WO2012154063A2 - Coffre de toit - Google Patents

Coffre de toit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012154063A2
WO2012154063A2 PCT/NZ2012/000058 NZ2012000058W WO2012154063A2 WO 2012154063 A2 WO2012154063 A2 WO 2012154063A2 NZ 2012000058 W NZ2012000058 W NZ 2012000058W WO 2012154063 A2 WO2012154063 A2 WO 2012154063A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
section
strut
arm
roof box
receiver
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2012/000058
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012154063A3 (fr
Inventor
Nicholas Paul David JONES
Peter Douglas Hubbard
Original Assignee
Hubco Automotive Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hubco Automotive Limited filed Critical Hubco Automotive Limited
Publication of WO2012154063A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012154063A2/fr
Publication of WO2012154063A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012154063A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B60R9/055—Enclosure-type carriers, e.g. containers, boxes

Definitions

  • Described herein is a roof box. More specifically described is a roof box and strut incorporated therein.
  • Roof boxes are well known and commercialised worldwide. Roof boxes comprise a container mountable to a roof area of a vehicle and are adapted to store luggage, cargo and/or other objects (e.g. sporting equipment such as skis and snowboards). Typically, the roof box is made up of a bottom section for mounting to the roof area of a vehicle and a top section movable relative to the bottom section for opening and closing the roof box.
  • One feature common to many designs is double-sided opening, which allows access to the contents of the roof box from either side of the vehicle.
  • Roof boxes generally include struts to secure the top section in a fully open position. Some existing roof box struts serve the dual purpose of both holding the box top section open and closed. These types of struts generally include gas springs or spring-loaded hinge
  • top and base sections of the roof box are not easily removable from the top and base sections of the roof box.
  • the user does not have the option of using the base section independently as a rooftop tray.
  • the top section cannot be interchanged with an alternate top section of a smaller or larger size to suit various load sizes and shapes.
  • the user also does not have the option of separating the top and base sections for more convenient storage.
  • Existing roof box struts may also be unreliable in securing the top section in a fully opened position.
  • the top section of the roof box may slam shut, presenting a hazard to the user or potentially damaging the contents of the roof box or the roof box itself.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box that allows dual-sided opening yet secures the top section of a roof box in a fully open position and resists sudden closure of the top section in high wind or inclement weather.
  • the strut may be configured so that it is easily removable from both the top section and the base section, allowing the top section to be interchangeable, the base section to be used alone as a roof top storage tray or the top section and base section to be separated for ease of storage.
  • Removable struts may also facilitate shipping or storage of the top and bottom in an efficient nested configuration.
  • a strut is adapted to rotatably and releasably mount to the top section and/or base section of a roof box and to assist with both opening and closing of the top section.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box having a first section movable relative to a second section including two arms pivotably connected there between wherein:
  • the first arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box first section via a hemispherical spigot located on the roof box first section which communicates with a hemispherical spigot receiver located on the arm;
  • the second arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box second section via a compression clip located on the arm which communicates with a compression clip receiver located on the roof box second section.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box having a first section movable relative to a second section including two arms pivotably connected there between wherein at least one arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box section via a hemispherical spigot located on the roof box section which communicates with a hemispherical spigot receiver located on the arm.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box having a first section movable relative to a second section including two arms pivotably connected there between wherein at least one arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box section via a compression clip located on said arm which communicates with a compression clip receiver located on the roof box section.
  • a roof box including at least one strut substantially as described above.
  • car top carrier comprising: a box having opposing lateral sides, a first section, a second section, a front end, a rear end, and a floor located on the first or second section, the floor having an inner surface and an outer surface, the first and second sections being connected by a hinge mechanism along one of the lateral sides, and by a latch mechanism on the other lateral side of the box, a plurality of clamp devices mounted on the floor of the box configured to secure the box to a pair of crossbars on top of a vehicle, and
  • each strut having a first arm rotatably and releasably attached to the first section via a hemispherical spigot located on the roof box first section which communicates with a hemispherical spigot receiver located on the first arm, and a second arm pivotably connected to the first arm, the second arm being rotatably and releasably attached to the second section via a compression clip located on the second arm which communicates with a compression clip receiver located on the second section.
  • the design may be particularly advantageous in securing the top section in a fully open position and resisting sudden closure of the top section due to high wind or inclement weather.
  • the strut is easily removable from both the first section and the second section in a user action requiring the use of only one hand to remove the strut, allowing the second hand to stabilise the top section. Removal of the strut from the first and second sections allows the top section of the roof box to be interchangeable, the base section to be used alone as a roof top storage tray or the top section and base section to be separated for easier and more efficient storage, or shipping, for example, by nesting one section in the other section.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an assembled perspective view of one embodiment of the strut attached to a roof box top or first section and base or second section in a second open position;
  • Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the above embodiment of the strut with all sections of the roof box removed except for the top and base strut mount sections to show detail at the attachment points;
  • Figure 3 illustrates a detail perspective view of the first arm removed from the first strut mount
  • Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the second arm to show the compression clip
  • Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the strut with half of the arm housings and hinge housing removed to expose the over-centre bias means
  • Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the roof box with attached strut in a second open position to the left side of the vehicle.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the roof box with attached strut in a second open position to the right side of the vehicle.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box is described.
  • the strut is adapted to rotatably and releasably mount to the top section and/or base section of a roof box.
  • the roof box is made up of a bottom section for mounting to the roof area of a vehicle and a top section movable relative to the bottom section for opening and closing the roof box.
  • first closed position' refers to a configuration of the roof box in which the top and base sections are fully closed, making contact around the outer edges.
  • the term 'second open position' refers to a configuration of the roof box in which the top section is in a fully open position relative to the base.
  • the fully open position is defined as the maximum opening angle between the top section and the base. This opening angle is between 20 and 120 degrees, preferably approximately 60 to 90 degrees.
  • first section generally refers to the roof box top section although it should be appreciated that vice versa, the first section may also refer to the base section.
  • second section generally refers to the roof box base section although it should be appreciated that vice versa, the second section may also refer to the top section.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box having a first section movable relative to a second section including two arms pivotably connected there between wherein:
  • the first arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box first section via a hemispherical spigot located on the roof box first section which communicates with a hemispherical spigot receiver located on the arm;
  • the second arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box second section via a compression clip located on the arm which communicates with a compression clip receiver located on the roof box second section.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box having a first section movable relative to a second section including two arms pivotably connected there between wherein at least one arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box section via a hemispherical spigot located on the roof box section which communicates with a hemispherical spigot receiver located on the arm.
  • a strut for a vehicle mountable roof box having a first section movable relative to a second section including two arms pivotably connected there between wherein at least one arm rotatably and releasably attaches to a roof box section via a compression clip located on said arm which communicates with a compression clip receiver located on the roof box section.
  • the strut may include a bias means connecting the two arms in an over-centre configuration such that the bias means urges the strut to a second open position during opening and to a first closed position during closing.
  • the bias means may be contained within at least one housing on at least one of the arms, blocking the spring from external view.
  • the spring may be enclosed on all sides by the housing so that the over-centre spring assembly is entirely hidden from view.
  • the hemispherical spigot of the first arm includes a head, located at the distal end of the spigot, which retains the hemispherical spigot receiver when the first arm is attached to the roof box.
  • the head may be a mushroom shape.
  • the head may be a flat disk shape or include other features for the purpose of retaining the receiver on the spigot.
  • the head may act to constrain movement of the receiver about the spigot.
  • a hemispherical cam surface on the spigot may communicate with a corresponding cam surface on the receiver, allowing the strut to have a rotational range of motion in two directions that ensures smooth opening of the first or top section of the roof box.
  • the hemispherical spigot receiver may also include a notch that, when the arm is twisted towards the head, aligns to clear the head. This motion releases the receiver from the spigot thereby releasing the first arm from the roof box. If a force is applied in only the vertical direction, the arm may not be released from the spigot. This restriction on arm removal prevents the arm from detaching from the roof box accidentally due to forces on the top section from wind, inclement weather or contents of the roof box as they are loaded into the base.
  • the compression clip of the second arm may include an exposed distal end that may radially compress when in out of communication with the compression clip receiver.
  • the compression clip may be manufactured of a material with sufficient rigidity to return the clip to its
  • the compression clip may be of any radially compressible shape.
  • the compression clip may have a raised portion that nests into a corresponding groove in the compression clip receiver once the clip has been inserted into the receiver.
  • the compression clip may be retained within the receiver until an actuator is depressed, releasing the clip from the receiver.
  • the ridge and groove may be of any corresponding shape such that these features nest in a way that prevents the clip from sliding out of the receiver once it has been inserted.
  • the second arm may include an actuator that communicates with the compression clip and the compression clip receiver.
  • the actuator may be a spring-actuated button. When depressed, the spring-actuated button releases the raised portion of the compression clip from the groove in the compression clip receiver, allowing the clip to radially compress and release from the receiver.
  • the second arm may be released from the roof box second section.
  • the button may release the arm from the roof box by applying sufficient force to the compression clip receiver to push the clip out of the receiver. This is achieved by the distal end of the button contacting the compression clip receiver, using the contact surface as a push-off surface to assist with the removal of the strut arm.
  • the actuator may be an assembly such as a threaded-fastener or a lever arm.
  • Both strut arms may be shaped such that, when the strut is in a first closed position, surfaces of the arms nearest the external surface of a hinge cover abut each other.
  • the arms may be shaped such that, when the strut is in a second open position, surfaces of the arms nearest the internal surface of a hinge cover abut each other.
  • the strut arms may include separate features designed to abut in the first open and second closed positions. These features may be protrusions, nesting protrusion/inclusion pairs and/or bracing members.
  • the strut may be attached, one arm each to the top section and base section.
  • the first arm may be attached to the top section of the roof box and the second arm may be attached to the base section.
  • the arms and strut mounts may be swapped such that the second arm attaches to the top section and the first arm attaches to the base of the roof box.
  • a roof box including at least one strut substantially as described above.
  • car top carrier comprising: a box having opposing lateral sides, a first section, a second section, a front end, a rear end, and a floor located on the first or second section, the floor having an inner surface and an outer surface, the first and second sections being connected by a hinge mechanism along one of the lateral sides, and by a latch mechanism on the other lateral side of the box, a plurality of clamp devices mounted on the floor of the box configured to secure the box to a pair of crossbars on top of a vehicle, and
  • each strut having a first arm rotatably and releasably attached to the first section via a hemispherical spigot located on the roof box first section which communicates with a hemispherical spigot receiver located on the first arm, and a second arm pivotably connected to the first arm, the second arm being rotatably and releasably attached to the second section via a compression clip located on the second arm which communicates with a compression clip receiver located on the second section.
  • the hinge mechanism of the car top carrier may be operable as a latch mechanism, and the latch mechanism is alternatively operable as a hinge mechanism so that the box may be opened on either lateral side.
  • roof box and strut should be apparent including provision of a smoothly operating, assisted-opening device for a vehicle mountable roof box.
  • the design is such that a top section of a roof box may be opened and closed from either side.
  • the design may be particularly advantageous in securing the top section in the fully open position and resisting sudden closure of the top section in high wind or inclement weather.
  • the strut is easily removable from both the top section and the base section, allowing for the top section to be interchangeable, the base section to be used alone as a roof top storage tray or the top section and base section to be separated for easier storage.
  • the strut also has the advantage of being styled and aesthetically pleasing.
  • the strut 1 is shown in a fully open position.
  • the strut 1 comprises a top arm 4, a bottom arm 5 and a pivot hinge 6 to assist with opening and closing the strut 1.
  • top arm 4 refers to a component that communicates with the top section or lid of the roof box
  • 'bottom' refers to a component that communicates with the base section of the roof box.
  • these two components may be swapped, i.e. a clip may be placed at the top and a spigot may be placed at the bottom.
  • top arm 4 is attached to top strut mount 7 located on the roof box top section 2 and bottom arm 5 is attached to base strut mount 8 located on roof box base section 3, respectively.
  • the robust construction of the strut 1 retains the roof box top section 2 in a fully open position against incidental closing forces such as wind. Further, the styled appearance of the strut 1 has the advantage of being aesthetically appealing.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1 with all sections of the roof box top 2 and base 3 removed except for the top strut mount 7 and the base strut mount 8.
  • a compression clip 12 attaches the bottom arm 5 to the base strut mount 8.
  • a compression clip receiver 10 in the base strut mount 8 retains the compression clip 12, constraining the strut 1 from lateral movement, but allowing rotational movement relative to the base strut mount 8.
  • the top arm 4 includes a hemispherical spigot receiver 1 1 configured to engage with a hemispherical spigot 9 comprising a head 13 and hemispherical spigot shaft (not shown) on the top strut mount 7. This connection has two degrees of rotational freedom.
  • both strut arms 4 and 5 are attached to the strut mounts 7 and 8
  • the hemispherical spigot head 13 retains the hemispherical spigot receiver 1 1 on the hemispherical spigot shaft (hidden by the hemispherical spigot receiver 1 1 ).
  • the strut attachment points at the top strut mount 7 and the base strut mount 8 permit sufficient rotational movement of the arms to allow the roof box top section 2 to open smoothly. These attachment points also secure the strut 1 against accidental removal from the roof box.
  • a strut release button 15 may be depressed.
  • the spring-loaded strut release button 15 ejects the compression clip 12 from the compression clip receiver 10, releasing the bottom arm 5 from the base strut mount 8.
  • the top arm 4 may be removed from the top strut mount 7. Removal of the top arm 4 from the top strut mount 7 involves the user twisting the top arm 4 such that the hemispherical spigot receiver 11 slides easily over the hemispherical spigot head 13.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a detail perspective view of the top strut mount 7 and the top strut arm 4.
  • the hemispherical spigot receiver 11 includes a receiver cam surface 24 to communicate with a spigot cam surface 22 located on the hemispherical spigot 9.
  • the angled cam surface 21 on the hemispherical spigot 9 allows for a small amount of lateral movement of the top arm 4, ensuring that the strut 1 does not bind.
  • the hemispherical spigot receiver 11 also includes a notch 23 that allows for removal of the top arm 4 by sliding and opening of the notch 23 over the spigot head 13.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the strut release button 15 assembly generally indicated by circle 16 in more detail.
  • the strut release spring 17 retains the strut release button 15 in an undepressed position when the strut 1 is attached to the base strut mount 8 of the roof box.
  • a plunger 18 at one distal end of the strut release button 15 moves out of contact with the internal surface of the compression clip 12. This allows the ridge 19 of the compression clip 12 to travel past the recess 20 in the compression clip receiver 10, thereby compressing the compression clip 12 causing it to release from the compression clip receiver 10.
  • the strut release button assembly 16 allows the user to easily remove the strut 1 from the base 3 of the roof box.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the strut assembly 1 with half of the arm housings 28 and 29 and hinge housing 27 removed.
  • the hinge 6 comprises a tension spring 24 that attaches at the ends to the top spring pin 25 and bottom spring mount 26 which is located in a middle portion of strut arm 5.
  • the resulting over-centre configuration of the spring 24 assists the user with opening and closing strut 1 , i.e., the lid of the box.
  • the configuration of the spring 24 also ensures that the top section 2 of the roof box remains securely in a fully open position, resisting closing in the event of wind or other incidental closing forces.
  • a further advantage of the design is that the tension spring 24 is hidden from view by the hinge housing 27 and the bottom arm housing 29, preserving the aesthetic appeal of the styled strut 1.
  • the position of pin 25 may be changed to avoid an over-centre action if it is desired for the strut to always urge a lifting or opening force on the lid of the box.
  • This configuration may be referred to as a "single force strut”, whereas the strut equipped with an over-centre spring may be referred to as a “dual force strut”.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a roof box 30 with dual-sided opening in the fully open position to the left side of a vehicle (not shown).
  • Figure 7 illustrates the roof box 30 of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 in the fully open position to the right side of a vehicle.
  • the strut 1 allows the roof box 30 to open to the same angle to both the left and right side of the vehicle. Further, the strut 1 provides the advantage of securing the fully open position of the top section of the roof box 30.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un coffre de toit ou sur un coffre de chargement. Le coffre de toit ou le coffre de chargement incorpore une ou plusieurs entretoises, qui sont aptes au montage de façon rotative et de façon libérable sur la section de sommet et/ou la section de base d'un coffre de toit.
PCT/NZ2012/000058 2011-05-04 2012-05-02 Coffre de toit WO2012154063A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ592660 2011-05-04
NZ59266011 2011-05-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012154063A2 true WO2012154063A2 (fr) 2012-11-15
WO2012154063A3 WO2012154063A3 (fr) 2013-01-03

Family

ID=47139847

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ2012/000058 WO2012154063A2 (fr) 2011-05-04 2012-05-02 Coffre de toit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012154063A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9290131B2 (en) 2012-07-30 2016-03-22 Yakima Products, Inc. Carrier for a vehicle
DE202015100839U1 (de) 2015-02-20 2016-05-30 Kkp & Container Gmbh Dachbox

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2864838A1 (fr) * 2004-01-05 2005-07-08 Bertucat Ind Sas Dispositif d'articulation de type compas pour coffre de toit
EP2017130A1 (fr) * 2007-07-20 2009-01-21 Kamei GmbH & Co. KG. Module de toit doté d'un étrier articulé

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2864838A1 (fr) * 2004-01-05 2005-07-08 Bertucat Ind Sas Dispositif d'articulation de type compas pour coffre de toit
EP2017130A1 (fr) * 2007-07-20 2009-01-21 Kamei GmbH & Co. KG. Module de toit doté d'un étrier articulé

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9290131B2 (en) 2012-07-30 2016-03-22 Yakima Products, Inc. Carrier for a vehicle
DE202015100839U1 (de) 2015-02-20 2016-05-30 Kkp & Container Gmbh Dachbox

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Publication number Publication date
WO2012154063A3 (fr) 2013-01-03

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