Cross-sectional configuration of a roof luggage carrier of a vehicle

• US 5,294,033 A
• Filed: 03/10/1992
• Issued: 03/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Duemmler, Stephan
• Primary Examiner(s): Sholl, Linda J.
• Application Number:
  US07/848,760
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 224/309, 224/316, 224/321, 224/322, 224/324, 224/325, 224/326, 224/329, 224/330, 224/331
• US Class Current: 224/316
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/052 Carriers comprising elongate members extending only transversely of vehicle B60R9/08 takes precedence

Abstract

The invention relates to a cross-sectional configuration of a transverse girder (1) on a roof luggage carrier of a vehicle. According to the invention, the outer surfaces are symmetric in relation to a vertical longitudinal plane (2) of the transverse girder. The underside (3) is substantially a flat, horizontal lower surface (b) facing towards the vehicle roof. The upper width (a) of the transverse girder (1) is smaller than (b). The upper side (4) and the underside (3) are connected via convexly curved and rounded lateral surfaces (5, 6). Relationships and ratios of width and curvatures provide improved aerodynamic characteristics and a reduction of the noise level caused by wind according to the invention.

Claims

1. A transverse girder for a roof luggage carrier of a vehicle having outer surfaces that are rounded as seen in cross-section providing improved aerodynamic characteristics and lower wind noise, wherein said transverse girder comprises:

a cross-sectional configuration that includes outer surfaces which are symmetrical in relation to a vertical longitudinal plane of said transverse girder;

an upper side and an underside of said transverse girder having a relatively flat horizontal surface;

said upper side and said underside of said transverse girder being connected by convexly curved and rounded lateral surfaces; and

said transverse girder having a width projection facing towards the vehicle roof which is greater than a width of said upper side of said transverse girder facing away from said vehicle roof;

said convexly curved lateral surfaces including a first arc with a relatively large curvature starting at said underside and extending to an outer side; and

a second arc with a lesser curvature than said first arc which extends from said upper side laterally to said outer side;

said first arc and said second arc continuously merging into each other to define points of return at a transition point on either side of the transverse girder defining a transverse girder width; and

said points of return are located at a height (d) representing about 25% to 40% of a height (H) of the transverse girder measured from said underside of said transverse girder.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a width ratio of said upper side to said transverse girder is selected according to the following equation:

##EQU3## where "a" is the width of the upper side and "b" is the width projection of said transverse girder.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said underside of said transverse girder includes a convexly curved lower surface having a third arc with a relatively large curvature;

and said first arcs continue from said third arc on either side of said transverse girder.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said third arc faces said vehicle roof with a chord height of about 0 to 5 mm as measured from a straight horizontal base line.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said transverse girder has a hollow profile and includes inner reinforcement ribs.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said transverse girder includes a longitudinal upper channel with undercuts;

and a cover which covers said upper channel which is engaged by said undercuts.

7. A transverse girder for a roof luggage carrier of a vehicle having outer surfaces that are rounded as seen in cross-section providing improved aerodynamic characteristics a low wind noise, wherein said transverse girder comprises:

a cross-sectional configuration that includes outer surfaces which are symmetrical in relation to a vertical longitudinal plane of said transverse girder;

an upper side and an underside of said transverse girder having a generally horizontal surface;

said upper side and said underside of said transverse girder being connected by convexly curved and rounded lateral surfaces;

said convexly curved lateral surfaces including a first arc with a relatively sharp curvature starting at said underside and extending to an outer side;

a second arc with a lesser curvature than said first arc which extends from said upper side laterally to said outer side;

said first arc and said second arc of said curved lateral surfaces continuously merging into each other to define points of return at a transition point on either side of the transverse girder defining a transverse girder width; and

a width ratio of said upper side to said transverse girder is selected according to the following equation;

##EQU4## where "a" is the width of the upper side and "b" is a width projection of said transverse girder facing towards said vehicle roof at said points of return; and

said points of return are located at a height (d) representing about 24% to 40% of a height (h) of the transverse girder measured from said underside of said transverse girder.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said transverse girder has a hollow profile and includes inner reinforcement ribs.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein said transverse girder includes a longitudinal upper channel with undercuts;

and a cover which covers said upper channel which is engaged by said undercuts.