CA1128023A - Vehicle luggage carrier - Google Patents
Vehicle luggage carrierInfo
- Publication number
- CA1128023A CA1128023A CA340,024A CA340024A CA1128023A CA 1128023 A CA1128023 A CA 1128023A CA 340024 A CA340024 A CA 340024A CA 1128023 A CA1128023 A CA 1128023A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slats
- cross
- pair
- vehicle
- slat
- 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.)
- Expired
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
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
VEHICLE LUGGAGE CARRIER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A luggage or article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width sub-stantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substan-tially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforce-ment of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, with the cross slats being longitudinally moveable or adjustable along the longitudinally extending slats and being totally removable therefrom, and a pair of transversely or laterally extending article constraining bars or rails supported at their opposite ends upon the longitudinally extending slats by means of a plurality of stanchion assemblies disposed one at each end of each of the cross bars, the stanchion assemblies and cross bars being longitudinally adjustable along the longitudinally extending slats and being removable therefrom along with the cross slats during periods of non-use. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slats secured to the exterior surface of the vehicle extend transversely, rather than longitudinally of the vehicle, and the article constraining bars or rails extend longitudinally of the vehicle. The cross-bars or rails may have attachment means thereon for securing ancillary article carrying equipment, such as ski racks, bike racks, and the like to the carrier system.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A luggage or article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width sub-stantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substan-tially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforce-ment of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, with the cross slats being longitudinally moveable or adjustable along the longitudinally extending slats and being totally removable therefrom, and a pair of transversely or laterally extending article constraining bars or rails supported at their opposite ends upon the longitudinally extending slats by means of a plurality of stanchion assemblies disposed one at each end of each of the cross bars, the stanchion assemblies and cross bars being longitudinally adjustable along the longitudinally extending slats and being removable therefrom along with the cross slats during periods of non-use. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slats secured to the exterior surface of the vehicle extend transversely, rather than longitudinally of the vehicle, and the article constraining bars or rails extend longitudinally of the vehicle. The cross-bars or rails may have attachment means thereon for securing ancillary article carrying equipment, such as ski racks, bike racks, and the like to the carrier system.
Description
- ~128~Z3 The present invention relates generally to vehicle luggage carriers and more particularly, to a new and improved vehicle luggage carrier of the type shown in the applicant's United States Patent No. 4,0g9,658 issued July 11, 1978.
According to the present invention there is provided an article carrier for use on a generally horizontally disposed surface of an automotive vehicle, the carrier having a first pair of spaced parallel slat elements fixedly secured to the vehicle surface and at least one cross slat element arranged at generally right angles to the first pair of spaced parallel slat elements, the cross slat element including slideway means. Each of the slat elements lie directly adjacent the surface of the vehicle and are adapted to have articles bear thereupon. At least one tie down element is slidably connected to the slideway means of the cross slat element.
A particular feature of the present invention resides in the fact that no intermediate slat elements are required to extend longitudinally of the vehicle between the aforementioned pair of slat elements which, in the past, has frequently necessi-tm/~ ~ -2- ~
1~2~`~3 .
tatcd th~t thc associatcd vchiclo structurc bc provi~cd with ancill~ry strcngthcning or rigidirying mcansO POT CXamP1C9 whcn lu~ga~c carricrs of t}lC typc discloscd hcrcin havc bccn opcratively mounted on a ~chicle roof, it has oftcn becn ncccs-sary ~o provide supplemental reinforcing ribs or roof bows in order to strengthen the roof 50 tha~ loads in excess of a minimum level can be carried upon load supporting slats located centrally of ~he roof. The present invention obviates the need for such ancillaTy Toof bows ~hrough the provision of two or more cross slats that are supported at their opposite ends upon the aforementioned longitudinally extending slat elements and which act to transfer the load of articles supported generally in the center of the roof to the laterally outer edges thereof that are significsntly more capable of csrrying such loads, as compared with the central portion of the vehicle roof. The cross slats, along with associated transversely extending article constraining bars or rails, are intended to be completely removable from the longitudinally extending slat elements during periods of non-use so that the luggage carrier provides an extremely low profile for aesthetic purposes and to minimize wind resistance and wind noise. Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel luggage carrier for a vehicle which is capsble of carrying relatively large and heavy articles, such as suitcases, boxes, or the like but which obviates the expense, time snd attendsnt saded weight which results from supplementin~ the strength of the vehicle roof with additional streng~hening or rigidifying membersO
It is accordingly a general object of the present ~3- .
.
28~23~
invcntion to providc ~ ncw ~nd improvc~ vchicle lurg~gc or article carricr srstcmO
It is a more par~icular objcct of thc prcscn~
invention to provide a ncw and improved article carrier which includes at least a pair Gf low profile slat elements fixcdly secured to the vehicle and a second pair of article constrain-ing members which may be in the form of slats or ar~icle cons~raining bars~ ~hat are adjustably and removably secured to the first pair of slat elements.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved luggage carrier, as above described, that is adapted to be used on a vehicle roof without requiring supplemental roof reinforcing means, such as roof bows or the like which have been required heretofore.
It is still a more particular object of the prèsent invention to provide a vehicle luggage carrier which comprises a first pair of slat elements mounted on a vehicle and a second pair of slat elements which are arranged at generally right angles to the first pair snd are adjustably and removably secured thereto.
It is a related ob;ect of the present invention to provide a new and improved luggage carrier of the sbove-described type wherein the first mentioned pair of slat, elements may extend either longitudinally or transversely oP the associated vehicle.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vehicle luggage carrier wherein the first mentioned pair of slat elements extcnd longitudinally of the vehicle, the second mentioned pair extend laterally of .
~4_ ` ' ' .
Z8~23 the vehicle and which includes a pair of article constraining cross bars also extending laterally oE the vehicle, with the cross bars and second mentioned pair of slats being removably and adjustably secured to the first mentioned pair of slat elements.
It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a vehicle luggage carrier, as above-described, wherein the cross slats are slidably secured to bhe longitudinally extending slat elements or alternatively, are secured to the longitudinally extending slats by fastening means cooperable wi.th a series of longitudinally spaced mounting bores provided in the longitudinally extending slats.
It is a further object of a specific embodiment of the present invention to provide a new and improved vehicle article carrier which may be provided with a plurality of tie down assemblies for securing the cross slats in place and for providing means to which rope like tie down devices may be secured to the article carrier.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vehicle article carrier of the above described type wherein the cross bars or rails may have additional article securing means, such as ski racks, bike racks, or the like mo~lnted thereon.
other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an elevated perspective view of one tm/~
', '-. ' ~' ' ~ :
l~Z8(~Z3 ombodimcnt o~ thc vchiclc luug:l~c carricr o thc prcscnt invcntion shown in opcr~tivc association with a ~ortion of ~
an automo~ivc vchiclc;
Figure 2 i5 a Yiew simila~ ~o FiguTe 1 and illustratcs an alternatc embodiment of the presen~ invention;
Figure 3 is a view similar to FiguTes 1 and 2 and illustrates yet another embodimen~ of the present invention;
Figure 4 is an enlarged ~ransverse CTOSS sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 3.
Figure S is an enlarged elevated perspective view, partially broken away, of a portion of the luggage carrier illustrated in Figure l;
Figure 6 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 5;.
Figure 7 is an exploded assembly view of another portion of the luggage carrier shown in Figure 5;
Pigure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary trans~erse cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Fi~ure 5;
Figure 9 is a view similar to views 1-3 and illustrates another embodiment of the lugga~e carrier of the present invention;
Figure 10 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10 of Figure 9, and Figure 11 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the luEga~e carrier illustrsted in Figure 9.
DBSCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referr~n~ now in de~ail to the drawings and in .60 , .~ . , , ' - - - .
,. ~ , : :
. : ., : ~:
` ~lZ8'~Z3 .
particular to l:igure 1 ~hereof 9 a YChiClC lu~ c carrior 10 is shown in opera~ive association with a ~encrally hori-20ntally disposed r~of portion 12 of a typical automotive vehicle 14. Genesally speakin~, the luE~a~e carrieT 10 comprises a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extendin~
slats 16 snd 18 which are secured upon the roof portion 12 at positions adjacen~ the lateral sides or edges thereof as will later be describedO As shown in Figures S and 8, each of these slats comprises a generally flat lower base portion 20 and a pair of upstanding, spaced parallel side portions 22, 24 which terminate at their upper ends in a paiT of laterally inwardly extendin~, generally coplanar arranged flanges 26, 28 sespectively. The flanges 26, 28 define upper and lower clamping surfaces 30, 32, respectively, and provide longi-tudinally extending channel 34. The slats 16, 18 may be of various constructions, such as extruded aluminum, or roll-formed sheet metal, such as stainless steel or the like.
Preferably, the slats 16, 18 are of uniform cross sectional shape along the entire lengths thereof, with a result that the channels 34 defined therewithin are coextensive of the length of the slats 16, 18. The slats 16, 18 are fixedly secured to the vehicle roof portion 12 by means of suitable lon~itudinally spaced fasteninE elements 36 which extend downwardly through suitable openings in the base portions 20 thereof and are secured to suitable fastening elements, such as riv-nuts 38 or e~uivalent fastening devices mounted within the roof portion 12. Preferably, 8 suitable resilient or elastomeric pad is provided interjacent the underside of the slats, 16, 18 and the confronting portion of the vehicle roof . :
. ~7 ', ' ~
~28~Z3 1~, as shown-in-~i~uro 8. ~A~di~ion21iy, tho opposito-cn~s of oach of thc slats 16, 189 are pro~crably ~rovi~cd with suitable end caps 40 which may bc sccured in plaoc by thc sDmc fastening elemcnts 36 which securc the slats 16, 18 ~o thc roof portion 12, the ~nd oaps 40 being of a design so as to define channel-like areas leading into the channels 34 of the slats 16, 18, fo~ purposes hereinafter to be described.
Together with ~he slats 16, 18, the luggage carrier 10 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending article con-straining sails 42~ 44 which aTe disposed directly above the slats 16, 18, re,spectively and are adjustably and removably mounted thereupon by means of a plurality of four stanchion assemblies, generally designated by the numeral 46, which are located one at each end of each of the rails 42, 44, as seen in Figure 1. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, it will be seen that the stanchion assemblies 40, 46 comprise upper stanchion sections 48 and lower s~anchion sections 50 which may be fabricated of the same or different materials, depending upon the design and application of the luggage carrier 10 of the present invention. The upper and lower stanchion sections 48, 50 may be secured together in a variety of different ways, for example, by means of a pilot lug 52 extending downwardly from the upper stanchion section 48 into a suitable blind bore 54 in the upper end o the lower stanchion section 50, with a suitable fastening element 56 extending upwardly through a - boTe 58 formed in the upper end o the lower stanchion section 50 and threadably connected with the underside of the uppeT stanchion section 48. As seen in Figure 6, the rails 42, 44 are of a generally rectangulaT shape in transverse ~ l~Zl~Z3 . .
cross section Dnd are adallted to telescopically receivo longitudinally extending bosses or lugs 62 at the opposito ends thereof which extend longitudinally from the associated or sdjacent of the upper stanchion sec~ions 48. The ends of the rails 42, 44 are provided witb longi~udinally extending end portions 64 which are formed with key-hole shaped slots 66 which are adapted to receive laterally outwardiy extending lugs 68 formed on the outer ends or sides of associated cross Tail end fittings 69. Four end fittings 69 sre fixedly secured one to each end of a pair of laterally extending article cons~raining rails or bars 70 which are adapted to be secured via the end fittings 69 to the stanchion assemblies 46. Once the lugs 68 are inserted into the slots 66 of the side rails 42, 44 and the rails 42, 44 are moved into proper longitudinal and telescopic relation with the associated stanchion assemblies 46, openings ?2 on the end fittings 69 are aligned with openings 76 on the end portions 64 of the associated side ~ails, whereby suitable fastening elements such as screws, OT the like 74, may be threadably inserted through the openings 72, 76 and be threadably engs8ed with suitable openings or bores 77 of the upper stanchion sections 48, whereby to fixedly secure the side rails 42, 44, stanchion assemblies 46 and cross rails 70 into a unitized generally rectangularly shaped luggage carrier assembly.
As best seen in Figure 5, each of the lower stanchion sections 50 is provided with an opening or ~ecess 78 within which an annular locking element knob 80 is rotatably disposed. Extending downwardly from the element 80 of each of the sssemblies 46 is an externally threaded stud 82 which ~128~Z3 is ad~p*c~ to thrc~ably cnga~c a suit3blc borc in ;m ~ssociat-ed clampin~ platc 84 which is slidahly dis~oscd within thc channel 34 of thc associatcd slat 16, 18. ~s will bc a~prc-oiated by thosc skillcd in the art, in order 0 secure ~hc article constraining assembly consisting of the side rails 42, 44 cross rails 70 and stanchion assemblies 46 upon the slats 16, 18, ~he locking elements 80 of each of ~he stanchion assemblies 46 is rotated such that ~he clampin~ plate 84 is drawn upwardly to effect clamping engagement of the flanges 26, 28 of the associated slats 16, 18. If it is desired to longitudinally adjust the aforesaid assemblsge longitudinally of the slats 16, 18, the elements 80 are merely loosened so as to release the clamping engagement between ~he clamping plates 84 and the flanges 26, 28, permitting longitudinal sliding of the assembly or permitting ~otal removal thereof from the slats 16, 18, if desired.
In accordance with the present in~ention, the luggage carrier 10 is provided with a pair of cross or transverse slats 90 which, as best seen in Figure 7, are of a generally inverted U-shape configuration in transverse section and .
include side portions 92, 94, bottom flange portions 96, 98, and an upper or top load or article supporting portion 100.
Each of the cross slats 90 is provided with a pair of end fittings 102 having mounting portions 104 adapted to be telescopically inserted into the adjacent ends of the slats 90, the mounting portions 104 being provided with suitable bores 106, 108 which are intended to be aligned with suitable openings liO, 112 in ~he ends of the cross slats 90 to permit screws, bolts or the like 114 to be inserted through ' .
llZ~Z3 the ali~ned opcnin~s to fixedly secure the fittin~s 102~to the slats 90. Each of the end fittin~s 102 comprises laterally outwardly ex~endinE securin~ portion 116, the undersides 118 of which are adapted to rest or bear u~on the upper surf~ces of the associated sla~s 16, 189 ~he securin~
portions 116 being provided with laterally disposed slots 120 ~hrough which generally vertically disposed mounting studs 122 may extend so as to be connectable with clamping plates 124 of the same general construction as the aforementioned plates 84 which are slidably disposed within the channels 34 of the slats 16, 18. TXe upper ends of the studs 122 are connected to rotatable tie down members, generally designated by the numeral 126 which include an annular manually rotatable portion 127 and an upwardly projecting tie down loop or the like 128. Tne tie down members 126 are adapted to operate in essentially the same manner as the aforedescribed locking elements 80 in providing for selective longitudinal adjust-ment of the cross or transverse slats 90 longitudinally of the l.ongitudinal extending slats 16, 18, with suitable rotation of the members 126 effecting clamping engagement of the associated clamping plates 124 with the lower clsmpinE surfaces 32 of the slats 16, 18 and conversely, release of the clamping engagement between the plates 124 and the surfaces 32 upon rotation of the members 126 in the opposite direction. Thus, the cross slats 90 may be removed from the slats 16, 18 durinE
periods of non-use and may be lon~itudinally moved along the length of the slats 16, 18 so as to be adjustable commensurate with the size and type of load which is being carried upon the associated vehicle 14, In a preferred construction of .
- 11~
1128~Z3~
tho prcscnt invcn~ion, thc cross slats ~JZO arc of a rclatlvcly hcavy ga~gc matcrial so that largo load5 may bc carric~
thcrcupon without rcquiring any ancillary Dr supplcmcntary support of thc associated Yehicle roof portion 12 and without requiring any permanently ~ounted intermediate slats extcnding parallel to the sLats 16, 18. By virtue of the fact that both of the side rails 42 9 44 and cross sails 70 may be conveniently removed from the slats 16, 18 along with the stanchion assemblies 46 and CTOSS slats 90 at such time as no articles are to be carried on ~he associated vehicle, the entire luggage carrier with the exception of the two slats 16, 18 may be removed to eliminate wind noise, wind drag, resistsnce, etc..
Referring now to Figure 2, a vehicle luggage carrier 130 is shown in operative association with a vehicle roof portion 132 which, by way of example, is provided with a "sun roof" type opening, generally designated by the numeral 134.
The luggage carrier 130 comprises a plurality of three laterally or transversely extending slats 136, 138 and 140 which are spaced longitudinally of the vehicle roof portion 132. Additionally, the luggage carrier 130 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending, lateraily spaced side rails, 142 and 144 which are arranged adjacent the lateral side edges of the roof portion 142. The plurality of slats 136-140 are preferably of the same construction as the aforementioned slats 16, 18 and are secured to the associated vehicle in essentially the same manner to the roof portion 13Z as the slats 16, 18 are secured to the aforementioned roof portion 12. The longitudinally extcnding side rails 142, 144 are adapted to be transversely or laterally adjustable relative .
~` llZ8~
to the slats 136-140 and are provided with suitable stanchion means, representively designated by the numeral 146, which may be similar to the aforementioned stanchion assemblies 46 and are provided with suitable means-such as rotatable locking elements, for adjusting the lateral position of the ~ide rails 142, 144 along tlle sla~s 136-14~. The construction of the side rails 142, 144 may be the same or similar to the aforementioned side rails 42, 44 or may be similar or identical to the rails 220 which are hereinafter to be described in connection with the embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 9-11, depending upon the particular type of application and size automobile with which the luggage carrier 13q is to be operatively associated.
Fi~ures 3 and 4 illustrate another alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein a luggage carrier 150 is shown in operative association with a yehicle roof portion 142 and comprises a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally extending slats 154, 156. As best seen in Figure 4, the slats 154, 156 comprise a base portion 158, and upwardly and inwardly extending side portions 160, 162 which terminate at their upper end in downwardly extending flange portions 164, 166, respectively, the flange portions 164, 166 defining a longitudinally extending channel 168. In accordance with this em~odiment of the present invention, each of the slats 154, 156 is provided with a longitudinally extending strength-ening or rigidifying plate 170 internally thereof, which plates 170 are secured along with the slats 154, 156 to the associated veh.icle roof portion 152 by means of a plurality of longitudinally spaced riv-nuts or similar devices 172 cg/~
~lZ8~23 ., ; .
which dcrinc intcrn~l]y thrca~c~ borcs 174 thcrcwitllin. Thc lu~agc carricr 150 as proYidcd wi~h a pair of trans~crscly or latcrally cxtcnding cross sla~s, gcncrally dcsi~natcd with the numcral 176, which are of a generally inverted U-shapcd configuration, such as ~hc cross slats 90 in Figure 7. Each of the CT055 slats 176 is provided with an ent fitting 178 which may be of generally the same construction as the afore-mentioned end fittings 102 and is provided with a suitable slot 182 through which 8 suitable threaded stud 184 may extend for ~hreaded engagement with one of the bores 174 of the plurality of riv,nuts 172. The upper ends of the studs 184 are preferably pro~ided with suitable tie down members 188 which may be of the same general construction as the afore-mentioned tie down members 126 and which effect rotation of the studs 186 in order to clampingly-secure the fittings -178 and hence the cross slats 176 at selected longitudinal positions along the slats 154, 156. It is to be noted that .the strengthening plates 17D may be provided with additional threaded bores along the lengths thereof over and above those provided by the riv-nuts 172, whereby to provide a greater number of positions to which the cross slats 176 may be secured, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Referring now to Figures 9-11, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as comprising a luggage carrier 20D which is operatively associated with a vehicle roof portion 202 and includes a pair of longi-tudinally extending, laterally spaced slats 204 and 206 which may be of Eenerally the same construction as the aforementioned slats 16, 18. The luggage carrier 200 also comprises a pair of laterally extending cross slats 20~ 210 which are ~4O
::
` llZ8~Z3 provi~ed with end fittings 2l2 at the ol-posite ends ~hereor and are pre~ernbly of the same ~eneral cDnstruction ~s the cross slats 9~ of ~he luggage carrier 10 hereinabove described. The opposite ends of ~he cross slats 208, 210 are adapted to be adjustably and removably secured ~o the longitudinally ex~ending slats 204, 206 by means of tie down assemblies including ~ie down members 214 which may be the same in construction as the aforementioned tie down members 126 and include threaded studs 216 which are adapted to cooperate with clamping plates 218 that are longitudinally slidably disposed within the slats 204, 206 for adjustably securing the cross slats 208, 210 at selected longitudinal positions along ~he slats 204, 206. The luggage carrier 200 also includes a pair of cross rails, generally designated by the numeral 220, which extend laterally or transversely between the slats 204, 206 and are spaced upwardly from the plane of the roof portion 200 and are operatively supported upon the slats 204, 206 by means of a plurality of four stanchion assemblies, generally designated by the numeral 222, which are located one at each end of the cross rails 220, as shown in Figure 9. The cross rails 220 may be of any suitable construction but are preferably of the cross sectional shape shown in Figure 10 and comprise upwardly converging sides 224, 2269 a bottom or lower portion 228 and laterally inwardly extending, vertically spaced pairs of flange portions 230, 223, and 234, 236 which define a track or channel 238 which is coextensive of ~he length of the cross rails 220. The track or channel 238 of each of the cross rails 220.is adapted to rece'ive one or more clamping platcs ~15~ .
, ~ :' . `' ' : ;
` llZ~QZ3 240 which ~ay bc o~ thc samc.~cncr~l construction as tho aforcdcscribcd clam~in~ p~atcs 84 and may bc providcd with rctaincr elcmcnts 242 which prcvcnt lon~i~udinal slidin~
mGvemcnt of the cla~ping platcs 24D when assoc;ated ~ie down ~embers 246 haYe ~heir downwardly ex~ending externally threaded stud elements disengaged from the threaded bores of the clamping plates 240.
Each of the stanchion assemblies 222 comprises a stanchion body 248 which may, for example, be fabricated of injection molded plastic or die-cast metal, and defines a central recess o~ opening 250 within which an adjustment knob or element 252 is r~tatably disposed in essentially the same manner in which the element 80 is mounted in each of the stanchion assemblies 46, hereinabove.described. Extending downwardly from the adjustment elements 252 are externally threaded studs 254 which are threadably engageable with clamping plates 256 which are slidably disposed within the slats 204, 206 and cooperate with the elements 252 in adjustably securing the stanchion assemblies 222 at selected longitudinal positi~ns along the slats 204, 206. Each of the stanchion bodies 248 includes an inwardly projecting mountin~
portion 258 which is adapted to be telescopieally receiYed within the adjacent end of the associated cross rail 220 and be secured therewithin by means of a suitable screw, bolt or the like 260 which extends upwardly through an opening 262 in the adjacent end of the cross rail 220, whereby the cross rails 220 and stanchion assembiles 222 are longitudinally adjustable along the slats 204, 206 and are concomitantly removable therefrom when it is desired to minimize the . , ~
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:`
" 1~28~23 structural components of the luggage carrier 200 during periods of non-use or when the cross rails 220 are not re-quired to operatively support articles upon the associated vehicle.
It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a new and improved luggage carrier which embodies a number of features not shown in the prior art. In particular, the luggage carrier of the present invention provides an arrangement by which the luggage or article constraining members may be conveniently adjusted to accom-modate different size articles and may be totally removed from the carrier during periods of non-use, thereby minimizing wind noise and wind resistance to the extreme. Additionally, the luggage carrier of the present invention provides a construction which obviates the need for supplemental strengthening members of the associated vehicle, such as supplemental roof bows which have been necessitated when intermediate slat elements have been utilized in prior art arrangements. By providing cross slats which are lon~.itudinally adjustable, loads of various s.izes and configurations may be supported upon the cross slats, and by having both the cross slats and lug~age constraining cross rail.s lon~itudina:LI.y adjustable, univel^sal:ity oE appLication wi.:l.l be assured. ~n additional feature of the present invention resides in thc fact that various ancillary article collstrainin~ members, such as ski racks, bike .racks, utility bo~es, etc. may be removably secured to the cross rails, particularly when they are of the type shown in Fiqures 9-11, so as to further en].arge the number of potential uses of the lugaage carrier C~/ I.!.C
~128~3 ;
Or thc prcsont invcntion.- It wi~ bc ~plircci~tcd, Or cour~o, that additional cross~ slats and!or cross rails may bc utilizcd dcpending on the sizo and ty~c of load and that by virtuc of the strength of such cross slats, additional size loads will not result in any damage to the associated vehicle since such loads will be transmitted or distributed to the outer edges of the roof via the cross slats wheTe the primary supporting structure of typical vehicle roofsis located.
While it will be apparent ~hat ~he preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objec,ts above stated, it will be apprecia~ted that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.
~18 . .
According to the present invention there is provided an article carrier for use on a generally horizontally disposed surface of an automotive vehicle, the carrier having a first pair of spaced parallel slat elements fixedly secured to the vehicle surface and at least one cross slat element arranged at generally right angles to the first pair of spaced parallel slat elements, the cross slat element including slideway means. Each of the slat elements lie directly adjacent the surface of the vehicle and are adapted to have articles bear thereupon. At least one tie down element is slidably connected to the slideway means of the cross slat element.
A particular feature of the present invention resides in the fact that no intermediate slat elements are required to extend longitudinally of the vehicle between the aforementioned pair of slat elements which, in the past, has frequently necessi-tm/~ ~ -2- ~
1~2~`~3 .
tatcd th~t thc associatcd vchiclo structurc bc provi~cd with ancill~ry strcngthcning or rigidirying mcansO POT CXamP1C9 whcn lu~ga~c carricrs of t}lC typc discloscd hcrcin havc bccn opcratively mounted on a ~chicle roof, it has oftcn becn ncccs-sary ~o provide supplemental reinforcing ribs or roof bows in order to strengthen the roof 50 tha~ loads in excess of a minimum level can be carried upon load supporting slats located centrally of ~he roof. The present invention obviates the need for such ancillaTy Toof bows ~hrough the provision of two or more cross slats that are supported at their opposite ends upon the aforementioned longitudinally extending slat elements and which act to transfer the load of articles supported generally in the center of the roof to the laterally outer edges thereof that are significsntly more capable of csrrying such loads, as compared with the central portion of the vehicle roof. The cross slats, along with associated transversely extending article constraining bars or rails, are intended to be completely removable from the longitudinally extending slat elements during periods of non-use so that the luggage carrier provides an extremely low profile for aesthetic purposes and to minimize wind resistance and wind noise. Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel luggage carrier for a vehicle which is capsble of carrying relatively large and heavy articles, such as suitcases, boxes, or the like but which obviates the expense, time snd attendsnt saded weight which results from supplementin~ the strength of the vehicle roof with additional streng~hening or rigidifying membersO
It is accordingly a general object of the present ~3- .
.
28~23~
invcntion to providc ~ ncw ~nd improvc~ vchicle lurg~gc or article carricr srstcmO
It is a more par~icular objcct of thc prcscn~
invention to provide a ncw and improved article carrier which includes at least a pair Gf low profile slat elements fixcdly secured to the vehicle and a second pair of article constrain-ing members which may be in the form of slats or ar~icle cons~raining bars~ ~hat are adjustably and removably secured to the first pair of slat elements.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved luggage carrier, as above described, that is adapted to be used on a vehicle roof without requiring supplemental roof reinforcing means, such as roof bows or the like which have been required heretofore.
It is still a more particular object of the prèsent invention to provide a vehicle luggage carrier which comprises a first pair of slat elements mounted on a vehicle and a second pair of slat elements which are arranged at generally right angles to the first pair snd are adjustably and removably secured thereto.
It is a related ob;ect of the present invention to provide a new and improved luggage carrier of the sbove-described type wherein the first mentioned pair of slat, elements may extend either longitudinally or transversely oP the associated vehicle.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vehicle luggage carrier wherein the first mentioned pair of slat elements extcnd longitudinally of the vehicle, the second mentioned pair extend laterally of .
~4_ ` ' ' .
Z8~23 the vehicle and which includes a pair of article constraining cross bars also extending laterally oE the vehicle, with the cross bars and second mentioned pair of slats being removably and adjustably secured to the first mentioned pair of slat elements.
It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a vehicle luggage carrier, as above-described, wherein the cross slats are slidably secured to bhe longitudinally extending slat elements or alternatively, are secured to the longitudinally extending slats by fastening means cooperable wi.th a series of longitudinally spaced mounting bores provided in the longitudinally extending slats.
It is a further object of a specific embodiment of the present invention to provide a new and improved vehicle article carrier which may be provided with a plurality of tie down assemblies for securing the cross slats in place and for providing means to which rope like tie down devices may be secured to the article carrier.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vehicle article carrier of the above described type wherein the cross bars or rails may have additional article securing means, such as ski racks, bike racks, or the like mo~lnted thereon.
other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an elevated perspective view of one tm/~
', '-. ' ~' ' ~ :
l~Z8(~Z3 ombodimcnt o~ thc vchiclc luug:l~c carricr o thc prcscnt invcntion shown in opcr~tivc association with a ~ortion of ~
an automo~ivc vchiclc;
Figure 2 i5 a Yiew simila~ ~o FiguTe 1 and illustratcs an alternatc embodiment of the presen~ invention;
Figure 3 is a view similar to FiguTes 1 and 2 and illustrates yet another embodimen~ of the present invention;
Figure 4 is an enlarged ~ransverse CTOSS sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 3.
Figure S is an enlarged elevated perspective view, partially broken away, of a portion of the luggage carrier illustrated in Figure l;
Figure 6 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 5;.
Figure 7 is an exploded assembly view of another portion of the luggage carrier shown in Figure 5;
Pigure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary trans~erse cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Fi~ure 5;
Figure 9 is a view similar to views 1-3 and illustrates another embodiment of the lugga~e carrier of the present invention;
Figure 10 is an enlarged transverse cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10 of Figure 9, and Figure 11 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the luEga~e carrier illustrsted in Figure 9.
DBSCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referr~n~ now in de~ail to the drawings and in .60 , .~ . , , ' - - - .
,. ~ , : :
. : ., : ~:
` ~lZ8'~Z3 .
particular to l:igure 1 ~hereof 9 a YChiClC lu~ c carrior 10 is shown in opera~ive association with a ~encrally hori-20ntally disposed r~of portion 12 of a typical automotive vehicle 14. Genesally speakin~, the luE~a~e carrieT 10 comprises a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extendin~
slats 16 snd 18 which are secured upon the roof portion 12 at positions adjacen~ the lateral sides or edges thereof as will later be describedO As shown in Figures S and 8, each of these slats comprises a generally flat lower base portion 20 and a pair of upstanding, spaced parallel side portions 22, 24 which terminate at their upper ends in a paiT of laterally inwardly extendin~, generally coplanar arranged flanges 26, 28 sespectively. The flanges 26, 28 define upper and lower clamping surfaces 30, 32, respectively, and provide longi-tudinally extending channel 34. The slats 16, 18 may be of various constructions, such as extruded aluminum, or roll-formed sheet metal, such as stainless steel or the like.
Preferably, the slats 16, 18 are of uniform cross sectional shape along the entire lengths thereof, with a result that the channels 34 defined therewithin are coextensive of the length of the slats 16, 18. The slats 16, 18 are fixedly secured to the vehicle roof portion 12 by means of suitable lon~itudinally spaced fasteninE elements 36 which extend downwardly through suitable openings in the base portions 20 thereof and are secured to suitable fastening elements, such as riv-nuts 38 or e~uivalent fastening devices mounted within the roof portion 12. Preferably, 8 suitable resilient or elastomeric pad is provided interjacent the underside of the slats, 16, 18 and the confronting portion of the vehicle roof . :
. ~7 ', ' ~
~28~Z3 1~, as shown-in-~i~uro 8. ~A~di~ion21iy, tho opposito-cn~s of oach of thc slats 16, 189 are pro~crably ~rovi~cd with suitable end caps 40 which may bc sccured in plaoc by thc sDmc fastening elemcnts 36 which securc the slats 16, 18 ~o thc roof portion 12, the ~nd oaps 40 being of a design so as to define channel-like areas leading into the channels 34 of the slats 16, 18, fo~ purposes hereinafter to be described.
Together with ~he slats 16, 18, the luggage carrier 10 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending article con-straining sails 42~ 44 which aTe disposed directly above the slats 16, 18, re,spectively and are adjustably and removably mounted thereupon by means of a plurality of four stanchion assemblies, generally designated by the numeral 46, which are located one at each end of each of the rails 42, 44, as seen in Figure 1. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, it will be seen that the stanchion assemblies 40, 46 comprise upper stanchion sections 48 and lower s~anchion sections 50 which may be fabricated of the same or different materials, depending upon the design and application of the luggage carrier 10 of the present invention. The upper and lower stanchion sections 48, 50 may be secured together in a variety of different ways, for example, by means of a pilot lug 52 extending downwardly from the upper stanchion section 48 into a suitable blind bore 54 in the upper end o the lower stanchion section 50, with a suitable fastening element 56 extending upwardly through a - boTe 58 formed in the upper end o the lower stanchion section 50 and threadably connected with the underside of the uppeT stanchion section 48. As seen in Figure 6, the rails 42, 44 are of a generally rectangulaT shape in transverse ~ l~Zl~Z3 . .
cross section Dnd are adallted to telescopically receivo longitudinally extending bosses or lugs 62 at the opposito ends thereof which extend longitudinally from the associated or sdjacent of the upper stanchion sec~ions 48. The ends of the rails 42, 44 are provided witb longi~udinally extending end portions 64 which are formed with key-hole shaped slots 66 which are adapted to receive laterally outwardiy extending lugs 68 formed on the outer ends or sides of associated cross Tail end fittings 69. Four end fittings 69 sre fixedly secured one to each end of a pair of laterally extending article cons~raining rails or bars 70 which are adapted to be secured via the end fittings 69 to the stanchion assemblies 46. Once the lugs 68 are inserted into the slots 66 of the side rails 42, 44 and the rails 42, 44 are moved into proper longitudinal and telescopic relation with the associated stanchion assemblies 46, openings ?2 on the end fittings 69 are aligned with openings 76 on the end portions 64 of the associated side ~ails, whereby suitable fastening elements such as screws, OT the like 74, may be threadably inserted through the openings 72, 76 and be threadably engs8ed with suitable openings or bores 77 of the upper stanchion sections 48, whereby to fixedly secure the side rails 42, 44, stanchion assemblies 46 and cross rails 70 into a unitized generally rectangularly shaped luggage carrier assembly.
As best seen in Figure 5, each of the lower stanchion sections 50 is provided with an opening or ~ecess 78 within which an annular locking element knob 80 is rotatably disposed. Extending downwardly from the element 80 of each of the sssemblies 46 is an externally threaded stud 82 which ~128~Z3 is ad~p*c~ to thrc~ably cnga~c a suit3blc borc in ;m ~ssociat-ed clampin~ platc 84 which is slidahly dis~oscd within thc channel 34 of thc associatcd slat 16, 18. ~s will bc a~prc-oiated by thosc skillcd in the art, in order 0 secure ~hc article constraining assembly consisting of the side rails 42, 44 cross rails 70 and stanchion assemblies 46 upon the slats 16, 18, ~he locking elements 80 of each of ~he stanchion assemblies 46 is rotated such that ~he clampin~ plate 84 is drawn upwardly to effect clamping engagement of the flanges 26, 28 of the associated slats 16, 18. If it is desired to longitudinally adjust the aforesaid assemblsge longitudinally of the slats 16, 18, the elements 80 are merely loosened so as to release the clamping engagement between ~he clamping plates 84 and the flanges 26, 28, permitting longitudinal sliding of the assembly or permitting ~otal removal thereof from the slats 16, 18, if desired.
In accordance with the present in~ention, the luggage carrier 10 is provided with a pair of cross or transverse slats 90 which, as best seen in Figure 7, are of a generally inverted U-shape configuration in transverse section and .
include side portions 92, 94, bottom flange portions 96, 98, and an upper or top load or article supporting portion 100.
Each of the cross slats 90 is provided with a pair of end fittings 102 having mounting portions 104 adapted to be telescopically inserted into the adjacent ends of the slats 90, the mounting portions 104 being provided with suitable bores 106, 108 which are intended to be aligned with suitable openings liO, 112 in ~he ends of the cross slats 90 to permit screws, bolts or the like 114 to be inserted through ' .
llZ~Z3 the ali~ned opcnin~s to fixedly secure the fittin~s 102~to the slats 90. Each of the end fittin~s 102 comprises laterally outwardly ex~endinE securin~ portion 116, the undersides 118 of which are adapted to rest or bear u~on the upper surf~ces of the associated sla~s 16, 189 ~he securin~
portions 116 being provided with laterally disposed slots 120 ~hrough which generally vertically disposed mounting studs 122 may extend so as to be connectable with clamping plates 124 of the same general construction as the aforementioned plates 84 which are slidably disposed within the channels 34 of the slats 16, 18. TXe upper ends of the studs 122 are connected to rotatable tie down members, generally designated by the numeral 126 which include an annular manually rotatable portion 127 and an upwardly projecting tie down loop or the like 128. Tne tie down members 126 are adapted to operate in essentially the same manner as the aforedescribed locking elements 80 in providing for selective longitudinal adjust-ment of the cross or transverse slats 90 longitudinally of the l.ongitudinal extending slats 16, 18, with suitable rotation of the members 126 effecting clamping engagement of the associated clamping plates 124 with the lower clsmpinE surfaces 32 of the slats 16, 18 and conversely, release of the clamping engagement between the plates 124 and the surfaces 32 upon rotation of the members 126 in the opposite direction. Thus, the cross slats 90 may be removed from the slats 16, 18 durinE
periods of non-use and may be lon~itudinally moved along the length of the slats 16, 18 so as to be adjustable commensurate with the size and type of load which is being carried upon the associated vehicle 14, In a preferred construction of .
- 11~
1128~Z3~
tho prcscnt invcn~ion, thc cross slats ~JZO arc of a rclatlvcly hcavy ga~gc matcrial so that largo load5 may bc carric~
thcrcupon without rcquiring any ancillary Dr supplcmcntary support of thc associated Yehicle roof portion 12 and without requiring any permanently ~ounted intermediate slats extcnding parallel to the sLats 16, 18. By virtue of the fact that both of the side rails 42 9 44 and cross sails 70 may be conveniently removed from the slats 16, 18 along with the stanchion assemblies 46 and CTOSS slats 90 at such time as no articles are to be carried on ~he associated vehicle, the entire luggage carrier with the exception of the two slats 16, 18 may be removed to eliminate wind noise, wind drag, resistsnce, etc..
Referring now to Figure 2, a vehicle luggage carrier 130 is shown in operative association with a vehicle roof portion 132 which, by way of example, is provided with a "sun roof" type opening, generally designated by the numeral 134.
The luggage carrier 130 comprises a plurality of three laterally or transversely extending slats 136, 138 and 140 which are spaced longitudinally of the vehicle roof portion 132. Additionally, the luggage carrier 130 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending, lateraily spaced side rails, 142 and 144 which are arranged adjacent the lateral side edges of the roof portion 142. The plurality of slats 136-140 are preferably of the same construction as the aforementioned slats 16, 18 and are secured to the associated vehicle in essentially the same manner to the roof portion 13Z as the slats 16, 18 are secured to the aforementioned roof portion 12. The longitudinally extcnding side rails 142, 144 are adapted to be transversely or laterally adjustable relative .
~` llZ8~
to the slats 136-140 and are provided with suitable stanchion means, representively designated by the numeral 146, which may be similar to the aforementioned stanchion assemblies 46 and are provided with suitable means-such as rotatable locking elements, for adjusting the lateral position of the ~ide rails 142, 144 along tlle sla~s 136-14~. The construction of the side rails 142, 144 may be the same or similar to the aforementioned side rails 42, 44 or may be similar or identical to the rails 220 which are hereinafter to be described in connection with the embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 9-11, depending upon the particular type of application and size automobile with which the luggage carrier 13q is to be operatively associated.
Fi~ures 3 and 4 illustrate another alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein a luggage carrier 150 is shown in operative association with a yehicle roof portion 142 and comprises a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally extending slats 154, 156. As best seen in Figure 4, the slats 154, 156 comprise a base portion 158, and upwardly and inwardly extending side portions 160, 162 which terminate at their upper end in downwardly extending flange portions 164, 166, respectively, the flange portions 164, 166 defining a longitudinally extending channel 168. In accordance with this em~odiment of the present invention, each of the slats 154, 156 is provided with a longitudinally extending strength-ening or rigidifying plate 170 internally thereof, which plates 170 are secured along with the slats 154, 156 to the associated veh.icle roof portion 152 by means of a plurality of longitudinally spaced riv-nuts or similar devices 172 cg/~
~lZ8~23 ., ; .
which dcrinc intcrn~l]y thrca~c~ borcs 174 thcrcwitllin. Thc lu~agc carricr 150 as proYidcd wi~h a pair of trans~crscly or latcrally cxtcnding cross sla~s, gcncrally dcsi~natcd with the numcral 176, which are of a generally inverted U-shapcd configuration, such as ~hc cross slats 90 in Figure 7. Each of the CT055 slats 176 is provided with an ent fitting 178 which may be of generally the same construction as the afore-mentioned end fittings 102 and is provided with a suitable slot 182 through which 8 suitable threaded stud 184 may extend for ~hreaded engagement with one of the bores 174 of the plurality of riv,nuts 172. The upper ends of the studs 184 are preferably pro~ided with suitable tie down members 188 which may be of the same general construction as the afore-mentioned tie down members 126 and which effect rotation of the studs 186 in order to clampingly-secure the fittings -178 and hence the cross slats 176 at selected longitudinal positions along the slats 154, 156. It is to be noted that .the strengthening plates 17D may be provided with additional threaded bores along the lengths thereof over and above those provided by the riv-nuts 172, whereby to provide a greater number of positions to which the cross slats 176 may be secured, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Referring now to Figures 9-11, another alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown as comprising a luggage carrier 20D which is operatively associated with a vehicle roof portion 202 and includes a pair of longi-tudinally extending, laterally spaced slats 204 and 206 which may be of Eenerally the same construction as the aforementioned slats 16, 18. The luggage carrier 200 also comprises a pair of laterally extending cross slats 20~ 210 which are ~4O
::
` llZ8~Z3 provi~ed with end fittings 2l2 at the ol-posite ends ~hereor and are pre~ernbly of the same ~eneral cDnstruction ~s the cross slats 9~ of ~he luggage carrier 10 hereinabove described. The opposite ends of ~he cross slats 208, 210 are adapted to be adjustably and removably secured ~o the longitudinally ex~ending slats 204, 206 by means of tie down assemblies including ~ie down members 214 which may be the same in construction as the aforementioned tie down members 126 and include threaded studs 216 which are adapted to cooperate with clamping plates 218 that are longitudinally slidably disposed within the slats 204, 206 for adjustably securing the cross slats 208, 210 at selected longitudinal positions along ~he slats 204, 206. The luggage carrier 200 also includes a pair of cross rails, generally designated by the numeral 220, which extend laterally or transversely between the slats 204, 206 and are spaced upwardly from the plane of the roof portion 200 and are operatively supported upon the slats 204, 206 by means of a plurality of four stanchion assemblies, generally designated by the numeral 222, which are located one at each end of the cross rails 220, as shown in Figure 9. The cross rails 220 may be of any suitable construction but are preferably of the cross sectional shape shown in Figure 10 and comprise upwardly converging sides 224, 2269 a bottom or lower portion 228 and laterally inwardly extending, vertically spaced pairs of flange portions 230, 223, and 234, 236 which define a track or channel 238 which is coextensive of ~he length of the cross rails 220. The track or channel 238 of each of the cross rails 220.is adapted to rece'ive one or more clamping platcs ~15~ .
, ~ :' . `' ' : ;
` llZ~QZ3 240 which ~ay bc o~ thc samc.~cncr~l construction as tho aforcdcscribcd clam~in~ p~atcs 84 and may bc providcd with rctaincr elcmcnts 242 which prcvcnt lon~i~udinal slidin~
mGvemcnt of the cla~ping platcs 24D when assoc;ated ~ie down ~embers 246 haYe ~heir downwardly ex~ending externally threaded stud elements disengaged from the threaded bores of the clamping plates 240.
Each of the stanchion assemblies 222 comprises a stanchion body 248 which may, for example, be fabricated of injection molded plastic or die-cast metal, and defines a central recess o~ opening 250 within which an adjustment knob or element 252 is r~tatably disposed in essentially the same manner in which the element 80 is mounted in each of the stanchion assemblies 46, hereinabove.described. Extending downwardly from the adjustment elements 252 are externally threaded studs 254 which are threadably engageable with clamping plates 256 which are slidably disposed within the slats 204, 206 and cooperate with the elements 252 in adjustably securing the stanchion assemblies 222 at selected longitudinal positi~ns along the slats 204, 206. Each of the stanchion bodies 248 includes an inwardly projecting mountin~
portion 258 which is adapted to be telescopieally receiYed within the adjacent end of the associated cross rail 220 and be secured therewithin by means of a suitable screw, bolt or the like 260 which extends upwardly through an opening 262 in the adjacent end of the cross rail 220, whereby the cross rails 220 and stanchion assembiles 222 are longitudinally adjustable along the slats 204, 206 and are concomitantly removable therefrom when it is desired to minimize the . , ~
`: :
:`
" 1~28~23 structural components of the luggage carrier 200 during periods of non-use or when the cross rails 220 are not re-quired to operatively support articles upon the associated vehicle.
It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a new and improved luggage carrier which embodies a number of features not shown in the prior art. In particular, the luggage carrier of the present invention provides an arrangement by which the luggage or article constraining members may be conveniently adjusted to accom-modate different size articles and may be totally removed from the carrier during periods of non-use, thereby minimizing wind noise and wind resistance to the extreme. Additionally, the luggage carrier of the present invention provides a construction which obviates the need for supplemental strengthening members of the associated vehicle, such as supplemental roof bows which have been necessitated when intermediate slat elements have been utilized in prior art arrangements. By providing cross slats which are lon~.itudinally adjustable, loads of various s.izes and configurations may be supported upon the cross slats, and by having both the cross slats and lug~age constraining cross rail.s lon~itudina:LI.y adjustable, univel^sal:ity oE appLication wi.:l.l be assured. ~n additional feature of the present invention resides in thc fact that various ancillary article collstrainin~ members, such as ski racks, bike .racks, utility bo~es, etc. may be removably secured to the cross rails, particularly when they are of the type shown in Fiqures 9-11, so as to further en].arge the number of potential uses of the lugaage carrier C~/ I.!.C
~128~3 ;
Or thc prcsont invcntion.- It wi~ bc ~plircci~tcd, Or cour~o, that additional cross~ slats and!or cross rails may bc utilizcd dcpending on the sizo and ty~c of load and that by virtuc of the strength of such cross slats, additional size loads will not result in any damage to the associated vehicle since such loads will be transmitted or distributed to the outer edges of the roof via the cross slats wheTe the primary supporting structure of typical vehicle roofsis located.
While it will be apparent ~hat ~he preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objec,ts above stated, it will be apprecia~ted that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.
~18 . .
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An article carrier for use on a generally horizontally disposed surface of an automotive vehicle, said carrier comprising a first pair of spaced parallel slat elements fixedly secured to the vehicle surface, at least one cross slat element arranged at generally right angles to said first pair of spaced parallel slat elements, said cross slat element including slideway means, each of said slat elements lying directly adjacent said surface of the vehicle and adapted to have articles bear thereupon, and at least one tie down element slidably connected to the slideway means of said cross slat element.
2. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said carrier comprises means for mounting said cross slat element on said pair of parallel slat elements, whereby said cross slat element is longitudinally adjustable along said first pair of spaced parallel slat elements.
3. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said carrier comprises a pair of cross slat elements arranged at generally right angles to said first pair of spaced parallel slat elements.
4. The invention as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first pair of slat elements extend longitudinally of the vehicle and are arranged adjacent the laterally outer side edges of the roof portion thereof, and wherein said pair of cross slat elements extend laterally of said first pair of slat elements and are secured at their laterally outer ends to said first pair of slat elements.
5. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mounting means for said cross slat element includes a pair of stanchion assemblies located one ad-jacent each end of said cross slat element for adjustably and removably mounting said cross slat element on said first pair of slat elements.
6. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein the slideway means of said cross slat element in-cludes a channel portion generally coextensive with said cross slat element for slidably supporting said tie down element thereon.
7. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tie down element includes a closed loop at its upper end.
8. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tie down element includes à locking means for securing said tie down element to said cross slat element.
9. The invention as set forth in claim 8, wherein said locking means comprises a manually engageable member disposed above said cross slat element, a threaded stud member, and clamping means threadably engageable with said stud member and said manually engageable member for clampingly securing said tie down element to said cross slat element.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US5734679A | 1979-07-13 | 1979-07-13 | |
| US57,346 | 1979-07-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1128023A true CA1128023A (en) | 1982-07-20 |
Family
ID=22010018
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA340,024A Expired CA1128023A (en) | 1979-07-13 | 1979-11-16 | Vehicle luggage carrier |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS6030569B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1128023A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2947403A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2460808B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2053111B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1127619B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7909802L (en) |
Families Citing this family (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5939245U (en) * | 1982-09-07 | 1984-03-13 | マツダ株式会社 | Automobile roof carrier device |
| CA1213571A (en) * | 1983-01-12 | 1986-11-04 | John A. Bott | Vehicle article carrier |
| JPS59151855U (en) * | 1983-03-31 | 1984-10-11 | 日野自動車株式会社 | Automotive roof carrier |
| JPS6045154U (en) * | 1983-09-01 | 1985-03-29 | 株式会社 大井製作所 | Automobile roof carrier mounting structure |
| JPS6066549U (en) * | 1983-10-14 | 1985-05-11 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Vehicle roof carrier mounting mechanism |
| JPS62148913U (en) * | 1986-03-13 | 1987-09-21 | ||
| US4767041A (en) * | 1986-06-19 | 1988-08-30 | Huron/St. Clair Company, A Division Of Masco Industries, Inc. | Luggage carrier with detachable suspended load-bearing rack |
| US4736878A (en) * | 1986-09-05 | 1988-04-12 | Masco Industries, Inc. | Luggage carrier with clamp on suspended cross rails |
| US4768691A (en) * | 1986-09-22 | 1988-09-06 | Huron/St. Clair Company, A Division Of Masco Industries, Inc. | Adjustable support rail for a luggage carrier |
| FR2625958B1 (en) * | 1988-01-14 | 1991-04-12 | Peugeot | LUGGAGE CARRIER FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE |
| GB8805344D0 (en) * | 1988-03-07 | 1988-04-07 | Autopia Terakat Accessories Lt | Rack |
| JPH0613841Y2 (en) * | 1989-08-11 | 1994-04-13 | 株式会社イナックス | Toilet bowl control box |
| JPH07164974A (en) * | 1993-11-09 | 1995-06-27 | Jac Prod Inc | Article carrier |
| CA2192301A1 (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1997-06-16 | John S. Cucheran | Vehicle article carrier |
| GB2314059B (en) * | 1996-06-12 | 2000-09-06 | Jac Products Inc | Load bar for automobile luggage carrier |
| US6415970B1 (en) * | 2000-10-20 | 2002-07-09 | Jac Products, Inc. | Vehicle article carrier with supports configurable elevated siderails or flush mounted slats |
| DE10314680B4 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2006-04-06 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Roof rack |
| JP4683061B2 (en) * | 2008-03-21 | 2011-05-11 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Roof rack mounting structure and roof rack mounting method |
| US20160272123A1 (en) * | 2015-03-20 | 2016-09-22 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Luggage carrier cross rail docking stations |
| DE202015004902U1 (en) * | 2015-07-08 | 2016-10-13 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Roof rail for releasable attachment to the roof frame of a motor vehicle |
| KR101661348B1 (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2016-09-29 | 주식회사 케이에이치테크 | Roof rack assembly for mounting roof box of roof panel contact of vehicle |
| FR3135040B1 (en) * | 2022-04-27 | 2024-03-15 | Renault Sas | Layout of a vehicle body comprising a convertible carrying device and an opening roof |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1092494A (en) * | 1953-10-27 | 1955-04-21 | Advanced vehicle gallery | |
| US3253755A (en) * | 1964-06-22 | 1966-05-31 | John A Bott | Luggage rack |
| US3325067A (en) * | 1965-04-12 | 1967-06-13 | Helm Design & Mfg Inc | Car top luggage carrier |
| US3554416A (en) * | 1968-02-21 | 1971-01-12 | Bott John Anthony | Vehicle luggage rack |
| US4099658A (en) * | 1974-07-08 | 1978-07-11 | Bott John Anthony | Article carrier for automotive vehicles |
| US4133465A (en) * | 1977-05-19 | 1979-01-09 | Bott John Anthony | Adjustable vehicle article carrier |
| US4132335A (en) * | 1977-09-27 | 1979-01-02 | Four Star Corporation | Slidable bracket for article carrier |
-
1979
- 1979-11-16 CA CA340,024A patent/CA1128023A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-11-21 GB GB7940177A patent/GB2053111B/en not_active Expired
- 1979-11-24 DE DE19792947403 patent/DE2947403A1/en active Granted
- 1979-11-27 IT IT27617/79A patent/IT1127619B/en active
- 1979-11-28 SE SE7909802A patent/SE7909802L/en unknown
- 1979-11-29 FR FR7929436A patent/FR2460808B1/en not_active Expired
-
1980
- 1980-01-28 JP JP55008677A patent/JPS6030569B2/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS6030569B2 (en) | 1985-07-17 |
| SE7909802L (en) | 1981-01-14 |
| DE2947403A1 (en) | 1981-01-29 |
| GB2053111A (en) | 1981-02-04 |
| IT1127619B (en) | 1986-05-21 |
| FR2460808A1 (en) | 1981-01-30 |
| IT7927617A0 (en) | 1979-11-27 |
| DE2947403C2 (en) | 1988-09-01 |
| GB2053111B (en) | 1983-06-29 |
| FR2460808B1 (en) | 1983-10-07 |
| JPS5613235A (en) | 1981-02-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |