The invention relates to a device for providing a living space. The invention relates particularly to a mobile device for providing a living space, which device is displaceable using a vehicle.

Such a device is per se known. An example of such a device is a caravan which can be coupled behind a vehicle and is displaceable by the vehicle. A drawback of a caravan is that the vehicle, for instance a car, is allowed to move only at a limited speed. Another example of such a device is a camper, which forms an integral part of the vehicle. A drawback of a camper is that the vehicle cannot be used separately of the device. Yet another example of such a device is a roof tent which can be coupled onto a vehicle and a roof of which can be displaced upward for the purpose of providing a sleeping area. A drawback of a roof tent is that the sleeping area may be difficult to access because of the height thereof. Yet another example of such a device is a camper device which can be arranged on a pick-up. A drawback of such a camper device is that it cannot be arranged at random on a normal car.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device of the type stated in the preamble which obviates at least one of the above described drawbacks.

The device of the type stated in the preamble comprises for this purpose according to the invention a first element and a second element, which two elements are mutually connectable and in connected state define a substantially L-shaped form, wherein the device can be mounted releasably on a vehicle such that at least a part of the vehicle extends in a space defined by the elements connected in L-shape, wherein, in the situation where the device is uncoupled from the vehicle, the defined space is suitable as living space, wherein the first element is configured to form a wall of the living space and the second element is configured to form a roof of the living space.

The device according to the invention provides the advantage that, in the situation where it is coupled to the vehicle, it can be easily transported by the vehicle, wherein current legislation does not impose any speed limit on the vehicle other than the standard speed limit for the vehicle itself. In the situation where it is uncoupled from the vehicle, the device provides the advantage that the defined space can function as living space while the vehicle itself can be used. Compared to for instance a camper device which is coupled during use to a vehicle such as a car, the living space created by the defined space is relatively large because this space is not taken up by the vehicle. The defined space is easy to reach in that it lies at substantially the same level as the ground. Owing to its dimensions and mass the device according to the invention is suitable for diverse types of car, in particular passenger cars or optional other vehicles.

US 5,934,738 shows a camper with foldable room addition under the camper nose. Because only the space under the nose can be used, the living space created there is relatively small. The camper itself also provides a living space, whereby the camper is relatively large and heavy and can only be displaced by determined types of vehicle, in particular only by a pick-up, and specifically not by a (passenger) car.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention only the defined space is suitable as living space. This is understood to mean that the device itself is not suitable as living space, and more particularly cannot be walked on by persons, but only comprises functionalities which are accessible from the living space. The device according to this embodiment hereby provides in particular a living space only in the situation where it is uncoupled from the vehicle. The device can hereby take a compact form with a relatively small volume.

In another embodiment of the device the thickness of the first element is smaller than a length of the second element. The thickness of the first element can amount particularly to 0.10-0.5 times the length of the second element. The thickness of the first element and the length of the second element are defined here in the same direction, particularly in a horizontal direction, more particularly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. An advantage of the device according to this embodiment is that the device itself can be arranged compactly on the vehicle because the first element, in view of its small thickness, does not take up much space on the rear side of the vehicle and the second element extends over the roof of the car and particularly does not extend, or at least only does so a short distance, beyond the roof of the car, while a relatively large living space can be provided due to the relatively great length of the second element.

Because the device according to the invention is relatively compact, for instance compared to the device of US 5,934,738, it can take a relatively light form. The device according to the invention can hereby be arranged on the vehicle or uncoupled therefrom in simple manner, and can more particularly be carried by diverse types of vehicle.

The device according to the invention can for instance be used as a holiday arrangement for providing a mobile living space during a holiday. The device according to the invention can alternatively or additionally be used as (emergency) housing. As further alternative the device according to the invention can be used as mobile medical post or by defence forces. It is noted that these applications are not exclusive but serve only by way of elucidation. The device according to the invention can be used for any desired and/or suitable application.

Because the device is displaceable in the situation where it is coupled to the vehicle, the device itself need not comprise wheels. The device can optionally comprise transport wheels so that in its uncoupled situation it is displaceable on the transport wheels.

At least one functionality which is accessible from the defined space can be incorporated in practical manner in the first element. The functionality is for instance selected from the group comprising a cabinet, a drawer, a boiler, a sink, a freezer, a refrigerator, a cooking hob, a television, a radio, a socket outlet. Any desired functionality can be incorporated in the first element in addition to the stated functionalities. The functionalities can for instance be selected in accordance with a chosen application of the device according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention the first element comprises an outward foldable part displaceable between a first collapsed position and a second folded-out position in which the part forms a floor of the living space. In its first collapsed position the outward foldable part of the first element can form a cover for the first element, for instance for the functionality or functionalities incorporated therein, so that the first element is protected by the collapsed outward foldable part. This can be advantageous for instance in the situation where the device is coupled onto the vehicle. In the second position of the outward foldable part, the part forms a floor surface of at least a part of the created living space so that the user need not stand on the ground in that part.

Tn another embodiment of the device according to the invention the device comprises an extension piece for extending the first element. The length of the first element is preferably chosen such that the device can be coupled to a diverse number of vehicles. This chosen length is however not always a suitable length for the wall of the created living space. The length of the first element can be extended in simple manner using the extension piece according to the invention so that the wall acquires a length suitable for use of the living space and the second element, which functions as roof, extends at a height suitable for use of the living space.

In practical manner the extension piece is an outward slidable and/or outward foldable and/or outward extendable and/or outward rotatable extension piece. The length of the first element can be extended by sliding and/or folding and/or extending and/or rotating the extension piece outward. The extension piece can particularly comprise a number of rods, for instance two, disposed slidably in a cylinder, which rods are slidable into and out of the cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position in which the rods increase the length of the first element.

A flexible tent-cloth can optionally be provided in order to provide an at least rainproof seal of the extended first element.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the second element comprises a downward foldable part which is displaceable between a first collapsed position and a second folded-down position in which the part forms a piece of furniture. The downward foldable part according to the invention provides the advantage that it takes up almost no space in the first position and the device can be easily coupled to a vehicle, while in the second position the downward foldable part forms a piece of furniture of the device. The downward foldable part is disposed close to the ground in its second position so that the downward foldable part is easily accessible to a user. The downward foldable part can for instance form or comprise a bed, seat or table. Such a piece of furniture can optionally be incorporated in the downwar d folding part for sliding-out and/or folding-out or displacement in other manner.

The downward foldable part of the second element and the outward foldable part of the first element can optionally be coupled, for instance pivotally coupled, such that they can be displaced simultaneously between their first and second positions. A transition between the floor formed by the outward foldable part in its second position and the piece of furniture formed by the downward foldable part in its second position is formed in simple manner by such a coupling.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the downward foldable part is obliquely displaceable in vertical direction between the first and the second position. By displacing the downward foldable part obliquely downward in vertical direction the living space created in the second position is enlarged compared to a situation where the downward foldable part were to be displaced straight downward. The part of the floor left clear by the downward foldable part displaced obliquely downward, i.e. the part of the floor extending between the first element and the folded-down downward foldable part, can optionally be filled with the folded-out outward foldable part of the first element.

In order to enable easy displacement of the downward foldable part between its first position and its second position the device can comprise lifting means for lowering or lifting up the downward foldable part. The lifting means can be controlled manually or with a motor.

In practical manner the device comprises a flexible wall disposed between the second element and the downward foldable part. The flexible wall can for instance comprise a tent-cloth. The flexible wall can for instance be arranged after the downward foldable part has been folded down, for instance by being zipped or fastened with press-studs or in other random manner to the downward foldable part in its second position and the second element. The flexible wall can alternatively already be connected, optionally with zippers, press-studs or in other random manner, to the downward foldable part and the second element before the downward foldable part is folded down, such that the flexible wall is formed when the downward foldable part is displaced to its second position.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the second element comprises a functionality. The functionality can for instance, though not exclusively, be a roof window for providing daylight to the living space of the device, a solar collector for providing hot water or a solar cell for generating electrical energy for the device. It will be apparent that the second element can comprise any desired functionality or functionalities.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the device comprises support means for supporting the device in the situation where it is uncoupled from the vehicle. The support means can for instance comprise a number of rod-like elements which are connected to the second element and extend to the ground. In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the second element or the downward foldable part of the second element is provided on its underside with an inflatable element. The inflatable element provides the advantage that, in the situation where the device is coupled to the vehicle, the inflatable element can be inflated such that it extends up to the vehicle and substantially no space is present therebetween. Wind is hereby substantially unable to move between the device and the vehicle, whereby air vortices cannot form therebetween and whereby the air resistance and/or noise may be decreased. When the downward foldable part has the inflatable element on its underside, the downward foldable part can be disposed at a desired height and/or substantially horizontally on the ground using the inflatable element.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the device is manufactured from a material chosen from the group comprising: a material comprising plastic, for instance a fibre -reinforced plastic, a metal, for instance aluminium, or a combination thereof. Such materials provide the advantage that they are relatively light yet strong. By selecting such materials, and particularly due to the compact form of the device according to the invention, the device according to the invention can be relatively light, whereby it can be arranged on or uncoupled from a vehicle in simple manner. The relatively low weight of the device according to the invention also enables it to be carried by the above described diverse types of vehicle and not to be limited to determined types of vehicle. The fibres of the fibre-reinforced plastic can for instance be chosen from the group comprising glass fibres, carbon fibres and aramid.

In practical manner the first element comprises a recess for receiving a towing hook of a vehicle. Using such a recess the first element can be coupled easily to the towing hook of a vehicle, wherein the towing hook can (also) carry the device.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention the first element comprises a rod extendable substantially perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal direction of the first element, wherein the rod comprises a coupling element on its end remote from the first element, which coupling element has the recess for receiving the towing hook. The device can be coupled to the vehicle in simple manner using the rod.

The invention is further elucidated with reference to figures shown in a drawing, in which:

-figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention in the situation in which it is coupled to a vehicle;

-figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 during use;

-figures 3A-3E show the steps for coupling the device to the vehicle from a situation of use;

-figure 4 shows the device during the step of figure 3C in more detail;

-figures 5A and 5B show the mutual engagement of a number of components of the device; -figure 6 shows the device prior to the step of figure 3D in more detail;

-figure 7 shows a coupling element according to the invention;

-figure 8 shows a clamp according to the invention; and

-figure 9 shows a perspective rear view of the device.

Figure 1 shows a device 1 for providing a living space. In figure 1 device 1 is coupled to a car 2 so that device 1 can be transported easily using car 2. The device preferably has such a size and such a mass that it can be coupled in simple manner to a number of different types of car or other types of vehicle. The mass amounts for instance to between 100 and 200 kg. Device 1 comprises a first element 3 and a second element 4 which are mutually connected and together define an L-shape. First element 3 is disposed on the rear side of car 2 and coupled to the towing hook of car 2, as will be further elucidated below. Second element 4 is disposed on the upper side of car 2 and coupled to a roof rack 5 of car 2, as will be further elucidated below. Car 2 extends here in a space 6 defined by the L-shaped device 1 .

Figure 2 shows device 1 of figure 1 during use. This shows that in the situation where device 1 is uncoupled from car 2 the defined space 6 is suitable as living space, wherein first element 3 is configured to form a wall of the living space and second element 4 is configured to form a roof of the living space.

First element 3 has a number of functionalities, such as a fridge/freezer 10, two cooking hobs 8, a sink 7 with a tap 9 disposed thereabove, a worktop 11. First element 3 can have any desired functionality, for instance though not exclusively a cabinet, a (cutlery) drawer, a wiring or cable reel, a first-aid medicine kit, one or more speakers, a control panel.

Second element 4 has a number of functionalities, such as a dish 12 and a solar panel 13 for generating electrical energy. Second element 4 can have any desired functionality, for instance though not exclusively a light-transmitting element for providing daylight to space 6, (LED) lighting on the underside for providing artificial light to space 6, an antenna, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth receiver, a screen, a webcam.

First element 3 comprises an outward foldable part 14 which is shown in figure 2 in its folded-out position in which part 14 forms a floor of the living space.

Second element 4 comprises a downward foldable part 15 which is shown in figure 2 in its folded-down position in which the part forms a piece of furniture. Part 15 particularly comprises two adjustable seating/sleeping arrangements 16, wherein the foremost device 16 in figure 2 is arranged flat so that it is adjusted as sleeping arrangement and wherein the rearmost device is disposed at an angle so that it is adjusted as seating arrangement. Part 15 further comprises a collapsible table 17 shown in non-collapsed position in figure 2. An inner tent 18 and an outer tent 19 extend between the folded-down part 15 and second element 4. Extending between folded-down part 15 and second element 4 is a lifting strap 26 which serves to lift the downward foldable part 15 to it collapsed position. The advantage of such lifting means is that the downward foldable part 15 can be displaced easily from its folded-down position to its collapsed position. This will be further elucidated below with reference to figures 3A-3C.

A support pole 20 is connected on one side to second element 4 and disposed on the ground on the other side. Optionally height-adjustable legs 21 are provided on the underside of first element 3 for the purpose of preferably level arrangement of first element 3 on the ground. Device 1 is in this way firmly supported in the situation where it is uncoupled from the vehicle.

A tent-cloth 22 with a light-transmitting surface 23 on either side extends as window between first element 3 and second element 4. This tent-cloth covers a space between first element 3 and second element 4 when first element 3 is in an extended position, as will be further elucidated below with reference to figure 3A. The wall, and thereby the roof formed by second element 4, acquires a suitable height by extending first element 3.

Second element 4 has a number of loops 25 over its periphery. Loops 25 can be arranged over knobs 24 on first element 3 and on part 15 for the purpose of providing a coupling therebetween. This will be further elucidated with reference to figure 6.

Figure 3A shows device 1 prior to coupling of device 1 onto the vehicle. A number of elements, such as a number of functionalities of first element 3 and furniture of part 15, are not shown for the sake of simplicity. Inner tent 18, outer tent 19, tent-cloth 22 may not be shown for the sake of simplicity, or if they are uncoupled when connected releasably to first element 3 and/or second element 4 and/or part 15.

Figure 3A shows that two slide -out rods 27 are disposed between first element 3 and second element 4. In their extended position the rods 27 increase the length of first element 3 and rods 27 carry second element 4 such that second element 4 is in a higher position. In their retracted position the rods are received in second element 4.

Device 1 will be made ready for coupling to the vehicle by lifting the folded-down part 15 and retracting the rods 27. Folded-down part 15 will displace obliquely upward here and folded-out part 14 will displace by means of rotation to its collapsed position. Part 15 and part 14 are pivotally coupled over pivot axis 29 such that, by lifting the part 15, part 14 is displaced to its collapsed position. The lifting of part 15 takes place using lifting straps 26. Lifting straps 26 are connected to a rod 30 drivable rotatably by a motor 28 such that lifting straps 26 are wound around rod 30 by rotation hereof and part 15 is displaced obliquely upward. Lifting of part 15 and the associated folding in of part 14 is shown in figures 3B and 3C. Rods 27 are simultaneously retracted such that, once rods 27 have been retracted and part 15 has been lifted, part 15 is in its collapsed position, part 14 is in its collapsed position and first element 3 is in its non-extended position. First element 3 and second element 4 are mutually coupled using loops 25 and knobs 24, and second element 4 and part 15 are mutually coupled in the collapsed position of part 15. Part 15 is fixed here in its collapsed position. Because part 14 is coupled pivotally to part 15, part 14 is also fixed in its collapsed position.

Figures 3D and 3E show the coupling of device 1 to car 2. First element 3 comprises for this purpose a height-adjustable coupling element 32 with a recess 33 for receiving a towing hook of car 2, which coupling element 32 is disposed on an end zone of a (telescopically) extendable rod 31, see also figure 6. In its extended position rod 31 is coupled to the towing hook of car 2 using coupling element 32. Rod 31 is then readjusted to its non-extended position, wherein device 1 is displaced in the direction of car 2. Second element 4 slides here over roof rack 5 of car 2. As soon as rod 31 is adjusted in its non-extended position, first element 3 lies a short distance from car 2 and second element 4 extends over the roof of car 2. Adjustment of rod 31 can for instance take place manually or be motor-controlled.

Figure 4 shows device 1 in the step of figure 3C in more detail. This shows that, during displacement of part 15 to its collapsed position, inner tent 1 8 and outer tent 19 fold into the space between part 15 and second element 4, and tent cloth 22 folds into the space between first element 3 and second element 4.

Figures 5A and 5B show how first element 3, second element 4, part 15 and part 14 engage on each other. A protrusion 42 of second element 4 extends here into a recess 41 of first element 3. A protrusion 43 of part 15 extends into a recess 44 of first element 3. A protrusion 45 of part 14 extends into a recess 46 of first element 3. A protrusion 48 of second element 4 extends into a recess 47 of part 15. The diverse components engage each other by means of the diverse recesses and protrusions. Fixing of the coupled components takes place using loops 25 and knobs 24, wherein loops 25 are placed round knobs 24. It will be apparent that the recesses and protrusions could also be arranged the other way around such that first element 3 has the protrusions and second element 4, part 14 and part 15 have the recesses. It will also be apparent that the loops and knobs could be arranged the other way around, wherein second element 4 comprises knobs 24 and first element 3 and part 15 comprise loops 25. Figure 5B shows a cross-section of the connection at the position of the edge of part 15 and second element 4 in the collapsed position.

Figure 6 shows device 1 in the step prior to figure 3D in more detail. Rod 31 is shown here in its extended position, wherein coupling element 32 with recess 33 are visible. It will also be apparent from this bottom view that second element 4 further comprises coupling means 50, 51 , using which the second element 4 can be coupled to a roof rack of a car.

An inflatable element 52 is disposed on the underside of second element 4, in particular on the underside of part 15. The height of part 15 on the ground can be adjusted using inflatable element 52, and part 15 can be arranged substantially level. Inflatable element 52 can also form a seal between the underside of second element 4 and the roof of car 2. In this embodiment inflatable element 52 is annular. Inflatable element 52 can be formed in any suitable shape, for instance in accordance with the type of vehicle or car.

Disposed on the underside of first element 3 is an element 53 with a substantially spherical underside. When device 1 is pulled toward the car, as described with reference to figures 3D and 3E, device 1 is slidable over the ground using this element 53. The device is hereby easy to displace and/or damage to the underside of first element 3 is hereby prevented.

Part 14 has a number of adjusting elements 54 on its surface remote from first element 3. Using these the part 14 in its folded-out position, in which it forms the floor, can be adjusted in simple manner such that it is arranged substantially level.

Second element 4 comprises on either side an elongate recess 55 in which each support pole 20 can be received.

Figure 7 shows rod 31 with coupling device 32 and recess 33 in more detail. This shows that the device comprises a motor 34, using which the rod 31 can be lengthened and shortened, i.e. can be adjusted between its non-extended position and its extended position. The tube 35 extending at right angles to rod 31 is a fixing tube with which rod 31 is fixed in first element 3.

Figure 8 shows the connecting clamp for mutually connecting first element 3 and second element 4, and mutually connecting part 15 and second element 4. The clamp comprises the above described loop 25 and knob 24.

Figure 9 shows a rear view of device 1. This shows that the device can comprise a number of practical functionalities, such as a brake light 60, a reflector 61, a rear light 62, an optionally illuminated number plate 63, a connection point 64 for cables and conduits.

It is noted that the invention is not limited to the shown embodiments but also extends to variants within the scope of the appended claims.