Tent for mounting to a vehicle
The tent's scissor-lift mechanism and pulley system enable easy adjustment between erected and transport configurations, addressing the complexity of existing tent systems by providing efficient space utilization and storage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle tents are difficult to adjust due to their high position on the vehicle, often requiring complex mechanisms with numerous rods and joints, making deployment and stowage cumbersome.
A tent with a rigid base and roof, featuring a scissor-lift mechanism and pulley system for easy adjustment between an erected and transport configuration, allowing for easy transition between an erected configuration, allowing easy deployment and stowage of a canopy.
The tent's scissor-lift mechanism and pulley system facilitate simple and efficient conversion between erected and transport configurations, optimizing interior space and cargo storage.
Smart Images

Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a tent that is configured for mounting to a vehicle, such as a roof top tent.Background
[0002] Tents for vehicles are usually attached to the roof of the vehicle. In an erected configuration, those tents provide an interior living space. When driving with the vehicle, the tent usually needs to be adjusted into its transport configuration. In the transport configuration, the tent is collapsed, for example in a compact box or shell that withstands headwind during driving and protects a canopy of the tent from the elements. However, adjustment of the tent may be difficult, in particular due to the high position on the vehicle that may be difficult to reach from the ground.
[0003] GB 2494750 describes a mechanism for raising roofs of a vehicle. The mechanism requires a high number of rods connected in a complicated manner.
[0004] CN 206 667 902 U describes a spring type vehicle roof tent that stretches out and draws back. A corresponding mechanism requires a high number of rods connected in a complicated manner with multiple joints.
[0005] EP 3 912 841 A1 describes a ventilation opening for vehicles.
[0006] WO 2023 / 156607 A1 describes a tent for installation on a vehicle roof. The tent has drawings means attached to two sections moveable relative to each other. By pulling the drawings means, the two sections move towards each other. The two sections may be attached to each other in a simple manner, such as with a hinge on one end.Summary
[0007] A first aspect relates to a tent for mounting to a vehicle. The tent may be configured for mounting to a vehicle roof, for example either directly or via a roof top carrier. The tent may be configured as a roof top tent. Alternatively or additionally, the tent may be configured for mounting to a rear of the vehicle, such as to a trailer hitch or tow bar. The tent may thus be attached to a rear side of the vehicle. The tent may comprise appropriate attachment means for mounting to a roof top carrier, trailer hitch or the like.
[0008] The tent comprises a rigid base, a rigid roof and a canopy. The canopy may be a limp element. The canopy may be made from a fabric, such as a watertight fabric. The canopy may extend between the base and the roof. The canopy may be attached to the base and / or the roof. The canopy may provide doors and / or windows for the tent, which may be adjustable between an open and a closed state. The rigid roof may comprise at least a rigid frame. The rigid roof may comprise a rigid plate, aluminum extruded parts, an ABS plate, a honeycomb structure and the like. The rigid roof may be rigid in comparison to the canopy. The rigid roof may not be deformable in a destruction free manner. The rigid roof may comprise a fabric tensioned in-between the frame that forms a majority of the surface of the rigid roof. The rigid base may comprise at least a rigid frame. The rigid base may comprise a rigid plate, aluminum extruded parts, an ABS plate, a honeycomb structure and the like. The rigid base may be rigid in comparison to the canopy. The rigid base may not be deformable in a destruction free manner. The rigid base may comprise a fabric tensioned in-between the frame that forms a majority of the surface of the rigid base. The base may form or support a floor of the tent. The base may be configured to support the weight of one or several users thereon. By comparison, the roof may be configured to withstand forces exerted on the tent, such as weight forces of the canopy and / or such as wind acting on the canopy. The roof may also be configured to withstand snow accumulated on the tent. The roof may be configured to not support users resting thereon.
[0009] The tent comprises an adjustment device. The roof is moveably connected to the base by the adjustment device. For example, the roof may be support spaced apart from the base by poles or levers of the adjustment device. The adjustment device is configured to move the roof relative to the base between a transport position, in which the tent is in a transport configuration, and an erected position, in which the tent is in an erected configuration. The adjustment device may be configured for manual adjustment or adjustment by an actuator, such as an electric motor. In the transport configuration, the roof may be arranged essentially parallel and / or adjacent to the base. In the erected configuration, the roof may be arranged spaced apart to the base. In the erected configuration, the roof may be arranged essentially parallel or tilted relatively to the base. For example, the tent may have a wedge shape in the erected configuration. One end, in particular facing towards the front of the vehicle when the tent is mounted thereto, may be lower than an opposite end, such as the end facing towards the back of the vehicle when the tent is mounted to the vehicle. Such a configuration may provide a particular high entrance while still providing sufficient headspace at a lower end of the tent, such as for a backrest of a mattress with a couch function. Usability of the interior living space may be optimized in this way. The wedge shape may be provided by a scissor-lift mechanisms. The scissor-lift mechanisms may be arranged off-center, for example in the longitudinal direction of the tent. The scissor-lift mechanism will be described further below.
[0010] In the erected configuration, the tent may provide an interior living space for one or more users. In the transport configuration, the tent may not provide an interior living space for user. The tent may still provide a cargo space in the transport configuration, for example allowing storage of a mattress, pillows, a blanket and the like therein. In the transport configuration, the vehicle may drive with the tent attached thereto. In the erected configuration, driving with the vehicle may not be permitted or possible, for example otherwise risking damaging the tent due to headwind. In the transport configuration, the tent may have a cover that houses the canopy. In the transport configuration, the roof may form an upper shell of a cover and the base may form a lower shell of a cover. The roof and the base may abut each other in the transport configuration, for example forming a closed rigid cover and / or at edges raised towards each other. The roof and base may be spaced apart from each other in the transport configuration, but for example less than in the erected configuration. A gap between the roof and floor may be closed by a sealing element to provide a closed cover, such as an elastic extruded sealing element. The canopy may be collapsed in the transport configuration. The canopy may be tensioned in the erected configuration. The canopy may provide a circumferential wall of the tent in the erected configuration. In the erected configuration, the roof may be spaced further apart from the base than in the transport configuration. In the erected configuration, the interior of the tent may be accessible. The tent may comprise means to lock the tent in the transport configuration, for example to prevent unwanted opening due to head wind. For example, the roof and the base may be fixed to each other in the transport configuration, for example with clamps and / or straps.
[0011] A further aspect relates to an adjustment device for a tent, such as the tent according to the first aspect. Embodiments, examples and features of the first aspect constitute embodiments, examples and features of the further aspect and vice-versa. The adjustment device may be configured for connecting a rigid roof moveably to a rigid base of a tent. The adjustment device may be configured to move the roof relative to the base between a transport position, in which the tent is in a transport configuration, and an erected position, in which the tent is in an erected configuration.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device comprises a first scissor-lift mechanism. A scissor-lift mechanism may provide translatory movement of the roof relative to the base. A scissor-lift mechanism may additionally provide a pivoting movement of the roof relative to the base. A scissor-lift mechanism may provide compact and sturdy support for the roof of the tent. A scissor-lift mechanism may move the roof relative to the base by two levers that pivot relative to each other. The levers of the scissor-lift mechanism may form a X-shape when seen from the side. The adjustment device may comprise several scissor-lift mechanisms. Embodiments, examples and features of the first scissor-lift mechanism may also constitute embodiments, examples and features of other scissor-lift mechanisms, if applicable. Every scissor-lift mechanism may be identical, linked to each other and / or be arranged symmetrical. The adjustment device and / or the scissor-lift mechanisms may bias the roof towards its erected position, for example with a spring and / or against gravity. Collapsing the tent towards its transport configuration may thus require more or about the same amount of effort as erecting the tent towards its erected configuration.
[0013] The first scissor-lift mechanism comprises a first lever with a lower first end connected to the base and an upper second end connected to the roof. The first end and second end may be spaced apart in a horizontal direction, such as along the longitudinal extension of the tent. For example, the first lever may extend in an inclined orientation from the base towards the roof form one end of the tent towards another end of the tent. The first scissor-lift mechanism comprises a second lever with an upper first end connected to the roof and a lower second end connected to the base. For example, the second lever may extend in an inclined orientation from the roof towards the base from one end of the tent towards another end of the tent. Lower, upper, vertical and horizontal direction may correspond to directions when the tent is mounted to the vehicle or otherwise arranged in an orientation corresponding to its intended use. The two levers are pivotably connected to each other with a hinge. The two levers may be oppositely inclined. For example, the two levers may be pivotably connected in a middle section where they cross each other. A part of each lever, such as a middle section, may be formed by the hinge. Each lever may be formed by one or more of a pole, rod or some other form of elongated structure. Each lever may be formed by a unitarian one-piece structure or several elements. For example, each lever may comprise a first leg and a second leg which are rigidly connected to each other, in particular by the hinge. A leg may be an elongated structure, such as a rod, frame part and / or hollow profile. For example, the first lever may comprise a first leg that extends from the base to the hinge and a second leg that extends from the hinge to the roof. For example, the second lever may comprise a first leg that extends from the roof to the hinge and a second leg that extends from the hinge to the base. When adjusting the roof between its positions and thus also when adjusting the tent between its configurations, the levers may pivot relative to each other to increase or decrease a vertical extension of the scissor-lift mechanism. For example, the levers of the scissor-lift mechanism may be arranged nearly in parallel, resulting in the roof being arranged adjacent to the base and thus the roof being in its transport position. The levers may be pivoted to increase their relative angle at the hinge, causing the roof to be lifted upwards towards its transport position. For example, a maximum angle between the levers of the scissor-lift mechanism may result in the roof being spaced apart from the base and being in its erected position.
[0014] The adjustment device may comprise two scissor-lift mechanism, for example arranged at opposite sides of the tent. For example, the first scissor-lift mechanism may be arranged on a left side and the second scissor-lift mechanism may be arranged on a right side of the tent when mounted to the vehicle. The adjustment device may only comprise a single scissor-lift mechanism, for example centrally arranged in the tent. The two or more scissor-lift mechanisms may be coupled to each other so that they adjust in a synchronous manner in at least one or both adjustment directions. For example, the scissor-lift mechanisms may be coupled by a pulley system further described below or by some form of linkage. The terms lower and / or upper may be used only for distinguishing ends of a lever as a designation but may also indicate relative positions in the erected configuration and / or transport configuration relative to each other when the tent is mounted to the vehicle.
[0015] Ends of each lever may be fixedly or moveably connected to the base or roof. For example, the first end of each lever may be fixedly connected to one of the rigid parts of the tent and the second end of each lever may be moveably connected to one of the rigid parts of the tent. Instead of moveably connected, one lever or leg may also be length adjustable to compensate for the adjustment movement. The scissor-lift mechanism and also the adjustment device may be free of other levers, legs, linkages and the like besides those described herein. The tent may also be free of further lift-scissor mechanisms besides the two described herein. The tent may thus have simple adjustment means. For example, the tent may only comprise two scissor-lift mechanism with each exactly two levers. The scissor-lift mechanism may be biased towards the erected configuration. The scissor-lift mechanism may provide a fully predetermined movement path for the roof relative to the base, such as a combination of a translating and pivoting movement. This may facilitate adjusting the tent configuration. Moreover, this may allow to predetermine folding of the canopy, ensuring that the canopy is always completely arranged in the shell when adjusting the tent in the transport configuration.
[0016] Another aspect relates to the scissor-lift mechanism. The scissor-lift mechanism may be configured for the adjustment device according to the further aspect previously discussed. The scissor-lift mechanism may be configured for a tent, such as the tent according to the first aspect. Embodiments, examples and features of the first and the further aspect constitute embodiments, examples and features of this other aspect and vice-versa. The scissor-lift mechanism may be configured for connecting a rigid roof moveably to a rigid base of a tent. The scissor-lift mechanism may be configured to move the roof relative to the base between a transport position, in which the tent is in a transport configuration, and an erected position, in which the tent is in an erected configuration.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device further comprises a pulley system configured to adjust the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration. For example, the pulley system may comprise a rope attached to the roof and / or some levers of the scissor-lift mechanism. The pulley system may allow comfortable remote adjustment, such as from the side and / or back of the vehicle. The pulley system may synchronize two or more scissor-lift mechanisms. For example, the pulley system may allow a user to adjust the tent in the transport configuration by pulling on the rope of the pulley system. The pulley system may be purely manually actuated or may be partially or fully motor actuated. Further, the pulley system may have a hoist functionality, which provides a gear ratio to either lower actuation forces or increase actuation speed. The pulley system may have a gear ratio of one, for example if the rope is simply directly attached. The pulley system may be lightweight and require little to no extra space. The rope may be a textile rope, cable, cord or other limp elongated element. The rope may be a rope element.
[0018] The pulley system may be pulling directly on one of the levers of the first scissor-lift mechanism when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration. For example, one end of the rope or some form of roller or other redirecting element may be mounted on an upper end of one of the levers of the first scissor-lift mechanism. When pulling on the rope, the lever may be pulled towards the base, thus lowering the roof as well. The pulley system may be pulling directly on one of the levers of the second scissor-lift mechanism when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration as well, if such a second scissor-lift mechanism is present. For example, the rope may split into two ends, each attached to a lever of a corresponding of the two scissor-lift mechanism. By pulling directly on the lever, adjustment forces are applied to the scissor-lift mechanism instead of the roof, which may be sturdier than the roof. Forces acting on the roof during adjustment may thus be low. The roof may thus be designed in a particular lightweight manner. For example, the pulley system is pulling directly on one of the upper ends when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the pulley system comprises a redirecting element, such as a wheel or roller, which is mounted to the lever, in particular its upper end. The rope may be redirected by this redirecting element. For example, one end of the rope may be fixedly attached to the base and / or a lower end of a lever. By pulling on an opposite end of the rope, the redirecting element is thus pulled downwards with the lever and thus the roof. When referring herein to the lever in the context of the pulley system, it may refer to the lever of the scissor-lift mechanism the pulley system is configured to pull directly. The tent may be configured for adjustment towards the transport configuration when pulling on the pulley system, in particular when pulling on a free end of the rope.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device comprises a second scissor-lift mechanism. For example, the adjustment device and the tent only comprise two scissor-lift mechanisms. The second scissor-lift mechanism may comprise a first lever with a lower first end connected to the base and an upper second end connected to the roof. The second scissor-lift mechanism may comprise a second lever with an upper first end connected to the roof and a lower second end connected to the base. The two levers of the second scissor-lift mechanism are pivotably connected to each other with a hinge.
[0020] The second scissor-lift mechanism may be identical to the first scissor-lift mechanism. The pulley system may be configured to simultaneously pull directly on the lever of the first scissor-lift mechanism and one of the levers of the second scissor-lift mechanism when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the tent, at least one of the levers of the first scissor-lift mechanism and / or of the second scissor-lift mechanism is connected moveably to one of the rigid parts of the tent, in particular moveably connected to the base and / or roof. For example, the roof and / or the base may comprise a track in which the respective end can translatory move along the rigid part. The track may be formed in a profile element of a frame of the rigid part. The lever may be arranged with a corresponding end in the track. For example, the second end of the first lever of each scissor-lift mechanism may be arranged in a track in the roof. The redirecting element may be mounted to the end of the lever moveably connected to a rigid part and / or to an upper end of a lever. In the transport configuration, the moveable end of a lever may abut an end of the track. Alternatively or additionally, the hinge may block further lever pivoting and / or the levers may rest on each other in the transport configuration. In the erected configuration, the moveable end of the lever may not abut an end of the track, but further movement may be blocked by the canopy. The canopy may thus be properly tensioned even if the fabric ages and / or elongates. Alternatively or additionally, the hinge may block further lever pivoting and / or the moveable end of the lever may abut an end of the track in the erected configuration.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the tent, at least one of the levers of the first and / or second scissor-lift mechanism has an adjustable length. For example, the second lever of each scissor-lift mechanism may have an adjustable length. The length adjustment may be a telescopic length adjustment. For example, the lever or leg of the lever may comprise two elements, such as a cylinder and a rod, that are attached and relatively moveable along their lengths. Any length adjustable lever may be biased towards their full length, thus biasing the tent towards the erected configuration. A length adjustable lever may allow easy integration of a bias and fixed connection to a rigid part. A fixed connection at the base may reliably prevent pinching of a user.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the tent, the length adjustable lever comprises a gas spring. A gas spring may have a cylinder and a rod. A gas spring may have a pressurized chamber in cylinder, wherein the pressure pushes the rod outwards. The cylinder end of the gas spring is arranged above a rod end of the gas spring in at least the erected configuration of the tent. The gas spring may thus be arranged upside down. This may provide protection from water ingress into the cylinder, thus reducing maintenance. Further, oil in the gas spring may thus lubricate a seal of the gas spring better. The gas spring may be arranged below the hinge in at least the erected configuration of the tent, such as when the tent is mounted on the vehicle. For example, the gas spring may form a leg of the lever extending from the hinge towards the base. A length of a lever arm of the weight of the gas spring acting on the mechanism may thus be short. The arrangement of the gas spring below the hinge may result in low loads on roof and low loads that need to be biased upwards. The scissor-lift mechanism may thus be lightweight. Below may refer to a situation when the tent is mounted to the vehicle and / or when standing in an orientation intended for use. The gas spring may be configured to provide the length-adjustability.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the tent, each lever of the first and / or second scissor-lift mechanism comprises a first leg and a second leg. The first leg and the second leg may be arranged axially parallel off-set to each other, so that the first leg of the first lever and the second leg of the second lever may be arranged essentially coaxial to each other in the transport configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the off-set may result in that the first leg of the first lever and the first leg of the second lever are axially parallel off-set to each other and / or arranged adjacent to each other in the transport configuration. The off-set for the legs of one lever may be provided by the hinge. A vertical extension of the scissor-lift mechanism in the transport configuration may thus be very low, allowing a very compact transport configuration and / or thicker levers.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent in the transport configuration when the tent is adjusted beyond a first position towards the transport configuration. For example, when the tent has been sufficiently collapsed, gravity may pull the roof down into the transport position. For example, the leverage of the gas spring may be too small after crossing the first position to keep the roof in position or push the roof back into the erected position. The tent may thus be self-closing after being closed sufficiently enough. This may reduce the amount the pulley system needs to be pulled to adjust the tent in the transport configuration. Further, this may reliably keep the tent in the transport configuration, for example without a lock or other fixation means and / or despite a bias of the adjustment mechanism towards the erected configuration. The first position may be between the transport position and erected position.
[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent in the erected configuration when the tent is adjusted beyond a second position towards the erected configuration. For example, when the tent has been sufficiently extended, the bias in the adjustment mechanism towards the erected position may fully raise the roof. For example, the leverage of the gas spring may be sufficiently large when crossing the second position to push the roof back into the erected position. The tent may thus be self-opening after being opened sufficiently enough. This may reduce a user needs to push the tent roof upwards and / or actuating some other mechanism to adjust the tent in the erected configuration. For example, this may allow the roof to be raised beyond a position in which the user can still reach the roof with his hands, in particular if the tent can be adjusted towards the transport configuration with the pulley system. A user may just initial push the roof upwards with his hands beyond the second position and then the tent may self-erect the rest of the way towards the erected configuration. The second position may be between the transport position and erected position. The first and second position may be identical, or there may be range or point in-between the erected configuration and the transport configuration in which the tent is balanced and thus does not self-adjust towards either of the two configurations.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device is balanced in the transport configuration. For example, the tent may not self-adjust into the transport configuration in any position. The tent may thus be particular easy to adjust, especially from the transport configuration towards the erected configuration.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the tent, the pulley system comprises an actuating element, such as a handle, grip or bar, for adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration. The actuating element may be pulled for adjusting the tent towards the transport configuration. The handle may comprise storage means for the rope, such as a spool. The handle may be attached to a free end of the rope. The actuating element may be arranged at corner facing backwards when the tent is mounted to the vehicle, at a side facing backwards when the tent is mounted to the vehicle or at a side facing towards a lateral side of the vehicle when the tent is mounted to the vehicle. The actuating element may thus be easy to reach for a user. Further, a central interface location can be provided for the user to adjust the tent towards the transport configuration. Pulling the actuating element may act on all scissor-lift mechanisms in a uniform manner.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the tent, the pulley system is at least partially arranged in a guide channel in the base. For example, the rope may at least partially be arranged in the guide channel. The guide channel may be formed by a track and / or through hole in the base. The rope may be partially arranged in the guide channel between a respective scissor-lift mechanism and the actuating element. The guide channel may prevent pinching of a user with the rope and / or interference of the canopy and the rope with each other.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the tent, the pulley system has a storage device, such as a spring-based spool or winch, for rope retraction. For example, when the tent has been adjusted into the transport configuration, a longer section of the rope may protrude from the base than in the erected configuration. This section of the rope may be stored in the storage device, in particular reeled into the storage device. The pulley system may be configured for automatic storage of limp rope outside the base, such as with the spring-based spool. Alternatively or additionally, manual storage means may be provided, such as a manually actuated winch. The storage device may be integrated into actuating element and / or the base.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the tent, the hinge of the first and / or second scissor-lift mechanism comprises two hinge halves. Each half may form a part of a different lever of the respective lever. The hinge and scissor-lift mechanism may thus be easy to assemble. For example, the two halves of the hinge may be held together by one or more legs of the levers. One or more legs connected to the hinge may be nested in grooves of the hinge or be cupped over ends of the hinge. The halves of the hinge may be made from plastic or metal. For example, no additional attachment means for the two hinge halves may be provided. For example, the two hinge halves are not otherwise glued or screwed together.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the tent, the hinge comprises a friction reducing component, such as an internal plastic disc between the two hinge halves. This may reduce actuating forces necessary to pivot the levers of each scissor-lift mechanism. Adjustment of the tent configuration may thus require less force.
[0033] According to an embodiment of the tent, the first and / or second scissor-lift mechanism has not reached a maximum mechanical extension in the erected configuration of the tent. A maximum mechanical extension may be defined by an extension of the track in which a lever is moveably mounted and / or by a maximum extension of a length adjustable lever. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second scissor-lift mechanism is stopped by tension in the canopy of the tent in the erected configuration of the tent. This may keep the fabric tightly in the erected configuration during aging of the tent and / or despite tolerance in canopy manufacturing. The erected position may thus be defined by the canopy, which may be the part of the tent with the highest manufacturing tolerances. Sufficient tension in the canopy may result in a smooth look of the erected tent. Respective moveably attached levers of the scissor-lift mechanisms may not slide all the way to the end in their track in the erected configuration.
[0034] According to an embodiment of the tent, the canopy comprises a window with a cover, wherein the cover is adjustable between an open state and a closed state. The cover may be a rain cover and / or non-see-through. In the open state, the cover may at least partially unblock a through hole in the canopy. In the closed state, the cover may block the through hole in the canopy. In the closed state, the cover may be attached to the rest of the canopy along its circumference. In the open state, at least some section of an edge of the cover may be detached from the rest of the canopy, such as by a zipper. A lower edge of the cover may be permanently attached to the rest of the canopy, such as by a seam or by being formed in one-unitarian piece with the rest of the canopy. Alternatively, an upper edge of the cover may be permanently attached to the rest of the canopy, such as by a seam or by being formed in one-unitarian piece with the rest of the canopy. A sealing tape may be provided at the edge where the cover is attached and where water can collect. The window further comprises a net, such as an insect net or other form of mesh. The net may fully cover the window and / or extend fully across the through hole in the cover. The cover may be arranged on an interior side, thus for example facing an interior living space in the tent and / or being arranged interior to the net. The cover is thus reachable from the inside for adjustment, even if the net cannot be open and / or detached. The net may be non-adjustable, in particular not adjustable between an open and a closed state. The net may be permanently attached to the rest of the canopy. The net may allow the canopy to remain tensioned at the window even with the cover being open. The window may thus extend very far around the tent even if the canopy determines the erected position of the roof by preventing the scissor-lift mechanism from extending further. For example, the window may extend along a full side of the tent, such as the lower smaller end in the wedge-shaped tent, and / or around one or two corners of the canopy in a circumferential direction.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device is configured to selectively provide a first transport position and a second transport position for the roof relative to the base. The tent may thus be configured to either adjust into a first or second transport configuration. The roof may be spaced further apart from the base in the second transport position than the first transport position. The first transport position may thus allow a tent in the transport configuration with a low profile and low volume. The second transport position may thus allow a tent in the transport configuration with a higher storage space. This may allow users to transport objects in the tent in the transport configuration without unduly stressing a closure of the tent in the transport configuration. For example, thicker blankets and pillows may remain in the tent together with a mattress and the tent may be adjusted in the second transport configuration to accommodate this. The roof and / or base may have sufficiently high edges extending towards each other to provide full closure in both transport configurations. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing element may be provided between the base and roof that stretches and / or contracts to accommodate a gap in both transport positions. For example, the sealing element may be elastic and / or comprise a corrugated section for this purpose.
[0036] Yet a further aspect relates to an adjustment device for a tent that is configured to provide two transport positions for the roof in a transport configuration of a tent for a vehicle. Embodiments, examples and features of the previously described aspects constitute embodiments, examples and features of this further aspect and vice-versa.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device is configured for a manual selection of the desired transport position. For example, a cam or an end stop may be adjusted to determine in which of the two transport positions the roof will come to rest when the tent is adjusted into the transport configuration. Such a configuration may be simple and cost-effective. For example, adjustment may be centrally effected, such as by a linkage or another pulley system, or require manual adjustment at each connection of levers with the base. Alternatively, the adjustment device is configured to automatically provide the first transport position and the second transport position depending on an amount of filler in the tent when being adjusted into the transport configuration. For example, a moveable hinge or a cam may self-engage when the roof encounters resistance when adjusting the tent towards the transport configuration. A tent configured in such a way may be easy to use.
[0038] According to an embodiment of the tent, the adjustment device comprises at least one floating pivot. A floating pivot may be a hinge that provides a pivoting degree of freedom and one degree of freedom for allowing a pivot axis to translatory shift, for example in a direction orthogonally to the pivot axis, in a vertical direction and / or a direction towards the rigid part of the tent it is not attached to. The floating pivot may be attaching a lever of the first scissor-lift mechanism to the base or roof. For example, each lower end of each leg and / or lever of each scissor-lift mechanism may be connected to the base with a floating pivot. Additionally or alternatively, each upper end of each leg and / or lever of each scissor-lift mechanism may be connected to the base with a floating pivot. A floating pivot may have a translatory moveable pivoting axis, in particular moveable in a vertical direction when the tent is mounted to the vehicle. For example, the pivot axis may be at a lower end of a movement range for the first transport position of the roof and at an upper end of this movement range for the second transport position of the roof.
[0039] According to an embodiment of the tent, the floating pivot comprises a pivoting element and a strut with a track. The pivot element may be a bar or shaft, for example fixedly attached to or integrally formed in a lower end of a leg and / or lever of a scissor lift-mechanism. The strut with the track may be fixed to the base. The pivoting element may be translatory moveable mounted in the track of the strut. The track may extend in the vertical direction when the tent is mounted to the vehicle. The strut may be a metal part. The track may be formed by an elongated through hole in the strut.
[0040] According to an embodiment of the tent, the floating pivot comprises an end stop element adjustable between a first position and a second position. For example, the end stop element may be slidable along the base between its two positions. The end stop element may be arranged adjacent to the strut with the track of the floating pivot. The end stop element may be arranged underneath a lever of a scissor-lift mechanism. The end stop may at least abut against a lever of a scissor-lift mechanism and / or the pivoting element when the end stop element is in its second position and the tent is in the transport configuration. For example, the end stop element in the second position engages the pivoting element so that the pivoting element is kept at an upper end section of the track when the tent is adjusted into the transport configuration.
[0041] According to an embodiment of the tent, the end stop element is moveably mounted along the base or the roof, for example in a track. Alternatively or additionally, the end stop element in the first position allows the pivoting element to pivot at a lower end section of the track. For example, the end stop element does not engage the pivoting element in the first position when the tent is adjusted into the transport configuration. For example, the lever may have a recess that may slide over the end stop element in the second position when the tent is adjusted into the transport configuration.
[0042] According to an embodiment of the tent, the canopy comprises rigid elements defining a folding axis when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration into the transport configuration. For example, two plastic plates or glass fiber bars may be arranged in pockets of the canopy that define a folding line therebetween. The rigid elements may form a living hinge in the canopy. The living hinge and an interior pocket of the tent formed in the canopy may be arranged in the same section. The rigid elements, such as the plates, may support the canopy in the area of the pockets, facilitating pocket use and / or preventing outward bulging of filled pockets. This may provide additional rain protection. The rigid elements may predetermine folding and / or ensure that the canopy folds inwards when adjusting the tent into the transport configuration. The tent may also comprise an elastic cord, such as a bungie cord, that extends around a partial circumference of the tent. The elastic cord may be attached to at least one of the scissor-lift mechanism, such as to the hinges of two scissor-lift mechanisms. The scissor-lift mechanism, in particular the hinge, may move relative to the base in the horizontal direction and / or along the longitudinal extension of the tent when adjusting the tent in the transport configuration. A tension in the elastic cord may ensure that the canopy folds inwards when adjusting the tent in the transport configuration.ITEM LIST
[0043] The following item lists relates to further embodiments, examples and features. 1. Tent for mounting to a vehicle, in particular a vehicle roof, wherein the tent comprises a rigid base, a rigid roof and a canopy, wherein the tent comprises an adjustment device, wherein the roof is moveably connected to the base by the adjustment device, wherein the adjustment device is configured to move the roof relative to the base between a transport position, in which the tent is in a transport configuration, and an erected position, in which the tent is in an erected configuration. 2. Tent according to item 1, wherein the adjustment device comprises a first scissor-lift mechanism, wherein the first scissor-lift mechanism comprises a first lever with a lower first end connected to the base and an upper second end connected to the roof and a second lever with an upper first end connected to the roof and a lower second end connected to the base, wherein the two levers of the scissor-lift mechanism are pivotably connected to each other with a hinge. 3. Tent according to item 2, wherein the adjustment device further comprises a pulley system configured to adjust the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration, wherein the pulley system is pulling directly on one of the levers of the first scissor-lift mechanism when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration, in particular wherein the pulley system is pulling directly on one of the upper ends when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration and / or wherein the pulley system comprises a redirecting element, such as a wheel or roller, which is mounted to the lever, in particular its upper end. 4. Tent according to item 3, wherein the adjustment device comprises a second scissor-lift mechanism, wherein the second scissor-lift mechanism comprises a first lever with a lower first end connected to the base and an upper second end connected to the roof and a second lever with an upper first end connected to the roof and a lower second end connected to the base, wherein the two levers second scissor-lift mechanism are pivotably connected to each other with a hinge, wherein the pulley system is simultaneously pulling directly on the lever of the first scissor-lift mechanism and one of the levers of the second scissor-lift mechanism when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration. 5. Tent according any one of items 2 to 4, wherein at least one of the levers of the first scissor-lift mechanism is connected moveably, in particular moveably connected to the base and / or roof and / or in particular by being arranged with a corresponding end in a track. 6. Tent according any one of items 2 to 5, wherein at least one of the levers of the first scissor-lift mechanism has an adjustable length, in particular a telescopically adjustable length adjustable. 7. Tent according to item 6, wherein the length adjustable lever comprises a gas spring, in particular wherein a cylinder end of the gas spring is arranged above a rod end of the gas spring in at least the erected configuration of the tent and / or wherein the gas spring is arranged below the hinge in at least the erected configuration of the tent. 8. Tent according any one of items 2 to 7, wherein each lever of the first scissor-lift mechanism comprises a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg are axially parallel off-set to each other, so that the first leg of the first lever and the second leg of the second lever are arranged essentially coaxial to each other in the transport configuration. 9. Tent according any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent in the transport configuration when the tent is adjusted beyond a first position towards the transport configuration and / or wherein the adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent in the erected configuration when the tent is adjusted beyond a second position towards the erected configuration. 10. Tent according any one of the items 1 to 8, wherein the adjustment device is balanced in the transport configuration. 11. Tent according any one of the items 3 to 10, wherein the pulley system comprises an actuating element, such as a handle, for adjusting the tent from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration, in particular wherein the actuating element is arranged at corner facing backwards when the tent is mounted to the vehicle. 12. Tent according any one of the items 3 to 11, wherein the pulley system is at least partially arranged in a guide channel in the base. 13. Tent according any one of the items 3 to 12, wherein the pulley system has a storage device, such as a spring-based spool or winch, for rope retraction. 14. Tent according any one of the items 2 to 13, wherein the hinge comprises two hinge halves, in particular which are held together by at least one leg of one lever. 15. Tent according any one of the items 2 to 14, wherein the hinge comprises a friction reducing component, such as an internal plastic disc between the two hinge halves. 16. Tent according any one of the items 2 to 15, wherein the first scissor-lift mechanism has not reached a maximum mechanical extension in the erected configuration of the tent and / or wherein the first scissor-lift mechanism is stopped by tension in the canopy of the tent in the erected configuration of the tent. 17. Tent according any one of the preceding items, wherein the canopy comprises a window with a cover, wherein the cover is adjustable between an open state and a closed state, and with a net, wherein the cover is arranged on an interior side and / or wherein the net is non-adjustable. 18. Tent according any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjustment device is configured to selectively provide a first transport position and a second transport position for the roof relative to the base, wherein the roof is spaced further apart from the base in the second transport position than the first transport position. 19. Tent according to item 18, wherein the adjustment device is configured for a manual selection of the desired transport position or wherein the adjustment device is configured to automatically provide the first transport position and the second transport position depending on an amount of filler in the tent when being adjusted into the transport configuration. 20. Tent according to item 18 or 19, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least one floating pivot, in particular attaching a lever of the first scissor-lift mechanism to the base or roof. 21. Tent according to item 20, wherein the floating pivot comprises a pivoting element and a strut with a track, wherein the pivoting element is translatory moveably mounted in the track of the strut. 22. Tent according to item 21, wherein the floating pivot comprises an end stop element adjustable between a first position and a second position, in particular wherein the end stop element in the second position engages the pivoting element so that the pivoting element is kept at an upper end section of the track. 23. Tent according to item 21 or 22, wherein the end stop element is moveably mounted along the base and / or wherein the end stop element in the first position allows the pivoting element to pivot at a lower end section of the track. 24. Tent according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the canopy comprises rigid elements defining a folding axis when adjusting the tent from the erected configuration into the transport configuration. Brief description of the drawings
[0044] Fig. 1shows in a schematic rear perspective view a tent mounted to the roof top of a vehicle, wherein the tent is in its erected configuration. Fig. 2shows in a schematic perspective view the tent of Fig. 1 in its transport configuration. Fig. 3shows in a schematic side view parts of the tent of Fig. 1 mounted to the roof top of the vehicle, wherein the tent is in its transport configuration. Fig. 4illustrates in a schematic view an adjustment device for changing a configuration of the tent of Fig. 1, wherein the adjustment device comprises two scissor-lift mechanisms and a pulley system. Fig. 5illustrates in a schematic side view the kinematics of the two scissor-lift mechanisms, wherein a shown extended position of the adjustment device corresponds to the erected configuration of the tent. Fig. 6illustrates in a schematic side view an intermediate position of the two scissor-lift mechanisms, wherein the intermediate position corresponds to a position of the roof of the tent between its erected position and one of its transport positions. Fig. 7illustrates in a schematic side view a fully collapsed position of the two scissor-lift mechanisms with a floating pivot in a first position, which corresponds to a first transport position of the roof and to the transport configuration of the tent. Fig. 8illustrates in a schematic side view a fully collapsed position of the two scissor-lift mechanisms with floating pivot in a second position, which corresponds to a second transport position of the roof and to the transport configuration of the tent. Figs. 9 and 10illustrate in schematic side view how an adjustable end stop causes the floating pivot to be in the first position when adjusting the tent in its transport configuration. Figs. 11 and 12illustrate in schematic side view how the adjustable end stop causes the floating pivot to be in the second position when adjusting the tent in its transport configuration. Fig. 13illustrate in schematic perspective view where the adjustable end stop may engage a lever of one of the scissor-lift mechanisms. Fig. 14illustrates in a schematic perspective view how a lever of one of the scissor-lift mechanisms is moveably connected to a roof of the tent. Fig. 15illustrates in a schematic side view how a rope of the pulley system is channeled through a base of the tent. Fig. 16illustrates in a schematic view a hinge of one of the scissor-lift mechanisms. Fig. 17illustrates in a schematic view how legs of levers of the scissor-lift mechanisms may be connected to the hinge and keep two halves of the hinge attached to each other. Detailed description of the embodiments
[0045] Fig. 1 shows a tent 10 that is mounted to a vehicle. In the presently shown example, the tent 10 is mounted to a load carrier on the roof of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the tent 10 is configured for mounting to the rear of the vehicle, such as to a trailer hitch. Any directions, axis and / or relative arrangement of parts is described in the following with reference to the tent 10 mounted to the vehicle and the vehicle standing on a flat horizontal surface, if not described otherwise.
[0046] The tent 10 comprises a rigid base 12, a rigid roof 14 and a limp canopy 16 made from a fabric. The canopy 16 is attached at an upper end to the roof 14 and at a lower end to the base 12. In Fig. 1, the tent 10 is shown in its erected configuration in which the canopy 16 is tensioned between the base 12 and the roof 14. The tent 10 has an interior living space in the erected configuration, for which the canopy 16 forms a circumferential side wall. In the erected configuration, the tent 10 has a wedge shape. The roof 14 is upwardly inclined in the backward direction relative to the base 12, with a forward end of the roof 14 being spaced apart less from the base 12 than a rear end. The base 12 comprises an outer frame extending around its circumference, which comprises aluminum profiles, and a honeycomb plate arranged within the frame. The roof 14 comprises an outer frame extending around its circumference, which comprises aluminum profiles, and an ABS plate arranged within the frame. Additionally, the roof 14 comprises laterally extending bars for further support of the ABS plate. The canopy 16 comprises closable lateral side openings 18 through which users may enter an interior of the tent 10 with the help of a ladder of the tent 10. The canopy 16 comprises a closable rear opening 20, which may also be used for entering and / or exiting the tent 10. The lateral side openings 18 and the rear opening 20 are separated by a corner section of the canopy 16 that extends fully between the base 12 and the roof 14, thus allowing the canopy 16 to be tensioned in this area despite the openings 18, 20. The lateral side openings 18 and the rear opening 20 may optionally be provided with a net that can be adjusted between an open and a closed state to keep out insects while still allowing entry into the tent 10.
[0047] The canopy 16 also has a front window 22 with an opening in the fabric that extends along the whole front side and corners of the canopy 16 connecting the front side to the lateral sides of the canopy 16. The front window 22 comprises a cover that is adjustable between an open state and a closed state with a zipper. The front window 22 further comprises a net. The cover is arranged on an interior side of the net so that user inside the tent 10 may adjust its state. The net is non-adjustable, thus allowing the canopy 16 to remain tensioned between the base 12 and roof 14 at the front despite the front window 22 extending around the corners to the lateral sides of the tent 10.
[0048] The tent 10 comprises an adjustment device that allows a user to move the roof 14 relative to the base 12 between a transport position, in which the tent 10 is in a transport configuration, and an erected position, in which the tent 10 is in the erected configuration. Fig. 2 shows the tent 10 in the transport configuration. In the transport configuration, the base 12 and roof 14 form a lower and upper rigid part of a cover. The canopy 16 is folded during collapsing of the tent 10 in the transport configuration and is arranged inside the cover. The tent 10 does not provide an interior living space in the transport configuration. However, soft objects such as blankets, pillows and mattresses may remain within the tent 10 or the cover in the transport configuration. Depending on how many objects are to remain within the tent 10 in the transport configuration, the roof 14 may either be adjusted into a first or second transport position, providing different amounts of interior storage space and resulting in a different height of the tent 10 in the transport configuration. This will be further detailed down below. In the transport configuration, the roof 14 is arranged parallel and adjacent to the base 12.
[0049] The tent 10 also comprises a sealing element 24. The sealing element 24 is fixedly attached to the roof 14 and can be removably attached to the base 12 in the transport configuration. The sealing element 24 closes a circumferential gap between the base 12 and the roof 14 in the transport configuration. Further, in one embodiment attaching the sealing element 24 to the base 12 also fixes the roof 14 to the base 12. Alternatively or additionally, the tent 10 may comprise a lock and / or clamp for fixing the roof 14 to the base 12 in the transport configuration. The sealing element 24 comprises a corrugated section extending between the roof 14 and the base 12 in the transport configuration to accommodate different distances between the base 12 and the roof 14 in the first and second transport position of the roof 14. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element 24 may be made from an elastic and / or flexible material.
[0050] The adjustment device comprises two scissor-lift mechanisms 26, one of which is arranged on each lateral side of the tent 10 outside of the canopy 16. In another embodiment, the scissor-lift mechanisms 26 may be arranged on an inside of the canopy 16. Both scissor-lift mechanisms 26 are configured identically so that the following will refer to the scissor-lift mechanism 26 for sake of simplicity. If not indicated otherwise, this refers to both scissor-lift mechanisms 26. The scissor-lift mechanisms 26 are configured to bias the roof 14 towards its erected position.
[0051] The scissor-lift mechanism 26 comprises a first lever 30 with a lower first end 32 fixedly connected to the base 12 and an upper second end 34 moveably connected to the roof 14. For the moveable connection, the upper second end 34 of the first lever 30 is translatory arranged in a track 60 formed in the frame of the roof 14, as is illustrated in Fig. 14. The scissor-lift mechanism 26 comprises a second lever 40 with an upper first end 42 fixedly connected to the roof 14 and a lower second end 44 fixedly connected to the base 12. The first lever 30 and the second lever 40 of the scissor-lift mechanism 26 are pivotably connected to each other with a hinge 50. An inclination of the two levers 30, 40 is opposite to each other, thus forming a cross shape.
[0052] The first lever 30 comprises a first leg 36 extending from the lower first end 32 to the hinge 50. The first lever 30 comprises a second leg 38 extending from the hinge 50 to the upper second end 34. The first leg 36 and the second leg 38 of the first lever 30 are configured as aluminum frame parts. The first lever 30 thus has a fixed length.
[0053] The second lever 40 comprises a first leg 46 extending from the upper first end 42 to the hinge 50. The second lever 40 comprises a second leg 48 extending from the hinge 50 to the second lower end 44. The first leg 46 of the second lever 40 is configured as an aluminum frame part. The second leg 48 of the second lever 40 is configured as a gas spring and thus telescopically length adjustable, resulting in a length adjustable second lever 40. The gas spring biases the scissor-lift mechanism 26 to an extended position in which the roof 14 is lifted from the base 12 towards the erected configuration of the tent 10. A cylinder of the gas spring is connected to the hinge 50 while a rod end of the gas spring is connected to the lower second end 44 of the base 12. The gas spring has an upside-down arrangement in which the cylinder is arranged above the rod at least in the erected configuration. The gas spring is also arranged below the hinge 50 at least in the erected configuration. This may be beneficial for water ingress prevention, seal oiling and loads on the scissor-lift mechanism 26.
[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the lower second end 44 of the second lever 40 is also moveably connected to the base 12, similar to the connection of the second end 34 of the first lever 30 with the roof 14. In such an embodiment, the scissor-lift mechanism 26 may be biased towards its extended position with different means, such as a gas spring not integrated in one of the levers 30, 40.
[0055] The hinge 50 may be arranged off-center in the first lever 30 and second lever 40. Additionally or alternatively, the scissor-lift mechanism 26 is arranged off-center in the longitudinal direction of the tent 10, in the present example shifted towards the front end of the tent 10. This, the moveable attachment of the upper second end 34 of the first lever 30 at the end facing away from the front end of the tent 10 and the length adjustability of the second lever 40 at the lower second end 44 facing away from the front end of the tent 10 causes the inclination of the roof 14 in the erected configuration with a higher headspace at the backwards facing end of the tent 10 than at the forward facing end of the tent 10, resulting also in the wedge shape of the tent 10 in the erected configuration. Due to the off-center positioning, components from the scissor-lift mechanism 26 and a pulley system 70 described further below are not arranged in front of the lateral side openings 18 in the erected configuration.
[0056] The adjustment device further comprises a pulley system 70 configured to adjust the tent 10 from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration. The pulley system 70 can best be seen in Fig. 4. The pulley system 70 comprises a rope 72 that is attached with one end to the second lower end 44 of the second lever 40. In the shown example, the attachment is down with a carabiner to allow easy replacement. Other attachments, such as by a knot or clamp, are also possible. Alternatively, this end of the rope 72 may also be attached to the base 12. From the attached end, the rope 72 is extending upwards towards the roof 14. At the roof 14, the pulley system 70 has a redirecting element 74 in form of a roller on which the rope 72 is resting. The redirecting element 74 is fixed to the upper second end 34 of the first lever 30 and is thus moveable translatory along the base 12. An axis of rotation of the redirecting element 74 is parallel to an axis of pivoting of the hinge 50. The redirecting element 74 directs the rope 72 downwards towards the base 12. There is an entrance to an internal guide channel 76 in a frame part of the base 12. The entrance and the guide channel 76 guide the rope 72 along the base 12 towards a backwards end. At the backwards end, the rope 72 is protruding from the base 12 and is forming a free end. The pulley system 70 may comprise an actuating element, such as a handle, that is attached to the free end of the rope 72. In one embodiment the rope 72 protrudes from a middle at the backwards end of the base 12. In another embodiment, the rope 72 protrudes from a corner of the base 12. In the presently shown example, each scissor-lift mechanism 26 has a corresponding rope element. Those two rope elements may be attached to each other, for example in the base 12. Alternatively, both rope elements may be attached to a common actuating element of the pulley system 70.
[0057] To adjust the tent 10 from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration, a user may pull on the rope 72, for example on the free end and / or the actuating element. The pulley system 70 is pulling directly on the first lever 30 of each scissor-lift mechanism 26 downwards in this case. An angle between the two levers 30, 40 of each scissor-lift mechanism 26 is thus reduced, therefore also reducing a height of each scissor-lift mechanism 26 and lowering the roof 14 towards the base 12. The scissor-lift mechanisms 26 fully define the kinematic of the adjustment. The hinge 50 moves towards a middle section of the base 12 and roof 14 between the first ends 32, 42 and the second ends 34, 44 of the two levers 30, 40, as indicated by the lines 80 in Fig. 5. When adjusting the tent 10 towards the transport configuration, the upper second end 34 of the first lever 30 moves in the roof 14 away from the upper first end 42 of the second lever 40 and thus towards a backward end of the tent 10, as indicated by arrow 82. Further, the upper second end 34 of the first lever 30 moves together with the roof 14 translatory backwards and pivots downwards, as indicated by line 84. The roof 14 moves translatory backwards and pivots downwards, as indicated by arrow 86. The gas spring in the second leg 48 of the second lever 40 shortens and thus compresses the gas spring, as indicated by arrow 88. The second lever 40 thus shortens when adjusting the tent 10 into the transport configuration. The adjusting force acts directly on the scissor-lift mechanisms 26 without bending or acting directly on the roof 14. The roof 14 is not reenforced to withstand a force directly pushing it downwards in one embodiment, such as a user pushing onto the backwards end of the roof 14 in the erected configuration. Due to the rope 72 being connected to both scissor-lift mechanisms 26, the pulley system 70 is simultaneously pulling directly on the upper second ends 34 of the first lever 30 of each scissor-lift mechanism 26 downwards when adjusting the tent 10 from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration. The movement of both scissor-lift mechanisms 26 is thus synchronized.
[0058] In one embodiment, the pulley system 70 has a storage device for rope 72 retraction. The storage device is configured to store excess rope 72 protruding from the base 12 when the tent 10 is adjusted into the transport configuration. For example, the storage device comprises a spring-based spool integrated into the actuating element.
[0059] In one embodiment, the force leverages, the strength of the gas springs and the weight of the components, such as the roof 14, the scissor-lift mechanisms 26 and the canopy 16 are matched so that the adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent 10 in the transport configuration when the tent 10 is adjusted beyond a first position towards the transport configuration. For example, once the user has pulled the roof 14 sufficiently downward towards the base 12, the tent 10 will further close into the transport configuration by itself.
[0060] To adjust the tent 10 from the transport configuration into the erected configuration, a user may push the roof 14 upwards, for example at the backside. The gas spring in the scissor-lift mechanisms 26 support this so that forces exerted by the user on the roof 14 may be low. The adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent 10 in the erected configuration when the roof 14 is adjusted beyond a second position towards the erected position and thus the tent 10 is adjusted beyond a second position towards the erected configuration. For example, once the user has pushed the roof 14 sufficiently high, the scissor-lift mechanisms 26 extend until a tension in the canopy 16 blocks further movement. In one embodiment, the upper second end 34 of the first lever 30 has not reached the end of the track 60 and / or the gas spring in the second lever 40 has not fully extended when the tension in the canopy 16 blocks further lifting of the roof 14. The scissor-lift mechanisms 26 thus have not reached their maximum mechanical extension in the erected configuration of the tent 10, so that the adjustment device may compensate for tolerances in and stretching of the canopy 16.
[0061] Fig. 6 illustrates the scissor-lift mechanism 26 in a position between the erected configuration and the transport configuration of the tent 10. Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate the scissor-lift mechanism 26 in two different positions for providing the transport configuration of the tent 10. As can be seen, the hinge 50 provides an off-set between the first leg 36, 46 of each lever 30, 40 and the second leg 38, 48 of the corresponding levers 30, 40. The first leg 36, 46 and the second leg 38, 48 of each lever 30, 40 are axially parallel offset to each other. The first leg 36 of the first lever 30 and the second leg 48 of the second lever 40 are arranged essentially coaxial to each other in the transport configuration. The second leg 38 of the first lever 30 and the first leg 46 of the second lever 40 are arranged essentially coaxial to each other in the transport configuration. The second leg 38 of the first lever 30 is arranged above, parallel and adjacent to the first leg 46 of the second lever 40 in the transport configuration. The first leg 36 of the first lever 30 is arranged below, parallel and adjacent to the second leg 48 of the second lever 40 in the transport configuration. The scissor-lift mechanism 26 is thus very compact and has a low height in the transport configuration.
[0062] In one embodiment, the scissor-lift mechanisms 26 are configured to only provide one transport position for the roof 14. For example, in such a configuration, the ends 32, 42, 34, 44 of the two levers 30, 40 are each pivotably connected to the base 12 or roof 14 with a simple hinge. In another embodiment and as previously mentioned, the adjustment device is configured to selectively provide a first transport position and a second transport position for the roof 14 relative to the base 12. Fig. 7 shows the first transport position and Fig. 8 the second transport position. The roof 14 is spaced further apart from the base 12 in the second transport position than in the first transport position. The angle between the two levers 30, 40 is the same in both transport positions.
[0063] In the shown example, the adjustment device comprises a floating pivot 90 for each connection of the levers 30, 40 with the base 12 or roof 14. Details of the floating pivot 90 are shown in Figs. 9 to 13. The adjustment device of the shown example is configured for a manual selection of the desired transport position.
[0064] The floating pivot 90 comprises a pivoting element 92, which is integrated in a fixed manner in each end 32, 34, 42, 44 of each lever 30, 40 in the manner shown in Fig. 13. The pivoting element 92 may pivot together with the levers 30, 40 and comprises a bolt that is mounted to a track 94 of a strut 96 of the floating pivot 90. The struts 96 are mounted to the adjacent rigid part, base 12 or roof 14, of the tent 10 and protrude therefrom towards the other rigid part, roof 14 or base 12. The track 94 extends vertically. The pivoting element 92 is translatory moveably mounted in the track 94 so that a pivot axis of the floating pivot 90 may shift upwards and downwards. The pivot axis of each floating pivot 90 is parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge 50. The floating pivot 90 further comprises an end stop element 98 that is adjustable between a first position, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, and a second position, as shown in Figs. 11 to 13. The end stop element 98 is moveably mounted to the same rigid part, base 12 or roof 14, of the tent 10 as the strut 96.
[0065] As can be seen in Figs. 9 and 10, the end stop element 98 in the first position will slide into a corresponding recess 100 in the lever 30 / 40 or pivoting element 92. This will allow the pivoting element 92 and the corresponding lever 30 / 40 to slide with the pivot axis in the track 94 of the strut 96 all the way towards the adjacent rigid part 12, 14 of the tent 10 to which the strut 96 is mounted. The roof 14 will thus be adjusted into the first transport position when adjusting the tent 10 in the transport configuration, resulting in a low profile with a small interior storage space.
[0066] As can be seen in Figs. 11 and 12, the end stop element 98 in the second position will support the lever 30 / 40 or pivoting element 92 in a position further spaced apart from the adjacent rigid part 12, 14 of the tent 10. A height of the end stop element 98 corresponds to a length of the track 94. This will block the pivoting element 92 and the corresponding lever 30 / 40 from sliding with the pivot axis in the track 94 of the strut 96 towards the adjacent rigid part, base 12 or roof 14, of the tent 10 to which the strut 96 is mounted. Instead, the pivoting element 92 and thus the pivot axis will remain at the end of the track 94 furthest spaced apart from the adjacent rigid part 12, 14 of the tent 10 to which the strut 96 is mounted. The roof 14 will thus be adjusted into the second transport position when adjusting the tent 10 in the transport configuration, resulting in larger interior storage space than in the first transport position of the roof 14. As can be seen in Fig. 13, an optional second recess 102 may be provided in the lever 30 / 40 or pivoting element 92 for the end stop element 98 to engage when the end stop element 98 is arranged in the second position and the tent 10 is adjusted into the transport configuration. The second recess 102 may be shallower than the first recess 100. The second recess 102 may increase stability in the second transport position.
[0067] Fig. 15 shows that the base 12 may have an optional spacer element 110 arranged at the entrance of the guide channel 76. The redirecting element 74 may rest on the spacer element 110 in at least the first transport position of the roof 14, thus preventing the redirecting element 74 from abutting against the base 12 at the corresponding end. The spacer element 110 may also form a longitudinal channel that prevents the rope 72 from being blocked by the redirecting element 74 due to pinching.
[0068] Fig. 16 shows the hinge 50 in further detail. Fig. 17 shows an end of the hinge 50, which illustrates attachment of the legs 36, 38, 46, 48 of the levers 30, 40. The cylinder of the leg 48 may be inserted into corresponding recess in the hinge 50. The other legs 36, 38, 46 may be inserted into a circumferential groove 52 in the corresponding end of the hinge 50. The legs 36, 38, 46, 48 may be attached only with a plug connection or may be additional fixed, such as by glue or screws. The hinge 50 comprises two hinge halves 54, 56. A location of a split line is indicated in Fig. 17 with arrow 58. As can be seen, the two hinge halves 54, 56 form at least one groove 52 for attaching the legs 36, 38, 46 together. The connection of the corresponding one of the legs 36, 38, 46 may thus keep the two hinge halves 54, 56 attached to each other. No further fixation means may be necessary for the two hinge halves 54, 56. Alternatively or additionally, the two hinge halves 54, 56 may be fixed with other means to each other, such as screws, glue and / or welding.
[0069] The tent 10 comprises several means to ensure that the canopy 16 folds inwards when adjusting the tent 10 into the transport configuration. The tent 10 comprises a cord, such as a bungie cord, attached to each hinge 50 of the scissor-lift mechanism 26 and extending around an outside of the canopy 16 along the front side and thus side of the front window 22. The hinges 50 move toward the backwards end of the tent 10 and thus away from this side when collapsing the tent 10. The cord will thus push the adjacent section of the canopy 16 inward. In the corner sections between the lateral side openings 18 and the rear opening 20, two glass fiber struts are arranged in each corresponding corner of the canopy 16. The glass fiber struts are rigid elements that form a living hinge in the canopy 16 therebetween. The glass fiber struts are extending in a vertical direction with a gap in a middle section in the vertical direction of the corresponding corner of the canopy 16. The corresponding corners of the canopy 16 will thus have a folding axis extending vertically between the glass fiber struts. Further, the canopy 16 is slightly angled inwards in those corners. The canopy 16 will thus fold inwards at these corners when collapsing the tent 10. Further, two plates 120 are arranged in the lateral side of the canopy 16 adjacent the lateral side opening 18 in the longitudinal direction of the scissor-lift mechanisms 26 in a similar manner to the glass fiber struts, as is indicated in Fig. 3. The plates 120 are extending in a vertical direction with a gap in a middle section in the vertical direction of the corresponding lateral side of the canopy 16. The plates 120 also form a living hinge with a folding axis 122 that extends parallel to the roof 14. Due to the weight of the plates 120, a slight incline of the canopy 16 and / or the outside of the canopy 16 arranged scissor-lift mechanisms 26, the canopy 16 will thus also fold inward at the lateral sides of the tent 10 when collapsing the tent 10. The canopy 16 has interior pockets in the area of the plates 120 and thus adjacent the lateral side openings 18. The plates 120 will prevent objects in the pockets from bulging the canopy 16 overly outward and thus exposing the canopy 16 in this section to more rain impingement. Further, the plates 120 will stabilize the canopy 16 in this area, facilitating use of the pockets.
Claims
1. Tent (10) for mounting to a vehicle, in particular a vehicle roof (14), wherein the tent (10) comprises a rigid base (12), a rigid roof (14) and a canopy (16), wherein the tent (10) comprises an adjustment device, wherein the roof (14) is moveably connected to the base (12) by the adjustment device, wherein the adjustment device is configured to move the roof (14) relative to the base (12) between a transport position, in which the tent (10) is in a transport configuration, and an erected position, in which the tent (10) is in an erected configuration, wherein the adjustment device comprises a first scissor-lift mechanism (26), wherein the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) comprises a first lever (30) with a lower first end (32) connected to the base (12) and an upper second end (34) connected to the roof (14) and a second lever (40) with an upper first end (42) connected to the roof (14) and a lower second end (44) connected to the base (12), wherein the two levers (30, 40) of the scissor-lift mechanism (26) are pivotably connected to each other with a hinge (50), wherein the adjustment device further comprises a pulley system (70) configured to adjust the tent (10) from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration, wherein the pulley system (70) is pulling directly on one of the levers (30, 40) of the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) when adjusting the tent (10) from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration.
2. Tent (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pulley system (70) is pulling directly on one of the upper ends (34, 42) when adjusting the tent (10) from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration and / or wherein the pulley system (70) comprises a redirecting element, such as a wheel or roller, which is mounted to the lever (30, 40), in particular its upper end (34, 42).
3. Tent (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment device comprises a second scissor-lift mechanism (26), wherein the second scissor-lift mechanism (26) comprises a first lever (30) with a lower first end (32) connected to the base (12) and an upper second end (34) connected to the roof (14) and a second lever (40) with an upper first end (42) connected to the roof (14) and a lower second end (44) connected to the base (12), wherein the two levers (30, 40) second scissor-lift mechanism (26) are pivotably connected to each other with a hinge (50), wherein the pulley system (70) is simultaneously pulling directly on the lever (30) of the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) and one of the levers (40) of the second scissor-lift mechanism (26) when adjusting the tent (10) from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration.
4. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the levers (30) of the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) is connected moveably, in particular moveably connected to the base (12) and / or roof (14) and / or in particular by being arranged with a corresponding end in a track (60).
5. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the levers (40) of the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) has an adjustable length, in particular a telescopically adjustable length adjustable.
6. Tent (10) according to claim 5, wherein the length adjustable lever (40) comprises a gas spring, wherein a cylinder end of the gas spring is arranged above a rod end of the gas spring in at least the erected configuration of the tent (10) and / or wherein the gas spring is arranged below the hinge (50) in at least the erected configuration of the tent (10).
7. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lever (30, 40) of the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) comprises a first leg (36, 46) and a second leg (38, 48), wherein the first leg (36, 46) and the second leg (38, 48) are axially parallel off-set to each other, so that the first leg (36) of the first lever (30) and the second leg (48) of the second lever (40) are arranged essentially coaxial to each other in the transport configuration.
8. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent (10) in the transport configuration when the tent (10) is adjusted beyond a first position towards the transport configuration and / or wherein the adjustment device is configured to be self-adjusting the tent (10) in the erected configuration when the tent (10) is adjusted beyond a second position towards the erected configuration.
9. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulley system (70) comprises an actuating element, such as a handle, for adjusting the tent (10) from the erected configuration towards the transport configuration, in particular wherein the actuating element is arranged at corner facing backwards when the tent (10) is mounted to the vehicle.
10. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulley system (70) is at least partially arranged in a guide channel (76) in the base (12).
11. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulley system (70) has a storage device, such as a spring-based spool or winch, for rope (72) retraction.
12. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) has not reached a maximum mechanical extension in the erected configuration of the tent (10) and / or wherein the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) is stopped by tension in the canopy (16) of the tent (10) in the erected configuration of the tent (10).
13. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canopy (16) comprises a window (22) with a cover, wherein the cover is adjustable between an open state and a closed state, and with a net, wherein the cover is arranged on an interior side and / or wherein the net is non-adjustable.
14. Tent (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment device is configured to selectively provide a first transport position and a second transport position for the roof (14) relative to the base (12), wherein the roof (14) is spaced further apart from the base (12) in the second transport position than the first transport position.
15. Tent (10) according claim 14, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least one floating pivot, in particular attaching a lever (30) of the first scissor-lift mechanism (26) to the base (12) or roof (14), wherein the floating pivot comprises a pivoting element and a strut (96) with a track (94), wherein the pivoting element is translatory moveably mounted in the track (94) of the strut (96), wherein the floating pivot comprises an end stop element (98) adjustable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the end stop element (98) in the second position engages the pivoting element so that the pivoting element is kept at an upper end section of the track (94).
Citation Information
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