CA2277358A1 - Adjustable height cross bar for carrying rack - Google Patents
Adjustable height cross bar for carrying rack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2277358A1 CA2277358A1 CA 2277358 CA2277358A CA2277358A1 CA 2277358 A1 CA2277358 A1 CA 2277358A1 CA 2277358 CA2277358 CA 2277358 CA 2277358 A CA2277358 A CA 2277358A CA 2277358 A1 CA2277358 A1 CA 2277358A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cross bar
- link
- bars
- bar
- rack
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/04—Carriers associated with vehicle roof
- B60R9/045—Carriers being adjustable or transformable, e.g. expansible, collapsible
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
Description
This invention relates to a vehicle roof rack having adjustable height cross bars.
Roof racks for cars and vans for personal use tend to be neat in construction very close to the roof line of the vehicle. For some purposes, for example when luggage with protruding parts of a lower surface is to be carried, such roof racks are inconvenient and roof racks with higher cross bars would be more convenient.
Some vehicles such as off-road vehicles may be provided with roof racks mounted through struts upstanding from a lower part of the body. The reason for this is that open or soft-topped vehicles have no roof structure with which to mount the roof rack. These roof racks mounted from mounting points on the lower vehicle body tend to be of rectangular structure having pair of parallel cross bars and pair of parallel longitudinal bars. The upstanding struts support this rectangular structure at the corners. These roof racks may have additional cross bars within the rectangular outline for stability.
A disadvantage of such body mounted roof racks is that it is difficult to carry some of the recently available luggage boxes which are especially designed to fit on modern roof racks having only two longitudinal bars integral with the roof. Such luggage boxes have recesses in their lower surface to lodge the box onto the cross bars. Unfortunately,
Roof racks for cars and vans for personal use tend to be neat in construction very close to the roof line of the vehicle. For some purposes, for example when luggage with protruding parts of a lower surface is to be carried, such roof racks are inconvenient and roof racks with higher cross bars would be more convenient.
Some vehicles such as off-road vehicles may be provided with roof racks mounted through struts upstanding from a lower part of the body. The reason for this is that open or soft-topped vehicles have no roof structure with which to mount the roof rack. These roof racks mounted from mounting points on the lower vehicle body tend to be of rectangular structure having pair of parallel cross bars and pair of parallel longitudinal bars. The upstanding struts support this rectangular structure at the corners. These roof racks may have additional cross bars within the rectangular outline for stability.
A disadvantage of such body mounted roof racks is that it is difficult to carry some of the recently available luggage boxes which are especially designed to fit on modern roof racks having only two longitudinal bars integral with the roof. Such luggage boxes have recesses in their lower surface to lodge the box onto the cross bars. Unfortunately,
- 2 -when the roof rack has, for example 4 cross bars, only 2 of which are placed suitable for lodgement of the luggage box, the additional bars inhibit proper placing of the box because there are no additional grooves in the box for them.
It is therefore clear that for varying purposes, it would be desirable to have roof rack cross bars of adjustable height. Attempts have been made to provide such adjustable height cross bars. For example, U.S. Patent No.
5,730,343 provides a tower assembly for detachably mounting a cross bar to the rail of a vehicle mounted rack. The tower assembly includes a body having a first lever or lifter pivotally mounted to the body to clamp the cross bar to the body. A second lever is pivotally mounted to the body of the same axis but pivots in the opposite direction to clamp the rail to the body. Such an arrangement is expensive in both labour of manufacture and in materials.
The present inventor has attempted to devise a simple inexpensive adjustable height cross bar which may be used on any carrying rack, especially on vehicle roof racks of any type.
Accordingly there is provided a generally horizontal carrying rack having at least one adjustable height cross bar between a pair of fixed height support bars. Said cross bar is mounted to each of the support bars through an elongate link. A proximal end of the link is connected to its respective support bar to be movable between a lowered
It is therefore clear that for varying purposes, it would be desirable to have roof rack cross bars of adjustable height. Attempts have been made to provide such adjustable height cross bars. For example, U.S. Patent No.
5,730,343 provides a tower assembly for detachably mounting a cross bar to the rail of a vehicle mounted rack. The tower assembly includes a body having a first lever or lifter pivotally mounted to the body to clamp the cross bar to the body. A second lever is pivotally mounted to the body of the same axis but pivots in the opposite direction to clamp the rail to the body. Such an arrangement is expensive in both labour of manufacture and in materials.
The present inventor has attempted to devise a simple inexpensive adjustable height cross bar which may be used on any carrying rack, especially on vehicle roof racks of any type.
Accordingly there is provided a generally horizontal carrying rack having at least one adjustable height cross bar between a pair of fixed height support bars. Said cross bar is mounted to each of the support bars through an elongate link. A proximal end of the link is connected to its respective support bar to be movable between a lowered
- 3 -position in which the link lies at right angles to said respective cross bar in the plane containing the crossbars and a raised position in which the link is angled upwardly from said plane so that a distal end of the link is above said plane. The cross bar is connected to each link by means of a pin projecting from each end of the cross bar to slide in axial slot of the respective elongate link. The distance between the pins is equivalent to the distance between proximal ends of the slots of the elongate links when in their lowered positions. Means are provided to fix the links in their lowered or raised positions.
The means to fix each pivotal link in its lowered or in its raised position may be a bolt passing through an aperture in said one link end and to pass through one drilling in a respective parallel bar to locate the link in its lower position and to pass through another drilling in the respective parallel bar to locate the link in its raised position.
Preferably the parallel bars of the rack are of circular cross section and each link is provided at said one end with a sleeve adapted to pivot on one of the parallel bars. The aperture at said one end of the link may comprise diametric apertures through the sleeve and each drilling through the parallel bar may pass completely through the bar.
The means to fix each pivotal link in its lowered or in its raised position may be a bolt passing through an aperture in said one link end and to pass through one drilling in a respective parallel bar to locate the link in its lower position and to pass through another drilling in the respective parallel bar to locate the link in its raised position.
Preferably the parallel bars of the rack are of circular cross section and each link is provided at said one end with a sleeve adapted to pivot on one of the parallel bars. The aperture at said one end of the link may comprise diametric apertures through the sleeve and each drilling through the parallel bar may pass completely through the bar.
- 4 -The elongate slot of each link may be provided with at least one locator notch for the cross bar, the locator notch extending from a lower surface of the slot. As the link is raised towards its raised position the pin of the cross bar will tend to locate in the notch under the weight of the cross bar. Preferably, the notch is provided at the distal end of the slot through a smooth curve which cams the pin into the notch.
When the adjustable cross bar is provided with its original equipment on the carrying rack the sleeve of the link may be continuous about its outer surface and may be located on the respective parallel bar during assembly of the rack. If the adjustable cross bar is to be provided as an accessory for an existing rack, it may be possible to disassemble the rack to position the sleeves of the links about the parallel bars, but it may be possible to provide the sleeves of the links as split sleeves which may be forced apart to position them about the parallel bars and which may be thereafter tightened into their proper sleeve shape. Alternatively, two part hinged sleeves may be considered.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which Figure 1 shows and illustrative view of a vehicle roof rack having an adjustable cross bar according to the invention;
When the adjustable cross bar is provided with its original equipment on the carrying rack the sleeve of the link may be continuous about its outer surface and may be located on the respective parallel bar during assembly of the rack. If the adjustable cross bar is to be provided as an accessory for an existing rack, it may be possible to disassemble the rack to position the sleeves of the links about the parallel bars, but it may be possible to provide the sleeves of the links as split sleeves which may be forced apart to position them about the parallel bars and which may be thereafter tightened into their proper sleeve shape. Alternatively, two part hinged sleeves may be considered.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which Figure 1 shows and illustrative view of a vehicle roof rack having an adjustable cross bar according to the invention;
- 5 -Figure 2 is a view of the elongate links connecting the cross bar to a bar of the roof rack in lowered position;
Figure 3 is a view of the link of Figure 2 in raised position;
Figure 4 shows means to fix one of the links in either raised or lowered position; and Figure 5 shows an alternative means to fix one of the links in either the raised or lowered position.
In the drawings a vehicle 10 has a roof rack 12 having a pair of longitudinally arranged parallel bars 14 each of which has circular cross section. Fixed cross bars 16 form part of the framework of the roof rack. Adjustable cross bars 18 are also provided between the parallel bars 14. It is to be noted that adjustable cross bars could equally well be provided between the fixed cross bars 16 or, indeed, diagonally between one of the parallel bars 14 and the fixed cross bars 16.
Each adjustable cross bar 18 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. It is supported between parallel bars 14 through elongate links 20 having adjustment slots 22. Each end of cross bar 18 is provided with a projecting pin 24 located through slot 22 and prevented from disengagement by pinhead 26. The distance between pins 24 along the length of cross bar 18 is such that each pin 24 is located at a proximal slot end 28 when the cross bar is in lowered position shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 is a view of the link of Figure 2 in raised position;
Figure 4 shows means to fix one of the links in either raised or lowered position; and Figure 5 shows an alternative means to fix one of the links in either the raised or lowered position.
In the drawings a vehicle 10 has a roof rack 12 having a pair of longitudinally arranged parallel bars 14 each of which has circular cross section. Fixed cross bars 16 form part of the framework of the roof rack. Adjustable cross bars 18 are also provided between the parallel bars 14. It is to be noted that adjustable cross bars could equally well be provided between the fixed cross bars 16 or, indeed, diagonally between one of the parallel bars 14 and the fixed cross bars 16.
Each adjustable cross bar 18 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. It is supported between parallel bars 14 through elongate links 20 having adjustment slots 22. Each end of cross bar 18 is provided with a projecting pin 24 located through slot 22 and prevented from disengagement by pinhead 26. The distance between pins 24 along the length of cross bar 18 is such that each pin 24 is located at a proximal slot end 28 when the cross bar is in lowered position shown in Figure 3.
- 6 -Each link 20 comprises a sleeve 38 to be positioned about a support bar, and a stamped metal part 21. Part 21 may be stamped from a metal plate e.g. stainless steel and thereafter is bent into a U-shape. The web 23 of the U
forms a cover for an end portion of cross bar 18 and the other limbs 25 of the U lie vertically alongside the cross bar. The part 21 is fixedly attached to the sleeve 38 through a tongue 27 extending from the web 23. Pin 24 projects between vertical limbs 25.
When it is desired to raise the cross bar into its raised position the links 20 are pivoted so that their distal end 30 will rise out of the plane of the parallel bars 14. The proximal slot ends 28 move apart from one another to cause pins 24 to slide in slots 22 towards proximal slot ends 28. When pins 24 reach proximal slot ends 28, no further pivoting of the links and resulting raising of the cross bar 18 is possible since the proximal slot ends 28 bear against pins 24. This position is shown in Figure 3.
Conveniently the proximal slot end 28 is provided with a notch 32 from a lower surface 34 of slot 22. Upper surface 36 of slot 22 and the proximal slot end 28 may curve smoothly into notch 32 to act as a cam to guide pin 24 into the notch. Thus notch 32 acts a latch for pin 24.
The link 20 is pivoted on parallel bar 14 by means of the sleeve 38. It may be fixed in its lowered position by means of a bolt 40 passing through diametric apertures 42 of the link and through a drilling 44 through the parallel bar 14. It may be retained in its raised position by means of the same bolt 40 passing through diametric apertures 42 and a different drilling 46 through parallel bars 14.
Conveniently, for access purposes, drilling 44 may be directed downwardly at an angle to the horizontal from the side of the vehicle 10. It is possible that the angle may be as much as 90° but this would involve operating the bolt 40 immediately above the top of the plane 20. When luggage projects sideways from the vehicle this could be inconvenient. For practical purposes it is desirable that the angle be less than 90°, say for example, 40°.
Similarly, drilling 46 may be directed inwardly and upwardly at an angle to the horizontal from the side of the vehicle 10. The maximum angle here is dependent upon a length of link 20 and slot 22 and the resulting maximum adjustable height of cross bar 18. It is probable in many circumstances, that an angle of 10° may be suitable.
It may be seen that while the adjustable cross bar 18 and the operation of link 20 has been described with reference to a maximum raised position where pins 24 are lodged in notch 32 at the maximum raised angle of link 20.
It will be appreciated, however, that many intermediate positions are possible.
_ g _ Figure 5 Shows an alternative arrangement in which bolt 40 passing through diametric apertures 42 and drilling 44 (or diametric apertures 42 and drilling 46) has been replaced by a clamping arrangement. Figure 5 shows a clamping bolt 40a in screw threaded engagement in an aperture 42a through sleeve 38. Bolt 40a bears against the undrilled parallel bar 14 to hold the link in its desired position. This arrangement may not provide the degree of security of the system shown in Figures 3 and 4. Other clamping arrangements are also possible and are considered within the scope of the invention.
forms a cover for an end portion of cross bar 18 and the other limbs 25 of the U lie vertically alongside the cross bar. The part 21 is fixedly attached to the sleeve 38 through a tongue 27 extending from the web 23. Pin 24 projects between vertical limbs 25.
When it is desired to raise the cross bar into its raised position the links 20 are pivoted so that their distal end 30 will rise out of the plane of the parallel bars 14. The proximal slot ends 28 move apart from one another to cause pins 24 to slide in slots 22 towards proximal slot ends 28. When pins 24 reach proximal slot ends 28, no further pivoting of the links and resulting raising of the cross bar 18 is possible since the proximal slot ends 28 bear against pins 24. This position is shown in Figure 3.
Conveniently the proximal slot end 28 is provided with a notch 32 from a lower surface 34 of slot 22. Upper surface 36 of slot 22 and the proximal slot end 28 may curve smoothly into notch 32 to act as a cam to guide pin 24 into the notch. Thus notch 32 acts a latch for pin 24.
The link 20 is pivoted on parallel bar 14 by means of the sleeve 38. It may be fixed in its lowered position by means of a bolt 40 passing through diametric apertures 42 of the link and through a drilling 44 through the parallel bar 14. It may be retained in its raised position by means of the same bolt 40 passing through diametric apertures 42 and a different drilling 46 through parallel bars 14.
Conveniently, for access purposes, drilling 44 may be directed downwardly at an angle to the horizontal from the side of the vehicle 10. It is possible that the angle may be as much as 90° but this would involve operating the bolt 40 immediately above the top of the plane 20. When luggage projects sideways from the vehicle this could be inconvenient. For practical purposes it is desirable that the angle be less than 90°, say for example, 40°.
Similarly, drilling 46 may be directed inwardly and upwardly at an angle to the horizontal from the side of the vehicle 10. The maximum angle here is dependent upon a length of link 20 and slot 22 and the resulting maximum adjustable height of cross bar 18. It is probable in many circumstances, that an angle of 10° may be suitable.
It may be seen that while the adjustable cross bar 18 and the operation of link 20 has been described with reference to a maximum raised position where pins 24 are lodged in notch 32 at the maximum raised angle of link 20.
It will be appreciated, however, that many intermediate positions are possible.
_ g _ Figure 5 Shows an alternative arrangement in which bolt 40 passing through diametric apertures 42 and drilling 44 (or diametric apertures 42 and drilling 46) has been replaced by a clamping arrangement. Figure 5 shows a clamping bolt 40a in screw threaded engagement in an aperture 42a through sleeve 38. Bolt 40a bears against the undrilled parallel bar 14 to hold the link in its desired position. This arrangement may not provide the degree of security of the system shown in Figures 3 and 4. Other clamping arrangements are also possible and are considered within the scope of the invention.
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2277358 CA2277358A1 (en) | 1999-07-14 | 1999-07-14 | Adjustable height cross bar for carrying rack |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2277358 CA2277358A1 (en) | 1999-07-14 | 1999-07-14 | Adjustable height cross bar for carrying rack |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2277358A1 true CA2277358A1 (en) | 2001-01-14 |
Family
ID=4163727
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2277358 Abandoned CA2277358A1 (en) | 1999-07-14 | 1999-07-14 | Adjustable height cross bar for carrying rack |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2277358A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013115701A1 (en) * | 2012-02-04 | 2013-08-08 | Sverkersson Henrik | An adjustable roof rack having lowered supporting elements |
| US8978946B2 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2015-03-17 | Ford Global Technologies | Roof bar for a motor vehicle |
| CN108128254A (en) * | 2017-12-06 | 2018-06-08 | 温州市路搏汽车配件有限公司 | Vehicular luggage rack cross bar component |
-
1999
- 1999-07-14 CA CA 2277358 patent/CA2277358A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8978946B2 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2015-03-17 | Ford Global Technologies | Roof bar for a motor vehicle |
| WO2013115701A1 (en) * | 2012-02-04 | 2013-08-08 | Sverkersson Henrik | An adjustable roof rack having lowered supporting elements |
| CN108128254A (en) * | 2017-12-06 | 2018-06-08 | 温州市路搏汽车配件有限公司 | Vehicular luggage rack cross bar component |
| CN108128254B (en) * | 2017-12-06 | 2024-04-05 | 温州市路搏汽车配件有限公司 | Vehicle-mounted luggage rack cross bar assembly |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |