GB2436819A

GB2436819A - A movable crossbar / load restraint for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2436819A
Application number: GB0705068A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neal Parkhurst; Matthew Kitchen; Steven Martin
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-07
Filing date: 2007-03-16
Publication date: 2007-10-10
Also published as: GB0705068D0

Abstract

A crossbar assembly is provided for a vehicle, in particular a pickup truck. The crossbar assembly comprises a crossbar 7 and attachment means 8 for attaching the crossbar to the vehicle 1. The attachment means comprises a guide rail 10 which provides a channel (14 figure 2b) along which the crossbar can be moved. The crossbar is configured to be movable about the attachment means and is securable in at least one position relative to the attachment means. The guide rail is a C-channel rail. The crossbar can be moved along the full length of the guide rail and can be rotated through an arc so that it can serve as a load partition when in an upright position or as a load restraint at the rear of the vehicle when in a horizontal position (figure 1b). The attachment means may comprise a locking plate (25 figure 3) and a bracket (18) which are provided with corresponding locking pins and blind holes for securing the crossbar in the vertical or horizontal positions. Further blind holes/slots may be provided for locking the crossbar at other angles.

Description

2436819

CROSSBAR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

This invention relates to a crossbar assembly for a vehicle, and particularly to a movable crossbar for a vehicle.

5

Vehicles are commonly designed to include a region for carrying people (e.g. the driver and perhaps one or more passengers), and a region for carrying cargo/luggage. The region of a vehicle that is intended to carry cargo may be called the vehicle "loading space", and the floor of the loading space, on which the 10 cargo/luggage is placed, may be called the "load bed".

In a family vehicle the loading space may be a rear boot section, which is generally enclosed on all sides. However, in the case of a "pick-up" vehicle, for example, the loading space could be open-topped (or even open-sided), thereby allowing larger 15 loads to be transported. Although, even in this case, the size of cargo that can be safely transported is limited, and this is especially true of the length of a load that can be contained in the loading space of the vehicle.

When the length of the cargo exceeds the length of the loading space of the vehicle, 20 the load may still be transported, albeit with part of the load overhanging the rear of the vehicle. In some cases, this will mean leaving the rear of the vehicle open during transportation. For example, in the case of a passenger vehicle, such as a family car, the rear door of the vehicle (e.g. the boot) may be left open; while in the case of a pick-up vehicle, the rear closure (e.g. tailgate) may be left open. In this situation, in 25 order to transport the load safely, it is necessary to securely anchor the load to the vehicle, so that any sudden movement of the vehicle will not cause the load to be dislodged.

However, on occasions when it is necessary to transport an oversized cargo, it may 30 not always be practical (or even possible) to anchor the cargo to the vehicle. For example, the user may not have anticipated the need arising, and so does not have the means (such as rope, chains etc.) available for securing the load. This could mean that an oversized load is transported, despite not being secured to the vehicle.

2

In fact, even where the cargo is attached to a vehicle, e.g. using a rope, the attachment means may not be sufficient to safely secure a heavy load.

Some vehicles are fitted with mounted bars, such as roof rails, roof racks etc., which 5 provide a further means of attaching oversized loads. However, it is normally necessary to use ropes etc. to secure objects to the mounted bars. There is always the risk in these cases that the rope or other means will become loose and not provide the necessary security for the load.

10 Thus, there is a need for a means of safely and securely accommodating oversized cargo on a vehicle (e.g. cargo that is longer than the loading space of the vehicle), and especially when the rear closure of the vehicle (e.g. the boot, tailgate etc.) must be left open during transportation.

15 This invention aims to reduce or alleviate some of the problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided a crossbar assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a crossbar; and attachment means for attaching

20 the crossbar to the vehicle, the attachment means comprising a guide rail providing a channel along which the crossbar can be moved; wherein the crossbar is configured to be movable about the attachment means and is securable in at least one position relative to the attachment means; and wherein the guide rail is a C-channel rail.

25 This has the advantage that the position of the crossbar relative to the vehicle (and particularly with respect to the load bed and loading space of the vehicle) can also be adjusted, and in this way, the crossbar can be used to create an adjustable partition or support for cargo contained within the vehicle's loading space.

30 By the term "crossbar", it is meant a bar (strut, arm or barrier etc.) that when mounted to a vehicle has at least one section that extends laterally across a substantial part of the width of the vehicle. Thus, in use, the crossbar may extend across at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the lateral width of the vehicle. Preferably, however, the crossbar extends across the entire width of the vehicle.

3

By "movable about the attachment means" it is meant that the crossbar is mountable in such a way that it can be moved angularly (e.g. pivoted) about its attachment point. Any degree of angular movement or rotation is envisaged to fall within the 5 scope of the invention, e.g. from less than 45° to 360°, as discussed further below.

The crossbar may be of any suitable design and construction. Preferably, the section of the crossbar that extends laterally across the vehicle is an elongate section, although it could equally comprise a panel. For example, the crossbar may have the 10 form of a vehicle roll-bar and may be structurally capable of performing the role of protecting the vehicle occupants in the event that the vehicle overturns. Equally, however, it may have the visual appearance of a functional roll-bar, but may not in fact meet the physical requirements for such equipment. It is beneficial that the crossbar is also designed having regard to the aesthetics of the vehicle to which it is 15 to be attached.

Typically, the crossbar is predominantly of a tubular construction, having an elongate section that extends at least part-way across the lateral width of the vehicle. Preferably, the crossbar also comprises a short section at an angle to the elongate 20 section, which can be considered to act as a support section. The support section is typically also part of the tubular section of the crossbar. More preferably, the crossbar has two such support sections and most preferably the two support sections are positioned at either end of the elongate section of the crossbar. In this embodiment, the elongate section of the crossbar is a mid-section, i.e. it is positioned 25 in-between two support sections.

The crossbar, particularly where the crossbar comprises a tubular section, may be non-linear. For example, the crossbar may contain a bend at the junction between the support section(s) and the elongate section. In this case, the long axis of the 30 support section(s) may be at any suitable angle with respect to the long axis of the elongate section of the crossbar, e.g. between 0° and 180°. Preferably, the angle between the support section and the elongate section is between 10° and 170°, between 30° and 150°, between 45° and 135°, or between 60° and 120°. More preferably, the support section is positioned at (or approximately at) 90° (i.e. a right

4

angle) to the elongate section. Thus, in a most preferred embodiment of the crossbar, the axis of the support section(s) is perpendicular to the axis of the elongate section of the crossbar.

5 It is preferable for the crossbar to be attached to the vehicle through a connection between the support section(s) and the attachment means. Any suitable means for coupling the attachment means to the crossbar may be used, provided that the crossbar is securable in one or more positions relative to the attachment means.

10 By "securable" it is meant that in use, once properly fitted, positioned and secured, there will be no unwanted movement of the crossbar about the attachment means (i.e. in use the crossbar will neither rotate freely about the attachment means nor become detached from the attachment means until it is deliberately released therefrom).

15

In one embodiment, friction between the attachment means and the crossbar, and/or between any moving parts of the attachment means is sufficient to secure the crossbar in the chosen position. One such convenient form of attachment means is a clamp, which can be adjusted between an open state in which it can be placed over

20 and around the crossbar and a closed state in which it can securely clamp onto the crossbar, using friction to prevent relative movement of the components.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection includes an integral bracket (particularly a flat bracket) at the end of the support section of the crossbar. Alternatively, the end

25 of the support section is connectable to such a bracket. This bracket is adapted to connect to the attachment means of the crossbar assembly to enable the crossbar to be attached to the vehicle. In a more preferred embodiment wherein the crossbar comprises two support sections, both sections are integral with, or connectable to, brackets for connecting to respective attachment means.

30

In one embodiment, the elongate section of the crossbar, e.g. the mid-section of the crossbar, is extendible. This is advantageous because it allows the crossbar to be adapted to conform to the lateral width of the vehicle to which it is attached, such that a single crossbar assembly may be optimally attached to vehicles of different width.

5

Any suitable means of elongation may be used, such as a mechanism known to the person of skill in the art. One advantageous mechanism for elongation, e.g. for a tubular crossbar, is a telescopic mechanism.

5 The attachment means or parts thereof may be manufactured as an integral part of the vehicle, or it may be manufactured separately, and installed on a vehicle at a later date. In the alternative, some components of the attachment means may be manufactured integrally with the vehicle and some components may be manufactured separately, provided means are available for connecting to the 10 components formed integrally with the vehicle.

Similarly, whilst it is possible that the crossbar could be manufactured as an integral and permanent fixture of a vehicle, preferably, the crossbar is removably attachable to a vehicle. In this way, the crossbar can be fitted to and removed from the vehicle, 15 as desired.

Beneficially, the attachment means also includes locking means for securing the crossbar in a selected position relative to the attachment means. Preferably, the locking means is releasable so that the crossbar can be moved to one or more 20 alternative positions.

The locking means may comprise components such as fixing brackets, locking plates, screws, bolts, wing-nuts etc., which are adapted to engage with each other in order to prevent relative movement of the components and the crossbar. Thus, for 25 example, the crossbar may be provided with a bracket that is adapted to engage with a complementary bracket or plate of the attachment means. Fixing means such as fixing screws/bolts may then be used to join the components together and thereby prevent rotation of the crossbar relative to the attachment means.

30 The crossbar is securable in one or more positions relative to the attachment means. The number of positions in which the locking means is able to secure the crossbar is predetermined. For example, the locking means comprised in the attachment means may be capable of securing the crossbar in one position only, such as in its resting position. However, in this embodiment, the crossbar may still be pivoted to

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alternative positions relative to the attachment means, and may be securable in such alternative positions, albeit with reliance on auxiliary components for fixing the crossbar in position (e.g. clamps, clips, hooks etc. positioned elsewhere on the vehicle). Such auxiliary fixing components may be comprised within the crossbar 5 assembly of the invention.

It is preferable for the crossbar to be securable in two or more positions relative to the attachment means (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more positions), using the locking means provided. For example, where the crossbar can be secured in two positions using 10 the locking means, the two positions may be a first position when it is not in use (e.g. a resting/storage position), and a second position when it is in use. Typically, the crossbar is movable between the first and second secured positions, without needing to fully detach the crossbar from the vehicle. Any angular position between the first and second secured positions may be selected (i.e. from 0° to 360°), depending on 15 the crossbar assembly design, e.g. the positions may be separated by up to 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150° or 180°. Preferably, the first and second secured positions are separated angularly by approximately 90° about the attachment means.

In the resting/storage position, the crossbar is beneficially secured above the load 20 bed of the vehicle, so that it is essentially within (or above) the loading space of the vehicle. In this position, the crossbar may lie above any cargo contained in the vehicle's loading space, or (particularly where the cargo is large) it may be used as a transverse partition within the loading space. For example, one loading space may be created forward of the crossbar and a second (partially separate) loading space 25 may be created rearwards of the crossbar.

In the second secured position, the crossbar is preferably moved angularly through 90° from the first position, relative to the attachment means. More preferably, the crossbar is moved angularly through 90° towards the rear of the vehicle to take up 30 the second secured position. Most preferably, in the second position the section of the crossbar that previously extended laterally across the vehicle (i.e. above the load bed) is positioned beyond the rear of the vehicle loading space.

7

Depending upon the point at which the crossbar is attached to the vehicle, it may be possible for the crossbar to be moved into the second position even when the rear closure of the vehicle (e.g. tailgate) is closed. However, it is envisaged that this second position will be used primarily when the rear closure of the vehicle is open. In 5 this way, the crossbar can act as a subsidiary closure member (i.e. a barrier) rearward of the normal closed position of the e.g. tailgate of the vehicle. In this position, the crossbar can function to: (i) prevent cargo falling from the rear of the vehicle's loading space; and (ii) create a longer loading space for the transportation of objects that are longer than the normal load bed of the vehicle.

10

Advantageously, the crossbar assembly of the invention is used in conjunction with a pick-up vehicle, and more preferably, where the vehicle has a closure member that is hinged along the interface between the load bed and the closure member (as in the case of a typical tailgate). In the latter arrangement, in the open position the rear 15 closure member preferably lies approximately horizontally and at approximately the same level as the load bed, such that the inner surface of the tailgate forms an extension of the load bed. Thus, the length of the load bed of the vehicle can be extended by the height of the closure member (tailgate), and the crossbar can be positioned so as to create a replacement closure member in the region of the 20 rearward end of the extended load bed.

In an alternative embodiment, the crossbar may also be securable in one or more further positions in-between the above described first and second secured positions. The crossbar may, for example, be freely movable through an arc of up to 45°, up to 25 60°, up to 90°, or up to 180° about the attachment means and be securable at any position along that arc relative to the attachment means. Most preferably, however, the crossbar is freely movable about the attachment means (i.e. through 360°) and can be secured at any position relative to the attachment means.

30 In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means for the crossbar assembly further comprises a guide rail. The guide rail provides a channel along which the crossbar can be moved, so that it can be positioned at different points along the guide rail and hence, at different positions within the vehicle's loading space. Preferably, the crossbar is securable at two or more positions along the guide rail.

8

It is envisaged that the guide rail could be mounted vertically on a sidewall of the vehicle, such that the height of the crossbar above the load bed of the vehicle can be adjusted. More preferably, however, the guide rail extends longitudinally along a 5 sidewall of the loading space of the vehicle, i.e. in the forwards - rearwards direction relative to the vehicle, and most preferably, the guide rail extends longitudinally along substantially the entire length of a sidewall of the vehicle.

This is advantageous because it allows the positioning of the crossbar in such a way 10 that the loading space of the vehicle can be sub-divided, as desired, to create two part-separate loading spaces in which objects can be transported separately. In this embodiment of the invention the likelihood of objects becoming damaged during transportation, e.g. by knocking into each other can be reduced. Preferably, auxiliary means (e.g. integral or releasably mountable fittings) for anchoring objects to either 15 side of the crossbar are provided, as discussed below.

The sidewall typically comprises an inner panel defining an interior surface of the sidewall and an outer panel defining an exterior surface of the vehicle bodywork. The two panels are advantageously spaced apart by an upper surface of the sidewall. It 20 is envisaged that the guide rail may be formed integrally with, or later attached, to any surface of the sidewall. Preferably, the guide rail is positioned along the upper surface or the inner surface of the sidewall, and most preferably, the guide rail is positioned along the inner surface of the sidewall.

25 Beneficially, the guide rail may be formed integrally with a surface of a sidewall of the vehicle, e.g. as part of the moulding of the sidewall. This has the advantages that the guide rail need not: (i) detract from the styling of the sidewall of the vehicle; or (ii) protrude from the surface of the vehicle.

30 However, it is also convenient to be able to adapt a vehicle, after its manufacture, to carry a crossbar assembly of the invention. In this case, it is advantageous that the guide rail is manufactured separately from the vehicle, with means available for its installation onto the vehicle.

9

Advantageously, the guide rail comprises a slider, preferably a linear slider, along which the crossbar can be moved and secured. In a more preferred embodiment, in order to provide the optimum division of the loading space of the vehicle, the crossbar can be moved forwards or backwards (rearwards) along the sidewall of the 5 vehicle, and can be secured at any point along the slider.

Any suitable form of sliding mechanism, e.g. those known to a person of skill in the art, may be used. For ease of operation, it is advantageous that the slider mechanism permits fast repositioning of the crossbar, and that the mechanism can 10 be operated by one person.

For example, where the guide rail is a slider, it may comprise one or more of the following components: a bracket for fitting to the vehicle, which defines a channel along which the crossbar can move and be secured; a carriage adapted to move 15 within the channel, and that is adapted to connect to the crossbar; and a lubricating means, such as a train of greased balls, positioned within the channel between the carriage and the bracket.

It is envisaged that the crossbar assembly may comprise only one guide rail, and 20 therefore, in this embodiment, the crossbar is attached to the vehicle at one end only.

Preferably, however, the crossbar assembly comprises two guide rails, in use, extending parallel to each other along opposite sidewalls of the vehicle. The crossbar may be connected to each guide rail through separate attachment means. 25 This arrangement is advantageous as it provides greater strength and stability than when the crossbar is attached at one point only.

As already noted, the crossbar is securable at two or more positions along the guide rail. Once again, in certain embodiments friction may provide sufficient resistance to 30 secure the crossbar at a selected position along the guide rail. However, preferably, the attachment means further comprises second locking means for securing the crossbar at a chosen position along the guide rail(s). Any suitable locking means known to the person of skill in the art can be used. Most preferably, the locking means is releasable to allow repositioning of the crossbar.

10

For example, a locking means may comprise one or more of the following features. A pivotable or rotatable handle may be provided in a region towards one of the ends of the crossbar. On operating the handle, the locking means beneficially releases the 5 crossbar enabling it to be moved. The handle advantageously permits the locking system to be easily operated. The locking means may have a locking pad that operates on the guide rail. The locking means preferably has a cable interconnecting the handle and the locking pad. The cable may be under tension so that on releasing the handle the locking pad re-engages with the guide rail to secure the crossbar in 10 position.

More preferably, however, the second locking means provided for securing the crossbar along the guide rail is the same as that used to secure the crossbar at a chosen angular position relative to the attachment means. Fixing brackets that 15 cooperate with locking plates through which fixing/tightening screws/bolts can be operated provide a mechanism by which this embodiment can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is a "C"-channel rail system. A fixing screw is slidably mounted within the C-channel and a fixing bracket mounts onto the 20 protruding screw-threaded portion of the fixing screw. The crossbar may then be mounted onto the fixing bracket, e.g. through a bracket at the end of the crossbar, with a bearing positioned between the crossbar and the fixing bracket to allow the crossbar to move angularly or turn about the fixing bracket. A locking plate may be mounted adjacent the outer side of the crossbar, the locking plate having projections 25 that pass through the bracket portion of the crossbar and into the fixing bracket. Finally, a handle means (such as a wing-nut or bolt) can be screwed onto the outer end of the screw-threaded portion of the fixing screw and tightened to secure the components into position.

30 A resilient, flexible sealing may be located along the channel of the guide rail. The sealing is beneficial because it seals the slot, preventing the ingress of water and dirt, which may adversely affect the operation of the sliding mechanism. The sealing is preferably deformable to allow the crossbar to move within the channel. Any suitable material may be used for the sealing, but preferably, the sealing is made of rubber.

11

The crossbar may be removable from the vehicle. Advantageously, the crossbar and attachment means is removable from the vehicle, e.g. by sliding the crossbar together with the attachment means (or part thereof) off the rear end of the guide rail.

5 Thus, removal of the crossbar and the components of the attachment means that are connected to the crossbar may be a quick and easy action. This is advantageous where it is envisaged that different crossbars may be desirable for different functions, or where it is necessary to repair or replace a crossbar.

10 It is also envisaged that the crossbar may be releasable from one or both attachment means. For example, a clamping mechanism or other quick-release mechanism may be employed for connecting the crossbar to the attachment means, and by releasing this mechanism the relevant end of the crossbar can be removed from the attachment means. In another embodiment, one or both attachment means may 15 comprise a hinged portion, such that when the crossbar is connected to the vehicle at one end only, the hinge allows the crossbar to swing (e.g. sideways), such that the crossbar can be positioned parallel to a sidewall of the vehicle. This is advantageous where it is desired to remove the crossbar from its lateral position across the loading space of the vehicle, without fully detaching the crossbar from the vehicle.

20

In addition, the crossbar may further comprise a fitting to aid in securing luggage/cargo within the vehicle loading space. In another embodiment, the crossbar may comprise two or more such fittings, so that when the crossbar is used to sub-divide the vehicle's loading space, cargo can be secured in each section of 25 the loading space. Any fitting known to the person of skill in the art can be used, provided it can be used to provide a point of attachment between the cargo and the crossbar.

The vehicle may be a motorised vehicle, or a non-motorised vehicle, such as a 30 trailer.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

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Figure 1 is a perspective view of a crossbar assembly of the invention attached to a pick-up vehicle: (A) the crossbar positioned in an upright (first/storage) position; and (B) the crossbar positioned in a horizontal (second) position, in use as a subsidiary loading space closure member/barrier.

5

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a preferred crossbar assembly, which includes attachment means for attaching a crossbar to a vehicle, and locking means for securing the crossbar in a selected position: (A) the crossbar assembly in its disassembled state; and (B) the crossbar assembly in its assembled state.

10

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the attachment means and crossbar depicted in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 1, a pick-up vehicle 1 has a loading space 2; defined by a load 15 bed 29, lateral (left- and right-hand) sidewalls 3, 4 and a closure member (tailgate) 5. The closure member 5 is depicted in the open position. A crossbar assembly 6 according to the invention comprises a crossbar 7, having an elongate mid-section 7a and perpendicular support sections 7b, 7c; and attachment means 8, which include guide rails 10. The guide rails 10 are mounted on the inner surfaces of 20 opposite sidewalls 3, 4, respectively. The crossbar 7 (and components of the crossbar assembly 6) can move along the guide rails 10 in the directions indicated by the arrow "a". In Figure 1(A) the crossbar 7 is in a first angular position relative to the attachment means 8 in which the support sections 7b, 7c of the crossbar 7 are arranged vertically. In Figure 1(B) the crossbar 7 has turned through an angle of 25 approximately 90° relative to the attachment means 8, as indicated by the arrow "b". The crossbar 7 is now in a second position in which the support sections 7b, 7c are approximately horizontal and the elongate mid-section 7a creates a lateral barrier rearward of the loading space 2.

30 Turning to Figures 2(A) and (B), the crossbar assembly 6 comprises attachment means 9 and crossbar 7. The attachment means 9 includes a "C"-channel guide rail 10, having a channel 14 in which the head 15 of a fixing screw 16 is accepted. The fixing screw 16 is provided with a screw-threaded portion 17. A fixing bracket 18 has a bore 19 that is wide enough to accommodate the screw-threaded portion 17 of the

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fixing screw 16. The fixing bracket 18 is further provided with blind holes 20a, 20b, and a central projection 20c for accepting a bearing 21. The crossbar 7 has a flat bracket 23, which is provided with a central bore 24a for accommodating the bearing 21, and further bores 24b, 24c. A locking plate 25 is provided with a central bore 5 26a, which is wide enough to accommodate the screw-threaded portion 17 of the fixing screw 16, and projections 26b, 26c, which are locatable in bores 24b, 24c, respectively, of the flat bracket 23. Finally, a handle 27 has a central, threaded bore 28, which complements the screw-threaded portion 17 of the fixing screw 16.

10 As depicted in Figure 2(B), the crossbar assembly 6 is assembled with the head 15 of the fixing screw 16 within the channel 14 of the guide rail 10. The fixing bracket 18 is placed onto the screw-threaded portion 17 of the fixing screw 16 and the bearing 21 is placed over the central projection 20c of the fixing bracket 18. Next the crossbar 7 is attached by placing the central bore 24a of the flat bracket 23 over the 15 bearing 21. The locking plate 25 is installed by placing its central bore 26a around the screw-threaded portion 17 of the fixing screw 16, and locating the projections 26b, 26c through the further bores 24b, 24c, respectively, of the flat bracket 23 and into the blind holes 20a, 20b of the fixing bracket 18. The handle 27 is then screwed onto the end of the screw-threaded portion 17 of the fixing screw 16 and tightened to 20 secure all of the components in place.

By loosening (unscrewing or partially unscrewing) the handle 27, the frictional force between the head 15 of the fixing screw 16 and the "C"-channel guide rail 10 is released/reduced, allowing the crossbar 7 (along with the fixing screw 16, fixing 25 bracket 18, bearing 21, locking plate 25 and handle 27) to be moved along the guide rail 10. Thus, the position of the crossbar 7 along the guide rail 10 can be adjusted. Once a new position for the crossbar 7 has been selected, the handle 27 can be tightened in order to re-secure the crossbar 7 in its new selected position.

30 Figure 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of the crossbar assembly 6 of Figure 2, in which the crossbar 7 can be secured in two angular positions relative to the attachment means 9.

14

In the first position relative to the attachment means 9 the bores 24b, 24c of the flat bracket 23 of the crossbar 7 are aligned with the blind holes 20a, 20b, respectively, of the fixing bracket 18. The crossbar is secured in place by locating the projections 26b, 26c of the locking plate 25 through the bores 24b, 24c and into a first set of blind 5 holes 20a, 20b, and then by tightening the handle 27 by turning it in the direction of the arrow "c".

To obtain the second secured position of the crossbar 7 relative to the attachment means, the handle 27 and the locking plate 25 are first removed. The crossbar 7 is 10 then rotated by 90°, as indicated by the arrow "d", until the bores 24b, 24c of the flat bracket 23 of the crossbar 7 align with a second set of blind holes 20c, 20d, respectively, of the fixing bracket 18. Finally, the crossbar 7 is secured in place by locating the projections 26b, 26c of the locking plate 25 through the bores 24b, 24c and into the blind holes 20c, 20d, and by screwing the handle 27 onto the end of the 15 screw-threaded portion 17 of the fixing screw 16.

In alternative embodiments, there may be multiple sets of blind holes in the fixing bracket to allow for the securing of the crossbar at multiple, different angular positions relative to the attachment means. Alternatively, the blind holes may be 20 replaced with, for example, a continuous blind channel, which allows infinite angular positions to be selected.

15

Claims

1. A crossbar assembly (6) for a vehicle (1), comprising:

a crossbar (7); and

5 attachment means (8; 9) for attaching the crossbar to the vehicle, the attachment means (8; 9) comprising a guide rail (10) providing a channel (14) along which the crossbar (7) can be moved;

wherein the crossbar is configured to be movable about the attachment means and is securable in at least one position relative to the attachment means; 10 and wherein the guide rail (10) is a C-channel rail.

2. The crossbar assembly (6) of claim 1, wherein the attachment means (8; 9) includes a locking means (25) for releasably locking the crossbar (7) in said one or

15 more positions relative to the attachment means.

3. The crossbar assembly (6) of claims 1 or 2, wherein the crossbar (7) is freely movable through an arc of at least 60° about the attachment means (8; 9) and is securable at any position along the arc relative to the attachment means.

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4. The crossbar assembly (6) according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises a second locking means (16, 27) for releasably locking the crossbar (7) in the two or more positions along the guide rail (10).

25 5. The crossbar assembly (6) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a resilient, flexible sealing is located along the channel (14) of the guide rail (10), the sealing being deformable to allow the crossbar (7) to move within the channel.

6. The crossbar assembly (6) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein 30 the mid-section (7a) of the crossbar (7) is extendible.

7. A vehicle (1) comprising a crossbar assembly (6) according to any preceding claim.

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8. The vehicle (1) of claim 7, wherein the attachment means (8; 9) comprises at least one guide rail (10) and wherein the crossbar (7) is slidable within a channel (14) in the guide rail.

5 9. The vehicle (1) of claim 7 or claim 8, having two guide rails (10), each of the two guide rails extending longitudinally along opposite lateral sides (3, 4) of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle (1) of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein a resilient, flexible sealing is 10 located along the channel (14) of the guide rail (10), the sealing being deformable to allow the crossbar (7) to move within the channel.