 is the top cover, 2 is the overall inflatable box, 3 is the bottom plate, 4 is the frame, 5 is the car frame, 6 is the non-opening part on the bottom plate, 7 is the side wall, 9 is the belt, 10 is the lock eye, 11 is the large opening, 13 is the hinge, 14 is the cover plate, 15 is the explosion-proof inflation valve, 16 is the window, 17 is the elastic band, 18 is the expansion space, 19 is the large opening at the bottom of the overall inflatable box, 20 is the opening, 21 is the door, 23 is the handle, and 25 is the U-shaped screw. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Example: The main structure of this utility model's integral inflatable RV with pop-up roof includes three parts: a top cover 1, an integral inflatable box 2, and a base plate 3. See [link / details]. Figure 1 The top cover 1 is made of ABS material or aluminum alloy, etc. The inner sides of the four side facades of the top cover 1 are fixed to the top of the inflatable box using Velcro. Two Velcro hooks are attached to the inner facades of the top cover 1 and the top wall of the inflatable box adjacent to the top cover 1, respectively. The rough side is bent 90 degrees and attached to the two hooks (since it is only used when parked, high fixing strength is not required; ordinary Velcro with adhesive backing is sufficient). The overall structure of the inflatable box 2 consists of inflatable fabric of a certain thickness (see...). Figure 6 Composition. A large opening is made in the bottom wall of the overall inflatable box 2, such as... Figure 4 The location and opening in the roof of the carriage are shown below. Figure 3 It corresponds to and is integrated with the carriage. After the entire inflatable pop-top box is inflated, the inflatable pop-top box and the carriage become a single space. Floor 3, as shown... Figure 2 The frame is made of aluminum alloy, with thin plates welded to its surface. The base plate 3 has a large opening in the center surrounded by a border 4. The position and size of the large opening on the base plate 3 correspond to the large opening on the bottom wall of the overall inflatable box 2, and also to the position and size of the large opening 11 on the roof of the vehicle. The non-opening parts of the bottom wall of the inflatable box are glued to the non-opening parts 6 of the base plate 3. The border 4 of the base plate 3 fits over the vehicle frame 5 on the roof of the vehicle and is fixed by riveting. In this way, the overall inflatable box 2 is fixedly connected to the roof of the vehicle via the base plate 3.

[0030] The top cover 1 and the bottom plate 3 are both fixed with belts 9 and lock holes 10 around their four sides. Figure 1 When the inflatable housing 2 deflates and closes, the belt 9 on the top cover 1 and the locking eye 10 on the bottom plate 3 lock together, securing the top cover 1 and the bottom plate 3. This assembly is mainly used to improve wind resistance, store folding housings, and for aesthetic purposes.

[0031] Two horizontally foldable cover plates 14 are connected by hinges 13 along the edge of the opening frame 4 of the base plate 3. Figure 2 This cover plate 14 is used to support the folded container after deflation. It can be made of materials such as wood, aluminum alloy, or ABS. This ensures that the interior space remains normal after the inflatable pop-top container is deflated and the top cover 1 is closed, allowing for passenger or cargo transport. When the pop-top container structure is inflated, the cover plate 14 folds upwards to ensure the container and the inflatable pop-top container are seamlessly connected.

[0032] An explosion-proof inflation valve 15 (a mature existing product) is provided on the outer wall 7 of the inflation chamber. Figure 1 Ensures automatic deflation in case of overpressure within the inflation chamber.

[0033] In the pop-top structure of the RV, the side walls 7 of the integral inflatable box 2 are four walls, and one or more windows 16 are opened on the side walls 7. Figure 1 It is used for lighting and ventilation.

[0034] Ultimately, a hollow, integrally inflatable cavity is formed, with the top, four sides, and bottom walls forming a single unit, featuring windows 16, a large opening in the bottom wall, and an explosion-proof inflation valve. This cavity constitutes the structural body of the integral inflatable box 2 of the RV's pop-top structure.

[0035] One or two elastic bands 17 are sewn on the outer side (or inner side) of the four sides of the overall inflatable box 2 to provide a certain inward pulling force, so that when the inflatable box is deflated, the four sides fold inward into the box, making it easy for the top cover 1 and the bottom plate 3 to close.

[0036] After inflation, the pop-up box structure becomes integrated with the carriage, forming a single unit. Part of the inflatable box extends beyond the top cover 1 and bottom plate 3, creating an extended space 18. The length and width of the extended box can exceed the external dimensions of the top cover 1 and bottom plate 3. This suspended box extending from the top cover 1 and bottom plate 3 does not require a lower support mechanism. The unique properties of the inflatable fabric ensure that the box's strength fully meets the support requirements after inflation. In extreme cases, such as when the extended box's length and width significantly exceed the length and width of the bottom plate 3 (e.g., by more than one meter), a support mechanism such as a sliding rail or folding telescopic rod can be installed on the bottom plate 3, depending on actual needs. The technology is very simple and will not be elaborated further.

[0037] Furthermore, to meet the growing demand for space, this RV's pop-top inflatable body structure can also achieve vertical space expansion, such as creating a two-story space. Figure 5 An opening can be made in the top wall of the first floor; the location and size of the opening can be selected according to actual needs. A ladder leads to the second floor through this opening. The manufacturing process is exactly the same as the overall inflatable pop-up roof system. This allows for the creation of a single-layer inflatable box structure 2. It can be inflated, deflated, and raised / lowered using an explosion-proof inflation valve, just like a single-layer box. For normal folding and unfolding of the two-layer box, only the height of the top cover 1 needs to be increased to accommodate the space required for the deflated, folded double-layer box. The inflatable fabric has sufficient strength to meet this requirement. This ability to expand space 18 greatly improves the comfort and convenience of RV use.

[0038] The window 16 can be made using currently mature related product technologies. For example, when using a rigid material for the window 16, the installation position of the window 16 should avoid the elastic band 17. The outer frame of the window and the opening of the inflatable box can be glued together with adhesive. When using a flexible material, a screen with a zipper can be directly glued to the outer wall 7 of the window. A transparent waterproof cloth with a waterproof zipper can be glued to the inner wall 7 of the window. A blackout curtain can be installed on the outer layer of the waterproof cloth. If a window 16 needs to be opened in the top wall, a corresponding opening needs to be made in the top cover 1, which is a mature existing technology and will not be elaborated further.

[0039] The overall inflatable housing 2 structure is made of inflatable fabric of a certain thickness, such as... Figure 6 Inflatable filament fabric: Also known as space fabric, this is a mature product on the market and can be purchased directly online. Structurally, it consists of two base composite layers and a filament layer bonded between them. The base composite layer is primarily made of polyester woven fabric laminated with a PVC film. The two planes of the inflatable filament fabric are parallel to each other, with compressed air filling the space between them. Due to the presence of filaments, the structure constructed from this fabric maintains a certain shape and high strength after being filled with gas. It can even be formed into a sheet shape. The filaments in the fabric give the structure considerable structural strength after inflation, enabling it to resist vertical and lateral pressures. Currently available in 5cm, 8cm, 10cm, and 15cm thicknesses.

[0040] Inflatable woven fabric serves as the basic main material for the overall inflatable riser box structure.

[0041] The inflatable box structure consists of a top wall, four side walls, and a bottom wall. The top, four side, and bottom walls are sealed together by pre-cut inflatable fabric strips using an airtight sealant and adhesive or heat-sealing welding (a mature existing technology). Specifically, the inner and outer layers of adjacent walls are sealed together with airtight sealant. The gaps between the inner and outer layers of the inflatable fabric strips at each opening of the box are also sealed with airtight sealant. This creates a single, hollow, inflatable cavity structure between the inner and outer layers of the box walls, filled with fabric strips.

[0042] There are several other processes that can be used to manufacture the inflatable box body using inflatable filament fabric to achieve this technical solution. In this embodiment, the overall inflatable riser box body can be constructed using a single sheet of inflatable filament fabric. The inner and outer cross-sectional ends of the filament fabric are also sealed and connected using an airtight cloth and an adhesive or heat sealing process. The non-cross-sectional bends of the inner layer of the filament fabric are treated with wire breakage (currently there are two wire breakage methods: the first method is to calculate the difference between the inner and outer arcs based on the bend angle and the rounded arc, and cut off a whole section of the corresponding length in the corresponding section of the inner arc surface; then seal it with airtight cloth. The second method is the same as the first method: after calculating the length to be cut off, cut off the corresponding length in the corresponding section; then seal each section one by one with several airtight cloths. The first wire breakage method is more labor-saving, but the forming state is more limited. This method is more suitable for making some closed shapes or when there is external force pulling at the opening). In this embodiment, the first and second wire breakage methods have achieved relatively ideal results. The overall inflatable pop-up box constructed using this technology has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0043] The integral inflatable roof tent, such as Figure 7 The overall inflatable box 2 structure and manufacturing method are completely consistent with the overall inflatable pop-top box structure of the RV. The difference lies in the position and size of the bottom wall opening, which corresponds to the roof sunroof. This allows people to easily enter the tent through the roof sunroof. The bottom wall opening can be sealed with a simple lightweight foam material.

[0044] In the aforementioned inflatable rooftop tent structure, the side walls need to have doorways 20 for people to enter and exit, such as... Figure 7 As shown, a separate inflatable fabric door 21 is made (the upper and lower openings of the fabric are sealed with airtight strips). A V-shaped strip made of PVC material is heat-sealed and attached to the upper edge of the door opening on the outer wall of the tent and the upper edge of the door, serving as a hinge, allowing the door to open upwards and outwards. An explosion-proof inflation valve 15 is installed on the outer side of the door. A handle 23 is installed on the outer side (the handle can be made of leather or airtight fabric, simply cut and glued). The inner side of the door opening and the other three sides of the door are connected with waterproof zippers (this is a readily available and mature product). Access to the tent through this door is possible via an external ladder. A window can also be added to this door if needed, constructed in the same way as other windows.

[0045] In the overall inflatable roof tent structure, each of the other three side walls has a square opening as a window for lighting and ventilation.

[0046] Two elastic bands 24 are sewn on the outer wall (or inner wall) of the entire inflatable box, along the top and bottom edges of the door.

[0047] In the overall inflatable roof tent structure, the base plate and the roof rack are connected and fixed by U-shaped screws 25.

[0048] Because the rooftop tent, being an integrally inflatable box, can be extended and retracted at will, the dimensions of the top cover and base plate can be smaller than the dimensions of the inflated box. This allows the top cover to be made very small, making it easy to match various vehicle models.

[0049] One more point to emphasize: Similar to the pop-top inflatable RV structure, the rooftop tent can also be vertically expanded to create a two-story, fully inflatable structure. The construction method is the same as for the pop-top inflatable RV structure.

[0050] This inflatable roof tent structure, made of pneumatic fabric, is suitable for various family car models. It is not limited by roof size or flatness, making it compatible with all types of vehicles. Furthermore, its size is significantly reduced, making it easy to store.

[0051] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] The above description is the preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lift-top structure for an integral inflatable RV, comprising a top cover (1), an integral inflatable box (2), and a bottom plate (3), characterized in that: The overall inflatable box (2) is made of inflatable filament cloth. The overall inflatable box (2) includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a side wall (7). The top cover (1) is located above the top wall, and the bottom plate (3) is located below the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the bottom plate (3) are provided with large openings corresponding to the openings of the car body roof. One or two elastic bands (17) are provided outside or inside the side wall (7) of the overall inflatable box (2). The elastic bands (17) provide tension, which ensures that the side wall (7) folds into the inflatable box when the inflatable box is deflated.

2. The integral inflatable RV pop-top structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sides of the four side facades of the top cover (1) are fixed to the top of the inflatable box by Velcro with adhesive backing.

3. The integral inflatable RV pop-top structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base plate (3) includes a frame, with a plate welded to the surface of the frame. The large opening on the base plate (3) has a frame (4) around its perimeter. The position and size of the large opening on the base plate (3) correspond to the large opening on the bottom wall of the overall inflatable box (2), and also correspond to the position and size of the opening on the roof of the car body.

4. The integral inflatable RV pop-top structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A horizontal cover plate (14) that flips upward is connected to the frame (4) of the base plate (3) via a hinge (13).

5. The integral inflatable RV pop-top structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top cover (1) and the bottom plate (3) are all fixed with belts (9) and buckle holes (10) around their four sides.

6. The integral inflatable RV pop-top structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall (7) of the overall inflatable box (2) is equipped with an explosion-proof inflation valve (15).

7. The integral inflatable RV pop-top structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: After inflation, the overall inflatable box (2) is connected to the carriage and becomes one unit; part of the inflatable box extends from the side of the top cover (1) and the bottom plate (3), and the extended box forms an extended space (18).

8. The integral inflatable RV pop-top structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overall inflatable box (2) has an intermediate layer inside, and an intermediate opening is provided on the intermediate layer.

9. An integral inflatable vehicle roof tent structure, comprising a top cover (1), an integral inflatable box (2), and a base plate (3), characterized in that: The integral inflatable box (2) is integrally formed from inflatable filament fabric, forming an interconnected integral hollow inflatable cavity; the integral inflatable box (2) includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a side wall (7), the top cover (1) is set above the top wall, the bottom plate (3) is set below the bottom wall, and the bottom wall and the bottom plate (3) are provided with small openings that cooperate with the sunroof of the car body; one or two elastic bands (17) are provided outside or inside the side wall (7) of the integral inflatable box (2), and the elastic bands (17) provide tension to ensure that when the inflatable box is deflated, the side wall (7) folds inward toward the inflatable box.

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