US20220281388A1 - Roof rail assembly for a vehicle - Google Patents
Roof rail assembly for a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220281388A1 US20220281388A1 US17/191,794 US202117191794A US2022281388A1 US 20220281388 A1 US20220281388 A1 US 20220281388A1 US 202117191794 A US202117191794 A US 202117191794A US 2022281388 A1 US2022281388 A1 US 2022281388A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- channel
- fastener
- rail assembly
- roof rail
- portions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/04—Carriers associated with vehicle roof
- B60R9/052—Carriers comprising elongate members extending only transversely of vehicle
Definitions
- roof rail assembly for a vehicle is described and depicted.
- the roof rail assembly may be used as a roof mounted ladder rack.
- a rack or rails maybe locate on the roof of the vehicle to receive the items thereon.
- the rack/rails can function to keep the transported items off of the vehicle finish and the rack/rails can provide a securing structure for the items.
- a vehicle roof assembly In view of at least the above-mentioned disadvantages associated with the prior art, it would be advantageous for a vehicle roof assembly to be simple and lightweight so that it was inexpensive, as well as easy to assemble, install and use, and to minimize the number of potential failure modes.
- a vehicle roof rail assembly may have a rail with an upper channel, a first channel vertically below the upper channel and a second channel vertically below the first channel.
- the assembly may also have a mounting portion having a channel portion adapted to be selectively located at least partially within the second channel and for selective sliding movement within the second channel.
- the mounting portion may also have a foot portion connected to the channel portion, where a base portion of the foot portion is adapted to selectively pivot.
- longitudinal centerlines of the upper, first and second channels may be laterally aligned with one another.
- the upper channel may have a base, first and second sub-channels extending along either side of the base, and first and second side channel walls, where the side channel walls at least partially laterally overlap the sub-channels.
- the upper channel, the first channel and the second channel extend continuously along the longitudinal length of the rail.
- first channel may be connected to the second channel by a fastener channel that extends at least partially along the longitudinal length of the rail.
- the fastener channel may have a narrower width than the first channel and the first channel has a narrower width than the second channel.
- first and second side walls may connect with first and second rail walls, respectively, where the first and second side walls and the first and second rails walls enclose respective hollow volumes.
- first and second fastener grooves may extend at least partially along the longitudinal length of the rail.
- the fastener grooves may also be laterally offset beside the first channel.
- the rail may be extruded metal that is one piece, unitary and integrally formed.
- a trim piece may be located between the first and second channel walls, where the trim piece may at least partially laterally and longitudinally cover and enclose the upper channel.
- At least one fastener having a head portion and a shank portion, may selectively connect the rail with the mounting portion.
- the head portion may be adapted to be selectively slidably mounted within the first channel, and said shank portion may be selectively slidably mounted within the fastener channel and selectively mounted in the mounting portion.
- the foot portion may extend at an obtuse angle to the channel portion.
- a base fastener may extend through the foot portion and the base to selectively connect the base to the foot portion.
- a stop member may have an attachment end and an upright end.
- the attachment end may be selectively and slidably attached to the first channel via at least one fastener having a head that extends into said channel and a shank that extends through said fastener channel.
- a roof rail assembly may have a rail, an upper channel, a first channel and a second channel stacked on one another.
- the assembly may also have first and second rail walls that each extend along the height of at least the upper and first channels.
- the assembly may also have a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion.
- Each mounting portion may have a channel portion adapted to be selectively slidably received within the second channel.
- Each mounting portion may have a base portion adapted to be secured to a vehicle.
- first and second fastener grooves may be located between the first channel and the first and second rail walls.
- the upper channel may have a width approximately equal to a width of the second channel.
- the upper channel may be partially enclosed by a base, first and second sub-channels, and first and second side channel walls, where the first and second side channel walls may define between them a substantially constant width gap.
- the first channel may be located vertically below the substantially constant width gap, extend co-axial therewith and be laterally bounded by first and second fastener grooves.
- first and second mounting portions may each have a foot portion where each foot portion may have two ribs separated by a gap, where the ribs of each respective foot portion may angle away from the channel portion to the base portion, where each of the base portions may be selectively pivotally attached to the ribs of the respective foot portions.
- a roof rail assembly may have a rail having a first channel, a fastener channel and a second channel.
- the channels may be vertically aligned with one another.
- the assembly may also have a stop member, a side member and a mounting portion.
- the stop member and the side member may each have attachment portions, and the mounting portion may have a channel portion.
- the attachment portions and the channel portion may be adapted for selective slidable movement in the second channel via fasteners located in the attachment portions, the channel portion and which extend through the second channel, the fastener channel and into the first channel.
- FIG. 1 schematically depicts one embodiment of a roof rail system on a vehicle
- FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a roof rail assembly of the system from FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 depicts a partial perspective view of the roof rail assembly from FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 depicts a partial side view of a portion of the roof rail assembly from FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 depicts an end view of the roof rail assembly from FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 depicts a lower perspective view of the roof rail assembly from FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 depicts an end view of the roof rail assembly from FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 8 depict an end view of a roof rail of the assembly from FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 9 depicts a partial perspective view of the roof rail assembly from FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 1 one embodiment of a roof rail system 10 for a vehicle 12 is schematically depicted.
- vehicle 12 in the figure is a cargo van type vehicle, but the system 10 may be used with other vehicles and it is not limited to cargo van type vehicles.
- the roof rail system 10 may have at least one roof rail assembly. As shown in the depicted embedment in FIG. 1 , first and second roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 are shown. While two roof rails assemblies 14 , 16 are shown in the embodiment, additional roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 may be used.
- the roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 of the system 10 may be for a ladder rack this is designed to accommodate one or more ladders thereon. While ladders are mentioned, the system 10 is not limited for use with only ladders.
- the roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 may extend across at least a portion of the roof 18 of the vehicle 12 . In some embodiments, like that shown in FIG. 1 , the roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 may extend across the majority of the width of the vehicle roof 18 , although dimensions may vary to accommodate different vehicles. In this orientation, the roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 may be located perpendicular to the primary vehicle direction.
- the roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 may be spaced apart from one another along the roof 18 .
- the first roof rail assembly 14 may be located toward a front portion 20 of the vehicle 12 and the second roof rail assembly 16 may be located toward a rear portion of the vehicle 12 .
- a predetermined distance may separate the first and second roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 .
- the roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 may be located along the sides 24 of the roof 18 of the vehicle 12 . In other words, the roof rail assemblies 14 , 16 may extend along, or be parallel with, the primary direction of vehicle 12 travel.
- FIG. 2 one embodiment of a one roof rail assembly 14 from the system 10 is schematically depicted.
- the roof rail assembly 14 in FIG. 2 may be such as the first roof rail assembly 14 .
- the following is a description of the first roof rail assembly 14 , which may apply in whole or in part of the second roof rail assembly 16 .
- the first roof rail assembly 14 may be comprised of a rail 28 and a first mounting portion 30 .
- the roof rail assembly 14 may have first and second mounting portions 30 , 32 .
- FIG. 2 also depicts one embodiment of a stop member 34 connected to the rail 28 .
- the stop member 34 may be part of the roof rail assembly 14 or separate therefrom.
- the stop member 34 generally extends transverse the primary direction of the rail 28 .
- the stop member 34 may extend above the rail 28 .
- the stop member 34 may have a height that is approximately 2-5 times the height, or vertical thickness, of the rail 28 .
- the stop member 34 may have an upright portion 36 and an attachment portion 38 .
- the attachment portion 38 may connect with the rail 28 , as described below.
- the upright portion 36 may be adapted to prevent items located on the rail 28 from sliding off the rail 28 .
- the upright portion 36 may selectively engage with a ladder rail or ladder rung to prevent the ladder from sliding off the rail 28 .
- FIG. 2 depicts two stop members 34 connected to the rail 28 but a fewer number or greater number may be used.
- FIG. 1 only shows stop members 34 on the first rail assembly 14 but it is permissible to locate stop members 34 on the second rail assembly 16 as well for functioning in a similar manner for a similar purpose.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 also depict one embodiment of first and second side members 40 , 42 connected to the rail 28 .
- the first and second side members 40 , 42 may be part of the roof rail assembly 14 or separate therefrom.
- the side members 40 , 42 may each have an upright portion 44 and an attachment portion 46 .
- the attachment portion 46 may connect with the rail 28 , as described below.
- the upright portion 44 may be adapted to prevent items located on the rail 28 from sliding off the rail 28 .
- the upright portion 44 may selectively engage with a ladder rail or ladder rung to prevent the ladder from sliding off the rail 28 .
- the upright portions 44 generally extend transverse the primary direction of the rail 28 . In some embodiments, the upright portions 44 may extend above the rail 28 . In other embodiments, the upright portions 44 may have a height that is approximately 2-5 times the height, or vertical thickness, of the rail 28 .
- a contact surface 48 of the upright portion 44 of the side member 40 may be primarily oriented generally along the width of the rail 28 . This may be contrasted with a contact surface 50 of the upright portion 36 for the stop member 34 which may be primarily oriented along the length of the rail 28 .
- the two contact surfaces 48 , 50 maybe oriented transverse one another.
- the rail 28 may be such as an extruded metal rail.
- the rail 28 may be unitary, one-piece and integrally formed. If constructed of metal, the rail 28 may be such as aluminum or an alloy of aluminum, but other metals are permissible. Further, the rail 28 may also be constructed of non-metallic materials, such as plastic, fiberglass or composite materials.
- An upper channel 52 may be located in an upper portion 54 of the rail 28 .
- the upper channel 52 may extend continuously along the upper portion 54 .
- the upper channel 52 may longitudinally extend from a first end 56 to a second end 58 of the rail 28 .
- the upper channel 52 may extend from the two ends 56 , 58 with substantially the same cross-sectional profile or shape.
- the upper channel 52 may be defined by a base 60 , which may be substantially planar in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.
- First and second sub-channels 62 , 64 may bound the lateral edges of the base 60 .
- the two sub-channels 62 , 64 may extend entirely along the longitudinal length of the base 60 .
- the sub-channels 62 , 64 may be coplanar with one another, but they may be below the plane of the base 60 .
- First and second side channel walls 66 , 68 may extend from the first and second sub-channels 62 , 64 respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second side channel walls 66 , 68 may extend transversely upwardly from the first and second sub-channels 62 , 64 . The first and second side channel walls 66 , 68 may extend continuously entirely along the longitudinal length of the first and second sub-channels 62 , 64 .
- the first and second side channels 66 , 68 may each have cantilevered portions 70 , 72 that extend at least partially over the respective sub-channels 62 , 64 .
- the cantilevered portions 70 , 72 may extend over the sub-channels 62 , 64 to the same lateral extent as one another.
- Each cantilevered portion 70 , 72 may have an inside surface 74 , 78 and an outer surface 76 80 located opposite the inside surface 74 , 78 .
- Each inside surface 74 , 78 may have a downwardly extending lip 82 , 84 at least partially extending along the inside surface 74 , 78 .
- the lips 82 , 84 extend continuously entirely along the longitudinal length of each inside surface 74 , 78 .
- the cantilevered portions 70 , 72 may define between them a constant width gap 86 .
- the gap 86 may extend entirely along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 .
- the upper channel 52 may be partially enclosed by the base 60 , the first and second sub-channels 62 , 64 , and the first and second side channel walls 66 , 68 .
- a trim piece 88 may be connected to the rail 28 ; the trim piece 88 may be part of the rail assembly 14 or be separate therefrom.
- One embodiment of the trim piece 88 may be seen in FIGS. 2, 5 and 9 , among others.
- the trim piece 88 may be selectively located in the gap 86 defined between the cantilevered portions 70 , 72 .
- the trim piece 88 may have a complementary shape to the cantilevered portions 70 , 72 , including the lips 82 , 84 on each of the portions 70 , 72 .
- the trim piece 88 may at least partially wrap around the cantilevered portions 70 , 72 and the lips 82 , 84 .
- the trim piece 88 may have complementary shaped channels 90 , 92 integrally formed therewith to receive the cantilevered portions 70 , 72 and the lips 82 , 84 therein.
- the channels 90 , 92 may contact and at least partially enclose both the inside surfaces 74 , 78 and the outer surfaces 76 , 80 of the cantilevered portions 70 , 72 .
- the trim piece 88 may be connected to the rail 28 .
- the trim piece 88 may be longitudinally slidable within the gap 86 .
- the trim piece 88 may have an upper surface 94 connected to the channels 90 , 92 where the upper surface 94 encloses the gap 86 .
- the upper surface 94 may have an arc-shape so that moisture flows off of the upper surface 94 and does not enter the gap 86 .
- the trim piece 88 may be one-piece, integrally formed and unitary.
- the trim piece 88 may be constructed of a polymeric material including plastic, rubber and compounds of similar performance.
- the rail 28 may also have first and second rails walls 96 , 98 .
- the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 may be connected to the first and second side channels walls 66 , 68 .
- the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 may each define a curvilinear shape so that both define respective partial hemispheres.
- the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 with the same cross-sectional shape.
- the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 may have portions that extend parallel with, but which are laterally offset by first and second interior volumes 100 , 102 , the first and second side channel walls 100 , 102 .
- the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 may have a height that extends from the tops of the first and second side channel walls 66 , 68 to below first and second channels in the rail 28 , which are described below.
- first and second fastener grooves 104 , 105 may be located, respectively.
- the fastener grooves 104 , 106 may be vertically below the first and second sub channels 62 , 64 , respectively.
- the depicted embodiment of the fastener grooves 104 , 106 may locate the fastener grooves 104 , 106 between the first channel (described below) and the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 .
- the first and second fastener grooves 104 , 106 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 with the same cross-section.
- the first and second fastener grooves 104 , 106 may have a C-shaped cross section that opens into the interior volumes 100 , 102 .
- the first and second fastener grooves 104 , 106 may have a lateral width that is equal to or less than a lateral width of the respective first and second sub-channels 62 , 64 .
- the rail 28 may have a first channel 108 .
- the first channel 108 may be located below, such as vertically below, the upper channel 52 .
- at least a portion of the first channel 108 may be vertically aligned with, such as generally coplanar with, the first and second fastener grooves 104 , 106 .
- the first channel 108 may be laterally bounded by the first and second fastener grooves 104 , 106 .
- the first channel 108 may have a lateral width that is equal to or less than the lateral width of the base 60 of the upper channel 52 .
- the first channel 108 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 with the same cross-section.
- a base portion 110 of the first channel 108 may be in communication with a fastener channel 112 .
- the fastener channel 112 may be centered in the base portion 110 of the first channel 108 .
- the fastener channel 112 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 with substantially the same cross-section.
- the fastener channel 112 may extend through the base portion 110 of the first channel 108 to a second channel 114 .
- the fastener channel 112 may have a lateral width that is less than the lateral width of the first channel 108 and the second channel 114 .
- the second channel 114 may be located vertically below the first channel 108 and be in communication with the first channel 108 through the fastener channel 112 .
- Longitudinal centerlines 116 , 118 , 120 of the first channel 108 , the fastener channel 122 , 124 and the second channel 114 may be laterally aligned with one another.
- Bottom portions 122 , 124 of the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 may define the second channel 114 .
- the second channel 114 may have a lateral width that is the same or that approximates the lateral width of the base 60 and first and second sub-channels 62 , 64 of the upper channel 52 .
- the vertical height of the second channel 114 may be approximately that of the fastener channel 114 . It may be that the first channel 108 has a greater vertical height compared with the fastener channel 112 or the second channel 114 .
- the second channel 114 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 with substantially the same cross-section.
- At least one fastener 128 may be located at least partially in the upper channel 52 , the first channel 108 and the second channel 114 .
- the fastener 128 may have a head portion 128 and a shank portion 130 .
- the head portion 128 may be located in the upper channel 52 while the shank portion 130 may be located in the first channel 108 and the second channel 114 .
- the head portion 128 may be wider than the fastener channel 112 , which prevents the fastener 128 from falling through the fastener channel 112 .
- the first channel 108 functions as a track along which the head portion 128 may selectively slide along and within.
- the fastener channel 112 functions as a track along which the shank portion 130 may selectively slide along and within.
- a mounting portion 30 which may be part of the roof rail assembly 14 or separate therefrom, is depicted.
- the mounting portion 30 may have a channel portion 132 and a foot portion 134 .
- the channel portion 132 may be adapted to be selectively located at least partially within the second channel 114 .
- the channel portion 132 may have a similar shape and size to the second channel 114 .
- the second channel 114 may have at least a partially rectangular cross-sectional shape.
- the channel portion 132 may also have a partially rectangular cross-sectional shape.
- the channel portion 132 may have a smaller lateral width compared to the second channel 114 so that the channel portion 132 may fit within the second channel 114 .
- the channel portion 132 may be located within the second channel 114 anywhere along the longitudinal length of the second channel 114 .
- the channel portion 132 may be selectively slid within the second channel 114 . In these cases, the channel portion 132 may extend in a parallel direction to the primary direction of the rail 28 .
- the fastener 128 may extend through an aperture 136 in the channel portion 132 .
- two fasteners 128 may be located through the channel portion 132 , the fastener channel 112 and the second channel 114 .
- Nuts 138 may be located on the shank portion 130 of the fasteners 128 extending through the channel portion 132 to secure the fasteners 128 , and thus the channel portions 132 , in place in a desired position along the second channel 114 and the rail 28 .
- the mounting portion 30 maybe unitary, integrally formed and one-piece with the channel portion 132 .
- the mounting portion 30 may extend at a downward angle with respect to the channel portion 132 .
- the mounting portion 30 may form an obtuse angle with the channel portion 132 .
- the mounting portion 30 may be comprised of two parallel sections of material 140 that are separated from one another by a gap 142 . In other embodiments, the mounting portion 30 may be a single piece.
- the foot portion 134 may also be comprised of a base portion 144 .
- the base portion 144 may be selectively pivotable with respect to the mounting portion 30 .
- a fastener 146 may extend through a fastener aperture 148 in a lower portion 150 of the foot portion 134 .
- the fastener 146 may also extend through two ears 152 extending from the base portion 144 .
- a nut 154 may be located on one end of the fastener 146 extending through one of the ears 152 .
- the nut 154 may be loosened, the base portion 144 pivoted at a desired angle with respect to the mounting portion 30 , and then the nut 154 may be tightened to secure the base portion 144 at the desired angle to the mounting portion 30 . In this way, the base portion 144 may be adjusted to match the pitch or angle of the roof 18 of the vehicle 12 .
- the base portion 144 may have fastener apertures 156 extending therethrough. Fasteners (not shown) maybe located through the aperture 156 and into the roof 18 , or a roof mounted structure, to secure the foot portion 134 , and thus, the rail 28 , thereto.
- the attachment portion 38 of the stop member 34 may have an upper and a lower portion 158 , 160 .
- the upper portion 158 may be connected to the upright portion 36 of the stop member 34 .
- the connection may be through mechanical fasteners 162 and/or welding.
- the lower portion 160 of the stop member 34 may have a complementary shape to the first or second rail wall 96 or 98 (depending on which side of the rail 28 the stop member 34 is located against).
- the lower portion 160 of the stop member 34 may also have a channel portion 164 .
- the channel portion 164 may have at least a partially rectangular cross section, which is best seen in FIG. 7 .
- the channel portion 164 preferably has a complementary shape to at least a portion second channel 114 .
- the channel portion 164 may be at least partially located within the second channel 114 .
- the channel portion 164 may be adapted to fit within the second channel 114 anywhere along the longitudinal length of the channel portion 164 .
- the channel portion 164 may have one or more fastener apertures 166 extending therethrough.
- a fastener 168 may be located in the aperture 166 .
- the fastener 168 may be the same or similar to the fastener 126 that secures the mounting portion 30 to the rail 28 .
- the fastener 168 may have a head portion 170 and a shank portion 172 .
- the head portion 170 may be located within the second channel 114 while the shank portion 172 may be located through the fastener channel 112 as well as the lower portion 160 of the stop member 34 .
- the head portion 170 of the fastener 168 may slide along and within the second channel 114 . This permits the stop member 34 to be located anywhere along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 .
- the side members 40 , 42 may be similarly adjusted.
- the attachment portion 46 of the side member 40 may have an upper and a lower portion 176 , 178 .
- the upper portion 176 may be connected to the upright portion 44 of the side member 40 .
- the connection may be through mechanical fasteners 180 and/or welding.
- the lower portion 178 of the side member 40 may have a complementary shape to the first or second rail wall 96 , 98 (depending on which side of the rail 28 the side member 40 is located against).
- the lower portion 178 of the side member 40 may also have a channel portion 182 .
- the channel portion 182 may have at least a partially rectangular cross section, which is best seen in FIG. 9 .
- the channel portion 182 preferably has a complementary shape to at least a portion second channel 114 .
- the channel portion 182 may be at least partially located within the second channel 114 .
- the channel portion 182 may be adapted to fit within the second channel 114 anywhere along the longitudinal length of the channel portion 182 .
- the channel portion 182 may have one or more fastener apertures 184 extending therethrough.
- a fastener 186 may be located in the aperture 184 .
- the fastener 186 may be the same or similar to the fastener 128 that secures the mounting portion 30 to the rail 28 .
- the fastener 186 may have a head portion 188 and a shank portion 190 .
- the head portion 188 may be located within the second channel 114 while the shank portion 190 may be located through the fastener channel 112 as well as the lower portion 178 of the side member 40 .
- the head portion 188 of the fastener 180 may slide along and within the second channel 114 . This permits the side member 40 to be located anywhere along the longitudinal length of the rail 28 .
- an end cap 194 may be located on each of the first end 56 and the second end 58 of the rail 28 .
- the end cap 194 may cover and enclose the longitudinal first and second ends 56 , 58 of the rail 28 .
- each end cap 194 may cover, enclose and terminate the longitudinal ends 56 , 58 of the upper channel 52 , the first channel 108 and the second channel 114 , as well as the first and second interior volumes 100 , 102 defined by the first and second rail walls 96 , 98 .
- Each end cap 194 may be selectively connected to the rail 28 .
- the end cap 194 may be secured to the rail 28 such as with mechanical fasteners 196 .
- two screws 196 may be located in two apertures 198 in each end cap 194 .
- the apertures 198 align with the fasteners grooves 104 , 106 in the rail 28 .
- the mechanical fasteners 196 extend through the apertures 198 in the end caps 194 where they seat within the fastener grooves 104 , 106 .
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle roof rail assembly may have a rail with an upper channel, a first channel below the upper channel and a second channel below the first channel. The assembly may also have a mounting portion with a channel portion adapted to be selectively located at least partially within the second channel and for selective sliding movement within the second channel. The mounting portion may also have a foot portion connected to the channel portion. A base portion of the foot portion may be adapted to selectively pivot.
Description
- One embodiment of a roof rail assembly for a vehicle is described and depicted. By way of example, the roof rail assembly may be used as a roof mounted ladder rack.
- It is well-known to locate items for storage or transport on the exterior of a vehicle. In some cases, the items may be located on the roof of the vehicle. In these cases, a rack or rails maybe locate on the roof of the vehicle to receive the items thereon. The rack/rails can function to keep the transported items off of the vehicle finish and the rack/rails can provide a securing structure for the items.
- Roof racks/rails in the prior art, however, have become complicated and their complicated nature drives up their manufacturing cost, which in turn drives up the cost to consumers. The complicated nature of the prior art racks can also provide additional failure modes. Further, the prior art racks have become heavy and unwieldy.
- In view of at least the above-mentioned disadvantages associated with the prior art, it would be advantageous for a vehicle roof assembly to be simple and lightweight so that it was inexpensive, as well as easy to assemble, install and use, and to minimize the number of potential failure modes.
- In one aspect, a vehicle roof rail assembly may have a rail with an upper channel, a first channel vertically below the upper channel and a second channel vertically below the first channel. The assembly may also have a mounting portion having a channel portion adapted to be selectively located at least partially within the second channel and for selective sliding movement within the second channel. The mounting portion may also have a foot portion connected to the channel portion, where a base portion of the foot portion is adapted to selectively pivot.
- In another aspect, longitudinal centerlines of the upper, first and second channels may be laterally aligned with one another.
- In another aspect, the upper channel may have a base, first and second sub-channels extending along either side of the base, and first and second side channel walls, where the side channel walls at least partially laterally overlap the sub-channels.
- In another aspect, the upper channel, the first channel and the second channel extend continuously along the longitudinal length of the rail.
- In another aspect, the first channel may be connected to the second channel by a fastener channel that extends at least partially along the longitudinal length of the rail.
- In another aspect, the fastener channel may have a narrower width than the first channel and the first channel has a narrower width than the second channel.
- In another aspect, the first and second side walls may connect with first and second rail walls, respectively, where the first and second side walls and the first and second rails walls enclose respective hollow volumes.
- In another aspect, the first and second fastener grooves may extend at least partially along the longitudinal length of the rail. The fastener grooves may also be laterally offset beside the first channel.
- In another aspect, the rail may be extruded metal that is one piece, unitary and integrally formed.
- In another aspect, a trim piece may be located between the first and second channel walls, where the trim piece may at least partially laterally and longitudinally cover and enclose the upper channel.
- In another aspect, at least one fastener, having a head portion and a shank portion, may selectively connect the rail with the mounting portion. The head portion may be adapted to be selectively slidably mounted within the first channel, and said shank portion may be selectively slidably mounted within the fastener channel and selectively mounted in the mounting portion.
- In another aspect, the foot portion may extend at an obtuse angle to the channel portion.
- In another aspect, a base fastener may extend through the foot portion and the base to selectively connect the base to the foot portion.
- In another aspect, a stop member may have an attachment end and an upright end. The attachment end may be selectively and slidably attached to the first channel via at least one fastener having a head that extends into said channel and a shank that extends through said fastener channel.
- In another aspect, a roof rail assembly may have a rail, an upper channel, a first channel and a second channel stacked on one another. The assembly may also have first and second rail walls that each extend along the height of at least the upper and first channels. The assembly may also have a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. Each mounting portion may have a channel portion adapted to be selectively slidably received within the second channel. Each mounting portion may have a base portion adapted to be secured to a vehicle.
- In another aspect, first and second fastener grooves may be located between the first channel and the first and second rail walls.
- In another aspect, the upper channel may have a width approximately equal to a width of the second channel.
- In another aspect, the upper channel may be partially enclosed by a base, first and second sub-channels, and first and second side channel walls, where the first and second side channel walls may define between them a substantially constant width gap.
- In another aspect, the first channel may be located vertically below the substantially constant width gap, extend co-axial therewith and be laterally bounded by first and second fastener grooves.
- In another aspect, the first and second mounting portions may each have a foot portion where each foot portion may have two ribs separated by a gap, where the ribs of each respective foot portion may angle away from the channel portion to the base portion, where each of the base portions may be selectively pivotally attached to the ribs of the respective foot portions.
- In another aspect, a roof rail assembly may have a rail having a first channel, a fastener channel and a second channel. The channels may be vertically aligned with one another. The assembly may also have a stop member, a side member and a mounting portion. The stop member and the side member may each have attachment portions, and the mounting portion may have a channel portion. The attachment portions and the channel portion may be adapted for selective slidable movement in the second channel via fasteners located in the attachment portions, the channel portion and which extend through the second channel, the fastener channel and into the first channel.
- The above, as well as other advantages, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 schematically depicts one embodiment of a roof rail system on a vehicle; -
FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a roof rail assembly of the system fromFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 depicts a partial perspective view of the roof rail assembly fromFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 depicts a partial side view of a portion of the roof rail assembly fromFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 depicts an end view of the roof rail assembly fromFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 depicts a lower perspective view of the roof rail assembly fromFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 depicts an end view of the roof rail assembly fromFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 depict an end view of a roof rail of the assembly fromFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 9 depicts a partial perspective view of the roof rail assembly fromFIG. 2 . - It is to be understood that the device described herein may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- Turning now to
FIG. 1 , one embodiment of aroof rail system 10 for avehicle 12 is schematically depicted. Thevehicle 12 in the figure is a cargo van type vehicle, but thesystem 10 may be used with other vehicles and it is not limited to cargo van type vehicles. - The
roof rail system 10 may have at least one roof rail assembly. As shown in the depicted embedment inFIG. 1 , first and secondroof rail assemblies roof rails assemblies roof rail assemblies - The
roof rail assemblies system 10 may be for a ladder rack this is designed to accommodate one or more ladders thereon. While ladders are mentioned, thesystem 10 is not limited for use with only ladders. - The
roof rail assemblies roof 18 of thevehicle 12. In some embodiments, like that shown inFIG. 1 , theroof rail assemblies vehicle roof 18, although dimensions may vary to accommodate different vehicles. In this orientation, theroof rail assemblies - The
roof rail assemblies roof 18. In one example, the firstroof rail assembly 14 may be located toward afront portion 20 of thevehicle 12 and the secondroof rail assembly 16 may be located toward a rear portion of thevehicle 12. A predetermined distance may separate the first and secondroof rail assemblies roof rail assemblies sides 24 of theroof 18 of thevehicle 12. In other words, theroof rail assemblies vehicle 12 travel. - Turning now to
FIG. 2 , one embodiment of a oneroof rail assembly 14 from thesystem 10 is schematically depicted. Theroof rail assembly 14 inFIG. 2 may be such as the firstroof rail assembly 14. The following is a description of the firstroof rail assembly 14, which may apply in whole or in part of the secondroof rail assembly 16. - The first
roof rail assembly 14 may be comprised of arail 28 and a first mountingportion 30. In some embodiments, such as depicted inFIG. 2 , theroof rail assembly 14 may have first and second mountingportions -
FIG. 2 also depicts one embodiment of astop member 34 connected to therail 28. Thestop member 34 may be part of theroof rail assembly 14 or separate therefrom. Thestop member 34 generally extends transverse the primary direction of therail 28. In some embodiments, thestop member 34 may extend above therail 28. In other embodiments, thestop member 34 may have a height that is approximately 2-5 times the height, or vertical thickness, of therail 28. - The
stop member 34 may have anupright portion 36 and anattachment portion 38. Theattachment portion 38 may connect with therail 28, as described below. Theupright portion 36 may be adapted to prevent items located on therail 28 from sliding off therail 28. In one embodiment, theupright portion 36 may selectively engage with a ladder rail or ladder rung to prevent the ladder from sliding off therail 28. -
FIG. 2 depicts twostop members 34 connected to therail 28 but a fewer number or greater number may be used.FIG. 1 only showsstop members 34 on thefirst rail assembly 14 but it is permissible to locatestop members 34 on thesecond rail assembly 16 as well for functioning in a similar manner for a similar purpose. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 also depict one embodiment of first andsecond side members rail 28. The first andsecond side members roof rail assembly 14 or separate therefrom. - The
side members upright portion 44 and anattachment portion 46. Theattachment portion 46 may connect with therail 28, as described below. Theupright portion 44 may be adapted to prevent items located on therail 28 from sliding off therail 28. In one embodiment, theupright portion 44 may selectively engage with a ladder rail or ladder rung to prevent the ladder from sliding off therail 28. - The
upright portions 44 generally extend transverse the primary direction of therail 28. In some embodiments, theupright portions 44 may extend above therail 28. In other embodiments, theupright portions 44 may have a height that is approximately 2-5 times the height, or vertical thickness, of therail 28. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 and nowFIG. 3 , acontact surface 48 of theupright portion 44 of theside member 40 may be primarily oriented generally along the width of therail 28. This may be contrasted with acontact surface 50 of theupright portion 36 for thestop member 34 which may be primarily oriented along the length of therail 28. Thus, the twocontact surfaces - The
rail 28 may be such as an extruded metal rail. In the extruded embodiment, therail 28 may be unitary, one-piece and integrally formed. If constructed of metal, therail 28 may be such as aluminum or an alloy of aluminum, but other metals are permissible. Further, therail 28 may also be constructed of non-metallic materials, such as plastic, fiberglass or composite materials. - An
upper channel 52 may be located in anupper portion 54 of therail 28. Theupper channel 52 may extend continuously along theupper portion 54. In some embodiments, theupper channel 52 may longitudinally extend from afirst end 56 to asecond end 58 of therail 28. Theupper channel 52 may extend from the two ends 56, 58 with substantially the same cross-sectional profile or shape. - The
upper channel 52 may be defined by abase 60, which may be substantially planar in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. First andsecond sub-channels base 60. The two sub-channels 62, 64 may extend entirely along the longitudinal length of thebase 60. The sub-channels 62, 64 may be coplanar with one another, but they may be below the plane of thebase 60. - First and second
side channel walls second sub-channels side channel walls second sub-channels side channel walls second sub-channels - The first and
second side channels portions respective sub-channels cantilevered portions portion inside surface outer surface 76 80 located opposite theinside surface inside surface lip inside surface lips inside surface - In some embodiments, the cantilevered
portions constant width gap 86. Thegap 86 may extend entirely along the longitudinal length of therail 28. - It may be appreciated from the above that in some embodiments, the
upper channel 52 may be partially enclosed by thebase 60, the first andsecond sub-channels side channel walls - A
trim piece 88 may be connected to therail 28; thetrim piece 88 may be part of therail assembly 14 or be separate therefrom. One embodiment of thetrim piece 88 may be seen inFIGS. 2, 5 and 9 , among others. Thetrim piece 88 may be selectively located in thegap 86 defined between thecantilevered portions trim piece 88 may have a complementary shape to the cantileveredportions lips portions - In some embodiments, the
trim piece 88 may at least partially wrap around the cantileveredportions lips trim piece 88 may have complementary shapedchannels portions lips - In these embodiments, the
channels outer surfaces portions trim piece 88 may be connected to therail 28. In some embodiments, thetrim piece 88 may be longitudinally slidable within thegap 86. - The
trim piece 88 may have anupper surface 94 connected to thechannels upper surface 94 encloses thegap 86. Theupper surface 94 may have an arc-shape so that moisture flows off of theupper surface 94 and does not enter thegap 86. - The
trim piece 88 may be one-piece, integrally formed and unitary. Thetrim piece 88 may be constructed of a polymeric material including plastic, rubber and compounds of similar performance. - The
rail 28 may also have first andsecond rails walls second rail walls side channels walls second rail walls - The first and
second rail walls rail 28 with the same cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the first andsecond rail walls interior volumes side channel walls second rail walls side channel walls rail 28, which are described below. - Within the first and second
interior volumes second fastener grooves 104, 105 may be located, respectively. In some embodiments, thefastener grooves second sub channels fastener grooves fastener grooves second rail walls - The first and
second fastener grooves rail 28 with the same cross-section. In one embodiment, the first andsecond fastener grooves interior volumes second fastener grooves second sub-channels - The
rail 28 may have afirst channel 108. Thefirst channel 108 may be located below, such as vertically below, theupper channel 52. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thefirst channel 108 may be vertically aligned with, such as generally coplanar with, the first andsecond fastener grooves first channel 108 may be laterally bounded by the first andsecond fastener grooves first channel 108 may have a lateral width that is equal to or less than the lateral width of thebase 60 of theupper channel 52. Thefirst channel 108 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of therail 28 with the same cross-section. - A
base portion 110 of thefirst channel 108 may be in communication with afastener channel 112. In some embodiments, thefastener channel 112 may be centered in thebase portion 110 of thefirst channel 108. Thefastener channel 112 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of therail 28 with substantially the same cross-section. Thefastener channel 112 may extend through thebase portion 110 of thefirst channel 108 to asecond channel 114. In some embodiments, thefastener channel 112 may have a lateral width that is less than the lateral width of thefirst channel 108 and thesecond channel 114. - The
second channel 114 may be located vertically below thefirst channel 108 and be in communication with thefirst channel 108 through thefastener channel 112.Longitudinal centerlines first channel 108, thefastener channel second channel 114 may be laterally aligned with one another.Bottom portions second rail walls second channel 114. - The
second channel 114 may have a lateral width that is the same or that approximates the lateral width of thebase 60 and first andsecond sub-channels upper channel 52. In some embodiments, the vertical height of thesecond channel 114 may be approximately that of thefastener channel 114. It may be that thefirst channel 108 has a greater vertical height compared with thefastener channel 112 or thesecond channel 114. Thesecond channel 114 may extend substantially continuously along the longitudinal length of therail 28 with substantially the same cross-section. - At least one
fastener 128 may be located at least partially in theupper channel 52, thefirst channel 108 and thesecond channel 114. In some embodiments, thefastener 128 may have ahead portion 128 and ashank portion 130. Thehead portion 128 may be located in theupper channel 52 while theshank portion 130 may be located in thefirst channel 108 and thesecond channel 114. Thehead portion 128 may be wider than thefastener channel 112, which prevents thefastener 128 from falling through thefastener channel 112. Instead, thefirst channel 108 functions as a track along which thehead portion 128 may selectively slide along and within. Similarly, thefastener channel 112 functions as a track along which theshank portion 130 may selectively slide along and within. - Turning now to
FIG. 3-6 , but not excluding the others, one embodiment of a mountingportion 30, which may be part of theroof rail assembly 14 or separate therefrom, is depicted. In some embodiments, the mountingportion 30 may have achannel portion 132 and afoot portion 134. - The
channel portion 132 may be adapted to be selectively located at least partially within thesecond channel 114. In this regard, thechannel portion 132 may have a similar shape and size to thesecond channel 114. In one embodiment, thesecond channel 114 may have at least a partially rectangular cross-sectional shape. Thechannel portion 132 may also have a partially rectangular cross-sectional shape. Thechannel portion 132 may have a smaller lateral width compared to thesecond channel 114 so that thechannel portion 132 may fit within thesecond channel 114. Further, thechannel portion 132 may be located within thesecond channel 114 anywhere along the longitudinal length of thesecond channel 114. In some embodiments, thechannel portion 132 may be selectively slid within thesecond channel 114. In these cases, thechannel portion 132 may extend in a parallel direction to the primary direction of therail 28. - The
fastener 128 may extend through an aperture 136 in thechannel portion 132. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, twofasteners 128 may be located through thechannel portion 132, thefastener channel 112 and thesecond channel 114.Nuts 138 may be located on theshank portion 130 of thefasteners 128 extending through thechannel portion 132 to secure thefasteners 128, and thus thechannel portions 132, in place in a desired position along thesecond channel 114 and therail 28. - In some embodiments, the mounting
portion 30 maybe unitary, integrally formed and one-piece with thechannel portion 132. The mountingportion 30 may extend at a downward angle with respect to thechannel portion 132. In some embodiments, the mountingportion 30 may form an obtuse angle with thechannel portion 132. - The mounting
portion 30 may be comprised of two parallel sections ofmaterial 140 that are separated from one another by agap 142. In other embodiments, the mountingportion 30 may be a single piece. - The
foot portion 134 may also be comprised of abase portion 144. Thebase portion 144 may be selectively pivotable with respect to the mountingportion 30. As may be seen in at leastFIGS. 3-7 , afastener 146 may extend through a fastener aperture 148 in alower portion 150 of thefoot portion 134. Thefastener 146 may also extend through twoears 152 extending from thebase portion 144. Anut 154 may be located on one end of thefastener 146 extending through one of theears 152. Thenut 154 may be loosened, thebase portion 144 pivoted at a desired angle with respect to the mountingportion 30, and then thenut 154 may be tightened to secure thebase portion 144 at the desired angle to the mountingportion 30. In this way, thebase portion 144 may be adjusted to match the pitch or angle of theroof 18 of thevehicle 12. - The
base portion 144 may havefastener apertures 156 extending therethrough. Fasteners (not shown) maybe located through theaperture 156 and into theroof 18, or a roof mounted structure, to secure thefoot portion 134, and thus, therail 28, thereto. - Looking now at least at
FIGS. 3 and 7 , one embodiment of a connection between onestop member 34 and therail 28 is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, theattachment portion 38 of thestop member 34 may have an upper and alower portion upper portion 158 may be connected to theupright portion 36 of thestop member 34. The connection may be throughmechanical fasteners 162 and/or welding. Thelower portion 160 of thestop member 34 may have a complementary shape to the first orsecond rail wall 96 or 98 (depending on which side of therail 28 thestop member 34 is located against). Thelower portion 160 of thestop member 34 may also have achannel portion 164. Thechannel portion 164 may have at least a partially rectangular cross section, which is best seen inFIG. 7 . Thechannel portion 164 preferably has a complementary shape to at least a portionsecond channel 114. In some embodiments, thechannel portion 164 may be at least partially located within thesecond channel 114. Thechannel portion 164 may be adapted to fit within thesecond channel 114 anywhere along the longitudinal length of thechannel portion 164. - The
channel portion 164 may have one ormore fastener apertures 166 extending therethrough. Afastener 168 may be located in theaperture 166. Thefastener 168 may be the same or similar to the fastener 126 that secures the mountingportion 30 to therail 28. Thus, thefastener 168 may have ahead portion 170 and a shank portion 172. Thehead portion 170 may be located within thesecond channel 114 while the shank portion 172 may be located through thefastener channel 112 as well as thelower portion 160 of thestop member 34. Until anut 174 is located on thefastener 168 and tightened against thelower portion 160, thehead portion 170 of thefastener 168 may slide along and within thesecond channel 114. This permits thestop member 34 to be located anywhere along the longitudinal length of therail 28. - As can be appreciated from
FIGS. 3 and 9 , theside members attachment portion 46 of theside member 40 may have an upper and alower portion upper portion 176 may be connected to theupright portion 44 of theside member 40. The connection may be throughmechanical fasteners 180 and/or welding. Thelower portion 178 of theside member 40 may have a complementary shape to the first orsecond rail wall 96, 98 (depending on which side of therail 28 theside member 40 is located against). Thelower portion 178 of theside member 40 may also have achannel portion 182. Thechannel portion 182 may have at least a partially rectangular cross section, which is best seen inFIG. 9 . Thechannel portion 182 preferably has a complementary shape to at least a portionsecond channel 114. In some embodiments, thechannel portion 182 may be at least partially located within thesecond channel 114. Thechannel portion 182 may be adapted to fit within thesecond channel 114 anywhere along the longitudinal length of thechannel portion 182. - The
channel portion 182 may have one ormore fastener apertures 184 extending therethrough. Afastener 186 may be located in theaperture 184. Thefastener 186 may be the same or similar to thefastener 128 that secures the mountingportion 30 to therail 28. Thus, thefastener 186 may have ahead portion 188 and ashank portion 190. Thehead portion 188 may be located within thesecond channel 114 while theshank portion 190 may be located through thefastener channel 112 as well as thelower portion 178 of theside member 40. Until anut 192 is located on thefastener 186 and tightened against thelower portion 178, thehead portion 188 of thefastener 180 may slide along and within thesecond channel 114. This permits theside member 40 to be located anywhere along the longitudinal length of therail 28. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 3 and 9 , one embodiment of anend cap 194 is schematically depicted. Anend cap 194 may be located on each of thefirst end 56 and thesecond end 58 of therail 28. Theend cap 194 may cover and enclose the longitudinal first and second ends 56, 58 of therail 28. In other words, eachend cap 194 may cover, enclose and terminate the longitudinal ends 56, 58 of theupper channel 52, thefirst channel 108 and thesecond channel 114, as well as the first and secondinterior volumes second rail walls - Each
end cap 194 may be selectively connected to therail 28. In one embodiment, shown inFIGS. 3 and 9 , theend cap 194 may be secured to therail 28 such as withmechanical fasteners 196. In the depicted embodiment, twoscrews 196 may be located in twoapertures 198 in eachend cap 194. When anend cap 194 is located on anend rail 28, theapertures 198 align with thefasteners grooves rail 28. Themechanical fasteners 196 extend through theapertures 198 in the end caps 194 where they seat within thefastener grooves - In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (21)
1. A vehicle roof rail assembly, comprising:
a rail having an upper channel, a first channel vertically below the upper channel and a second channel vertically below the first channel;
a mounting portion having a channel portion adapted to be selectively located at least partially within said second channel and for selective sliding movement within the second channel, said mounting portion also having a foot portion connected to said channel portion, wherein a base portion of said foot portion is adapted to selectively pivot;
wherein first and second fastener grooves have C-shaped cross-sections that extend at least partially along the longitudinal length of the rail, said fastener grooves being laterally offset beside the first channel.
2. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein longitudinal centerlines of said upper, first and second channels are laterally aligned with one another.
3. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein said upper channel has a base, first and second sub-channels extending along either side of the base, and first and second side channel walls, wherein said side channel walls at least partially laterally overlap said sub-channels.
4. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein said upper channel, said first channel and said second channel extend continuously along the longitudinal length of said rail.
5. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein said first channel is connected to said second channel by a fastener channel that extends at least partially along the longitudinal length of the rail.
6. The roof rail assembly of claim 5 , wherein said fastener channel has a narrower width than said first channel and said first channel has a narrower width than said second channel.
7. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein first and second side walls connect with first and second rail walls, respectively, wherein said first and second side walls and said first and second rails walls enclose respective hollow volumes.
8. (canceled)
9. The roof rail assembly of claim 3 , wherein a trim piece is located between said first and second channel walls and at least partially laterally and longitudinally covers and encloses said upper channel.
10. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one fastener, comprising a head portion and a shank portion, selectively connects said rail with said mounting portion, wherein said head portion is adapted to be selectively slidably mounted within said first channel, and said shank portion is selectively slidably mounted within said fastener channel and selectively mounted in said mounting portion.
11. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein said foot portion extends at an obtuse angle to said channel portion.
12. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , wherein a base fastener extends through said foot portion and said base portion to selectively connect said base to said foot portion.
13. The roof rail assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a stop member having an attachment end and an upright end, wherein said attachment end is selectively and slidably attached to said first channel via at least one fastener having a head that extends into said channel and a shank that extends through said fastener channel.
14. A roof rail assembly, comprising:
a rail, comprising:
an upper channel, a first channel and a second channel stacked on one another;
first and second rail walls that each extend along the height of at least the upper and first channels;
a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, wherein each mounting portion has a channel portion adapted to be selectively slidably received within the second channel, and wherein each mounting portion has a base portion connected to the channel portion via two parallel, spaced apart plates adapted to be secured to a vehicle; and
a stop member and a side member each having attachment portions comprised of plates at least partially wrapped around the first and second channels, said attachment portion plates having portions oriented transverse said plates of said mounting portions,
wherein said attachment portions and said channel portion are adapted for selective slidable movement with respect to said second channel via fasteners located in said attachment portions and said channel portion and which extend through said second channel and into said first channel through a fastener channel connecting the first and second channels,
wherein said attachment portions each have channel portions, wherein said channel portions of said attachment portions and said mounting portions each have upper portions with polygonal shapes complementary in shape to said second channel, wherein said upper portions are coplanar with one another and at least partially reside within the second channel.
15. The roof rail assembly of claim 14 , wherein first and second fastener grooves are located between said first channel and said first and second rail walls.
16. The roof rail assembly of claim 14 , wherein said upper channel has a width equal to a width of at least a portion said second channel.
17. The roof rail assembly of claim 14 , wherein said upper channel is partially enclosed by a base, first and second sub-channels, and first and second side channel walls, wherein said first and second side channel walls define between them a substantially constant width gap.
18. The roof rail assembly of claim 17 , wherein said first channel is located vertically below the substantially constant width gap, extends co-axial therewith and is laterally bounded by first and second fastener grooves.
19. The roof rail assembly of claim 14 , wherein said first and second mounting portions each have a foot portion where each foot portion is comprised of said two plates separated by a gap, wherein said plates of each respective foot portion angle away from the channel portion to the base portion, wherein each of said base portions are selectively pivotally attached to said plates of the respective foot portions.
20. A roof rail assembly, comprising:
a rail having a first channel, a fastener channel and a second channel, wherein said channels are vertically aligned with one another; and
a stop member, a side member and a mounting portion, wherein said stop member and said side member each have attachment portions, and said mounting portion has a channel portion, wherein said attachment portions and said channel portion are adapted for selective slidable movement in said second channel via fasteners located in said attachment portions and said channel portion and which extend through said second channel, said fastener channel and into said first channel;
wherein said attachment portions are J-shaped with a substantially vertical leg and a substantially horizontal leg, wherein said substantially horizontal leg at least partially comprises said channel portion, said channel portion having an upper portion with a complementary polygonal shape to said second channel and which at least partially resides within the second channel, wherein said substantially horizontal leg transitions to said substantially vertical leg through a curved transition portion so that said J-shaped attachment portions have a complementary shape to a curved outer rail side wall.
21. The roof rail assembly of claim 20 , wherein said attachment portions of said stop member and said side member have the same shape and size.
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US17/191,794 US11453343B1 (en) | 2021-03-04 | 2021-03-04 | Roof rail assembly for a vehicle |
CA3117631A CA3117631C (en) | 2021-03-04 | 2021-05-07 | A roof rail assembly for a vehicle |
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US17/191,794 US11453343B1 (en) | 2021-03-04 | 2021-03-04 | Roof rail assembly for a vehicle |
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US11897568B2 (en) * | 2020-02-24 | 2024-02-13 | Kimpex Inc. | Accessory mounting system for a vehicle and method for using the same |
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US11453343B1 (en) | 2022-09-27 |
CA3117631C (en) | 2023-05-09 |
CA3117631A1 (en) | 2022-09-04 |
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