Abstract:
Cargo rack systems are described. The systems include side rails that are easily attached to support members mounted on a vehicle&#39;s roof portion. The side rails include an opening such as a channel portion formed on a top surface thereof. One or more fastening members are then employed to secure the side rails to the stanchions. The cross rails are easily attached to the side rails in any number of configurations. The cross rails are fastened to a stanchion with one or more fastening members, wherein the stanchion fits over the cross rail, with the stanchion being fastened to the side rail with a clamp member that is fastened to the stanchion by one or more fastening members. In this manner, any number of different combinations and different types of cargo rack systems may be easily attached to the vehicle&#39;s roof portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/635,782, filed Dec. 14, 2004, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to cargo racks for motor vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to cargo rack systems for a motor vehicle including easily assembled and/or disassembled side rail and cross rail members corresponding to various vehicle brands, vehicle brand models, and trim packages.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Cargo racks for motor vehicles are generally well known in the art. Many vehicles have cargo racks comprising frames and/or rails on their exterior surfaces, such as their roof, on which luggage or other cargo can be placed for transport. Typically, such cargo racks include strips or rails on which the cargo is placed to prevent the cargo from directly contacting the vehicle surface to prevent damage thereto and/or to spread the load of the cargo over a larger area of the vehicle surface to prevent deformation of vehicle body panels. Further, cargo racks typically provide some mechanism, such as surrounding rails, tie downs and/or enclosures to prevent undesired movement of the cargo on the surface and to keep the cargo on the cargo rack while the vehicle moves.  
         [0004]     Conventional factory installed roof racks, with adjustable cross rails, are typically designed and developed anew. That is, all the new components, such as the side and cross rail sections, cross rail mechanisms for attaching to the side rails, supports (e.g., stanchions), and the like, are designed every time a new roof rack is needed, e.g., for a new vehicle brand, a new vehicle brand model, or a particular trim package.  
         [0005]     As a result of the new design requirements, the consumer is thus faced with several different potential types of new cross rail latching and unlatching mechanisms, e.g., for every vehicle brand, vehicle brand model, and/or trim package. One typical complaint from consumers is the apparent confusion as to how the cross rail mechanisms are supposed to operate. The likely cause of this confusion is that the operation of the current mechanisms is not readily obvious, as some mechanisms are the push button type, slide button type, pull lever type, push lever type, or the like.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, there exists a need for new and improved cargo rack systems that are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, easily operated (e.g., assembled and/or disassembled) by consumers, and aesthetically pleasing.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cargo rack system for motor vehicles which obviates at least one disadvantage of the prior art.  
         [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a new, simple, low cost, structural cargo rack system based on the industries best practices for structure, aerodynamics, material, finish, processing, mechanisms, and the like.  
         [0009]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a side rail section that will be designed to be used as a raised or flush mount application and to be exposed so that the rail can have different finishes that are visible for each vehicle trim level if a distinctive look is required.  
         [0010]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a side rail section will be a carry over structural component for all of the automaker&#39;s vehicle lines, wherein the section will be used on all new cargo rack systems.  
         [0011]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a cross rail section that will be designed to the industries best practices to eliminate wind noise and to have the required structure.  
         [0012]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a cross rail section that will be designed so that the rail can have different finishes for each vehicle trim level if a distinctive look is required.  
         [0013]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a cross rail section that will be a carry over structural component for all of the automakers vehicle lines, wherein the section will be used on all new cargo rack systems.  
         [0014]     It is an object of the present invention to provide cross rail systems that are easily adjustable and removable.  
         [0015]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a cross rail mechanism design that is simple, structural, and based on the industries best practices, wherein the mechanism will be a carry over system for all of the automaker&#39;s vehicle lines.  
         [0016]     It is an object of the present invention to provide attachment components to the vehicle that varies in styling and finish to give the rack a unique look from one vehicle to another.  
         [0017]     The present invention preferably reduces the time required to develop and tool a new rack system. For example, the only new components to design and engineer are the attachment components to the vehicle roof panel.  
         [0018]     The present invention preferably utilizes carry over, proven structural, aerodynamic and mechanical components. For example, this eliminates the concerns for validation and problems that can occur at launch of the new product.  
         [0019]     The present invention, by using carry over sections and mechanisms, will preferably improve the production efficiency of the rack manufacturer. For example, this will lower cost of the product and tooling is reduced due to only a few new components (e.g., attachment components) are required to engineer, design and tool.  
         [0020]     The present invention, by using carry over simplified cross rail mechanism for all models and makes, will preferably reduce any confusion by the end user on how the mechanism operates is reduced.  
         [0021]     The present invention, by changing finishes and the styling of the attachment components, will preferably enable a distinct rack appearance that can be achieved for different trim levels and car lines.  
         [0022]     The present invention preferably takes into full consideration the industry best practices for structure, aerodynamics, material, finish, processing, mechanisms, and the like that were derived from the best of the current practices in the industry.  
         [0023]     In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, new and improved cargo rack systems are provided. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the cargo rack systems are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, easily operated (e.g., assembled and/or disassembled) by consumers, and aesthetically pleasing.  
         [0024]     Specifically, the cargo rack systems include one or more side rails that are easily attached to support members mounted on the vehicle&#39;s roof portion. The support members can be configured in any number of shapes, and can include more than one portion (e.g., a front portion and a discontinuous rear portion). Furthermore, the support members can include integrated or discrete support portions (e.g., for supporting the side rails).  
         [0025]     In accordance With one aspect of the present invention, the side rails include an opening such as a channel portion or a bore formed on a top and/or bottom surface thereof. One or more fastening members (e.g., screws) are then employed to secure the side rails to the support members in a manner wherein the fastening members are substantially obscured from view once installation has taken place. The side rails can either be flush against the stanchions, flush against the roof portion of the vehicle, raised above the roof portion of the vehicle, raised above the stanchions, or any combination thereof.  
         [0026]     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the cross rails are easily attached to the side rails in any number of configurations. The cross rails are fastened to a stanchion assembly with one or more fastening members (e.g., screws), wherein the stanchion assembly fits over the cross rail, with the stanchion assembly being fastened to the side rail with a clamp member that is fastened to the stanchion assembly by one or more fastening members (e.g., screws). In this manner, any number of different combinations and different types of cargo rack systems may be easily attached to the vehicle&#39;s roof portion.  
         [0027]     More specifically, the side rail includes an open section having a substantially T-shaped slot formed on the top surface thereof. The undersurface of the T-shaped slot includes a spline knurl that interlocks with the stanchion lock plate to prevent the cross rail from shifting, e.g., when loaded and a panic stop occurs. The section of the side rail is structural so that it can be used as either a flush mount (e.g., directly abutting the roof surface) or as a raised side rail (e.g., suspended above the roof surface, i.e., supported only at the ends and center portions). The side rail section is designed to be an exposed rail such that finish changes can alter the appearance thereof. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, front, rear and center supports close off the ends and support the side rail. The supports add a styling feature to the assembly and they can have molded in features such as but not limited to tie loops. The supports are attached to each end of the side rail with molded in snaps.  
         [0028]     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the attachment system to the vehicle is hidden down inside the side rail. Access is through the T-shaped slot at the top of the side rail. This eliminates the need for additional components such as but not limited to covers or caps to hide the attachment system (although covers and caps can be used for aesthetic and other purposes as well). There are no fasteners required to assemble the side rail assemblies, and no gaskets are required for the supports.  
         [0029]     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the cross rail is an aerodynamic, structural load bearing section. The section eliminates potential wind noise (e.g., with texture, paint, trip beads, elliptical contours, and the like). The cross rail is mechanically fastened to the stanchion assembly.  
         [0030]     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stanchion assembly includes the stanchion, clamping screw (e.g., a thumbwheel), and clamp subassembly. The stanchion assembly clamps over the side rail design for easy installation and removal. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the clamp subassembly includes a clamp, nut and anti-skid pad. The clamp subassembly securely holds the stanchion in a desired location along the length of the side rail. The clamp, in conjunction with the clamping screw and the nut, provides the compression force to sandwich the side rail between the clamp and the bottom surface of the stanchion assembly. The anti-skid pad provides the required resistance to slip of the cross rail along the length of the side rail, e.g., when loaded and a panic stop occurs. The nut is a threaded fastener that is post installed into the clamp and serves as the threaded counterpart of the clamping screw. The clamping screw, as mentioned above in conjunction with the nut and the clamp, provides the required compression force to secure the cross rail in a desired location along the length of the side rail. The stanchion assembly provides the housing for the clamping mechanism (e.g., clamp subassembly and clamping screw). The stanchion assembly also provides the required structural connection of the cross rail to the side rail. The stanchion assembly adds aesthetic appeal to the system and it includes integrated functional features such as but not limited to tie loops.  
         [0031]     In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a cargo rack system is provided, comprising: (1) a support system fastened to a roof portion of a vehicle, the support system having a receptacle formed therein operable to receive a fastening member; (2) a side rail member having a bore formed in a surface thereof; and (3) a fastening member operable to fasten a portion of the side rail member to a portion of the support system, wherein the fastening member is substantially recessed into the receptacle when the side rail member is fastened to the support system so as to substantially obscure the fastening member from view.  
         [0032]     In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a cargo rack system is provided, comprising: (1) a support system fastened to a roof portion of a vehicle, the support system having a receptacle formed therein operable to receive a fastening member; (2) a side rail member; (3) a first fastening member operable to fasten a portion of the side rail member to a portion of the support system; (4) a cross rail member; and (5) a stanchion assembly operable to fasten a portion of the cross rail member to the side rail member.  
         [0033]     In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a cargo rack system is provided, a cargo rack system is provided, comprising: (1) a support system fastened to a roof portion of a vehicle, the support system having a receptacle formed therein operable to receive a fastening member; (2) a side rail member; (3) a first fastening member operable to fasten a portion of the side rail member to a portion of the support system; (4) a cross rail member; and (5) a stanchion assembly operable to fasten a portion of the cross rail member to the side rail member, wherein the stanchion assembly includes a stanchion member, a clamp member, and a second fastening member, wherein the stanchion member and the clamp member are operable to envelope a portion of the side rail member, wherein the second fastening member fastens the second stanchion member and the clamp member together when the second stanchion member and the clamp member envelope a portion of the side rail member.  
         [0034]     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0035]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a side rail system fastened to the roof portion of a vehicle, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of a front support for a side rail member, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of a first alternative front support for a side rail member, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a second alternative front support for a side rail member, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of a first alternative side rail system fastened to the roof portion of a vehicle, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of a second alternative side rail system fastened to the roof portion of a vehicle, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a third alternative side rail system fastened to the roof portion of a vehicle, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of a fourth alternative side rail system fastened to the roof portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of a fifth alternative side rail system, in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 10  is a partial exploded view of the fifth alternative side rail system depicted in  FIG. 9 , in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of the fifth alternative side rail system along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of a cargo rack system fastened to the roof portion of a vehicle, in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0048]      FIG. 13  is a partial side elevational view of the cargo rack system depicted in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0049]      FIG. 14  is a partial rear elevational view of the cargo rack system depicted in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0050]      FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of a stanchion assembly of the cargo rack system depicted in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0051]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative cargo rack system fastened to the roof portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIG. 17  is a plan view of the alternative cargo rack system depicted in  FIG. 16 , in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the alternative cargo rack system depicted in  FIG. 16 , in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0054]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view of a cross rail member, in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0055]      FIG. 20  is a sectional view of a first alternative side rail member, in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0056]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view of a second alternative side rail member, in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0057]      FIG. 22  is a partial sectional view of a cross rail stanchion assembly, in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0058]      FIG. 23  is a partial exploded view of the cross rail stanchion assembly depicted in  FIG. 22 , in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0059]      FIG. 24  is another partial exploded view of the cross rail stanchion assembly depicted in  FIG. 22 , in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0060]     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0061]     The present invention is preferably intended to allow the cargo rack systems and components thereof, to be incorporated onto any vehicle, regardless of manufacturer, brand, model, or trim level. Furthermore, it is intended that the present invention become the industry standard for the manufacture, installation, and/or modification of cargo rack systems and components thereof.  
         [0062]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a side rail system  10  fastened to the roof portion  12  of a vehicle  14 , in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The side rail system  10  primarily includes a side rail member  16  fastened to a support system  18 , which can include a front support member  20  and a rear support member  22 . In this view, the front support member  20  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  16 , the rear support member  22  envelopes the other end portion of the side rail member  16 , and a center support member  24  (extending from the rear support member  22 ) supports a bottom surface of the side rail member  16 . A gap  26  is formed underneath the bottom rear surface of the side rail member  16 , e.g., between the center support member  24  and the rear support member  22 . It should be appreciated that the front, center and/or rear support members can be configured in any number of shapes, as will be described herein.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a front support member  100  for a side rail member  102 , in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a first portion  100   a  of the front support member  100  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  102  and a second portion  100   b  cradles another portion of the side rail member  102 . In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the first portion  100   a  quickly slopes downwardly toward the roof portion of the vehicle. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second portion  100   b  includes a blunt portion that extends downwardly towards the roof portion of the vehicle. Situated between portions  100   a  and  100   b  is an area defining a notch  100   c . It should be appreciated that the front support member  100  can also be used in conjunction with a rear support member as well.  
         [0064]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a first alternative front support  200  for a side rail member  202 , in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a first portion  200   a  of the front support member  200  cradles an end portion of the side rail member  202  (thus exposing the top surface of the side rail member  202 ) and gradually slopes downwardly toward the roof portion of the vehicle. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a second portion  200   b  of the front support member  200  includes a blunt portion that extends downwardly towards the roof portion of the vehicle. It should be appreciated that the front support member  200  can also be used in conjunction with a rear support member as well.  
         [0065]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a second alternative front support  300  for a side rail member  302 , in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a first portion  300   a  of the front support member  300  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  302  and a second portion  300   b  envelopes another portion of the side rail member  302 . In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the first portion  300   a  quickly slopes downwardly toward the roof portion of the vehicle. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second portion  300   b  includes a C-shaped portion that extends over the top surface of the side rail member  302 . Situated between portions  300   a  and  300   b  is an area defining a notch  300   c . It should be appreciated that the front support member  300  can also be used in conjunction with a rear support member as well.  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a first alternative side rail system  400  fastened to the roof portion  402  of a vehicle  404 , in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The side rail system  400  primarily includes a side rail member  406  fastened to a support system  408 , which can include a front support member  410  and a rear support member  412 . In this view, the front support member  410  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  406 , the rear support member  412  envelopes the other end portion of the side rail member  406 , and a center support member  414  (extending from the rear support member  412 ) supports a bottom surface of the side rail member  406 . The center support member  414  abuts directly against the bottom rear surface of the side rail member  406 , as opposed to leaving a gap therebetween as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0067]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a second alternative side rail system  500  fastened to the roof portion  502  of a vehicle  504 , in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The side rail system  500  primarily includes a side rail member  506  fastened to a support system  508 , which can include a front support member  510 , a center support member  512 , and a rear support member  514 . In this view, the front support member  510  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  506 , the rear support member  514  envelopes the other end portion of the side rail member  506 , and the center support member  512  supports a bottom surface of the side rail member  506 . The center support member  512  abuts directly against the bottom rear surface of the side rail member  506 , as opposed to leaving a gap therebetween as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a third alternative side rail system  600  fastened to the roof portion  602  of a vehicle  604 , in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The side rail system  600  primarily includes a side rail member  606  fastened to a support system  608 , which can include a front support member  610 , a center support member  612 , and a rear support member  614 . In this view, the front support member  610  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  606 , the rear support member  614  envelopes the other end portion of the side rail member  606 , and the center support member  612  (extending from the front support member  610  and the rear support member  614 ) supports a bottom surface of the side rail member  606 . The center support member  612  abuts directly against the bottom rear surface of the side rail member  606 . However, two gaps  616 ,  618 , respectively, are formed underneath the bottom front and rear surfaces of the side rail member  606 , e.g., between the front support member  610  and the center support member  612  and between the rear support member  614  and the center support member  612 .  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a fourth alternative side rail system  700  fastened to the roof portion  702  of a vehicle  704 , in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The side rail system  700  primarily includes a side rail member  706  fastened to a support system  708 , which can include a front support member  710 , a first center support member  712 , a second center support member  714 , and a rear support member  716 . In this view, the front support member  710  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  706 , the rear support member  716  envelopes the other end portion of the side rail member  706 , and the first and second center support member  712 ,  714 , respectively, (the first center support  712  extending from the front support member  710  and the second center support member  714  extending from the rear support member  716 ) supports a bottom surface of the side rail member  706 . The first and second center support members  712 ,  714 , respectively, can be joined together by a connection member  718 . The first and second center support members  712 ,  714 , respectively, abut directly against the bottom rear surface of the side rail member  706 . However, three gaps  720 ,  722 ,  724 , respectively, are formed underneath the bottom front, center, and rear surfaces of the side rail member  706 , e.g., between the front support member  710  and the first center support member  712 , between the first and second center support members  712 ,  714 , respectively, and between the rear support member  716  and the second center support member  714 .  
         [0070]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a fifth alternative side rail system  800 , in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The side rail system  800  primarily includes a side rail member  802  fastened to a support system  804 , which can include a front support member  806 , a center support member  808 , and a rear support member  810 . In this view, the front support member  806  envelopes an end portion of the side rail member  802 , the rear support member  810  envelopes the other end portion of the side rail member  802 , and the center support member  808  supports a bottom surface of the side rail member  802 . The center support member  808  abuts directly against the bottom rear surface of the side rail member  802 . However, two gaps  812 ,  814 , respectively, are formed underneath the bottom front and rear surfaces of the side rail member  802 , e.g., between the front support member  806  and the center support member  808  and between the rear support member  810  and the center support member  808 . In this view, a channel  816  is formed in a top surface of the side rail member  802 , the purpose of which will be explained herein.  
         [0071]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a partial exploded view of the fifth alternative side rail system  800  depicted in  FIG. 9 , in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a method for fastening the side rail member  802  to the front support member  806  (or a center and/or rear support member as well) will be described. As previously noted, the top surface of the side rail member  802  is provided with a channel  816  having at least one aperture  818  formed on a bottom surface thereof. The aperture  818  is sized so as to accommodate a fastening member  820  (e.g., a screw) that engages a fastening receptacle  822  (e.g., a threaded cylinder) provided on the front support member  806  (an optional threaded nut member  820   a  can be employed as well). By positioning the side rail member  802  on the front support member  806 , such that the aperture  818  aligns with the fastening receptacle  822 , the fastening member  820  can be inserted into the fastening receptacle  822  such that the side rail member  802  and the front support member  806  are fixedly secured to one another. Alternatively, a biasable member  824  can be provided on the front support member  806  that is operable to engage a second aperture  826  formed on a bottom surface of the channel  816 . By positioning the side rail member  802  on the front support member  806 , such that the second aperture  826  aligns with the biasable member  824 , the biasable member  824  can be inserted into the second aperture  826  (e.g., in a snap fit arrangement) such that the side rail member  802  and the front support member  806  are fixedly secured to one another.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a partial perspective view of the fifth alternative side rail system  800  along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the relative location of the fastening receptacle  822  and the biasable member  824  are clearly shown. The fastening member  820  is shown as being inserted in the fastening receptacle  822 .  
         [0073]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a cargo rack system  900  fastened to the roof portion  902  of a vehicle  904 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the cargo rack system  900  primarily includes at a pair of spaced and opposed side rail members  906 ,  908 , respectively, each supported by support systems  910 ,  912 , respectively (each consisting of front, center, and rear support members  910   a ,  912   a ,  910   b ,  912   b ,  910   c ,  912   c , respectively), a pair of spaced and opposed cross rail members  914 ,  916 , respectively, each attached to the side rail members by stanchion assemblies  918 ,  920 ,  922 ,  924 , respectively.  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIG. 13 , there is shown a partial side elevational view of the cargo rack system  900  depicted in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0075]     Referring to  FIG. 14 , there is shown a partial rear elevational view of the cargo rack system  900  depicted in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0076]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , there is shown a partial perspective view of a stanchion assembly (either  918 ,  920 ,  922 ,  924 ) of the cargo rack system  900  depicted in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the stanchion assembly fits partially or completely around one of the side rail members (while cooperating with a cross rail member) and is fastened to the side rail member by a fastening member  926  (e.g., a screw). Additionally, an optional member  928  can be provided on the underside of the stanchion assembly that can be received in the channel  930  formed in the side rail member, e.g., to provide stability to the connection.  
         [0077]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , there is shown a perspective view of an alternative cargo rack system  1000  fastened to the roof portion  1002  of a vehicle  1004 , in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the cargo rack system  1000  primarily includes at a pair of spaced and opposed side rail members  1006 ,  1008 , respectively, each supported by support systems  1010 ,  1012 , respectively (each consisting of front, center, and rear support members  1010   a ,  1012   a ,  1010   b ,  1012   b ,  1010   c ,  1012   c , respectively), a pair of spaced and opposed cross rail members  1014 ,  1016 , respectively, each attached to the side rail members by stanchion assemblies  1018 ,  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024 , respectively.  
         [0078]     Referring to  FIG. 17 , there is shown a plan view of the alternative cargo rack system  1000  depicted in  FIG. 16 , in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIG. 18 , there is shown an exploded view of the alternative cargo rack system  1000  depicted in  FIG. 16 , in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In this view, additional primary components of the stanchion assemblies are shown (e.g., in exploded view), including a stanchion member  1026 , a clamp member  1028 , and a fastening member  1030  (e.g., a thumbwheel). Additionally, the front and rear support members can be provided with optional cover members,  1032 ,  1034 ,  1036 ,  1038 , respectively, e.g., to enhance the aesthetic appearance of respective support members.  
         [0080]     Referring to  FIG. 19 , there is a sectional view of a cross rail member  1100 , in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the cross rail member  1100  has a wing-like cross-sectional shape, wherein the leading edge  1102  gradually tapers towards the trailing edge  1104 . However, it should be appreciated that the cross rail members of the present invention can be configured in any number of shapes.  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIG. 20 , there is shown a sectional view of a first alternative side rail member  1200 , in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a channel  1202  is clearly shown, wherein a fastening member  1204  (e.g., a bolt) connects the side rail member  1200  flush to the roof portion  1206  of the vehicle  1208 .  
         [0082]     Referring to  FIG. 21 , there is shown a sectional view of a second alternative side rail member  1300 , in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a channel  1302  is clearly shown. However, the side rail member  1300  is raised up from the vehicle&#39;s roof portion by a support base  1034 . An optionally connection member  1306  (e.g., a snap fit member) is shown that can receive a portion of a stanchion assembly (not shown), for example.  
         [0083]     Referring to  FIG. 22 , there is shown a partial sectional view of a cross rail stanchion assembly  1400 , in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stanchion assembly  1400  includes a stanchion member  1402  (cooperating with a cross rail member  1404 , e.g., in a telescoping/nested arrangement and/or a tongue/groove arrangement), a clamp member  1406 , a pad member  1408  (e.g., abutting the clamp member  1406  and/or the side rail member  1410 ), a retaining nut  1412 , and a fastening member  1414  (e.g., a thumbwheel) that is received through an aperture  1416  in the stanchion member  1402 , and aperture  1418  formed in the clamp member  1406 , and the retaining nut  1412 . By way of a non-limiting example, as the fastening member  1414  is tightened by rotation through the retaining nut  1412 , the fastening member  1414  is drawn taught against the exterior surface of the stanchion member  1402 , thus drawings the clamp member  1406  and/or the pad member  1408  towards the stanchion member  1402 . In this manner, the stanchion assembly  1400  is fastened securely to the side rail member  1410 , and thus, the cross rail member  1404  to the side rail member  1410 .  
         [0084]     Referring to  FIG. 23 , there is shown a partial exploded view of the cross rail stanchion assembly  1400  depicted in  FIG. 22 , in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0085]      FIG. 24  is another partial exploded view of the cross rail stanchion assembly  1400  depicted in  FIG. 22 , in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0086]     Accordingly, the simplification and standardization of the cargo rack system designs of the present invention is based on current industry best practices. Those is, standardization and carryover of the rail sections and cross rail mechanism can be achieved through the present invention. As previously noted, the side rail sections can be designed so it can be used as either a raised or flush rack system. Additionally, the side rail sections can be designed to be an exposed rail for alternative finish applications, e.g., to change the overall look of the rack system by changing the finishes. Furthermore, the ability to easily remove the cross rails eliminate possible wind noise and improve vehicle fuel efficiency when the rails are not in use.  
         [0087]     The simplicity of the overall design of the various systems and components thereof of the present invention is also apparent. For example, there is an infinite number of ways to adjust the cross rail assemblies along the length on the side rails. Additionally, improved system strength is achieved through simplicity of design and fewer components. Furthermore, attachment component styling can be changed from one vehicle to another to change the overall appearance of the cargo rack system.  
         [0088]     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.