NZ724200A - An Apparatus, Device and System for Mounting Objects to a Vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

mounting device for mounting an awning assembly or the like on a vehicle, the device comprising: a clamping mechanism operable to clamp and grasp onto the outside of a roof rack or roof bar positioned on a roof of the vehicle; and an awning (or object) receiving portion positioned relative to the clamping mechanism, said receiving portion being adapted for receiving and fastening at least a part of the awning assembly (or object). clamping mechanism, said receiving portion being adapted for receiving and fastening at least a part of the awning assembly (or object).

Description

AN APPARATUS, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING OBJECTS TO A VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus (or device) and system for mounting an object relative to a roof of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND Vehicles such as four-wheel drive vehicles (4WDs), minivans, special utility vehicles (SUVs) and the like are popular as recreational and family vehicles. Such vehicles typically have a rugged construction and a spacious interior which makes them suitable or ideal for transporting several people as well as supplies and equipment for a holiday or weekend away, for example, at beaches, campgrounds, etc, away from the urban environment. The rugged construction of these vehicles and their spacious interiors and luggage/cargo/storage areas also makes them suitable for use, and indeed they are therefore often used, by tradesmen who must move from one location to another regularly for work taking their tools and equipment with them.

Retractable awnings and canopies which are (or can be) mounted relative to a roof portion of the vehicle are an effective way of providing shade and shelter in areas where no shade from buildings or vegetation etc is available. The shade provided by retractable awnings can be required or beneficial not only for recreational activities such as camping and the like, but also for tradesmen who may often find themselves working in areas where no other forms of shade are available. Also, because such vehicle-mounted awnings are retractable, it is generally the case that they are permanently or semi-permanently mounted on or relative to the vehicle, and when they are not in use (or when it comes time to "break camp", etc) they can be retracted or "rolled up". And when the awning is retracted or "rolled up", even though it remains mounted relative to the vehicle, nevertheless it is sufficiently "packed away" and streamlined, and securely stored, such that the vehicle can be driven with the ("packed away") awning still attached thereto. 4WDs, minivans, SUVs and the like generally do not include a structure (at least not on the vehicle itself) that permits an awning to be mounted directly to a side or to the roof of the vehicle. Instead, such awnings and the like are typically mounted relative to the vehicle by being bolted to a "roof rack" of the vehicle (such roof racks may include e.g. "cross-roof bar" style roof racks or indeed other forms or styles of vehicle roof racks), and it is the roof racks that in turn connect directly to the vehicle. (Often, although not always, the roof racks attach to mounting points on the vehicle which are purpose-designed parts of the vehicle that operate to receive and facilitate the attachment thereto of roof racks).

By way of further explanation, the conventional way in which retractable awnings and the like are mounted to vehicle roof racks is that, firstly, one or more holes are drilled all the way through the roof rack (or through each cross-roof bar) at each location where the awning is to be affixed to the rack (or to each cross-roof bar). Then, crude metal brackets which are attached to or which form part of the awning structure are placed over the roof rack (or over each cross-roof bar) at each said location, and bolts are inserted through the bracket and through the drilled holes in the rack (roof bars) so as to thereby secure the awning structure to the roof rack.

There are numerous significant problems associated with this conventional mounting method.

One major problem is that drilling holes in the roof racks seriously compromises the strength and structural integrity of the roof racks, for example, by reducing the amount of structural material in the rack, introducing stress concentration points in the vicinity of the drilled holes, introducing micro-cracks that may subsequently propagate, etc. Drilling into or through the racks may also damage surface treatments, and it may allow ingress of water into the racks through the drilled holes, etc, and these things may lead to increased rates of corrosion, etc. These issues are of significant concern, especially when it is considered that the magnitude of the loading (and consequently the magnitude of the stresses) on loaded roof racks typically increases (possibly many-fold) when the vehicle is in motion, as compared to when the vehicle is stationary, because of aerodynamic and wind-loading effects. These aerodynamic and wind-loading effects often also lead to significant vibration and cyclic loading, which can in turn create an increased risk of failure through fatigue if the roof racks are structurally compromised.

Yet another concern is that installation of a vehicle awnings and the like, including the drilling of holes through vehicle roof racks, is often performed by individual vehicle owners who are typically inexperienced at this task. There is therefore often a risk that, for example, the holes may be drilled in the rack (e.g. in the cross-roof bar) at the incorrect position or angle, which may mean that the hole is not correctly placed or not suitable for mounting the awning's bracket, and it may even damage the roof rack so much that it becomes unusable (i.e. this may destroy the rack completely). Furthermore, in order to drill the holes, it is often necessary for the installer to position themselves above the rack somehow in order to drill down through the rack while the rack is already-installed on the vehicle. If this is done, there is a risk that the vehicle owner may drill too far and drill not only through the rack (as required) but also drill into the roof of the vehicle itself. Alternatively, if the job of installing the awning is undertaken by a person who is experienced at the task (e.g. a service person from the awning manufacturer, or the like), the above risks may be mitigated somewhat; however, there is then the alternative inconvenience to the vehicle owner that the vehicle must typically be dropped off or surrendered to the installer for the awning to be fitted, which may take up to a day or more in practice and during which time the vehicle owner may be left without the vehicle.

Another issue is that, because of the conventional way in which retractable awnings and the like are mounted to (i.e. by bolting through) vehicle roof racks, as discussed above, it is consequently a difficult and time consuming task to remove the awning from the vehicle, even though the awning may actually only be used very occasionally. As a result, such awnings typically remain mounted permanently on/to the vehicle, and vehicle owners do not have a practical option or ability to remove and reinstall the awning as and when needed.

Therefore there would appear to be a need for an improved mounting apparatus and/or mounting system for mounting an object, such as an awning or indeed a range of other possible objects other than awnings, relative to the roof of a vehicle.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a mounting apparatus or a mounting device and a system which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a mounting apparatus for mounting an object relative to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a clamping mechanism operable to grasp and clamp onto the outside of a vehicle roof rack or roof bar; an object receiving portion positioned relative to the clamping mechanism, said object receiving portion operable to allow an object to be fastened thereto; and a connecting portion connecting the clamping mechanism and the object receiving portion and configured such that, when the clamping mechanism is clamped to a roof rack or roof bar on a vehicle, the object receiving portion is positioned laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a mounting apparatus for mounting an awning or other substantially elongate object relative to a roof of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a clamping mechanism operable to clamp and grasp onto the outside a roof rack or roof bar positioned on a roof of the vehicle; and an object receiving portion positioned relative to the clamping mechanism wherein the receiving portion is configured for receiving and securing at least a part of the awning or other elongate object such that the secured object is positioned laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a mounting device for mounting an awning assembly on a vehicle, the device comprising: a clamping mechanism operable to clamp and grasp onto the outside of a roof rack or roof bar positioned on a roof of the vehicle; an awning receiving portion positioned relative to the clamping mechanism, said receiving portion being adapted for receiving and fastening at least a part of the awning assembly.

The applicants consider that providing a mounting apparatus or mounting device with the clamping mechanism that is configured for clamping or grasping the outside of a roof rack or roof bar positioned on a vehicle roof in combination with a receiving portion for receiving objects such as retractable awning assemblies alleviates the need to permanently bolt the awning or awning brackets onto a roof portion of a vehicle. As previously discussed, awning brackets as have previously been used typically require such brackets to be bolted onto or through roof rack or roof bars or directly onto a roof of a vehicle, which has several disadvantages. The present invention is thought to address several of those disadvantages and alleviate the need for drilling holes through a roof rack or roof bar or a roof of a vehicle.

The applicants also consider that the provision of the clamping mechanism in the above recited configuration allows the mounting apparatus to be quickly and easily clamped onto roof rack or roof bars. As a result, objects such as retractable awning assemblies, vehicle jacks, shovels, fishing rods or the like may be quickly mounted relative to the vehicle roof. Similarly, the clamping mechanism also allows objects to be easily dismounted from the vehicle roof.

The clamping mechanism may not (and preferably does not) require drilling of any holes. As a consequence, the exterior and interior appearance of the vehicle is not marred by using the mounting apparatus or mounting device of the present invention. The relatively simple operability of the present invention may also allow vehicle owners to install awning assemblies without seeking assistance from skilled professionals. The ease of use of the present invention may also allow users to frequently remove and reinstall awning assemblies relatively easily.

The advantages of the present invention are in no way limited to use in conjunction with retractable awning or canopy assemblies alone. For example, the object receiving portion may be configured to receive elongate objects such as surfing boards, skis, fishing rods and other such object or objects which may be transportable by being mounted onto a roof of a vehicle.

Throughout this specification the term “roof rack or roof bar” encompasses elongate bars or rails such as crossbars that are mounted across a roof portion of a vehicle. The term also encompasses roof rails that are typically mounted along lateral (or long) edges/sides of the roof of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism is operable in an open and closed position such that in the open position said at least a part of the roof rack or roof bar can be received or removed from the clamping mechanism and in the closed position the roof rack or roof bar is prevented from being received or removed from the clamping mechanism.

Preferably, the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion for receiving and clamping the roof rack or roof bar. The clamping portions may be provided as clamping jaws. In some embodiments, first and second clamping portions may be adapted to be fastened to each other wherein during use fastening the clamping portions to each other prevents the roof rack or roof bar from being received or removed from the clamping mechanism. Bolts may be used as fasteners to fasten the clamping portions to each other.

The first and second clamping portions may also be provided with an inter-locking mechanism such that during use the inter-locking mechanism prevents relative movement between the first and second clamping portions. The inter-locking mechanism may comprise nuts and bolts, or (say) a hinging mechanism for preventing relative movement between the first and second clamping portions.

In some embodiments, said one or more clamping portions are each provided with a recess for receiving a part of the crossbar therein during use. Each of the recess may comprise a concave inner surface configured to at least partially encompass the crossbar during use. In alternative embodiments, the inner surface may be custom-shaped to fit around a specific crossbar configuration. For example, the inner surface may be provided with a partially rectangular inner surface for fitting around a rectangular or square shaped cross bar in alternative embodiments.

In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism may comprise two clamping portions forming a clamping jaw such that one of the two clamping portions forms a stationary clamping portion and the other of the two clamping portions forms a movable clamping portion and wherein a jaw actuation means is provided for positioning the movable clamping portion for clamping the clamping jaw around a section of the roof rack or roof bar thereby preventing the crossbar from being received or removed from the clamping mechanism.

The clamping mechanism may be provided with a projection extending outwardly from an inner face of one of said first or second clamping portions; and a projection contacting portion provided on an inner face of the other of said first or second clamping portions wherein fastening the first and second clamping portions to a first fastened configuration results in the projection abutting the projection contacting portion and subsequent fastening to a second fastened configuration results in the inner faces of the clamping portions being pushed towards each other thereby grasping the outside of the roof rack or roof bar without relative movement between the projection and the projection contacting portion, such that the first and second clamping portions press more firmly against the outside of the roof rack or roof bar.

The combination of the projection and the projection contacting portion provides a tightening mechanism that allows the clamping portions to be gradually clamped around an outer surface of a roof rack or roof bar. Fasteners such as bolts may be provided for fastening the first clamping portion with the second clamping portion. Preferably, the projection with a slightly raised profile is located at a lower end of the inner face of the clamping portion. Upon tightening of the bolts, the projection and the projection contacting portion contact each other. Further tightening of the bolts results in the projection becoming firmly engaged between the lower ends of the clamping portions. However, due to the relatively lower location of the projection, the middle and upper portions of the inner faces remain slightly spaced away from the outer surface of the roof rack or roof bar and from each other. Subsequent tightening of the bolts results in the middle and upper portions of the inner faces being pushed against the outer wall of the roof rack or roof bar. As a result, the roof rack or roof bar becomes firmly clamped between the clamping portions.

In some embodiments, each of said one or more clamping portions comprises a top outer surface such that during use the top outer surface of the one or more clamping portions does not extend above or beyond a top outer surface of the crossbar. One of the many advantages of this configuration is that the clamping mechanism (including the clamping portions) does not interfere with any other items or object such as roof boxes or roof racks which may be additionally mounted and positioned on or above the roof rack or roof bars. Since the clamping portions do not extend beyond the top outer surface of the roof rack or roof bars, the additional items can be mounted directly onto the roof rack or roof bars without interfering with the working of the clamping mechanism.

In some embodiments, one or more spacers may be provided for being positioned in between said one or more clamping portions and the crossbars during use for preventing direct contact between the clamping portions and an outer surface of the cross bar.

In some embodiments, at least a part of the connecting member extends laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle. This structure of the connecting member allows the object receiving portion or the awning receiving portion to be positioned at or adjacent an edge portion of the roof of the vehicle. Preferably, the connecting member comprises a curved configuration such that during use the connecting member curves downwardly relative to the cross bar thereby positioning the object receiving portion or the awning receiving portion at or below an in use vertical height of the clamping portion.

The object receiving portion or the awning receiving portion may be further provided with fastening means for fastening an object on the object receiving portion. For example, objects may be fastened onto the object receiving portion by way of using bolts received into bolt holes provided on the object receiving portion.

Preferably, the object receiving portion comprises a surface which lies in an imaginary plane which is substantially transverse relative to the imaginary plane of the roof of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the object receiving portion may be provided with a supporting projection for supporting object received on the object receiving portion.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a first end-on view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a second end-on view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a side-on view of the mounting apparatus in an in-use configuration in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus in an in-use configuration in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a mounting system incorporating a number (three) of the mounting apparatuses of the first embodiment.

Figure 9 is a top view of the mounting system in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting a vehicle jack (J).

Figure 11 is a partial side-on view of the mounting apparatus of the second embodiment depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting a vehicle jack (J).

Figure 12 is an end-on view of the mounting apparatus of the second embodiment depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting a vehicle jack (J).

Figure 13 is a partial top view of the mounting apparatus of the second embodiment.

Figure 14 is a side-on view of the mounting apparatus of the second embodiment depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting a shovel (S).

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting the shovel.

(S).

Figure 16 is a top view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting the shovel (S).

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting fishing rods F1 and F2.

Figure 18 is a side-on view of the mounting apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting fishing rods F1 and F2.

Figure 19 is top view of a mounting system incorporating the mounting apparatus of the second embodiment depicted in an in-use configuration for mounting fishing rods F1 and F2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 9 illustrate a mounting device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mounting device 100 is configured for use alone or (more usually) with one or more other like devices for mounting objects such as elongate objects, for example a collapsible awning (A), relative to the roof of a vehicle (V). The vehicle may be a vehicle such as a 4WD, minivan, minibus, utility vehicle (ute), SUV, or a vehicle such as a caravan, mobile home or the like, or indeed any vehicle having roof racks or roof cross bars or the like.

The mounting device 100 comprises a clamping mechanism 120 provided at one end of a connecting arm 130 and an object receiving plate 140 provided at an opposite end of the connecting arm 130. The object receiving plate 140 provides a receiving surface for receiving objects. When the device 100 is attached to an outer end of a cross bar (C) of a vehicle roof rack (R), and the roof rack (R) is itself mounted to the vehicle (V), the plate 140 becomes positioned laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle (V), and this configuration is particularly beneficial for mounting retractable awnings (A) or canopies (or assemblies thereof) relative to the roof of the vehicle (V).

The clamping mechanism 120 is provided with clamping jaws 122 and 124 for receiving and grasping a section of the crossbar (C) which is the portion of the vehicle roof rack (R) that extends above and across the roof of the vehicle (V). The clamping mechanism 120 is configured to be operable in an open and closed position by an actuation means. In the open position a section of the crossbar can be received in, or removed from, between the clamping jaws 122 and 124. In the closed position a section of the crossbar is prevented from being received in, or removed from, between the clamping jaws 122 and 124. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the actuation means is constituted by fasteners in the form of bolts 160 and nuts 162. Bolts 160 are received into bolt holes 161 that are provided in clamping jaws 122 and 124 respectively. Tightening the nuts 162 and bolts 160 when the jaws are placed around the roof rack crossbar (C) causes the clamping jaws 122 and 124 to firmly grasp a section of the crossbar thereby securing the device 100 to the crossbar and preventing relative movement between the crossbar and the mounting device 100. The bolts 160 are of sufficient length to allow the clamping jaws 122 and 124 to be operable in the open and closed position (i.e. they are long enough for the jewels to be opened and closed) without completely unscrewing the nuts 162 from the bolts or withdrawing the bolts 160 from the bolt holes 161. This prevents the device 100 from falling into separate pieces when the jaws are opened, and this in turn makes installation and removal easier as the separate jaws 122 and 124 do not need to be held independently.

Advantageously, the clamping mechanism is provided with a tightening mechanism that allows the clamping jaws 122, 124 to tighten around the crossbar when clamped around the crossbar. Clamping jaw 124 is provided with a projecting member 126. The projecting member 126 is a slightly protruding ridge that projects out from and extends across the width of the lowermost edge on the flat lower face of the clamping jaw 124. There is no such protruding portion anywhere on the corresponding flat lower face of jaw 122. During tightening of the bolts 160 when the jaws are positioned/clasped (initially loosely) around a roof bar (C), the projecting member 126 on the flat lower face of jaw 124 contacts the wholly flat lower face on clamping jaw 122 at a low point thereon. This contact between the projecting member 126 on jaw 124 and a low point the corresponding flat face on jaw 122 functions to stop the base of jaw 124 from moving any closer to jaw 122. However, it is to be noted that the axes of the bolt holes 161 and bolts 160 extend through and between the jaws 122,124 at a height that is higher up the jaws than the height of the projecting member 126. Therefore, even once the projecting member 126 on jaw 124 has come into contact with the low point on the corresponding flat face on jaw 122, such that the base of jaw 124 cannot move any closer to jaw 122, nevertheless inward pressure caused by further tightening of the bolts 160 causes parts/portions of the jaw 124 which are above/higher than the level of the projecting member 126 (i.e. such as the concave face 125 which contacts the crossbar) to continue to move towards the jaw 124. This results in slight "canting over" and possibly also a slight deformation of the jaw 124, because the base of the jaw 124 effectively remains stationary relative to the jaw 122 whereas other portions (or the rest) of jaw 124 located above the level of the projecting member 126 continue to move towards the jaw 122. In any case, it will be understood that this "canting over" of the jaw 124, and movement of the upper portions of the jaw 124 towards the jaw 122, causes the jaw 124 (and indeed both jaws) to become clamped more tightly around the roof rack crossbar (C). This is therefore how the tightening mechanism functions in this particular embodiment.

As has been alluded to, each of the clamping jaws 122 and 124 has a concave inner face - these are concave inner faces 123 and 125 respectively. The shape of these concave inner faces is/are configured to conform to the shape of the outer surface of the crossbar (C).

(Naturally, the shape of the concave inner faces 123 and 125 may therefore be altered to suit the different outer shapes of the crossbars used by different roof rack manufacturers, etc.) Also, more generally, the clamping jaws 122 and 124 themselves, as described above, may have different sizes and shapes. For example, the jaws 122 and 124 may be generically shaped to fit around various differently shaped or dimensioned crossbars (i.e. in a somewhat "one size fits all" fashion). Alternatively, the clamping jaws 122, 124 may be custom-shaped and custom-sized to fit a specific crossbar configuration. For example, the clamping jaws may have a partially rectangular inner surface 123/125 for fitting around a rectangular or square shaped cross bar in other embodiments.

Spacers in the form of cushioning pads 127 and 128 are also provided. During use, cushion pad 127 is positioned in between the inner face 123 and an outer surface of the crossbar (C) and cushion pad 128 is positioned in between inner face 125 and an outer surface of the crossbar (C). The cushion pads 127 and 128 are preferably made of resilient material (e.g. rubber, neoprene, or the like), and they may function, for example, as a vibration absorbing means, or they may help to accommodate small differences in shape between the shape of the curved portions 123/125 and the outer surface of the crossbar, or they may help by enhancing the grip of the clamping jaws 122,124 around the crossbar (C), etc.

As shown in the Figures, the clamping jaws 122, 124 in this embodiment are configured to substantially encompass (i.e. they extend all the way around underneath) the underside outer surface of the crossbar during use. As evident from Figures 8 and 9, each of the clamping jaws 122 and 124 has a top/upper outer surface (1220 and 1240 respectively) that is flattened so that it does not extend above or beyond or any higher than the top outer surface of the crossbar (C). One of the advantages of this is that the clamping mechanism 120 may not interfere with other items or object such as roof boxes, bicycle mounting racks or other items or objects which may be positioned and mounted to and on top of the crossbars (C). Since the clamping jaws 122, 124 do not extend beyond the top outer surface of the crossbars, even with the device 100 mounted to the crossbar as described above, it may still be possible for such other items to also be mounted to or at least reside (sit) on top of the crossbars without interfering with the working of the mounting device 100 (and perhaps also without the mounting device 100 interfering with those other items).

The clamping mechanism 120 is located at one end of the connecting arm 130 that in use extends laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle, and the object receiving plate 140 is located on the other end of the connecting arm 130. As illustrated particularly in Figures 6 to 8, the connecting arm 130 curves slightly downwardly as it extends from the clamping mechanism 120 to the object receiving plate 140. Therefore, when the device 100 is mounted to a roof rack crossbar (C), the device extends downwardly and outwardly from the clamping mechanism 120 thereby positioning the object receiving plate 140 slightly below the vertical height of the clamping mechanism 120. The downwardly curved configuration of the connecting arm 130 allows the awning (A) to be mounted at a slightly lower level than the level of the crossbar (C). The curvature of the connecting arm 130 therefore determines the mounting height and the pitch of the retractable awning (A) positioned on the object receiving plate 140.

The object receiving plate 140 is provided with apertures 142 and 144 adapted to receive fasteners 172 that fasten a wall portion of the housing 174 that encloses or houses a retractable awning assembly (A). The present invention is no way limited to any specific types of awnings and the applicants envision that the mounting device 100 may be suitable for mounting several different models or configurations of awning assemblies onto crossbars or roofbars positioned on a roof of a vehicle.

In a typical operation for mounting an awning, a user may utilize several of the mounting devices 100 for mounting an awning (A) onto a roof of the vehicle. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, retractable awning assemblies are typically longitudinal or elongate structures that are usually installed or mounted on one side of the vehicle near the edge of the vehicle roof.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, a mounting system 900 comprises three of the mounting devices 100A, 100B and 100C which are each clamped onto respective roof rack crossbars C1, C2 and C3. The use of more than two (in this case three) devices mounted to respective spaced crossbars may be particularly helpful in installation of longer awnings which are typically installed on larger vehicles with relatively greater roof lengths. In instances where the roof length is relatively lesser, awnings with shorter lengths may be mounted to two spaced crossbars positioned on the roof using only two of the devices.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-9, the object receiving plate 140 is provided with a supporting portion in the form of a profiled projection or lip 146 which is located at a lower part of the receiving plate 140. The profiled projection 146 is provided for seating a part of the awning housing 174 thereon, which then allows the users to easily align the awning housing 174 (or the entire awning assembly) with the apertures 142, 144 and to insert the fasteners 172 for fastening the awning housing 174 onto the receiving plate 140. The profiled projection 146 may also help to slightly support the awning housing 174 during installation, thereby making it easier for the installer to hold the awning in place as the awning is being attached to the object receiving plate 140.

Any number of mounting devices 100 may be used to mount an awning or other object on a set of crossbars on top of a vehicle. Any combination of mounting devices 100 may be used for advantageous applications. It may also be possible or advantageous in some embodiments to have an extended handle or actuator connected to the clamping mechanism 120 so that the clamping mechanism is operable without having to reach out under the crossbars and so that the clamping mechanism 120 can be operated with minimal reaching.

Turning to Figures 10 to 19 a second embodiment of the present invention in the form of mounting device 1000 is illustrated. Mounting device 1000 is configured for mounting elongate objects such as a vehicle lifting jack (denoted by J), a shovel (S), a plurality of fishing rods, or the like. In Figures 10 to 19, features which correspond to those discussed above are given like reference numerals.

Turning to Figures 10 to 13, in particular, at least a part of an elongate jack assembly (J) is received on the object receiving plate 140. Fasteners 272 in the form of bolts with winged nuts 273 are provided for fastening the jack assembly (J) onto the object receiving plate 140. The clamping mechanism 120 clamps onto cross bar (C) in the same manner as discussed above and the object receiving portion 140 secures the jack (J) at a location that is outward and lateral relative to the roof of the vehicle on which the crossbars (C) are positioned (but also at a height that does not inhibit opening of vehicle doors, etc). Resilient spaced-apart members 220 and 230 (made of rubber or the like) are provided for use in securing the jack (J) or other object onto the object receiving portion 140. During use, the vehicle jack (J) is positioned in between the spaced members 220 and 230 and then the winged nuts 273 are tightened. As a result of the tightening of the winged nuts 273, a cover plate 240, through which the bolts 272 extend and against which the winged nuts 273 engage, is pushed against spaced member 220. The gap between spaced members 220 and 230 gradually reduces and the jack assembly becomes securely held in between the spaced-apart members 220 and 230. Figure 13 illustrates the spaced members 220, 230 and cover plate 240 without an object being received onto the object receiving plate 140.

Turning to figures 14 to 16, the mounting device 1000 is shown for securing another elongate object namely a shovel (S) onto crossbars (C). The rounded handle portion of the shovel (S) is fastened onto the object receiving portion 140 of the mounting device 1000 by being positioned in between spaced members 220 and 230 and by subsequently tightening the fasteners 272.

Turning to Figures 17 to 19, the mounting device 1000 is shown for securing multiple elongate objects such as fishing rods F1 and F2. The fishing rods F1 and F2 are positioned in between spaced members 220 and 230 and subsequently the fasteners 272 may be tightened to secure the fishing rods F1 and F2 onto the object receiving portion 140. A number of mounting devices 1000 may be used in tandem in a mounting system for mounting fishing rods F1 and F2 onto a plurality of crossbars C4 and C5.

It is envisioned that the mounting devices 100 or 1000 may be designed to minimize manufacturing costs and complexity. For example, the mounting device 100 may be manufactured by an injection moulding process whereby the device has a two-part (or two-piece) configuration. For example the connecting arm 130, the object receiving plate 140 and the first clamping portion 122 may be moulded as a unitary body and the second clamping portion 124 may be moulded as another unitary body.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (19)

1. A mounting apparatus for mounting an object relative to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a clamping mechanism operable to grasp and clamp onto the outside of a vehicle roof rack or roof bar; an object receiving portion positioned relative to the clamping mechanism, said object receiving portion operable to allow an object to be fastened thereto; and a connecting portion connecting the clamping mechanism and the object receiving portion and configured such that, when the clamping mechanism is clamped to a roof rack or roof bar on a vehicle, the object receiving portion is positioned laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle.

2. A mounting apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the clamping mechanism is operable in an open and closed position such that in the open position at least a part of the roof rack or roof bar can be received by or removed from the clamping mechanism and in the closed position the roof rack or roof bar is prevented from being received by or removed from the clamping mechanism.

3. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion for receiving and clamping the roof rack or roof bar.

4. A mounting apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first and second clamping portions are configured to be fastened to each other, and fastening the clamping portions to each other prevents the roof rack or roof bar from being received by or removed from the clamping mechanism.

5. A mounting apparatus in accordance with claim 3 or claim 4 wherein first and second clamping portions comprise an inter-locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the first and second clamping portions.

6. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 4 or 5 wherein the clamping mechanism further comprises: a projection extending outwardly from an inner face of one of said first or second clamping portions; and a projection contacting portion provided on an inner face of the other of said first or second clamping portions wherein fastening the first and second clamping portions results in the projection abutting the projection contacting portion and subsequent fastening results in the inner faces of the clamping portions moving towards each other but without relative movement between the projection and the projection contacting portion such that the first and second clamping portions press more firmly against the outside of the roof rack or roof bar.

7. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the clamping mechanism includes a recess for receiving a part of the roof rack or roof bar therein during use.

8. A mounting apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein said recess comprises a concave inner surface configured to at least partially encompass the roof rack or roof bar during use.

9. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a top outer surface that is configured such that the top outer surface of the one or more clamping portions does not extend above or beyond a top outer surface of the roof rack or roof bar.

10. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the clamping mechanism comprises two clamping portions forming a clamping jaw, one of the two clamping portions forms a stationary clamping portion and the other of the two clamping portions forms relatively a movable clamping portion, and a jaw actuation means is provided for positioning the relatively movable clamping portion to prevent the roof rack or roof bar from being received or removed from the clamping mechanism.

11. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more spacers for being positioned in between said one or more clamping portions and the roof rack or roof bars during use for preventing direct contact between the clamping portions and an outer surface of the cross bar.

12. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein, when the clamping mechanism is clamped to the roof rack or roof bar on the vehicle, the connecting portion extends laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle.

13. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portion has a curved configuration such that during use the connecting portion curves downwardly relative to the roof rack or roof bar thereby positioning the object receiving portion at or below an in use vertical height of the clamping portion.

14. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the object receiving portion further comprises fastening means for fastening object on the object receiving portion.

15. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the object receiving portion comprises a supporting projection for supporting object received on the object receiving portion.

16. A mounting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the object receiving portion comprises an object receiving surface that lies in an imaginary plane which is substantially transverse relative to the imaginary plane of the roof of the vehicle.

17. A mounting apparatus for mounting an awning or other substantially elongate object relative to a roof of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a clamping mechanism operable to clamp and grasp onto the outside of a roof rack or roof bar positioned on a roof of the vehicle; and an object receiving portion positioned relative to the clamping mechanism wherein the receiving portion is configured for receiving and securing at least a part of the awning or other elongate object such that the secured object is positioned laterally and outwardly relative to the roof of the vehicle.

18 A mounting device for mounting an awning assembly on a vehicle, the device comprising: a clamping mechanism operable to clamp and grasp onto the outside of a roof rack or roof bar positioned on a roof of the vehicle; an awning receiving portion positioned relative to the clamping mechanism, said receiving portion being adapted for receiving and fastening at least a part of the awning assembly.

19. A mounting system comprising one or more of the mounting apparatus or mounting devices in accordance with any one of the preceding claims for mounting one or more objects relative to a roof of a vehicle.