WO2018031335A1 - Porte-tube segmenté - Google Patents

Porte-tube segmenté Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018031335A1
WO2018031335A1 PCT/US2017/045080 US2017045080W WO2018031335A1 WO 2018031335 A1 WO2018031335 A1 WO 2018031335A1 US 2017045080 W US2017045080 W US 2017045080W WO 2018031335 A1 WO2018031335 A1 WO 2018031335A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
section
cargo
cargo carrier
box
carrier
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/045080
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Frederick Thomas SNOW
Original Assignee
Horizon Global Americas Inc.
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 Horizon Global Americas Inc. filed Critical Horizon Global Americas Inc.
Publication of WO2018031335A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018031335A1/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
    • B60R9/045—Carriers being adjustable or transformable, e.g. expansible, collapsible

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a cargo carrying apparatus and, more particularly, to a segmented, roof top assembly suitable for carrying tubes, pipes, and other elongated objects.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates such a prior art solution.
  • a unitary, hollow, square- shaped, cylindrical box 10 receives pipes.
  • the box 10 is mounted to the roof rails (or other attachment devices) 12 on vehicle 14 via a plurality of connection members 16.
  • One or more terminal end caps 18 are removably secured via hinges proximate to the end or ends of the box 10.
  • a clear drawback to this approach is that the box 10 must be sized to accept the standardized sections of pipe, meaning that delivery of this and other, similar prior solutions may be difficult because of its elongated shape and size. Specifically, shipping of such large parcels is expensive, only a handful of couriers are willing to deliver parcels with up to 3.0 meter dimensions, and such large parcels are likely to be damaged while in route.
  • FIG. IB An alternative prior art solution is shown in Figure IB.
  • a plurality of U- shaped restraints 20 are provided for attachment to the vehicle's roof rails (not shown).
  • One or more hollow cylinders (not shown), such as a repurposed drain pipe with sufficient length and diameter to accommodate the intended cargo, are fitted within the restraints 20, with end caps 22 provided to enclose the tubular cargo (not shown).
  • this system requires substantial user input (in terms of selecting and fitting the drain pipe) and it generally considered less secure and less professional-looking, especially for commercial enterprises that deliver such cargo to worksites.
  • a roof-top cargo carrier assembly is described.
  • the carrier includes a modular delivery system, as well as a multi-segment, optionally telescoping, unit that can be installed to expand to at least twice its packaged length. Methods of delivering and assembling such systems are also contemplated.
  • the carrier assembly may constitute any combination of the following elements:
  • roof rail connection members are attached to the box within the attachment channel
  • joining sleeve attached to either the first section or the second section; • wherein the joining sleeve includes a connection mechanism;
  • connection mechanism is selected from a snap-fitting tab on the first section and a corresponding aperture on the second section, a spring loaded pin, a removable pin, and a fastener;
  • connection mechanism includes a channel formed to receive a release tool, said release tool allowing for the disconnection of the first section from the second section;
  • first section comprises a male fitting at one end coupled to a female fitting formed on a corresponding end of the second section;
  • end cap includes a reinforced bulkhead and a spring-assisted hinge mechanism
  • the inventive method includes any combination of the following steps: • providing a plurality of hollow tubular cylinders;
  • connection member • affixing a connection member to an attachment channel formed along a bottom side of the cargo box.
  • the rooftop cargo carrying package and delivery system may possess any combination of the following:
  • a packaging box having a volume defined by a length and a width, wherein the volume is greater than a volume of a single tubular section and less than a volume of all the tubular sections and wherein the length is greater than a length of a single tubular section and less than a length of two tubular sections attached together by the joining sleeve;
  • FIGURES 1A and IB are perspective views of prior art pipe carriers.
  • FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGURES 3 A and 3B are, respectively speaking, perspective views of the male and female sections of one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGURES 4A and 4B are perspective sectional views of the end cap, including partially see-through elements to verify the positioning of certain components within the end cap in a closed position (FIG. 4A) and opened position (FIG. 4B), while FIG 4C is a sectional perspective view of a hinge mechanism according to certain embodiments.
  • FIGURE 5 is a sectional side view of the locking mechanism associated with the end cap, including partially see-through elements to verify the positioning of certain components within the mechanism.
  • FIGURE 6 is a perspective sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 5, also with partially see-through elements.
  • FIGURE 7 is a sectional side view of the connection mechanism, including partially see-through elements to verify the positioning of certain components within the mechanism.
  • FIGURES 8 A and 8B are, respectively speaking, a perspective view of the male and female sections joined together and a sectional perspective view showing how a tool may be employed along the joining sleeve to facilitate the connection/disconnection process.
  • FIGURE 9 is a perspective see-through view showing how the carrier may be packaged and shipped in a disassembled state.
  • the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration.
  • the words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment.
  • the word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise.
  • the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C).
  • the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.
  • FIG. 2 shows the segmented pipe carrier 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the body of box 110 is preferably segmented into three separate pieces.
  • sections 130, 140, 150 may be combinations of male and female mating pieces.
  • male and female mating pieces indicate a fitted connection in which the female piece receives at least a portion of the adjoining piece, while the male piece is inserted into its adjoining piece.
  • the end sections 130, 140 may be male, while the middle section 150 is female, or vice versa.
  • middle section 150 could incorporate a male connection on one end and female connection on the other, thereby lending the carrier with a true, telescoping action in which each of the pieces 130, 140, 150 fits within the other.
  • the sections 130, 140, 150 may be of the same size (i.e., the diameter of the sections is similar or identical), so that the joining sleeve 180 may serve as female (preferably) and/or male connectors.
  • the cross sectional shape of the carrier 100 (as well as its constituent components) may be effectively square, circular, oval, curvilinear, or some other polygon, with sharp or rounded angles depending on the desired appearance.
  • a variable diameter could be imparted along the length of the assembled carrier 100, for aesthetic and/or aerodynamic reasons.
  • the materials used may include steel, aluminum, or durable plastic, with aluminum being preferred for its light weight and appearance.
  • connection members 116 may allow for optional adjustment to the final length of the box 110. Additionally or altematively, the telescoping action of the male and female joints may allow for adjustment of the length and/or positioning of the connection members 116. In order to provide flexibility to the user in terms of the length, carrying capacity, and ease of initial shipment of the carrier 100, a plurality of middle sections 150 could also be provided.
  • male section 130 and female section 140 are illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B.
  • Male piece 130 shows the positioning of end cap 118, which may be hinged along one edge (preferably the top) and provided with a locking feature to securely stow cargo.
  • a similar end cap 118 may be provided at one end of female piece 140.
  • Female piece 140 is illustrated with the joining sleeve 180 and floor channel 160 (partially visible), both of which will be described in greater detail below.
  • the sleeve 180 and floor channel 160 may be provided to the male piece 130.
  • the middle section 150 may include one or two joining sleeves 180, or may otherwise be crafted with a male-male, male-female, or female-female connections.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a three dimensional perspective of end cap assembly 118.
  • End cap 118 includes a cover 122 that rotates between closed (FIG. 4A) and opened (FIG. 4B) positions by way of a hinge 120.
  • Hinge 120 may include a spring pin for opening and closing. The spring will have sufficient strength to keep the cap upright in its opened position, as shown in FIGURE 4B. However, the spring should not automatically cause the cap to open in the event the lock 170 is not engaged.
  • Hinge 120 may be attached the cover 122 to the male/female piece 130, 140 by way of fasteners, such as self tapping screws 124, secured the end cap 1 18 through holes in a steel bulkhead 126 and into four bosses 128 formed on the end cap 118.
  • the bosses 128 may incorporate ribs to improve their structural strength, while the bulkhead is attached to pieces 130, 140 via a hinge base 121 that may be riveted to the top or sides of the piece in question.
  • the screws 124 and bosses 128 used to connect the cap 1 18 are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the carrier 100, while the hinge base rivets are orthogonal thereto (or at least not parallel with the axis of the carrier).
  • the cover 122 may be shaped for aerodynamics, aesthetics, and/or to reduce/prevent water ingress and whistling noises during vehicle travel.
  • connection between pieces can be made secure by any known means, including a snapping or screw fit based on tabs and/or threads integrated onto the appropriate ends of the pieces 130, 140, and/or 150.
  • fasteners such as rivets, pins, screws, nuts and bolts, and the like can be placed in appropriately formed apertures on the pieces.
  • adhesives, welds, and other similar connections can be used to ensure the structural integrity of the assembled box 110.
  • a channel 160 is formed or extruded along the interior floor of any of pieces 130, 140, 150. This channel may receive or facilitate incorporation of the connection members 116, as well as facilitate the slidable adjustment of these members.
  • the locking feature 170 may also be partially or completely contained in the channel 160. While shown as creating an indent on the interior floor of box 100, channel 160 may also be formed integrally as thinner portion of the floor base of the box 100.
  • Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the locking feature that may be associated with the end cap 118.
  • Plunge lock 170 may be fitted along an edge of the piece, preferably opposite to the location of the hinge 120 at the opening of a terminal end of piece 130 and/or 140.
  • Locking plate 172 is riveted or attached to channel 160.
  • At least one tab 174 extends from the bulkhead, while boss 176 in the end cap engages the lock 170. Plate 172, tab 174, and boss 176 cooperate to secure the lock plunger 170 when the end cap is closed and in the locked position.
  • a spring-loaded mechanism may be included to cause a portion of the lock 170 to be displaced (e.g., to expose a colored indicator tab as indicated by reference element 170 in FIG. 4B) to allow a quick and easy determination as to when the lock is and is not engaged.
  • connection member 116 may be connected to the vehicle roof rails (or other similar feature) by way of the connection member 116 illustrated in Figure 7.
  • the member comprises a simple roof bar claw 190.
  • Engagement arm 192 is fitted through screw-threaded bolt 194.
  • Nut 196 may be tightened or loosened to urge the engagement arm 190 into a secure position around an appropriately sized roof rail (not shown).
  • Other mechanisms for engaging and securing the carrier 100 to the roof rails may also be employed, including spring-biased mechanisms that clamp upon coming into contact with roof rail.
  • connection member 116 may be slidably attached to or integrally formed on pieces 130, 140, and/or 150, with channel 160 potentially providing further adjustability.
  • joining sleeve 180 may be employed to simplify and provide greater flexibility in manufacturing the male to female connections.
  • the sleeve 180 is fitted in or around the terminal end of any of female section 140 (and/or the optional middle section, not shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) and held in place by known connection means, including fasteners, snap or screw fits, adhesives, and the like, with permanent rivets being preferred.
  • connection means including fasteners, snap or screw fits, adhesives, and the like, with permanent rivets being preferred.
  • the sleeve 180 is shaped to receive (or possibly be inserted) into the adjacent piece in order to facilitate and establish the male-female connection.
  • use of the sleeve might enable the pieces being connected to effectively have the same diameter and/or dimensions, providing a more uniform appearance.
  • the axial length of the sleeve 180 (relative to the length of the box 110) may also provide a degree of freedom to adjust of the length of the overall carrier 100, via telescoping action of the sections 130, 140, and (optionally) 150.
  • Connection mechanisms 185 such as the clips and apertures described below, may be integrated on opposing portions of the male and female connectors to enable quick, snap-fittings.
  • Release tool 200 may be used to assist in disassembly of the carrier 100 as shown in Figure 8.
  • connection between pieces 130, 140, and/or 150 are made by way of snap-fitted clips and engagement apertures 182 in the sleeve 180.
  • the sleeve is further provided with one or more release channels 184 that allow tool 200 to be slidably inserted to separated the tabs/apertures 182.
  • carrier 100 could be formed to receive and stow the tool 200, and/or tool 200 could be of size and shape that allows for it to be carried on key chain.
  • release tool 200 is that its unique size and shape limits the removal and disassembly of the carrier 100 from the vehicle only to people who possess the tool 200, thereby improving the security of the carrier 100.
  • FIGURE 9 illustrates shipping package 210.
  • the package contains sections 130, 140, 150 stacked in a compact fashion so as to reduce the overall length of the box in its disassembled form.
  • sections 130, 140, 150 each have progressively smaller exterior diameters (along with, as a non-limiting example, spring loaded release pin and aperture connection mechanisms 185), the assembly can be telescoped in upon itself to reduce both the length and overall volume of the packaging for assembly 100.
  • a method of shipping a tubular cargo carrier includes providing a multi-segment box, stacking the segments or telescoping the segments into one another, and packaging the resulting assembly for further shipping, display, sale, and reassembly.
  • a significant aspect of carrier 100 and other embodiments of the invention is that it is lighter weight, easier to manufacture and ship, creates less aerodynamic drag, and possesses a lower profile in comparison to full-sized cargo boxes.
  • the length of the box 110 is significantly larger than its height or width or maximum diameter, depending on the cross sectional shape that is employed.
  • the length of the box 1 10 is at least three times its diameter (or the larger of its width or height), five times its diameter/maximum width, or ten times its diameter/maximum width, with other dimensions also possible.
  • the preferred length of the assembled box is between 2.0 to 3.0 meters.
  • the invention allows for greater security of the cargo and, generally speaking, a more professional design that may incorporate advertising or logos.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un support de charge tubulaire segmenté. Des pièces d'extrémité mâle et femelle se raccordent et coopèrent de sorte à contenir et retenir complètement des tuyaux et d'autres éléments cylindriques allongés. Un raccord intermédiaire optionnel augmente en outre la capacité du support, tandis que sa nature segmentée permet une distribution simple du système lui-même.
PCT/US2017/045080 2016-08-08 2017-08-02 Porte-tube segmenté WO2018031335A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662372055P 2016-08-08 2016-08-08
US62/372,055 2016-08-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018031335A1 true WO2018031335A1 (fr) 2018-02-15

Family

ID=61162985

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2017/045080 WO2018031335A1 (fr) 2016-08-08 2017-08-02 Porte-tube segmenté

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2018031335A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10611311B1 (en) 2018-10-31 2020-04-07 Nissan North America, Inc. Vehicle roof rack crossbar assembly
IT202200011333A1 (it) * 2022-05-30 2023-11-30 Lokhen S R L Dispositivo porta-tubi perfezionato per veicoli

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2509462A (en) * 1946-08-15 1950-05-30 Vogel Rudolf Spring hinge
US4953773A (en) * 1989-08-14 1990-09-04 Wirth John G Ski carrier
EP2082921A1 (fr) * 2008-01-25 2009-07-29 Rhino Products Limited Améliorations de et associées à des supports
US20110204048A1 (en) * 2010-02-19 2011-08-25 Edwin David Carino Multi-purpose expandable container system
US20120255879A1 (en) * 2011-04-07 2012-10-11 Gillespie Thomas E Container apparatus
CA2738412A1 (fr) * 2011-04-28 2012-10-28 Mark Lacoursiere Cuve a segment amovible
US20130264366A1 (en) * 2010-05-17 2013-10-10 Hubco Automotive Limited Clamping mechanism

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2509462A (en) * 1946-08-15 1950-05-30 Vogel Rudolf Spring hinge
US4953773A (en) * 1989-08-14 1990-09-04 Wirth John G Ski carrier
EP2082921A1 (fr) * 2008-01-25 2009-07-29 Rhino Products Limited Améliorations de et associées à des supports
US20110204048A1 (en) * 2010-02-19 2011-08-25 Edwin David Carino Multi-purpose expandable container system
US20130264366A1 (en) * 2010-05-17 2013-10-10 Hubco Automotive Limited Clamping mechanism
US20120255879A1 (en) * 2011-04-07 2012-10-11 Gillespie Thomas E Container apparatus
CA2738412A1 (fr) * 2011-04-28 2012-10-28 Mark Lacoursiere Cuve a segment amovible

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10611311B1 (en) 2018-10-31 2020-04-07 Nissan North America, Inc. Vehicle roof rack crossbar assembly
IT202200011333A1 (it) * 2022-05-30 2023-11-30 Lokhen S R L Dispositivo porta-tubi perfezionato per veicoli

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