GB2612823A

GB2612823A - A roof tent

Info

Publication number: GB2612823A
Application number: GB2116369.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shurville Oliver
Original assignee: Tentbox Ltd
Current assignee: Tentbox Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-12
Filing date: 2021-11-12
Publication date: 2023-05-17
Also published as: GB202116369D0

Abstract

A roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, said roof tent comprising: a base that is configured to be mounted onto the roof of a vehicle; and a canopy arrangement that is attached to the base; wherein said canopy arrangement and said base together define and bound the interior of the roof tent, wherein the base comprises one or more vents assemblies 30 and each vent assembly comprises at least one vent for the egress of air and/or moisture from interior of the roof tent to the exterior of roof tent. The one or more vents act as breathers and ventilate the interior of the roof tents. The present invention therefore allows condensation to escape from the roof tent during use and air to escape when the roof tent is collapsed after use.

Description

A ROOF TENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle. In particular, the roof tent comprises a base that is configured to be mounted onto the roof of a vehicle and a canopy arrangement that is attached to the base.

Background of the Invention

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 roof tent when not in use.

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.

One issue associated with roof tents is that during packing, stowing collapsing or flattening the roof tent air can become trapped in the roof tent making it difficult to close and placing stress on the seams of the canopy. Typically, this is overcome by opening the door of the tent during closing. However, it is advisable to stow roof tents with the door closed to prevent damage of the closing mechanism, e.g. the zip. As such, current roof tents require that the door is closed after the tent is collapsed or flattened.

Another issue associated with roof tents is that of ventilation. If the roof tent is packed and stowed within its box while it is still wet, the roof tent must then be opened and dried during out to prevent water damage and mould.

Additionally, during use, condensation can build up within the interior of a roof tent. This can make the interior of the roof tent an unpleasant environment for the occupant. Currently, ventilation of the roof tent in its erect configuration is provided via meshes in the sides or top of the roof tent. However, these meshes are prone to allowing rain and wind into the roof tent, thereby making the interior of the roof tent unpleasant for the user.

A further problem associated with current roof tents is that condensation and pressure can build-up when the roof tent is closed from sunlight and changes in the ambient pressure. In particular, direct sunlight can cause a temperature differential to within the case or box of the roof tent. The build-up of condensation and/or pressure can damage the roof tent.

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

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, said roof tent comprising: a base that is configured to be mounted onto the roof of a vehicle; and a canopy arrangement that is attached to the base; wherein said canopy arrangement and said base together define and bound the interior of the roof tent, wherein the base comprises one or more vent assemblies and each vent assembly comprises at least one vent for the egress of air and/or moisture from interior of the roof tent to the exterior of roof tent.

The one or more vent assemblies and their vents help to ventilate to the interior of the roof tent such that moisture can egress from the interior of the tent during use. The ventilation is beneficial for keep the interior of the roof tent comfortable for the user during use and limiting moisture build-up on the canopy arrangement. The positioning of the vents on the base of the roof tent is also beneficial. By positioning the vents in this location, ingress of wind and rain is reduced compared to vents or meshes on the sides or top. Additionally, since the vents are typically made of a material that is harder than the canopy, positioning the vents in the base reduces the risk of injury.

The vents also assist in the collapsing of the roof tent as they allow air to escape the interior of the roof tent while the roof tent is packed up. Typically, a user must open the door of the roof tent to allow air to escape the interior. However, the user should then close the door once the roof tent is collapsed to prevent damage to the door closing mechanism, such as a zip. This is disadvantageous as it can be difficult for the user to reach the mechanism for opening and closing the door of the roof tent due to its location on top of a vehicle. Accordingly, the positioning of the vents improves the ease and speed with which a user can dismantle and stow the roof tent.

The additional ventilation also helps to roof tent to breathe when it is in its stowed position as it allows moisture to escape when the roof tent is wet and is packed up in, for example, a box. This is advantageous for preventing mould or water damage occurring to the roof tent when stored.

Additionally, the roof tent can increase in temperature due to sunlight and changes in ambient temperature that can cause the pressure to rise in the box or case when the roof tent is collapsed. The temperature differential can also cause condensation to build-up inside of the roof tent. The provision of the one or more vents of the present invention allows the pressure inside and outside the roof tent to equalise and prevent potentially damaging or dangerous build-ups of pressure.

Additionally, the additional ventilation from the one or more vents can inhibit or prevent condensation from forming from the temperature differentials caused by sunlight.

The vents are particularly preferred to egress air and moisture Preferably, the one or more vent assemblies comprises a plurality of vents for the egress of air and/or moisture from interior of the roof tent to the exterior of roof tent. In some embodiments it is beneficial for the vent assemblies to comprise multiple, or a plurality, of vents to increase ventilation.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the vents extends in a directional substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base. This orientation of the vents has been found to be particularly beneficial for increasing airflow and reducing the chance that a user accidentally partially or entirely occludes the vent.

Preferably, the vents comprise an opening that has a rectangular, rounded rectangular, oval, rectellipse or discorectangular shape. More preferably, the majority of the vents comprise an opening that has a rectangular, rounded rectangular, oval, rectellipse or discorectangular shape. Openings of these shapes have been found to be particularly beneficial for improving the ventilation action of the vents.

Preferably, wherein the vents in the plurality of vents are arranged in a staggered configuration. By staggering or offsetting the vents, the base is less likely to be weakened by the presence of the vents and the vents are less likely to be occluded.

Preferably, at least one vent assembly extends across the entire width of the base. More preferably, each of the vent assemblies extends across the entire width of the base. Since the vent assembly extends across the entire width of the base, the vents of the vent assembly as less likely to be accidentally occluded by the user in use, thereby improving ventilation of the roof tent.

Preferably, the base comprises at least two vent assemblies and the vent assemblies are located proximate to opposing outer edges of the base. By positioning vent assemblies at opposing sides or outer edges of the base, ventilation is improved throughout the entire interior of the roof tent. Furthermore, positioning the vent assemblies proximate to the periphery, outer edge or side of the base helps to ensure that the vent is not occluded -by, for example, a camping mattress -during use. Additionally, positioning the vent assemblies proximate the periphery of the base helps to ensure that the exterior side of the vent is not occluded by the roof of the vehicle when the roof tent is mounted on a vehicle.

Preferably, the two vent assemblies extended in a direction substantially parallel to one another.

Preferably, the vent assemblies comprise a protective member that is mounted onto the base. The protective member may comprise one or more apertures that are complementary to the vents or the apertures in the protective member may be staggered, offset, smaller or larger than the vents themselves. The protective member aims to in part protect the vents from dirt and debris and can additional help strengthen the base and provide extra rigidity to the base, which may be weakened from the provision of vents within it.

Preferably, the one or more vents are one-way vents. More preferably, the one-way vents are arranged to facilitate the egress of air and/or moisture from the interior of the roof tent to the exterior. The one-way vents may be known as breathers. It is particularly advantageous to include one-way vents for the egress of air and/or moisture from the interior of the roof tent to the exterior in order to allow air and moisture to escape whilst the user is in the interior of the tent and when the tent is being collapsed. Additionally, changes in temperature, e.g. from sunlight or ambient temperature changes, of the roof tent can occur when the roof tent is stowed within the case or box and a one-way valve limits the flow to air and/or moisture egressing from the box or case and preventing a potentially damaging or dangerous build-up of pressure.

Preferably, the one or more vents comprise a first member that faces the interior of the roof tent, and a second member that faces the exterior of the roof tent.

This two part constructions of the one or more vents has been found to be beneficial for fitting and maintenance of the one or more vent.

Preferably, the base comprises a plastic. More preferably, the base comprises polypropylene. Even more preferably, the base comprises a honeycomb of polypropylene. The provision of a base that comprises plastic -and preferably polypropylene -is beneficial as it provides an excellent comprise on weight and strength compared to metallic bases such as aluminium and additionally insulates the interior more effectively than metal or aluminium bases. This is particularly true for a honeycomb polypropylene base, which insulates the interior of the roof tent extremely effectively. The improved insulation synergistically combines with the vents to reduce condensation within the tent by a surprising amount.

Preferably, canopy arrangement comprises a fabric portion and a shell portion.

Preferably, the shell portion is the roof of the roof tent. Preferably, the shell portion and the base are configured to form a box arrangement to enclose the fabric portion. Preferably, the shell portion and the base are attached together by two or more pivotable arms. In this way, the roof tent is self-packaging as the base and top of the roof tent act as the box to transport and protect the roof tent.

This configuration of roof tent has been found to be particularly preferred by users due to its low weight and complexity.

Preferably, the roof rent comprises a camping mattress that is complementary to the base and does not occlude the one or more vents. Providing a camping mattress of the type is beneficial for maximising the usable space within the roof tent while simultaneously allowing the beneficial effects of the vents.

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: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof tent in accordance with the present invention, when the roof tent in its open or erect position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the roof tent of Figure 1 with the fabric portion of the canopy arrangement omitted for clarity; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the roof tent in Figure 1 with the fabric portion of the canopy arrangement and the camping mattress omitted for clarity.

Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a roof tent 2 in accordance with the present invention. In this figure, the roof tent 2 is depicted in its erect position.

The roof tent 2 comprises a base 4 that is configured to be mounted onto the roof of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the base 4 has a substantially rectangular footprint. Other shapes and designs of bases for roof tents in accordance with the present invention are envisaged. The base 4 is discussed in more detail below.

A canopy arrangement 8 is attached to the base 4 to define and bound the interior 10 of the roof tent 2. The interior 10 of the roof tent 2 is the accommodation in which a user is protected from the elements for sleeping, recreation, and the like.

The canopy arrangement 8 comprises a fabric portion 12 and a shell portion 14. The fabric portion 12 extends between the edges of the base 4 and the shell portion 14 to provide the sides of the roof tent 2 and interior 10. The fabric portion 12 typically consists of a flexible tent fabric as is known in the art. The fabric portion 12 comprises a door 16 on one of its sides for access into the interior 10.

The shell portion 14 is the ceiling or top of the roof tent 2. In this embodiment, the shell portion 14 is the same size and shape as the base 4 such that it can form the protective box or case 18 for the roof tent 2 as is discussed later in relation to Figure 9. The shell portion 14 is typically made from a hard plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polypropylene. Other embodiments are envisaged in which the canopy arrangement 8 does not comprise a shell portion 14 and is instead tent fabric.

Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a roof tent 2 of Figure 1 with the fabric portion 12 of the canopy arrangement 8 omitted for clarity. Figure 2 depicts the roof tent 2 in its erect position. The roof tent 2 comprises four arms 20 that support the shell portion 14 in its erect positon. The arms 20 are each attached to and extend between the base 4 and shell portion 14. Each of the arms 20 is attached to the base 4 and shell portion 14 at locations proximate the corners of the base 4 and shell portion 14 in order to maximise the useable volume of the interior 10. The arms 20 are pivotally attached to both the base 4 and shell portion 14. The arms 20 comprises a central pivot 22 that allows the arms 20 to fold back on themselves them the roof rent 2 is in its stowed position.

In this embodiment, the base 4 comprises a camping mattress 24. The camping mattress 24 is complementary to the base and comprises four cut-out portions 26 to accommodate the arms 20 when the arms are folded down and the roof tent 2 is in its stowed position. In other embodiments the base does not comprise a camping mattress 24 and, in use, this is supplied by the user.

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of the roof tent 2 in Figure 1 with the fabric portion 12 and the camping mattress 24 omitted for clarity. The base 4 of the roof tent 2 comprises a sheet 26. In this embodiment, the sheet 26 is substantially rectangular and is made from honeycomb polypropylene. The sheet 26 supports the camping mattress 24 (which is omitted from Figure 3).

Around the periphery of the sheet 26 are raised edges 28 which is embodiment keep the camping mattress 24 in space and to which the fabric portion 12 is attached.

The base 4 further comprises two vent assemblies 30. Each of the vent assemblies 30 comprises three vents 32 arranged in a linear configuration. The vents 32 are also known as breathers. In other embodiments, the number of vents 32 and their configuration can vary. For example, a staggered configuration of two or more rows of vents.

In this embodiment, the vents 32 have a discorectangular shaped aperture or opening. However, vents with other shapes are envisaged, especially elongated shapes such as rectangles, ovals and rounded rectangles.

The vents 32 each comprise an opening or aperture that allows air and/or moisture to egress from the interior of the roof tent to the external environment.

To do this, the opening or aperture of the vent 32 extends through the base 4 and sheet 26.

The vent assembly 30 further comprises a protective member 34. The protective member 34 can come in various forms. In this embodiment, the protective member 34 is a solid plastic sheet with apertures complementary to the vents 32 such that the protective member 34 does not occlude the vents 32.

In this embodiment, there are two vent assemblies 30 that both extend across the width of the base 4. One of the vent assemblies 30 is located proximate one end, outer edge or periphery of the base 4 and the other vent assembly 30 is located proximate the opposing end, outer edge, or periphery. The two vent assemblies 30 are substantially parallel with respect to one another.

In this embodiment, the underside of the base comprises two railings that are used to mount the roof tent 2 onto a vehicle. There are a number of other methods of mounting a roof tent onto a vehicle as is known in the state-of-the-art.

The roof tent 2 can be collapsed or packed-up into its stowed or closed position for transit. Together the shell portion 14 and the base 4 form a box or case 18 around the fabric portion 12 and the camping mattress 24. The roof tent 2 is transported on top of a vehicle in its stowed position with the box or case 18 closed. The roof tent 2 is secured in its closed position via buckles 52 on the outside of the shell portion 14 and the base 4. Air and/or moisture can egress from the roof tent 2 when it is in closed position via the vents 30, which helps to control the moisture within the box or case 18.

To move the roof tent 2 from the stowed position to its erect position or vice versa, the shell portion 14 is pushed or pulled away from the base 4, which causes the pivots on the arms 20 to rotate. When the moving from the open to the stowed position, air can escape the interior 10 of the roof tent 2 via the vents 30, which makes closing the roof tent 2 shutting the buckles 52 much easier.

Claims

Claims 1 A roof tent for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, said roof tent comprising: a base that is configured to be mounted onto the roof of a vehicle; and a canopy arrangement that is attached to the base; wherein said canopy arrangement and said base together define and bound the interior of the roof tent, wherein the base comprises one or more vent assemblies and each vent assembly comprises at least one vent for the egress of air and/or moisture from interior of the roof tent to the exterior of roof tent.
2. The roof tent of Claim 1, wherein the one or more vent assemblies comprises a plurality of vents for the egress of air and/or moisture from interior of the roof tent to the exterior of roof tent.
3. The roof tent of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the longitudinal axis of the vents extends in a directional substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base.
4. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein at least one of the vents comprises an opening that has a rectangular, rounded rectangular, oval, rectellipse or discorectangular shape.
5. The roof tent of any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the vents in the plurality of vents are arranged in a staggered configuration.
6. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein at least one vent assembly extends across the entire width of the base.
7. The roof tent of Claim 6, wherein each of the vent assemblies extends across the entire width of the base.8. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the base comprises at least two vent assemblies and the vent assemblies are located proximate to opposing outer edges of the base.
8. The roof tent of Claims 8, wherein the two vent assemblies extended in a direction substantially parallel to one another.
9. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the vent assemblies comprise a protective member that is mounted onto the base.
10. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the one or more vents are one-way vents.
11. The roof tent of Claim 8, wherein the one-way vents are arranged to facilitate the egress of air and/or moisture from the interior of the roof tent to the exterior.
12. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the one or more vents comprise a first member that faces the interior of the roof tent, and a second member that faces the exterior of the roof tent.
13. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a plastic.
14. The roof tent of Claim 13, wherein the base comprises a honeycomb of polypropylene.
15. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the canopy arrangement comprises a fabric portion and a shell portion
16. The roof tent of Claim 15, wherein the shell portion is the roof of the roof tent.
17. The roof tent of Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the shell portion and the base are configured to form a box arrangement to enclose the fabric portion.
18. The roof tent of any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the shell portion and the base are attached together by two or more pivotable arms.
19. The roof tent of any one preceding claim, wherein the roof rent comprises a camping mattress that is complementary to the base and does not occlude the one or more vents.