CAMPINGBOX

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a camping box that is removably arranged in the cargo area of ​​a suitable automobile and can be unfolded into a usable space. The usable space is arranged at the loading edge of the automobile, closed off from the outside, and only open to the interior of the automobile. Suitable automobiles include, in particular, vans, delivery vans, or other vehicles with a hatchback and one or two rear doors or a tailgate.

[0002] Camping boxes of the usual design are loaded into the vehicle before the start of the trip or attached to the roof. They are usually used to store cooking areas, refrigerators, toilets, or sleeping areas.

[0003] There are also options for increasing the living space of caravans. These are usually permanently attached to the vehicle. This severely limits the vehicle's use as a caravan. To overcome this problem, various designs are proposed that allow the camping box to be completely removed, thus allowing the vehicle to be used normally outside of its caravan function.

[0004] KR 2018 0 045 903 A describes a car tent and a car with such a tent. The car tent comprises a floor panel arranged on the floor of the trunk of the car. The floor panel can be pulled out at the rear floor section of the trunk. Furthermore, a plurality of supports are provided as well as tent fabric that can be pulled out from winding devices and stretched between the ends of the supports. In addition, fastening devices are provided on the supports for releasably holding the tent fabric. Several support rods are pivotally connected to the inner edge of the open trunk lid. Support rods brace the rear lower section of the floor panel against the ground. However, the tent-like design is limited in its possibilities with regard to weather resistance and thermal insulation.

[0005] WO2020 / 111355 A1 discloses a space expansion module and a space expansion mobile comprising the same, the space expansion module comprising: an outer expansion plate part intended to be pulled out from a cargo space of a vehicle; and an inner expansion plate part intended to be locked with the outer expansion plate part and moved from the outside of the cargo space of the vehicle to the left or right side with respect to the outer expansion plate part to expand the interior of the outer trim part.

[0006] The KR10143763 B1 describes a motorhome with a pull-out camping box, whereby the camping box remains as a permanent component in the cargo area of ​​the vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, KR20180045903 A describes a car tent comprising a floor panel provided on a floor of a trunk to be pulled out to a rear floor portion of the trunk; a plurality of supports; tent fabric coupled between both ends of the support to cover a plurality of support rods to be detachably wound in a roll-sash type; and a fixing unit provided on the support such that an end portion of the tent fabric detached from the support is detachably fixed. The plurality of support rods are rotatably coupled to an inner edge of a trunk lid located at a rear upper portion of the trunk, one end of which is open. The plurality of support rods are provided such that the other end can be supported by an upper edge of the floor panel pulled toward the rear floor portion of the trunk.

[0008] DE102015005661 B3 discloses a camping box consisting of a cuboid-shaped box with a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls connecting the front and rear walls. The sleeping area is segmented and extends above the box. Pivotable cuboid-shaped first and second cabinet sections are arranged on the side walls, with the second cabinet sections projecting beyond the front wall at the level of the sleeping area. The cabinet sections can be folded onto the front of the cabinet sections and pivoted into an opening in the box.

[0009] Finally, JP2000052845 A discloses a cabin formed as a separate body from a vehicle and retractable into the vehicle. The cabin, supported by front and rear rollers, is movable when the rollers are extended, and lifting parts can be arranged in a stationary part when the rollers are raised.

[0010] The task therefore arises of proposing a camping box that would make it possible to expand the living space of conventional vans, minibuses, vans, and station wagons very quickly and with just a few simple steps. However, the vehicle's design should still allow for normal use outside of camping. The camping box should also be very space-saving to transport and store.

[0011] According to the invention, the object is achieved with a camping box according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0012] The camping box according to the invention comprises at least one base plate, three side walls, a roof element, at least one or two support elements, and fastening elements. The camping box has two basic states: a transport state and an unfolded state.

[0013] When transported, the camping box is folded up and forms a flat, closed box or crate of essentially cuboid shape that fits on the loading area of ​​a car.

[0014] During transport, the box or crate accommodates at least the side walls, support elements, and fastening elements lying between the base plate and the roof element. The base plate and roof element form an upper and a lower box section.

[0015] According to the invention, the base plate or the roof element, or both (the base plate and the roof element) have a circumferential edge that extends perpendicularly from the base plate or the roof element. When the upper and lower box parts are joined together, the base plate forms the lower box wall, the roof element forms the upper box wall, and the edge forms the side box walls. Alternatively, according to the invention, the circumferential edge of the base plate and roof element on the first side is designed as a common removable or foldable closure panel.

[0016] To close the box, locking elements are provided that detachably connect the box parts to each other.

[0017] Optionally, the edge on a first side, with which the base plate or the roof element connects to the cargo space of the car when the camping box is unfolded, can be removed or folded down.

[0018] When unfolded, the side panels are placed on the base plate (or on this edge if there is one) so that the first side remains open. The side elements are attached to the base plate (or sitting on its edge, if there is one) using easy-to-remove fasteners. Optionally, the side panels are attached to the base plate or the surrounding edge of the base plate using hinges. Furthermore, the side elements are optionally connected to each other using easy-to-remove fasteners. Preferably, the side walls and the base plate or the roof element or the edges of the base plate and roof element have positive connection aids to improve the connection. These connection aids are, for example, tongue and groove connections or hole and tenon connections.

[0019] When unfolded, the camping box forms an extension of the vehicle's cargo space. It is positioned at the rear opening of the cargo space. The base plate rests on the first side at the rear end of the vehicle and is supported by the support elements on a side opposite the first side. The three side walls are arranged on the base plate (or edge) using suitable fastening elements to form a usable space open to the vehicle's loading area.

[0020] In a first embodiment, the roof of the unfolded camping box is formed by the roof element. The roof element thus forms the upper cover of the usable space when the camping box is unfolded. In this case, the side elements are also detachably connected to the roof element using easy-to-remove fasteners, or, if the roof element has a surrounding edge, to this edge. Optionally, the roof element of the unfolded camping box can be detachably engaged with the lock of the raised tailgate.

[0021] In a second embodiment, the raised tailgate of the vehicle forms the roof of the camping box, or at least part of the roof of the usable space. In this case, the side walls are connected to the raised tailgate with locking elements that are designed as rigid molded parts and / or as flexible molded pieces. These locking elements preferably also find space in the camping box when folded together. In this embodiment, the tailgate of the vehicle thus partially or completely forms the upper cover of the usable space. Optionally, in this embodiment too, the roof element of the unfolded camping box is releasably engaged with the lock of the folded tailgate.

[0022] Optionally, the roof element is designed in several parts, so that only a part of the roof element is used as an upper cover in combination with the raised tailgate of the vehicle and optionally additional locking elements.

[0023] Toggle fasteners, wing screws, rotary latches and similar are preferred as easily removable fastening elements.

[0024] The side walls are preferably made of a rigid, thermally insulated material. Suitable side walls include a honeycomb core with a metal frame, a Styrofoam panel in a metal frame, a sandwich element, or a similarly rigid, thermally insulating, and lightweight material or combination of materials.

[0025] The floor slab and roof element can be constructed in a similar way to the side walls. Additional stiffeners, a more load-bearing material, or a sandwich construction with stiffer or thicker layers can be used for the floor slab if necessary. This ensures the stability of the floor slab for the loads when unfolded (e.g., from walking on it and / or additional furniture or interior furnishings of the usable space).

[0026] Optionally, one or more of the side walls can have windows, ventilation openings, or similar features. The windows and other openings can optionally be closed using suitable covers.

[0027] During transport, the camping box fits perfectly on the loading area of ​​the car. When unfolded, the camping box rests with its first side on the end of the car's loading sill and / or a trailer hitch. When the base plate rests with its first side on the trailer hitch, an optional rear carrier connects the first side of the base plate to the trailer hitch.

[0028] If the floor panel rests on the loading sill of the vehicle, the floor panel can optionally be secured on the first side to the loading sill and / or the rear end of the loading area using detachable clamping devices. This can be achieved, for example, by using expansion elements on the first side of the floor panel, which, when unscrewed, create a clamping effect in the opening of the vehicle's loading area. Of course, other detachable connections are also possible.

[0029] When unfolded, the camping box is supported on the side opposite the first side by at least one, preferably two support elements.

[0030] Optionally, the support elements can also be arranged on the sides of the base plate, spaced apart from the first side. In this case, the support elements are preferably arranged at the ends of the sides of the base plate that are spaced apart from the first side.

[0031] These support elements are preferably height-adjustable in order to ensure that the base plate is as horizontal as possible.

[0032] If the cargo area of ​​the vehicle offers sufficient space, it is optionally possible to convert the camping box from its transport position to its unfolded position and install it in the vehicle before the trip. At the installation site, the camping box is simply pulled out of the cargo area of ​​the vehicle in its unfolded position and the support elements are installed and adjusted to achieve its final size.

[0033] Due to the design, there are gaps between the unfolded camping box and the cargo area of ​​the vehicle to which it is mounted. These gaps vary depending on the vehicle type. These gaps are preferably closed with locking elements.

[0034] In a first embodiment, the closure elements are rigid molded parts that are releasably attached to the free spaces. The molded parts are preferably designed depending on the type of automobile.

[0035] In a second embodiment, the closure elements are implemented as flexible molded pieces. These flexible molded pieces can, for example, be textile covers that are releasably attached to the open spaces. The releasable attachment is possible, for example, using hook-and-loop fasteners or magnetic strips arranged in the molded pieces. Depending on requirements, the textile cover can be waterproof or designed as a gauze for ventilation of the usable space or the cargo area of ​​the vehicle.

[0036] When folded, the camping box preferably also accommodates the locking elements and / or optional parts of the interior fittings.

[0037] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described, but also includes all equivalent embodiments within the meaning of the invention.

[0038] Embodiments. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the specifically described combinations of features, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all individual features disclosed as a whole, provided that the individual features do not exclude each other or a specific combination of individual features is not explicitly excluded. Figures

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic of the camping box 1 in the folded state. The top surface of the camping box 1 is formed by the roof element 11. The bottom surface consists of the base plate 12. The side surfaces of the folded camping box 1 are formed by the edge 111 of the roof element 11, which is placed on the edge 121 of the base plate 12. Fig. 2shows a schematic of the camping box 1 in the unfolded state. The side walls 15 are placed on the edge 121 of the base plate 12. The roof element 11, with its edge 111, closes off the camping box at the top. A window 13 is arranged in the rear side wall 15 (the side facing away from the first side). The support elements 14 support the camping box 1 on the side of the camping box 1 facing away from the first side. Fig. 3 shows a schematic of the camping box 1 in the unfolded state. The camping box 1 is attached to the vehicle 2 as an extension of the loading area below the tailgate 21. The camping box 1 is additionally held by the trailer coupling 22.

[0040] When folded, camping box 1 is 120 cm wide, 130 cm long, and 28 cm high. The top surface of the folded camping box 1 is formed by roof element 11. Roof element 11 is made of carbon fiber reinforced PP honeycomb panel (Ultraflight) and has a material thickness of 1 cm. Base plate 12 is made of an aluminum honeycomb panel (Alucore) with a material thickness of 1 cm. Both roof element 11 and base plate 12 have a surrounding edge (111, 121) each 14 cm high. The surrounding edges correspond to the side walls in terms of both material thickness and structure. The surrounding edges (111, 121) are designed as a common removable cover on the first side.

[0041] When folded, the camping box 1 also contains three side walls 15. The side wall 15 for the side opposite the first side (rear wall) measures 120 cm wide and 92 cm high. This side wall 15 has a window. The two side walls 15 for the sides adjacent to the first side measure 130 cm by 92 cm. All three side walls 15 are made of polypropylene and are 1 cm thick.

[0042] Furthermore, the folded camping box 1 contains two height-adjustable support elements 14 and shaped pieces for closing gaps (see below).

[0043] When unfolded, the base plate 12 rests with its first side on the loading edge of the vehicle 2 and is secured there to the trailer coupling 22 by means of a rear carrier (not shown). The tailgate 21 of the vehicle 2 is folded up and extends above the roof element 11. In the present embodiment, the tailgate 22 is locked to the camping box 1. The vehicle's original lock engages with the roof element 11.

[0044] On the side facing away from the first side, the two support elements 14 are arranged, which are adjusted by means of their height adjustment so that the base plate 12 of the unfolded camping box 1 is offset, but runs parallel to the loading area of ​​the automobile 2.

[0045] The side walls 15 have hinges (not shown) on the edge with which they are placed on the circumferential edge 121 of the base plate 12. When the camping box 1 is not unfolded, the side walls 15 lie inside the camping box 1. The side walls 15 are pivotally mounted on the hinges and are positioned vertically when unfolded. On their upper side, the side walls 15 have openings, each with a cross strut (not shown). The roof element 11 is provided with rotary locks (not shown) on its circumferential edge 111. The rotary locks have hooks which, when locked, engage behind the cross struts of the openings in the side walls 15, thus creating a detachable connection.

[0046] When the camping box 1 is unfolded, free spaces (not shown) or gaps are created between the camping box 1 on its first side and the cargo space of the automobile 2. The free spaces are closed by means of shaped pieces (not shown) made of foam plastic, which have magnetic strips by means of which they adhere to the metal frame of the cargo space of the automobile 2.

[0047] When the camping box 1 is folded, the side walls 15 are folded into the interior of the camping box 1, still resting on their hinges. The roof element 11 is fastened with its edge 111 to the edge of the base plate 12 with its edge 121 by openings in the edge 121 of the base plate 12, each with a cross strut, into which the rotating latches of the roof element 11 that are closest to the first side engage. To ensure easy accessibility to the rotating latches when the camping box 1 is folded, these rotating latches are positioned very close to the first side. On the side opposite the first side, the camping box 1 has two tension locks that hold the upper and lower box sections together.When folded, the first side of the camping box 1 is closed by a closure plate, which is also attached to the top and bottom sections of the camping box 1 using tension locks and additionally holds these two parts together. The closure plate joins the surrounding edges 111, 121 on the first side of the camping box 1. When the camping box 1 is unfolded, the closure plate is used as a sideboard on the outside of the camping box 1. Reference symbol

[0048] 1Camping box 11Roof element 111Edge of the roof element 12Floor panel 121Edge of the floor panel 13Window 14Support element 15Side wall 2Car 21Tailgate 22Trailer coupling

Claims

1. Camping box, comprising at least one base plate, three side walls, one roof element, one or two support elements as well as fastening elements, wherein - the camping box forms a closed flat box in a transport state, in which the side walls, the support elements and the fastening elements are arranged lying between the base plate and the roof element, the camping box fitting on the loading area of an automobile in the folded state, the camping box forming an extension of the loading space of the automobile in an unfolded state, in that it is arranged at the rear opening of the loading space and the base plate rests on a first side at the rear end of the automobile and is supported by the support elements on a side opposite the first side, and the three side walls are arranged on the base plate by means of suitable fastening elements in such a way that they form a usable space which is open towards the loading area of the automobile, characterised in that the base plate or the roof element or both (the base plate and the roof element) have a circumferential edge which extends vertically away from the base plate or the roof element, respectively, wherein in the transport state the base plate forms the lower box wall of the camping box, the roof element forms the upper box wall of the camping box and a. the edge of the base plate or the roof element forms the side walls of the box, or b. the edge of the base plate and the edge of the roof element form the lateral box walls, or c. a. or b. applies, and on the first side the edge of the base plate and roof element are designed as a common locking plate2. Camping box according to claim 1, characterised in that the roof element forms the upper cover of the usable space in the camping box's unfolded state.

3. Camping box according to claim 1, characterised in that in the camping box's unfolded state, a tailgate of the automobile partially or completely forms the upper cover of the usable space.

4. Camping box according to claim 1, characterised in that, in the camping box's unfolded state, the base plate and the side walls are connected to one another by easily detachable fastening elements or hinges.

5. Camping box according to claim 2, characterised in that, in the camping box's unfolded state, the roof element and the side walls are connected to one another by easily detachable fastening elements, the easily detachable fastening elements preferably being tension locks, wing screws and turning locks.

6. Camping box according to claim 1, characterised in that the edge on a first side, with which the base plate or the roof element adjoins the loading space of the automobile in the camping box's unfolded state, is removable or stowable.

7. Camping box according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support elements are height adjustable.

8. Camping box according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side walls consist of a rigid, thermally insulated material.

9. Camping box according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that windows are arranged in one or more side walls.

10. Camping box according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the camping box's unfolded state, free spaces between the side walls, which adjoin the loading space of the automobile and, if applicable, arise between the roof element and the loading space of the automobile, are locked with locking elements.

11. Camping box according to claim 10, characterised in that the locking elements are rigid moulded parts and / or flexible moulded bodies which are detachably fastened in the free spaces.

12. Camping box according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the camping box also accommodates the locking elements and / or parts of the interior fitting in the folded state.

13. Camping box according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the camping box's unfolded state, the base plate rests with the first side on the loading edge of the automobile and / or on a trailer coupling.

14. Camping box according to claim 13, characterised in that in the camping box's unfolded state and when the base plate rests with the first side on the trailer coupling, a rear carrier establishes the connection of the first side of the base plate to the trailer coupling.

15. Camping box according to claim 13, characterised in that in the camping box's unfolded state and when the base plate rests on the loading edge of the automobile, the base plate is fixed on the first side to the loading edge and / or the rear end of the loading area by means of detachable clamping means.