Attachment bar

Abstract

An attachment bar (10) for attaching an electronic device (22) onto an interior ceiling (30) of a recreational vehicle is provided. The attachment bar (10) comprises a central portion (12) configured to receive the electronic device (22); and side portions (14) configured to attach the attachment bar (10) onto the interior ceiling (30). According to the present invention, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the attachment bar (10), the side portions (14) are inclined relative to the central portion (12) and at least partly protrude from the central portion (12). The side portions (14) are configured to receive an additional electronic device (24).

Description

[0001] New PCT application Dometic Sweden AB 214609 PWO July 25, 2025

[0002] 1 / 11

[0003] ATTACHMENT BAR

[0004] The present invention relates to an attachment bar for a recreational vehicle. More particular, the present invention relates to an attachment bar for attaching an electronic device onto an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle.

[0005] The interior of a recreational vehicle like a camper, a caravan or a mobile home, can be provided with multiple electronic devices. For example, lighting devices can be provided for illuminating the interior of the recreational vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, charging devices can be provided for electrically charging mobile electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets are mobile computers. Another example for such an electronic device could be a heating or cooling device, such as a fan on an electric heater, for heating up and / or cooling down the interior of the recreational vehicle.

[0006] However, in the interior of a recreational vehicle, the available space for providing the above mentioned electronic devices is limited. Therefore, it is beneficial to arrange electronic devices on already present surfaces of the recreational vehicle. One possibility would be to arrange the electronic device on an interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle. Yet, to prevent the electronic device from dropping off the ceiling, for example when driving the recreational vehicle, a firm attachment of the electronic device to the ceiling is necessary.

[0007] On the other hand, attaching the electronic device to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle and providing the same with electrical energy, requires a user to work above his or her head for an elongated timespan. Thus, attaching the electronic device to an interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle is accompanied by a higher degree of constructional effort.

[0008] Moreover, it might happen that during attachment of the attachment bar to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle, a function of the electronic device is already needed. For example, it could happen that the electronic device has be to be attached to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle during night times, subsequent to parking the recreational vehicle after a day’s ride. In this case, an additional light source for attaching the electronic device to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle might be needed.

[0009] In view of the above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a flexible power supply function for an electronic device in the interior of an recreational vehicle, with the possibility of an integrated additional function. New PCT application Dometic Sweden AB 214609 PWO July 25, 2025

[0010] 2 / 11

[0011] This object is achieved by the attachment bar according to the present invention as claimed by claim 1 .

[0012] Preferable modifications thereof are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an attachment bar for attaching an electronic device onto an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle like a camper, a caravan or a mobile home, is provided. The attachment bar may stripe-shaped or ribbon-shaped. The attachment bar may mainly extend along its longitudinal direction. An extension of the attachment bar along its cross direction may be much smaller than its extension along the longitudinal direction. The attachment bar may for example be made of an extruded plastic profile. Alternatively, the attachment bar may be made of a bent metal profile. Alternative materials for the attachment bar are also encompassed by the present disclosure. The attachment bar may be provided with a fastening structure for fastening the attachment bar to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle. The attachment bar may be provided with a receiving structure for receiving at least a part of the electronic device.

[0014] The attachment bar comprises a central portion configured to receive the electronic device and side portions configured to attach the attachment bar onto the interior ceiling. The central portion may be arranged between the side portions and may mainly extend along the longitudinal direction of the attachment bar. The central portion may be provided with a receiving structure for receiving at least a part of the electronic device. For example, a groove may be formed in the central portion into which a base or foot portion of the electronic device may be inserted. In other words, the electronic device may at least partly be inserted into the central portion. Alternatively or additionally, the central portion may be provided with a mounting structure for mounting the electronic device. For example, the central portion may be provided with through-holes, onto which the electronic device can be mounted via corresponding screws or bolts.

[0015] The central portion may be arranged between the side portions such that at least two outer surfaces of the central portion are fastened to a respective side portion. In particular, the side portions may be fastened on two opposite surfaces of the central portion. The side portions may be made from the same material as the central portion. Alternatively, the side portions may be made from a material different than the material of the central portion. The side portions may be provided with an attachment member for attaching the attachment bar to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle. Alternatively, the side portions may be formed correspondingly to an attachment member fitted to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle.

[0016] When viewed in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the attachment bar, the side portions are inclined relative to the central portion and at least partly protrude from the central portion in the cross-sectional view. Thus, one end (i.e., the upper end) of the side portions directly contacts the central portion, whereas the other end (i.e., the lower end) of the side portions is spaced apart from the New PCT application nnrT-i / 1

[0017] Dometic Sweden AB Ijj ill GSKH

[0018] 214609 PWO July 25, 2025

[0019] 3 / 11 central portion. In other words, the central portion and the side portions form a dove-tail profile when viewed in the cross-sectional view.

[0020] According to the present invention, the side portions are also configured to receive an additional electronic device. The additional electronic device may be of the same type as the electronic device received by the central portion (the first electronic device). For example, in a case where the electronic device is a lighting device, the additional electronic device (second electronic device) may also be a lighting device. Alternatively, the additional electronic device (second electronic device) may be of a different type as the electronic device (first electronic device) received by the central portion. For example, in a case where the electronic device is a charging device, the additional electronic device may be a heating or cooling device.

[0021] As the side portions are inclined relative to and protrude from the central portion, the side portions can be gripped at their lower ends and pressed together. Alternatively, the central portion can be gripped and the side portions can be easily pushed apart. In both ways, due to the inclined and protruding side portions, the attachment bar can be quickly and easily attached to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle. Further, as the side portions are configured to receive an additional electronic device, the attachment bar can be used for multiple purposes, depending on the types of electronic devices attached thereto. Thus, the functionality of the attachment bar is highly increased, while at the same time the constructional complexity of the attachment bar is highly decreased.

[0022] Preferably, the side portions at least partly protrude from the central portion such that a cut-out is formed between a distal end of the side portions and the central portion. The distal end of the side portions is the one end thereof which is spaced apart from the central portion due to the inclination and protrusion of the side portions. With the cutout, i.e., a lack of material, it is easier to press the side portions together, respectively push the side portions apart. Hence, attachment of the attachment bar to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle is further simplified.

[0023] Preferably, the side portions are inclined relative to the central portion such that, in the cross-sectional view, the cut-out is triangular-shaped. In other words, the distal end of the side portions, a lower end of the central portion, and an upper end of the central portion respectively a proximal end of the side portions are spaced apart such that a triangle is formed between them. The triangular-shaped cut-out simplifies pressing the side portions together, respectively pushing the side portions apart. Hence, attachment of the attachment barto the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle is further simplified.

[0024] Preferably, a recess is formed in at least one of the side portions for receiving the additional electronic device. The recess may be formed along the entire length of the side portion. Alternatively, the recess may intermittently be formed along the length of the side portion. In other words, a plurality of recesses may be formed along the length of the side portion and may be spaced apart from one another. The New PCT application nnrT-i / 1

[0025] Dometic Sweden AB Ijj ill GSKH

[0026] 214609 PWO July 25, 2025

[0027] 4 / 11 recess may be formed such that a correspondingly formed portion of the electronic device may be securely inserted into the recess. Alternatively, the additional electronic device may be completely housed inside the recess. With the recess, it is easier to receive the additional electronic device inside the side portions.

[0028] Preferably, the side portions are formed correspondingly to an attachment member of the interior ceiling. The attachment member may be a recess or groove formed inside the interior ceiling. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment member may be a clamping member or the like arranged on the interior ceiling. In one example, the side portions may be pressed together such that the attachment bar can be inserted into the attachment member of the interior ceiling. After insertion of the attachment bar into the attachment member, the side portions may confine to an interior contour of the attachment member. In an alternative example, the side portions may be pushed apart such that the attachment bar can be pushed over the attachment member of the interior ceiling. After pushing the attachment bar overthe attachment member, the side portions may confine to an exterior contour of the attachment member. Due to the correspondingly formed side portions, the attachment bar is securely fixed inside the attachment member of the interior ceiling.

[0029] Preferably, the additional electronic device is a lighting device, in particular an LED stripe. A lighting device is an electronically powered device that generates light. An LED stripe is a stripe made of plastic or a resin material onto which a plurality of LED units are arranged. With the LED stripe, it is possible to light up a surrounding area of the attachment bar, especially during installation of the attachment bar. Thus, attachment of the attachment bar onto the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle is simplified.

[0030] Preferably, the electronic device is one of a lighting device, a charging device, a cooling device, a heating device, and / or a ventilation device. A lighting device is an electronically powered device that generates light. A charging device is an electronically powered device that provides electrical energy to other electronic devices. A cooling device is an electronically powered device that is configured to lower the temperature of its surrounding, such as a fan or a vaporizer. A heating device is an electronically powered device that is configured to raise the temperature of its surrounding, such as a heat blower or a coil heater. A ventilation device is an electrically powered device that is configured to circulate the air of its surrounding, such as a ventilator. The mentioned electrical devices are particular useful in a recreational vehicle, such as a camper van, a mobile home or a caravan. Due to the attachment bar, it is possible to operate the mentioned electrical devices inside the recreational vehicle.

[0031] Preferably, a groove is formed in the central portion for receiving the electronic device. The groove extends along the longitudinal direction of the central portion. The groove may be continuously formed in the central portion. Alternatively, the groove may be intermittently formed in the central portion, i.e., a plurality of spaced apart grooves may be formed in the central portion. The groove may be formed such New PCT application nnrT-i / 1

[0032] Dometic Sweden AB Ijj ill GSKH

[0033] 214609 PWO July 25, 2025

[0034] 5 / 11 that a base or foot portion of the electronic device can be inserted into the groove to fasten the electronic device to the attachment bar. The groove provides a simple measure for attaching the electronic device to the attachment bar.

[0035] Preferably, electrical wires are provided inside the groove formed in the central portion for supplying the electronic device with electrical energy. For example, copper wires may be used which extend along the rims of the groove. Other forms of electrical wires are also encompassed by the present disclosure. The electronic device may be provided with corresponding contacts to electrically connect a wiring of the electronic device to the electrical wires. Due to the electrical wires provided inside the groove, the electronic device received in the groove can be easily supplied with electrical energy.

[0036] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an attachment bar for attaching an electronic device onto an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment bar of Fig. 1 in use;

[0039] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, an attachment bar 10 according to the present invention is shown. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the attachment bar 10 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the attachment bar 10. In Fig. 1 , the attachment bar 10 is shown “out of use”, that is without an electronic device received therein and non-attached to an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle. In Fig. 2, the attachment bar 10 is shown “in use”, that is for attaching an electronic device 22 onto an interior ceiling 30 of a recreational vehicle (not shown).

[0040] With reference to Fig. 1 , the attachment bar 10 comprises a central portion 12 and side portions 14. The central portion 12 is arranged (i.e., sandwiched) between the side portions 14. The side portions 14 are inclined relative to the central portion 12. Moreover, the side portions 14 at least partly protrude from the central portion 12. That is, the side portions 14 are connected to the central portion 12 under a specific angle. A distal end 16 of the side portions 14 is spaced apart from the central portion 12, respectively, due to the angle. The distal end 16 of the side portions 14 is spaced apart from the central portion 12 such that a cut-out 18 is formed between the distal end 16 of the side portions 14 and an outer surface of the central portion 12. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the cut-out 18 is triangular-shaped. New PCT application nnrT-i / 1

[0041] Dometic Sweden AB Ijj ill GSKH

[0042] 214609 PWO July 25, 2025 6 / 11

[0043] As becomes clear from the cross-sectional view Fig. 1 , the side portions 14 are formed such that the attachment bar 10 has a dovetail profile. The dovetail profile of the attachment bar 10 simplifies gripping of the attachment bar 10, especially an outer surface of the side portions 14, by a user and pressing the side portions 14 towards the central portion 12. Alternatively or additionally, the dovetail profile of the attachment bar 10 simplifies gripping of the attachment bar 10, especially an inner surface of the side portions 14, by a user and pushing the side portions 14 away from the central portion 12. Thereby, mounting the attachment bar 10 to the interior ceiling 30 of the recreational vehicle is simplified.

[0044] With further reference to Fig. 1 , a recess 20 is formed in one of the side portions 14 of the attachment bar 10. The recess 20 is configured to receive an additional electronic device 24. In the depicted embodiment, the additional electronic device 24 is a lighting device, in particular an LED stripe 24. The LED stripe 24 consists of a stripe or ribbon 24 made of a plastic material. On the stripe or ribbon 24a, an LED (light emitting diode) unit 24b is mounted. It is to be understood that a plurality of LED units 24b are mounted to the stripe 24a, even if just one LED unit 24b is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. With the LED stripe 24, a surrounding of the attachment bar 10 can be illuminated, even if the attachment bar 10 is not mounted to the interior ceiling 30 of the recreational vehicle.

[0045] As can best be seen in Fig. 1 , a groove 26 is formed in the central portion 12 of the attachment bar 10. The groove 26 extends along a longitudinal direction of the central portion 12. The groove 26 is configured to receive at least a part of the electronic device, as will be explained with reference to Fig. 2 below. Electrical wires 28 are provided inside the groove 26 for supplying the electronic device 22 with electrical energy. In the depicted embodiment, two copper wires 28 are arranged on either edge side of the groove 26. Supply off electrical energy via the electrical wires 28 to the electronic device 22 is described with reference to Fig. 2 below.

[0046] In Fig. 2, the attachment bar 10 is shown in operation. More precisely, an electronic device 22 is attached via the attachment bar 10 onto an interior ceiling 30 of a recreational vehicle, such as a mobile home, a caravan or a camper.

[0047] The electronic device 22 is received with its base or food portion 22a inside the groove 26 of the central portion 12. An operation portion 22b of the electronic device 22 protrudes outside of the recess 26 and is configured to perform the specific task of the electronic device 22, such as lighting, charging, cooling or heating. Electrical contacts 34 are provided on the base portion 22a of the electronic device 22. When the electronic device 22 is received in the groove 26 of the central portion 12, the electrical contacts 34 contact the electrical wires 28. In this way, the electronic device 22 is provided with electrical energy.

[0048] As depicted in Fig. 2, the side portions 14 of the attachment bar 10 are received inside an attachment member 32. The attachment member 32 is in turn mounted to the interior ceiling 30 of the recreational New PCT application Dometic Sweden AB 214609 PWO July 25, 2025

[0049] 7 / 11 vehicle. In this way, when the side portions 14 are received inside the attachment member 32, the attachment bar 10 is attached onto the interior ceiling 30. As described above with reference to Fig. 1 , due to the dovetail profile of the side portions 14, placing the attachment bar 10 into the attachment member 32 is simplified. In particular, an exterior surface of the side portions 14 can be gripped by a user and the side portions 14 can be pressed towards the central portion 12. As such, the attachment bar 10 can be easily inserted into the attachment member 32.

[0050] Once the attachment bar 10 is received inside the attachment member 32, illuminating a surrounding of the attachment bar 10 by LED stripe 24 is no longer necessary. Consequently, since the LED stripe 24 is received inside the side portion 14, the LED stripe 24 is also covered by the attachment member 32. In this way, damaging the additional electronic device 24 can be prevented.

[0051] The above described configurations are preferred but provide merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hence, the described configurations of the present invention do not limit the achieved scope of protection as defined by the appended set of claims. A skilled artisan will be able to imagine various modifications of the above described configurations without contravening the basic concept of the present invention and / or leaving the scope of protection as defined by the appended set of claims.

[0052] New PCT application Dometic Sweden AB [iljlffi GSKH 214609 PWO

[0053] July 25, 2025

[0054] 8 / 11

[0055] REFERENCE SIGNS

[0056] 10 attachment bar

[0057] 12 central portion

[0058] 14 side portions

[0059] 16 distal end

[0060] 18 cut-out

[0061] 20 recess

[0062] 22 electronic device

[0063] 22a base portion, foot portion

[0064] 22b operation portion

[0065] 24 additional electronic device; LED stripe

[0066] 24a stripe, ribbon

[0067] 24b LED unit

[0068] 26 groove

[0069] 28 electrical wires

[0070] 30 interior ceiling of recreational vehicle

[0071] 32 attachment member

[0072] 34 electrical contacts

Claims

New PCT application Dometic Sweden AB 214609 PWO July 25, 20259 / 11CLAIMS1 . An attachment bar (10) for attaching an electronic device (22) onto an interior ceiling (30) of a recreational vehicle, the attachment bar (10) comprising: a central portion (12) configured to receive the electronic device (22); and side portions (14) configured to attach the attachment bar (10) onto the interior ceiling (30), characterized in that in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the attachment bar (10), the side portions (14) are inclined relative to the central portion (12) and at least partly protrude from the central portion (12); and that the side portions (14) are configured to receive an additional electronic device (24).

2. The attachment bar (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the side portions (14) at least partly protrude from the central portion (12) such that a cut-out (18) is formed between a distal end (16) ofthe side portions (14) and the central portion (12).

3. The attachment bar (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the side portions (14) are inclined relative to the central portion (12) such that, in the cross- sectional view, the cut-out (18) is triangular-shaped.

4. The attachment bar (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess (20) is formed in at least one of the side portions (14) for receiving the additional electronic device (24).

5. The attachment bar (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side portions (14) are formed correspondingly to an attachment member (32) of the interior ceiling (30).

6. The attachment bar (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional electronic device (24) is a lighting device, in particular an LED stripe.New PCT application nnrT-i / 1Dometic Sweden AB Ijj ill GSKH214609 PWOJuly 25, 202510 / 117. The attachment bar (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (22) is one of a lighting device, a charging device, a cooling device, a heating device, and / or a ventilation device.

8. The attachment bar (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a groove (26) is formed in the central portion (12) for receiving the electronic device (22), the groove (26) extending along the longitudinal direction of the central portion (12).

9. The attachment bar (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that electrical wires (28) are provided inside the groove (26) for supplying the electronic device (22) with electrical energy.

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