Magnetically-coupling ski rack with anti-theft means, for motor vehicles in general

Abstract: The magnetically-coupling ski rack with anti-theft means for motor vehicles in general comprises at least one panel (2) made of magnetic material which is associable with a motor vehicle and supports at least one ski supporting bracket (3) which is surmounted by an element (4) provided with lock-operated securing means (8). The peculiarity of the invention resides in the fact that it comprises an element (6) for covering the panel (2) of magnetic material which is controlled by the lock-operated securing means (8).

Description: The present invention relates to a magnetically-coupling ski rack with anti-theft means, for motor vehicles in general. As is known, ski racks have already been produced which can be applied on motor vehicles in general and are coupled to the roof of the motor vehicle by virtue of magnetic-coupling means which are substantially constituted by a plate-like element made of magnetic rubber or the like which is made to adhere to the motor vehicle and defines the supporting element for the conventional ski application brackets. Known from German patent application DE-A-2 423 565 is a magnetically-coupling ski rack for motor vehicles which has at least one panel made of magnetic material which can be associated with the body of the motor vehicle and supports at least one ski supporting bracket, which is surmounted by an element provided with lock-operated securing means, and an element for completely covering the panel of magnetic material, wherein the magnetic panel constitutes the only means for connecting the ski rack to the body of the motor vehicle. Ski racks such as for example the one disclosed in German patent application DE-A-2 423 565, have proved themselves extremely valid from a strictly functional point of view, since the magnetic base plate is capable of exerting a coupling force which is more than sufficient to retain the skis on the roof of the motor vehicle even during high-speed travel of the vehicle itself. The problem which has so far prevented the diffusion of these types of ski racks among users resides in the fact that it is not possible to apply anti-theft devices in order to prevent the unlawful removal of the skis. As is known, in conventional ski racks the skis are in fact retained by means of a bar or the like which surmounts the skis and is closed, at the couplings of the ski rack to the roof, by virtue of lock means which do not allow to remove the skis from the ski rack. This type of solution cannot be applied to magnetically-coupling ski racks, since even if the skis are locked with respect to the ski rack it is possible to very easily remove the ski rack from the roof of the vehicle, simply by lifting the magnetic plate at one edge and gradually separating it from the roof of the motor vehicle. In this case, therefore, even if the separation of the skis from the ski rack can be prevented, one could not prevent the unlawful removal of the skis, since the associated ski racks would be removed as well. The aim of the present invention is indeed to solve the problems described above by providing a magnetically-coupling ski rack provided with anti-theft means which allow to prevent not only the separation of the skis but also the separation of the ski rack from the motor vehicle. Within the scope of the above aim, a particular object of the invention is to provide a magnetically-coupling ski rack in which means are provided which prevent the infiltration of water, or liquids in general below the magnetic plate, consequently eliminating the possibility of accidental separations. Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically-coupling ski rack with anti-theft means, for motor vehicles in general, which by virtue of its peculiar constructive characteristics is capable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use. To these ends the present invention provides a magnetically-coupling ski rack with anti-theft means, for motor vehicles in general as defined in the appended claim 1. The invention will become apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a magnetically-coupling ski rack with anti-theft means, for motor vehicles in general, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein; figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the ski rack in open position; figure 2 is a partially sectional exploded view of the ski rack of figure 1; figure 3 is a sectional view of the ski rack; figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a ski supporting bracket; figure 5 is a top plan view of the ski rack in closed position; figure 6 is a lateral elevation view of the ski rack; figure 7 is a transverse sectional view of a second embodiment of the ski rack; figure 8 is a top plan view of the ski rack of figure 7; figure 9 is a lateral elevation view of the ski rack of figure 7; figure 10 is a transverse sectional view of a third embodiment of the ski rack; figure 11 is a top plan view of the ski rack of figure 10; figure 12 is a partially cutout lateral elevation view of the ski rack of figure 10; figure 13 is a partially sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the ski rack; figure 14 is a top plan view of the ski rack of figure 13; figure 15 is a lateral elevation view of the ski rack of figure 13. With reference to the above figures, and particularly to figures 1 to 6, the magnetically-coupling ski rack with anti-theft mans, for motor vehicles in general, according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a panel 2 made of magnetic material which is constituted for example by magnetic rubber or the like and can be applied by magnetic adhesion to a metallic roof of a motor vehicle. One or more ski supporting brackets, generally designated by the reference numeral 3, are connected to the panel 2; there are two brackets in the specific example, but these can be provided in any number, The brackets 3 are rotatably supported by the magnetic panel 2 and are surmounted by a transverse bar 4 which is pivoted at 5 at one of its ends to a covering element 6 whose function will become apparent hereinafter. At its other end, the transverse bar 4 has a closure hook 7 which is controlled by lock-operated means 8 which are supported at the end of the bar 4 so that, when the lock 8 is in closed position, the bar cannot be opened. The important peculiarity of the invention is constituted by the fact that the covering element 6 is structured so that it completely covers the panel 2, so as to not allow access to the plate 2 to separate it from the vehicle. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 6, the covering element 6 is connected to the panel 2 by using the supporting brackets, which are rotatably mounted and are provided with male bayonet-coupling means 10 which engage female bayonet-coupling means 11 defined in circular seats 13 which are defined in the covering element and are structured so as to rotatably accommodate the brackets 3. More particularly, by rotating the brackets 3 through 90° with respect to the normal position of use, it is possible to disengage the bayonet-coupling means, with the consequent possibility of removing the covering element 6 from the panel 2. Once the covering 6 has been inserted and the brackets have been rotated, it is not possible to remove the panel, since rotation of the brackets 3 is prevented either by the presence of the skis, which do not allow their rotation, or by wings 15 which are defined by the edges of the transverse bar 4 and do not allow to rotate the brackets freely so that, if the transverse bar 4 is closed with the lock-operated means, it is not possible to remove the covering 6 and consequently remove the magnetic panel 2. To the above one should also add that sealing gaskets, designated by the reference numeral 16, are advantageously provided and act between the base part 17 of the brackets 3 and the seat 13, preventing inward infiltrations of liquid. A perimetric gasket 18 is furthermore provided perimetrically on the covering element 6, surrounds the panel 2 and in practice prevents the occurrence of water infiltration below the magnetic panel, consequently producing an assembly whose adhesion to the vehicle is ensured in all conditions. Thus, essentially, the basic idea of solution consists in providing a covering element which cannot be removed without acting on the lock-operated means, so that the possibility of access to the panel 2 is absolutely prevented, since it is impossible to remove the covering element without acting on the lock-operated means. This fact thus constitutes an extremely valid and safe anti-theft means. The same idea of solution can have structurally different embodiments. Thus, for example, figures 7 to 9 show a ski rack generally designated by the reference numeral 1a, in which there is a magnetic panel, again designated by 2a, on which there are supporting brackets 3a which are supported so that they are fixed with respect to the panel. There is also a central protrusion, designated by the reference numeral 20, on which an external protrusion 21 is superimposed; said protrusion 21 is defined mon' olithically with the covering element, designated by 6a. The covering element is fixed by means of a threaded pin 22 which is actuated by a butterfly lever 23 or similar means which allow to block the covering element with respect to the panel. The butterfly lever is accommodated below the transverse bar 4a. so that it cannot be accessed except by opening the transverse bar. In this embodiment, the covering element is fixed to the panel not by the supporting brackets, as in the preceding embodiment, but by the threaded pin 22, which however cannot be actuated if the transverse bar 4a is not opened. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 10 to 12, generally designated by the reference numeral 1b, there is a magnetic panel, designated by 2b, to which the ski supporting brackets 3b are fixed. A central wing 30 is arranged between the brackets 3b. and a box-like covering element 31 is superimposed on said wing and simultaneously defines both the transverse bar and the covering element. In practice, the box-like element 31, as more clearly shown in figure 11, is provided with through slots 33 for the passage of the ski and is centrally provided with a seat 35 in which lock-operated means 8b are inserted; said lock-operated means act directly on the central wing, securing the box-like element which entirely covers the panel and defines the transverse bracket, which is connected to lock-operated means and prevents the unlawful removal of the skis. In the fourth embodiment, illustrated in figures 13 to 15 and designated by the reference numeral 1 c, there is a magnetic panel 2c to which ski supporting brackets 3c are fixed: the respective outer arm of said brackets is designated by the reference numerals 40 and 41, is elongated and acts as supporting element for a locking crossmember 42 which is pivoted to the arm 40 and can be connected to the elongated arm 41 by virtue of lock-operated means 8c. There is also a covering element which is constituted by a plate 50 which surmounts and surrounds the panel 2c and defines openings 51 from which the brackets 3c protrude. In this embodiment, the plate 50, which constitutes the covering element, is retained in position by the skis inserted in the brackets 3c. consequently preventing the removal of the covering element when the skis are inserted, so that the anti-theft function is provided, since it is not possible to access the panel 2c to separate it. From what has been described above it can thus be seen that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, and in particular the fact is stressed that a magnetically-coupling ski rack is provided wherein the anti-theft means are obtained by providing a covering element which prevents the separation of the panel of magnetic material by completely surrounding it; the covering element can naturally be removed by acting on the lock-operated means, so as to be able to remove the ski rack from the motor vehicle. In fact, when the covering element is removed, it is possible to access the magnetic panel and gradually separate it from the motor vehicle. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims: Magnetically-coupling ski rack (1) with anti-theft means, for motor vehicles in general, comprising at least one panel (2) made of magnetic material which can be associated with the body of the motor vehicle and supports at least one ski supporting bracket (3), said panel (2) being made of magnetic material sufficient to retain the ski rack (1) with skis supported in said bracket (3) on the body of the motor vehicle, and said at least one supporting bracket (3) being fixed to said panel and being surmounted by an element (4) provided with lock-operated securing means (7,8), and an element (6) for covering said panel (2) of magnetic material, wherein said magnetic panel (2) constitutes the only means for connecting said ski rack (1) to the body of the motor vehicle, and said element (6) for covering said panel (2) of magnetic material is controlled by said lock-operated securing means (7,8) provided on the element (4) surmounting the ski supporting bracket (3) such that said element (6) for covering said panel (2) of magnetic material is secured in its working position when said lock-operated securing means (7,8) are in closed position, so as not to allow access to the panel (2) arranged under said element (6) to separate said panel (2) from the vehicle, and further such that said element (6) for covering said panel (2) of magnetic material is removable when said lock-operated securing means (7,8) are in open position so as to allow access to the panel (2) arranged under said element (6) for separating said panel (2) from the vehicle. Ski rack according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting bracket (3) is rotatably supported by said magnetic panel (2) and is provided with a male bayonet-coupling means (10) which can engage female bayonet-coupling means (11) defined in circular seats (13) provided on said covering element (6). Ski rack according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said element provided with lock-operated securing means is constituted by a transverse bar (4) which is pivoted to said covering element at one of its ends (5) and supports said lock-operated securing means (7,8) at its other end. Ski rack according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises wings (15) which protrude laterally on said transverse bar (4) and are suitable to engage said at least one supporting bracket (3) when said transverse bar (4) is in closed position. Ski rack according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a perimetric gasket (18) which is associated with said covering element (6) and surrounds said panel (2). Ski rack according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises sealing gaskets (16) interposed between said at least one supporting bracket (3) and the related circular seat (13). Ski rack according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises supporting brackets (3a) which are rigidly associated with said panel (2a), a central protrusion (20) being rigidly provided between said brackets, an external protrusion (21) defined monolithically with said covering element (6a) being superimposable on said central protrusion (20), said covering element (6a) being fixed by a threaded pin (22) which is actuated by a butterfly lever (23) accommodated below said transverse bar (4a) when arranged in closed position. Ski rack according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises ski supporting brackets (3b) which are rigidly associated with said magnetic panel (2b), a central wing (30) being provided between said brackets (3b), a box-like covering element (31) being superimposable on said central wing (30), lock-operated securing means being furthermore provided and acting between said box-like covering element (31) and said wing (30). Ski rack according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises ski supporting brackets (3c) rigidly coupled to said magnetic panel (2c), the outer arm (40,41) of said brackets (3c) being elongated and suitable to act as element for supporting said element provided with lock-operated securing means (42), a covering element being furthermore provided which is constituted by a plate (50) which surmounts and surrounds said panel (2c) and is retained in position by the presence of the skis in at least one of said brackets (3c).

Inventors: FABBRI CORSARINI LUCIANO, FABBRI CORSARINI, LUCIANO
Applicants: FABBRI SRL, FABBRI S.R.L.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: B60R9
IPC codes: B60R9, E05B65