A roof tent

Abstract

A roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, the roof tent comprising a top portion and a base portion, the top portion connected to the base portion Herein, the base portion comprises an inflatable panel. In this way a roof tent that can be supplied to the user in a smaller or 'flat pack' package is provided. A kit of parts for providing the roof tent is also described.

Description

[0001] A ROOF TENT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a roof tent for mounting on the roof of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a kit of parts for providing the roof tent.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] Roof tents are camping tents that, in use, are attached to the roofs of vehicles such as cars and vans. As such, a roof tent is a vehicle accessory. To go camping, the user merely needs to drive to an appropriate location and set-up the tent on the roof of their vehicle. Typically, the roof tent is attached to cross bars on the vehicle’s roof and is transported while attached to the roof of the vehicle. The roof tent is generally detachably, reversibly or removably attached to the cross bars such that the user can detach the roof tent when not in use.

[0006] Generally, the roof tent is transported in a packed, collapsed, stowed or flattened configuration inside a box or case and is set-up, erected or put-up by the user at their desired camping location. Roof tents provide a quick, safe and convenient way for a user to go camping.

[0007] However, whilst roof tents can be stored in a relatively compact fashion on the roof of a car or other vehicle, they remain bulky items. The size of a roof tent when it is in its packed configuration can be problematic when storing the roof tent before sale and in transporting the roof tent from its place of manufacture to the customer. As such, there is a desire to reduce the size of a roof tent to decrease storage costs and to increase the ease with which it can be transported to the user before it is affixed to the roof of a vehicle.

[0008] Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems of the prior art.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, the roof tent comprising a top portion, and a base portion, the top portion connected to the base portion, wherein the base portion comprises an inflatable panel.

[0011] In this way, there is provided a ‘flat pack’ roof tent that can be assembled by the end user. As such, before assembly, the roof tent can be stored in a compact format that allows for reduced transport and storage costs. Additionally, after purchase, a user can transport the roof tent more easily, as the reduced size means that the new purchase can be transported home in a standard car before later assembly and affixation to the car’s roof. It is also the case that such a ‘flat pack’ roof tent can be more easily stored in a physical retail premises. In use, the inflatable panel may be inflated to provide the necessary support and rigidity in the base portion of the roof tent.

[0012] Preferably, the top portion comprises a rigid frame. Where the top portion comprises a rigid frame, this may be advantageous in providing the necessary stiffness and structure to the assembled roof tent in use.

[0013] Preferably, the rigid frame is connected to the base portion. More preferably, the rigid frame is hingedly connected to the base portion. The use of a hinged connection between the top portion and the base portion may be advantageous in creating a roof tent that may be easily expanded for use by the end user.

[0014] Preferably, the rigid frame is hingedly connected to the base portion at one end of the base portion. Such an arrangement may ease the expansion of the roof tent from a compact to an expanded from by the end user in use.

[0015] Preferably, the base portion comprises a plurality of parallel hinges connecting the rigid frame to the base portion.

[0016] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of each hinge within the plurality of hinges is parallel to an axis of the base portion.

[0017] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of each hinge within the plurality of hinges is parallel to the second longest axis of the base portion. In many instances, the second longest axis of the base portion will be the width of the base portion. In other embodiments, it may be preferable for the longitudinal axis of each hinge within the plurality of hinges is parallel to the longest axis of the base portion. In many instances, the second longest axis of the base portion will be the length of the base portion.

[0018] Preferably, the top portion comprises a supporting arm. More preferably, the top portion comprises a plurality of supporting arms.

[0019] Preferably, the supporting arm or arms is connected to the base portion. More preferably, supporting arm or arms is connected to a corner or corners of the base portion.

[0020] Preferably, the base portion has four corners, and the top portion is connected to the base portion at all four corners. Preferably, the top portion is reversibly connected to the base portion.

[0021] Preferably, the inflatable panel comprises a drop stitch inflatable. The use of a drop stitch inflatable may be preferred as it can be inflated to a sufficient pressure to provide a firm and stable base for the roof tent.

[0022] Preferably, the inflatable panel extends across substantially the entire base of the roof tent. In this way, the base portion of the roof tent is rigid across substantially its entire area.

[0023] Preferably, the top portion comprises a fabric portion. Where the top portion comprises a fabric portion, this may assist in reducing the size of the ‘flat pack’ package purchased by a user.

[0024] Preferably, the base portion comprises a fabric portion. Where the base portion comprises a fabric portion, this may assist in reducing the size of the ‘flat pack’ package purchased by a user.

[0025] Preferably, the base portion further comprises a pocket, and the inflatable panel is positioned within the pocket. Such a feature may assist the end user in the assembly of the ‘flat pack’ roof tent.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, the roof tent comprising a top portion and a base portion, the base portion comprising at least two panels and at least one rigid support member wherein the at least one rigid support member supports and connects the at least two panels.

[0027] In this way, there is provided a ‘flat pack’ roof tent that can be assembled by the end user. As such, before assembly, the roof tent can be stored in a compact format that allows for reduced transport and storage costs. Additionally, after purchase, a user can transport the roof tent more easily, as the reduced size means that the new purchase can be transported home in a standard car before later assembly and affixation to the car’s roof. It is also the case that such a ‘flat pack’ roof tent can be more easily stored in a physical retail premises.

[0028] Preferably, at least one panel is inflatable. Where the panel is inflatable, this may be preferable as it allows the panels to be provided in a compact form, reducing the size of the ‘flat pack’ roof tent. In use the panels may be inflated to provide the necessary support and rigidity in the base portion of the roof tent.

[0029] Preferably, the base portion comprises at least two rigid support members. The use of at least two support bars may be preferable as it ensures the base portion of the roof tent is well supported across is width and length. More preferably, the base portion comprises at least three rigid support members. Still more preferably, the base portion compromises at least four rigid support members. Increasing the number of support bars may increase the support provided to the panels in the base portion.

[0030] Preferably, the at least two rigid support members are parallel to one another. In this way, the rigid support members may provide more uniform support across the base portion. In other embodiments, the at least two rigid support members are perpendicular to one another. Such embodiments may once again assist in providing uniform support across the base portion of the roof tent.

[0031] Preferably, the at least one rigid support member comprises a first support member portion and a second support member portion, and wherein the first support member portion and the second support member portion are connected to one another to form the at least one rigid support member. In this way, the length of the rigid support members in the ‘flat pack’ roof tent is decreased, allowing the roof tent to be sold to the user in a more compact package. More preferably, the length of the first support member portion is substantially the same as the length of the second support member portion. Preferably, the first support member portion is connected to the second support member portion via an interference fit. Preferably, the first support member portion is reversibly connected to the second support member portion.

[0032] Preferably, the at least two panels abut one another. In this manner, the at least two panels, with the rigid support member, may provide a continuous rigid structure within the base portion of the roof tent.

[0033] Preferably, the at least one rigid support member extends in a direction perpendicular to the joint between the at least two panels. In this way, a more rigid structure may be provided within the base portion of the roof tent.

[0034] Preferably, the at least two panels are hingedly connected. In this way, the construction of the roof tent by the user may be eased without increasing the size of the ‘flat pack’ package.

[0035] Preferably, the at least two panels extend across substantially the entire base of the roof tent. In this way, the base portion of the roof tent is rigid and supported across substantially its entire area.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one rigid support member extends across at least 50% of one dimension of the base portion. More preferably, the at least one rigid support member extends across at least 75% of one dimension of the base portion. Still more preferably, the at least one rigid support member extends across at least 90% of one dimension of the base portion. Such features may help ensure the base portion of the roof tent is rigid in use.

[0037] Preferably, the top portion comprises a fabric portion. Where the top portion comprises a fabric portion, this may assist in reducing the size of the ‘flat pack’ package purchased by a user. More preferably, the top portion consists of fabric.

[0038] Preferably, the base portion comprises a fabric portion. Where the base portion comprises a fabric portion, this may assist in reducing the size of the ‘flat pack’ package purchased by a user.

[0039] Preferably, the base portion further comprises at least one pocket, and at least one panel is positioned within the at least one pocket. Such a feature may assist the end user in the assembly of the ‘flat pack’ roof tent.

[0040] Preferably, the fabric portion substantially encloses the least one panel. Preferably, the at least one rigid support member is located outside the fabric portion.

[0041] Preferably, in use, the at least one rigid support member is located underneath the at least two panels. In this way, the rigid support member may provide more support to the at least two panels.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one rigid support member comprises a metal support bar. Preferably, at least one panel comprises a plastic material. Such features may ensure the roof tent is lightweight such that it can be easily positioned on the roof of a car or other vehicle by a user.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one rigid support member is reversibly connected to the at least two panels.

[0044] Preferably, the base portion comprises at least three panels. The use of at least three panels may further reduce the size of the ‘flat pack’ provided to users for assembly.

[0045] Preferably, at least one panel comprises at least one rigid panel. Where at least one panel is rigid, this may increase the rigidity of the base portion of the roof tent. Where the panel is inflatable, it may be inflated to such an extent such that it provides a rigid structure.

[0046] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for providing the roof tent as hereinbefore described in relation to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof tent in a first stage of assembly;

[0049] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a roof tent in a second stage of assembly; and

[0050] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second roof tent in a first stage of assembly.

[0051] Figure 1 depicts a roof tent 100 in accordance with the present invention. Here, the roof tent 100 comprises a top portion 200 and a base portion 300, the top portion 200 connected to the base portion 300m around the perimeter of the base portion 300. The base portion 300 and the top portion 200 define a volume within which a user may inhabit the roof tent 100. Here, the volume has a triangular cross-section in a first dimension, and a rectangular cross-section in a second dimension, although other embodiments are envisaged. The top portion 200 is made mainly of a fabric material, and the base portion 300 also includes a fabric material into which further components of the roof tent are inserted.

[0052] The base portion 300 further includes a first panel 310 and a second panel 320. Here the first panel 310 has already been inserted into a pocket within the base portion 300. The second panel 320 is also being inserted into the base portion in the direction demonstrated by the arrow 330. Here, the user is sliding the second panel 320 into a pocket within the base portion 300 to assemble the roof tent 100. Both the first panel 310 and the second panel 320 are formed of a rigid plastic material to provide the base portion 300 with a high level of rigidity whilst maintaining a lightweight roof tent 100.

[0053] Turning to Figure 2, the roof tent 100 is depicted in a second stage of assembly. Here, the first panel 310 and the second panel 320 have been positioned such that they abut one another to form a continuous platform or base within the base portion 300 of the roof tent 100. Additionally, a first rigid support member 340 is illustrated, the first rigid support member 340 positioned underneath the first panel 310 and the second panel 320. As such, the first rigid support member 340 provides support to the first panel 310 and the second panel 320, additionally holding the panels 310, 320 in position within the base portion 300. The first rigid support member 340 lies parallel to the length of the base portion 300, and perpendicular to the abutment of the first panel 310 and the second panel 320.

[0054] The first rigid support member 340 extends across around 90% of the length of the base portion, such that it provides stability and rigidity across the base portion 300. The first rigid support member 340 is connected to the first panel 310 and the second panel 320 via screws 341.

[0055] A second rigid support member 350 can also be seen in Figure 2. The second rigid support member 350 is formed of a first support member portion 360 and a second support member portion 370. The first support member portion 360 and the second support member portion 370 are of equal length. During the formation of the roof tent 100, the user connects the first support member portion 360 and the second support member portion 370 to one another to form the second support bar 350. The first support member portion 360 and the second support member portion 270 connect to one another via an interference fit. When connected, the first rigid support member 340 lies parallel to the second rigid support member 350 such that the base portion 300 comprises a rigid platform capable of supporting the user’s weight inside the roof tent 100.

[0056] Turning to Figure 3, there is depicted a second roof tent 1000. As can be see in Figure 3, the roof tent 1000 includes a base portion 1100 and a top portion 1200. Here, the base portion 1100 includes a drop stitch inflatable panel 1110. When inflated, the drop stitch inflatable panel 1110 forms a rigid platform capable of supporting the weight of a user or users within the roof tent 1000. The top portion 1200 includes a rigid frame 1210, a first supporting leg 1211 and a second supporting leg 1212. Together, the base portion 1100 and the top portion 1200 form the internal structure of the roof tent 1000.

[0057] The top portion 1100 is connected to the base portion 1200. Firstly, the rigid frame 1210 is connected to the inflatable panel 1110 with a row of hinges 1300. The hinges 1300 are mounted on the inflatable panel 1110 at one end of the inflatable panel 1110. The hinges 1300 extend across the width of the inflatable panel 1110. The hinges 1300 are mounted on the inflatable panel 1110 such that the longitudinal axes of the hinges 1300 are parallel to the width of the panel 1110.

[0058] The first support arm 1211 and the second support arm 1212 are both also connected to the inflatable panel 1110. The first support arm 1211 and the second support arm 1212 are both connected to the inflatable panel 1300 at the opposite end to the hinges 1300. The first support arm 1211 and the second support arm 1212 are connected to opposing corners of the inflatable panel 1300, and extend from these comers to contact the rigid frame 1210. Here, the first support arm 1211 and the second support am 1212 are connected to the rigid frame 1210 via a first connector 1221 and a second connecter 1222. In this way, the rigid frame 1210, the first support arm 1211 and the second support arm 1212 form the top portion 1200. The top portion 1200, in use, supports a fabric material that forms the outer layer of the roof tent, providing the user with necessary shelter.

[0059] Additionally, the subsequent clauses may relate to aspects, features and embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] 1. A roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, the roof tent comprising: a top portion, and a base portion, the base portion comprising; at least two panels, and at least one rigid support member, wherein the at least one rigid support member supports and connects the at least two panels.

[0061] 2. The roof tent of clause 1 , wherein at least one panel is inflatable.

[0062] 3. The roof tent of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the base portion comprises at least two rigid support members.

[0063] 4. The roof tent of clause 3, wherein the at least two rigid support members are parallel to one another.

[0064] 5. The roof tent any one preceding clause, wherein the at least one rigid support member comprises a first support member portion and a second support member portion, and wherein the first support member portion and the second support member portion are connected to one another to form the at least one rigid support member.

[0065] 6. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the at least two panels abut one another.

[0066] 7. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the at least two panels are hingedly connected.

[0067] 8. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the at least two panels extend across substantially the entire base of the roof tent. 9. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the at least one rigid support member extends across at least 50% of one dimension of the base portion.

[0068] 10. The roof tent of clause 9, wherein the at least one rigid support member extends across at least 75% of one dimension of the base portion.

[0069] 11. The roof tent of clause 10, wherein the at least one rigid support member extends across at least 90% of one dimension of the base portion.

[0070] 12. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the top portion comprises a fabric portion.

[0071] 13. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the base portion comprises a fabric portion.

[0072] 14. The roof tent of clause 13, wherein the base portion further comprises at least one pocket, and at least one panel is positioned within the at least one pocket.

[0073] 15. The roof tent of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein the fabric portion substantially encloses the at least one panel.

[0074] 16. The roof tent of any one of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the at least one rigid support member is located outside the fabric portion.

[0075] 17. The roof tent of any one preceding clause wherein, in use, the at least one rigid support member is located underneath the at least two panels.

[0076] 18. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the at least one rigid support member comprises a metal support bar.

[0077] 19. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein at least one panel comprises a plastic material.

[0078] 20. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the at least one rigid support member is reversibly connected to the at least two panels. 21. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the base portion comprises at least three panels.

[0079] 22. The roof tent of any one preceding clause, wherein the at least two panels comprise at least one rigid panel.

[0080] 23. A kit of parts for providing the roof tent of any one preceding clause.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, the roof tent comprising: a top portion, and a base portion, the top portion connected to the base portion; wherein the base portion comprises an inflatable panel.

2. The roof tent of Claim 1 , wherein the top portion comprises a rigid frame.

3. The roof tent of claim 2, wherein the rigid frame is connected to the base portion.

4. The roof tent of claim 3, wherein the rigid frame is hingedly connected to the base portion.

5. The roof tent of claim 4, wherein the rigid frame is hingedly connected to the base portion at one end of the base portion.

6. The roof tent of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the base portion comprises a plurality of parallel hinges connecting the rigid frame to the base portion.

7. The roof tent of claim 6, wherein the longitudinal axis of each hinge within the plurality of hinges is parallel to an axis of the base portion.

8. The roof tent of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of each hinge within the plurality of hinges is parallel to the second longest axis of the base portion.

9. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the top portion comprises a supporting arm.

10. The roof tent of claim 9, wherein the top portion comprises a plurality of supporting arms.11 . The roof tent of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the supporting arm or arms is connected to the base portion.

12. The roof tent of claim 11 , wherein the supporting arm or arms is connected to a corner or corners of the base portion.

13. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the base portion has four corners, and the top portion is connected to the base portion at all four corners.

14. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the top portion is reversibly connected to the base portion.

15. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the inflatable panel comprises a drop stitch inflatable.

16. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the inflatable panel extends across substantially the entire base of the roof tent.

17. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the top portion comprises a fabric portion.

18. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises a fabric portion.

19. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the base portion further comprises a pocket, and the inflatable panel is positioned within the pocket.

20. A kit of parts for providing the roof tent of any one preceding claim.

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