MXPA97001244A - Articular rail basket - Google Patents

Abstract

A basket including separate longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails has a upper arm coupled by a link to a lower arm. A transverse rod having an end portion adapted to be clamped between the upper and lower arm portions and includes a surface coincident in conformation with one of longitudinal rail members. Preferably, the two ends of each transverse rod includes conformal surfaces that coincide with corresponding configurations of the rail, so as to place the transverse rod fixedly along the longitudinal rail. The position of the transverse rod is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by sliding around the hinge, and the hinge axis can be aligned, as desired, in the transverse, longitudinal or vertical direction. Preferably, the two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail hinged at opposite ends of the longitudinal rail, and includes overlapping portions retained by a single latch mechanism. In addition, the transverse rod preferably includes a retainer that engages a ridge on the lower arm of the rail, so that the lower arm resists the elevation of the transverse rod from the rim.

Description

ARTICULATED RAIL BASKET FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to baskets that are mounted on the body panels of automobiles and, more particularly, to baskets having transverse releasable locking rods extending between the rails.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE The trays for motor vehicles have been used for a long time to increase the load capacity of motor vehicles. In general, the vehicles comprise rigid rods that are mounted on the upper part of the body panel and are supported by it, in order to provide a solid support that does not deform the finished panel of the body, and that avoids abrasive contact between the load and the body panel of the vehicle. However, many of the known baskets were rigid structures that could not be adjusted to the different sizes of items or packages, and the packages had to be tied or taped to the basket in order to keep the items in position during movement. of the vehicle and according to the environmental conditions. An already known improvement for retaining articles in a fixed position, on the basket, was to provide transverse rods extending between longitudinal rails, the transverse rods were constructed as clamps for holding and holding articles in a fixed position of the basket. In particular, some previously known baskets, particularly adapted for carrying skis, include upper arms pivotally connected to lower arms of the transverse rods, so that they can be pivoted upwards to receive a set of skis between cushioned layers of the skis. upper arms in lower. The upper arms are pivoted downward, in pressure engagement with the skis, and the lower arm member and a locking means hold the upper arm in its compression position. However, these baskets are particularly adapted for narrow and relatively long structures and do not suit a variety of widths, shapes and sizes of the load. Another improvement already known in the basket devices includes transverse rods that are slidably received inside elongated channels of members of longitudinal rail. Typically, the transverse rods include a fastening means, for example "; cams or other locking means, in order to retain the transverse rod in a fixed position within the rail channel, as described, however, the open channels and the clamping members, including the fasteners complex or surfaces with particular shapes, are exposed to environmental conditions and are subject to deformation, destructive effects or corrosion by temperature, humidity, winds and debris.5 For example, the accumulation of snow can prevent installation or movement In addition, specifications and norms are normally established for luggage racks that are mounted on 0 vehicles, before the design or style for the particular production of a basket can be accepted, for example, the crossbars they may require having a particular support force and torques that lock them in position on the side rails and withstand deformations s, as the loads carried by the basket move in response to vehicle movement and deceleration. However, the resistance to removal or displacement of the transverse rods is, to a large extent, a function of the particular connection used to retain the transverse rod in position on the rail. For example, when a member is clamped on a portion of the transverse rod to retain it in a fixed position along the rail, this member and its retainers bear all the holding force of the transverse rod under the member. Consequently, the forces are not distributed throughout the structure of the basket in a manner that could reduce the thickness or strength of the retaining member and its associated mounting hardware.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a basket, in which the displaceable transverse rods have end portions, received within the upper and lower arm and between them, of the separated longitudinal rails. In addition, the upper and lower arms of the rail 5 serve to retain the transverse rods and prevent withdrawal from their position on the lower rail. A "- * articulation engages the upper arm with the lower arm of at least one rail, in the way it is used in this exhibition The term "rail" should also be understood to include a set of rails, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm are supported separately on the roof of the vehicle, as long as a pivotal link or connection between the upper arm and the roof or surface of support allows the closing of the upper arm to its closed and separated position on the lower arm. The present invention preferably includes complementary surfaces on the ends of the crossbar and a surface engaging on a longitudinal rail arm to define the stabilized support portions for a transverse rod, along the longitudinal rail. In addition, the lower arm of the rail may include a locking device with a member that overlaps a portion of the crossbar to resist vertical movement thereof from the lower arm of the rail. In a preferred embodiment, a longitudinal rail includes two upper arms, each arm is hinged at an opposite end of the rail to pivot about a transverse axis, in an arc within a plane above the arm of the lower rail. The other end of each upper arm includes a knocker end, preferably with overlapping arm portions in the center of the rail, whereby a simple knocker mechanism engages one of the upper arms and attaches to the two upper arms in its closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the complementary surface configurations include transverse corrugations on a surface of the lower rail and the lower coupling surface of the end of the transverse rod. The knocker mechanism may include a latch or a separate latching mechanism that may be employed to restrict the disengagement of the upper member and the removal of the transverse rod.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, vertical projections and valleys, sinuous corrugations, are provided on the coupling surfaces of the rail arm and the end of the transverse rod. Furthermore, while in one of the embodiments articulated upper arms are used in the two longitudinal rails, an alternative embodiment uses the advantages of the present invention in a basket in which the articulated upper arm is carried by only one of the two longitudinal rails. . In addition, as also disclosed in the present application, the hinge extending between the upper member and the lower rail member may have an articulated shaft aligned in a longitudinal, vertical or transverse direction, without thereby departing from the essence of the invention. . A preferred embodiment of a transverse rod, or an upright for a transverse rod, includes an end portion that can be received under a rim of the lower arm of the rail, such that the lower rail contributes to the resistance against vertical separation of the rail. End piece and the associated member from the lower arm of the rail. Consequently, the basket is better able to meet the specifications and standards of load testing with components made of simpler and substantially lighter materials. The upper and lower arms of the rail contribute to the retention of the transverse rod and prevent its separation from the lower arm. In a similar way, materials of smaller caliber can be worked with more durable or substantially simpler hardware and can be made less expensive than with the previously described constructions that exceed the performance standards and test specifications that these components must fulfill for the production of vehicle baskets. As a result, the present invention provides a basket which ensures the connection of the mobile transverse rods to the longitudinal rails, by securing the transverse ends between the upper and lower members of the longitudinal rails. In addition, the rails and ends of the transverse rods include mating surfaces with corresponding configurations which serve to secure the transverse rod in a fixed position, when engaging between the upper and lower rail members. However, an articulated upper member of the at least one rail moves easily from a particular position separated on the lower member, to free the transverse rod for free movement thereof along the longitudinal rail. Furthermore, the present invention provides a basket in which the ends of the transverse rod, as well as the supporting surfaces of the rails, are covered and protected by upper arms and the upper arms can be displaced selectively uncoupling from the lower arm of the rail and from the transverse rods. In addition, several arms may be used on each rail or on more than one rail, to increase the adjustability of the positions of the crossbars along the longitudinal rails and to increase the utility of the rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be more clearly understood in relation to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the like reference numbers refer to like parts in all the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a basket mounted on a motor vehicle according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 1 but showing the upper arms of a rail in an open position, and a modified rail structure according to the present invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view taken in the direction of arrow 4 of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a sectional view of the knocker mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the arm of the top rail in an open position; Figure 8 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 7, but showing the upper rail arm in a closed position; Figure 9 is a sectional view similar to that of Figures 7 and 8 and showing the knocker in a disengaged position with the upper rail arm closed; Figure 10 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 3, but showing a modification of the transverse rod according to the present invention; Figure 11 is a plan view of the basket structure shown in Figure 10, but to which portions have been removed for clarity; Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 12-12 of Figure 1; Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 13-13 of Figure 1; Figure 14 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the connection of the transverse rod to the rail, shown in Figure 1; Figure 15 is a side view of the transverse rod 5 shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a plan view of a locking cylinder -_ incorporated in the button housing of the Figures 7-9, but to which parts have been removed to give greater clarity; Figure 17 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 17-17 of Figure 16; Figure 18 is an enlarged side view of a longitudinal rail having an articulated construction r- "modified, according to the present invention; and Figure 19 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 19-19 in Figure 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring first to Figure 1, observes a basket 10, according to the present invention, which is secured to the roof panel 12 of a motor vehicle 14. The rails 18 and 20 of the basket are secured by rivets and screws as is well known for the assembly of baskets. to panel 12, although other forms of attachment may also be applied without thereby departing from the scope of this invention. Next, reference will be made to other details. Of course, the particular vehicle and the particular body panels to which the basket is mounted may vary, also without departing from the scope of the invention. In any case, the basket 10 is also combined with additional support strips 16 placed transversely and secured by screws or adhesives, as is conventional for the support strips attached to the roof panel 12, intermediate to the rails 18 and 20, in order to avoid abrasion between the load carried on the basket 10 and the finished surface of the panel 12 of the vehicle. Rails 18 and 20 are aligned in parallel, having matching positions in order to couple the ends of at least one or more transverse elongate rods 22. The rails 18 and 20 may be identical, but are identified by different reference numbers, to show that they may be stylistically different as well as functionally different, as will be described later. However, they can also be similar in structure, for example, rails 18 and 20 can be compatible or have a style of mirror images of right hand and left hand, but can work in the same way. Each longitudinal end 24 of each transverse rod 22 is configured to correspond to or engage with one of the rails 18 and 20, as will be described in greater detail below, in order to provide a fixed but adjustable position of the transverse rod 22 between the rails 18 and 20. For example, the tubular member 23 made of a metal extruded or formed by rolling, or a molded plastic by blow or injection, can be carried between the ends of cast metal, ends in the form of metal steps 24 and 26 casting or molded plastic as shown in Figure 1. Each of the rails 18 and 20 shown in Figure 1 includes upper arms 30 and 32 carried on a lower arm 34. Lower arm 34 can /.:- make a piece or several pieces. In either case, each upper arm 30 and 32 is pivotally secured to the lower arm 34. As shown in Figure 2, the upper numbers 30 and 32 are hingedly secured at the opposite longitudinal ends of the lower member 34 by the joints 38.

'- As best seen in Figure 2, the joint 38 of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a hinge pin 39 aligned on an axis transversal. The bolt 39 extends through the matching openings, in each of the upper arms 30 and 32, as well as through the openings of the hinge pin bracket 42, which extend upwardly from the engaging surface 44 of the arm. lower 34. One knocker 36 secures the upper arms 30 and 32 with the lower arm 34 in a separate position, to receive an extension on the ends 24 and 26 of the transverse rods 22 between the upper arm 30 and the lower arm 34. For example, the joint end 48 of the The arm 30 includes raised walls that elevate the intermediate position of the arm 30 to a separate position, above the engaging surface 44 of the lower arm 34. The latch end 50 of the arm 30 is closed against the latch stud 51 to support the arm 30 in the raised position, over most of the engaging surface 44. Rails 18 and 20 are preferably made of different constructions, for example, as shown in Figure 2. Rail 18 of Figure 2 includes arms upper and lower 52 and 54 which are secured together in separate positions, to receive the extension 56 of the end 24 of the transverse rod. This structure can be formed in one piece or formed by the assembly of several pieces. As best seen in Figure 3, the lower member 34 of the rail 20 can be a simple injection molded part, having an exterior stylized wall 70 and an internal support wall 72 and a recessed wall portion 74 defining a channel 76. A bottom wall of the recess includes a plurality of openings 78 adapted to receive the fastening rivets, in a manner known per se. The engaging surface 44 formed by the portions 70 and 72, includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 80 and, preferably, as shown in the preferred embodiment, includes pairs 81 of apertures 80. Each aperture 80 includes an enlarged portion portion 82. and a narrow portion 84. A peripheral edge of the opening 80, particularly of the narrow portion 84, is defined by hanging walls to stiffen the peripheral edges of the opening 80 that forms a retaining flange 86. Openings may be conveniently provided. drainage in the lower part of the channel 76, by means of drain holes 106 (Figures 3 and 4) and aligned at a lower point of the recess formed in the lower rail arm 34. The transverse rod end 26 includes an extension 90 having a lower surface that engages the engaging surface 44 in the lower member 34 of the rail 20. The extension 90 includes a retainer in the form of a pro 94, preferably a pair of projections 94 as in the preferred embodiment, having an enlarged head 96 that is dimensioned to be received in the wide-area portion 82 of the aperture 80. A narrow shank portion of the projection is sized to be /-" received by the narrow portion 84 of the opening 80, so that the head 96 is in interference relation below the flange 86. The enlarged head 96 is preferably injection molded with the rod of the projection 94 on the bottom surface 92 of extension 90 and is formed in one piece with the extension. As • ^ is shown in Figure 14, the pair of projections 94 is deviated from the center line 97, so that the portions are mounted asymmetrically to the center line 97. This The arrangement allows a portion 95 of the end 26 to cover the wide area portion 82 when the projection is received in the narrow portion 82. As shown in Figure 5, the other end 24 of the crossbar 22 coincides with the rail 18 . He The end 24 includes an extension 56. Each extension 56 of the end 24 of the transverse rod includes mating surfaces 57 and 58 which respectively coincide with the surfaces 45 and 46 of the rail 18. In the likeness of the lower member 34 of the rail 20, the limb bottom rail 34 of Rail 18 includes a portion of exterior stylized wall 170, a recessed wall portion 174 and an internal support wall 172. While the exterior wall can be stylized as a mirror image of the outer wall 70 of rail 20, the wall interior 172 includes a plurality of apertures 108 longitudinally expanded and also longitudinally spaced apart. The openings 108 receive an elongated rim 110 (Figure 6), which hangs from the end 24 below the extension 56. The mating surfaces between the end extensions 24 and the rail 18, may also have complementary configurations, for example, the block 60 of the upper surface of the transverse rod end 24 adapted to be received in a plurality of receptacles 62, spaced along the lower surface 45 of the upper arm 30. As shown in Figure 2, the end of the knocker 50 of the upper arm 30 and the knocker end 50 of the upper arm 32, include overlapping portions that can be closed against the knocker 36. As best seen in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the knocker 36 can have a conventional construction and, in accordance with FIG. Preferably, it comprises a push button 112 in a latch housing, preferably in a pillar 51, adapted to receive a latch jaw 113. The latch jaw 113 comprises a leg 114 hanging from the end of knocker 50 of the arm 32. In the preferred modality, a locking cylinder 55 operated with a key, inside a cavity of the push button 112 during removal of the , - ~ lid 115 of the press-fit button. Preferably, it exposes a key access opening of the cylinder locked from one end of a button body 112 that is oriented outward from the vehicle. However the locking mechanism can also be separated from the knocker 36 which holds the upper arms in the closed position.

Referring now to Figure 7, the V latch knob 51 is shown in relation to the knocker 52 of the arm 32. The knocker 36 comprises a body of button 112 spring-loaded out of the cavity in the upright 51, by means of the spring 134. The body of button 112 fits within an opening 122 in the stile 51, and is retained in position by a ring of locked 124 installed on the button body, making sliding the ring 124 through a slot in the upright, after the button is inserted into the opening 122. The knocker end 52 of the upper arm 30 includes the knocker clamp 113, formed by a hanging leg 114 having an opening 116 above a foot 5 flange 118. The flange foot 118 has a ramp surface that engages a ramp surface 120 in the button body 112. As shown in Figure 7, the button 112 is in the engaged position for resiliently engaging the knocker jaw 113 as it the upper arms 30 and 32 move towards the closed position. As the arm 30 is lowered to the position shown in Figure 8, the flange foot 118 passes along the ramp surface 120 to a portion recessed 126, as a nose 128 at the end of the ramp surface 120 enters the opening 116. As shown in Figure 8, the upper arms 30 and 32 are engaged in position in the nose of button 128 and are engaged within the opening 116 in the hanging leg 114 and are retain by the upper flange 136 (Figures 2 and 9) of the foot 118. With the button body 112 in a coupled position shown in Figure 8, a narrow end portion 130 of the button is retracted and dragged into a opening 132 in a stile-forming wall 51. The button body 112 can move towards the unlatched position as shown in Figure 9 to release the upper arms 30 and 32 and form the transverse rods 22 at a suitable position along the length of the rails 18 and 20. With the button body 112 in the unlatched position as shown in Figure 9, the narrow end portion 130 projects outwardly from the inner wall of the upright 51, to provide a visible indicator that the button is unlatched and the upper arm 30 is not locked in its engaged position between the upper arm 30 and the arm bottom 34 of the longitudinal rail. Although the latch housing may include a stop to keep the latch open in the position shown in FIG. 9, the spring 134 preferably pushes the button body 112 toward the position shown in FIG. 8. In addition, the arms 30 and 32 are preferably pushed to an elevated position as described below, whereby the ends of arms 52 occupy a position above the upright 51, unless the nose of button 128 engages with flange 136 in the leg 114.

As best seen in Figures 16 and 17, the removal of the leg 115 from the button body 112 exposes to a body cavity 150 receiving a locking cylinder 55. This cylinder receives a key 154, whose insertion releases a plurality of locking slides towards a lowered position in a conventional way, so that cylinder 55 can be rotated circumferentially inside the cavity 150. Another locking plate 156 spring-loaded works in response to a 157 key of extended installation, as shown in lines '.V dotted 157 to lock the lock cylinder 55 into a slot inside the button body 112.

An extended, axially eccentric pin 158 is moves within an arched recess 160 formed in the end wall of the button body 112. The pin 158 is extends through an opening in a locking bar 162. The locking bar 162 slides in a slot in the button body, as the pin is raised during rotation, as shown in Figure 16. Bar 162 moves from a recessed position shown in solid line in Figure 16, to an extended locked position shown in line ghost in Figure 16. In the locked position, the locking arm 162 prevents the actuation of the button that would disengage the knock-out jaw 113 from the nose 128 of the button body 112. Consequently, the arms 30 and 32 are secured in the closed positions and transverse rods inserted between the longitudinal rails are locked in their fixed positions. Referring now to Figure 12, a preferred construction for one of the upper arms 30 or 32 of a longitudinal rail 18 or 20 includes a narrow-hinged flange 168, preferably molded in one piece with the arm 30 or 32. As shown in FIG. best shown in Figure 13, flange 168 preferably includes a hollow chamber 164 for adjusting the strength and resilience of the arm, as it engages a rear wall 166 formed on lower member 34 of rail 20. As noted better in Figure 13, a spike surface 163 on an extended flange 165 of the hinge flange 68 engages the tapered stop 167, on the bottom of the back wall 166. The mating engagement of the spike 163 and stop 167 tends to center the arm 30 or 32 on the lower member of the rail 20, and tends to center the jaw of the knocker 113 on the knob post 51. The resilience in the wall 166 and the hollow flange 164 can be used to keep the arm 30 or 32 in a raised position. As the arm 30 or 32 is pivotally moved about the hinged pin 39, in the direction opposite the arrow 176 in Figure 12, the flange 165 engages with the lower edge of the wall 166 at a position before that the knocker end 50 reaches the knocker stud 51 in the lower member 34 of the rail 20. As a result, additional force must be exerted on the arm to engage the knocker jaw within the knocker stud 51, and forces of resilient thrust through the wall 163 and the joint flange 168 due to the resilience of the material from which they are made. An additional feature to reduce the mass and weight of the basket is to form the arms 30 and 32 as hollow channels but with ribs or reinforcing screens. In the preferred embodiment, the screens as the complete walls 178 and 180 and the recessed rib wall formed between the walls 178 and 180, form a receptacle adapted to receive the blocks 60 or 98 on a rod '"transverse 22. Referring to Figures 18 and 19, an alternative articulation connection is shown, where the upper arm 30 or 32 carries one half of a ball joint and receptacle 183, while the lower rail member 34 includes the other half of the ball and receptacle joint. As shown in Figure 19, a receptacle recess 184 is received in an opening 186 in a wall of the upper arm 30 or 32. The receptacle 184 receives a ball head 188 at the end of a threaded rod 190, which is received in a threaded rim 200 on a wall of the lower member 34 of the rail 20. This articulated connection allows both the pivoting movement as the rupture protection. The upper arm 30 or 32 can support lateral or torsional movement without breaking the portions of the rail or the articulation connection, when the rails are subjected to a torsional load or to another twisting or turning movement while the arms upper 30 and 32 open.

In addition, the upper arm 30 or 32 includes a guide 202 that fits against a wall portion 206 correspondingly arched, which guides the arm 30 or 32 to through its pivoting movement around the axis of joint. The 206 joint includes 212 rib to resist lateral movement, when the arm is in the hooked position, although the arm 30 or 32 moves in pivoting towards an elevated position in which the guide 202 passes the rib 212. In addition, the wall row projections 204 of the lower member 34, adjacent to the wall of the articulation flange 168, coincide with the stops 206, 208 and 210 (Figures 4 and 12) in positions of Arched movement of the upper arms. As result, the arms 30 and 32 can be supported in a range of angles for example 30E, or greater than 90E, during the positioning or loading of the crossbars 22.

However, the articulation parts of the ball-and-socket joint 183 are easily separated if one of the upper arms 30 or 32 is subjected to severe twisting or transverse movements, when held in an open or vertical position in order to avoid the breaking of the arm or the pieces of the rail. Referring to Figure 10, a modification of the rail 20 is shown coupling with a modified version of the end 24 of the transverse rod 22. In particular, the opening 80 comprises a pair of spaced narrow openings 140 through the matched surface 44 separated by a finger 142 (Figure 11) that forms a lateral flange. In addition, the matching surface 92 of the extension 90 includes a retainer in the form of a loop 144, with a central opening adapted to receive the finger 142. The loop 144 can be inserted into a wide portion 146 of the opening 180, as shown in FIG. dotted lines in Figure 11 before displacement on finger 142 toward the locked position shown in full lines in Figure 11. Having thus described the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. to it without thereby departing the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. REIVJNPICACIQNES: 1. A basket comprising: a pair of rails parallel and transversely separated, each rail has an upper arm, an arm 5 lower coinciding with the upper arm and a support that places the upper arm in a separate position above '' P of the lower arm; at least one transverse rod extending transversely through the rails, each of the transverse rods having first and second ends, each end being sized to be received between the upper or lower arms of the rails and includes a retainer; where at least one rail includes one 15 articulation coupling the upper arm with the lower arm for pivotal movement towards the separated position and from the separated position towards an open position; and where the lower arm includes a flange that 20 overlaps the retainer, when the end of the transverse rod is received over the portions of the lower rail.
2. 2. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the retainer comprises a loop sized to receive the flange.
3. 3. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the retainer comprises a projection with an enlarged head. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the rail has an upper wall that includes a plurality of openings, and wherein the rim comprises a wall portion forming a projection extending into the interior of the opening. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one rail includes a second upper arm and a second hinge that couples the second upper arm with the lower arm for a pivoting movement towards the separated position and from there to a position open The invention according to claim 5, characterized in that each upper arm has a second end opposite the hinge axis and the second ends overlap in the separated position. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the end includes a projection or a complementary groove and each of the lateral rails includes the other of the projection or the complementary groove. The invention according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the rails includes a plurality of the other complementary projections or slots. 9. The invention according to claim 7, characterized in that the projection is aligned transversely. 10. The invention according to claim 8, characterized in that the projection is aligned transversely. 11. The invention according to claim 7, characterized in that the projection is aligned vertically. 12. The invention according to claim 8, characterized in that the projection is aligned in vertical direction. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge has a longitudinal hinge axis. 14. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge has a vertical hinge axis. 15. The invention according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge has a transverse hinge axis. 16. A basket of the type receiving a transverse rod having a surface configured on at least one end, the basket comprises: a pair of rails parallel and separated in transverse direction, each rail has an upper arm, a lower arm that matches with the upper arm and a support that places the upper arm in a separate position above the lower arm; wherein the end includes a projection or a complementary slot and each one of the side rails includes the other projection or the other complementary slot, and the end includes a retainer; wherein at least one rail includes a hinge that engages the upper arm with the lower arm for pivotal movement toward and away from the open position to an open position; and wherein at least one rail includes a knocker to releasably engage the upper arm in the separated position; and wherein the at least one rail includes a knocker to releasably engage the upper arm in the separated position; and wherein the lower arm includes a flange that overlaps the retainer when the end of the transverse rod is received over the portions of the lower rail. 17. The invention according to claim 16, characterized in that the flange comprises a wall rib. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A basket including separate longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails has an upper arm coupled by an articulation to a lower arm. A transverse rod having an end portion adapted to be clamped between the upper and lower arm portions and includes a surface coincident in conformation with one of longitudinal rail members. Preferably, the two ends of each transverse rod include conformal surfaces that coincide with corresponding configurations of the rail, for fixedly placing the transverse rod along the longitudinal rail. The position of the transverse rod is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by sliding around the hinge, and the hinge axis can be aligned, as desired, in the transverse, longitudinal or vertical direction. Preferably, the two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail, hinged at opposite ends of the longitudinal rail, and includes overlapping portions retained by a single latch mechanism. In addition, the transverse rod preferably includes a retainer which engages a flange on the lower arm of the rail, so that the lower arm resists the raising of the transverse rod from the rail.