Patent Description:
The present disclosure also relates to a roof rack load carrying bar comprising an airflow regulating pattern extending in a length direction of the load carrying bar, the pattern comprising at least two raised rib portions relatively offset from each other in the length direction of the load carrying bar.

Still further, the present disclosure relates to a roof rack load carrying bar comprising a cross sectional profile having a front bar portion and a rear bar portion with respect to a travel direction of said load carrying bar during use, the front bar portion having a front edge, the rear bar portion having a profile tapering rearwards with respect to the travel direction and towards a rear edge of the rear bar portion, the front edge comprising a first curved-shaped profile extending from an upper portion to a lower portion of the front bar portion.

Roof racks comprising load carrying bars are known for providing improved load capacity for automobiles.

There are different types of load carrying bars, where one type comprises an integrated channel for receiving mounting members, such as screws, intended for attaching load carrying bar accessories to the load carrying bar. Load carrying bar accessories may be roof boxes, ski boxes, ski carriers, bike carriers etc. One example of a roof rack load carrying bar comprising such a channel can be found in <CIT>, which discloses to make use of a single cover, or two covers, for sealing the opening of the channel.

These types of load carrying bars have shown to provide an efficient and convenient way for attaching different accessories to the vehicle, compared to load carrying bars without such integrated channels.

Moreover, a trend relating to load carrying bars is to adapt the cross section of the load carrying bar to reduce wind resistance and/or noise. Several solutions aiming to reduce this problem have been suggested, where sharp/distinct edges in the cross section have been avoided in order to reduce drag and/or noise.

<CIT> relates to a seal adapted to cover a longitudinal groove forming a slide in the top of a roof bar which has in cross section, on its face that faces upward, two longitudinal lips projecting substantially toward each other to cover partly a longitudinal cavity of the bar and to define the groove between them, the seal having on each longitudinal lateral edge a conformation of substantially U-shaped cross section complementary to that of the corresponding longitudinal lip of the bar in order to interengage with the lip of the bar.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved roof rack load carrying bar, which at least alleviates some of the drawbacks of the prior art, or which at least provides a good alternative.

The object is provided by the subject matter in independent claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments may be found in the dependent claims and in the accompanying description and drawings.

According to a first aspect , a roof rack load carrying bar is disclosed, comprising, a channel for receiving at least one mounting member for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to the load carrying bar, the channel extending at least partly in a length direction of the load carrying bar, the load carrying bar further comprising a first and a second cover extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar and being arranged for sealing the channel from an external environment, the first cover being attached to the load carrying bar via a first attachment interface provided at a first side of the channel, the second cover being attached to the load carrying bar via a second attachment interface provided at a second side of the channel, wherein the first and the second attachment interface are asymmetrical with respect to each other.

By the provision of the aforementioned load carrying bar, an improved load carrying bar is provided where the mounting procedure of the first and the second cover will be significantly facilitated. It has namely been found that it may be important to correctly mount the two covers with respect to a travel direction of the load carrying bar during use. More particularly, the respective sections of the two covers which face outwardly with respect to the load carrying bar may be designed differently for different purposes, and therefore each cover may need to be mounted correctly with respect to the travel direction. By the provision of positioning indicia in the form of different attachment interfaces for each cover, the risk of incorrect mounting of the first and the second cover is reduced. The difference between the interfaces is provided in that the first and the second attachment interface are asymmetrical with respect to each other. The user may thus be provided with visual indicia of where the cover is intended to be mounted just by looking at and comparing the attachment interfaces. In addition, the asymmetry between the first and the second attachment interfaces may also physically prevent incorrect placement of the first and the second cover on the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first and the second attachment interface may further be asymmetrical with respect to a width direction of the load carrying bar, wherein the width direction is perpendicular to the length direction of the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first and the second cover may be separate parts with respect to each other and configured for sealing the channel during use of the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first and/or the second attachment interface may be configured as a female/male connection, preferably by a groove and a corresponding, i.e. a matching, protruding portion extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar. A female/male connection has been found to provide a robust connection between the bar and the respective cover, where preferably the connection is in the form of a corresponding groove/protruding portion.

Optionally, the groove may comprise a first side wall and a second side wall facing the first side wall, preferably wherein the second side wall is inclined away from the first side wall. By providing such an inclination of the second side wall a facilitated mounting procedure may be realized, also resulting in a robust connection with reduced risk of detachment of the cover from the bar. Still optionally, the second side wall may comprise a hook portion at a distal end of the second side wall, thereby further improving the connection to the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first side wall may further comprise a hook-shaped gripping member comprising a hook portion, the hook-shaped gripping member being an extension of the first side wall with the hook portion bent from the first side wall by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees with respect to the first side wall. It has been found that an even further improved connection may be provided by such configuration with the hook portion engaging in an opposing portion of the load carrying bar.

Optionally, each one of the first and the second attachment interface may be configured as a female/male connection, preferably wherein the first attachment interface comprises a first groove and a corresponding, i.e. matching, first protruding portion extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar and the second attachment interface comprises a second groove and a corresponding, i.e. matching, second protruding portion extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar. Providing female/male connections for each cover has been found to result in robust connections for both covers. Moreover, similar types of connection configurations on the respective covers, however asymmetrical, may further facilitate the mounting procedure for a user of the load carrying bar. More particularly, the mounting procedure for each cover may be performed in a similar manner, such as by a snap on connection, thereby avoiding any possible confusion for the user when connecting the covers.

Optionally, the second groove and the second protruding portion may each comprise an additional groove and protruding portion configuration extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar, thereby providing robust and asymmetrical female/male connections. The additional groove and protruding portion configuration may hence reduce the risk that a user by mistake mounts the covers to the load carrying bar in an erroneous inverted manner.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second cover may comprise a friction reducing layer for reducing a friction between the at least one cover and the at least one mounting member. With such a friction reducing layer, the mounting member may more easily be moved in the channel, thereby providing facilitated and improved mounting procedure for the user of the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first and/or the second cover may comprise an outer sealing surface substantially flush with an outer adjacent surface of the load carrying bar. By providing a smooth outer surface of the load carrying bar, airflow around the load carrying bar may be improved, which may result in reduced drag and/or noise.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second cover may comprise an inner sealing surface facing the channel and sealing against the mounting member during use of the mounting member, wherein the inner sealing surface is inclined towards a side wall of the channel located on the same side as the cover comprising the inner surface. By such a configuration of the at least one cover, the sealing around the mounting member being located in the channel may be improved. In addition, it may further facilitate movement/sliding of the mounting member during the mounting procedure due to the inclined surface configuration.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second cover may comprise an attachment portion and a sealing portion for sealing the channel from the external environment, wherein the attachment portion comprises or consist of a first material and the sealing portion comprises or consists of a second material being different from the first material. It has namely been found that it may be advantageous to provide a cover comprising different materials. Still optionally, a hardness of the first material may be higher than a hardness of the second material. More particularly, it has been found that providing increased hardness for the attachment portion may result in improved connection to the load carrying bar, whilst a lower hardness for the sealing portion may provide improved sealing performance. Purely by way of example, a hardness of the first material of the attachment portion may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, and more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, such as <NUM> Shore D. Still further, purely by way of example, a hardness of the second material of the sealing portion may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, and more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, such as <NUM> Shore A. Shore hardness is well-known by the skilled person and used for measuring hardness of a material, such as for polymers, elastomers and rubbers. Shore hardness may advantageously be measured by a Shore durometer and the measurement method is for example described in the standards ASTM D2240, ISO <NUM> and ISO <NUM>. Still further, increased hardness may result in increased stiffness of the attachment portion, which thereby for example may result in an improved snap on connection of the attachment portion to the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first cover may be located in front of the second cover with respect to a travel direction of the load carrying bar during use, the first cover comprising an airflow regulating pattern extending in a length direction of the load carrying bar, the pattern comprising at least two raised rib portions relatively offset from each other in the length direction of the load carrying bar. It has namely been found that providing an airflow pattern on one of the covers comprising the asymmetrical attachment interface may further assure that the airflow pattern is mounted correctly with respect to the travel direction.

According to a second aspect, a roof rack load carrying bar is disclosed, comprising, a channel for receiving at least one mounting member for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to the load carrying bar, the channel extending at least partly in a length direction of the load carrying bar, at least a first cover extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar, the first cover comprising a first attachment portion for attaching the first cover to the load carrying bar and a first sealing portion for sealing the channel from an external environment, wherein the first attachment portion comprises or consist of a first material and the first sealing portion comprises or consist of a second material different from the first material.

By the provision of the aforementioned configuration, an improved load carrying bar is provided. It has namely been found that it may be advantageous to provide a cover with different materials. Still optionally, a hardness of the first material may be higher than a hardness of the second material. More particularly, it has been found that providing increased hardness for the attachment portion may result in improved connection to the load carrying bar, whilst a lower hardness for the sealing portion may provide improved sealing performance. Purely by way of example, a hardness of the first material of the attachment portion may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, and more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, such as <NUM> Shore D. Still further, purely by way of example, a hardness of the second material of the sealing portion may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, and more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, such as <NUM> Shore A. Shore hardness is well-known by the skilled person and used for measuring hardness of a material, such as for polymers, elastomers and rubbers. Shore hardness may advantageously be measured by a Shore durometer and the measurement method is for example described in the standards ASTM D2240, ISO <NUM> and ISO <NUM>. According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least first cover may comprise or consist of rubber, a polymer or an elastomer, or a combination thereof.

It shall be noted that all embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure are applicable to all of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure and vice versa.

Optionally, the load carrying bar may comprise a second cover extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar, the second cover comprising a second attachment portion for attaching the second cover to the load carrying bar and a second sealing portion for sealing the channel from an external environment, wherein the second attachment portion comprises or consist of a third material and the second sealing portion comprises or consist of a fourth material different from the third material. Purely by way of example, a hardness of the third material of the second attachment portion may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, and more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, such as <NUM> Shore D. Still further, purely by way of example, a hardness of the third material of the second sealing portion may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, and more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore A, such as <NUM> Shore A. Still optionally, the first and the second cover may be configured similarly with similar materials, i.e. the first material may be the same as, or similar to, the third material and the second material may be the same as, or similar to, the fourth material. By "similar" herein is meant materials having similar hardness properties. Still further, the hardness of the first material may be similar to the hardness of the third material and the hardness of the second material may be similar to the hardness of the fourth material. Consequently, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, also the second cover may comprise or consist of rubber, a polymer or an elastomer, or a combination thereof.

Optionally, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion may be asymmetrical with respect to each other, preferably with the asymmetry provided in a width direction of the load carrying bar, the width direction being perpendicular to the length direction.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second attachment portions may be configured as a snap on attachment portion. Providing at least one of the covers with a snap on attachment portion may further facilitate the mounting procedure for a user of the load carrying bar. Still further, purely by way of example, the snap on functionality combined with a relatively stiff attachment portion may further improve the robustness of the connection between the cover(s) and the load carrying bar, thus preventing partial or complete detachment of the cover from the load carrying bar. It may also prevent lateral displacement of the cover which could otherwise render the sliding of a mounting member along the first cover or between the first and the second cover during mounting.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second attachment portion may be configured as a groove or a protruding portion extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first and/or the second attachment portion may be configured as a groove, the groove comprising a first side wall and a second side wall facing the first side wall, preferably wherein the second side wall is inclined away from the first side wall. By providing such an inclination of the second side wall a facilitated mounting procedure may be accomplished, also resulting in a robust connection. Still optionally, the second side wall may comprise a hook portion at a distal end of the second side wall, thereby further improving the connection to the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first side wall may further comprise a hook-shaped gripping member comprising a hook portion, the hook-shaped gripping member being an extension of the first side wall with the hook portion bent from the first side wall by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees with respect to the first side wall. It has been found that an even further improved connection may be provided by such configuration, by means of the hook portion engaging in an opposing portion of the load carrying bar.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second cover may comprise an outer sealing surface substantially flush with an outer adjacent surface of the load carrying bar. By providing a smooth outer surface of the load carrying bar, airflow around the load carrying bar may be improved, resulting in reduced drag and/or noise.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second cover may comprise an inner sealing surface facing the channel and sealing against the mounting member during use of the mounting member, wherein the inner sealing surface is inclined towards a side wall of the channel being located on the same side as the cover comprising the inner surface. By such a configuration of the at least one cover, the sealing around the mounting member being located in the channel may be improved. In addition, it may further facilitate movement/sliding of the mounting member during the mounting procedure, since a smaller surface area of the cover may be in contact with the mounting member due to this configuration of the cover.

Optionally, at least one of the first and the second cover may comprise a friction reducing layer for reducing a friction between the at least one cover and the at least one mounting member. With such a friction reducing layer, the mounting member may more easily be moved in the channel, thereby providing facilitated and improved mounting procedure for the user of the load carrying bar. The friction reducing layer may for example be provided as an additional material on the first and/or the second cover. Purely by way of example, a hardness of the friction reducing layer may be in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> Shore D, such as <NUM> Shore D.

Optionally, the load carrying bar may comprise an airflow regulating pattern extending in a length direction of the load carrying bar, the pattern comprising at least two raised rib portions relatively offset from each other in the length direction of the load carrying bar. Still optionally, the airflow regulating pattern may be provided on at least one of the first and second cover.

According to the invention, also referred to as a third aspect herein, the object is provided by a roof rack load carrying bar, comprising, a channel for receiving at least one mounting member for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to the load carrying bar, the channel extending at least partly in a length direction of the load carrying bar, at least a first cover extending in the length direction for sealing the channel from an external environment, the first cover comprising an attachment portion, the attachment portion comprising a groove extending in the length direction attaching the first cover to a corresponding protruding portion extending in the length direction on the load carrying bar, the groove comprising a first and a second side wall, wherein the attachment portion further comprising a hook-shaped gripping member comprising a hook portion, the hook-shaped gripping member being an extension of the first side wall with the hook portion bent from the first side wall by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees with respect to the first side wall.

By the provision of the aforementioned load carrying bar, the connection of the at least first cover may be improved. More particularly, a more robust connection may be provided where the hook-shaped gripping member may reduce the likelihood that the at least first cover is released during use of the load carrying bar. It has namely been found that providing a hook-shaped gripping member with the hook portion as defined herein, a counter force preventing the at least first cover from being released from its connection during use, may be increased. More particularly, if the load carrying bar is being used on a vehicle running at high speed, the force acting on the at least first cover as a consequence of the airflow may cause the at least first cover to loosen from the bar. By the use of the hook-shaped gripping member, unwanted release/loosening of the at least first cover may be avoided.

It shall be noted that all embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure are applicable to all of the embodiments of the first and the second aspects of the present disclosure and vice versa.

Optionally, the hook portion may be bent from the first side wall by an angle being larger than any one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees with respect to the first side wall.

Optionally, the hook portion may be bent outwardly from the groove. Still optionally, the hook portion may be bent inwardly into the groove.

Optionally, the hook portion may be arranged to snap into a corresponding receiving portion on the load carrying bar for locking the at least first cover to the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first side wall may extend substantially perpendicularly out from an upper surface of the at least one first cover. The upper surface is oriented upwardly with respect to a height direction of the load carrying bar, the height direction being perpendicular to the length and the width direction.

Optionally, the second side wall may face the first side wall, and wherein the second side wall is inclined away from the first side wall.

Optionally, the second side wall may comprise a hook portion at an outer end of the second side wall.

According to a fourth aspect, a roof rack load carrying bar is disclosed, comprising, an airflow regulating pattern extending in a length direction of the load carrying bar, the pattern comprising at least two raised rib portions relatively offset from each other in the length direction of the load carrying bar, wherein each one of the at least two raised rib portions is diagonally arranged with respect to a travel direction of the load carrying bar during use and further has a portion width measured in the length direction of the load carrying bar, wherein two adjacent raised rib portions are separated by a separation distance in the length direction of the load carrying bar, wherein the separation distance is at least two times greater than the portion width of at least one of the adjacent raised rib portions.

By the provision of the aforementioned load carrying bar, an improved load carrying bar is provided where improved airflow around the load carrying bar may be provided, which may result in reduced/improved noise and/or drag.

It shall be noted that all embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure are applicable to all of the embodiments of the first, second and third aspects of the present disclosure and vice versa.

Optionally, the pattern may extend along at least <NUM> % of a load carrying bar length in the length direction. Thereby, the improved airflow may be provided along the substantial length of the load carrying bar. Still optionally, the pattern may be disrupted with respect to the length direction of the load carrying bar. For example, the pattern may extend from both sides of the bar, but not in a section there-between. For example, if a roof box is mounted onto the load carrying bar, there may be no need of the airflow pattern where the roof box is located on the bar and the pattern may be arranged only at the respective end portions of the load carrying bar, as seen in a longitudinal direction, with each end portion being <NUM>-<NUM>% of the total length of the load carrying bar. However, in a preferred embodiment, the pattern extends over a substantial portion of the length of the load carrying bar, such as along at least <NUM> % of the length.

Optionally, the pattern may be a continuous reoccurring pattern in the length direction of the load carrying bar, preferably with at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> raised rib portions.

Optionally, at least one of the at least two raised rib portions may be a V-shaped rib portion with a tip of the V-shape pointing in the travel direction. It has been found that providing such a shape of the rib portions may be advantageous for the airflow around the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the load carrying bar may further comprise a channel for receiving at least one mounting member for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to the load carrying bar, the channel extending at least partly in a length direction of the load carrying bar, wherein the pattern is at least partly located in front of the channel with respect to the travel direction. It has been found that providing an airflow patter as disclosed herein in front of such a channel may further improve the airflow around the load carrying bar, in particular close to the channel. Preferably, the pattern may be provided during an extrusion process of the load carrying bar. The load carrying bar as disclosed herein for all embodiments of the different aspects of the disclosure may preferably be made in aluminium, or any similar light-weight metal or metal alloy.

Optionally, the load carrying bar may further comprise at least a first cover extending in the length direction for sealing the channel from an external environment, wherein the pattern is located on the first cover. This may further improve the airflow, and also it has been found advantageous to provide the pattern on the at least first cover for facilitating manufacturing of the load carrying bar. For example, the at least first cover as disclosed herein may advantageously be manufactured in an extrusion process, where the airflow pattern may be provided to the at least first cover during or directly after the extrusion procedure.

Optionally, the portion width of at least one of the adjacent raised rib portions may be from <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters (mm), preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

If the pattern is a continuous reoccurring pattern in the length direction of the load carrying bar, preferably with at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> raised rib portions, the portion width of each one of the plurality of adjacent raised rib portions may be from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

Optionally, at least one of the at least two rib portions may have a rib height from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

If the pattern is a continuous reoccurring pattern in the length direction of the load carrying bar, preferably with at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> raised rib portions, a plurality of the rib portions have a rib height from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

Optionally, the separation distance may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

Optionally, at least one of the at least two raised rib portions may be configured as a distinct raised rib portion with an angle between a surface onto which the at least one rib portion is located and a side wall of the rib portion which is at least <NUM> degrees, such as from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Preferably, a side wall of the at least one raised rib portion which faces the travel direction of the load carrying bar during use may have such an angle, which is preferably larger than <NUM> degrees. Thereby, the airflow may be further improved. Still optionally, if the pattern is a continuous reoccurring pattern in the length direction of the load carrying bar, preferably with at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> raised rib portions, the at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> raised rib portions may be configured as distinct raised rib portions with each rib portion having an angle between a surface onto which the rib portion is located and a side wall of the rib portion which is at least <NUM> degrees, such as from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

Optionally, the surface onto which the at least one rib portion is located is substantially planar. Providing distinct raised rib portions on a substantially planar surface has shown to result in an improved airflow for the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the separation distance may be at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> times greater than the portion width of at least one of the adjacent raised rib portions. Providing a relatively large separation distance with respect to the portion width of at least one of, or each one of, the adjacent raised rib portions may further improve airflow around the load carrying bar. It has namely been found that drag and/or noise may be reduced by such configuration.

According to a fifth aspect, a roof rack load carrying bar is disclosed, comprising, a cross sectional profile having a front bar portion and a rear bar portion with respect to a travel direction of the load carrying bar during use, the front bar portion having a front edge, the rear bar portion having a profile tapering rearwards with respect to the travel direction and towards a rear edge of the rear bar portion, the front edge comprising a first curved-shaped profile extending from an upper portion to a lower portion of the front bar portion, wherein at least one of the first curved-shaped profile and the rear edge having a first distinct angular shift.

By the provision of the aforementioned load carrying bar, an improved load carrying bar is provided where an improved airflow around the load carrying bar may be provided. It has namely been found that providing distinct angular shift(s) at certain location(s) of the load carrying bar may further improve the airflow.

It shall be noted that all embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure are applicable to all of the embodiments of the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the present disclosure and vice versa.

Optionally, the first curved-shaped profile has the first distinct angular shift at a very front portion of the front edge. The very front portion may be defined as the portion of the load carrying bar being located furthest to the front of the load carrying bar with respect to the width and the travel direction during use of the load carrying bar.

Optionally, the first curved-shaped profile may further have a second distinct angular shift approximately half-way up from the very front portion with respect to the upper portion of the front bar portion.

Optionally, the cross sectional profile may be a wing-shaped profile.

Optionally, at least one angular shift may be from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, such as <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

<FIG> depicts a cross sectional view of a load carrying bar <NUM> according to the prior art. The load carrying bar <NUM> comprises a channel which opening is covered by two covers, <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. As can be seen, the two covers <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to the load carrying bar <NUM> via respective grooves provided on side surfaces defining the opening and facing each other, thereby sealing the channel.

Now, with reference to <FIG>, examples of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. In <FIG>, a perspective view of a load carrying bar <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure is depicted. The load carrying bar <NUM> comprises a channel <NUM> for receiving at least one mounting member, the mounting member being shown in <FIG> as ref. <NUM>, for attaching a load carrying bar accessory (not shown) to the load carrying bar <NUM>. The channel <NUM> extends in a length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>. Moreover, the load carrying bar <NUM> comprises a first <NUM> and a second <NUM> cover which extends in the length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM> and which is arranged for sealing the channel <NUM> from an external environment. The first cover <NUM> is attached to the load carrying bar <NUM> via a first attachment interface AI<NUM>, see e.g. <FIG>, provided at a first side of the channel <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM> is attached to the load carrying bar <NUM> via a second attachment interface AI<NUM>, see <FIG>, provided at a second side of the channel <NUM>. The first and the second sides of the channel <NUM> are oriented with respect to a width direction w of the load carrying bar <NUM>. Moreover, as can be seen in for example <FIG>, the first and the second attachment interfaces, AI<NUM> and AI<NUM>, are asymmetrical with respect to each other.

Moreover, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, an airflow regulating pattern <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the fourth aspect is depicted. In this particular embodiment, the pattern <NUM> comprises a plurality of V-shaped raised rib portions, whereby the tip of the V-shapes are oriented and pointing in the travel direction T of the load carrying bar during use. Moreover, as can be seen, the airflow pattern <NUM> extends along a substantial portion of the total length L<NUM> of the load carrying bar <NUM>, and is also located on the first cover <NUM>. However, it shall be noted that the pattern <NUM> may be located in other places, such as directly on the surface of the load carrying bar <NUM>, however preferably in front of, or close to, or above, the channel <NUM> with respect to the travel direction T.

In <FIG>, a cross sectional view of the load carrying bar <NUM> as seen in <FIG> is depicted. The airflow regulating pattern <NUM>, here provided on the first cover <NUM>, can be seen. Moreover the asymmetrical attachment interfaces AI<NUM> and AI<NUM> are also shown, with an enlarged view in <FIG>. The load carrying bar <NUM> has a height direction h and the width direction w, wherein the height direction h, width direction w and the length direction L are perpendicular with respect to each other, resulting in a three-dimensional space. The first and the second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>, comprises respective outer surfaces, <NUM> and <NUM> respectively, wherein the outer surface <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> is substantially flush with the outer surface <NUM> of the load carrying bar <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> is also substantially flush with the outer surface <NUM>. However, the airflow pattern <NUM> extends out from the outer surface <NUM>. By this configuration, a more integrated and smooth design is provided, which in turn may result in improved airflow around the load carrying bar <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an enlarged view of the channel <NUM>, the first and the second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>, and the asymmetrical attachment interfaces, AI<NUM> and AI<NUM>, of the load carrying bar <NUM>. The first and the second attachment interfaces, AI<NUM> and AI<NUM>, are asymmetrical with respect to the width direction w of the load carrying bar <NUM>. Moreover, the first and the second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>, are separate parts with respect to each other and configured for sealing the channel <NUM> during use of the load carrying bar <NUM>. In particular, the covers <NUM> and <NUM> seal an opening of the channel <NUM>, oriented upwardly and extending in the length direction L. The first and the second attachment interface, AI<NUM> and AI<NUM>, are configured as respective female/male connections. In this particular embodiment, the first cover <NUM> comprises a first groove <NUM> and a corresponding, i.e. matching, first protruding portion <NUM> extending in the length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>. Moreover, the second cover <NUM> comprises a second groove <NUM> and a corresponding, i.e. matching, second protruding portion <NUM> extending in the length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>. It shall be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to this type of female/male configuration, but an inverted female/male connection may also be used, i.e. by e.g. providing grooves on the load carrying bar <NUM> and protruding portions on the covers, <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first groove <NUM> further comprises a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> which faces the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM> is here also inclined away from the first side wall <NUM>. This configuration may facilitate to accomplish a snap on functionality for attaching the first cover <NUM> to the first protruding portion <NUM>. Similarly, the second groove <NUM> further comprises a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> which faces the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM> is in a similar manner inclined away from the first side wall <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>.

The second side wall <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> also comprises a hook portion <NUM> at a distal end of the second side wall <NUM>. The hook portion <NUM> is bent inwardly towards the first groove <NUM>, thereby providing a locking mechanism for locking the first cover <NUM> to the load carrying bar <NUM>. Similarly, the second side wall <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> also comprises a hook portion <NUM> at a distal end of the second side wall <NUM>. The hook portion <NUM> is bent inwardly towards the second groove <NUM>, thereby providing a similar locking mechanism for locking the second cover <NUM> to the load carrying bar <NUM>.

Moreover, in this particular embodiment, in order to further improve the robustness of the connection of the respective covers, <NUM> and <NUM>, to the load carrying bar <NUM>, a further locking mechanism, <NUM> and <NUM>, is provided on the respective first and second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>. More particularly, the first side wall <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> further comprises a hook-shaped gripping member <NUM> which comprises a hook portion <NUM>, wherein the hook-shaped gripping member <NUM> is an extension of the first side wall <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> with the hook portion <NUM> bent from the first side wall <NUM> by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees with respect to the first side wall <NUM>. As can be seen in this example embodiment, the hook portion <NUM> is bent by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees. Still further, the hook portion <NUM> is arranged to snap into a corresponding receiving portion <NUM> on the load carrying bar <NUM>, which is configured as a matching inclined surface for the hook portion <NUM>, for locking the first cover <NUM> to the load carrying bar <NUM>. By this configuration, an improved locking of the first cover <NUM> is provided. In a similar manner, the first side wall <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> further comprises a hook-shaped gripping member <NUM> which comprises a hook portion <NUM>, wherein the hook-shaped gripping member <NUM> is an extension of the first side wall <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> with the hook portion <NUM> bent from the first side wall <NUM> by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees with respect to the first side wall <NUM>. As can be seen in this example embodiment, the hook portion <NUM> is bent by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees. Still further, the hook portion <NUM> is arranged to snap into a corresponding receiving portion <NUM> on the load carrying bar <NUM>, which is configured as a matching inclined surface for the hook portion <NUM>, for locking the second cover <NUM> to the load carrying bar <NUM>. By this configuration, an improved locking is also provided for the second cover <NUM>. Both these hook portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, are bent outwardly with respect to the respective grooves, <NUM> and <NUM>, of the respective first and second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>. It shall however be noted that a similar improved locking function may also be provided by configuring the hook portions inwardly towards the respective grooves, <NUM> and <NUM>, instead. However, configuring the hook portions <NUM> and <NUM> outwardly has been found advantageous in that it provides for improved connection and also may be beneficial for manufacturing purposes. Moreover, the first side wall <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> extends substantially perpendicularly out from an upper surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM>. In a similar manner, the first side wall <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> extends substantially perpendicularly out from an upper surface <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>.

Still further, in this example embodiment, the second groove <NUM> and the second protruding portion <NUM> comprises an additional groove and protruding portion configuration, <NUM> and <NUM>, which extends in the length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>. More particularly, the second groove <NUM> comprises a protruding portion <NUM> located inside the second groove <NUM>, and the second protruding portion <NUM> comprises a matching groove <NUM> located on the protruding portion <NUM>. The first groove <NUM> and the first protruding portion <NUM> of the first attachment interface AI<NUM> do not present such an additional groove/protrusion configuration, thereby resulting in that the first and the second attachment interface, AI<NUM> and AI<NUM>, are asymmetrical with respect to each other. It shall however be understood that the asymmetry may be provided in many different ways. For example, the additional groove/protruding portion could likewise be located on the first cover <NUM>. In addition, an inverted groove/protruding portion configuration could also be used.

Moreover, the first cover <NUM> comprises an inner sealing surface <NUM> which faces the channel <NUM>, wherein the inner sealing surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> is inclined towards a side wall <NUM> of the channel <NUM> located on the same side as the first cover <NUM>. In a similar manner, the second cover <NUM> comprises an inner sealing surface <NUM> which faces the channel <NUM>, wherein the inner sealing surface <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> is inclined towards a side wall <NUM> of the channel <NUM> located on the same side as the second cover <NUM>. Thereby, the mounting member <NUM>, as seen in <FIG> may be easier to move/displace in the length direction L of the channel <NUM>, whilst still providing a good sealing performance for the channel <NUM>.

Now turning to <FIG>, the first and the second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>, can be seen when separated from the load carrying bar <NUM>, with the first cover <NUM> being illustrated in <FIG> and the second cover <NUM> being illustrated in <FIG>. The first cover <NUM> cover comprises a friction reducing layer <NUM> for reducing a friction between the first cover <NUM> and the at least one mounting member <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. In a similar manner, the second cover <NUM> cover comprises a friction reducing layer <NUM> for reducing a friction between the second cover <NUM> and the at least one mounting member <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. The friction reducing layers, <NUM> and <NUM> may for example be provided as coatings on the sealing portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, of the first and the second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>. Moreover, the friction reducing layer may be provided by performing a treatment on the sealing portions, <NUM>, <NUM>, such as heat treatment and/or chemical treatment. Purely by way of example, the friction reducing layers, <NUM> and/or <NUM>, may be from <NUM>-<NUM> thick, such as <NUM>. More particularly, in this example embodiment, the first cover <NUM> comprises an attachment portion <NUM> and the sealing portion <NUM> for sealing the channel <NUM> from the external environment, wherein the attachment portion <NUM> comprises or consists of a first material and the sealing portion <NUM> comprises or consists of a second material different from the first material. Here, a hardness of the first material is higher than a hardness of the second material. In a similar manner, the second cover <NUM> comprises an attachment portion <NUM> and the sealing portion <NUM> for sealing the channel <NUM> from the external environment, wherein the attachment portion <NUM> comprises or consists of a third material and the sealing portion <NUM> comprises or consists of a fourth material different from the third material. Also here, a hardness of the third material is higher than a hardness of the fourth material. It has namely been found that it may be advantageous to provide different materials, and in particular different hardness, between the sealing portions and the attachment portions. For example, the attachment portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, may benefit from being stiffer in that the connection may be improved. In addition, the sealing portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, may benefit from being relatively less stiff, thereby improving its sealing performance, especially when there is a mounting member <NUM> in the channel <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the first and the second cover, <NUM> and <NUM>, are depicted, where a more detailed illustration of an airflow pattern <NUM> according to an example of the present disclosure also can be seen. In this example, the airflow pattern <NUM> is placed on the first cover <NUM>, and configured by V-shaped raised rib portions, <NUM>-<NUM>, extending in the length direction L as a reoccurring pattern. The tips of the V-shaped raised rib portions, <NUM>-<NUM>, are oriented and pointing in the travel direction T of the load carrying bar <NUM> during use. In this embodiment, the pattern <NUM> extends along the complete length L<NUM> of the load carrying bar <NUM>.

In <FIG>, more detailed illustrations of the airflow pattern <NUM> and its raised rib portions can be seen. Different types of raised rib portions are shown, i.e. V-shaped, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and straight I-shaped rib portions, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, oriented diagonally with respect to the travel direction T. The illustration in <FIG> shows a reoccurring pattern <NUM> with a combination of V-shaped and straight rib portions. In alternative embodiments, only one type of rib portions is used, such as only V-shaped or straight I-shaped shaped portions. Purely by way of example, any one, or each one of the raised rib portions, may be diagonally arranged by an angle of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees with respect to the travel direction T, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> degrees or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, such as <NUM> degrees.

The airflow regulating pattern <NUM> extends in a length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>, and the pattern <NUM> comprises a plurality of raised rib portions, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, which are relatively offset from each other in the length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>, wherein each one of the at least two raised rib portions is diagonally arranged with respect to the travel direction T of the load carrying bar <NUM> during use. Moreover, each rib portion has a portion width d1 measured in the length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>, wherein two adjacent raised rib portions, e.g. <NUM> and <NUM>, and <NUM> and <NUM>, are separated by a separation distance L<NUM> and L<NUM> in the length direction L of the load carrying bar <NUM>. The separation distance L<NUM> is at least two times greater than the portion width d1 of the raised rib portion <NUM>, and the separation distance L<NUM> is at least two times greater than the portion width d1 raised rib portion <NUM>. The portion width d1 of at least one of the adjacent raised rib portions is from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In <FIG>, a raised rib portion <NUM> is depicted, shown from the side. The rib portion <NUM> may have a rib height <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>. Moreover, it can also be seen that the rib portion is configured as a distinct raised rib portion with an angle α<NUM> between a surface <NUM> onto which the at least one rib portion <NUM> is located and a side wall <NUM> of the rib portion which is more than <NUM> degrees, such as from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In this example the surface <NUM> is oriented in the front of the rib portion with respect to the travel direction T. Any one of the rib portion's side surfaces may be configured in a similar manner, thereby providing a distinct rib portion, as seen with respect to the surface <NUM> onto which the at least one rib portion is located.

In <FIG>, the load carrying bar <NUM> is shown when a mounting member <NUM>, in this embodiment a screw, is placed in the channel <NUM>. The screw comprises a screw head located in the channel <NUM>. Hence, the channel <NUM> may be regarded as a T-shaped channel, or alternatively a T-track. The screw <NUM> can be used for attaching a load carrying bar accessory, such as a roof box, bike carrier or anything else that can be mounted onto the load carrying bar.

It shall be noted that the load carrying bar <NUM> as depicted herein may also advantageously be mounted to or be integrated with a roof basket, or any other load carrying arrangement intended to be provided on a vehicle, preferably on a roof of a vehicle.

<FIG> depicts another cross sectional view of a load carrying bar <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The load carrying bar <NUM> comprises a cross sectional profile having a front bar portion <NUM> and a rear bar portion <NUM> with respect to a travel direction T of the load carrying bar <NUM> during use. The front bar portion <NUM> has a front edge <NUM>, the rear bar portion <NUM> has a profile <NUM> which tapers rearwards with respect to the travel direction T and towards a rear edge <NUM> of the rear bar portion <NUM>. The front edge <NUM> comprises a first curved-shaped profile <NUM> which extends from an upper portion <NUM> to a lower portion <NUM> of the front bar portion <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> is here the utmost portion of the load carrying bar <NUM> with respect to the height direction h, when excluding the covers <NUM> and <NUM>, and the lower portion <NUM> is here the lowest portion of the load carrying bar <NUM> with respect to the height direction h. The first curved-shaped profile <NUM> has a first distinct angular shift <NUM> at a very front portion of the front edge <NUM>. Moreover, the first curved-shaped profile <NUM> further has a second distinct angular shift <NUM> approximately half-way up from the very front portion <NUM> with respect to the upper portion <NUM> of the front bar portion <NUM>. In an example embodiment, a distance between the first angular shift <NUM> and the second angular shift <NUM> is from <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM>. As can be further seen, the cross sectional profile is here a wing-shaped profile. The width of the load carrying bar <NUM> is therefore at least <NUM> times greater than the height of the load carrying bar <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>,<NUM> or <NUM> times greater. The distinct angular shifts, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, are here from <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, more particularly from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The angles are here indicated by the references α<NUM>, α<NUM> and α<NUM>, respectively. Purely by way of example, α<NUM> may be from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, α<NUM> may be from <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, such as <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, and α<NUM> may be from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, such as <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. As can be seen, a distinct angular shift means herein that the outer shape of the profile of the bar is interrupted such that an edge appears on the outer profile. The edge may be sharp, but it may also be a more smoothly shaped edge. The distinct angular shift is an interruption of the otherwise smooth continuing surface extending around the load carrying bar <NUM>, as seen in its cross sectional view. Moreover, according to an example of the present disclosure, the distinct angular shifts are angled such that they follow the perimeter profile of the load carrying bar <NUM>. In other words, the distinct angular shifts follow the direction of the perimeter profile, and do not change the direction such that they significantly deviate from the perimeter profile. Hence, the distinct angular shifts are angled inwardly towards a center point of the load carrying bar's profile. On the contrary, e.g. a bulging portion would need at least two angular shifts angled outwardly with respect to a center point of the perimeter profile.

Claim 1:
A roof rack load carrying bar (<NUM>), comprising,
- a channel (<NUM>) for receiving at least one mounting member (<NUM>) for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to said load carrying bar (<NUM>), said channel (<NUM>) extending at least partly in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (<NUM>),
- at least a first cover (<NUM>) extending in said length direction (L) for sealing said channel (<NUM>) from an external environment, said first cover (<NUM>) comprising an attachment portion (<NUM>), said attachment portion (<NUM>) comprising a groove (<NUM>) extending in said length direction (L) attaching said first cover (<NUM>) to a corresponding protruding portion (<NUM>) extending in said length direction (L) on said load carrying bar (<NUM>), said groove (<NUM>) comprising a first (<NUM>) and a second (<NUM>) side wall,
said attachment portion (<NUM>) further comprising a hook-shaped gripping member (<NUM>) comprising a hook portion (<NUM>), said hook-shaped gripping member (<NUM>) being an extension of said first side wall with said hook portion (<NUM>) bent from said first side wall (<NUM>), characterized in that, said hook portion (<NUM>) is bent from said first side wall (<NUM>) by an angle being larger than <NUM> degrees with respect to said first side wall (<NUM>).