Low cost adjustable and removable cross rail

• US 20060283900A1
• Filed: 06/16/2005
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Magna International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Magna International Incorporated
• Inventors: Stapleton, Craig A.
• Application Number:
  US11/154,740
• Publication Number:
  US 20060283900A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/325
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/045 Carriers being adjustable or transformable, e.g. expansible, collapsible transformable into tents B60P3/36; into beds B60P3/38
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/058 characterised by releasable attaching means between carrier and roof

Abstract

Cargo rack systems for a motor vehicle are provided. The systems include cross rail members that are operable to be easily removed from and/or fastened to the side rail members and/or adjustable along the length of the side rail members. The side rail members are provided with channels formed on a top surface thereof that are operable to receive a locking mechanism that cooperates with the cross rail members. Stop members formed on the underside of a stanchion portion prevents undesired movement of the locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is manipulated in a first direction, the cross rail member is secured to the side rail member. When the locking mechanism is manipulated in a second opposite direction, the cross rail member can either be moved to a different position along the length of the side rail member, or if desired, can be completely disengaged from the side rail member.

Claims

1. A cross rail system for a cargo rack system of a vehicle, comprising:

a cross rail member;

a stanchion portion operably associated with at least one end of the cross rail member;

a side rail member having a channel formed in a surface thereof; and

a fastening system operable to fasten the stanchion portion to the side rail member;

wherein the fastening system is operable to be at least partially received in the channel and rotate in a first direction so as to secure the cross rail member to the side rail member.

2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the fastening system comprises a fastening member, wherein the fastening member is operable to be received within an area defining an aperture formed in the stanchion portion.

3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the fastening system comprises a plate member, wherein the plate member is operable to be at least partially received in the channel.

4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the plate member includes a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof.

5. The invention according to claim 4, wherein the side rail member includes a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof.

6. The invention according to claim 5, wherein the knurled portion of the plate member and the knurled surface of the side rail member are operable to engage one another.

7. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the fastening system is operable to rotate about 90 degrees within the channel.

8. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the fastening system is operable to rotate in a second direction so as permit the cross rail member to disengage from the side rail member.

9. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation limitation system formed on a surface of the stanchion portion.

10. The invention according to claim 9, wherein the rotation limitation system comprises at least one tab member.

11. The invention according to claim 10, wherein the at least one tab member is operable to prevent rotation of the fastening system.

12. A cross rail system for a cargo rack system of a vehicle, comprising:

a cross rail member;

a stanchion portion operably associated with at least one end of the cross rail member;

a side rail member, the side rail member having a channel formed in a surface thereof and a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof; and

a fastening system operable to fasten the stanchion portion to the side rail member, the fastening system having a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof;

wherein the fastening system is operable to be at least partially received in the channel and rotate in a first direction so as to secure the cross rail member to the side rail member;

wherein the knurled portion of the fastening system and the knurled surface of the side rail member are operable to engage one another.

13. The invention according to claim 12, wherein the fastening system comprises a fastening member, wherein the fastening member is operable to be received within an area defining an aperture formed in the stanchion portion.

14. The invention according to claim 13, wherein the fastening system comprises a plate member, wherein the plate member is operable to be at least partially received in the channel.

15. The invention according to claim 14, wherein the plate member includes a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof.

16. The invention according to claim 12, wherein the fastening system is operable to rotate about 90 degrees within the channel.

17. The invention according to claim 12, wherein the fastening system is operable to rotate in a second direction so as permit the cross rail member to disengage from the side rail member.

18. The invention according to claim 12, further comprising a rotation limitation system formed on a surface of the stanchion portion.

19. The invention according to claim 18, wherein the rotation limitation system comprises at least one tab member.

20. The invention according to claim 19, wherein the at least one tab member is operable to prevent rotation of the fastening system.

21. A cross rail system for a cargo rack system of a vehicle, comprising:

a cross rail member;

a stanchion portion operably associated with at least one end of the cross rail member;

a side rail member, the side rail member having a channel formed in a surface thereof and a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof;

a fastening system operable to fasten the stanchion portion to the side rail member, the fastening system having a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof; and

a rotation limitation system formed on a surface of the stanchion portion;

wherein the fastening system is operable to be at least partially received in the channel and rotate in a first direction so as to secure the cross rail member to the side rail member;

wherein the knurled portion of the fastening system and the knurled surface of the side rail member are operable to engage one another;

wherein the rotation limitation system is operable to prevent rotation of the fastening system.

22. The invention according to claim 21, wherein the fastening system comprises a fastening member, wherein the fastening member is operable to be received within an area defining an aperture formed in the stanchion portion.

23. The invention according to claim 22, wherein the fastening system comprises a plate member, wherein the plate member is operable to be at least partially received in the channel.

24. The invention according to claim 23, wherein the plate member includes a knurled portion formed on a surface thereof.

25. The invention according to claim 21, wherein the fastening system is operable to rotate about 90 degrees within the channel.

26. The invention according to claim 21, wherein the fastening system is operable to rotate in a second direction so as permit the cross rail member to disengage from the side rail member.

27. The invention according to claim 21, wherein the rotation limitation system comprises at least one tab member.