Abstract:
Proposed is an aerodynamic drag and noise reduction device for a vehicle roof rack, particularly ski rack. The device comprises an add-on aerodynamic drag and noise reduction device in the form of a hollow parabolic-shaped container having a smoothly rounded dosed front or leading side, an interior portion accessed from the rear side of the device for accommodating an object such as a ski rack in order to reduce aerodynamic drag and noise generated while the vehicle to which it is attached is in motion, and to protect the object, e.g. ski rack, from the elements whether the vehicle to which it is attached is in motion or not, and a mechanism for mounting and securing the disclosed device to the article carrier, e.g. ski rack. The front closed side of the device can be used for carrying graphic information such as advertisement, logo, or the like.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The proposed device relates to an aerodynamic drag and noise reduction devices for vehicle roof racks, in particularly for use with assemblies for carrying articles on a vehicle&#39;s roof rack, e.g., a ski rack. More specifically, the proposed device is aimed at aerodynamic, sonic, and aesthetic improvements, and physical protection for roof mounted ski and/or snowboard article carriers, as well as to providing a platform for logos, brand names or other graphic designs. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0004]    Many ski rack attachments or units, i.e., the articles the affix to a vehicle&#39;s roof cross bars or roof rack system to hold skis and/or snowboards (“ski racks”), have an essentially vertical forward facing presentation on the top of a vehicle. A single ski rack unit generally consists of two elongated rigid portions with a hinge device at one end and a latch device at the other, activated by an actuator device, such as a depressible pad or button. Flexible gripping strips, made of rubber or similar material, are affixed to the interfacing surfaces of the elongated rigid portions. There are two such identical units, one affixed to the forward cross bar and the other to the rear cross bar. Skis and/or snowboards are secured by placing them between the flexible gripping strips of both parts and employing the latching devices. Whether ski racks are being used to transport skis and/or snowboards or not, the ski racks present with a non-uniform, multi-component surface comprised of various materials. Ski racks may also present with gaps or channels, such as between the flexible gripping strips, through which air may pass. 
         [0005]    While a vehicle with roof mounted ski racks is in forward motion, whether carrying skis and/or snowboards or not, the ski rack&#39;s front facing profile, particularly on the forward ski rack is exposed to airflow and environmental elements. The exposed ski rack increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle resulting in decreased fuel efficiency and various airflow disturbances caused by the exposed ski rack increases noise, often including whistling, and buffeting. The exposed orientation of the ski rack also leaves the ski rack susceptible to damage from flying road debris and the elements. 
         [0006]    Published studies such as “Aerodynamics of Vehicle Add-Ons,” ICME09-FM-27, Alam, et al. (2009) reveal that more than 80% of a vehicle&#39;s power is required to overcome aerodynamic drag and that roof rack components, like ski racks, can increase aerodynamic drag from 5-20% at driving speeds between 37 and 75 MPH. Studies, such as the aforementioned study, also reveal that with increased drag comes decreased fuel efficiency and subsequent higher annual fuel costs to consumers, increased carbon dioxide emissions, and increased noise generation that is disruptive to vehicle passengers. 
         [0007]    In addition, many consumers also tend to leave their ski racks mounted to their vehicles even when not transporting skis or snowboards as removal and reattachment of ski racks, and other roof rack article carriers, between uses may not be convenient or desirable. 
         [0008]    Finally, simple aerodynamic fairings, generally planar plastic parts that attach are sometimes employed in front of the forward cross bar, providing an angled surface for wind deflection from the roof line over the forward cross bar, or a portion of it. While these devices may reduce aerodynamic drag and noise generation with respect to cross bars depending on configuration, they also tend to direct airflow directly into the forward presenting portion of a roof rack article carrier, e.g., a ski rack, thus increasing the aerodynamic drag associated with that article carrier, e.g., ski rack. 
         [0009]    Attempts have been made heretofore to reduce the aerodynamic drag created by vehicle roof mounted article carriers such as ski racks, bicycle racks, etc. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,158 issued on Jun. 26, 1984 to K. Wertz, et al. discloses a “wind deflector” for a scissors-type ski rack. The wind deflector portion is oriented in the front portion of the ski rack unit, and is secured to the ski rack unit by an integral T-shaped component that is clamped down between the flexible gripping strips. The wind deflector is a single extruded piece with tapered end caps. 
         [0011]    US Patent Application Publication 2011/0079621 A1 (Published on Apr. 7, 2011; inventors: W. Byers, et al.) discloses is pivoting frame for various article carrying platforms, including diagonal ski racks. This application also discloses an optional simple fairing that mounts to the frame of the article carrier. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,245 B1 issued on Dec. 7, 2004 to C. Yetka discloses an aerodynamic container for use on the front portion of skis or snowboards when the skis or snowboards are clamped into a vehicle&#39;s ski rack. 
         [0013]    However, none of the known prior art devices of which the applicants are aware exists for providing efficient reduction of aerodynamic drag and noise generated by horizontal scissor-type ski racks simultaneously with improvement in aerodynamic performance and protection of ski racks from environmental damage. 
         [0014]    Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus that is lightweight, easily attachable and removable, which is capable of reducing aerodynamic drag, reducing noise, and enveloping and protecting roof rack mounted article carriers, like ski racks. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0015]    The disclosure relates to an aerodynamic drag and noise reduction device for a vehicle roof rack, in particularly for use with assemblies for carrying articles on a vehicle&#39;s roof rack, such as a ski rack. More specifically, the proposed device is aimed at aerodynamic, sonic, and aesthetic improvements, and physical protection for roof mounted ski and snowboard article carriers, as well as for providing a platform for logos, brand names or other graphic designs. 
         [0016]    The proposed device comprises an at aerodynamic drag and noise reduction device in the form of a hollow parabolic-shaped container having a smoothly rounded closed front or leading side, an interior portion accessed from the rear side of the device for accommodating an object such as a ski rack in order to reduce aerodynamic drag and noise generated while the vehicle to which it is attached is in motion, and to protect the object, e.g. ski rack, from the elements whether the vehicle to which it is attached is in motion or not, and a mechanism for mounting and securing the disclosed device to the article carrier, e.g., ski rack. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a front angle perspective view of the device of the disclosure affixed over the front and rear ski rack units on the roof rack attached to the vehicle. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side partially sectional view depicting the device of the disclosure as mounted on the front and ski rack and direction of an oncoming air flow perceived by the device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an expanded cross-sectional side view of the device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  as mounted to an attachment member of a ski rack unit. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a rear angle perspective view with the device shown directly in front of a ski rack unit. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a rear angle view illustrating an example of a mechanism for securing the device to the ski rack unit. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of the device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7B  is an area A of  FIG. 7A  shown on a larger scale. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is sectional view along line of VIII-VIII of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a modification of air-guiding elements formed on the front side of the device in the form of grooves. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The proposed aerodynamic drag and noise reduction device for a vehicle roof rack will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein  FIG. 1  is a front angle perspective view of the device affixed to the front and rear ski rack units, as shown mounted on the roof rack attached to the vehicle.  FIG. 2  is a side partially sectional view depicting the device of the disclosure as mounted on the front and ski rack.  FIG. 3  is a expanded cross-sectional side-view perspective of the device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  as mounted to an attachment member of a ski rack unit.  FIG. 4  is a rear angle perspective view of the device depicted directly in front of a ski rack unit.  FIG. 5  is a rear angle view illustrating an example of a mechanism for securing the device to the ski rack unit.  FIG. 6  is a front view of the device.  FIG. 7A  is a top view of the device.  FIG. 7B  is an area A of  FIG. 7A  shown on a larger scale.  FIG. 8  is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of  FIG. 7A .  FIG. 9  is a modification of air-guiding elements formed on front side of the device in the form of grooves. 
         [0028]    Existing article carriers, e.g., ski racks, have a less than optimal aerodynamic profile by virtue of their essentially vertical presentation and location above the plane of the cross bars. Air passing above, below, and around roof mounted article carriers, e.g. ski racks, becomes turbulent, increasing drag and noise. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a vehicle, e.g., a sport utility vehicle  20  equipped with proposed aerodynamic drag and noise reduction devices  28   a  and  28   b  installed over vehicle roof rack article carriers, e.g. ski racks, which are obscured in  FIG. 1 . It should be understood that the apparatus and method may and will be employed with other types of vehicles (e.g. sedans, wagons, vans). 
         [0030]    In  FIG. 1 , reference numerals  22   a  and  22   b  designate front and rear crossbars, respectively, which are secured horizontally above a vehicle roof  30  by towers  24   a,    24   b,    24   c,  and  24   d.  Front and rear ski racks (not visible in  FIG. 1 ) attach respectively to the front and rear crossbars  22   a  and  22   b  via mounting feet  26   a  and  26   b,  and  26   c  and  26   d.  respectively. Since both devices  28   a  and  28   b  are identical, only one of them, the device  28   a  will further be considered. 
         [0031]    The device  28   a  of the disclosure comprises a vehicle roof rack mounted fairing that decreases aerodynamic drag, wind noise, and damage to ski racks from road debris and the elements. The device  28   a  described herein will typically be used in connection with transportation vehicles having a front (F), rear (R), top (T) and opposing sides (S) (only one of which is designated). 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows aerodynamic profile of the disclosed device  28   a  installed in a position that improves aerodynamic performance by directing airflow  100  around article carriers, e.g. ski racks  38   a,  affixed to the vehicle&#39;s cross bars  22   a . As air flows from the front F to rear R of the vehicle  20  and toward the forward presenting surface of the disclosed device, it is directed around the device  28   a  and thus the article carrier, e.g. ski rack  38   a , in a manner that increases laminar flow and decreases aerodynamic drag. 
         [0033]    Referencing  FIG. 3 , in a cross section, for example, the device  28   a  is shown affixed over a ski rack  38   a,  which is attached by an attaching mechanism, e.g., an attaching member foot  26   a,  to a crossbar  22   a . In the vehicle movement direction, the proposed device  28   a  may have a profile selected from a smooth horizontal parabolic shape with an internal concave surface  32 . The term “parabolic” herein is intended to provide a general description of the general shape of the leading edge and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the limited mathematical definition of a parabola. Field tests conducted by the applicants showed that the semi-symmetrical leading edge airfoil profile, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , is most favorable from the viewpoint of aerodynamic drag and noise reduction. The particular shape of the leading and trailing edge portions or sides  34  and  36 , respectively, of the device  28   a  may vary depending on the particular application and placement on the vehicle. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in this illustrative configuration, the ski rack  38   a  mounts to the crossbar  22   a  by a pair of attachment mounting feet  26   d  and  26   b.  The hollow parabolic-shaped interior  40  of the device  28   a  is sufficient to accommodate the article carrier, e.g. ski rack.  38   a  and preferably has dimensions that allow the interior  40  of the device to tightly envelop the article carrier, e.g., ski rack  38   a  when the device  28   a  is mounted to 
         [0035]    Referencing  FIG. 5 , in one modification, the bottom edge has notches  42   a  and  42   b  to accommodate the attachment members  26   a  and  26   h  of a ski rack  38   a , i.e., the feet of a ski rack that secures the ski rack  38   a  to the crossbar  22   a  ( FIG. 4 ). The notches may be approximately 3.5 mm by 4 mm each. Other configurations that will be obvious to those skilled in the art may be necessary to accommodate differences in the method of attachment (e.g., some racks attach by sliding into channels found in certain crossbars and thus do not require feet). Spacing of the feet  26   a  and  26   b  of the ski rack  38   a  ( FIG. 4 ) and the clearance, if any, between the cross bar  22   a  and the ski rack  38   a  ( FIG. 4 ) also may vary from one model to the other. In one version, the device  28   a  may include several internal vertical support ribs for stability (not depicted). 
         [0036]    Referencing  FIG. 5 , the disclosed device  28   a  fits over and encompasses an article carrier, e.g., ski rack  38   a  ( FIG. 4 ), is lightweight and is easily attachable and removable by a single person. According to one or several aspects, as shown in  FIG. 5  the attachment mechanism may consist of two material straps (only one, a strap  44 , is depicted for illustrative purposes) that fit through slots such as slots  43   a  and  48   b  at the top and bottom of the device  28   a,  respectively, and are secured manually. 
         [0037]    In one configuration, a strap  44  with hooks-and-loops fasteners registered by Velcro Company under trademark Velcro® is threaded through the upper and lower slots  48   a  and  48   b.  The device  28   a  is then placed over the ski rack  38   a  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) from the forward facing direction so that the portion of the strap  44  between the two slots  48   a  and  48   b  is positioned against the anterior or forward-facing position of the ski rack  38   a  ( FIG. 4 ). The lower portion of the strap below the lower slot  48   b  is then looped up and through the buckle  50  attached to the upper portion of the strap  44 . The strap  44  is then looped back down onto itself along the posterior surface of the article carrier, e.g., ski rack  38   a  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) where the strap  44  is secured in a device securing position by contact of the hooks and loops surfaces  46   a  and  46   b.  Similarly, removal of the device  28   a  is affected by releasing the surfaces  46   a  and  46   b  and pulling the device forward and away from the article carrier, e.g., ski rack  38   a  ( FIG. 4 ). It is understood that the strap-type attachment is shown only as an example and that various attachment systems will be obvious to those skilled in the art. 
         [0038]    Referencing  FIG. 6 , by virtue of its design and location, the exposed front facing surface  58  of the disclosed device  28   a  can also be used for graphic information such as advertising, brand or logo placement, or can accommodate other graphic designs.  FIG. 6 . shows one such version of a logo  54  as placed on the disclosed device forward facing surface  58 . 
         [0039]    Since the device of the invention comprises a thin-walled container, at high speed of movement of the vehicle, the device may produce aerodynamic noise. In order to attenuate this noise, the device may he provided with specially profiled air-flow direction strips or channels. Referencing  FIG. 7A , according to one or several aspects, the disclosed device may include tapered diagonal airflow deflectors  56   a,    56   b,    56   c,  etc. on the lower and/or upper portions. For example, in one modification. looking at the proposed device from the front of the vehicle, one can see the aforementioned airflow deflectors  56   a,    56   b ,  56   c,  etc. as tapered diagonal raised strips. As can be seen from  FIG. 7B , which is a view on the air-intake ends of the deflectors in encircled area. A of  FIG. 7A  shown on a larger scale, the air-intake ends of the deflectors may he slightly flared and curved in order to facilitate entrance of the air flow. The angle of inclination of the air-guiding deflectors to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle roof can he more specifically defined as an angle formed by the tangents to the curved profiles of the airflow deflectors  56  in a view from the front side of the leading edge of the proposed device  28   a,  it can he seen from  FIG. 7A  that the airflow deflectors have symmetrically opposite directions relative to the central vertical axis A-A of the device  28   a.    
         [0040]    It was found experimentally by the applicants that appreciable noise reduction effect can be achieved when the aforementioned angle is at least in the range of 15 to 45 degrees and the raised strips are symmetrically spaced at least 4 mm apart, essentially parallel to each other, and spanning the length of the upper portion of the device  28   a . As air streams  100  flow around the device  28   a , the airflow deflectors  56   a,    56   b,    56   e,  etc. produce vortices of equivalent strength that create a steady symmetric wake flow that reduces drag. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a cross section along line VIII-VIII of  FIG. 7  which is perpendicular to the direction of the raised strips  56   a,    56   b.    56   c,  etc. It can be seen that the raised strips that form airflow deflectors, etc., comprise vertical ribs with rounded tips that project from the surface of the device.  FIG. 9  is another modification of air-flow guiding channels that are defined by recesses  57   a ,  57   b,    57   c,  etc. formed in the surface of the device, e.g., by molding during the manufacture of the device  28   a  ( FIG. 7A ) or by plastic deformation, if the devices are made from thin-walled metal sheets. 
         [0042]    The disclosed device  28   a  (e.g.  FIG. 7A ) can be comprised of thermoplastics, metals, or other suitable materials that are impact resistant and weather resistant through a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Moreover, the device can be comprised of different colors, surface textures and other embodiments. 
         [0043]    The disclosure mitigates the loss of fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag produced by vehicle roof mounted article carriers, e.g. ski racks, significantly reduces noise and whistling, protects the ski rack from road debris and the elements, namely sun damage to the ski racks plastic and other flexible components, is stable while the vehicle is in motion, is easily removable, and is aesthetically pleasing.