Rack system for vehicles

A rotatable rack is provided. The rotatable rack is rotatably interconnected to a vehicle proximal to the vehicle's windshield such that the rotatable rack is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the windshield to a second position away from the windshield where the rotatable rack is provided proximal to a hood of the vehicle.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally related to storage and accessory racks for interconnection to motor vehicles. More specifically, one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a rack member or support member operable to be provided adjacent a forward windshield portion of a vehicle. The rack member is associated with a fixed portion of a vehicle and optionally with a further rack member, such as a roof rack. The rack member is selectively movable such that the rack member is capable of moving from a first position of use to a second position of use.

BACKGROUND

Storage racks are often installed on vehicles to permit carrying additional items that will not fit within the vehicle or are not desirable to carry in the vehicle. Storage racks also often accommodate a variety of accessories including lights, such as fog lights. It is sometimes necessary to remove the storage rack to make modifications to the vehicle. For example, the storage rack of some vehicles must be removed in order to gain access to various roof elements for removal or replacement. That is, in order to facilitate changing the exterior of a vehicle, the storage rack must be removed. This is often a cumbersome and difficult task and sometimes the aforementioned lights and associated wiring must also be removed. To complicate this task, storage racks are often heavy, and may be difficult and/or dangerous to remove and replace by a lone individual. U.S. Pat. No. 9,676,343 and U.S. Patent App. Pub. 2017/0203697 which are both by Badillodisclose rotatable rack elements and racks with the ability to accommodate lighting features and are hereby each incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Many known storage racks and rack systems prevent vehicle features from moving or operating as they are intended. For example, storage racks may prevent access to or operation of doors, liftgates, windows, and windshields when installed. Some vehicles, including the JEEP WRANGLER JL™, comprise forward folding windshields that are capable of rotating from a first position of use to a second position in which the windshield is provided substantially adjacent to a hood of the vehicle. Known storage racks and systems comprise supports or other members that prevent operation of these folding windshields.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a storage rack, a rack member, and/or a rack system that is operable to cooperate with and enable a forward folding motion of a windshield, for example. Although various embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for use with the aforementioned windshield system, it should be recognized that the inventions provided herein are not limited to such applications. Indeed, inventive concepts of the present disclosure may be provided in combination with and useful in different settings, vehicles, and applications.

In one embodiment, a convertible roof rack adapted for use with a vehicle is provided. The convertible roof rack comprises a rack member adapted to be associated with a vehicle and positioned adjacent to a windshield of the vehicle. The rack member is capable of movement from a first position of use adjacent to the windshield to a second position of use away from the windshield, for example, proximate to a hood of the vehicle. A support structure is interconnected to the rack member and adapted to be interconnected to the vehicle.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a rack frame or rack member that is configured to be connected to a forward portion of a vehicle and which does not substantially obstruct vehicle occupants' views through the windshield. Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide for a forward rack support or bracket member that comprises at least one hinge point. The rack member can be interconnected to the bracket member and the hinge point such that the rack member is rotatable from a first position (e.g. adjacent the windshield, or generally vertical) to a second position (e.g. adjacent the vehicle's hood, generally horizontal).

In some embodiments, the hinge point is provided by first and second bracket members that are securable to a vehicle. The first and second bracket members are configured to be connected to the vehicle with their respective hinge points positioned to extend upwardly above the hood of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the first and second bracket members can be affixed to the vehicle with a plate portion positioned in a gap between two metal trim members of the vehicle, the hinge point of each bracket extending through the plate portions.

In alternative embodiments, the hinge point is provided along a length of a frame member of the rack member. For example, a joint or hinge is contemplated as being provided in each of a left and a right side support member provided proximal to the windshield such that the joints or hinges allow the rack member to hinge or rotate toward and away from the windshield.

In various embodiments, rack members of the present disclosure are operable to support a roof rack frame or similar member. Rack members of the present disclosure are further operable to receive and support various additional elements including, but not limited to, light bars, lighting elements, accessories, tools (e.g. shovels, fire extinguishers, etc.), and similar features. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the rack member comprises a light bar for a vehicle.

One aspect of the present invention is a rotatable rack adapted for use with a vehicle, comprising: (1) a first bracket member that is selectively securable to the vehicle such that a first through-hole of the first bracket member extends from a first gap between exterior panels of the vehicle; (2) a second bracket member that is selectively securable to the vehicle such that a second through-hole of the second bracket member extends from a second gap between exterior panels of the vehicle; and (3) a rack member adapted to be associated with the vehicle and positioned adjacent to a windshield of the vehicle, the rack member configured to be pivotally interconnected to the first and second through-holes such that the rack member is capable of movement from a first position of use adjacent to the windshield to a second position of use proximate to a hood of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the first bracket member comprises a first clamp plate configured to engage a first fastener under the exterior panels of the vehicle. The second bracket member can comprise a second clamp plate configured to engage a second fastener under the exterior panels of the vehicle. Optionally, in one embodiment, the first and second clamp plates each include a slot to receive the respective first and second fasteners. The first fastener can be associated with a first hinge pivotally interconnecting the windshield to the vehicle. Similarly, the second fastener can be associated with a second hinge pivotally interconnecting the windshield to the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the first bracket member includes a first transverse member extending from the first clamp plate. The first transverse member is configured to extend outwardly above the exterior panels of the vehicle when the first bracket member is secured to the vehicle. The second bracket member can also include a second transverse member extending from the second clamp plate. The second transverse member is configured to extend outwardly above the exterior panels of the vehicle when the second bracket member is secured to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the first through-hole is formed through the first transverse member and the second through-hole is formed through the second transverse member.

In one embodiment, the rack member is rotatable about a pivot axis that is defined by the first and second through-holes. Optionally, the pivot axis is above the exterior panels and is substantially parallel to a wheel axle of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the pivot axis is approximately parallel to a rotational axis defined by first and second hinges associated with the windshield of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the rotatable rack further comprises a first mounting bracket configured to be secured to a first support member of the rack member. The first mounting bracket includes a first aperture to receive a first cowling fastener. The first cowling fastener is operable to interconnect the first mounting bracket and a first exterior panel to the vehicle. The first exterior panel defining part of the first gap between exterior panels. Optionally, the first mounting bracket includes a first catch extending transverse to the first mounting bracket. The first catch extends in a direction toward the vehicle to contact an edge of the first support member when the first mounting bracket is interconnected to the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the rotatable rack further comprises a second mounting bracket configured to be secured to a second support member of the rack member. The second mounting bracket includes a second aperture to receive a second cowling fastener. The second cowling fastener is operable to interconnect the second mounting bracket and a second exterior panel to the vehicle. The second exterior panel defining part of the second gap between exterior panels. Optionally, the second mounting bracket includes a second catch extending transverse to the second mounting bracket. The second catch extends in a direction toward the vehicle to contact an edge of the second support member when the second mounting bracket is interconnected to the vehicle.

Optionally, the rotatable rack can further comprise a first support strap secured to a door hinge of the vehicle. The first support strap can include a first strap aperture adapted to be aligned with the first aperture of the first mounting bracket. In this manner the first cowling fastener can extend through both the first aperture and the first strap aperture.

In one embodiment, to rotate the rack member from the first position of use to the second position of use the first mounting bracket is separated from the first support member of the rack member and the first cowling fastener is removed from the first aperture.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a system for pivotally interconnecting a rotatable rack member proximate to a windshield of a vehicle. The system includes, but is not limited to: (1) a bracket member adapted to be interconnected to the vehicle, including: (a) a clamp plate portion with a first aperture to receive a fastener to secure the bracket member to the vehicle, the clamp plate portion being configured to be positioned inwardly relative to a first exterior panel and a second exterior panel of the vehicle when the bracket member is secured to the vehicle; (b) a transverse portion extending from the clamp plate portion, the transverse portion adapted to extend through a gap between the first and second exterior panels when the bracket member is secured to the vehicle; and (c) a bracket aperture formed through the transverse portion that is configured to be positioned outwardly relative to the first and second exterior panels when the bracket member is secured to the vehicle; and (2) a support member extending from the rack member, the support member including a flange with a flange aperture configured to align with the bracket aperture of the bracket member such that a fastener can be positioned through the flange aperture and the bracket aperture to pivotally interconnect the rack member to the bracket member, the fastener defining a pivot axis about which the rack member can rotate from a first position of use proximate to the windshield to a second position of use proximate to a hood of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the pivot axis is generally parallel to a rotation axis defined by a hinge interconnected to the windshield. Additionally, or alternatively, the pivot axis can be approximately parallel to an axle of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a mounting bracket configured to be attached to the support member. The mounting bracket optionally include a through hole to receive a cowling fastener. In this manner, the cowling fastener can interconnect the mounting bracket and the second exterior panel to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a catch configured to contact a rearward portion of the support member when the rack member is in the first position of use proximate to the windshield.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a support strap. The support strap can include a first portion with a strap aperture to receive the cowling fastener and a second portion to engage a hinge plate of a door hinge of the vehicle.

Optionally, the rack member further comprises an attachment plate that is configured to interconnect the rack member to a roof rack interconnected to the vehicle.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of interconnecting a rotatable rack to a vehicle, comprising: (1) securing a first bracket member to the vehicle such that a first through-hole of the first bracket member extends from a first gap between exterior panels of the vehicle such that the first through-hole is positioned outwardly of the exterior panels; (2) securing a second bracket member to the vehicle such that a second through-hole of the second bracket member extends from a second gap between exterior panels of the vehicle such that the second through-hole is positioned outwardly of the exterior panels; and (3) pivotally interconnecting the rotatable rack to the first and second bracket members by securing first and second fasteners through the first and second through-holes such that the rotatable rack is capable of movement from a first position of use adjacent to a windshield of the vehicle to a second position of use proximate to a hood of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, pivotally interconnecting the rotatable rack to the first and second bracket members further comprises one or more of: (a) extending the first fastener through the first through-hole and through a first flange aperture of a first flange of the rotatable rack; and (b) extending the second fastener through the second through-hole and through a second flange aperture of a second flange of the rotatable rack.

Optionally, the method can include at least one of: (a) securing a first mounting bracket to a first support member of the rotatable rack; (b) interconnecting the first mounting bracket and a first exterior panel to the vehicle with a first cowling fastener, the first exterior panel defining part of the first gap between exterior panels; (c) securing a second mounting bracket to a second support member of the rotatable rack; and (d) interconnecting the second mounting bracket and a second exterior panel to the vehicle with a second cowling fastener, the second exterior panel defining part of the second gap between exterior panels.

In one embodiment, securing the first bracket member to the vehicle comprises: (a) removing a first cowling fastener to remove the first exterior panel from the vehicle; (b) loosening a first hinge fastener associated with a first windshield hinge of the vehicle; (c) sliding a first clamp plate of the first bracket member under the first windshield hinge, the first clamp plate including a slot to receive the first hinge fastener; and (d) tightening the first hinge fastener to secure the first bracket member to the vehicle.

This Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

Similar components and/or features may have the same reference number. Components of the same type may be distinguished by a letter following the reference number. If only the reference number is used, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same reference number.

To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

NumberComponent2Rack member4aFirst support member4bSecond support member6aFirst horizontal support6bSecond horizontal support7Contact member8Stabilizing members9Aperture10Attachment plates11Aperture12Bracket members13Slot of bracket member14Pivot points15Clamp plate portion of bracket member16Support member17Support member18Mounting brackets19Eyelet (or through-hole) of bracket member20Vehicle22Windshield23Hinge associated with vehicle windshield24Hood26Catch of mounting bracket28Wheel axis of the vehicle30Fastener or Bolt31Cowling fastener32Support pads of vehicle hood34Cowling aperture36Fastener38Transverse portion of a bracket member40Pivot Axis of rotation (or pivot axis of the bracket members)42Cowling or exterior trim member of the vehicle44Gap between trim members46Flange of support member48Support strap50First portion of strap52Second portion of strap54Apertures56Hinge bolt57Door hinge58Roof rack

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown inFIGS. 1-8, a rack member2for a vehicle20is provided. The rack member2comprises first and second4a,4bsupport members that are operable and intended to extend along a windshield22of a vehicle20(for example). An upper portion of the rack member2comprises first and second supports6a,6b.The supports6are configured to be generally horizontal when the rack member2is interconnected to a vehicle as generally illustrated inFIG. 8. Stabilizing members8a,8bcan optionally be provided. The stabilizing members8are generally interconnected to the supports6. Although two stabilizing members8a,8bare provided, it will be recognized that any number of stabilizing members can be provided, including no stabilizing members. Additionally, or alternatively, attachment plates10a,10bcan provided to selectively secure the rack member2to additional rack features or to a roof rack58.

The rack member2can optionally include contact members7. In one embodiment, the contact members7are configured to engage the vehicle proximate to the windshield22. The contact members7can comprise a soft or elastomeric material, such as a rubber or a plastic. In operation, after the rack member2is interconnected to the vehicle in the first position of use, the contact members abut the vehicle and prevent marring or scratching by the rack member. Optionally, the contact members7can be compressible or resiliently-deflectable.

A lower portion of the rack member2is connectable to a vehicle20proximal to a vehicle's hood24and/or cowling42. The rack member2comprises first and second bracket members12a,12bthat can be pivotally connected to the rack member2. The bracket members12a,12bare selectively securable to preexisting components of a vehicle20. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the rack member2can be interconnected to the vehicle without drilling or cutting the vehicle.

The bracket members12are preferably configured to extend at least partially above the hood24of the vehicle and provide a point of interconnection for additional rack member components. The bracket members12a,12bfurther provide pivot points14a,14bwhich define a pivot axis40proximal to and above the hood24. In this manner, the rack member2can be attached to the bracket members12in a rotatable manner. More specifically, the bracket members12can include an eyelet or through-hole19(illustrated inFIG. 9) configured to receive a fastener (such as a bolt30illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 27) which defines the pivot point14and pivot axis40.

Support members16a,16b,17a,17bextend from the support members4a,4band provide structural support to the rack member2. The support members16are adapted to be interconnected to the bracket members12. The first support member16acan extend from the first support member4ainwardly toward the second support member16b.

An upper edge of the support members16can have an arcuate shape. Optionally, the upper edge has a shape similar to bottom corners of a windshield22. In this manner, the rack member2can minimize visual obstructions to a driver of the vehicle20.

In one embodiment, a flange46(best seen inFIG. 24) extends from each of the support members16. The flange46is adapted to interconnect the rack member2to the bracket members12. Optionally, the flanges46are approximately parallel. In one embodiment the flange can have an aperture11for a fastener30to interconnect the flange46to a bracket member12such as generally illustrated inFIG. 24. Alternatively, the flange46can include a bolt that can extend through the through-hole19of a bracket member12.

The support members17can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the support member16. In one embodiment, support members16,17are formed of a single piece of material such as generally illustrated inFIG. 27. Alternatively, the support members16,17are separately formed. The support members17generally extend rearwardly away from the support members4. Optionally, the support members17a,17bare approximately parallel. The support members may include apertures11(illustrated inFIG. 26) to secure the support members17to the vehicle.

Mounting brackets18a,18bare provided on either side of the rack member2. The mounting brackets18can be secured to the rack member2by one or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts. For example, the mounting brackets18can include two or more apertures11to receive fasteners. As generally illustrated inFIG. 28-30, the apertures9, lla of the mounting brackets18can receive fasteners31to selectively secure the brackets18to a vehicle20. Optionally, aperture9can receive a fastener31bto secure the mounting bracket18directly to the vehicle, as generally illustrated inFIG. 30. The mounting brackets18a,18bof the depicted embodiments are operable to extend along a side portion or quarter panel of a vehicle20.

Each mounting bracket18can be affixed to one of the support members17. Apertures11bthrough the mounting bracket18can receive a fastener36that extends through a corresponding aperture11bof a support member17, such as generally illustrated inFIG. 28.

In one embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 17, the mounting brackets18can include a hook or catch26. The catch26may be proximate to an edge of the mounting bracket18and extend transverse to a plane defined by the mounting bracket. Referring now toFIG. 29, when the mounting bracket18is interconnected to the vehicle20, the catch26can engage a rearward edge of the support bracket17. In this manner, the catch26can prevent (or reduce) inadvertent or unintended movement of the rack member2. In one embodiment, the catch26has a length extending from the mounting bracket18that is less than the thickness of support bracket17. Accordingly, the catch26can be spaced from the vehicle when the mounting bracket is affixed to the vehicle.

Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an axis of rotation40or hinge point14for the rack member2being provided at or through the bracket members12and support members16, other embodiments contemplate an alternative or additional hinge point provided elsewhere in the system or rack member2. For example, it is contemplated that each of the first and second support members4a,4bcomprise a hinge along their length to allow for rotation of an upper portion of the members4a,4band the upper portion of the rack member2.

In some embodiments, the rack member2is operable to rotate about an axis defined by a fastener31bthrough apertures9in the mounting brackets18. For example, various supports and fasteners may be selectively removed or loosened such that the rack member2is rotatable about a pin or fastener31bsecured through apertures9of the mounting brackets18. One of skill in the art will recognize that the scope of the invention(s) of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular hinge or pivot point, and that various pivot points may be provided without deviating from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

The rack member2of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-8is operable to selectively hinge forward. Specifically, the rack member2is selectively rotatable by uncoupling a connection between the attachment plates10a,10band a connected feature (e.g. an additional rack member or a vehicle, seeFIG. 30wherein attachment plates10a,10bare coupled to a roof rack58with fasteners), uncoupling the connection between the mounting brackets18a,18band the respective support members17a,17bby removing the fastener36, removing fastener31afrom the cowling42, and rotating the upper portion of the rack member2forward about an axis of rotation40that extends between opposing pivot points14a,14b.In one embodiment, the axis of rotation40is substantially parallel to a wheel axle or axis of rotation28of the wheels of the vehicle20. The rack member2is thus capable of a forwardly-hinging movement such that the rack member2and a windshield22of the vehicle20may be lowered or rotated to a position proximal to the hood24of the vehicle20.

FIGS. 9-16are various views of a bracket member12according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the bracket member12comprises a bracket that is selectively securable to a portion of a vehicle20. In one embodiment, the bracket member12generally comprises a clamp plate portion15and a transverse portion38.

The transverse portion38can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the clamp plate portion15. The transverse portion38generally includes an aperture or through-hole19which defines the pivot axis40. The through-hole19is formed in the transverse portion38such that it extends at least partially above the exterior surface of the vehicle20(such as one or more pieces of vehicle cowling42) when the bracket member12is secured to the vehicle. In on embodiment, the transverse portion38is configured to extend from and above a gap44between exterior metal trim members (such as portions of the cowling42) of the vehicle. Optionally, the upper portion of the transverse portion38is rounded or arcuately shaped.

The through-hole19can be aligned with an aperture11through a flange46of a support member16as generally illustrated inFIG. 24. In this manner, a fastener30can extend through the through-hole19and the flange aperture11to pivotally interconnect the rack member2to the bracket member12and the vehicle.

The clamp plate portion15is configured to be interconnected to a vehicle, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 18-19. In some embodiments, the clamp plate portion15of the bracket member12is secured to the vehicle by a fastener30a.Accordingly, the clamp plate portion15can include a feature13to receive the fastener. For example, the bracket member12can comprise an aperture13within the clamp plate portion15. In one embodiment, the aperture13is elongated to define a slot13. The slot13is operable to receive a shaft of a fastener30awhile a head and/or washer can abut the clamp plate portion15. The nut, washer and/or other fastener30ais operable to provide a compressive force on the clamp plate portion15and secure the bracket member12in a desired position with respect to a vehicle20such as generally illustrated inFIG. 22. The slot13facilitates aligning the bracket member12with the vehicle20.

In one embodiment, the slot13is adapted to engage a fastener30aassociated with a hinge23of the vehicle. More specifically, when a portion of cowling42has been removed from the vehicle (as generally illustrated inFIGS. 19-20), the hinge fastener30acan be loosened without removing the fastener from the vehicle. The clamp plate portion15can then slide between the head of the fastener30aand be secured to the vehicle by tightening the fastener30a.

In some embodiments, the desired position of the bracket member12comprises a position wherein a portion of the bracket member12, such as the transverse portion38including the through-hole19, extends above a hood24and/or cowling42of a vehicle (such as generally illustrated inFIG. 22). This position, and the structure of the bracket member12shown and described herein provide for an attachment and pivot axis40for a rack member2that is above and proximal to a top surface of a vehicle hood24(as shown inFIG. 8, for example). The bracket member12preferably comprises a metal, such as steel.

To interconnect the rack member2to a vehicle, fasteners31are removed from the vehicle to remove a portion of the cowling42bas generally illustrated inFIG. 18. In this manner, with the cowling removed, the screw or bolt30aassociated with a hinge23(illustrated inFIG. 19) can be loosened. The bracket member12can then slide into position between a head of the bolt30aand the hinge. The bolt30acan then be re-tightened to secure the bracket member12to the vehicle as generally illustrated inFIGS. 19-22.

Referring now toFIGS. 21A-21C, a support strap48can optionally be interconnected to the vehicle. The support strap48can be formed from piece of metal material, such as a thin piece of steel. In one embodiment, the support strap48generally includes a first portion50and a second portion52. Apertures54can be formed through the first and second portions50,52. Optionally, aperture54B can be elongated, such as to form a closed slot, to facilitate adjustment of the support strap48relative to the vehicle.

The first portion50can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the second portion52. Optionally, the support strap48is folded or bent one or more times such that the first and second portions50,52are in a predetermined orientation.

To interconnect the support strap48to a vehicle, a screw or bolt56associated with a hinge57of a front door of the vehicle can be removed. The second portion52of the support strap48can then be positioned proximate to the door hinge. A first aperture54aof the support strap48can be aligned with an aperture34afor the cowling (generally illustrated inFIG. 18) that was previously removed to install the bracket members12.

Optionally, the fastener31aremoved from aperture34acan be reinstalled through the first aperture54aof the support strap48and the aperture34ain the vehicle as shown inFIG. 21B. A second aperture54bof the support strap48can be aligned with an aperture for the hinge bolt56. The hinge bolt56can then be threaded back into the vehicle through the second aperture54bof the support strap48and a plate of the hinge57as generally illustrated inFIG. 21C. The cowling42bcan then be reinstalled using only the upper two fasteners31c,31das generally illustrated inFIG. 28.

Referring now toFIG. 24, the rack member2can be pivotally interconnected to the bracket members12with a fastener30. More specifically, the fastener can extend through an aperture11in the flange46of the support member16and through the through-hole19of the bracket member12to rotatably interconnect the rack member2to the vehicle20.

Referring now toFIG. 28, the mounting bracket18can be interconnected to the rack member2with another fastener36. More specifically, aperture11bof the mounting plate18can be aligned with aperture11bof the support member17. A fastener36can then be secured in the apertures11bto interconnect the mounting bracket18to the rack member2.

The mounting bracket18can also be releasably interconnected to the vehicle20to provide additional stability or support to the rack member2. Aperture11aof the mounting bracket18can be aligned with aperture11aof the support member17as well as the cowling aperture34a(illustrated inFIG. 18). Similarly, aperture9of the mounting bracket18can be aligned with cowling aperture34b(illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 28). Cowling fastener31acan then be positioned in apertures11a,34aas generally illustrated inFIG. 29. If the optional support strap48is used as described inFIGS. 21A-21C, the cowling fastener31awill also extend through the first aperture54A of the support strap48to provide additional support to the rack member2. The catch26of the mounting bracket18can be positioned to engage a rearward edge of the support member17(as shown inFIG. 29) as the fastener31ais threaded into the apertures11a,34a.Another cowling fastener31bcan be positioned in apertures9,34bas shown inFIG. 30.

As shown inFIG. 23, the vehicle hood24may include support pads32a,32bthat selectively receive and support a windshield22in a lowered position. The support members4can have a length such that the horizontal supports6do not rest on the support pads32when the rack2is rotated to the second position proximate to the vehicle hood as generally illustrated inFIG. 25. Accordingly, the support pads32can cushion the windshield22with interference from the rack member2.

As shown inFIG. 19, a preexisting hinge23is provided with the vehicle20proximal to the cowling42and below the windshield22. This hinge is provided to allow the windshield22to rotate toward the hood24. Embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the depicted hinge23is also provided as the pivot point or point of rotation for the rack member2. Specifically, it is contemplated that a bracket member2may be provided with the preexisting hinge23that operates in a similar manner as the depicted bracket member12. Additionally, it is contemplated that the hinge bolt may be extended to provide extra length to accommodate a bracket and/or directly receive the rack member(s) (at16a,16b,for example).

FIGS. 25-27provide various views of an installed rack member2in a second (or lowered) position, thus enabling lowering of the vehicle's windshield22toward the hood24.

FIGS. 28-29illustrate installation of a mounting bracket18according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A fasteners31acan be positioned through apertures11aof the mounting bracket18and the support member17and into a preexisting aperture34afor the cowling42bin the vehicle20. Another fastener31bcan extend through aperture9of the mounting bracket18and into an existing aperture34bof the vehicle. Because the fasteners34a,34bare secured in existing vehicle apertures31a,31b,no new holes are required to be formed in the vehicle to interconnect the rack member2.FIG. 30depicts the rack member2on a vehicle20. The rack member2and the windshield22are illustrated in the upright or first position of use. A roof rack58is shown connected to the attachment plates10of the rack member2.

Various features and embodiments of vehicle racks devices are provided herein. It will be recognized, however, that various features are not necessarily specific to certain embodiments and may be provided on any one or more embodiments. The present disclosure and embodiments provided herein are not mutually exclusive and may be combined, substituted, and omitted. The scope of the invention(s) provided herein is thus not limited to any particular embodiment, drawing, or particular arrangement of features.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.