Package and article carriers – Vehicle attached – Carrier associated with vehicle roof or trunk lid
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-25
2001-09-11
Cronin, Stephen K. (Department: 3727)
Package and article carriers
Vehicle attached
Carrier associated with vehicle roof or trunk lid
C224S309000, C224S315000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286739
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to article carrier assemblies, and, more particularly, to an article carrier assembly for attachment to a vehicle roof panel with improved styling and functionality.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typical vehicle article carrier assemblies include a pair of siderails mounted to a vehicle roof panel with at least one crossrail extending therebetween. Retainers on opposing ends of the crossrail attach the crossrail to the siderails. The retainers are usually secured to the siderails by latches or other such mechanisms. The retainers, crossrails and latches, however, create design problems in that such components may be bulky, and it is difficult to combine trim styling with sufficient strength for supporting an article on the carrier assembly. This leads to disadvantages.
One disadvantage of conventional designs is that the crossrails create wind noise when the vehicle is driven. Wind noise is inevitable when the article carrier assembly is being used, due to the article itself. Nonetheless, this wind noise is undesirable, especially when the article carrier assembly is not being used. In addition, the crossrails increase vehicle drag. Finally, it is difficult to provide crossrails in the form of a trim rail for styling purposes without sacrificing structural integrity. Accordingly, the styling suffers.
One approach taken in the art to address some of the shortcomings described above involves providing removable crossrails. In this approach, the crossrails are removable, and may be stored, for example, in the vehicle owner's garage or the like when not in use. However, a significant shortcoming of this approach is that the crossrails are not always with the vehicle. Therefore, on those occasions where use of the article carrier assembly arises unexpectedly, the article carrier assembly cannot be used because the removable crossrails are not stored with the vehicle.
There is therefore a need to provide an improved article carrier assembly that reduces or eliminates one or more of the shortcomings set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide an article carrier assembly that reduces or eliminates wind noise and vehicle drag when not in use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an article carrier assembly that presents stylishly when not in use.
The present invention achieves these and other objects, and overcomes the above-referenced shortcomings of conventional article carrier assemblies by providing crossrails that are stowed in corresponding siderails when the crossrails are not needed. This approach reduces both (i) buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR), and (ii) noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) associated with the article carrier assembly. The invention also minimizes vehicle drag. In addition, a fully functional article carrier assembly is self-contained. That is, the crossrails are always with the vehicle, even when the carrier assembly is not in use. Moreover, the present invention provides for improved styling inasmuch as the article carrier assembly, when the crossrails are stowed, conveys the look of stand-alone siderails.
A preferred embodiment of the inventive article carrier assembly is adapted for attachment to a vehicle roof panel. The assembly includes a pair of spaced siderails configured to be mounted to the roof panel. A crossrail is also provided, along with a first attachment arrangement. The first attachment arrangement is configured to secure a first end of the crossrail to one of the pair of siderails and allow movement of the crossrail between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the crossrail is stowed in the siderail to which it is attached. Preferably, the crossrail when in the stowed position is recessed in a channel provided in the siderail. In the deployed position, the crossrail is supported on both siderails.
In another embodiment, a second end of the crossrail opposite the first end is releasably attached to the other one of the pair of siderails. This attachment may include one of a threaded thumb wheel, a screw, a quarter-turn fastener, and an over-center clamping system.
In a still further embodiment, a pair of crossrails are provided wherein a first, front crossrail, when in a deployed position, is longitudinally fixed with respect to the vehicle. The rear crossrail, however, is longitudinally adjustable with respect to the vehicle. Providing adjustability for only one of the crossrails (rather than for both crossrails) has the advantage of reducing the cost of the article carrier assembly. In addition, such an arrangement forces the end user to load the article carrier assembly properly (i.e., from the forward portion of the carrier assembly). To provide this adjustability, the article carrier assembly includes a pair of stanchions slidably attached to a track portion of the siderails.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4416406 (1983-11-01), Popeney
patent: 4473178 (1984-09-01), Bott
patent: 5340007 (1994-08-01), Jeuffray et al.
patent: 5377890 (1995-01-01), Brunner et al.
patent: 5395024 (1995-03-01), Luchtenberg
patent: 5511709 (1996-04-01), Fisch
Cronin Stephen K.
Rader & Fishman & Grauer, PLLC
SportRack LLC
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