AU2015316167B2 - A roof rack support assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a roof rack support assembly for vehicles comprising an open cargo area, and a canopy for the cargo area, over which a roof rack is to be supported. In one form, the roof rack support assembly includes a roof rack mount, a base, and a support forming a load path between the roof rack mount and the base, and wherein the assembly is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount relative to the base may be adjusted to suit. A roof rack support system comprising the assembly is also disclosed. In one form, the roof rack support system comprises a plurality of the roof rack support assemblies.

Description

A ROOF RACK SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014903563 titled “A ROOF RACK SUPPORT ASSEMBLY” and filed on 8 September 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD 10001 ] The present disclosure relates to a roof rack support assembly for a vehicle. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a roof rack support assembly for a canopy mounted roof rack of a vehicle having a fixed cab and a detachable canopy covering a rear cargo tray.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Utility vehicles (or pickup trucks) typically comprise a cab and an open cargo area (also known as a cargo bed or tub) with low sides and a tailgate. Popular accessories for vehicles of this type include a detachable canopy for covering and/or enclosing the cargo area, and a roof rack mounted over the canopy. These canopies are typically moulded from materials such as ABS, and as such, in and of themselves, lack the strength to support a roof rack and its loads, and thus require a customised internal support frame to transfer loads from the roof rack to the vehicle.

[0003] Because different vehicles require different canopies, various internal support frames have been developed, each of which is specific to a particular application (i.e. vehicle/canopy combination).

[0004] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present disclosure has been developed.

[0005] Certain advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a roof rack support assembly for a vehicle having a cargo area and a canopy for the cargo area, the roof rack support assembly including: a base securable with respect to the vehicle; a support member adjustably securable with respect to the base; and a roof rack mount adjustably securable with respect to the support member, where said roof rack mount adapted to interface with a roof rack mounted over the canopy, and wherein in use, the support member forms a load path between the roof rack mount and the base, and the support assembly is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount relative to the base is adjustable.

[0007] In one form, vehicle cargo area comprises a pair of sides, and the base is securable with respect to one of these sides. In one form, the base is adapted for securement to the vehicle at or near an upper edge of one of these sides.

[0008] In one form, the support member includes a substantially upright lower portion that is adjustably securable with respect to the base.

[0009] In one form, the lower portion of the support member is slidably movable with respect to the base to adjust the height of the support assembly.

[0010] In one form, the support member is angularly adjustable with respect to the base.

[0011 ] In one form, the base includes a bracket for securement to the cargo area and a pair of clamp members that sandwich the bracket and lower portion of the support member together, said bracket having at least one pair of opposing guide slots that receive fastening elements that secure the bracket to the support member, wherein the guide slots permit angular adjustment of the support member relative to the bracket. 10012] In one form, the bracket of the base may be secured to the cargo area indirectly via one or more canopy clamps that are used to secure the canopy to the cargo tray. The bracket of the base may be fastened to the one or more canopy clamps.

[0013] In one form, the at least one pair of opposing guide slots are arcuate.

[0014] In one form, the bracket includes a first and second pair of opposing guide slots.

[0015] In one form, the bracket further includes a pair of centrally located apertures that allow the bracket of the base to be secured orthogonally to the lower portion of the support member.

[0016] In an alternative form, the base includes a first bracket and a second bracket adjustably secured to the first bracket wherein the first bracket and the second bracket cooperate to clamp the canopy to the cargo area and the position of the second bracket with respect to the first bracket is adjustable. The base further includes a pair of clamp members that sandwich the first bracket and lower portion of the support member together, the first bracket having a body portion with at least one pair of opposing guide slots that receive fastening elements that secure the first bracket to the support member, wherein the guide slots permit angular adjustment of the support member relative to the first bracket.

[0017] In one form, the position of the second bracket with respect to the first bracket is adjusted by a fastener coupled between a lower flange depending from the body portion of the first bracket and the second bracket. Preferably, the fastener is vertically disposed and able to raise or lower the height of the second bracket to accommodate various canopy-area geometries.

[0018] In one form, the body portion of the first bracket includes a pair of vertical slots that receive fastening elements used to securely fasten the second bracket to the first bracket once the height of the second bracket has been adjusted.

[0019] In one form, the support member further includes a substantially horizontal upper portion and an intermediate portion extending between the lower and upper portions.

[0020] In one form, the intermediate portion forms an obtuse angle with the lower portion and the upper portion.

[0021] In one form, the roof rack mount is adjustably securable with respect to the upper portion of the support member.

[0022] In one form, the roof rack mount includes a clamp assembly securable around the upper portion of the support member, and an attachment bracket that depends from the clamp assembly.

[0023] In one form, the clamp assembly includes a first interlocking clamp member and a second interlocking clamp member securable around the upper portion of the support member, the first and second interlocking clamp members having outwardly extending wings.

[0024] In one form, the clamp assembly is tightened around the support member by applying a load to the wings of the first and second interlocking clamp members.

[0025] In one form, the clamp assembly is movable along the upper portion of the support member.

[0026 ] In one form, the clamp assembly is angularly adjustable about the upper portion of the support member.

[0027 ] In one form, the attachment bracket includes mounting lugs for a roof rack, said mounting lugs, in use, extending through a roof of the canopy. 100281 In one form, the mounting lugs are fastened to the attachment bracket to permit the lugs to be interchangeable.

[0029] In one form, the attachment bracket has downwardly extending end portions that mount to respective wings of the first and second interlocking clamp members.

[0030] In one form, the attachment bracket is angularly adjustable with respect to the wings of the first and second interlocking clamp members.

[0031 ] In one form, the support member has a tubular structure. 100321 According to a second aspect, there is provided a roof rack support system for a vehicle having a cargo area and a canopy, the support system including: at least four independent roof rack support assemblies, each assembly including: a base securablc with respect to the vehicle; a support member adjustably securable with respect to the base; and a roof rack mount adjustably securable with respect to the support member, where said roof rack mount is adapted to interface with a roof rack mounted over the canopy, wherein in use, the support member forms a load path between the roof rack mount and the base and the support assembly is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount relative to base is adjustable.

[0033 ] In one form, the roof rack support assemblies are operable to extend through a roof of the canopy to interface with the roof rack.

[0034 ] According to a third aspect, there is provided a universal roof rack support assembly for a canopy mounted roof rack including a roof rack mount, a base, and a support forming a load path between the roof rack mount and the base and wherein the assembly is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount relative to the base may be adjusted to suit any type of vehicle canopy.

[0035] In one form, the roof rack mount is adjustable vertically with respect to the base.

[0036] In one form, the roof rack mount is adjustable laterally with respect to the base.

[0037] In one form, the roof rack mount is pivotally adjustable with respect to the base.

[0038] In one form, the roof rack mount is adjustable fore and aft with respect to the base.

[0039] For ease of description, the roof rack support assembly is described herein in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the roof rack support assembly may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

[0040] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompany ing figures that il lustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0041] The present invention may be practised according to the claims without some or all of the specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof rack support assembly according to an embodiment; [0044 ] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a lower portion of the roof rack support assembly showing a base of the assembly being secured with respect to a cargo area via a pair of canopy clamps; 100451 Figure 2 is an exploded view of a base of the roof rack support assembly of Figure 1; [0046 ] Figure 3 is a front view of a bracket of the base; 10047] Figure 4A is a front view of the roof rack support assembly of Figure 1, in an upright position; 10048] Figure 4B is a front view of the roof rack support assembly of Figure 1 in a first tilted orientation; [0049 ] Figure 4C is a front view of the roof rack support assembly of Figure 1 in a second tilted orientation; [00501 Figure 5 is an exploded view of a roof rack mount of the roof rack support assembly of Figure 1; [0051] Figure 6 is a top perspecti ve view of a roof rack support system for a canopy mounted roof rack according to an embodiment; 100521 Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the roof rack support system of Figure 6; [0053 ] Figure 8 is a sectional view taken across the width of the canopy showing two forward mounted roof rack support assemblies; 10054] Figure 9 is a sectional view taken lengthwise through the canopy showing a rearward and forward mounted roof rack assembly; 10055] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a base of a roof rack support assembly according to a further embodiment; [0056] Figure 11 is a side view of the base of Figure 10; [ 0057] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the roof rack support assembly showing the base of Figure 10 being secured directly to the cargo tray; [00581 Figure 13 is a perspective view of a roof rack support assembly according to a further embodiment; [0059] Figure 14 is a detail view of a base of the roof rack support assembly of Figure 13; and [00601 Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle cargo area, a canopy, and a roof rack supported over the canopy using the roof rack support assembly of Figure 13.

[00611 In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0062 j Referring now to Figure 1, where there is shown a perspective view of a roof rack support assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The support assembly 10 is adapted for use with vehicles comprising an open cargo area, and a canopy for the cargo area atop of which the roof rack is to be supported. Typically, the cargo area of these vehicles comprises a pair of low sides, and a tailgate extending between the sides at the rear of the cargo area. 10063] The support assembly 10 comprises a base 100 for securement with respect to the vehicle area via the sides of the cargo area. A support member (arm or bar) 20 is adjustably secured with respect to the base 100 and extends towards a roof of the canopy. A roof rack mount 200 is adjustably secured with respect to the support member 20 and comprises mounting lugs or standoffs 246 that, in use, protrude through holes in the roof of the canopy to provide an interface (attachment points) for a roof rack. The support assembly 10 is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount 200 relative to the base 100 is adjustable to suit any application (i.e. vehicle/canopy combination). The support assembly 10 is therefore universally adjustable.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1, the support member 20 includes a substantially upright lower portion 22, a substantially horizontal upper portion 26 and an intermediate portion 24 located between the lower portion 22 and the upper portion 26. A transition portion 23 is a curved or bent section between the lower portion 22 and the intermediate portion 24 while a transition portion 25 is a curved or bent section between the intermediate portion 24 and the upper portion 26. The intermediate portion 24 is a straight section that is angled relative to both the lower portion 22 and the upper portion 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the intermediate portion 24 forms an obtuse angle with both the lower portion 22 and the upper portion 26. In use, the intermediate portion 24 is angled inwardly of the canopy walls to maintain clearance between the support assembly 10 and the canopy throughout the range of mo vement of the support assembly 10.

[0065 ] The support member 20 shown in Figure 1 has a tubular structure. The cross-section of the tube can be circular (ie. a cylindrical tube) or it may be square or rectangular for example. Although the support member 20 will preferably be hollow and lightweight, it could also comprise a solid section. The support member 20 is preferably manufactured from tubular steel or aluminium, but is not limited to these materials. In use, the support member 20 is a load carrying member that forms a load path between the roof rack mount 200 and the base 100. In this way, the support member 20 ensures that loads from the roof rack are transferred to the vehicle so that the canopy itself supports minimal load associated with the roof rack.

[0066] Referring now to Figure la, an illustration of the base 100 secured to the sides 40 of cargo area is provided. In this embodiment, the base 100 is secured to the sides of the cargo area via a pair of canopy clamps 5 that are used to secure the canopy 30 to the sides 40 of the cargo area. The base 100 includes a bracket 110 having an upper flange 118 that extends from an upper edge thereof. The flange 118 has a plurality of mounting holes 119 for receiving fasteners 6 used to secure the base 100 to the side 40. In the embodiment shown, fasteners 6 secure flange 118 to each canopy clamp 5 thereby securing the base 100 to the side 40 of the cargo area.

[0067] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an exploded view of the base 100. The bracket 110 of the base 100, is in use, held against the lower portion 22 of the support member 20 by a pair of clamp members 120, 130. A first clamp member 120 has a U-shaped portion 122 adapted to receive (and clamp around) a section of the lower portion 22 of the support member 20. A second clamp member 130 is located on an opposing side of the support member 20 to the first clamp member 120. The second clamp member 130 has a plate section 132 and upper and lower locating flanges 134 that jut outward from a central region of the plate section 132. The upper and lower locating flanges 134 have a recessed section 134a that has complementary curvature to the periphery of the support member 20. When the base 100 is clamped to the support member 20, the curved recessed sections 134a of the second clamp member 130 locate onto the outer periphery of the support member 20.

[0068 ] In assembling the base 100 to the support post 20, it is noted that the clamp members 120, 130 can be orientated about bracket 110 in several ways. As shown more clearly in Figure 3, bracket 110 comprises several slotted regions that permit angular adjustment of the clamp members 120, 130.

There is a nominal centre position achieved by aligning holes 128 of the first clamp member 120 and holes 136 of the second clamp member 130 with central holes 115 of bracket 110. This orientation of the base 100 to the support member 20 is shown in Figure 4A. Bolts 140 are then inserted through holes 128, 115 and 136 and fastened into square weld nuts 146 that are attached to the front face of the plate section 132 of the second clamp member 130. Flat washers 144 and split washers 142 are also used with the bolts 140.

[0069 ] The bracket 110 also includes a first pair of opposing guide slots 114 and a second pair of opposing guide slots 116. Each pair of opposing guide slots 114, 116 are arcuate in shape and follow a circular path around the bracket 110. The clamp members 120, 130 and support member 20 may be tilted with respect to the bracket 110 by lining up holes 128 of the first clamp member 120 and holes 136 of the second clamp member 130 with guide slots 114 or 116 of the bracket 110. Bolts 140 arc then inserted through holes 128, slots 114 or 116 and holes 136 and fastened into the square weld nuts 146. The bolts 140 can be moved within the respective guide slots in order to adjust the angular orientation of the support member 20 with respect to the base 100. Figure 4B shows the support member 20 tilted or angled by using guide slots 116. Figure 4C shows the support member 20 tilted or angled a different direction by instead using guide slots 114.

[0070 ] Figures 4A through 4C also show that the height of the support assembly 10 is adjustable by setting the position along the lower portion 22 of the support member 20 where the base 100 is secured. In Figure 4A the base 100 is shown secured at a higher position on the support member 20 than in Figures 4B-4C. Once the height position is set, screw 150 is screwed through the first clamp member 20 into the support member 20 to ensure the base 100 is fixed into position.

[0071 ] Referring now to Figure 5, where there is shown an exploded view of the roof rack mount 200 of the support assembly 10. The roof rack mount 200 is adj ustably securable to the upper portion 26 of the support member 20. The roof rack mount 200 includes a clamp assembly comprising a first interlocking clamp member 210 and a second interlocking clamp member 220. The first interlocking clamp member 210 has a central tooth 213a, adjacent grooves 214 and end teeth 213b. The second interl ocking clamp member 220 has a pair of teeth 223, a central groove 224a and end grooves 224b. The teeth and grooves of each interlocking clamp member 210, 220 are complementary such that when the clamp members are urged together around the upper portion 26 of the support member 20 the teeth and grooves are urged into interlocking engagement. The interlocking clamp members 210, 220 respectively have support member receiving portions 212, 222 that engage around the periphery of the upper portion 26 of the support member 20. The clamp members 210, 220 further includes wings 215, 225 that extend away from the support member receiving portions 212, 222. Each respective wing 215, 225 terminates in a downturned end flange 216, 226. Each wing also includes a respective cutout section 215a, 225a that allows the clamp members 210, 220 to be brought together into interlocking and overlapping engagement.

[0072 ] The roof rack mount 200 further includes an attachment bracket 240 that depends from the clamp assembly of the roof rack mount 200. The attachment bracket 240 has a top surface 241 and downtumed end flanges 244, 248 with mounting holes 245 for adjustably securing the attachment bracket to the clamp assembly of the roof rack mount 200. A pair of roof rack mounting lugs 246 are located on top surface 241 of the attachment bracket 240. The lugs or standoffs 246 are fastened to the attachment bracket 240 by bolts 250 which arc inserted from underneath the attachment bracket and which threadedly engage with the lugs 246. Split washers 252 may be used to add further tension to the joint. The lugs 246 are readily interchangeable and may come in different heights and shapes to suit different roof rack mounting requirements.

[0073 ] When assembling the roof rack mount 200, the interlocking clamp members 210, 220 are engaged around the upper portion 26 of the support member 20 at a desired position along the length of the upper portion 26. The clamp assembly may be angularly adjusted if required by simply rotating the clamp members 210, 220 about the upper portion 26 of the support member 20. To tighten the clamp assembly, a downward force may be applied to the wings 215, 225 which urges the clamp members 210, 220 tighter as they are arranged about the support member 20 in interlocking and overlapping engagement. The clamp assembly therefore effectively acts as a type of torsion spring clamp. With the clamp assembly positioned around the support member 20, the attachment bracket 240 is adjustably secured to the clamp assembly. The downtumed end flanges 244, 248 of the attachment bracket 240 have holes 245 which are aligned with corresponding holes 227 in the downtumed end flanges 216, 226 of the clamp members 210, 220. Bolts 230, using split washers 232 and lock washer 234 fasten the attachment bracket 240 to the clamp assembly. In the embodiment shown, the bolts 230 are fastened into square weld nuts 236 that are attached to an inner surface of the downtumed end flanges 216, 226 of the clamp members 210, 220. Before tightening bolts 230, the attachment bracket 240 may be angularly adjusted about the clamp assembly to a desired orientation.

[0074 ] Referring now to Figures 6 through 9, where there is shown a roof rack support system for a canopy mounted roof rack including a plurality of roof rack support assemblies 10. Figures 6 and 7 show a vehicle canopy 30 that is mounted over a cargo area of a vehicle. The canopy 30 has a roof 32, a right hand side 34, a left hand side 36, a rear 38a and a front 38b. While the front of the canopy 30 is generally upright, the respective sides and rear of the canopy are angled inward over the cargo area. In the embodiment shown, four independent roof rack support assemblies 10 are arranged in respective forward and aft comer regions of the canopy 30. Together the support assemblies 10 provide roof rack attachment points shown by the mounting lugs 246 which protrude through holes in the canopy roof 32 as shown in Figure 6. At these points, roof rack mounting hardware can be installed.

[0075 ] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the canopy 30 showing the arrangement of roof rack support assemblies 10 in further detail. The two support assemblies 10 located on the left side 36 of the canopy 30 are mounted to an upper section of a sidewall of the cargo area (not shown) in locations where the canopy is secured to the side walls. The two support assemblies 10 located on the right side 34 of the canopy 30 are mounted to an upper section of an opposing sidewall of the cargo tray. An example of how the support assemblies 10 may be adjusted to suit a particular canopy geometry is shown in the sectional views provided in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows the two forward support assemblies 10, while Figure 9 shows the two support assemblies 10 located on the left hand side 36 of the canopy. The two forward support assemblies 10 are arranged such that the lower portion 22 of the support member 20 is secured orthogonally to the bracket 110 of the base 100. This is achieved by using the central holes 115 in the bracket 110. These support members 20 do not require any degree of forward or rearward tilt. Conversely, as shown in Figure 9, the rear support assemblies 10 are arranged so that the support member 20 is tilted forward with respect to the bracket 110. The rearward left hand side support assembly shown in Figure 9 uses guide slots 116 to achieve this forward inclination. The rearward right hand side support assembly (not shown) would need to use guide slots 114 to tilt forward as the bases 100 on opposite sides of the cargo area are mounted opposite to one another.

[0076] Referring now to Figures 10 throughl2, where an alternative base 300 for the roof rack support assembly is shown. The base 300 includes a first bracket 310 and a second bracket 330 adjustably secured to the first bracket 310. The first bracket 310 includes an upright body portion 312 and upper and lower flanges 318,311 that depend from respective upper and lower edges of the body portion 12. The second bracket 330 has a horizontal base portion 334 and first and second upright portions 332, 333 that extend upward from opposing edges of the base portion 334. An upper flange 335 projects outward from the top edge of the second upright portion 33.

[0077] The first bracket 310 and the second bracket 330 are cooperable to clamp a lower portion 31 of the canopy 30 to a top portion 44 of a sidewall of the cargo area40 (as shown in Figure 12). The upper flange 318 of the first bracket 310 forms a top clamp member while upper flange 335 of the second bracket 330 forms a bottom clamp member. In use, the flanges 318, 335 are drawn toward each other so as to securely clamp the canopy 30 to the cargo area 40. The position (height) of the second bracket 330 with respect to the first bracket 310 is adjustable so as to vary the opening of the clamp mechanisms to suit various canopy-area geometries. The position of the second bracket 330 with respect to the first bracket 310 is adjusted by a pair of fasteners 340 (e.g. bolts) coupled between the base portion 334 of the second bracket 330 and the lower flange 311 of the first bracket 310. Preferably, fasteners 340 are vertically disposed so as to raise or lower the height of the second bracket 330.

[0078 j The support member 20 is adjustably securable to the base 300 in the same way as previously described with respect to base 100. A pair of clamp members 320, 350 sandwich the first bracket 310 and lower portion 22 of the support member 20 together. The body portion 312 of the first bracket 310 has at least one pair of opposing guide slots that receive fastening elements to secure the first bracket 310 to the support member 20, wherein the guide slots permit angular adjustment of the support member 20 relative to the first bracket 310.

[0079] The body portion of the first bracket 310 further includes a pair of vertical slots 313 that receive fastening elements 360 (e.g. bolts) used to securely fasten the second bracket 330 to the first bracket 310 once the height of the second bracket 330 has been adjusted via fasteners 340. Base 300 is advantageous as it removes the need for separate canopy clamps enabling quicker and simpler fitment of the roof rack support assembly.

[0080] Referring now to Figures 13 through 15, where in a further embodiment, the upper flange 318 of the first bracket 310 of the base 300 comprises a cut-out 400 in which a canopy clamp (not illustrated) - of the type typically used to secure some canopies to the sides of a cargo area - can be positioned. The flange 335 of the second bracket 330 comprises a down-turned lip 336 beneath which the canopy clamp can get some purchase on the flange 335. This arrangement allows the base 300 and the canopy clamp to clamp the same portions of the side of the cargo area and the canopy 30 together.

[0081 ] Referring now to Figure 15, where there is shown a roof rack support system for supporting a roof rack 600 over a canopy 30 for a vehicle load area 500, the system comprising a plurality of the roof rack support assemblies 10 of Figures 13 through 15. Each support assembly 10 extends from an upper edge of a side 502 of the vehicle load area 500, to the roof rack 600, so that minimal load is borne by the canopy 30. The base 300 of each support assembly 10 clamps the canopy 30 to a side 502 of the vehicle load area 500 via a canopy edge flange 32.

[0082 ] The roof rack support sy stem of the present disclosure enables a load path to be formed between the roof rack mounts and the vehicle so that the canopy is not load bearing, or at least only partially load bearing. Roof rack cargo loads are transferred from the roof rack mounts through the support members and into the bases where they are distributed into the body of the cargo tray. Advantageously, the roof rack support sy stem is universally adj ustable so that a user only needs to purchase a single roof rack support system which will be suitable for any canopy type. The position of the roof rack mount relative to the base is adjustable at least vertically, laterally, fore and aft and pivotally.

[0083] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0084] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0085] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous reassemblys, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (33)

1. A roof rack support assembly for a vehicle comprising a cargo area, and a canopy for the cargo area over which a roof rack is to be supported, the roof rack support assembly including: a base securable with respect to the vehicle; a support member adjustably securable with respect to the base; and a roof rack mount adjustably securable with respect to the support member wherein in use, the support member forms a load path between the roof rack mount and the base, and the support assembly is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount relative to the base is adjustable.

2. The roof rack support assembly of claim 1, wherein the support member includes a substantially upright lower portion that is adjustably securable with respect to the base.

3. The roof rack support assembly of claim 2, wherein the lower portion of the support member is slidably movable with respect to the base, to adjust the height of the support assembly.

4. The roof rack support assembly as in either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the support member is angularly adjustable with respect to the base.

5. The roof rack support assembly of claim 4, wherein the base includes a bracket for securement to the v ehicle, and a pair of clamp members that sandwich the bracket and lower portion of the support member together, said bracket comprising at least one pair of opposing guide slots that receive fastening elements to secure the bracket to the support member, wherein the guide slots permit angular adjustment of the support member relative to the bracket.

6. The roof rack support assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one pair of opposing guide slots are arcuate.

7. The roof rack support assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the bracket includes a first and second pair of opposing guide slots.

8. The roof rack support assembly of claim 7, wherein the bracket further includes a pair of centrally located apertures that allow the bracket of the base to be secured orthogonally to the lower portion of the support member.

9. The roof rack support assembly of claim 4, wherein the base includes a first bracket and a second bracket adjustably secured to the first bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket cooperable to clamp the canopy to the vehicle, and wherein the position of the second bracket with respect to the first bracket is adjustable.

10. The roof rack support assembly of claim 9, wherein the position of the second bracket with respect to the first bracket is adjusted by a fastener coupled between the second bracket and a lower flange depending from a body portion of the first bracket.

11. The roof rack support assembly of claim 10, wherein the body portion of the first bracket includes a pair of vertical slots that receive fastening elements used to securely fasten the second bracket to the first bracket once the position of the second bracket has been adjusted.

12. The roof rack support assembly of any one of claims 2-8, wherein the support member further includes a substantially horizontal upper portion and an intermediate portion extending between the lower and upper portions.

13. The roof rack support assembly of claim 12, wherein the intermediate portion forms an obtuse angle with the lower portion and the upper portion.

14. The roof rack support assembly of claims 12 or 13, wherein the roof rack mount is adjustably securable with respect to the upper portion of the support member.

15. The roof rack support assembly of claim 14, wherein the roof rack mount includes a clamp assembly securable around the upper portion of the support member and an attachment bracket that depends from the clamp assembly.

16. The roof rack support assembly of claim 15, wherein the clamp assembly includes a first interlocking clamp member and a second interlocking clamp member securable around the upper portion of the support member, the first and second interlocking clamp members having outwardly extending wings.

17. The roof rack support assembly of claim 16, wherein the clamp assembly is tightened around the support member by applying a load to the wings of the second interlocking and first interlocking clamp members.

18. The roof rack support assembly of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the clamp assembly is mo vable along the upper portion of the support member.

19. The roof rack support assembly of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the clamp assembly is angularly adjustable about the upper portion of the support member.

20. The roof rack support assembly of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the attachment bracket includes mounting lugs for a roof rack, said mounting lugs, in use, extending through a roof of the canopy.

21. The roof rack support assembly of claim 20, wherein the mounting lugs are fastened to the attachment bracket to permit the lugs to be interchangeable.

22. The roof rack support assembly of any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein the attachment bracket has downtumed end flanges that mount to respective wings of the first and second interlocking clamp members.

23. The roof rack support assembly of claim 22, wherein the attachment bracket is angularly adjustable with respect to the wings of the first and second interlocking clamp members.

24. The roof rack support member of any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member has a tubular structure.

25. A roof rack support system for a vehicle having a cargo area and a canopy for the cargo area over which a roof rack is to be supported, the support system including a plurality of roof rack support assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. The roof rack support system of claim 25, including four roof rack support assemblies.

27. The roof rack support system of claim 26, wherein each roof rack support assembly is arranged near a respective comer region of the canopy.

28. A roof rack support system for a vehicle having a cargo area and a canopy for the cargo area over which a roof rack is to be supported, the support system including: at least four independent roof rack support assemblies, each roof rack support assembly including: a base securable with respect to the vehicle; a support member adjustably securable with respect to the base; and a roof rack mount adjustably securable with respect to the support member, and adapted to interface with a roof rack, wherein in use, the support member forms a load path between the roof rack mount and the base, and the support assembly is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount relative to base is adjustable.

29. A universal roof rack support assembly for a canopy mounted roof rack, the roof rack support assembly including a roof rack mount, a base, and a support forming a load path between the roof rack mount and the base, and wherein the assembly is configurable such that the position of the roof rack mount relative to the base may be adjusted to suit any type of vehicle canopy.

30. The universal roof rack support assembly of claim 29, wherein the position of the roof rack mount is adjustable vertically with respect to the base.

31. The universal roof rack support assembly of claim 29, wherein the position of the roof rack mount is adjustable laterally with respect to the base.

32. The universal roof rack support assembly of claim 29, wherein the position of the roof rack mount is pivotally adjustable with respect to the base.

33. The universal roof rack support assembly of claim 29, wherein the position of the roof rack mount is adjustable fore and aft with respect to the base.