Adapter element and modular system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adapter element for attaching a surface element, in particular a sunshade, to a vehicle. The invention further relates to a modular system comprising such an adapter element and a surface element.

[0002] DE 6808827 U discloses a connection between a caravan and an awning with piping strips and a detachable zipper. NL 8006627 A discloses the attachment of an awning to a caravan using piping. US 10,378,234 B1 discloses the attachment of a canopy to an off-road vehicle using clip fasteners.

[0003] DE 20 2004 011 312 U1 discloses a modular system for designing an overall system composed of surface elements. The system consists of several surface elements that can be flexibly connected to one another, for example, to form sun or wind protection. Possible applications for such a modular system are listed in DE 20 2004 011 312 U1, for example, play areas for children, large tents, or pavilions.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of expanding the field of application of such modular systems, in particular to the field of camping.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention according to claim 1 by an adapter element for fastening a surface element, in particular a sun sail, to a vehicle, with an adapter body which has a first edge region for fastening the adapter element to a vehicle and a second edge region for fastening a surface element to the adapter element, wherein the first edge region of the adapter body is equipped with a vehicle connecting element for releasably fastening the first edge region to a vehicle and wherein the second edge region of the adapter body is equipped at the second edge region with a surface element connecting element for releasably fastening the second edge region to an edge region of a surface element.

[0006] The vehicle may in particular be a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle trailer, for example a car, a caravan or trailer or a motor home.

[0007] With such an adapter, a surface element, especially a surface element of a modular system, can be easily, safely, and functionally connected to a vehicle, especially a car, caravan, or motorhome. This allows the surface element to be used, for example, as a canopy for a caravan or motorhome or to provide a covered transition from a vehicle to a tent. Furthermore, the stability of an overall system composed of surface elements can be improved in this way, since a vehicle, for example, ensures sufficient support for the surface element even in strong winds.

[0008] The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention by a modular system with the previously described adapter and with a surface element, wherein the second edge region of the adapter body is adapted to an edge region of the surface element and wherein the edge region of the surface element has a connecting element complementary to the surface element connecting element for releasably fastening the surface element to the second edge region of the adapter body.

[0009] The first edge region of the adapter body is preferably straight. The second edge region of the adapter body can also be substantially straight or curved, for example, if it is to be connected to a surface element with a curved edge region.

[0010] The first and second edge regions preferably extend over substantially the same width, in particular with a maximum width deviation of 10%. This allows for uniform force transmission between the surface element, adapter element, and vehicle.

[0011] The adapter body preferably has a width of at least 2 m. This allows a typical-sized surface element, in particular a sunshade, to be attached to a vehicle using an adapter element.

[0012] The extension of the adapter body transverse to the direction of extension of the first and second edge regions is preferably less than 15%, in particular less than 10%, of the width of the adapter body. For example, the adapter body may have an extension of 15 cm or less transverse to the direction of extension of the first and second edge regions.

[0013] The surface element can, for example, be triangular or square. Furthermore, the surface element preferably consists essentially of a fabric, in particular a natural and / or synthetic fabric such as PVC or polyester or a polyester-cotton blend (also referred to as technical cotton). The surface element is preferably equilateral. This increases the flexibility of the surface element's use. In particular, several edge regions of the surface element can be configured for attachment to the adapter element and / or to other surface elements.

[0014] Various embodiments of the adapter element and the modular system are described below. The individual embodiments apply independently to both the adapter element and the modular system. Furthermore, the individual embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

[0015] In one embodiment, the adapter body comprises or is formed from a fabric, with a respective edge region of the fabric preferably forming the first and / or second edge region. This results in a flexible, particularly foldable, yet robust adapter body. The fabric can, in particular, be a plastic fabric, for example, made of PVC or polyester.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the first edge region and the second edge region of the adapter body are opposite one another and preferably extend substantially over the same length. In this way, the forces transmitted from a surface element to the adapter element can be better directed to the vehicle, in particular over substantially the entire length of the surface element, so that the surface element can be kept under tension without wrinkling.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the surface element connecting element is designed as a zipper side part extending along the second edge region. This enables easy attachment of a surface element with a complementary zipper side part to the adapter element. The zipper slider can be provided on the adapter element or on the surface element. A zipper connection thus created between the adapter element and the surface element has the advantage of ensuring even force transmission between the surface element and the adapter element, thus preventing the formation of wrinkles.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the adapter body is provided at the second edge region with a cover strip covering the surface element connecting element, preferably projecting beyond the surface element connecting element. A plastic strip, for example, can be provided as the cover strip. By providing the cover strip, the connection between the adapter element and the surface element can be protected or sealed against rain. If the surface element connecting means is designed as a zipper side part, the cover strip preferably extends far enough beyond the zipper side part to allow a complementary zipper side part of a

[0019] surface element is also covered when it is connected to the zipper side part of the adapter element.

[0020] According to the invention, the first edge region of the adapter body is equipped with at least two different vehicle connection elements for releasably attaching the first edge region to a vehicle. In this way, the adapter can be used for different vehicle types by the user using the appropriate vehicle connection element to connect to the respective vehicle.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the first edge region of the adapter body is equipped with a piping running along the first edge region. This allows the adapter element to be easily and securely connected to a piping rail on a vehicle. The use of a piping also has the advantage that the connection can be made over essentially the entire length of the adapter element, thus enabling even force dissipation and preventing the formation of wrinkles.

[0022] Preferably, the first edge area of ​​the adapter body is equipped with a double piping with two pipings of different diameters. Vehicles use different piping rails with different diameters. By using a double piping, the adapter element can be used for vehicles with different piping rails.

[0023] In a further embodiment, a piping flag is connected to the adapter body at the first edge region. The piping flag is guided around a piping body and glued together in an adhesive area between the adapter body and the piping body. The piping body has a particularly round cross-section and is preferably tubular. The piping body, together with the piping flag guided around it, forms a piping. The piping flag is preferably sewn to the adapter body to ensure a permanently secure attachment of the piping flag to the adapter body.

[0024] For a double piping, the piping flag can be guided successively around two piping bodies, in particular with different diameters, and glued together in an adhesive area adjacent to the respective piping body.

[0025] Preferably, a bartack seam extending from the respective narrow side is provided in the bonding area on one or both narrow sides of the piping flag. This prevents the adhesive bond in the bonding area from prematurely breaking due to the forces acting during use, thereby increasing the service life of the piping and thus of the adapter element. Corresponding seams are preferably provided in the bonding area between a piping body and the adapter body. In a double piping with two bonding areas, the seams can, in particular, be provided only in the bonding area closest to the adapter body. However, it is also conceivable to provide corresponding seams in both bonding areas.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the first edge region of the adapter body is equipped with a plurality of fastening straps, in particular Velcro straps, distributed across the width of the first edge region. This allows, for example, the adapter to be attached to a vehicle's roof rail.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the first edge region of the adapter body is equipped with a tunnel extending along the first edge region, which tunnel preferably has a plurality of openings distributed across the width of the first edge region. The tunnel is preferably designed as a hemstitch, i.e. the adapter body has a folded and sewn edge that forms the tunnel along the first edge region. A rod can be inserted into the adapter body through the tunnel, which rod stabilizes the shape of the adapter body. Furthermore, connecting elements for fastening to a vehicle can be connected to a rod arranged in the tunnel through the preferably provided openings. The connecting elements to be connected to the rod can be, for example, suction cups, which enable fastening to a body panel or window of the vehicle.In one embodiment, the modular system comprises a rod that can be inserted into the tunnel and connecting elements, such as suction cups, that can be mounted on the rod through the openings. The tunnel preferably has at least three, more preferably at least four, openings. This allows forces from the adapter element to be transmitted more evenly to a vehicle, thus preventing the formation of wrinkles.

[0028] Furthermore, a cord can be pulled through the tunnel and secured. This also stabilizes and secures the adapter element.

[0029] In a further embodiment, an eyelet is provided at one or both lateral ends of the second edge region, preferably on a respective tab formed by the adapter body. Guy ropes, for example, can be threaded through the eyelets to keep the adapter element under tension. Likewise, post tips of support posts can be inserted through the eyelets to support the adapter element.

[0030] The opening of the eyelet is preferably aligned with the connecting element of the surface element. This prevents a force acting on the eyelet from a guy rope or a post tip from causing the connecting element to warp or open. Furthermore, such a symmetrical arrangement allows the eyelet of a surface element to be arranged accordingly, allowing its eyelets to be placed one above the other.

[0031] Accordingly, in a further embodiment of the modular system, corresponding eyelets are provided at one or both lateral ends of the second edge region of the adapter body and at one or both lateral ends of the edge region of the surface element. Their openings are positioned one above the other when the surface element is properly attached to the adapter element. This allows for joint support or bracing of the adapter element and surface element, whereby the connection between the adapter element and surface element can be held under tension and simultaneously held together.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the modular system comprises several surface elements with mutually adapted edge regions, wherein corresponding connecting elements are provided at the edge regions for selectively and releasably fastening the surface elements to one another. In this way, several surface elements can be selectively and flexibly fastened to one another, resulting in a desired overall system with the desired shape and size. The second edge region of the adapter element and the surface elements are preferably adapted to one another in such a way that the second edge region can be connected to edge regions of different surface elements. This increases the flexibility of the modular system.

[0033] Further advantages and features of the adapter element and the modular system will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, with reference to the attached drawing.

[0034] In the drawing show Fig. 1a-an embodiment of an adapter element according to the present invention, Fig. 2an embodiment of the modular system according to the present invention, Fig. 3a-a fastening of the adapter element from Fig. 1 on a vehicle, Fig. 4a-legs alternative fastening of the adapter element from Fig. 1 on a vehicle and Fig. 5a-b shows another alternative fastening of the adapter element from Fig. 1 on a vehicle.

[0035] The Fig. 1a-d show an embodiment of an adapter element for fastening a surface element, in particular a sun sail, to a vehicle in a schematic representation. Fig. 1a shows a view, Fig. 1b-c show sectional views according to the Fig. 1a drawn and labelled "Ib" and "Ic" respectively and Fig. 1d shows a perspective view of the double piping of the adapter element.

[0036] The adapter element 2 comprises an elongated adapter body 4 made of a plastic fabric, for example, polyester or PVC fabric. The adapter body 4 has a first edge region 6 for attaching the adapter element 2 to a vehicle and a second edge region 8 for attaching a surface element, for example, a sunshade, to the adapter element 2.

[0037] The first edge region 6 of the adapter body 4 is equipped with various connecting elements for detachably fastening the first edge region to a vehicle: Firstly, the first edge region 6 is equipped with a double piping 10 running along the first edge region 6. For this purpose, a piping flag 12 in the form of a fabric strip is sewn to the adapter body 4 (seam 11). The piping flag 12 is guided around two tubular piping bodies 14a-b with different diameters and glued together in the respective adhesive areas 15a and 15b adjacent to the piping bodies 14a-b, so that two pipings 10a-b with different diameters are produced. By inserting one of the pipings 10a-b into a piping rail (82 in Fig. 3b ), the adapter element 2 can be attached to the vehicle. By providing a double piping 10 with two pipings 10a-b of different diameters, the appropriate piping for the respective piping rail can be selected.

[0038] Fig. 1d shows the double piping 10 in perspective view, with the connection to the adapter body 4 hidden for the sake of clarity. It has been found that the adhesive area 15a, from which the piping flag 12 extends to the adapter body 4, is exposed to great stresses during use, so that premature failure of the adhesive connection can occur. It has also been found that this problem can be solved by providing the piping flag in the adhesive area 15a with a bartack seam 17. It is not necessary for the bartack seam 17 to extend along the entire adhesive area 15a. Rather, it has been found that it is sufficient if a bartack seam 17 extending from the respective narrow side is provided in the adhesive area 15a on both narrow sides of the piping flag 12.

[0039] Furthermore, the first edge region 6 of the adapter body 4 is equipped with a tunnel 20 with openings 22 distributed across the width of the first edge region 6. In the adapter element 2, the tunnel 20 is formed by a part of the adapter body 4, which is sewn together at the first edge region 6 as a hemstitch (seam 11). The tunnel 20 extends along the width of the first edge region and is open at one or both ends so that a rod 24 can be inserted into the tunnel. The rod 24 is accessible from the outside at the openings 22 so that further connecting elements, in particular suction cups, can be mounted on the rod, with which the adapter element 2 can be attached to a vehicle. The adapter body 4 is preferably reinforced in the region of the openings 22, in particular by seams 26, in order to prevent the adapter body 4 from tearing in the region of the openings 22.

[0040] Instead of a rod 24, a cord can also be pulled through the tunnel 20 and secured. This also allows stabilization and fixation of the adapter element 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the first edge region 6 of the adapter body 4 is equipped with a plurality of fastening straps 30, in particular hook-and-loop fasteners, distributed across the width of the first edge region 6, with which the adapter body 4 can be attached, for example, to a roof rail of a vehicle. The fastening straps 30 can, for example, be sewn to the adapter body 4 in the area of ​​the openings 22.

[0042] By equipping the first edge region 6 with various connecting elements as described above, the adapter element 2 can be flexibly connected to various types of vehicles, whereby the connecting elements suitable for the respective vehicle can be used.

[0043] The adapter body 4 is further provided at the second edge region 8 with a surface element connecting element 40 for releasably fastening the second edge region to an edge region of a surface element. The surface element connecting element 40 is designed in the adapter element 2 as a zipper side part extending along the second edge region 8, with which the adapter element 2 can be connected to a surface element having a corresponding zipper side part.

[0044] The adapter body 4 can be equipped at the second edge region 8 with a cover strip 42 extending along the second edge region 8 and covering the surface element connecting element 40 and projecting beyond it (exemplarily in Fig. 1b In this way, the surface element connecting element 40 and a corresponding connecting element of the surface element connected thereto can be sealed against rain.

[0045] At the lateral ends 44, 46 of the second edge region 8, the adapter body 4 has a tab 48, 50 with a respective eyelet 52, 54 through which, for example, guy ropes can be threaded in order to tension the adapter element.

[0046] The openings of the eyelets 52, 54 are aligned with the zipper side panel 40. When the adapter element is tensioned by the eyelets 52, 54, this position of the eyelets reduces the forces acting transversely on the zipper side panel 40, thus facilitating the operation of the zipper. Furthermore, this position allows the eyelets 52, 54 to overlap with the respective eyelets of a surface element connected to the adapter element 2.

[0047] Fig. 2 now shows an example of the modular system with the adapter element 2 from Fig. 1a-b in schematic representation.

[0048] The modular system 60 comprises the adapter element 2 and one or more surface elements, of which Fig. 2 a surface element 62 is shown.

[0049] The surface element 62 has a surface body 64, which is preferably formed from a plastic fabric, for example, polyester or PVC. The surface body 64 has a triangular shape, in particular with equally long side edges, and accordingly has three edge regions 66a-c on the three side edges. Alternatively, quadrangular or polygonal surface elements are also conceivable. Furthermore, surface elements with curved side edges are also conceivable. However, the triangular shape is preferred, as it offers the greatest design freedom when connecting multiple surface elements.

[0050] On each of the three side edges, the sheet 64 is equipped with connecting elements 68 in the form of a zipper side panel, each extending along the edge regions 66a-c. Zipper sliders are also provided on some of the zipper side panels.

[0051] The connecting element 68 on at least one of the side edges of the surface element 62 is adapted to the surface element connecting element 40 of the adapter element 2, so that - as in Fig. 2 shown - can be detachably connected to one another. Using the connecting elements 68 on the remaining side edges, the surface element 62 can be connected to similar surface elements 62 to obtain an overall system with the desired shape, for example, as a sunshade. The adapter element 2 enables the simple and secure attachment of this overall system to a vehicle, thus facilitating its assembly and increasing its stability.

[0052] The surface element 62 has tabs 70 with eyelets 72 at each of its three corners. The eyelets are positioned so that their openings are aligned with the zipper side panels 68 of the adjacent side edges. Thus, the eyelets 52, 54 of the tabs 48, 50 of the adapter element 2 lie exactly over two eyelets 72 of the tabs 70 of the surface element 62, allowing a guy rope to be threaded through two superimposed eyelets, allowing the adapter element 2 and the surface element 62 to be anchored together.

[0053] The Fig. 3a-b show a schematic representation of a possible fastening of the adapter element 2 from Fig. 1 on a vehicle. Fig. 3a shows a side view of the vehicle 80 with the adapter element attached and Fig. 3b shows a partial view of the rear of the vehicle. In this example, vehicle 80 is a caravan. However, vehicle 80 could alternatively be a car, for example.

[0054] On one side of the vehicle 80, a piping rail 82 runs above the vehicle door and windows. Such piping rails are common, for example, in caravans or motor homes. To attach the adapter element 2 to the vehicle 80, the piping 10a of the double piping 10 is pushed or pulled into the piping rail 82. With the surface element connecting element 40, a surface element, such as the surface element 62 from Fig. 2 , to the adapter element 2 and thus easily and securely attached to the vehicle 80. In this way, for example, a sunshade can be attached directly to a vehicle 80 equipped with a keder rail.

[0055] The Fig. 4a-b show a schematic representation of an alternative fastening of the adapter element 2 from Fig. 1 on a vehicle 86 having a roof rail 88 extending on the roof of the vehicle 86 along one side of the vehicle, for example a car. Fig. 4a shows a partial top view and Fig. 4b a partial view of the rear of the vehicle

[0056] Various passenger cars have such roof rails. To attach the adapter element 2 to the vehicle 86, the hook-and-loop fasteners 30, which are distributed across the width of the first edge region 6, are placed around the roof rail. To further tighten the adapter element 2, a rod 24 can also be inserted into the tunnel 20. Using the surface element connecting element 40, a surface element 62 can then be easily and securely attached to the adapter element 2 and thus to the vehicle 86. In this way, for example, a sunshade can be attached directly to a vehicle with roof rails.

[0057] A guy rope 92 can be threaded through the superimposed eyelets 54 and 72 of the adapter element 2 and the surface element 62 in order to tension the adapter element 2 and the surface element 62.

[0058] The Fig. 5a-b show a schematic representation of another alternative fastening of the adapter element 2 from Fig. 1 on a vehicle 96. Fig. 5a shows a partial side view and Fig. 5b a partial view of the rear of the vehicle.

[0059] The vehicle 96 has neither a piping rail nor suitable roof rails. To attach the adapter element 2 to such a vehicle, a rod 24 is first inserted into the tunnel 20. Suitable connecting elements for attachment to the vehicle 96 can then be connected to the rod 24 through the openings 22. Fig. 5a-b Suction cups 100 are connected to the rod 24 by means of mechanical coupling means 98, which are arranged as in Fig. 5b shown can be placed on an outer surface 102, for example on a body panel or window, of the vehicle 96. In this way, the adapter element 2 and thus also a surface element attachable thereto can also be attached to a vehicle that has neither a piping rail nor suitable roof rails.

Claims

1. Adapter element (2) for fastening a sheet-like element (62), in particular an awning, to a vehicle (80, 86, 96), - having an adapter body (4) which has a first edge region (6) for fastening the adapter element (2) to a vehicle (80, 86, 96) and a second edge region (8) for fastening a sheet-like element (62) to the adapter element (2), - wherein the first edge region (6) of the adapter body (4) is provided with a vehicle connection element (10; 20, 22; 30) for releasably fastening the first edge region (6) to a vehicle (80, 86, 96), and - wherein the second edge region (8) of the adapter body (4) is provided at the second edge region (8) with a sheet-like-element connection element (40) for detachably fastening the second edge region (8) to an edge region (66a-c) of a sheet-like element (62), characterized - in that the first edge region (6) of the adapter body (4) is equipped with at least two different types of vehicle connection elements (10; 20, 22; 30), each for releasably fastening the first edge region (6) to a vehicle (80, 86, 96).

2. Adapter element according to claim 1, characterized in - that the adapter body (4) has a fabric or is formed therefrom, in particular a respective edge region of the fabric forming the first and / or second edge region (6, 8).

3. Adapter element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in - that the first edge region (6) and the second edge region (8) of the adapter body (4) are opposite one another and preferably extend over substantially the same length.

4. Adapter element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sheet-like-element connection element (40) is designed as a zipper side part extending along the second edge region.

5. Adapter element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adapter body (4) is provided at the second edge region (8) with a cover strip (42) covering the sheet-like-element connection element (40) and preferably projecting beyond the sheet-like-element connection element (40).

6. Adapter element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first edge region (6) of the adapter body (4) is provided with a keder (10a-b) running along the first edge region, preferably with a double keder (10) with two keders (10a-b) of different diameters.

7. Adapter element according to claim 6, characterized in that a keder flap (12) is connected to the adapter body (4) at the first edge region (6), which keder flap is guided around a keder body (14a) and is glued together in a gluing region (15a) between the adapter body (4) and the keder body (14a), and in that, preferably, on one or both narrow sides of the keder flap (12), a bar seam (17) extending from the respective narrow side is provided in the gluing region (15a) .

8. Adapter element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first edge region (6) of the adapter body (4) is provided with a plurality of fastening straps (30), in particular Velcro straps, arranged distributed over the width of the first edge region (6).

9. Adapter element according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first edge region (6) of the adapter body is provided with a tunnel (20) extending along the first edge region (6), which preferably has a plurality of openings (22) arranged distributed over the width of the first edge region.

10. Adapter element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an eyelet (52, 54) is provided at one or both lateral ends (44, 46) of the second edge region (8), preferably on a tab (48, 50) formed by the adapter body (4).

11. Adapter element according to claim 10, characterized in that the opening of the eyelet (52, 54) is arranged in line with the sheet-like-element connection element (40).

12. Modular system (60), - with an adapter element (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and - with a sheet-like element (62), - wherein the second edge region (8) of the adapter body (4) is adapted to an edge region (66a-c) of the sheet-like element (62), and - wherein the edge region (66a-c) of the sheet-like element (62) has a connection element (68) complementary to the sheet-like-element connection element (40) for detachably fastening the sheet-like element (62) to the second edge region (8) of the adapter body (4).

13. Modular system according to claim 12, characterized in that eyelets (52, 54; 72) corresponding to one another are provided at one or both lateral ends (44, 46) of the second edge region (8) of the adapter body (4) and at one or both lateral ends of the edge region (66a-c) of the sheet-like element (62), the openings of which eyelets lie one above the other when the sheet-like element (62) is fastened to the adapter element (2) as intended.

14. Modular system according to claim 12 or 13, - comprising a plurality of sheet-like elements (62) with edge regions (66a-c) adapted to one another, wherein connection elements (68) corresponding to one another are provided at the edge regions (66a-c) for selectively releasably fastening the sheet-like elements (62) to one another.