EP4638201A1

EP4638201A1 - Robust joint

Info

Publication number: EP4638201A1
Application number: EP23844111.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Oliver David John MARSHALL
Original assignee: Prospeed Motorsport Ltd
Current assignee: Prospeed Motorsport Ltd
Priority date: 2022-12-23
Filing date: 2023-12-19
Publication date: 2025-10-29
Also published as: GB202219623D0; WO2024134185A1

Abstract

A kit of parts for a framework, comprising: at least one first connectable member (230) comprising a first body portion and a first end portion that comprises a first protruding portion that is thinner than the first body portion to define a first rebated region, the first protruding portion comprising a first abutment surface on a side of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region that comprises at least one protuberance extends away from the first abutment surface; and at least one further connectable member (240) comprising a further body portion and a further end portion that comprises a further protruding portion that is thinner than the further body portion to define a further rebated region the further protruding portion comprising a further abutment surface on a side of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region that comprises at least one recess.

Description

ROBUST JOINT

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for constructing a framework portion usable for assembling a structural framework. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a roof rack having connectable frame members that are securely connectable so that relative hinging and/or rotational motion between the frame members is prevented or reduced.

From time to time there is a requirement to manufacture and assemble a larger structure from smaller structural components. Using smaller parts to create one larger assembly means equipment and transport can be used that does not have to be strong enough to lift or move a complete structure. Likewise, structures can be assembled and thus provided in locations where they would otherwise be impossible to build. Likewise the various smaller structural parts can be transported more easily to an ultimate user who can then construct the larger structure by connecting the parts together according to a design.

Roof racks are devices that may have one or more bars which may be attached to the roof of a vehicle, thus providing a location for equipment such as roof boxes, bicycles, skis, canoes, and the like to be transported without reducing the cabin space of the vehicle. In many cases, roof racks may enable equipment to be transported which could not fit in the cabin of a vehicle. Consequently, more space is available in the cabin of the vehicle for passengers and further luggage.

A roof racks is an example of a structure. Roof racks are a popular way to increase the carrying capacity or utility of a vehicle. Roof racks are usually mounted to the roof of a vehicle at several attachment locations. The attachment locations and the method of attachment may vary depending on the model of vehicle due to different roof geometry such as width, length, curvature, available attachment points, and the like. Some roof racks use a roof gutter of the vehicle as the attachment location and thus the roof rack may need adjusting to fit the vehicle. Other roof racks are mounted to fixed roof rails or other preinstalled mounting systems on the vehicle. Still other roof racks are mounted to the vehicle using a third-party adapter.

Roof racks can spread their load more effectively than loading the roof of a vehicle by transferring the load near reinforced areas such as the door posts of a vehicle. The flexibility and rigidity of the roof rack may affect the ability of the roof rack to effectively transfer weight. Once a roof rack has been installed, the rack provides numerous mounting locations for equipment or accessories.

Conventionally roof racks typically have one or more bars which span the width of the vehicle roof and provide the mounting point for equipment, along with supports and a specific mounting system designed to interface the roof rack with the specific vehicle that the rack will be mounted to. Furthermore, the roof rack itself is usually designed and manufactured for a limited range of vehicles with similar roof geometries or the like.

It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly mitigate one or more of the above- mentioned problems.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a joint mechanism whereby separate structural components can be selectively connected together in a way that results in a rigid combined subassembly.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a joint philosophy that enables opposed ends of two structural elements such as a strut or panel to be fitted together to create flush smooth outer surfaces and which includes respective male/female elements that cooperate when the joint is made to improve overall and lasting rigidity at the joint.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide one or more connectable members that each include features that enable the connectable members to be secured together in a way that means the resultant connected structure is rigid and not prone to flexing.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of providing a connectable member, that provides a structural component for forming a sub-assembly or larger assembly, in a way that is convenient and/or quick to manufacture.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a precursor billet that can subsequently be machined with only a limited number of steps to provide a structural element/connectable member that provides both a framework body piece or panel body piece and a male or female joint at one or more ends. It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a structure such as a roof rack or the like that can be manufactured in separate relatively small parts and then shipped to an ultimately user who can then assemble the smaller parts into one larger structure and whereby the ultimate structure is rigid and able to support other items without breaking.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide cross bars that are mountable on a roof area of a vehicle and that include mounting points for various useful purposes.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a roof rack that includes a peripheral frame and one or more cross bars for added rigidity and/or to provide a support for items over a central region of the frame.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of assembling a desired structure such as a roof rack or scaffold tower or mobile telephone mast or ladder or the like.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a kit of parts.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of milling a precursor billet to provide a structural component and that is sufficiently quick to enable the structural component to be made in a commercially viable way.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to manufacture parts that can be assembled together without wasting energy and/or costly material.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of assembling connectable elements.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for constructing a framework portion usable for assembling a structural framework, comprising: a first connectable member comprising a first body portion and a first end portion that comprises a first protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first body portion to define a first rebated region at the first end portion, the first protruding portion comprising a first abutment surface on a side of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region comprising at least one protuberance that extends away from the first abutment surface; a further connectable member comprising a further body portion and a further end portion that comprises a further protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the further body portion to define a further rebated region at the further end portion, the further protruding portion comprising a further abutment surface on a side of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region that comprises at least one recess; wherein the first protruding portion is at least partly locatable within the further rebated region and the further protruding portion is at least partly locatable within the first rebated region with the first abutment surface in an abutting relationship with the further abutment surface, and the protuberance at least partly locatable within the recess.

Aptly, a first engagement surface that is disposed at an edge region of the protuberance is engageable with a further engagement surface disposed at an edge region of the recess to prevent rotational and/or hinging motion of the further connectable member with respect to the first connectable member.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises at least one securing element, that optionally is a screw element, for locating at least partly through the first protruding portion and/or the further protruding portion.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises at least one receiving region disposed at the protuberance for receiving the securing element; wherein: the securing element is locatable at least partly through the receiving region.

Aptly, the receiving region of the recess is a through hole or a threaded hole or a blind hole or a threaded blind hole.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises at least one further receiving region disposed at the further protruding portion, the further receiving portion optionally comprising a through hole or a threaded through hole that extends through the further protruding portion via the recess.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises an outer groove region disposed on an opposing side of the first protruding portion to the protuberance for receiving an anchoring region with at least one cross bar member.

Aptly, the anchoring region comprises at least one projection that is configured to be received by the groove region. Aptly, the projection comprises at least one groove engagement surface disposed at an edge of the projection that is for engaging with an inner surface of the groove region.

Aptly, the groove engagement surface comprises a substantially flat edge of the projection that, when engaged with an inner surface of the groove region, at least partly prevents relative rotation of the anchoring region with respect to the first connectable member.

Aptly, the projection has a substantially stadium shaped cross section.

Aptly, the groove engagement surface comprises a substantially arcuate edge of the projection that, when engaged with an inner surface of the groove region, permits at least partial rotation of the anchoring region with respect to the first connectable member.

Aptly, the projection has a substantially circular cross section.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises a still further receiving region, that optionally is a threaded blind hole, disposed at least partly through the projection for receiving the securing element.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises an anchoring element comprising the anchoring region that is connectable to at least one cross bar member.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises at least one cross bar member comprising the anchoring region at a terminal end of the cross bar member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a framework portion usable for assembling a structural framework, comprising the steps of: providing a first connectable member comprising a first body portion and a first end portion that comprises a first protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first body portion to define a first rebated region at the first end portion, the first protruding portion comprising a first abutment surface on a side of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region that comprises at least one protuberance that extends away from the first abutment surface; providing a further connectable member of a framework portion comprising a further body portion and a further end portion that comprises a further protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the further body portion to define a further rebated region at the further end portion, the further protruding portion comprising a further abutment surface on a side of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region that comprises at least one recess; locating the first protruding portion at least partly within the further rebated region, and the further protruding portion at least partly within the first rebated region; and as the first and further protruding portions are at least partly located in the respective further and first rebated regions, inserting the protuberance into the recess so that the first abutment surface abuts against the further abutment surface.

Aptly, the method further comprises the steps of preventing relative hinging and/or rotational motion between the first connectable member and the further connectable member by engaging a first engagement surface of the protuberance that is disposed at an edge region of the protuberance with a further engagement surface of the recess that is disposed at an edge region of the recess.

Aptly, the method further comprises the steps of providing a securing element at least partly through the first connectable member and at least partly through the further connectable member to thereby secure the first connectable member to the further connectable member.

Aptly, the method further comprises the steps of providing the securing element through the first protruding portion via protuberance and through the further protruding portion via the recess to secure the protuberance at least partly within the recess.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a framework usable as a roof rack, comprising: at least one first connectable member comprising a first body portion and a first end portion that comprises a first protruding portion that is thinner than the first body portion to define a first rebated region, the first protruding portion comprising a first abutment surface on a side of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region that comprises at least one protuberance extends away from the first abutment surface; and at least one further connectable member comprising a further body portion and a further end portion that comprises a further protruding portion that is thinner than the further body portion to define a further rebated region, the further protruding portion comprising a further abutment surface on a side of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region that comprises at least one recess.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises at least one securing element that is configured to cooperate with a first receiving region that extends at least partly through a surface of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region and optionally via the protuberance.

Aptly, the securing element is configured to cooperate with a further receiving region that extends wholly through a surface of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region optionally via the recess. Aptly, the first connectable member comprises an outer groove region disposed on an opposing side of the first protruding portion to the protuberance for receiving a projection element that moves with at least one cross bar member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a connectable member usable for assembling a roof rack for a vehicle, comprising the steps of: providing an elongate precursor member body; at an end region of the precursor member body, machining from an edge of the elongate precursor body into the precursor body to define a rebated region and a protruding portion that has a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the precursor member body; and via machining, providing at least one protuberance at a revealed surface of the protruding portion or providing at least one recess that extends into the protruding portion at a revealed surface of the protruding portion.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a robust joint between frame members of a frame work that is resistant to hinging and/or rotational motion between said frame members.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method of manufacturing frame members from extruded precursor members that is faster than conventional methods and puts less stress on machining equipment.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a secure and robust joint between cross bars and a frame or a frame work that prevents relative motion between the frame and the cross bars.

Certain embodiments of the present invention linked pairs of cross bars that transfer load incident on one cross bar of the pair to the other cross bar of the pair to reduce failure of the cross bars due to overloading.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of a roof rack 100 arranged on a vehicle;

Figure 1 B illustrates the roof rack of Figure 1 A in more detail;

Figure 2 illustrates a region of a roof rack including two frame bars and two cross bars; Figure 3 illustrates the region of the roof rack shown in Figure 2 in more detail;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the components of the roof rack shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 illustrates a different perspective view of the components of the roof rack of Figures 2 to 4;

Figure 6 illustrates a link bar for use with the roof rack of Figures 2 to 5;

Figure 7 illustrates a different perspective view of the link bar of Figure 6;

Figure 8 illustrates a top-down view of the link bar of Figures 6 and 7;

Figure 9 illustrates an end on view of the link bar of Figures 6 to 8;

Figure 10 illustrates an end on view of the link bar of Figures 6 to 9 in cross section;

Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a frame bar;

Figure 12 illustrates a different perspective view of a frame bar;

Figure 13 illustrates an end region of a frame bar that includes a recess;

Figure 14illustrates a connection between two frame bars;

Figure 15 illustrates a side-on view of a secured framework region including a cross bar, a connector, a first frame bar, and a further frame bar in cross section;

Figure 16 illustrates a top-down view of a secured framework region including two cross bars, a connector, a first frame bar, and a further frame bar in cross section;

Figure 17 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of two frame bars of a framework that are secured to a cross bar via a connector; Figure 18 illustrates a different roof rack region that includes an at least partially rotatable cross bar assembly;

Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of another different roof rack;

Figure 20 illustrates a region of the roof rack of Figure 19 in more detail;

Figure 21 illustrates a different perspective view of the roof rack region of Figure 20;

Figure 22 illustrates a perspective view of a frame bar usable in the roof rack of Figures 19 to 21 ;

Figure 23 illustrates a different perspective view of the frame bar shown in Figure 22;

Figure 24 illustrates an end region of the frame bar of Figures 22 and 23 that includes a recess;

Figure 25 illustrates the joint formed by the roof rack region shown in Figures 19 to 21 ;

Figure 26 illustrates the connection between two of the frame bars of Figures 22 and 23;

Figure 27 illustrates a side-on view of a cross bar secured to a joint between two frame bars;

Figure 28 illustrates a side-on view of a cross bar secured to a joint between two frame bars in cross section;

Figure 29 illustrates a top-down view of two cross bars each secured to a joint region between two frame bars in cross section;

Figure 30 illustrates a perspective view of a different link bar;

Figure 31 illustrates the link bar of Figure 30 in more detail;

Figure 32 illustrates a top-down view of the link bar of Figures 30 and 31 ;

Figure 33 illustrates a side-on view of the link bar of Figures 30 to 32 in cross section; Figure 34 illustrated an end-on view of the link bar of Figures 30 to 33 secured to two cross bars;

Figure 35 illustrates a top down view of two cross bars that are secured to a frame and include slidable connectors to connect apparatus to the cross bars;

Figure 36A illustrates another different roof rack region;

Figure 36B illustrates a top-down view of the roof rack region of Figure 36A;

Figure 36C illustrates a perspective view of the components of the roof rack region of Figures 36A and 36B;

Figure 36D illustrates another perspective view of the components of the roof rack region of Figures 36A to 36C;

Figure 37A illustrates a top-down view of another different link bar;

Figure 37B illustrates a side-on view of the link bar of Figure 37A in cross section;

Figure 38 illustrates a perspective view of a precursor bar for manufacturing a frame bar;

Figure 39 illustrates the precursor bar of Figure 38 in cross section;

Figure 40A illustrates a step of manufacturing a frame bar;

Figure 40B illustrates a further step of manufacturing a frame bar;

Figure 40C illustrates a still further step of manufacturing a frame bar;

Figure 41 illustrates an end region of a frame bar manufactured from a precursor bar;

Figure 42A illustrates another step of manufacturing a frame bar;

Figure 42B illustrates another further step of manufacturing a frame bar; Figure 42C illustrates another still further step of manufacturing a frame bar;

Figure 43 illustrates another end region of a frame bar manufactured from a precursor bar;

Figure 44 illustrates a flow chart for manufacturing a frame bar including a protuberance at an end region of the frame bar from a precursor bar; and

Figure 45 illustrates a flow chart for manufacturing a frame bar including a recess at an end region of the frame bar from a precursor bar.

In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a roof rack 100 arranged on a vehicle 102 that is a car. Optionally the roof rack may be mounted on any other suitable vehicle. As illustrated in Figure 1A, the roof rack is mounted on the roof 104 of the vehicle 102. It will be appreciated that a roof rack is an example of a framework. It will be understood that a roof rack is an example of a structural framework. Whilst certain embodiments of the present inventions are described with respect to assembling a roof rack structure it will be appreciated that certain embodiments are generally applicable to circumstances where one structural element is to be rigidly connected to another and/or where multiple structural component parts can be secured together as part of an assembly to create a larger overall structure.

Figure 1 B illustrates the roof rack 100 of Figure 1A in more detail. As shown in Figure 1 B, the roof rack is mounted on a vehicle roof 104 includes an outer frame 105 that includes a number of frame bars 110 that are elongate members that make up the outer frame 105. It will be understood that the frame bars 110 are examples of connectable members that can be adjoined to create framework portions 115 that include two or more frame bars 110. The outer frame could instead be a single piece of material, that optionally may be a metallic material, that is shaped into a desired shape, for example by bending and the like. The frame bars 110 of Figure 1 B are made from aluminium. Aptly the frame bars may be made from any other suitable metallic material, for example an alloy material or the like. Alternatively, the frame bars 110 may be made from any other suitable material. Optionally the frame bars are made from a polymeric material. Optionally the frame bars are made from a rigid material. Optionally the frame bars 110 are made from a material that can flex. The roof rack of Figure 1 B also includes a number of cross bars 120. It will be understood that the cross bars 120 of Figure 1 are examples of cross bar members. Four cross bars 120 are shown in Figurel B. It will be appreciated that any other suitable number of cross bars 120 could instead be utilised. As shown in Figure 1 B, each cross bar 120 is attached to the frame 105. Each end of each cross bar 120 is attached to the frame 105 so that the cross bars 120 extend across a width of the frame 105 and are connected, via each end of the respective cross bars 120, to parallel but spaced apart sides of the frame 105. The cross bars 120 are thus each arranged to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the sides of the frame 105 to which they connect. Figure 1 also helps illustrate how the cross bars 120 are arranged in pairs of cross bars 125. It will be appreciated that the pairs of cross bars 125 are examples of cross bar assemblies. Two pairs of cross bars are shown in Figure 1 B however it will be appreciated that any number of pairs of cross bars 125 could instead be included. Alternatively, the roof rack 100 may include a number of pairs of cross bars alongside a number of single cross bars. The cross bars 120 of Figure 1 are made from a metallic material. This metallic material is aluminium, however any other suitable metallic material could instead be utilised. For example, any suitable alloy material could be utilised. Alternatively, any other suitable material could be utilised. The cross bars 120 may be made from a rigid material. The cross bars may optionally instead be made from a material that can flex.

As illustrated in Figure 1 B, the roof rack 100 also includes two feet 130 which secure the roof rack to the roof 104. In the roof rack of Figure 1 , two feet 130 are included, each connected to a lower face (from the perspective provided by Figure 1 B) of the frame 105 of the roof rack 100. It will be understood that the feet could be connected to the roof rack frame by screwing and/or bolting and the like. Alternatively, the feet may be integrally formed with the frame or with parts of the frame. The feet 130 shown Figure 1 are foot rails and substantially extend along a whole length of the roof rack 100. Alternatively, the foot rails may only extend along a part of the length of the roof rack 100. It will be appreciated that the roof rack 100 may instead include numerous feet on two or more sides of the frame. It will be appreciated that numerous feet may be utilised instead of foot rails or alongside foot rails. It will be appreciated that the feet 130 can be connected to a roof of a vehicle by screwing and/or bolting and/or clamping and the like. Optionally the feet may be of any other configuration and may secure to any suitable position on a vehicle.

Figure 2 illustrates a region of a roof rack 200. It will be appreciated that the roof rack shown in Figure 2 may be the roof rack of Figure 1 A and 1 B. Alternatively, the roof rack of Figure 2 may be different from the roof rack shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B. The roof rack 200 of Figure 2 includes a cross bar assembly 204 that includes a first cross bar 208 and a further cross bar 212 that is arranged to be substantially parallel to the first cross bar 208. The first and further cross bars 208, 212 each include a profiled edge 216 extending along a side of each cross bar 208, 212 that faces the other cross bar. That is to say, the profiled edge 216 of the first cross bar extends along a side of the first cross bar 208 that faces and is most proximate to the profiled edge 216 of the further cross bar 212. As shown in Figure 2, the profiled edge 216 of each cross bar 208, 212 includes a rib 220 that is an example of a retaining rib. It will be appreciated that any other suitable profile could instead be utilised for the profiled edges 216 of the first and further cross bars 208, 212. A link bar 222 is arranged between the cross bars 208, 212 to secure the first cross bar 208 to the further cross bar 212 to lock the cross bars 208, 212 in a substantially parallel arrangement. It will be appreciated that the link bar 222 is an example of an interlock element. As illustrated in Figure 2, the link bar 222 includes a mouth region 224 on two opposite sides of the link bar 224. Each mouth region 224 is defined by and partially enclosed by two oppositely arranged lips 226. As illustrated in Figure 2, each mouth region 224 is configured to cooperate with a respective profiled edge 216 of the first and further cross bar 208, 212.

As also illustrated in Figure 2, the roof rack 200 includes two a first frame bar 228 and a further frame bar 230. It will be appreciated that each frame bar 228, 230 is an example of an elongate connectable member. As illustrated in Figure 2, each frame bar 228, 230 includes a protruding portion 232, 236 at a respective end of each frame bar 228, 230. That is to say that the first frame bar 228 includes a first protruding portion 232 at an end 234 of the first frame bar 228 and the further frame bar 230 includes a further protruding portion 236 at an end of 238 of the further frame bar 230. It will be understood that the end of a frame bar that includes a protruding portion is an example of an end portion. The protruding portions of 232, 236 of the respective first and further frame bars 228, 230 are arranged at an edge region of the respective frame bars 228, 230 and are narrower than a thickness of respective main body portions 240 of the frame bars 228, 230. It will be understood that the main body portion of the first frame bar may be referred to as a first body portion and the main body portion of the further frame bar may be referred to as a further body portion. The first and further protruding portion thus defines a fist rebated region 244 that is a cut-away region at the end 234 of the first frame bar 228. Similarly, the further protruding portion 236 defines a further rebated region 248 at the end 238 of the further frame bar 230. The first and further protruding portions 232, 236 of Figure 2 are substantially the same size but are arranged on opposite sides of the respective first and further frame bar 228, 230. Thus, the first and further rebated regions 244, 248 are substantially the same size and are arranged on opposite sides of the respective first and further frame bars 228, 230.

Figure 2 shows how the first protruding portion 232 is arranged next to the further protruding portion 236 so that the first protruding portion 232 is located in the further rebated region 248 and the further protruding portion 236 is located in the first rebated region 244. The first frame bar 228 and the further frame bar 230 can thus be connected to extend along a common major axis. The first and further protruding portions 244, 248 each include a through hole 252 through which a screw 256 is arranged to secure the first frame bar 228 to the further frame bar 230. It will be appreciated that the screw 256 is an example of a securing element and that any other suitable securing element could instead be utilised, for example a bolt and the like. It will be appreciated that the secured first and further frame bars 228, 230 are an example of a framework portion 258. It will be understood that the holes through which securing elements can be passed are examples of receiving regions.

Figure 2 also includes a connector 260 that is located between the first frame bar 228 and cross bars 208, 212. The connector is located at a terminal end region 264, 268 of each cross bar 208, 212. It will be understood that the connector connects the first and further cross bars 208, 216 to the first frame bar (and to the further frame bar via the first frame bar) when the screw 256 passed through the further frame bar 230, through the first frame bar 228 and into the connector 260. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the connector 260 is secured to the respective ends 264, 268 of each cross bar 208, 212 to secure the first and further cross bars 208, 212 together. It will be appreciated from Figure 2 how the same screw 256 is thus utilised to secure the cross bars 208, 212 to the frame bars 228, 230, via the connector 260, to that utilised to secure the first frame bar 228 to the further frame bar 230. It will be appreciated that the connector 260 is an example of an interlock element. It will be appreciated that the connector is an example of an endcap. It will be appreciated that the cross bars may be integrally formed or may be modular. It will be appreciated that the frame bars may be integrally formed or may be modular.

It will be appreciated that, although not shown in Figure 2, the roof rack may also include rear loops and the like

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of joint formed between first frame bar 228, the further frame bar 230 and the connector 260 in more detail. Figure 3 also illustrates how the cross bars 208, 212 are arranged with respect to the connector 260 in more detail. As can be seen from Figure 3, the connector 260 is connected to a respective terminal end 264, 268 of each cross bars 208, 212 of the cross bar assembly 212.

Figure 4 illustrates the components of the region of the roof rack 200 shown in Figures 2 and 3 in insolation. As shown in Figure 4, the connector 260 includes a first wing 404 and a further wing 408 that each include a respective through hole 412, 416. It will be understood that the wings are flared out and narrower regions of the connector arranged at opposite sides of the connector. The wings are arranged to at least partially cover the terminal end 264, 268 of a respective cross bar 208, 212. That is to say that the first wing 412 covers the end 264 or the first cross bar 208 and the further wing 408 covers the terminal end 268 of the further cross bar 212 when the connector 260 is secured to the first and further cross bars 208, 212. The respective terminal ends 264, 268 of the cross bars 208, 212 also each include a threaded blind hole 420, 424 for each receiving a respective screw 428, 432. It will be understood that the screws 428, 432 are examples of securing elements. As discussed, in the system shown in Figure 4, the holes 420, 424 at the end of each cross bar 208, 212 are threaded blind holes but it would be appreciated that any other suitable holes may instead be utilised. It will be understood each screw 428, 432 can pass a respective through hole 412, 416 of the connector 260 and into a respective blind hole 420, 424 in a respective cross bar 208, 212 to secure the connector to the cross bars 208, 212. That is to say that a first screw 428 is located through the though hole 412 of the first wing 404 of the connector 260 and into the threaded blind hole 240 of the first cross bar 408 to secure the first cross bar, via the end 264 of the first cross bar 208, to the connector 260. Similarly, a further screw 432 is located through the through hole 416 of the further wing 408 and into the threaded blind hole 424 of the further cross bar 212 to secure the further cross bar 212, via the end 268 of the further cross bar 212, to the connector. It will be appreciated that the first and further through holes 412, 416 and the threaded blind holes 420, 424 are examples of receiving regions.

The connector 260 of Figure 4 also includes a projecting rectangular portion 436 that extends out from face 440 of the connector 260 that extends across the wings 404, 408 of the connector 260. It will be appreciated that the face 440 is as surface of the connector 260 that, when secured to the first frame bar 228 in use, is located most proximate to the first frame bar 228 and partly abuts against an outer surface region of the first frame bar 228. It will be understood that the projecting rectangular portion 236 is an example of a projecting element and, in use, extends towards the first frame bar 228 of the framework portion, and away from the terminal ends 264, 268 of the cross bars 208, 212 that include the threaded blind holes 420, 424. It will be appreciated that any other suitable shape of projecting element could instead be utilised, for example the projecting element could have a substantially square or rectangular or triangular cross sectional profile. The projecting rectangular portion 436 of the connector 252 includes a threaded hole 444 that is configured to receive an end of the securing element 256 used to secure the frame bars 228, 230 together, and to secure the frame bars 228, 230 to the connector 260. It will be appreciated that the threaded hole 444 of the connector 260 is an example of a receiving region. Alternatively, any other suitable receiving region may instead be utilised. As is described better with reference to Figure 5 below, the projecting rectangular portion 444 of the connector intrudes into a groove of the first frame bar 228 when the first frame bar 228 and the connector 260 are secured together. It will be appreciated that the projecting portion is an example of an anchoring region. It will be appreciated that the projecting portions are examples of anchoring regions. It will be appreciated that the projecting portions include two groove engagement surfaces arranged on an upper and lower edge of each projecting portion that abut against respective inner surfaces of the groove when connected to the first frame bar. It will be appreciated that the connector is an example of an achoring element. It will be appreciated that the projecting portion is an example of a projecting element. It will be understood that the projecting portion includes engagement surfaces on respective flat edge regions for engaging with the groove of the first frame bar.

Figure 4 also illustrates how the first protruding portion 232 of the first frame bar 228 includes an outwardly extending lozenge 448 on a surface 452 of the first protruding portion 232 that faces, and forms a boundary of, the first rebated region 244. It will be appreciated that, when the first protruding portion of the 232 first frame bar 228 is secured to the further protruding portion 236 of the further frame bar 230, the surface 452 of the first protruding portion 232 that faces the first rebated region 244 abuts against a complimentary and oppositely arranged surface of the further protruding portion 236 of the further frame bar 230. It will be appreciated that the lozenge is an example of a protuberance and that any desired shape of protuberance should instead be utilised. For example, a protuberance that has a square, rectangular or triangular cross sectional profile could instead be utilised. The lozenge 448 extends from the first protruding portion 232, at the surface 452 that faces the first rebated region 244, in a direction towards the first rebated region 232. As shown in Figure 4, the lozenge 448 cross section includes two spaced apart and oppositely arranged curved edges and two substantially straight edges 452, 456 that extend between the two curved edges. As shown in Figure 4, the straight edges 452, 456 of the lozenge 448 are spaced apart and are substantially parallel. Figure 4 also shows how the through hole 460 that extends wholly through the first protruding portion 232, and through which the screw 256 can be arranged to secure the first frame bar 228 to the further frame bar 230 and to the connector, 260 extends through a substantially central region of the lozenge 448.

Figure 4 also helps illustrate how the first frame bar 228 includes an internal channel 464 that extends through the main body region 240 of the first frame bar 228. As is shown in Figure 4, the first rebated region 244 is a cut-away region that extends partly through a width of a portion of the first frame bar, that is at the end 234 of the first frame bar where the first protruding portion is located, that would include the internal channel. Thus, no internal channel runs through the first protruding portion. It will be appreciated that the frame bar may instead include no internal channel.

Figure 4 further helps illustrate how the rectangular projecting portion 436 of the connector 260 includes and upper 468 and lower 472 edge that is a respective upper side and lower side of the rectangular projecting portion cross 436 section.

It will be appreciated that the first and further frame bars can be connected, via the respective first and further protruding portions, by suitable securing elements without additional connection of a cross bar assembly. That is to say that a cross bar assembly need not be connected at every frame bar connection region if desired.

It will be understood that Figure 4 also illustrates a kit of parts for providing a structural framework. It will be understood that the kit of parts can be supplied in a disassembled state and can be assembled at a desired location.

It will be appreciated that the modular design of the roof rack of Figure 4 allows for assembly of only the frame (not including any cross bar assembles) if desired. For example, a user may wish to only utilise a roof frame instead of a full roof rack. Similarly, a user may wish to only utilise the cross bar assembles without the frame. In addition, the modular roof rack of Figure 4 allows for a user to connect different numbers of frame bars, possibly of different sizes, to provide a roof rack of a particular size that is suitable for a particular vehicle. Similarly, the cross bars can be attached to the frame bar at any of the frame bar connection points (between a first and further protruding portion) to that roof rack bays of any size can be provided. Thus the roof rack of Figure 4 provides a large number of assembly options and thus can be fit to a wide variety of vehicles. It will be understood that the frame bars used to create the sides (or indeed the front and/or rear) of the roof rack may be bespoke. That is to say the frame bars may be of a length that is specifically designed to correspond with a particular vehicle so that an assembled roof rack can be fitted to the specific vehicle. Alternatively, it will be understood that the frame bars may be of a standard length so that an assembled roof rack can be utilised for a number of vehicles. For example, a single standard size of frame bar may be utilised to provide a modular roof rack with a variable number of bays so that a roof rack can be assembled of a size to correspond with a variety of vehicles. Alternatively, two standard sizes of of frame bar may be manufactured to that a modular roof rack with variable bay sizes can be provided in order to fit to a number of vehicles. Of course, three or more standard sizes of frame bar could instead be provided in order to provide improved variety and modularity of available roof rack arrangements. The frame bars may thus be manufactured in one, two, three or more present lengths on order to improve modularity and variability of possible assemblies of roof racks.

It will be understood that the frame bars illustrated include an internal channel. The frame bars illustrated are extruded. Aptly the frame bars are formed from any other suitable manufacturing technique. It will be appreciated however that the frame bars may not include an internal channel and may be formed from a solid precursor bar that does not include an internal channel. In this instance, the precursor bar may optionally be a solid billet. The frame bars may thus instead be machined from a solid bar that may be a solid billet or may be formed from a solid extruded precursor bar that does not include and internal channel that optionally is a solid billet. It will be understood that a solid frame bar, that does not include an internal channel, may still include an external groove. Solid frame bars may be manufactured from metallic and/or alloy materials, for example aluminium or the like, or polymer materials or the like.

Figure 5 illustrates a different perspective view of the components of the region of the roof rack 200 shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 insolation. Figure 5 shows how the further protruding portion 236 of the further frame bar 230 includes a lozenge-shaped recess 504. It will be appreciated that the lozenge-shaped recess 504 is an example of a recess and the recess may have any suitable shape or cross sectional profile. Optionally the recess has a cross sectional profile that substantially corresponds to a protuberance located at a first protruding portion of a first frame bar. It will be appreciated that the recess 504 of Figure 5 has a substantially similar cross section to the recess shown in Figure 4. It will be understood that the depth of the recess 504 may be that same as or greater than an extending/projecting distance of the lozenge 448 from the surface 452 of the first protruding portion. This is so that when the lozenge 448 is arranged in the recess, the surface 452 of the first protruding portion 232 that faces the first rebated region 244 is in abutment with, and sits flush against, the surface 508 of the further protruding portion 236 that faces, and provides a boundary of, the further rebated region 248 of the further frame member 230. It will be appreciated that this surface of the further frame bar 230 is an example of an abutment surface. That is to say the first protruding portion includes a first abutment surface that is a surface from which the protuberance extends, and the further protruding portion includes a further abutment surface that is a surface into which the recess is provided.

As shown in Figure 5, the through hole 252, for receiving the screw 256, that is located in the further protruding portion 236 extends through region of further protruding portion 236 that is aligned with the recess 504 so that the screw 256 can pass wholly through a width of the further protruding portion 236 via the through hole 252 and the recess 504. It will be appreciated that the lozenge 448 of the first protruding portion 232 of the first frame bar 228 is arranged to intrude into the recess 504 when the frame bars 228, 230 are secured together. It will be understood that, when the lozenge 448 intrudes into the recess, the upper 452 and lower edges 456 of the lozenge 448 will be in abutment respective upper 512 and lower 516 surfaces of the recess to prevent relative rotational and/or hinging motion of the frame bars 228, 230 with respect to each other. That is to say that the frame bars 228, 230 when secured to each other via the lozenge and recess cannot separately move and remain fixedly arranged to extend along a common major axis due to the lozenge 448 being located within the recess 504. It will be appreciated that the edges of the protuberance and the recess that can abut against each other are examples of engagement surfaces.

It will be understood that optionally different protuberances and recess could instead be utilised so long as the protuberance and recess had similar cross-sectional profiles such that the protuberance could be located at least partly within the recess in use. For example, a number of substantially circular protuberances could be provided on a further protruding portion and a corresponding number of substantially circular recesses could be provided on the further protruding portion. Each circular protuberance could then be located at least partly within a respective circular recess in use so that the circular edge of each protuberance would abut against the circular edge of a respective recess to prevent hinging and/or rotational motion of a first protruding portion of a first frame bar with respect to a further protruding portion of a further frame bar. Optionally any suitable number of protuberances of any suitable cross sectional shape could be utilised alongside a corresponding number of recesses of corresponding cross sectional shape. Figure 5 also shows how the side of the first frame bar 228 that is most proximate to the connector 260 includes two lip regions 520, 524 that define an external channel 528. As shown in Figure 5, the external channel extends along the length of the first fame bar 224. Alternatively, the external channel may only extend along a part of the length of the first frame bar 224. As shown in Figure 5, the external channel runs along an outer edge of the first protruding portion 232 that is most proximate to the connector 260 and is secured against the connector in use. It will be appreciated that, when the connector 260 is secured to the first frame bar 228, the projecting rectangular portion 436 intrudes into the external channel 528. It will also be appreciated that, when the projecting rectangular portion 436 of the connector 260 intrudes into the external channel 528 the upper 468 and lower 472 edges of the projecting rectangular portion abut against abutment respective inner surfaces 532, 526 of the lip regions 520, 524 of the first frame bar 228 that define the external channel 528 to prevent relative rotational and/or hinging motion of the first frame bar 228 and the connector 280 when secured together. It will be appreciated that when the first frame bar, the further frame bar and the connector are secured together, rotational and/or hinging motion is also prevented between the connector and the further frame bar by virtue of the robust connection wither the first frame bar and the further frame bar, and the first frame bar and the connector.

It will be appreciated from Figure 5 that the external channel 528 of the first frame bar is arranged along a side of the first frame bar upon which the first protruding portion extends. Figure 5 also shown how the further frame bar also includes an external channel that extends along an outer surface of the further frame bar and is defined by two lip regions 544 548. It will be appreciated however that the external channel of the further frame bar 230 extends along a side of the further frame bar that is opposite to a side of the first frame bar that includes the further protruding portion 236. Thus, when the first and further frame bars are secured together, the respective externals channels 528, 544 of the frame bars are aligned and form a common external channel.

It will be appreciated that the first frame bar and the further frame bar could be manufactured from a common precursor frame bar that optionally is manufactured via extrusion. Thus, the first protruding portion could be provided by machining away a region of the frame bar to provide the first rebated region at one side of the precursor frame bar and the further frame bar could be provided by machining away a region of the frame bar at an opposite side of the frame bar to provide the further rebated region. It would be apparent to the skilled person based on Figures 4 and 5 that the further frame bar would thus include an internal channel that extends along the further protruding portion 236 and the main body region 240 of the further frame bar 230.

Figure 5 further illustrates how the connector 260 includes two oppositely arranged mouth regions 552, 556 at respective opposite sides of the connector 260. As shown in Figure 5, respective pairs of opposed lips 560, 564, 568, 572 of the connector 260 are arranged behind each wing 404, 408 of the connector 260 to define the mouth regions 552, 560. That is to say that each pair of lips of the connector defines a respective mouth region. It will be understood that each mouth 552, 560 is each configured to receive a T-shaped profiled edge 580, 584 of a respective cross bar 208, 212 so that rotational motion of the cross bars relative to the connector is prevented or at least limited when the cross bars 208, 212 are secured to the connector 260.

Alternatively, the connector does not include a mouth region and link bars, as described below, are utilised alongside the connector to secure the cross bar assembly together (and to the frame bars) and also to limit rotational and/or hinging motion of the cross bars and connector with respect to each other.

Figure 6 illustrates a link bar 222 in more detail. As indicated in Figure 2, link bars can be arranged between the first 208 and further 212 cross bars to help secure the first cross bar 208 to the further cross bar 212. It will also be appreciated that the link bars 222 also provide mounting regions for mounting apparatus/accessories onto the roof rack 200. It will also be appreciated that the link bars can provide connection points for the mounting of individual foot elements and/or foot rails on the roof rack for connecting the roof rack to a vehicle roof. It will be understood that accessories and/or feet can be attached to link bars via a screw or bolt or other suitable securing element located through the hole present in the link bars. It will be appreciated that the link bar is an example of an interlock element. As previously discussed, the link bar 222 is arranged between the first 208 and further 212 cross bars. It will be understood that the first 208 and further 212 cross bars are a pair of cross bars that form a cross bar assembly. The cross bars 208, 212 each include a profiled edge 604, 608 that each include a rib 612 that extends along a length of each cross bar 208, 212. Alternatively, the profiled edge 604, 608 and/or rib 612 may only extend along a part of a length of each cross bar 604, 608. In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the respective profiled edge 604, 608 of the each cross bar 308, 212 have a substantially T-shaped cross sectional profile that includes the rib 612, that is a flange-like rib, that forms the top of the T-shape, and a narrowed neck 616 that connects the rib 612 to a main body region 620 of each cross bar 208, 212. The combination of the rib 612, the neck 616 and the main body region 620 of each cross bar forms respective grooves 624 on an upper and lower surface of each profiled edge. That is to say that each profiled edge includes two grooves. It will be understood that a groove is located on each side of the T-shaped cross section of each profiled edge. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the T-shaped cross section of each profiled edge also provides respective inner surfaces of the rib and main body of the cross bar that define walls of each groove.

As shown in Figure 6, the cross bars 208, 212 are arranged to be spaced apart from and substantially parallel with respect to each other and so that the profiled edge 604, 608 of each cross bar faces, and is most proximate to, the profiled edge 604, 608 of the other cross bar. The link bar 222 is arranged between the respective profiled edges 604, 608 of the cross bars 208, 212 and engages each of the cross bars via the profiled edges. In particular, the link bar 222 includes a mouth region 628, 632 at two opposite sides of the link bar. That is to say that the two mouth regions 628, 632 are spaced apart from each other and are substantially parallel with respect to each other. It will be understood that the mouth regions are each defined by two spaced apart and oppositely facing jaw regions. It will be understood that each jaw region is configured to engage with a retaining rib of a cross bar. It will be appreciated that each jaw region includes an interlock lip. The two mouth regions 628, 632 are arranged to face in substantially opposite directions to each other, each facing towards a respective profiled edge of a respective cross bar. Each mouth region is defined by a pair of oppositely arranged lips 636, 640 that extend towards each other. It will be understood that the rib 612 of each cross bar 208, 212 is received in a respective mouth region 628, 632 of the link bar. It will be understood that each lip 644, 648 of each pair of lips 636, 640 of each mouth of the link bar is received in a respective groove defined by the T-shaped cross sectional profile of the profiled edges of the cross bars. Thus, it will be appreciated that abutment between an inner surface of each lip of the link bar with a respective inner surface of the rib of a cross bar prevents the cross bar from being pulled away from the link bar. It will also be appreciated that the link bar is slidable along the profiled edge of each cross bar. In particular, the lips of the link bar are slidable within respective grooves of the cross bar. It will be understood that, in use, an inner side surface of each jaw region is configured to engage with and abut against respective inner side surfaces of the retaining rib. It will be understood that a part of spaced apart and oppositely facing jaw regions that define a mouth region each engage with opposite sides of a retaining rib. It will be appreciated that inner surfaces of the interlock lip abut against inner surfaces of the retaining rib. It will be appreciated that, when engaged, respective outer edge surfaces of a retaining rib abuts against and engages with respective inner surfaces of two jaw regions that define a mouth. It will be appreciated that the link bar, if utilised to receive a load (for example by having external apparatus secured to the link bar via the screw) spreads the load received by the link bar over the two cross bars of the cross bar assembly. Thus the link bar facilitates load transfer ad helps prevent failure of roof rack components due to overloading. It will also be understood that the link bars transfer load between cross bars of the cross bar assembly when load is applied to only one cross bar of the pair of cross bars of the assembly. For example, if an accessory is mounted directly on one cross bar of a cross bar assembly, the link bar will help transfer load from that cross bar to the remaining cross bar of the assembly.

Figure 6 also indicates how the link bar is formed from two substantially symmetrical link bar split portions 652, 656. Each link bar split portion includes one of the lips that partially defines each mouth of the link bar. That is to say a top split body region includes two lips that are the top lips of each pair of lips associated with each mouth region and a bottom split portion includes two lips that are the bottom lips of each pair of lips that is associated with each mouth. It will be understood that each split portion includes two lips that extend along respective parallel and spaced apart edges of the link bar split portion. The link bar also includes a hole 680 disposed in each link bar split portion. The link bar split portions are predominantly symmetrical however, the top split portion includes a through hole and the bottom split portion includes a threaded hole. A screw 684 or other suitable securing element can be passed through the holes of each link bar split portion to secure the two link bar split portions together to define each mouth of the link bar. Optionally the link bar does not include a through hole and is integrally formed. Optionally the link bar split portions are substantially asymmetrical. It wil be appreciated that the split portions may be referred to as split body portions. It will be appreciated that each split body portion includes one jaw region of a pair of jaw regions that define a mouth of the link bar when the split portions are secured together.

It will be appreciated that the link bar may be slidable along a respective cross bar edge when the split portions of the link bar are not tightly secured however, when the split portions are tightened around the retaining rib of the cross bar, the link bar (via a pair of jaw regions that defines a mouth) clamps down on the cross bar and is subsequently not slidable along the cross bar until the split portions are loosened via the securing element that extends through each of the split portions.

While the link bar shown in Figure 6 is substantially cuboid in shape with substantially concave mouth regions on two opposed sides, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape of link bar may be utilised. Furthermore, any number of securing elements may be utilised in a link bar. That is to say, two, three or even more holes may be provided in a link bar for receiving respective securing elements instead of the one hole shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the link bar may include any suitable number of split body portions.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of link bar components in isolation. Figure 7 illustrates how a screw 684 can be passed at least partly through each of the two link bar split portions 652, 656 to secure the link bar split portions together. In particular, the screw 684 is passed through a through hole 704 of a top link bar split portion 652 and into a threaded hole 708 of a bottom link bar split portion 656. It will be understood that the link bar can be assembled from the link bar split portions to form the two mouths around the respective profiled edges of the cross bars 208, 212 to secure the link bar 222 to each cross bar 208, 212.

Figure 8 illustrates a further perspective view of a link bar arranged between two cross bars. Figure 8 helps illustrate how the link bar is can be secured between two cross bars.

Figure 9 illustrates an end-on perspective view of a link bar arranged between two cross bars. Figure 9 helps illustrate how the two mouth regions of the link bar each receive a respective profiled edge of a cross bar.

Figure 10 Illustrates an end on perspective view of a link bar arranged between two cross bars in cross section. Figure 10 helps illustrate how the link bar split portions can be secured via a screw to define two mouth regions at opposite sides of the link bar that can be secured around respective profiled edges of cross bars.

Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a frame bar 1104. It will be understood that the frame bar may be the same frame bar as the utilised as the first and further frame bars of Figures 2 to 5. As can be seen in Figure 11 , the frame bar 1104 is an elongate member that is an example of an elongate connectable member. The frame bar 1104 includes a first protruding portion 1108 at a first end 1112 of the frame bar 1104. It will be understood that the first protruding portion extends along a side of the frame bar most distal to the viewpoint of Figure 11. It will also be appreciated that the first protruding portion 1108 of the frame bar 1104 is narrower than a main body portion 1116 of the frame bar 1104 and thus defines a first rebated region 1120 of the frame bar 1104 that is a cut-away region when compared to the main body 1116. That is to say that the first rebated region is a region that is cut out from the main frame bar. As is illustrated in Figure 11 , the first protruding portion 1108 includes a lozenge 1124 that extends out of a surface 1128 of the first protruding portion 1108 that faces the viewpoint of Figure 11. The lozenge 1124 thus extends in a direction towards the first rebated region and out of the page of Figure 11 . As previously discussed, it will be appreciated that the lozenge is an example of a protuberance. The protuberance may optionally be any other suitable shape having, for example, a cross section that is substantially square shaped or rectangular shaped or triangular shaped in the like.

Figure 11 also illustrates how a first through hole 1130 extends through the first protruding portion in an axis that extends into (and out of) the page from the viewpoint of Figure 11 . The first through hole 1130 extends through the first protruding portion 1108 via the lozenge 1124. That is to say, the through hole 1130 passes through the lozenge 1124 and wholly through the first protruding portion 1108. It will be appreciated that the lozenge 1124 extends in a direction that is towards the first rebated region 1120.

Figure 11 also illustrates a further protruding portion 1132 that is located at a further end 1136 of the frame bar 1104. It can be seen from Figure 11 that the further protruding portion includes a further through hole 1140 that extends wholly through the further protruding portion 1132. It will be appreciated that the further protruding portion 1132 extends along a side of the frame bar 1104 that faces and is most proximate to the viewpoint of Figure 11 . The further protruding portion 1132 is narrower than the main body portion 1116 of the frame bar 1104 and thus defines a further rebated region 1136 that is a cut-away region when compared to the main body portion 1116. Although not shown in Figure 11 , it will be appreciated that the further protruding portion comprises a lozenge-shaped recess that extends into a face of the further protruding portion 1132 that is most distal to the viewpoint of Figure 11 and faces into the page of Figure 11 . It will be appreciated that the lozenge shaped recess is an example of a recess. The recess may instead be any other suitable shape having, for example, a cross section that is substantially square or rectangular or triangular or the like. It will be understood that the cross sectional profile of the protuberance and the recess are substantially similar.

Figure 12 illustrates a different perspective view of the frame bar 1104 of Figure 11 . Figure 12 helps illustrate how the first protruding portion 1108 defines a first rebated region 1120 and the further protruding portion 1132 defines a further rebated region 1136. Figure 12 also helps illustrates how the first protruding portion 1108 and the further protruding portion 1136 extend along opposite sides and at opposite ends of the frame bar 1104. Similarly, the first rebated region 1120 and the further rebated region 1136 are cut-away regions that extend inwardly on opposite sides and at opposite ends of the frame bar 1104. Figure 12 also helps illustrate how the lozenge 1124 extends from a surface of the first protruding portions 1108 towards the first rebated region 1120. The lozenge 1124 is thus exposed to the first rebated region 1120. Figure 13 further helps illustrate the recess 1204 of the frame bar 1104. As illustrated in Figure 12, the recess 1204 has a cross section that is substantially lozenge shaped and is similar to that of the lozenge 1124. The recess extends 1204 into the further protruding portion 1132 from a face 1208 of the further protruding portion 1132 that substantially faces the further rebated region 1136. The recess 1204 therefore faces the further rebated region 1136 and is exposed to the further rebated region 1136.

Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the further protruding portion 1132 of the frame bar of Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13 helps show how the recess 1204 is arranged in the further protruding portion 1132.

Figure 14 illustrates a joint between two frame bars 1404, 1408. It will be appreciated that the frame bars 1404, 1408 are each substantially the same as the frame bar 1104 described with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

As indicated in Figure 14, a first frame bar 1404 that includes a first protruding portion 1412 at an end region of the first frame bar 1404 is securely coupled to a further frame bar 1408 that includes a further protruding portion 1416 at an end region of the further frame bar 1408. It will be appreciated that, from the perspective shown in Figure 14, the further protruding portion 1416 has been arranged on top of the first protruding portion 1412. It will be appreciated that, similarly to how the frame bar described with reference to Figure 11 includes respective protruding portions that define rebated regions, the first protruding portion of the first frame bar extends along a side of the first frame bar that is most distal to the viewpoint of Figure 14. The first protruding portion is thinner than a thickness of a main body portion 1420 of the first frame bar. The first protruding portion thus defines a first rebated region that, from the perspective of Figure 14, is arranged atop of the first protruding portion. The further protruding portion however, from the perspective view of Figure 14, extends along a side of the further frame bar more proximate to the viewpoint of Figure 14. The further protruding portion is thinner than a thickness of a main body portion 1424 of the further frame bar and thus defines a further rebated region that is located beneath the further protruding portion from the perspective view of Figure 14.

It will be appreciated from Figure 14 that the first protruding portion is arranged in the further rebated region and the further protruding portion is arranged in the first rebated region. The further protruding portion is arranged on top of the first protruding portion so that a bottom surface, from the viewpoint of Figure 14, abuts against a top surface, from the viewpoint of Figure 14, of the first protruding portion. Despite not being shown in Figure 14, the first protruding portion includes a lozenge that is an example of a protuberance that extends out of the top surface of the first protruding portion in a direction out of the page from the perspective of Figure 14. The further protruding portion includes a lozenge shaped recess that is an example of a recess that extends into the bottom surface of the further protruding portion in a direction out of the page from the perspective view of Figure 14. It will be appreciated that when the first protruding portion is secured to the further protruding portion, and when the top surface of the first protruding portion is in abutment with the bottom surface of the further protruding portion, the lozenge intrudes into the lozenge shaped recess. It will be appreciated that the cross sectional profile of the lozenge and the cross sectional profile of the lozenge shaped recess are substantially similar. The lozenge shaped recess may optionally have a cross section that is slightly larger than the cross section of the lozenge to help accommodate intrusion of the lozenge into the recess.

Figure 14 also shows how a screw 1428 extends through the first protruding portion and the further protruding portion to secure the first protruding portion to the further protruding portion. It will be appreciated that the screw extends through a through hole 1432 of the first protruding portion and the further protruding portion, and via the lozenge and the recess of the first frame bar and further frame bar. It will be appreciated that the screw may extend wholly through the first and further frame bars at the respective first and further protruding portion and may terminate in a threaded blind hole in an element located beneath, from the viewpoint of Figure 15, the first frame bar. Alternatively, the screw may pass through the further protruding portion and may terminate in a threaded blind hole disposed in the first protruding portion or vice versa. Alternatively, of course, the holes in the first and further protruding portion may be through holes and connection between the frame bars can be facilitated using a bolt that passes through both holes and is terminated by a nut.

Figure 15 illustrates an end-on perspective view of a connection of a first protruding portion of a first frame member and a further protruding portion of a further frame member and to a cross bar assembly, in cross section. Figure 15 helps illustrate how a single screw can secure the first frame bar to the further frame bar, and the first frame bar to the connector (which in turn is secured to one or more cross bars). Figure 16 illustrates a top-down perspective view of a connection of a first protruding portion of a first frame member to a further protruding portion of a further frame member and to a cross bar assembly, in cross section. Figure 16 helps illustrate how respective screws connect each cross bar to the connector and how the connector is secured to the first and further frame bars via a single screw.

Figure 17 illustrates a further perspective view of a cross bar a connection of a first protruding portion of a first frame member to a further protruding portion of a further frame member in cross section. Figure 17 helps illustrate how the connector is secured to the first and further frame bars, and how a cross bar is secured to the connector.

Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of components, in isolation, of a region of a different roof rack 1800. It will be appreciated that the roof rack of Figure 18 is substantially similar as the roof rack described with respect to Figures 2 to 5 and may utilise the frame bars and the link bars described with respect to Figures 2 to 17. It will thus be appreciated that the first and further frame bars 1804, 1808 and cross bars are substantially the same as those detailed with respect to Figures 2 to 5. Unless a specific part of the roof rack of Figure 18 is described herein as being different, the roof rack of Figure 18 should be considering to be the same as the roof rack described with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

The connector 1820 of Figure 18 is similar to the connector described with respect to Figures 2 to 5, however the connector includes a projecting circular portion 1824 instead of a projecting rectangular portion. The projecting circular portion 1824 includes a threaded hole 1828 for receiving an end of a screw 1832 that can be passed through a through hole 1836 of the further frame bar 1808 and a through hole 1840 of the first frame bar 1804 to secure the first and further frame bars together and to secure the first frame bar to the connector 1820.

It will be appreciated that, with similarity to the roof rack shown in Figure 5, when the connector 1820 is connected to the first frame bar 1804, the projecting circular portion 1824 intrudes into an external channel 1844 disposed on a surface of the first frame bar 1804 most proximate to the connector 1820. However, unlike the roof rack arrangement described with reference to Figures 2 to 5, a degree of rotation of the connector 1820 is permitted with respect to the first frame bar 1804. This is because rotation of the projecting circular portion 1824, via a curved outer edge 1848 of the projecting circular potion 1824, is not prevented when the curved outer edge 1848 abuts against upper and lower inner groove surfaces 1852, 1856 that define the external channel 1844. This degree of rotation is optionally partial rotation or full rotation of the connector with respect to the first frame bar. Thus, when the cross bars 1812, 1816 are secured to the connector 1820, a degree of rotation of the whole cross bar assembly (which includes the two cross bars and the connector) is permitted with respect to the first cross bar member 1804. It will be appreciated that the curved edge pf the projecting circular portion that permits partial rotation of the connector with respect to the first frame bar may be referred to as an arcuate edge. It will be understood that the connector is an example of an anchoring element and that the projecting portion as an example of an anchoring region. It will be appreciated that the projecting circular portion is an example of a projection element. It will be appreciated that the curved or arcuate edge of the projecting portion includes an engagement surface for engaging with the groove of the first frame bar.

It will be understood that the frame bars used to create the sides (or indeed the front and/or rear) of the roof rack may be bespoke. That is to say the frame bars may be of a length that is specifically designed to correspond with a particular vehicle so that an assembled roof rack can be fitted to the specific vehicle. Alternatively, it will be understood that the frame bars may be of a standard length so that an assembled roof rack can be utilised for a number of vehicles. For example, a single standard size of frame bar may be utilised to provide a modular roof rack with a variable number of bays so that a roof rack can be assembled of a size to correspond with a variety of vehicles. Alternatively, two standard sizes of of frame bar may be manufactured to that a modular roof rack with variable bay sizes can be provided in order to fit to a number of vehicles. Of course, three or more standard sizes of frame bar could instead be provided in order to provide improved variety and modularity of available roof rack arrangements. The frame bars may thus be manufactured in one, two, three or more present lengths on order to improve modularity and variability of possible assemblies of roof racks.

It will be understood that Figure 18 also illustrates a kit of parts for providing a structural framework. It will be understood that the kit of parts can be supplied in a disassembled state and can be assembled at a desired location.

Figure 19 illustrates a different roof rack 1900. In particular, Figure 19 illustrates a joint between two frame bars 1904, 1908 of a different roof rack, and a joint between the frame bars 1904, 1908 and a cross bar assembly 1912. Figure 19 also illustrates the components required to facilitate such joints. The cross bar assembly 1912 incudes a first cross bar 1916 and a further cross bar 1920. It will be understood that the first and further cross bars 1916, 1920 are examples of cross bar members and are examples of framework elements. The first cross bar 1916 and the further cross bar 1920 are arranged such that they each extend along a respective major axis that is substantially parallel with a major axis associated with the other cross bar. That is to say the first and further cross bars are substantially parallel each other. As is shown in Figure 19, the first cross bar member 1916 includes a projecting portion 1924 at an end 1928 of the first cross bar 1916. This projecting portion 1924 has a cross section that is substantially rectangular and extends in a direction that is away from the end 1928 of the cross bar member along the major axis of the first cross bar 1916. The further cross bar 1920 also includes a projecting portion 1932 at an end 1936 of the further cross bar 1916 that extends in a direction away from the further cross bar 1920 along a major axis associated with the further cross bar 1920. This projecting portion 1932 also has a substantially rectangular cross section.

Figure 20 illustrates a region of the roof rack of Figure 19 in more detail. Figure 20 illustrates a joint between two frame bars 1904, 1908 of a different roof rack, and the joint between the frame bars 1904, 1908 and a cross bar assembly 1912. The cross bar assembly 1912 incudes a first cross bar 1916 and a further cross bar 1920. It will be understood that the first and further cross bars 1916, 1920 are examples of cross bar members and are examples of framework elements.

The first cross bar 1916 and the further cross bar 1920 are arranged such that they each extend along a respective major axis that is substantially parallel with a major axis associated with the other cross bar. That is to say the first and further cross bars are substantially parallel each other. As is shown in Figure 20, the first cross bar member 1916 includes a projecting portion 1924 at an end 1928 of the first cross bar 1916. This projecting portion 1924 has a cross section that is substantially rectangular and extends in a direction that is away from the end 1928 of the cross bar member along the major axis of the first cross bar 1916. The further cross bar 1920 also includes a projecting portion 1932 at an end 1936 of the further cross bar 1916 that extends in a direction away from the further cross bar 1920 along a major axis associated with the further cross bar 1920. This projecting portion 1932 also has a substantially rectangular cross section.

Figure 20 also illustrates how the first and further cross bar 1916, 1920 each include a channel 2004 located on an upper side of the first and further cross bars, from the viewpoint provided by Figure 20. It will be appreciated that, in use when the roof rack is affixed to the roof of a vehicle, the channel is located on a top side of the roof rack that faces away from the roof of the vehicle. Included in each cross bar channel 2004 is a respective slidable connector element 2008. It will be appreciated that the slidable connectors are free to side along the top surface of a respective cross bar via the channel. It will be appreciated that the slidable connectors include a through hole and is an example of a receiving region, for receiving a bolt or the like to couple equipment onto a respective cross bar. Alternatively the slidable connectors may each include a threaded hole, that optionally is a blind hole, that is an example of a receiving region, for receiving a screw to couple equipment onto a respective cross bar. It will be appreciated that aptly only one of the cross bars may instead include a channel and a slidable connector.

Figure 20 also illustrates how a joint between the first and further frame bars is achieved. The first frame bar 1904 includes a first protruding portion 2012 at an end 2016 of the first frame bar 1904. The first protruding portion is thinner than a main body 2020 of the first frame bar 1904 and extends along a side of the first frame bar 1904 that is most distal to the viewpoint shown in Figure 20. Thus, the first protruding portion 2012 defines a first rebated region 2024 that is a cut-away region of the first frame bar 1904 and is disposed adjacent to the first protruding portion 2012. The further frame bar 1908 includes a further protruding portion 2028 at an end 2032 of the further frame bar 1908 that is thinner than a main body 2020 of the further frame bar 1908. The further protruding portion thus defines a further rebated region 2034 of the further frame bar that is a cut-away region of the further frame bar.

As shown in Figure 20, the first and further protruding portion can be arranged in abutment with each other so that the first protruding portion is arranged in the further rebated region and the further protruding portion is located in the first rebated region. The first and further protruding portion each include two through holes through which respective screws/bolts can be arranged to secure the first frame bar to the further frame bar. That is to say one screw can be arranged through a first hole of the first protruding portion and a first hole of the further protruding portion, and a further screw can be arranged through a further through hole of the first protruding portion and a hole of the further protruding portion.

As is shown in Figure 20, the first protruding portion also includes a projecting lozenge that extends out of the surface of the first protruding portion that abuts with a corresponding surface of the further protruding portion in use. That is to say that the lozenge extends from the first protruding portion in a direction that is towards the first rebated region. Figure 19 also helps illustrate how the two through holes of the first protruding portion extend through the lozenge and are each located proximate to a curved edge of the lozenge. That is to say that the two through holes of the first protruding portion are located at or near substantially opposite sides of the lozenge. It will be appreciated that the lozenge is an example of a protuberance.

Although not shown in Figure 20, the side of the further protruding portion that abuts with the first protruding portion when the first and further frame bars are secured includes a lozenge shaped recess. It will be appreciated that the lozenge shaped recess is an example of a recess and that any other suitable recess may instead be utilised. The lozenge shaped recess has a substantially similar cross section as the lozenge and thus, when the first protruding portion is secured to the further protruding portion, the lozenge at least partly intrudes into the lozenge shaped recess.

It will also be appreciated, although not shown in Figure 20, that the first frame bar includes a channel that extends along a side of the first frame bar that faces away from the perspective shown in Figure 20 and towards the first and further cross bars. The channel of the first frame bar extends up the side of the first protruding portion. It will be appreciated that, in use, the first projecting portion of the first cross bar and the further projecting portion of the further cross bar sit in the channel when secured to the first frame bar. The first and further projecting portions also include a hole disposed at a terminal end of the first and further projecting portions that also is a terminal end of the first and further cross bars. The hole is a through hole that extends all the way through the respective cross bar and is threaded in a region of the cross bar where the projecting portion is located. Alternatively, the first and further projecting portions may instead include a threaded blind hole or the like. Thus, the first cross bar can receive the first screw that passes through the respective first holes of the first and further protruding portions (of the first and further frame bars respectively) and the further projecting portion of the further cross bar can receive the further screw that extends through the respective further holes of the first and further protruding portions (of the first and further frame bars respectively).

It will be understood that the frame bars used to create the sides (or indeed the front and/or rear) of the roof rack may be bespoke. That is to say the frame bars may be of a length that is specifically designed to correspond with a particular vehicle so that an assembled roof rack can be fitted to the specific vehicle. Alternatively, it will be understood that the frame bars may be of a standard length so that an assembled roof rack can be utilised for a number of vehicles. For example, a single standard size of frame bar may be utilised to provide a modular roof rack with a variable number of bays so that a roof rack can be assembled of a size to correspond with a variety of vehicles. Alternatively, two standard sizes of of frame bar may be manufactured to that a modular roof rack with variable bay sizes can be provided in order to fit to a number of vehicles. Of course, three or more standard sizes of frame bar could instead be provided in order to provide improved variety and modularity of available roof rack arrangements.

Figure 21 illustrates a different perspective view of the region of the roof rack shown in Figure 19 and 20. Figure 21 helps illustrate the recess of the further protruding portion of the further frame bar. Figure 21 also helps illustrate how the projecting portions of the first and further cross bars are arranged in an external groove of the first frame bar when secured to the first frame bar. It will be appreciated that the projecting portions are examples of anchoring regions. It will be appreciated that the projecting portions include two groove engagement surfaces arranged on an upper and lower edge of each projecting portion that abut against respective inner surfaces of the groove when connected to the first frame bar. It will be appreciated that the groove engagement surfaces may be referred to as engagement surfaces located at flat edge regions of each projecting portion. It will be appreciated that the projecting portions are examples of projection elements.

As shown in Figure 21 , both the first and further frame bar include a groove/slot located on the side of the respective frame bars most proximate to the cross bars. It will be appreciated however that the further frame bar may not include any such groove. Similarly, the first frame bar may only include a groove along a portion of the first frame bar, for example at the end of the first frame bar where the first protruding portion is disposed.

Figure 22 illustrates a frame bar in more detail. It will be appreciated that the frame bar is substantially similar to the first and further frame bars of Figure 20. Figure 22 helps illustrate how a frame bar can have a first protruding portion (including a protuberance), that is connectable to a further protruding portion (including a recess) of another frame bar, at one end of the frame bar and a further protruding portion (including a recess), that is connectable to a first protruding portion (including a protuberance) of another frame bar, at a remaining end of the frame bar.

Figure 23 illustrates a different perspective view of a frame bar. Figure 23 helps illustrate the first protruding portion (including a protuberance) and the further protruding portion (including a recess) in more detail.

Figure 24 illustrates a further protruding portion of a frame bar. Figure 24 helps illustrate how a recess is arranged in the further protruding portion. It will be appreciated that the recess is configured (and sized) to cooperate with a protuberance of a first protruding portion of another frame bar.

Figure 25 illustrates a first frame bar that is secured to a further frame bar, and is also secured to a first cross bar and further cross bar. Figure 25 helps illustrate the robust joint formed between the first and further frame bars that prevents (or at least limits) rotational and/or hinging motion between the frame bars.

Figure 26 illustrates a top down perspective view of a frame bar joint. Figure 26 helps show how two screws are arranged through the two frame bars to secure the two frame bars to each other.

Figure 27 illustrates a side-on perspective view of a further cross bar that is secured to a first cross bar. Figure 27 helps illustrate how a projecting portion located at a terminal end of a cross bar can be arranged in an external groove of a frame bar. Figure 27 helps show how abutment between internal surfaces of the external groove of the frame bar and the outer surfaces of the projecting portion of the cross bar limit or prevent hinging and/or rotational motion of the cross bar with respect to the frame bar.

Figure 28 illustrates a side-on perspective view of a cross bar secured to a first frame bar in cross section. Figure 28 helps illustrate how a screw passes through a further protruding portion of a further frame bar (and via a recess of the further protruding portion), through a first protruding portion of a first frame bar (and via a protuberance of the fist protruding portion) and into a projecting portion of a cross bar that is arranged at a terminal end of the cross bar to thereby secure the first frame bar, the further frame bar and the cross bar together.

Figure 29 illustrates a top-down cross sectional view of a first frame bar that is connected to a further frame bar, and is connected to a first cross bar and a further cross bar. Figure 29 helps illustrate how respective screws can be arranged through the further frame bar, through the first frame bar and into respective cross bars via respective terminal end regions of each cross bar to secure a framework region, that optionally is a region of a roof rack, together.

Figure 30 illustrates how a link bar can be arranged between the first and further cross bars. Figure 30 helps illustrate how a link bar can include two link bar split portions that can be secured together to connect pairs of cross bars of cross bar assemblies.

Figure 31 illustrates how a link bar can be arranged between a first a further cross bar in more detail. With similarity to the link bar described with reference to Figures 6 to 10, the link bar includes two mouths on opposite edges that are parallel and spaced apart with respect to each other. The mouths clamp down on profiled edges of cross bars to secure the link bar to one or more cross bars.

Figure 32 illustrates a top-down perspective view of a link bar secured between a first and further cross bar. Figure 32 helps illustrate how lips that define each mouth of the link bar are arranged in respective profiled grooves of each cross bar.

Figure 33 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a link bar secured to a first cross bar. It will be appreciated, although not shown that the link bar is also secured to a further cross bar. Figure 33 helps illustrate how the link bar split body portions can be secured together with two screws that are received by respective holes of each split body portion.

Figure 34 illustrates an end-on perspective view of a link bar secured between a first cross bar and a further cross bar in cross section. Figure 34 helps illustrate how the lips that define each mouth of the link bar sit in respective grooves that are defined by flange-like ribs on either side of respective cross bars.

Figure 35 illustrates how slidable connectors are arranged in the first and further cross bars when the cross bars are secured to the first frame bar. It will be appreciated that these connectors can be utilised to secure apparatus to the cross bars for transport and the like. It will be understood that apparatus could be secured to the slidable connectors via screwing or bolting or clipping or the like.

Figure 36A to 36D helps illustrate a still further roof rack region. It will be understood that the roof rack of Figure 36A is substantially similar to the roof rack described with respect to Figure 20.

Figure 37A illustrates a top-down perspective view of a link bar used in the roof rack of Figure 36. Figure 37B illustrates a side-on perspective view of the link bar of Figure 36 connected to a cross bar in cross section. It will be understood that the link bar shown in Figures 37A and 37B is substantially the same as the link bar described with reference to Figures 30 to 34. The link bar of Figures 37A and 37B however only includes one screw to connect the split body portions of the link bar (and thus each split body portion only includes one hole for receiving the screw).

Figure 38 illustrates a precursor bar 3800 from which a frame bar can be provided. It will be appreciated that frame bars similar to discussed throughout the present application can be provided from the precursor bar 3800. It will be understood that the precursor bar is an example of an elongate precursor member. It will be appreciated that the precursor bar is formed via extrusion. Alternatively, the precursor bar can be produced via any other suitable manufacturing and/or profiling method. The precursor bar 3800 is manufactured from aluminium. Alternatively, the precursor bar may be manufactured from any other suitable metal or alloy. Optionally the precursor bar is optionally made from a polymeric material. Optionally the precursor bar is rigid. Optionally the precursor bar can flex. It will be appreciated that the precursor body is an elongate extruded precursor body.

The precursor bar can be utilised to provide a frame bar that has a first protruding portion comprising a protuberance at one or more end regions of the frame bar. Alternatively, the precursor bar can be utilised to provide a frame bar that has a further protruding portion that includes a recess at one or more ends of the precursor bar. The precursor bar can be used to provide a frame bar that has a first protruding portion that includes a protuberance at one end of the frame bar, and a further protruding portion that has recess at a remaining end of the frame bar. As discussed throughout the present specification, a first protruding portion of a first frame bar that includes a protuberance can be joined to a further protruding portion of a further frame bar that includes a recess and vice versa. Thus, the provision of frame bars that include a first protruding portion including a protuberance and/or a further protruding portion including a recess allows for the provision of connectable frame bars that can be assembled into framework portions of a framework, for example a roof rack.

Figure 38 illustrates how the precursor bar 3800 includes an internal channel that extends along a length of the precursor bar. The internal channel 3804 is substantially D-shaped in cross section and is bounded around all sides of the cross section of the precursor bar by inner walls of the precursor bar 3800. As is shown in Figure 38, the internal channel however is exposed at each terminal end of the precursor bar. Figure 38 also shows how the internal channel is disposed more towards a first edge 3808 of the precursor member 3800 that will form an external side of a frame bar in use.

The precursor bar 3800 also includes two lips 3812, 3816 on a further edge of the precursor bar. As shown in Figure 38, these lips are spaced apart from each other and extend from respective sides 3820, 3824 of the precursor bar 3800 that are parallel to and spaced apart from each other, and that extend between the first and further edge of the precursor bar. The lips 3812, 3816 extend in a direction that is away from the first edge of the precursor frame bar and towards the further edge of the precursor frame bar. As shown in Figure 38, the lips define an outer channel 3828 at the further edge of the precursor bar.

Figure 39 illustrates the precursor bar 3800 of Figure 38 in cross section. Figure 39 helps illustrate how the precursor bar 3800 has a first edge and an external channel 3828 at an edge of the precursor bar that is opposite to the first edge. As shown in Figure 39, the channel is partial bounded by, and defined by, two lips 3820, 3824 that define the further edge of the precursor bar. As shown in Figure 39, the precursor bar includes an internal channel 3804 that is located proximate the first edge 3808.

As illustrated in Figure 39, the width of the mouth of groove of the precursor bar is 17.2 mm. The distance between the lips of the groove is 13.7 mm. The width of the precursor bar in cross section is 31.8 mm and the height of the precursor bar in cross section is 25.4 mm. Optionally a precursor bar of any other suitable dimensions could instead be utilised.

Figures 40A to 40C illustrate how a frame bar including first protruding portion that includes a protuberance at an end of the frame bar can be provided from the precursor bar 3800 of Figures 38 and 39. It will be appreciated that, prior to undertaking the method step of Figure 40A, the precursor bar 3800 of Figures 38 and 39 is provided. The precursor bar 3800 is manufactured by extrusion. Optionally any other suitable manufacturing technique may be utilised. For example, the precursor member 3800 may be manufactured by machining.

Figure 40A illustrates a first step of providing a first protruding portion at an end region of a precursor bar. Figure 40A is thus a first step of manufacturing a frame bar that includes a first protruding portion that has a protuberance from a precursor bar. The step of Figure 40A includes removing a portion of a C-shaped region 4004 that has a substantially C-shaped cross sectional profile and partially surrounds the internal channel 3804 at a terminal end region 4006 of the precursor member to provide an intermediate bar 4007. It will be understood that the step of Figure 40A includes removing only a region of the precursor body that is at an end of the length of the precursor body. Thus, as shown in Figure 42A, the removal of the portion of the C-shaped region of the precursor body defines a cut out region 4008 of the intermediate bar that exposes an intermediate surface region 4012 of at the end 4006 of the intermediate bar. As only a portion of the C-shaped region of the precursor body at the end 4006 of the body is removed from the precursor body 3800, as is shown by the hatched region of Figure 40A, a remaining portion of the C-shaped region 4016 that is not located at the end 4006 of the body extends along a remaining portion of the intermediate bar. It will be understood that this step involves removing an outer regions of the precursor body disposed at least partly around the internal channel.

The C-shaped region 4004 is removed from the terminal end region 4006 of the precursor body 3800 by machining. Alternatively, any other suitable manufacturing technique could be utilised including LASER cutting and the like. As can be seen from Figure 40A, the intermediate surface region 4012 that is revealed on the intermediate bar 4007 by removing the C-shaped region 4004 lies in a plane upon which an inner surface 4020 of the precursor body that defines a boundary of the internal channel 3804, and that is a remaining inner surface that is not a part of the C-shaped region of the precursor body, lies. This inner surface 4020 is an inner surface that defines the internal channel 3804 that is furthest away from the first edge 3808 of the precursor body. That is to say that this inner surface 4020 of the channel is part of the exposed intermediate surface region 4012.

It will be understood from Figure 40A that a whole section of the of the precursor body extending from the first edge 3808 to the intermediate surface region 4012 can be removed from an end region 4006 of the precursor body merely be removing the material of the precursor body that defines the C-shaped region 4004 of the precursor body that has a substantially C-shaped cross section. As shown in Figure 40, this is achieved my machining from the first edge 3808 of the precursor body through the internal channel to the intermediate surface region. It will be appreciated that the internal channel reduces the amount of material necessary to be removed from the precursor body and improve production of frame bars from a precursor body by reducing manufacturing wear on machining tools alongside required machining time. The direction of machining away the C-shaped region of the precursor body is illustrated in Figure 40A by the arrow labelled A. It will be understood that the intermediate surface region lies on a plane that contains an inner surface of the elongate precursor body that defines a side of the channel.

Figure 40B illustrates a further step of providing a first protruding portion at an end region of a precursor bar. Figure 40B is thus a further step of manufacturing a frame bar that includes a first protruding portion that has a protuberance from a precursor bar. The step of Figure 40B includes removing material from the intermediate surface region 4012 of the intermediate bar 4007 of Figure 40A at to provide/expose a rebated surface 4024 that is offset from the intermediate surface region. It will be appreciated that the rebated surface is an example of a rebated surface region. As shown in Figure 40B, a central region 4028 of the intermediate surface region 4012 is not removed and remains as a protuberance 4032 that extends out from the exposed rebated surface 4024. Optionally the protuberance has a cross section that is substantially lozenge shaped. Aptly, the protuberance has a cross section that is of any other suitable shape for example rectangular or square of triangular or the like. It will be appreciated that the remaining portion of the intermediate bar 4006 after removal of material from the intermate surface 4012 provides a first protruding portion 4036 at the end of the bar that is a frame bar 4040 for a framework. It will be appreciated that material is removed from the intermediate surface to a desired depth around a perimeter of a cross section of the protuberance to provide a protuberance of desired cross section and depth. Optionally more than one protuberance may be provided on the rebated surface in this manner. It will be appreciated that the region in which material is removed from the intermediate surface region may be referred to as a waste region.

It will be understood that the removal of the C-shaped region 4004 of the precursor bar to expose the intermediate surface region alongside the subsequent removal of material from the intermediate surface region of the intermediate bar provides a rebated region 4044 of a frame bar 4040. As shown in Figure 40B, the protuberance extends out of the rebated surface region in a direction that is towards the rebated surface region. It will be appreciated that the material of the intermediate bar, that is waste material, is removed from the intermediate surface (around the protuberance) via machining. Alternatively, any other suitable technique may be utilised, for example laser cutting and the like. The arrow labelled B in Figure 40B illustrates the direction of machining to expose the rebated surface region and the protuberance.

Figure 40C illustrates a still further step of providing a first protruding portion at an end region of a precursor bar. Figure 40C is thus a still further step of manufacturing a frame bar that includes a first protruding portion that has a protuberance from a precursor bar. Figure 40C illustrates how a through hole 4048 is provided through the first protruding portion 4036 via the protuberance 4032. It will be understood that the through hole is for receiving a screw or other suitable securing element to secure the first protruding portion to a further protruding portion of another frame bar. Optionally more than one through hole is provided through the first protruding portion. The through hole is optionally provided via drilling.

It will be understood that a frame bar may have a first protruding portion provided on both ends of the frame bar via applying the steps described with respect to Figures 40A to 40C to either end of a precursor bar.

Figure 41 illustrates an end region 4104 of a frame bar 4108 provided by the steps described with reference to Figures 40A to 40C. Figure 41 helps illustrate the first protruding portion 4112 and the protuberance 4116 that is provided with two through holes 4120.

Figures 42A to 42C illustrate how a frame bar including further protruding portion that includes a recess at an end of the frame bar can be provided from the precursor bar 3800 of Figures 38 and 39. It will be appreciated that, prior to undertaking the method step of Figure 42A, the precursor bar 3800 of Figures 38 and 39 is provided. The precursor bar 3800 is manufactured by extrusion. Optionally any other suitable manufacturing technique may be utilised. For example, the precursor member 3800 may be manufactured by machining. It will be appreciated that the precursor bar is an elongate extruded precursor bar.

Figure 42A illustrates a first step of providing a further protruding portion at an end region of a precursor bar. Figure 42A is thus a first step of manufacturing a frame bar that includes a further protruding portion that has a recess from a precursor bar. The step of Figure 42A includes removing a portion of an outer C-shaped region 4204 that has a substantially C- shaped cross sectional profile and partially surrounds the external channel 3828 at a terminal end region 4206 of the precursor member to provide an intermediate bar 4207. It will be understood that the step of Figure 42A includes removing only a region of the precursor body that is at an end 4206 of the length of the precursor body. Thus, as shown in Figure 42A, the removal of the portion of the outer C-shaped region of the precursor body defines a cut out region 4208 of the intermediate bar that exposes an intermediate surface region 4212 at the end 4206 of the intermediate bar. As only a portion of the outer C-shaped region of the precursor body at the end 4206 of the body is removed from the precursor body 3800, as is shown by the hatched region of Figure 42A, a remaining portion of the outer C-shaped region 4206 that is not located at the end 4206 of the body extends along a remaining portion of the intermediate bar. It will be appreciated that this step involves removing an outer region of the precursor body.

The outer C-shaped region 4204 is removed from the terminal end region 4206 of the precursor body 3800 by machining. Alternatively, any other suitable manufacturing technique could be utilised including LASER cutting and the like. As can be seen from Figure 42A, the intermediate surface region 4012 that is revealed on the intermediate bar 4007 by removing the C-shaped region 4004 lies in a plane that is parallel with and spaced apart from an inner surface 4220 of the precursor body that defines a boundary of the internal channel 3804, and that is an inner surface is furthest away from the first edge 3808 of the precursor body. The intermediate surface thus lies on a plane that is also parallel with and spaced apart from the first edge of the precursor bar (and also the intermediate bar).

It will be understood from Figure 42A that a whole section of the of the precursor body extending from a further edge 4222, that includes the external channel 3828 and is an opposite edge to the first edge 3804, to the intermediate surface region 4212 can be removed from an end region 4206 of the precursor body merely be removing the material of the precursor body that defines the external C-shaped region 4204 of the precursor body that has a substantially C-shaped cross section. As shown in Figure 42A, this is achieved my machining from the further edge 4222 of the precursor body through the external channel 3828 to the intermediate surface region 4212. It will be appreciated that the external channel reduces the amount of material necessary to be removed from the precursor body and improves production of frame bars from a precursor body by reducing manufacturing wear on machining tools alongside required machining time. The direction of machining away the C-shaped region of the precursor body is illustrated in Figure 42A by the arrow labelled A. Figure 42B illustrates a further step of providing a further protruding portion at an end region of a precursor bar. Figure 42B is thus a further step of manufacturing a frame bar that includes a further protruding portion that has a recess from a precursor bar. The step of Figure 42B includes removing material from the intermediate surface region 4212 to provide a recess 4224 in the intermediate surface region. As shown in Figure 42B, a central region 4228 of the intermediate surface region 4212 is removed to provide the recess. It will be understood that, as due to the internal channel only a small amount of material needs to be removed from the intermediate surface region in order to provide the recess 4224. In fact a perimeter 4228 of a cross section of the recess need only be cut from the intermediate surface region to the internal channel in order to remove material from the intermediate surface region to provide the channel. In other words, an inner channel wall 4232 is disposed between internal surface 4220 of the intermediate bar that defines a boundary of the internal channel most proximate to the intermediate surface region and the intermediate surface. By machining a perimeter shape of a cross section of a recess wholly through this wall 4232 and into the internal channel, the wall material can be removed to expose a recess that extends into the internal channel. Thus, due to the internal channel arranged in the precursor bar, only a limited amount of material needs to be removed from the intermediate surface region to provide a recess in the intermediate surface region. A recess can be provided by machining a shape into (and through) and intermediate surface region of an intermediate bar. Manufacturing of a frame bar including a recess is thus sped up and a need to cut beneath material of the intermediate surface region in order to remove said material to provide a recess is negated. Instead, the waste material will simply fall out once a shape of a recess has been cut through the wall/intermediate surface region and into the channel. The recess of Figure 42B is lozenge shaped however it will be appreciated that any suitable shape of recess can instead be provided.

It will be appreciated that the remaining portion of the intermediate bar 4207 after removal of material from the intermate surface 4212 provides a further protruding portion 4036 at the end of the bar that is a frame bar for a framework. It will be appreciated that more than one recess may be provided in the further protruding portion if desired. It will be appreciated that the remaining surface of the intermediate surface region, following provision of the recess, is an abutment surface of the further protruding portion and can abut flush against a corresponding surface of a first protruding portion of a further fame bar in use. It will be understood that the removal of the outer C-shaped region of the precursor bar to expose the intermediate surface region a rebated region 4244 of a frame bar 4240. As shown in Figure 42B, the recess is exposed to the rebated region.

It will be appreciated that the wall material of the intermediate bar, that is waste material, is removed from the intermediate surface via machining to provide the recess. Alternatively, any other suitable technique may be utilised, for example laser cutting and the like.

It will be understood that a perimeter of a recess need not necessarily be cut through the wall before removing material within the recess perimeter if desired. Instead, the recess may simply be provided by machining into, and through, the wall. That is to say, instead of first cutting a perimeter into and through the way and subsequently removing the material from the wall, wall material can simply be machined away to provide a recess of desired shape if desired. Thus, the recess shape (and associated perimeter) can alternatively be provided in the wall at the same time as material is removed optionally via machining.

Figure 42C illustrates a still further step of providing a further protruding portion at an end region of a precursor bar. Figure 42C is thus a still further step of manufacturing a frame bar that includes a further protruding portion that has a recess from a precursor bar. Figure 42C illustrates how a through hole 4248 is provided through the further protruding portion from the first edge to the internal channel 3804 and thus into the recess of the frame bar. Thus, the through hole extends wholly through the further protruding portion via the recess.

It will be understood that the through hole is for receiving a screw or other suitable securing element to secure the first protruding portion to a further protruding portion of another frame bar. Optionally more than one through hole is provided through the further protruding portion. The through hole is optionally provided via drilling. It will be appreciated that the area of the further protruding portion around the through hole 4248, at the outer surface of the further protruding portion through which the through hole extends, may include a countersink. That is to say that the area around the through hole may be a region that is offset inwards (into the further protruding portion) from the remainder of the surface so that when a screw or bolt or other suitable securing element passes into the trough hole, the head of the screw or bolt or other securing element does not protrude out from the surface. That is to say the head of the securing elements sits beneath (offset from) a plane that is defined by the surface of the further protruding portion through which the through hole extends, optionally so that the surface of the head of the securing element lies on the plane. The securing element is thus optionally countersunk into the further frame bar in use.

It will be understood that a frame bar may have a further protruding portion provided on both ends of the frame bar via applying the steps described with respect to Figures 42A to 42C to either end of a precursor bar. Alternatively, the frame bar may have a first protruding portion arranged at one end of the frame bar via applying the steps of Figures 40A to 40C and a further protruding portion arranged at a remaining end of the of the frame bar via applying the steps of Figures 42A to 42C.

Figure 43 illustrates an end region 4304 of a frame bar 4308 provided by the steps described with reference to Figures 42A to 42C. Figure 43 helps illustrate the further protruding portion 4304 and the recess 4308. Figure 43 also helps should how two through holes 4312 extend through the further protruding portion via the recess.

Figure 44 illustrates a flowchart for manufacturing a frame bar including a protuberance at an end of the frame bar from a precursor bar. It will be appreciated that the steps of Figure 44 can be utilised to provide the frame bar described with reference to Figure 40A to C and 41 . It will be appreciated that the steps of Figure 44 illustrate a method for manufacturing a frame member for providing a structural framework.

At step 1 s4420, an extruded elongate precursor body is provided comprising a first side, a further side that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first side, a first edge that is substantially perpendicular to the first and further side, and at least one internal channel that is disposed within the precursor body and that extends at least partly along a whole length of the precursor body.

At step 2 s4440, at a first end region of the elongate precursor body, a first outer region of the precursor body that is disposed at least partly around the internal channel in removed to expose an intermediate surface region on a plane that contains an inner surface of the elongate precursor body that defines a side of the channel.

Step 2 s4440 optionally includes a step of machining the first end region from the first edge towards the internal channel to remove the first outer region of the elongate precursor body Step 2 s4440 optionally includes a step of machining the first end region from the first edge to the inner surface to expose the intermediate surface region s4444.

Step 2 s440 optionally includes a step of machining the first end region wholly through a width of a portion of the internal channel that is disposed at the first end region to expose the intermediate surface region s4446.

Step 2 s4440 optionally includes a step of machining away material at regions of the elongate precursor body that define substantially parallel but spaced apart opposing internal surfaces of the elongate precursor body that define respective opposing sides of the channel to wholly machine through the width of the internal channel s4448.

At step 3 s4460, at least one waste region from the intermediate surface region is removed to provide at least one protuberance and to expose at least one rebated surface region that is offset from the intermediate surface region.

Step 3 s4460 optionally includes a step of machining the intermediate surface region around a perimeter of a desired protuberance to provide a protuberance with a desired cross section that optionally is substantially stadium shaped s4462.

Step 3 s4460 optionally includes a step of the machining the intermediate surface region around a perimeter of a desired protuberance to provide the rebated surface region from which the protuberance projects s4464.

By undertaking step 2 s4440 and step 3 s4460, optionally undertaking a step of providing a first protruding portion at the first end region that comprises the protuberance and the rebated surface region by removing the first outer region of the elongate precursor body and the waste region from the intermediate surface region s4466.

By undertaking step 2 s4440 and step 3 s4460, optionally undertaking a step of providing a first rebated region that is disposed adjacent to the rebated surface by region by removing the outer region of the elongate precursor body and the waste region from the intermediate surface region s4468.

At optional step 4 s4480 at least one receiving region at the protuberance is provided that extends at least partly through the first end region for receiving a securing element s4470. Step 4 s4480 optionally includes drilling a hole into the protuberance and at least partly through the first end region to provide the receiving region s4482.

At optional step 4 s4499, at a remaining end region of the elongate precursor body, a second outer region of the elongate precursor body that is disposed at least partly around the internal channel is removed to expose a second intermediate surface region on the plane that contains the inner surface of the elongate precursor; and at least one second waste region from the second intermediate surface region is removed to provide at least one second protuberance, and to expose at least one second rebated surface region that is offset from the second intermediate surface region.

Figure 45 illustrates a flowchart for manufacturing a frame bar including a recess at an end of the frame bar from a precursor bar. It will be appreciated that the steps of Figure 45 can be utilised to provide the frame bar described with reference to Figure 42A to C and 43. It will be appreciated that the steps of Figure 45 illustrate a method for manufacturing a frame member for providing a structural framework.

At step 1 s4520, an extruded elongate precursor body is provided comprising a first side, a further side that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first side, a first edge that is substantially perpendicular to the first and further side, and at least one internal channel that is disposed within the precursor body and that extends at least partly along a whole length of the precursor body.

At step 2 s4540, at a further end region of the elongate precursor body, a further outer region of the precursor body is removed to provide a wall region of the elongate precursor member that comprises an inner surface region on a plane that contains an inner surface of the elongate precursor body that defines a side of the channel.

Step 2 s4540 optionally includes the step of machining the further end region in a direction towards the first edge and towards the internal channel to remove the further outer region S4542.

Step 2 s4540 optionally includes the step of machining the further end region to an outer surface of the wall region to remove the further outer region so that the internal channel is disposed within the remaining material at the further end region of the elongate precursor body S4544.

Step 2 s4540 optionally includes the step of machining wholly through a portion of outer groove region of the elongate precursor body at the further end region that is disposed at a further edge of the elongate precursor body that is substantially parallel to but spaced apart from the first edge to remove the further outer region s4546.

Step 2 s4540 optionally includes the step of at the further end region, machining through material at the regions of the elongate precursor body that define at least one groove in the outer groove region to machine wholly through the portion of the outer groove region at the further end region s4548.

At step 3 s4560, a perimeter of at least one desired recess is cut through the wall region.

At step 4 s4580, the material of the wall region within the perimeter is removed to provide at least one recess that extends through the wall region.

Step 4 s4580 optionally includes the step of allowing the material of the wall region within the perimeter to fall out of the further end region via gravity to provide the recess s4582.

By undertaking step 3 s4560 followed by step 4 s4580, optionally undertaking the step of machining a desired perimeter through the wall portion to provide a recess with a desired cross section that optionally is substantially stadium shaped s4584.

By undertaking step 2 s4540 followed by step 3 s4560 followed by step 4 s4580, optionally providing a further protruding portion at the further end region that comprises the recess and the wall portion by removing the further outer surface region, cutting a perimeter of at least one desired recess through the wall region and removing the material of the wall region within the perimeter s4586.

At optional step 4 s4595, at least one receiving portion through the further end region via the recess is provided for receiving a securing element, the receiving portion optionally being a through hole that is providing by drilling.

At optional step 5 s4599, either: at a remaining end region of the elongate precursor body, removing a still further outer region of the precursor body to provide a second wall region of the elongate precursor member that comprises a second inner surface region on a plane that contains the inner surface of the elongate precursor body that defines the side of the channel; cutting a second perimeter of at least one second desired recess through the second wall region; and removing the material of the second wall region within the second perimeter to provide at least one second recess that extends through the second wall region; or: at a remaining end region of the elongate precursor body, removing a further outer region of the precursor body to provide a wall region of the elongate precursor member that comprises an inner surface region on the plane that contains the inner surface of the elongate precursor body that defines the side of the channel; cutting a further perimeter of at least one desired recess through the wall region; and removing the material of the wall region within the further perimeter to provide at least one recess that extends through the wall region.

It will be understood that a perimeter of a recess need not necessarily be cut through the wall before removing material within the recess perimeter if desired. Instead, the recess may simply be provided by machining into, and through, the wall. That is to say, instead of first cutting a perimeter into and through the way and subsequently removing the material from the wall, wall material can simply be machined away to provide a recess of desired shape if desired. Thus, the recess shape (and associated perimeter) can alternatively be provided in the wall at the same time as material is removed optionally via machining. That is to say, instead of steps 3 s4560 and 4 s4580, a single step of removing material from the wall to provide the recess may aptly be utilised, optionally via machining or the like.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to” and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader’s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . Apparatus for constructing a framework portion usable for assembling a structural framework, comprising: a first connectable member comprising a first body portion and a first end portion that comprises a first protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first body portion to define a first rebated region at the first end portion, the first protruding portion comprising a first abutment surface on a side of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region comprising at least one protuberance that extends away from the first abutment surface; a further connectable member comprising a further body portion and a further end portion that comprises a further protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the further body portion to define a further rebated region at the further end portion, the further protruding portion comprising a further abutment surface on a side of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region that comprises at least one recess; wherein the first protruding portion is at least partly locatable within the further rebated region and the further protruding portion is at least partly locatable within the first rebated region with the first abutment surface in an abutting relationship with the further abutment surface, and the protuberance at least partly locatable within the recess.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a first engagement surface that is disposed at an edge region of the protuberance is engageable with a further engagement surface disposed at an edge region of the recess to prevent rotational and/or hinging motion of the further connectable member with respect to the first connectable member.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: at least one securing element, that optionally is a screw element, for locating at least partly through the first protruding portion and/or the further protruding portion.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: at least one receiving region disposed at the protuberance for receiving the securing element; wherein: the securing element is locatable at least partly through the receiving region.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the receiving region of the recess is a through hole or a threaded hole or a blind hole or a threaded blind hole.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising: at least one further receiving region disposed at the further protruding portion, the further receiving portion optionally comprising a through hole or a threaded through hole that extends through the further protruding portion via the recess.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: an outer groove region disposed on an opposing side of the first protruding portion to the protuberance for receiving an anchoring region with at least one cross bar member.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the anchoring region comprises at least one projection that is configured to be received by the groove region.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the projection comprises at least one groove engagement surface disposed at an edge of the projection that is for engaging with an inner surface of the groove region.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the groove engagement surface comprises a substantially flat edge of the projection that, when engaged with an inner surface of the groove region, at least partly prevents relative rotation of the anchoring region with respect to the first connectable member.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the projection has a substantially stadium shaped cross section.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the groove engagement surface comprises a substantially arcuate edge of the projection that, when engaged with an inner surface of the groove region, permits at least partial rotation of the anchoring region with respect to the first connectable member.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the projection has a substantially circular cross section.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13 when dependent on claim 3, further comprising: a still further receiving region, that optionally is a threaded blind hole, disposed at least partly through the projection for receiving the securing element.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: an anchoring element comprising the anchoring region that is connectable to at least one cross bar member.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: at least one cross bar member comprising the anchoring region at a terminal end of the cross bar member.

17. A method of providing a framework portion usable for assembling a structural framework, comprising the steps of: providing a first connectable member comprising a first body portion and a first end portion that comprises a first protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the first body portion to define a first rebated region at the first end portion, the first protruding portion comprising a first abutment surface on a side of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region that comprises at least one protuberance that extends away from the first abutment surface; providing a further connectable member of a framework portion comprising a further body portion and a further end portion that comprises a further protruding portion that has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the further body portion to define a further rebated region at the further end portion, the further protruding portion comprising a further abutment surface on a side of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region that comprises at least one recess; locating the first protruding portion at least partly within the further rebated region, and the further protruding portion at least partly within the first rebated region; and as the first and further protruding portions are at least partly located in the respective further and first rebated regions, inserting the protuberance into the recess so that the first abutment surface abuts against the further abutment surface.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising the steps of: preventing relative hinging and/or rotational motion between the first connectable member and the further connectable member by engaging a first engagement surface of the protuberance that is disposed at an edge region of the protuberance with a further engagement surface of the recess that is disposed at an edge region of the recess.

19. The method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, further comprising the steps of: providing a securing element at least partly through the first connectable member and at least partly through the further connectable member to thereby secure the first connectable member to the further connectable member.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising the steps of: providing the securing element through the first protruding portion via protuberance and through the further protruding portion via the recess to secure the protuberance at least partly within the recess.

21 . A kit of parts for a framework usable as a roof rack, comprising: at least one first connectable member comprising a first body portion and a first end portion that comprises a first protruding portion that is thinner than the first body portion to define a first rebated region, the first protruding portion comprising a first abutment surface on a side of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region that comprises at least one protuberance extends away from the first abutment surface; and at least one further connectable member comprising a further body portion and a further end portion that comprises a further protruding portion that is thinner than the further body portion to define a further rebated region, the further protruding portion comprising a further abutment surface on a side of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region that comprises at least one recess.

22. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 21 , further comprising: at least one securing element that is configured to cooperate with a first receiving region that extends at least partly through a surface of the first protruding portion that faces the first rebated region and optionally via the protuberance.

23. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 22, further comprising: the securing element is configured to cooperate with a further receiving region that extends wholly through a surface of the further protruding portion that faces the further rebated region optionally via the recess.

24. The kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: the first connectable member comprises an outer groove region disposed on an opposing side of the first protruding portion to the protuberance for receiving a projection element that moves with at least one cross bar member.

25. A method of manufacturing a connectable member usable for assembling a roof rack for a vehicle, comprising the steps of: providing an elongate precursor member body; at an end region of the precursor member body, machining from an edge of the elongate precursor body into the precursor body to define a rebated region and a protruding portion that has a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the precursor member body; and via machining, providing at least one protuberance at a revealed surface of the protruding portion or providing at least one recess that extends into the protruding portion at a revealed surface of the protruding portion.