Patent Application
20230150437
The subject disclosure relates to vehicle roof rack systems, and in particular to roof rack systems for a vehicle with a fixed glass roof
In a typical vehicle with a metal roof panel, the roof includes a plurality of stiffeners that extend longitudinally along the roof beneath the roof panel. A typical roof rack has attachment points that engage with the stiffeners to secure the roof rack to the vehicle, and/or includes utilize longitudinally extending rails on each lateral side of the vehicle. Recently, however, vehicles are being developed which have roofs with fixed glass panels, and such roof assemblies do not utilize such roof stiffeners. As such, the art would readily appreciate an effective and aesthetically appealing attachment of roof rack components to vehicles, especially those vehicles having fixed glass roof panels.
In one embodiment, a roof and rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof assembly including a roof panel extending laterally from a first side panel to a second side panel of the vehicle, defining a recess between the each of the first side panel and second side panel, and the roof panel. One or more pedestal brackets are secured to the roof assembly at the recess. A rack assembly includes a pedestal located at each recess and secured to the pedestal bracket, and a crossbar extending between the pedestals and secured thereto.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal bracket includes a base portion secured to the roof assembly at the recess, and a tab portion extending upwardly from the base portion, the tab portion defining a tab end opening between the tab portion and the base portion.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal includes opposing end arms that are installed into opposing ends of the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal includes a tightening mechanism to urge the opposing end arms into the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the opposing end arms rotate about respective arm pivots into the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal further includes a center leg inserted into an upper tab opening of the pedestal bracket.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal bracket is secured in the recess via welding.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the roof panel is a fixed glass roof panel.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the roof panel is secured in the roof assembly by an adhesive.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal includes a crossbar opening into which the crossbar is installed.
In another embodiment, a roof rack attachment apparatus for a vehicle includes a pedestal bracket securable to a roof assembly, the pedestal bracket including a base portion configured for securing to the roof assembly and a tab portion extending upwardly from the base portion. The tab portion defines a tab end opening between the tab portion and the base portion. A pedestal is securable to the pedestal bracket. The pedestal includes opposing end arms that are installed into opposing ends of the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal includes a tightening mechanism to urge the opposing end arms into the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the opposing end arms rotate about respective arm pivots into the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal further includes a center leg inserted into an upper tab opening of the pedestal bracket.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the pedestal bracket is secured to the roof assembly via welding.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the tab end opening is substantially C-shaped.
In another embodiment, a method of installing a roof rack to a vehicle roof includes securing two pedestal brackets at opposing lateral sides of a roof assembly of a vehicle. Each pedestal bracket includes a base portion configured for securing to the roof assembly, and a tab portion extending upwardly from the base portion. The tab portion defines a tab end opening between the tab portion and the base portion. A pedestal is installed to each pedestal bracket, and a crossbar is installed to the pedestals to extend between the opposing lateral sides of the roof assembly.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments installing the pedestal to each pedestal bracket includes installing opposing end arms of the pedestal into opposing ends of the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the opposing end arms rotate about respective arm pivots into the tab end opening.
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments a center leg of the pedestal is installed into an upper tab opening of the pedestal bracket.
The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, shown in
Referring now to
Referring to
The use of the pedestal bracket 44 secured to the side panels 24, 26 and the roof attachment mechanism 58 of the pedestal 38 disclosed herein secures the rack assembly 34 to the roof assembly 10 without using the typical longitudinal rails, and the ease of installation of the pedestals 38 avoids a false positive attachment of the pedestal, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the roof panel 14, which is especially important for vehicles 12 having a roof panel 14 formed from glass.
While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope thereof.
