GB2468660A

GB2468660A - A roof rack provided with a movable load carrying frame

Info

Publication number: GB2468660A
Application number: GB0904526A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samuel James Royce Cooper; Kevin Geoffrey Thomas; David Anthony Evans
Original assignee: ROBERT MARTIN COOPER
Current assignee: ROBERT MARTIN COOPER
Priority date: 2009-03-17
Filing date: 2009-03-17
Publication date: 2010-09-22
Also published as: GB0904526D0

Abstract

A roof rack 10 comprises a mounting frame 50, a sled or load carrying frame 40, energisable struts 28, damper 30 and pivot arms 16. The mounting frame 50 comprises roller channels 12 and sled runner engagement pivot rollers 18. The sled 40 comprises sled runners 14, damper runner 34, damper runner control rollers 36, and frame 22. The mounting frame is adapted to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle. The sled is linearly and pivotably moveable between a closed position (figure 1), an open position where it is substantially removed from the roller channel 12, and a deployed position (figure 3) adjacent a side of the vehicle, in which a load may be placed on or removed from the sled 40. The sled may be provided with load locators 20, load securing loop 26, an operating lever 24, and an operating handle 32. The sled may be slid off the side or rear (figure 5) of the vehicle, and two side sleds may also be provided on a single mounting frame (figures 6 and 7).

Description

Vehicle Roof Rack The invention relates to a vehicle roof rack.

Conventional vehicle roof racks are permanently or temporarily secured to the roof of a vehicle and define a load carrying frame onto which a load is mounted and secured. Mounting a load onto a conventional vehicle roof rack can be difficult, particularly if the load is relatively heavy, since the load must generally be lifted from the ground to above shoulder height in order to place it on the roof rack or must be lifted into position whilst standing on an access ladder or steps. This can particularly be a problem for light commercial vehicles, especially higher roofed versions which generally have roofs higher than cars or where an awkward load is to be carried on a smaller vehicle such as a car or small commercial vehicle. An untrained or inexperienced person or even unaware experienced people can expose themselves to potential muscular and/or skeletal damage if they try to lift too heavy a load onto a roof * rack or lift a load using the incorrect lifting technique.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle roof rack (10) comprising: a mounting frame sled runner channels; a first load carrying sled; pivot arms; sled roller engagement means; sled roller channel a damper channel a damper runner a damper pivot arm energised struts a damper the sled being movably mounted on the sled roller support channel via the sled roller engagement means, the sled being linearly and pivotably movable O on the sled roller between a closed position in which the sled is located on the sled roller and pivot arm which is pivotably located on the roller support channel, and an open position in which the sled is substantially removed and pivoted on the roller support channel, and the sled further being pivotably and linearly movable between the open position and the deployed position, generally adjacent a side of a motor vehicle on which the roof rack (10) is mounted, in which a load may be mounted onto or removed from the sled.

The action of deployment and redeployment being assisted and controlled in both deployment and redeployment directions by mechanical or powered means such that some manual assistance may be required to actuate the mechanism, thereby ensuring the operator is in full and safe control at all times. The action of deployment and redeployment may also be fully powered with directional control in which case the operator will be in full control of the power source thereby ensuring the operator is in full and safe control of deployment and redeployment at all times. The source of power may be electrical, electro mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, hybrid combination of all or some or some other form of energy generating means.

The roof rack enables a load to be mounted onto or removed from the roof rack at a position lower than the height of the roof of a vehicle on which it is mounted, which can ideally be below the shoulder height of a user. A load can therefore be lifted up to or down from vehicle roof height by the user part manually and part mechanically assisted or alternatively fully powered, pivoting the sled upwardly or downwardly respectively between the deployed position and the closed position. The roof rack thereby prevents dangerous lifting of a load directly up to or down from vehicle roof height, as is required with a conventional roof rack, and instead enables a load to be mounted onto or removed from the roof rack at a safe working height, and safely raised to or lowered from the vehicle roof height, thereby reducing a user's exposure to potential muscular or skeletal damage.

Preferably, the vehicle roof rack comprises first and second sled runners, but may have more sled runners, first and second or more roller channels, first and second or more pivot arms, and damper runner, the load carrying frame preferably being movably mounted thereon and there between and preferably one or more energised struts and one or more energised dampers assisting the movement of the sled runners and pivot arms. Alternatively the movement of the sled runners and pivot arms may be powered.

The or each sled runner is preferably adapted to be mounted laterally or linearly on the roof of a motor vehicle, such that the load carrying frame is linearly and pivotably moveable laterally or linearly over the roof. The roof rack can therefore be safely loaded and unloaded from the pavement side or when mounted accordingly from the rear of a vehicle parked on street. The kerb height of a pavement raising the height of a user, thereby reducing the lifting height between the deployed and closed positions when the side loading mode of the invention is used.

The or each sled runner may be adapted to extend laterally across part of the width or length of a vehicle roof or may be adapted to extend laterally across * substantially the full width of a vehicle roof. When mounted laterally the roof rack may further comprise a second load carrying sled movably mounted on the or each sled runner, the first sled being linearly and pivotably movable between a closed position in which it is located on one half of the or each roller support channel and an open position in which it is substantially pivoted from the or each pivot arm and roller support channel, and the second sled being linearly and pivotably movable between a closed position in which it is located on the other half of the or each roller support channel and an open position in which it is substantially pivoted from the or each pivot arm and roller support channel, both sleds being pivotably movable between their closed positions and deployed positions, generally adjacent the respective sides of a motor vehicle on which the roof rack is mounted.

The or each sled runner preferably comprises an elongate channel member which defines a channel adapted to receive the sled mechanically or power assisted engagement means. The movement of the or each sled between the open and closed positions is thereby retained along a predetermined path controlled by preferably the roller or configuration of rollers and pivot means.

The or each sled runner may also have the mechanical or power assisted engagement means movement damped by mechanical or powered means to control the redeployment pivotal and linear motion of the sled runner.

The, or each sled preferably comprises an open frame having elongate side members and a load mounting gantry provided therebetween. The sled mechanically assisted engagement means are preferably provided on the elongate roller channels and pivot arms.

The sled engagement means may comprise first, second or more roller channels respectively mounted for pivotal movement of the preferably first, second or more sled runners towards the free ends of the elongate roller channels of the roof rack. The axes of the sled runners preferably extend outwardly from the respective roller channels. The sled runners are preferably mounted on a pivot roller which fits in extends between the sides of the roller channels, each end of the sled runner extending over and externally outwardly from the respective roller channel and preferably on pivot arms pivotly mounted in extends of the roller channel toward the middle of the channel section. The pivot roller defines the pivot axis of a sled for movement between the open and deployed positions. The pivot arm defines the angular movement of sled pivoting. The sled runner engagement means may alternatively comprise first and second or more telescopic sliders adapted for sliding movement within the respective sled runners. The telescopic sliders may comprise ball bearing telescopic sliders or roller telescopic sliders.

The sled preferably further comprises an operating handle by which a user can manually move the sled between the closed and open positions.

The or each sled preferably further comprises first and second load stops * provided towards the distal ends and towards the middle of the elongate sled runners. The load stops are adapted to engage with a load located on a sled to prevent the load sliding off the sled when it is in the deployed position and to retain the load in position while a user secures the load to the load carrying gantry.

The roof rack preferably further comprises a means provided at a position on the or each sled runner and adapted to limit the downward pivoting movement of a respective sled. The means thereby prevents a sled from further downward motion and engaging with and damaging the side of the vehicle and defines the location of the deployed position adjacent to but spaced from the side of the vehicle.

The roller channels preferably comprise part of a mounting frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle. The mounting frame preferably further comprises vehicle roof mounting members adapted to mount the mounting frame on a vehicle. The mounting frame can thereby be mounted on a vehicle with minimal contact with the vehicle, to minimise potential damage to the vehicle.

The roof rack preferably further comprises support rollers provided between the sled runners at one or both sides and roller support channel, the side in use being located adjacent the edge of the vehicle roof, the or each support roller engaging with and acting to support a sled during movement between the closed, open and deployed positions. The support roller also serves to define the location of the pivot axis of a sled, since the sled cannot pivot downwardly with respect to the mounting frame until the pivot arm pivots upward and the other end of the sled pivots on the respective support roller whilst moving laterally over the respective support roller and downwardly in relation to the mounting frame.

The movement restriction means is integral when the one or more pivot arms interfere with the one or more sled runners in the deployed position but may * alternatively comprise a limiting pin or a limiting wheel or roller or stop block provided between the sled and the mounting frame at one or both ends of the elongate roller channels. The movement restriction means may alternatively comprise a movement limit bar mounted between the or all elongate channels.

The movement restriction means may also comprise a form of power assisted movement being the limit of movement of the actuating means.

The roof rack may further comprise a locking means provided on a sled runner and adapted to engage with and lock the or each sled in the closed position. The or each sled is thereby prevented from moving during transit of a vehicle. Alternatively, the or each sled may be prevented from moving during transit of a vehicle by a mechanically power assisted means.

The roof rack preferably further comprises load fixing means adapted to secure a load to a sled. The load fixing means may comprise one or more mechanical clamps, such as ladder clamps. The load fixing means may alternatively comprise push-fit releasable mechanical fastening means.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a roof rack according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the sled in the closed position; Figure 2 shows the roof rack of Figure 1 with the sled in the open position; Figure 3 shows the roof rack of Figure 1 with the sled in the deployed position; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the roof rack of Figure 1 mounted on a vehicle, with the sled in the deployed position; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a roof rack according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the sled in the deployed position mounted to operate off the rear of a vehicle; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a roof rack according to a third embodiment of the invention with two sleds, one shown in the closed position, one shown in the deployed position.

Figure 7 shows the roof rack of figure 6 with both sleds in the deployed position; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the roof rack of Figure 1 in the deployed position showing the detail of rollers and stop means restricting the downward motion of the sled.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a first embodiment of the invention provides a roof rack 10 comprising a sled 40 with first and second sled runners 14 and a central damper runner 34, provided within a mounting frame 50, comprising roller channels 12, damper channel 44, connecting framework 22 and vehicle mounting feet 42, sled runner engagement means in the form of first and second roller assemblies 18 and third roller assembly 36.

The load carrying sled 40 comprises first and second elongate sled runners 14 and central elongate damper runner 34, pivot arms 16, and damper pivot arm 17 and an open load mounting frame 22 provided between the sled runners 14 and damper runner 34. The first and second roller assemblies 18 and the damper arm control rollers 36 are rotatably mounted at either end of the roller channels 12 and damper roller channel 44. The sled runners 14 and damper runner 34 extend outwardly with respect to the roller channels 12. An operating lever 24 is provided with a removable handle 32 by which a user can manually move the sled 40 between its closed position Fig 1 and its open position Fig 2, and between its open position Fig 2 and its deployed position Fig 3, as will be described in more detail below. A hand grip is provided on the operating handle, by which a user can securely grip the operating handle 32.

First and second load stops 20 are provided on the elongate sled runners 14, towards their distal ends, and toward the middle of the sled runner 14 and extend generally upwardly therefrom. The load stops 20 are adapted to engage with a load, to prevent the load sliding off the sled 40 when it is in the deployed position, and help to retain the load in position while a user secures the load.

O The roller channel 12 and the damper channel 44 are adapted to be mounted on and extend laterally across part of the width of the roof of a vehicle, as shown in Figure 4. The sled runners 14 comprise two or more spaced elongate channel members which respectively define first and second or more runner channels adapted to receive the first and second or more rollers 18. A or the damper runners 34 comprise one or more spaced elongate channel members which define first or more damper runner channels adapted to receive the or more damper pivot arm 17 and control roller assemblies 36.

The arrangement of the rollers 18, damper control rollers 36 (comprising main roller and bogey rollers), the sled runner channels 14, damper runner channel 34 and the pivot arms 16, 17 provides for smooth linear and angular movement of the sled 40 across the pivot rollers 18, 36 between the closed, open and deployed positions. The movement of the sled runners 14 and damper runner 34 between the open and closed positions is thereby retained along a predetermined path.

Vehicle roof mounting feet 42 are provided towards either end of each elongate roller channelsl2 and elongate damper channel 44. The feet 42 are adapted to securely mount the roof rack onto the roof of a vehicle, as shown in Figure 4.

The pivot arms 16, 17 engage with and support the sled 40 during movement between the closed and open positions. The pivot roller 18, 36 also define the location of the pivot axis of the sled runner 14 and damper runner 34, since the sled runner 14 and damper runner 34 cannot slide downwardly until the retained ends of the pivot arms 16, 17 have travelled past a point peipendicular to the roller channel 12 and damper channel 44.

Energised struts 28 engage with the pivot arms 16 and roller channels 12 and are energised in the deployment movement of the sled and discharge energy in the redeployment movement of the sled to aid and minimise manual effort in the redeploying action. A damper 30 engages with the damper pivot arm 17 and the damper channel 44 and serves to control the speed of sled linear and angular movement in both the sled deployment and redeployment movements. The struts 28 remain part energised when the sled is in the closed position and force is exerted on the pivot arms 16 holding the sled in the closed position. The action of the damper 30 in the sled closed position also serves to restrict movement should any upward force in transit partly overcome the energised struts 28.

The pivot arms 16, 17 engage with the sled runner 14 and damper runner 34 and are effective with the pivot roller 18, 36 to control the range of the downwards pivoting and sliding movement of the sled runners 14, 34 and set the deployed position of the sled runners 14, 34 and lower the sled frame 22 adjacent to but spaced from the side of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 4. The engagement of the pivot arms 16, 17, runners 14, 34 and pivot rollers 18 and 36 prevents the sled 40 from coming into contact against and damaging the side of the vehicle as shown in Fig 8.

A securing means (not shown in the figures) may be incorporated comprising preferably one or more latching means with lock formations provided at the distal ends of one or more elongate sled or damper runners 14, 17 and roller or damper channel 12, 44. The securing means being operated by the engagement of the operating handle 32 preferably by releasing a latch or operating a cable connection to release the securing means. The sled or damper runner 14, 34 can thereby be fixed to the roller or damper channel 12, 44 to lock the sled or damper runner 14, 34 in their closed position, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the locks may be replaced by a self securing mechanical latch or energised or powered device which holds the one or more sled runners in the closed position.

In use, to place a load on the roof rack 10, the user locates the operating handle 32 over the operating lever 24 and twists the handle to engage in slots to retain the handle in position. If alternatively fitted the locks are disengaged by the twisting action of the handle and the operator pulls down on the operating handle in a levering action to initiate movement of the sled assembly 40. Immediately on initiation the struts 28 begin energising. When the pivot arms 16, 17 are perpendicular to the roller channel 12 the operator pulls the operating handle linearly and downwardly until the sled 40 is in the fully deployed position at the side (or rear) of the vehicle (figs 4, 5). The downward motion fully energises the struts 28. Once the pivot arms 16,17 engage the runners 14, 34 in the stop position the user can release the operating handle 32 and proceed to secure a load onto the load mounting frame 22 of the sled 40. For example, if the load is a ladder, the ladder is located on the sled 40, resting on the load stops 20, and the user can secure the ladder onto the frame 22 using conventional ladder clamps on loops 26.

When the load is secured on the load mounting frame 22 the user can raise the load onto the vehicle roof, as follows. The user pushes against the frame 22 or operating lever 24 (without the handle 32 being located) in an upward motion with only moderate or little effort aided by the fully energised struts 28, until the energised struts 28 cause the sled 40 to pivot upwardly from the * deployed position (Figures 3 & 4) and through the open position (Figure 2).

When the s'ed 40 has been raised by the struts to a position such that the pivot armsl6, 17 are perpendicular to the channels 12, 44 the energised struts 28 with gravity and acting against the effect of the damper 30 lowers the sled to its fully closed position (fig 1,), holding it place for transit in an energised state within the mounting frame 50 and on the vehicle roof, but automatically engaging the locking means if alternatively fitted.

The load is removed from the roof rack 10 by repeating the process and removing the load from the load mounting frame 22.

A roof rack 50 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 5. The roof rack 50 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the roof rack 10 of the first embodiment, with the following modifications. The same reference numbers are retained for corresponding features.

O In this embodiment the roof rack 50 is fitted to the vehicle at 90 degrees to the roof rack position of 10 so that the movement of the sled 40 is off the rear of the vehicle.

A roof rack 60 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 6. The roof rack 60 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the roof rack 10 of the first embodiment, with the following modifications. The same reference numbers are retained for corresponding features.

In this embodiment the roof rack 60 comprises two sleds 40, both of the same type as the sled 40 of the first embodiment. The one or more sled runners 14, 17 of each sled, and the mounting frame 50 of this embodiment is adapted to extend across substantially the full width of a vehicle roof, so that each sled runner 14, 17 may be deployed to a deployed position adjacent a respective side of the vehicle (as shown in Figures 7). The sled and damper runners 14, 34 and roller and damper channels 12,44 of this embodiment which forms the mounting frame are substantially the same as the one or more sled and damper runners 12, 44 of the first embodiment but the channels forming the mounting frame 50 are longer to accommodate both sleds 40.

The one or more roller channels 12, 44 are provided with second pivot rollers 18, 36 at the opposite distel ends and a second set of locks (alternatively fitted) at the other ends of its sled runners 14, 34. Both sleds runners 14, 34 are moveable between their closed positions (partly shown in Figure 6) and their deployed positions (Figure 7), and are pivotally and linearly moveable between their closed, open and their deployed positions (Figures 6 & 7) in the same manner as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

Various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the sled runner engagement means may alternatively comprise telescopic sliders adapted for sliding movement within the respective sled runners, such as ball bearing telescopic sliders or roller telescopic sliders. The mounting feet may be of a * different type to that shown. In particular, the mounting feet may be adapted to mount the roof rack onto the side of a vehicle, or may comprise mechanical clamping feet adapted to be mounted on the top edge of a vehicle door frame.

Alternatively, no mounting feet may be provided, the roof rack then being directly mounted, via the sled runners, on vehicle roof mounting points, vehicle roof bars, vehicle roof rails, or vehicle roof rain gutter.

The load mounting frame may be of a different configuration or may comprise substantially a solid tray-like member. The ladder clamps may be replaced with a different type of mechanical clamp, which will at least in part depend upon the type of load to be carried (for example, a roof box, boat, canoe, skis, bicycles). A push-fit releasable mechanical clamp may be provided on the sled, to allow snap-fit locking of a load onto the sled.

The load stops may be provided at a different location to that shown, load stops may also be provided towards the retained ends of the elongate sled O and damper runners, or may be removed entirely. The lock means (not shown) may alternatively comprise a mechanical latch, preferably a self-securing lock, a key operated mechanical lock or a locking mechanism secured by a key operated lock. The elongate runners and the elongate channel members may be of a different profile to that shown.

The method of operation may be fully powered using a system of pneumatic or hydraulic or hybrid systems or powered by. electric motor with a linear motion means to deploy and redeploy the sled 40.

Claims

Claims 1. A vehicle roof rack comprising: a mounting frame a first load carrying sled; sled runners; pivot arms; sled roller engagement means; sled roller channels a damper channel a damper runner a damper pivot arm energised struts a damper the sled being movably mounted on the sled runner via the sled runner engagement means, the sled being linearly and pivotly movable on the sled runner and rollers between a closed position in which the sled is located on * the sled runner and an open position in which the sled is substantially removed from the roller channel, and the sled further being pivotably and linearly movable between the open position and a deployed position, generally adjacent a side of a motor vehicle on which the roof rack is mounted, in which a load may be mounted onto or removed from the sled.
2. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof rack comprises first and second or more sled runners, and one or more damper runners, the load carrying sled being mounted on the pivot roller channel and damper roller channel movably thereon and therebetween.
3. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claims I or 2, wherein the or each sled runner or the or each damper runner is adapted to be mounted laterally across the roof of a motor vehicle, such that the load carrying sled is linearly moveable laterally over the roof and off the side of a vehicle.
4. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the or each sled runner and the or each damper runner is adapted to be mounted linearly on the roof of a motor vehicle, such that the load carrying sled is linearly moveable along the roof and off the rear of a. vehicle.
5. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein the roof rack further comprises a second load carrying sled movably mounted on the or each sled runner, and the or each damper runner the first sled being linearly movable between a closed position in which it is located on one half of the or each sled runner and an open position in which it is substantially removed from the or each sled runner, and the second sled being linearly movable between a closed position in which it is located on the other half of the or each sled runner and an open position in which it is substantially removed from the or each sled runner, both sleds being pivotably and linearly movable between their open positions and deployed positions, generally adjacent the respective sides of a motor vehicle.
6. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sled runner and the or each damper runner comprises an elongate channel member which defines a runner channel adapted to receive the or each sled íunner and the or each damper runner engagement means.
7. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each pivot arm and the or each roller channel is adapted to receive the or each energiseable strut which minimises manual effort during operation of the invention.
8. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each damper pivot arm and the or each damper channel is adapted to receive the or each unidirectional hydraulic damper which controls the speed of movement of the invention in both directions of operation.
9. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each S pivot arm or the or each damper pivot arm and the or each roller channel and the or each damper channel is adapted to receive hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical motor drive or any hybrid combination thereof to actuate the invention in both directions.
10. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sled comprises an open frame having elongate side members and a load mounting frame provided therebetween.
11. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sled runner and damper runner engagement means comprise first and second roller channels respectively mounted for rotational movement towards the retained ends of the elongate roller channels supporting the or each sled.
12. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sled runner engagement means comprise first and second or more telescopic sliders S adapted for sliding movement within the respective sled runners.
13. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the or each sled further comprises first and second load stops provided towards the distal ends of the elongate side members and extending generally upwardly therefrom.
14. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the roof rack further comprises a stop means provided at a position at the or each sled runner and adapted to limit the downward pivoting movement of a respective sled.
15. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sled runners comprise part of a mounting frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle.
16. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claim 15, wherein the roof rack further comprises pivot rollers provided between the sled runners at one or both ends, being the ends which in use are located adjacent the edge of the vehicle roof, the or each pivot roller engaging with and acting to support a sled during movement between the closed and open positions.
17. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in 15, wherein the roof rack further comprises pivot arms provided between the sled runners and the roller channels at one or both sides, the or each pivot arm engaging with and acting to define the angular and linear direction of a sled during the movement between the closed, open and deployed positions.
18. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the roof rack further comprises load fixing means adapted to secure a load to a sled.
19. A vehicle roof rack as claimed in claim 18, wherein the load fixing means comprises a semi automatic releasable mechanical fastening means.
20. A vehicle roof rack substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.