Foldable roof tent
The foldable roof tent addresses waterproofing issues by using a support rod mechanism with sealing strips and drainage channels to create a waterproof storage space, ensuring effective water prevention and stability during use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG ADA OUTDOOR PRODUCTS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-23
AI Technical Summary
Conventional roof tents mounted on vehicle roofs suffer from insufficient waterproofing when folded, leading to water penetration and mold formation due to rain or damp weather.
A foldable roof tent design featuring a support rod mechanism with interconnected base plates, sealing strips, and damping devices that create a waterproof storage space and drainage channels, ensuring even force distribution and preventing water ingress during folding and unfolding.
The design enhances waterproofing, prevents water accumulation, minimizes damage, and maintains stability while folding, reducing air resistance and facilitating moisture drainage, thus preventing mold and odor issues.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL AREA
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automotive accessories, in particular a foldable roof tent. STATE OF THE ART
[0002] With economic development, the number of private vehicles has steadily increased, and self-drive tourism has become an increasingly popular travel method. To enhance the comfort of self-drive trips, the development of car accessories for self-drive travel has become a burgeoning market, from which the roof tent has emerged. Unlike conventional tents, which are pitched close to the ground, the roof tent is mounted directly onto the roof rack of the vehicle during use.
[0003] One variation of the roof tent is the rotating folding tent, which opens and closes by pivoting. It typically consists of two base plates connected by a single hinge, with the tent fabric attached to the perimeter edges of both base plates. When folded, the tent fabric is simply tucked between the two base plates. However, during travel, water can penetrate the tent fabric in rain or damp weather. This can lead to water accumulation, which in turn promotes mold and unpleasant odors. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0004] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention proposes a foldable roof tent that addresses the problem of insufficient waterproofing of the roof tent when folded.
[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a foldable roof tent comprising a tent fabric and a support rod mechanism for supporting the tent fabric, further comprising a first base plate, an intermediate plate and a second base plate, the support rod mechanism being connected to at least one component of the first base plate, the intermediate plate and the second base plate, the support rod mechanism comprising an intermediate frame body, the intermediate frame body being hingedly connected to the first base plate, the second base plate comprising a bottom plate and vertical plates, the vertical plates being connected to three side edges of the second base plate and the vertical plates together forming a notch, the edge of the bottom plate being hingedly connected at the notch to one side edge of the intermediate plate, while the first base plate being pivotably connected to the other side edge of the intermediate plate;The foldable roof tent can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state.
[0006] In its folded state, a storage space is formed between the first base plate, the intermediate frame body, the vertical plates and the bottom plate; in its unfolded state, the angle between the intermediate frame body and the first base plate is an acute angle.
[0007] The technical solution described above creates a storage space between the first base plate, the intermediate frame body, and the second base plate when folded. The docking relationship between the first base plate and the intermediate frame body, as well as the docking relationship between the intermediate frame body and the vertical plate, improves the waterproofness. When folded, neither rainwater falling from above nor rainwater blowing in from the sides can penetrate the storage space, thus preventing the accumulation of water on the tent fabric due to rainwater and damp weather.
[0008] Furthermore, it is provided that the vertical plates connected to the respective side edges of the second base plate all have the same height and that the side edge of the intermediate frame body facing the second base plate lies in the same spatial plane.
[0009] The technical solution described above allows for a simpler design of the overall structure of the vertical panels as well as the side edge structure of the intermediate frame body facing the second base plate; in the folded state, the force is distributed more evenly between the vertical panels and the intermediate frame body. This prevents water from penetrating through gaps caused by uneven force distribution.
[0010] Furthermore, it is provided that a first sealing strip is provided on one side of the intermediate frame body facing the first base plate and that the first sealing strip is designed to form a sealing connection with the first base plate; a second sealing strip is provided on the top of the vertical plates and that the second sealing strip is designed to form a sealing connection with the intermediate frame body.
[0011] The technical solution described above causes the first sealing strip to deform in the folded state and adhere firmly to the first base plate, while the second sealing strip deforms and adheres firmly to the second base plate, thereby further improving water resistance.
[0012] Furthermore, it is provided that this roof tent also comprises a first damping device, wherein the two ends of the first damping device are each pivotably connected to the first base plate and the second base plate; in the unfolded state, the pivot point of the first base plate and the intermediate plate, as well as the pivot point of the intermediate plate and the second base plate, are each located between the two ends of the first damping device.
[0013] The technical solution described above allows the first damping device to act as a shock absorber throughout the entire folding process of the roof tent, preventing an impact effect between the first base plate, the intermediate frame body, and the second base plate. This prevents plastic deformation and damage that would otherwise lead to the destruction of the seal between the first base plate and the intermediate frame body, or between the intermediate frame body and the second base plate, when the roof tent is folded. Consequently, water could still penetrate the tent in rainy and damp weather.
[0014] Furthermore, it is provided that a connecting base is provided on the intermediate plate; the roof tent further comprises a pull rope and a second damping device, wherein the two ends of the pull rope are each connected to the first base plate and the connecting base, and one end of the second damping device is pivotably connected to the connecting base, while the other end of the second damping device is pivotably connected to the second base plate; in the unfolded state, both the pull rope and the second damping device are arranged in an oblique direction.
[0015] The technical solution described above ensures that the pull cord and connecting base bear part of the weight of the first base plate when the roof tent is unfolded, thus increasing the stability of the first base plate. The angled second damping device creates a tension effect between the connecting base and the second base plate, further enhancing stability when unfolded. Throughout the entire folding process of the roof tent, the second damping device provides cushioning, resulting in a smoother and more controlled folding action.
[0016] Furthermore, it is provided that the support rod mechanism further comprises a first U-shaped support rod, wherein the first U-shaped support rod is firmly connected to the intermediate plate; in the folded state, the first U-shaped support rod is housed inside the intermediate frame body.
[0017] The technical solution described above allows for a more compact construction of the roof tent when folded, reduces its volume and minimizes air resistance while driving.
[0018] Furthermore, it is provided that the support rod mechanism includes a second U-shaped support rod, wherein the second U-shaped support rod is pivotably connected to the second base plate; in the folded state, the second U-shaped support rod is housed within the inner sides of the respective vertical plates.
[0019] The technical solution described above allows for a more compact construction of the roof tent when folded, reduces its volume and minimizes air resistance while driving.
[0020] Furthermore, it is provided that the base plate comprises several spaced-apart strip plates, wherein a first side wall and a first projection are provided on one side of the strip plate and are connected to each other, while a second side wall and a second projection are provided on the other side of the strip plate and are connected to each other; the first projection of one strip plate and the second projection of another strip plate are arranged offset in height, thereby forming a curved water drainage channel between two adjacent strip plates.
[0021] If a roof tent is folded up after use in rainy weather without first allowing the tent fabric to air dry, moisture inevitably remains in the tent's storage compartment. The technical solution described above, with its integrated drainage channel, allows this moisture to drain away under the influence of gravity. Furthermore, the drainage channel facilitates airflow while driving, accelerating moisture evaporation and preventing prolonged water accumulation on the tent fabric, which could otherwise lead to mold and unpleasant odors.
[0022] Furthermore, it is provided that the sum of the projection distances of the first projection and the second projection between two adjacent strip plates is greater than the horizontal distance between the first side wall and the second side wall.
[0023] Due to the technical solution described above, when viewed from a bird's-eye perspective, only one end of the first projection and the second projection are visible between two adjacent strip plates – either the end of the first projection obscures the end of the second projection, or the end of the second projection obscures the end of the first projection. This makes it more difficult for various foreign substances to enter the roof tent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention or of the prior art, a brief introduction to the drawings necessary for describing the exemplary embodiment or the prior art follows. It is obvious that the drawings accompanying the following description represent only some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art can derive further drawings from the structures shown in these drawings without any creative effort. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the structure in an unfolded state; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the structure in a folded state; Fig. Figure 3 is a first schematic representation of a part of the structure in an unfolded state; Fig. Figure 4 is a second schematic representation of part of the structure in an unfolded state; Fig. 5 is a first schematic representation of the internal structure of the present invention; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of part of the structure of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 is a second schematic representation of the internal structure of the present invention;
[0025] The information relating to the reference numerals of the invention is as follows: 1. First base plate; 2. Intermediate plate; 3. Second base plate; 4. First sealing strip; 5. Second sealing strip; 6. First damping device; 7. Connecting base; 8. Pull rope; 9. Second damping device; 10. Tent fabric; 111. Intermediate frame body; 112. First U-shaped support pole; 113. Second U-shaped support pole; 31. Base plate; 32. Vertical plate; 33. Notch; 311. Strip plate; 3111. First side wall; 3112. First projection; 3113. Second side wall; 3114. Second projection; 312. Water drainage channel;
[0026] The implementation of the objectives, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings of those embodiments. It is obvious that the described embodiments represent only a part of the embodiments of the present invention and not the entirety of them. All further embodiments that a person skilled in the art obtains without creative effort based on the embodiments of the present invention fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0028] It should be noted that all directional terms (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are used only to illustrate the relative positional relationship and mode of movement, etc., between the individual components in a specific pose (e.g., as shown in the drawings). If this specific pose changes, the directional terms change accordingly.
[0029] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," etc., appearing in the present invention serve purely descriptive purposes and are not to be understood as indicating or implying a relative significance or implicitly defining the number of specified technical features. Consequently, features defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Furthermore, technical solutions from different embodiments may be combined, but this must be based on the fact that such combinations can be implemented by a person skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it is to be assumed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and does not fall within the scope of protection required by the present invention.
[0030] With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 comprises a foldable roof tent, a tent fabric 10 and a support rod mechanism for supporting the tent fabric 10, further comprising a first base plate 1, an intermediate plate 2 and a second base plate 3, the support rod mechanism being connected to at least one component of the first base plate 1, the intermediate plate 2 and the second base plate 3, the support rod mechanism comprising an intermediate frame body 111, the intermediate frame body 111 being hingedly connected to the first base plate 1, the second base plate 3 comprising a bottom plate 31 and vertical plates 32, the vertical plates 32 being connected to three side edges of the second base plate 3 and the vertical plates 32 together forming a notch 33, the edge of the bottom plate 31 being hingedly connected at the notch 33 to one side edge of the intermediate plate 2, while the first base plate 1 being pivotably connected to the other side edge of the intermediate plate 2;The foldable roof tent can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state.
[0031] In the folded state, a storage space is formed between the first base plate 1, the intermediate frame body 111, the vertical plates 32 and the base plate 31; in the unfolded state, the angle between the intermediate frame body 111 and the first base plate 1 is an acute angle.
[0032] In the folded state, a storage space is formed between the first base plate 1, the intermediate frame body 111 and the second base plate 3, the docking relationship between the first base plate 1 and the intermediate frame body 111 as well as the docking relationship between the intermediate frame body 111 and the vertical plate 32 improving the waterproofness; in the folded state, neither rainwater falling from above nor rainwater blowing over from the sides can penetrate into the storage space in the folded state, thus preventing the accumulation of water on the tent fabric 10 due to rainwater and damp weather.
[0033] The base plate 31 has an overall rectangular shape, and the vertical plates 32 together form a three-sided enclosure; the notch 33 refers to the space between the two ends of the vertical plates 32.
[0034] Preferably, the intermediate frame body 111 also has a three-sided enclosure. In the folded state, the frame body of the intermediate frame body 111 presses against the three side edges of the first base plate 1 at various points. This maximizes the storage space.
[0035] The vertical plates 32, which are connected to the respective side edges of the second base plate 3, all have the same height. The side edge of the intermediate frame body 111 facing the second base plate 3 lies in the same spatial plane.
[0036] The overall structure of the vertical plates 32 and the side edge structure of the intermediate frame body 111 facing the second base plate 3 are designed more simply; in the folded state, the force is distributed more evenly between the vertical plates 32 and the intermediate frame body 111. This prevents the ingress of water through gaps caused by uneven force distribution.
[0037] The spatial plane mentioned herein is a virtual concept not shown in the drawings and means that the side edge of the intermediate frame body 111 facing the second base plate 3 is adapted to the vertical plates 32, which are of the same height everywhere.
[0038] A first sealing strip 4 is provided on one side of the intermediate frame body 111 facing the first base plate 1 and the first sealing strip 4 is designed to form a sealing connection with the first base plate 1; A second sealing strip 5 is provided on the top side of the vertical plates 32 and the second sealing strip 5 is designed to form a sealing connection with the intermediate frame body 111.
[0039] In the folded state, the first sealing strip 4 deforms and adheres firmly to the first base plate 1, while the second sealing strip 5 deforms and adheres firmly to the second base plate 3, further improving the watertightness.
[0040] With reference to Fig. 1 to 4, this roof tent further comprises a first damping device 6, wherein the two ends of the first damping device 6 are each pivotably connected to the first base plate 1 and the second base plate 3; in the unfolded state, the pivot point of the first base plate 1 and the intermediate plate 2, as well as the pivot point of the intermediate plate 2 and the second base plate 3, are each located between the two ends of the first damping device 6.
[0041] Throughout the entire folding process of the roof tent, the first damping device 6 can perform a damping function to prevent an impact effect between the first base plate 1, the intermediate frame body 111, and the second base plate 3. This prevents plastic deformation and damage that would otherwise lead to the destruction of the seal between the first base plate 1 and the intermediate frame body 111, or between the intermediate frame body 111 and the second base plate 3, when the roof tent is folded. As a result, water could still penetrate in rainy and damp weather.
[0042] A connecting base 7 is provided on the intermediate plate 2; the roof tent further comprises a pull rope 8 and a second damping device 9, wherein the two ends of the pull rope 8 are each connected to the first base plate 1 and the connecting base 7, and one end of the second damping device 9 is pivotably connected to the connecting base 7, while the other end of the second damping device 9 is pivotably connected to the second base plate 3; In the unfolded state, both the pull rope 8 and the second damping device 9 are arranged in an oblique direction.
[0043] The provision of the pull rope 8 ensures that, when the roof tent is unfolded, the pull rope 8 and the connecting base 7 bear part of the weight of the first base plate 1, thus increasing the stability of the first base plate 1. The diagonally arranged second damping device 9 creates a tension effect between the connecting base 7 and the second base plate 3, further enhancing stability in the unfolded state. Throughout the entire folding process of the roof tent, the second damping device 9 provides damping, resulting in a smoother folding action.
[0044] Preferably, the pull rope 8 is a steel cable.
[0045] Preferably, the pull rope 8, the connecting base 7 and the second damping device 9 are each arranged symmetrically in pairs to allow a more even distribution of force during the unfolding and closing process of the roof tent.
[0046] Preferably, both the first damping device 6 and the second damping device 9 are a gas spring.
[0047] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 The support rod mechanism further comprises a first U-shaped support rod 112, wherein the first U-shaped support rod 112 is firmly connected to the intermediate plate 2; In the folded state, the first U-shaped support rod 112 is housed inside the inner side of the intermediate frame body 111.
[0048] This makes the roof tent's construction more compact when folded, reduces its volume and minimizes air resistance while driving.
[0049] The support rod mechanism comprises a second U-shaped support rod 113, wherein the second U-shaped support rod 113 is pivotably connected to the second base plate 3; in the folded state, the second U-shaped support rod 113 is housed within the inner sides of the respective vertical plates 32.
[0050] This makes the roof tent's construction more compact when folded, reduces its volume and minimizes air resistance while driving.
[0051] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig.7 The base plate 31 comprises several spaced-apart strip plates 311, wherein a first side wall 3111 and a first projection 3112 are provided on one side of a strip plate 311 and are connected to each other, while a second side wall 3113 and a second projection 3114 are provided on the other side of the strip plate 311 and are connected to each other; the first projection 3112 of one strip plate 311 and the second projection 3114 of another strip plate 311 are arranged offset in height, thereby forming a curved water drainage channel 312 between two adjacent strip plates 311.
[0052] If the roof tent is folded up after use in rainy weather without first allowing the tent fabric 10 to air dry, moisture will inevitably remain in the storage compartment. The drainage channel 312 allows the moisture in the storage compartment to drain downwards under the influence of gravity. Furthermore, the drainage channel 312 facilitates airflow while driving, accelerates the evaporation of moisture, and prevents prolonged water accumulation on the tent fabric 10, which could otherwise lead to mold and odor problems.
[0053] The sum of the projection distances of the first projection 3112 and the second projection 3114 between two adjacent strip plates 311 is greater than the horizontal distance between the first side wall 3111 and the second side wall 3113.
[0054] Consequently, when viewed from a bird's-eye perspective, only one end of the first projection 3112 and the second projection 3114 is visible between two adjacent strip plates 311 in each case – either the end of the first projection 3112 covers the end of the second projection 3114, or the end of the second projection 3114 covers the end of the first projection 3112. This makes it more difficult for various foreign substances from the outside to enter the roof tent.
[0055] The foregoing description merely represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the patent. All equivalent structural modifications made under the inventive concept of the present invention using the content of the description and the drawings of the present invention, or any direct / indirect application to other related technical fields, fall within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.
Claims
[1] Foldable roof tent comprising a tent fabric (10) and a support pole mechanism for supporting the tent fabric (10), characterized by, that it further comprises a first base plate (1), an intermediate plate (2) and a second base plate (3), the support rod mechanism is connected with at least one component from the first base plate (1), the intermediate plate (2) and the second base plate (3), the support rod mechanism comprises an intermediate frame body (111), wherein the intermediate frame body (111) is hingedly connected to the first base plate (1), the second base plate (3) comprises a bottom plate (31) and vertical plates (32), the vertical plates (32) are connected to three side edges of the second base plate (3) and the vertical plates (32) together form a notch (33), the edge of the bottom plate (31) is hingedly connected at the notch (33) to one side edge of the intermediate plate (2), while the first base plate (1) is pivotally connected to the other side edge of the intermediate plate (2);The foldable roof tent can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state; in the folded state, a storage space is formed between the first base plate (1), the intermediate frame body (111), the vertical plates (32) and the floor plate (31); in the unfolded state, the angle between the intermediate frame body (111) and the first base plate (1) is an acute angle. [2] Foldable roof tent according to claim 1, characterized by , that the vertical plates (32) connected to the respective side edges of the second base plate (3) all have the same height, and the side edge of the intermediate frame body (111) facing the second base plate (3) lies in the same spatial plane. [3] Foldable roof tent according to claim 2, characterized by, that a first sealing strip (4) is provided on one side of the intermediate frame body (111) facing the first base plate (1) and the first sealing strip (4) is designed to form a sealing connection with the first base plate (1); a second sealing strip (5) is provided on the top of the vertical plates (32) and the second sealing strip (5) is designed to form a sealing connection with the intermediate frame body (111). [4] Foldable roof tent according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that it further comprises a first damping device (6), wherein the two ends of the first damping device (6) are each pivotably connected to the first base plate (1) and the second base plate (3); in the unfolded state, the pivot point of the first base plate (1) and the intermediate plate (2) as well as the pivot point of the intermediate plate (2) and the second base plate (3) are each located between the two ends of the first damping device (6). [5] Foldable roof tent according to claim 4, characterized by , that a connecting base (7) is provided on the intermediate plate (2); the roof tent further comprises a pull rope (8) and a second damping device (9), wherein the two ends of the pull rope (8) are each connected to the first base plate (1) and the connecting base (7) and one end of the second damping device (9) is pivotably connected to the connecting base (7), while the other end of the second damping device (9) is pivotably connected to the second base plate (3); in the unfolded state both the pull rope (8) and the second damping device (9) are arranged in an oblique direction. [6] Foldable roof tent according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5, characterized by, that the support rod mechanism further comprises a first U-shaped support rod (112), wherein the first U-shaped support rod (112) is firmly connected to the intermediate plate (2); in the folded state, the first U-shaped support rod (112) is housed within the inside of the intermediate frame body (111). [7] Foldable roof tent according to claim 6, characterized by , that the support rod mechanism comprises a second U-shaped support rod (113), wherein the second U-shaped support rod (113) is pivotably connected to the second base plate (3); in the folded state, the second U-shaped support rod (113) is housed within the inner sides of the respective vertical plates (32). [8] Foldable roof tent according to claim 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7, characterized by, that the base plate (31) comprises several spaced-apart strip plates (311), wherein on one side of the strip plate (311) a first side wall (3111) and a first projection (3112) are provided which are connected to each other, while on the other side of the strip plate (311) a second side wall (3113) and a second projection (3114) are provided which are connected to each other; the first projection (3112) of one strip plate (311) and the second projection (3114) of another strip plate (311) are arranged offset in height, thereby forming a curved water drainage channel (312) between two adjacent strip plates (311). [9] Foldable roof tent according to claim 8, characterized by, that the sum of the projection distances of the first projection (3112) and the second projection (3114) between two adjacent strip plates (311) is greater than the horizontal distance between the first side wall (3111) and the second side wall (3113).