Blackout system for the front area of ​​a caravanning vehicle

Abstract

Blackout system (1) for a front area of ​​a caravanning vehicle, comprising a surface structure that is at least largely opaque and which, in its ready-to-use state, is mounted spread out in the area of ​​a windshield of the front area, characterized in that the surface structure is designed in multiple parts and comprises a self-stiffening main surface part (2) and at least two tension frame parts (3, 4), each of which has a tension frame and a textile surface part stretched by means of the tension frame, and that the main surface part (2) is provided with at least one retaining section which is designed to receive the tension frame parts (3, 4) in a stowed state of the surface structure.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a blackout system for the front area of ​​a caravanning vehicle, comprising a surface structure that is at least largely opaque and which, in its ready-to-use state, is mounted spread out over a surface in the area of ​​a windshield of the front area.

[0002] Such blackout systems are commonly found on the front of caravans, particularly motorhomes. These systems either use integrated roller blinds or heat-insulating mats that must be laboriously pulled manually from inside the vehicle to the corresponding window area. Both aesthetically and in terms of handling, these mats are suboptimal blackout systems. An integrated roller blind system must always be individually adapted to the specific dimensions of each motorhome.

[0003] US Patent 5632318 A discloses a blackout system for the front of a motor vehicle. The blackout system comprises a flexible, at least largely opaque, surface. This surface is connected to a flexible frame formed by spring steel strands. The flexible frame is foldable for storage. A flexible section is attached to the surface, which can additionally shade a side window adjacent to the windshield.

[0004] The object of the invention is to create a blackout system of the type mentioned above that is variably applicable and easy to assemble or disassemble.

[0005] This problem is solved by constructing the surface structure in multiple parts, comprising a self-rigid main surface part and at least two tension frame parts, each of which has a tension frame and a textile surface stretched by means of the tension frame. The main surface part is provided with at least one support section designed to accommodate the tension frame parts when the surface structure is in a stowed state. Each tension frame part is provided with a circumferential, elastically bendable, narrow spring steel frame that stretches a textile surface, in particular a knitted fabric. The textile surface is single- or multi-layered and exhibits at least partial opacity. Preferably, the textile surface is wrapped around the circumferential tension frame with its edge region forming a hem, thereby connecting it to the tension frame in a flat and stretched manner.The inherent rigidity of the main surface section means that it possesses sufficient dimensional stability to prevent collapse when positioned along a corresponding section of the caravan's windscreen. However, the rigidity of the main surface section is designed to allow for at least limited elastic bending, enabling it to accommodate curvatures of the windscreen. The main surface section can be made from a suitable support plate with a covering or from a structure of stiffening profiles, which are also covered with a flat surface. Preferably, the main surface section has a substantially rectangular base. If the main surface section is to be mounted in a central section of the caravan's windscreen, it is possible to provide it with a cutout at the height of a rearview mirror.This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the main panel. The at least one mounting section of the main panel serves to compactly house and store the tension frame components when the blackout system is not in use. The tension frame components are dimensioned such that, when extended, they have an area that is less than or equal to the base area of ​​the main panel. This allows for compact storage of the tension frame components on the main panel by means of receiving and fixing them to the at least one mounting section of the main panel. The solution according to the invention is suitable for a window area, in particular a front area, of a caravanning vehicle, advantageously in the form of a motorhome, a van, a truck or commercial vehicle, or a similar vehicle with or without a drive system. The solution according to the invention is also suitable for use in caravanning vehicles on water.The term "ready for use" refers to the blackout system being in a functional position when mounted in the front of the caravanning vehicle.

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, a receiving pocket is provided on the main surface section as a mounting section, which is dimensioned such that at least one tension frame part can be stored in the receiving pocket. This allows the at least one tension frame part to be easily detached from the window area of ​​the caravanning vehicle and stored in the receiving pocket.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the receiving pocket is provided with a closure element for closing the receiving pocket. The closure element can be designed as a flap or lid that is held on the main surface area. The closure element can be held in the closed position by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, by means of at least one snap fastener, or by means of other securing elements.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the main surface section is designed to be elastically bendable to a limited extent, and at least one manually operated tensioning strap is provided along the main surface section, by means of which an elastic curvature of the main surface section can be adjusted. When the at least one tensioning strap is released, the main surface section is in its flat, unloaded initial position. The tensioning strap engages the main surface section at two spaced-apart points to convert the main surface section into a certain arcuate curvature. A fixing element of the tensioning strap secures this pre-tensioned, curved orientation of the main surface section. Preferably, a total of two such tensioning straps are provided on the main surface section at opposite edge regions, so that by appropriately tensioning both tensioning straps, a uniform or an asymmetrical arcuate curvature can be achieved over the entire surface of the main surface section.The term "arc-like curvature" refers to a planar curvature comparable to the bending of a rectangular plate. After the tension straps are released, the main surface area inevitably returns to its unloaded, flat initial position.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one tension frame component comprises a multi-layered and / or segmentable surface section, wherein at least one layer is designed as an insect screen, and / or wherein the segmentability creates a graduated light transmission for the surface section. The segmentability of the surface section can be combined with the segmentability of the tension frame by constructing the latter from several frame sections that can be separated and reassembled. By partially releasing the area of ​​the tension frame component covered by the surface section, increased light and air transmission through the tension frame component is possible. This can preferably be combined with a partially opened side window. A remaining section of the insect screen can prevent insects from entering the vehicle interior through the open side window.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the main panel and the at least two tension frame parts are dimensioned such that the main panel can cover a central area of ​​a windshield in the front section, and the tension frame parts can cover a lateral area of ​​the windshield on both sides of the main panel, and / or at least two further tension frame parts are dimensioned to cover side windows of the caravanning vehicle that are adjacent to the windshield on opposite sides of the vehicle. All tension frame parts can be stowed in the main panel when not in use. The central arrangement of the main panel and the preferably four tension frame parts enable complete blackout of the front section of the caravanning vehicle.If the blackout system is not needed, all tension frame parts can be compactly stored on the main panel and the main panel can be stowed away in a suitable location.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the main surface area has several receiving and holding sections for storing or securing everyday items. Thus, the blackout system also serves as an organizer for everyday items used for office, leisure, or similar purposes, in particular for electronic multimedia devices, stationery, a first-aid kit, keys, sunglasses, and other daily necessities.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, fastening elements for vehicle-side attachment in the area of ​​the windshield or side windows are assigned to the main surface part and the tension frame parts. If the corresponding tension frames of the tension frame parts are not already designed in such a way that they can be clamped to the edge areas of the side windows or the windshield without tools, mechanically or magnetically effective fastening elements such as, in particular, Velcro fasteners, hooks / eyelets, suction cups, clip connections, or similar can be provided as fastening elements.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the main surface section and / or the tension frame sections are equipped with photovoltaic panels. This allows the shading system to additionally serve to absorb solar energy, with the photovoltaic panels being connected to the vehicle's electrical system in a fully assembled state.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the main surface area is provided with cable glands and / or charging ports for charging or electrically connecting electronic mobile devices and / or electrical lighting elements. The charging ports can be in the form of plugs, sockets, or inductive charging areas. Electrical lighting elements can serve to provide light in the vehicle interior when the darkening system is fully assembled.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the main surface section has at least one carrying handle. The at least one carrying handle enables easy handling of the blackout system in its stowed state.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the main surface section is provided with folding sections for compact folding. This embodiment is advantageous if, in addition to its inherently rigid base, the main surface section also has adjoining lateral folding sections that allow the main surface section to be fanned out in its ready-to-use state.

[0017] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below and illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows in perspective an embodiment of a blackout system according to the invention, Fig. 2 to 5 the blackout system according to Fig. 1 in different functional positions during a transfer of the blackout system from the functional state to Fig. 1 into a traffic jam after Fig. 5, Fig. 6. Schematically, in a side view, a main surface area of ​​the blackout system according to the Fig. 1 to 5 with at least one tensioning strap for tensioning and curvature of the main surface part and Fig. 7 the main area part after Fig. 6 in curved clamping state.

[0018] A blackout system 1 according to the Fig. Items 1 to 7 are intended for the front section of a caravanning vehicle, in this case a motorhome. The blackout system 1 serves to shade and darken a section of the front window. The blackout system 1 is designed to shade and darken both the windshield and the side windows on opposite sides of the vehicle. The illustration according to Fig. Figure 1 shows the blackout system 1 in its ready-to-use blackout state. The blackout system 1 comprises a main panel 2 and two tension frame parts 3 adjoining the main panel 2 on opposite sides. The main panel 2 and the two tension frame parts 3 cover the angled windshield of the motorhome's window area. The inclined orientation of the main panel 2 and the tension frame parts 3 corresponds to the inclined orientation of the windshield. The blackout system 1 also includes two further tension frame parts 4, whose outer contours are adapted to the side windows of the opposite side windows in the front area of ​​the motorhome.

[0019] The main surface section 2 is positioned centrally on the windshield and has a recess 5 in its upper surface area, which, in the fully assembled darkened state, is positioned in the area of ​​a rearview mirror from the vehicle interior. In this area, the windshield is provided with an integrated darkening section, since in this area, in addition to the rearview mirror, a housing for positioning at least one camera and / or a similar sensor is provided on the windshield, facing outwards towards the front of the vehicle.

[0020] Tension frame components 3 and 4 each consist of a thin, surrounding tension frame formed from a thin spring steel profile, and a textile covering designed as a textile surface. The textile surface is stretched over the contour of the tension frame by means of the tension frame, with corresponding frame profiles of the tension frame running along the edge of the textile surface. The textile surface is stretched flat by a corresponding pretension of the tension frame. The two tension frame components 4 have a trapezoidal outer contour. The two tension frame components 3 have a substantially rectangular outer contour.

[0021] The main surface section 2 is essentially rectangular in its base and designed as a self-rigid structure. The main surface section 2 essentially has a plate shape consisting of two parallel plates that form a shallow receiving shaft and, by means of corresponding side flanks, create an upwardly open receiving pocket 6 across their entire surface. The receiving pocket 6 is dimensioned such that – according to the arrows in the Fig. 1 to 3 - both the tension frame parts 3 and the tension frame parts 4 can be inserted into this receiving pocket 6. In Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the stowed state in which all four tension frame parts 3 and 4 are received in the receiving pocket 6 of the main surface part 2.

[0022] The main surface section 2 also has several storage compartments 7, 8 on its inner side facing the vehicle interior, in which everyday products can be stored.

[0023] Based on the Fig. Figure 5 shows that the main surface part 2 is provided with a closure element 9, which is designed as a closure flap 9 fixedly arranged on the main surface part 2, preferably made of a textile material. The closure element 9 can be provided with a hook and loop fastener that can interact with a complementary hook and loop fastener on an outer side of the receiving compartment 8, so that the receiving pocket 6 and simultaneously the outer side of the receiving compartment 8 can be fixed against each other.

[0024] The main surface section 2 has a carrying handle, which is not shown in detail, by means of which the blackout system, once stowed, can be moved to Fig. 5 can be handled in a simple way.

[0025] As shown by the Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, at least one tensioning strap 10 is provided on the inner side of the main surface section 2, facing the vehicle interior. This strap engages the main surface section 2 at an upper and a lower pivot point 12. A tensioning fastener 11 allows the tensioning strap 10 to be manually tensioned and secured. The main surface section 2 is designed to be elastically bendable, so that by appropriately tensioning the at least one tensioning strap 11, a desired bend along a complementarily curved windshield of the front area of ​​the caravanning vehicle is possible. As soon as the tension generated by the tensioning strap 10 and the tensioning fastener 11 is released, the main surface section 2 returns to its flat, unloaded initial position. Fig. 6 back.

Claims

[1] Blackout system (1) for a front area of ​​a caravanning vehicle, comprising a surface structure that is at least largely opaque and which, when ready for use, is mounted spread out over a surface in the area of ​​a windshield of the front area, characterized by , that the surface structure is designed in multiple parts and has a self-stiffening main surface part (2) as well as at least two tension frame parts (3, 4), each of which has a tension frame and a textile surface part stretched by means of the tension frame, and that the main surface part (2) is provided with at least one support section which is designed to receive the tension frame parts (3, 4) in a stowed state of the surface structure. [2] Blackout system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that a receiving pocket (6) is provided on the main surface part (2) as a mounting section, which is dimensioned such that at least one tension frame part (3, 4) can be stored in the receiving pocket (6). [3] Blackout system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the recording pocket (6) is provided with a closure element (9) for closing the recording pocket (6). [4] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main surface part (2) is designed to be elastically bendable to a limited extent, and that at least one manually operable tensioning strap (10) is provided along the main surface part (2), by means of which an elastic curvature of the main surface part (2) can be adjusted. [5] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one tension frame part (3, 4) has a multi-layered and / or segmentable surface part, wherein at least one layer is designed as an insect screen structure, and / or wherein a segmentability forms a stepwise light transmission for the surface part. [6] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main surface part (2) and the at least two tension frame parts (3, 4) are dimensioned such that the main surface part (2) can cover a central area of ​​a windshield of the front area in a functional state, and that the tension frame parts (3) can cover a lateral area of ​​the windshield on both sides of the main surface part (2), and / or that at least two further tension frame parts (4) are dimensioned to cover side windows of the caravanning vehicle that are adjacent to the windshield on opposite sides of the vehicle. [7] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main surface area (2) has several receiving and holding sections for storing or securing consumer goods. [8] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main surface part (2) and the tension frame parts (3, 4) are assigned fastening elements for vehicle-side attachment in the area of ​​the windscreen or the side windows. [9] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the main surface area and / or the tension frame parts are equipped with photovoltaic surface elements. [10] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the main surface area is equipped with cable glands and / or charging ports for charging or electrically connecting electronic mobile devices or electrical lighting elements. [11] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main surface part (2) has at least one carrying handle. [12] Blackout system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main surface section is provided with folding sections for compact folding of the main surface section.

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