Roof article transporter assembly

• US 20040150573A1
• Filed: 01/21/2004
• Published: 08/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Decoma International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Decoma International Corporation
• Inventors: Roddy, Stephen R., Huotari, Keijo J., Henderson, Jack V., Brower, Gregory A., Bator, Mary Ann
• Granted Patent: US 7,081,810 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/711
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3275 mounted on a horizontal surface of the vehicle, e.g. on roof, hood, trunk

Abstract

A roof rack assembly for transporting articles along a roof of a motor vehicle includes a frame member extending along the roof. The roof rack assembly also includes an electronic component for receiving and transmitting signals to an interior portion of the motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A roof rack assembly for transporting articles along a roof of a motor vehicle having an interior portion, said roof rack assembly comprising:

a frame member extending along the roof; and

an electronic component secured to said frame member for receiving and transmitting signals to the interior portion of the motor vehicle.

2. A roof rack assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic component is a radio frequency receiver module.

3. A roof rack assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic component is a radar sensor.

4. A roof rack assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic component is a camera for creating a digitized signal of a space disposed adjacent the motor vehicle.

5. A roof rack assembly for transporting articles along a roof of a motor vehicle having a plurality of electronic components, said roof rack assembly comprising:

a frame member mounted to the roof, said frame member having an outboard surface; and

a solar panel secured to said outboard surface within for receiving solar energy and converting the solar energy into an electric current.

6. A roof rack assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said outer surface extends through a plane.

7. A roof rack assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said solar panel extends through said plane.

8. A roof rack assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said plane is curved.