GB2436820A

GB2436820A - A vehicle with a movable crossbar / load support

Info

Publication number: GB2436820A
Application number: GB0705070A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Picton; Simon Bickers
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
Anticipated expiration: 2027-03-16
Also published as: GB0705070D0; GB2436820B

Abstract

A vehicle is provided having bodywork including at least one sidewall 21, 23 and a crossbar. The crossbar 11 is movable between a storage position (figure 3) and a load support position. The crossbar 11 is removable from the vehicle 1 by sliding the crossbar 11 off the rear end of the sidewall 21, 23. The crossbar 11 is shaped and configured so that when in the storage position it appears integrated with a part of the bodywork, and when in the support position it is displaced from the storage position to provide support for a load. The crossbar may be slid along the sidewalls due to at least one of the supports 53 for the crossbar being provided with a slider (61 figure 5a) which travels along a train (69) of greased balls located within a channel in the upper surface of the sidewall. The crossbar may be locked at any position along the sidewalls by means of a locking pad (81) and release handle (77).

Description

2436820

A MOVABLE CROSSBAR

The invention relates to a vehicle having a movable crossbar.

5 Crossbars are often used on a vehicle to support large or bulky items during transit. Such crossbars are usually fixed to an upper surface of the vehicle, such as the roof of the vehicle or, for vehicles that have an open luggage compartment such as a pick-up truck, over the open luggage compartment. These crossbars are either permanent or removable.

10

A vehicle fitted with a permanent crossbar cannot be readily adapted to position the crossbar to support large or awkwardly shaped luggage optimally. They also cannot be removed if not required.

15 Removable crossbars may be fitted to a vehicle to provide optimised support for large or awkwardly shaped luggage. However, they can be difficult and time consuming to fit. Also, a design of crossbar tends to be designed for use with many different types of vehicle. Thus, the styling of the crossbar generally does not match well that of the vehicle to which the crossbar is fitted.

20

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a vehicle which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a vehicle having bodywork 25 including at least one sidewall and a crossbar which is movable between a storage position and a support position, wherein the crossbar is removable from the vehicle by sliding the crossbar off the rear end of the sidewall, and wherein the crossbar being shaped and configured so that when in the storage position it appears integrated with a part of the bodywork, and when in the support position it is 30 displaced from the storage position to provide support for a load.

Advantageously, the crossbar is movable so that it can readily positioned on the vehicle to provide optimum support for a particular item, or items, of the load, such as luggage, because different items of the load may have different preferred positions of 35 the crossbar. The crossbar is styled to match the styling of the vehicle, so that when the crossbar is not required to support the load it can be moved to the part of the

1

bodywork with which its styling is integrated, or coordinated, to provide an aesthetically pleasing vehicle appearance.

The part of the bodywork may comprise a pillar of the vehicle. The part of the 5 bodywork may, additionally or in the alternative, define a rear panel. A pillar and a rear panel are, typically, integral to a part of the vehicle, such as a passenger cabin. Preferably, the pillar is a B-pillar. The B-pillar is more preferably located towards the rear of the passenger cabin, for example as in the passenger cabin of a pick-up truck. Beneficially, the styling of the crossbar matches that of the pillar. Thus, in the 10 storage position, the crossbar may appear to be part of the pillar.

The crossbar may be slideable relative to the part of the bodywork, between the storage position and the support position. Beneficially, the crossbar is easily and rapidly movable into a position which provides the best support for the luggage.

15

The vehicle may have a sidewall. More preferably, the vehicle has two sidewalls, one on each side of the vehicle. The sidewalls may define an open luggage compartment. Beneficially, each sidewall may provide a predominantly flat interior surface of the compartment. In the support position, the arrangement of the 20 sidewalls and the crossbar may permit a cover to be fitted over the crossbar, providing an enclosed luggage compartment.

The sidewalls, preferably, provide means along which the crossbar may slide. It may be advantageous for the crossbar to be slideable along substantially the entire length 25 of the sidewall because, by using the full length of each sidewall, the crossbar may be used to support long luggage (for example long planks of wood or surfboards), as well as shorter, awkwardly shaped luggage. The crossbar may be adaptable to support various differently shaped items of luggage optimally. It may be, thus, beneficial for the crossbar to be securable in a support position at any point along the 30 length of the sidewall.

The crossbar may have a support that extends at least to a roof of the passenger cabin. Preferably, the crossbar has two supports. The crossbar may also have a crosspiece interconnecting the supports. The crosspiece may extend laterally across 35 the vehicle, and may be substantially horizontal. More preferably, the crosspiece is substantially flush with the roof. A cabin rear edge may interconnect the pillars which is beneficial because the cabin rear edge may align to meet the crosspiece when the

2

crosspiece is in the storage position. An upper surface of the crosspiece and a surface of the cabin rear edge are substantially flush which, advantageously, facilitates the matching of their styling. Additionally, in the support position, the crosspiece may define part of a vehicle spoiler and the cabin rear edge may define 5 part of the same vehicle spoiler. The spoiler is beneficial because the vehicle is provided with an enhanced performance by virtue of the aligned crosspiece and cabin rear edge.

In the storage position, the crossbar is preferably secured to a front end of the 10 sidewall. Beneficially, the crossbar may match the features of the vehicle at the front end of the sidewall. In the support position in which the crossbar is at its maximum displacement from the storage position, the crossbar is preferably secured to a rear end of the sidewall.

15 The crossbar may be removable from the vehicle. Advantageously, the crossbar is removed from the vehicle by sliding it off the rear end of the sidewall. Thus, removal of the crossbar may be a quick and easy action. This is advantageous because there may be several different crossbars, each with different stylings and fittings, and the vehicle may be readily adapted for a particular purpose, or appearance, by 20 changing the crossbar.

The sidewall may comprise a slider. Preferably the slider is a linear slider. The crossbar may be secured to the slider, enabling the crossbar to slide along the sidewall. A slider is a preferable sliding mechanism because it is readily available, 25 and easy to fit to a vehicle during manufacture. Beneficially, the slider may permit fast repositioning of the crossbar when adapting the vehicle to provide the optimum luggage support for a particular item of luggage.

Advantageously, the slider is embedded within the sidewall. This may prevent 30 unwanted objects impeding the operation of the slider and ensures that the slider does not interrupt the styling of the vehicle. Typically a slider may comprise a bracket for fitting to the vehicle, a carriage for fitting to the crossbar and a lubricating means, such as a train of greased balls, positioned between the carriage and the bracket.

35

Preferably, the sidewall comprises an inner panel defining an interior surface of the sidewall. The sidewall may include an outer panel defining an exterior surface of the

3

vehicle bodywork. The exterior surface of the outer panel may advantageously define the fender of the vehicle bodywork. The two panels are advantageously spaced apart. This may beneficially accommodate the slider. The sidewall may enclose a wheel arch.

5

An upper surface of the sidewall may interconnect the outer panel and the inner panel. The upper surface preferably has a slot through which an end of the crossbar passes. The advantage of the slot is that it permits access of the crossbar to the slider, and retains the styling of the sidewall. A resilient, flexible sealing may be

10 located along the slot. The sealing is beneficial because it seals the slot preventing the ingress of water into the sidewall. On moving the crossbar, the sealing may deform to allow the crossbar to be displaced along the slot, and the sidewall. Preferably, the sealing may be made of rubber.

15 The upper surface of the sidewall may define a seating platform. This may be beneficial because it allows the vehicle to convey more passengers than can travel in the passenger cabin. The platform may be shaped to have sufficient width to seat a person.

20 The part of the bodywork which is matched to the styling of the crossbar beneficially comprises a front panel of the compartment. Thus, a dividing wall between the cabin and the compartment may comprise the front end of the compartment.

A base for supporting luggage may further define the compartment. The sidewalls

25 may be angled with respect to the base. Alternatively, the sidewalls may be substantially perpendicular with respect to the base. The compartment may be provided with a tailgate. The tailgate may define the rear wall of the compartment when the tailgate is in a closed position. The tailgate may permit luggage to be pushed onto the base over the tailgate when the tailgate is an open position.

30

Advantageously, the vehicle may comprise a locking system for securing the crossbar in the support position. The locking system may be operable to secure the crossbar in the storage position. This may be beneficial as the locking system can be used to secure the crossbar anywhere between the extremes of the two positions.

35 Thus, the optimum support for an item of luggage may be provided.

4

A pivotable handle may be provided in a region towards one of the ends of the crossbar. On operating the handle, the locking system beneficially may release the crossbar enabling it to be moved. The handle advantageously permits the locking system to be easily operated. The locking system may have a locking pad that 5 operates on the slider. The locking system 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 reengages with the slider to secure the crossbar in position.

10 At least one of the crossbar and the part of bodywork may comprise a fitting for securing luggage. The fitting may secure the luggage optimally in the support position. Preferably, the bodywork may provide support for luggage in the support position; and the crossbar may also provide support in the storage position.

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

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

20

Figures 1a to 1c are schematic, perspective views of the rear of the crossbar assembly, Figure 1a shows the crossbar in the rearmost or support position, Figure 1b shows the crossbar midway between the storage and support positions and Figure 1c shows the crossbar in the storage position;

25

Figure 2 is a representation of a rear, perspective view of the rear of the vehicle comprising a crossbar according to the claimed invention, the crossbar being in a rear, supporting position;

30 Figure 3 is a representation of a rear, perspective view of the rear of the vehicle shown in Figure 2, the crossbar being in a forward, storage position;

Figure 4 is a representation of a rear, perspective view of the rear of the vehicle shown in Figure 2, the crossbar being in the rear, supporting position; and

35

5

Figures 5a and 5b are schematic cross-sectional views through the crossbar and a sidewall of an open luggage compartment of the vehicle as shown in any of Figures 2, 3 and 4.

5

Figure 1 is shown in three parts, Figure 1a shows the crossbar positioned at the rearmost position with respect to the vehicle. This position is intended to provide the user with a support position. Figure 1b shows the crossbar positioned approximately midway between the foremost and rearmost extents of travel provided. Figure 1b 10 demonstrates the advantage that the user may select crosspiece locations in between fully forward and fully rearward. Figure 1c shows the crossbar in a fully forward condition. It is intended that the fully forward position is used as a storage position for the crosspiece by the user.

15 Referring to Figure 2, a vehicle 1, such as a two-seater car, has an open luggage compartment 3 and a passenger cabin 5. The compartment 3 is situated at the rear of the vehicle 1 behind the passenger cabin 5, above a rear pair of wheels 7 and between two rear body fenders 9. The compartment 3 (or load bay) provides a luggage space for storing luggage in the manner of a pick-up truck. So, typically, the 20 compartment 3 is uncovered, although it may have a removable cover (not shown). Fitted to the rear of the compartment 3, and interconnecting the two fenders 9, is a crossbar 11 for providing support to the luggage. As indicated by arrow 13, the crossbar 11 is movable along the full extent of the length of the fenders 9, over the compartment 3.

25

One preferred use of a vehicle 1 fitted with the compartment 3 as herein described is for outdoor pursuits, and the compartment 3 is intended to be used for storing luggage used in such activities. For example, in a non-limiting list, the luggage may include: tents, mountain bikes, surfboards, camping equipment, diving equipment, or 30 hang-gliding equipment. This type of luggage and equipment can be bulky, awkwardly shaped (for example particularly long) and heavy. The movable crossbar 11 thus provides means for supporting awkwardly shaped luggage, such as that used in outdoor pursuits.

35 The compartment 3 has a base 15 that is substantially horizontal (when the vehicle 1 is in an substantially horizontal location) and provides a floor of the compartment 3, a front panel 17, a tailgate 19 (or closure member), a left sidewall 21, and a right

6

sidewall 23. The front panel 17 comprises part of a front, dividing wall that separates the passenger cabin 5 from the compartment 3. The tailgate 19 has an internal face 25 and an external face 27. The tailgate 19 is mounted to a chassis (not shown) of the vehicle 1 at the vehicle rear, by means of a hinge arrangement (not shown) so as 5 to permit the tailgate 19 to be moved between an open position in which the internal face 25 lies face upwards and aligns, substantially in parallel, with the base 15 of the compartment 3, and a closed position in which the internal face 25 defines a substantially upright rear wall of the compartment 3. The external face 27 is shaped and contoured so that when the tailgate 19 is in the closed position the external face 10 27 provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the rear end of the vehicle 1.

The sidewalls 21, 23 each have an interior surface 29 that defines a side surface of the compartment 3, and an exterior surface 31 that defines a respective one of the rear body fenders 9. The interior surfaces 29 are predominantly flat, generally 15 smooth and without protrusions. Thus luggage does not catch on the sidewalls 21, 23 on loading into, or on unloading from, the compartment 3, especially bulky and awkwardly shaped items. Loading and unloading is consequently a relatively easy and straightforward activity. The exterior surfaces 31 are sculptured so that the styling of the fenders 9 matches the styling of the bodywork of the rest of the vehicle 20 1.

Each sidewall 21, 23 is defined by an outer panel 33 and by an inner panel 35. The interior surface 29 of the sidewall 21, 23 is a surface of the inner panel 35 and the exterior surface 31 of the sidewall 21, 23 is a surface of the outer panel 33. The 25 panels 33, 35 are spaced apart sufficiently so that the sidewalls 21, 23 each enclose a rear wheel arch 37, hiding them each behind the respective one of the inner panels 35. Consequently, the wheel arches 37 do not protrude into the compartment 3.

Interconnecting the panels 33, 35 is an upper surface 38. The upper surface 38 30 includes a seating platform 40. The platform 40 is sufficiently wide for a person to sit on, and it is sufficiently strong to bear the weight of a person.

The passenger cabin 5 has a rear panel 47 that, together with the front panel 17, comprises a front, dividing wall that separates the passenger cabin 5 from the 35 compartment 3. The passenger cabin 5 includes a structural frame that comprises a pair of A-pillars 43 and a pair of B-pillars 45. One of each type of pillar 43, 45 is located towards the left side of the vehicle 1. The other pillar 43, 45 of each pair is

7

positioned towards the right side of the vehicle 1. Each A-pillar 43 is located between a front windscreen 39 of the cabin 5 and a cabinside door 41, and each B-pillar 45 is positioned between one of the doors 41 and the rear panel 47 of the vehicle 1, the rear panel 47 interconnecting the B-pillars 45. A cabin rear edge 49 5 defines a rear part of a roof 50 of the passenger cabin 5 at the intersection with the upper region of the rear panel 47. When luggage is stored in the compartment 3, luggage is supportable by fixings (not shown) located on the cabin rear edge 49, and to which the supported luggage may be safely secured.

10 Referring to Figures 3 and 4, features present in Figure 2 and either Figure 3 or Figure 4, or both, take the same reference numbers. The crossbar 11 comprises a substantially horizontal crosspiece 51 for supporting luggage and two substantially vertical supports 53. Each support 53 has a forward side 55 directed towards the front of the vehicle 1, a rearward side 57 angled down towards the rear of the vehicle 15 1, and a panel section 59 between the two sides 55, 57. The crossbar 11 also has attachments (not shown) on which luggage may be secured.

The crossbar 11 has two positions, a storage position and a support position, between which the crossbar 11 is movable. Thus the crossbar 11 may be readily 20 repositioned to support luggage optimally.

In the storage position, as shown in Figure 3, the crossbar 11 is positioned against the rear panel 47 so that the crosspiece 51 meets the cabin rear edge 49 to define a spoiler. The height of the crosspiece 51 relative to the compartment 3 is defined with 25 respect to the cabin rear edge 49, so that an upper surface of the crosspiece 51 is substantially flush with the roof 50. The forward side 55 of each support 53 abuts a part of the surface rear panel 47 in the region of one of the B-pillars 45, so that it appears to be no more than an extension of the B-pillar 45. For these reasons, the styling of the crossbar 11 is substantially the same as the styling of the bodywork of 30 the rest of the vehicle 1, particularly the passenger cabin 5 and the compartment 3. Thus, when the crossbar 11 is not required for supporting luggage, it can be moved into the storage position in which, due to its styling, it appears matched to the B-pillars 45. In this storage position, the crossbar 11 thus appears to be a structural feature of the rear of the cabin 5.

35

In the support position, the crossbar 11 is spaced away from the passenger cabin 5, and is secured at any point long the sidewalls 21, 23. For example, as shown in

8

Figure 4, the crossbar 11 is moved to the rearmost end of the compartment 3. In this position, it is possible to use the crossbar 11 to support luggage, particularly of long lengths which extend from the cabin rear edge 49.

5 As the crossbar 11 may be readily repositioned to support the luggage optimally, it overcomes the problem encountered by an immovable crossbar which cannot be moved to support luggage optimally. The crossbar 11 solves the problem of a removable crossbar that requires refitting in order to support the luggage optimally, which is a time-consuming exercise. Additionally, as the crossbar 11 matches the 10 styling of the B-pillars 45, it appears to be a structural feature of the rear of the cabin 5 when it is moved into its storage position.

Referring to Figure 5a, the left side of the compartment 3 and its left sidewall 21 are shown. Figure 5b shows the right side of the compartment 3 and its right sidewall 23. 15 Also, features that are also common to Figure 2, Figure 3 or Figure 4, (or any combination of them) take the same reference numerals.

The crossbar 11 is able to move along the sidewall 21 of the compartment 3 because it is fitted to a linear slider 61. The linear slider 61 is mounted along the length of, 20 and within, the sidewall 21, beneath the upper surface 38. The slider 61 comprises a carriage 62, a lubricating means such as a train 69 of greased balls and a bracket 67. The carriage 62 rides in the bracket 67 that is secured to, and embedded within, the sidewall 21. The train 69 of greased balls is located between the carriage 62 and the bracket 67 to ensure that the carriage 62 is capable of freely sliding along the linear 25 slider 61.

The carriage 62 is fitted to one end of the crossbar 11 by way of a fixing 65. The fixing 65 accesses the carriage through a slot in the upper surface 38, along the length of the sidewall 21. At an opening (not shown) towards the rear end of the 30 sidewall 21 the slot widens to a width greater than the width of the carriage 62. Thus, if the crossbar 11 is moved to the rear-end of the sidewall 21, the carriage 62 may pass through the wider opening of the slot, enabling the crossbar 11 to be removed from the vehicle 1.

35 To replace the crossbar 11, the carriage 62 is inserted through the opening. However, a different crossbar 11 having a different styling or a different set of fittings may be fitted to the vehicle 1.

9

Since an opening is located towards the rear-end of each sidewall 21, 23, the opening may be positioned such that when the tailgate 19 is in its closed position, the tailgate 19 restricts the size of the opening so that the crossbar 11 cannot be 5 removed from the respective one of the sidewalls 21, 23. The tailgate 19 may have a lock to secure it in the closed position, preventing removal and, thus, theft of the crossbar 11 when the tailgate 19 is locked.

The slot has opposing edges 73. A rubber sealing 75 is fitted to the slot to prevent 10 the ingress of water into the sidewall 21 through the slot. The sealing 75 has opposing components, one fitted to each edge 73 of the slot. The sealing 75 is resiliently flexible, such that as the crossbar 11 is moved along the sidewall 21, the fixing 65 is moved between the opposing components of the sealing 75. The opposing components part from each other and then close to form a seal around the 15 fixing 63 and between themselves.

A locking system is operable to secure the crossbar 11 in position (in the support and the storage positions) relative to the sidewall 21 and to the B-pillars 45. The locking system comprises a pivotable handle 77, a cable 79 and a locking pad 81. The 20 handle 77 is located in a lower region of the panel section 59 of the support 53. In this location, the handle 77 is easy to operate. The handle 77 is attached to the cable 79. The cable 79 is connected to the locking pad 81 which is resiliently biased by a resilient biasing means (not shown), such as a spring, to apply a force to the linear slider 61 to prevent movement between the carriage 62 and the bracket 67. In 25 order to move the crossbar 11 relative to the sidewall 21, the handle 77 is operated, pulling the cable 79 to work against the resilient biasing means, thereby relieving the force applied by the locking pad 81 to the linear slider 61. Once the force has been relieved sufficiently, the linear slider 61 is released and the crossbar 11 is moved into its desired position relative to the sidewall 21. Once the crossbar 11 is in its new 30 position, the handle 77 is released, permitting the locking system to secure the crossbar 11 on the sidewall 21, by way of the locking pad 81 securing the linear slider 61 in position.

Note that of the two sliders 61 in this embodiment, only the linear slider 61 within the 35 left sidewall 21 has a locking system. It is not necessary to have more than one linear slider 61 because the tolerances in the components of the linear slider 61 are sufficiently small to prevent any unwanted movement.

10

Having described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is to be appreciated that the embodiment in question is exemplary only and that variations and modifications, such as will occur to those possessed of the appropriate 5 knowledge and skills, may be made without departure from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The luggage compartment 3 may have a cover. The cover may be secured to at least the left and right sidewalls 21, 23, and preferably to the upper surface 38 of 10 each sidewall 21, 23. The cover may secure over the crossbar 11, and when in the support position, the cover may convert open luggage space into covered luggage space with the cover substantially aligning with, or covering, the upper surface of the crosspiece 51 of the crossbar 11. The crossbar 11 may have attachments for securing to the cover.

15

The crosspiece 51 of the crossbar 11 may be detachable from the side panel sections 59, enabling the panel sections 59 to be moved independently along the sidewalls 21, 23. (For the panel sections 59 to move independently, the linear slider 61 for each panel section 59 preferably has its own locking system).

20

In a variation of the preferred embodiment, the crossbar 11 is substantially parallel to the sidewalls 21, 23. The crossbar 11 moves along the tailgate 19 and the rear panel 47 of the vehicle 1 between one sidewall 21, 23 and the other. In another embodiment, there may be more than one crossbar 11. The crossbars 11 may move 25 independently, and be located together in a stored position, providing an integrated styling feature of the vehicle 1.

In another variation of the preferred embodiment, the upper surfaces of the sidewalls 21, 23 are substantially continuous with the base 15. This arrangement may give the 30 impression that the compartment 3 does not have sidewalls.

The locking system may have a motor for moving the crossbar 11 along the sidewalls 21, 23, the motor operating once the locking pad 81 has been released. The locking system may be remotely operable from the passenger cabin 5. Any other sort of 35 handle may be used to operate the locking system other than the pivoting handle 77, for example, a rotating handle, or a pulley system.

11

Note that the linear slider 61 described in the preferred embodiment is only exemplary and, instead of a train 69 of greased balls, it may comprise a rack and pinion, a cog and chain, or any other sort of mechanism that may be used to move the crossbar 11 along the sidewalls 21, 23.

5

Each of the sidewalls 21, 23 may be shaped to have a depression or a cutout along its length, between its upper surface 38 and its interior surface 29. The depression is dimensioned so as to receive a track system such that it is flush with the interior surface 29. So, on loading or unloading the compartment, luggage does not catch on 10 the track. The track system is used to secure a support bar (not shown) that is different from the crossbar herein described, but is for supporting typically bulky luggage in the compartment 3. It will be appreciated that the support bar is separate and different from the movable crossbar 11 and, in particular, the support bar is not styled to match the bodywork of the vehicle 1 when it is in its most forward position, 15 towards the cabin 5.

The rear cabin edge 49 may be styled so that it is shaped and configured to support luggage. For example, the styling of the rear cabin edge 49 may include fixings integrated into the bodywork of the cabin 5.

20

The roof 50 of the passenger cabin 5 may have roof rack. The roof rack may be embodied as a roof-bar located on the cabin rear edge 49. The roof rack may be shaped and configured, together with the crossbar 11, to support long loads of luggage, especially when the crossbar 11 is in the support position. The roof rack 25 may have fixings by which a load may be safely secured to the vehicle.

The luggage compartment 3 is not necessarily located at the rear of the vehicle 1, and may instead be located at the side or the front of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may not be motorised, and may be a trailer such as for a truck or car.

12

Claims

1. A vehicle (1) having bodywork including at least one sidewall (21,23) and a crossbar (11) which is movable between a storage position and a support position,

5 wherein the crossbar (11) is removable from the vehicle (1) by sliding the crossbar (11) off the rear end of the sidewall (21, 23), and wherein the crossbar (11) being shaped and configured so that when in the storage position it appears integrated with a part of the bodywork, and when in the support position it is displaced from the storage position to provide support for a load.

10

2. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the crossbar (11) is slideable forward/rearward relative to the part of the bodywork, between the storage position and the support position.

15 3. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the vehicle (1) has a sidewall (21, 23) and wherein the crossbar (11) is slideable along the sidewall (21, 23).

4. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the crossbar (11) is slideable along substantially the entire length of the sidewall (21, 23).

20

5. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the crossbar (11) is securable in the support position at any point along the length of the sidewall (21, 23).

25 6. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 5, wherein, in the storage position, the crossbar (11) is secured to a front end of the sidewall (21, 23).

7. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 6, wherein, in the support position in which the crossbar (11) is at its maximum displacement from its position in the storage

30 position, the crossbar (11) is secured to a rear end of the sidewall (21, 23).

8. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the sidewall (21, 23) comprises a slider (61), the crossbar (11) being secured to the slider (61) enabling the crossbar (11) to slide along the sidewall (21, 23).

35

9. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the slider (61) is embedded within the sidewall (21, 23).

13

10. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 9, wherein the sidewall (21, 23) comprises an inner panel (35) defining an interior surface (29) of the sidewall (21, 23), and an outer panel (33) defining an exterior surface (31) of the vehicle (1).

5

11. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 10, wherein an upper surface (38) of the sidewall (21, 23) interconnects the outer panel (33) and the inner panel (35), the upper surface (38) having a slot through which an end of the crossbar (11) passes.

10 12. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 11, wherein a resilient, flexible sealing (75) is located along the slot to seal the slot and wherein, on moving the crossbar (11), the sealing (75) deforms to allow the crossbar (11) to be displaced along the sidewall (21,23).

15 13. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein the upper surface (38) of the sidewall (21, 23) defines a platform (40) with sufficient width to seat a person.

14. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the vehicle (1) 20 comprises a locking system for securing the crossbar (11) in the support position and in the storage position.

15. A vehicle (1) as claimed in Claim 14, wherein a pivotable handle (77) is provided in a region towards one of the ends of the crossbar (11), wherein on

25 operating the handle (77) the locking system releases the crossbar (11) enabling it to be moved.

16. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the crossbar (11) has a crosspiece (51) that, in the support position, defines at least part of a vehicle

30 spoiler.

17. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein at least one of the crossbar (11) and the part of bodywork comprise a fitting for securing the load.

35 18. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the vehicle (1) is a non-motorised vehicle, such as a trailer.

14

19. A vehicle (1) substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

15