Patent Description:
Roof racks comprising cross bars are known for providing improved load carrying capacity for vehicles.

A roof rack for a vehicle typically includes a roof rack crossbar, i.e. a cross bar member, and two roof rack foot members configured for attachment to the vehicle. There are different types of roof racks and roof rack foot members. For example, roof rack foot members may be configured for attachment to a guide rail or the like provided on the roof of the vehicle. Thereby, the roof rack may be provided at any position along the extension of the guide rail. Another type of roof rack foot member is the so called fix point roof rack foot, which is configured for attachment to a fix point attachment position on the vehicle. For example, the fix point attachment position is provided on the roof of the vehicle and may be configured as a threaded screw hole close to an edge of the roof which can receive a matching threaded screw for attaching the roof rack foot member to the roof.

One such fix point roof rack foot may be found in <CIT>, which discloses a fix point load carrier foot for a roof rack for a vehicle. The load carrier foot comprises a body and the body comprises a vehicle facing surface and a load carrying bar facing surface. An attachment member is connectable to a fixed connection point on the vehicle and has an attachment position and a release position. Another example of a roof rack with a fix-point attachment configuration can be found in <CIT>. <CIT> relates to a roof rack which is supported on each side of the vehicle by feet and clamped down on each side by a tensioner which is attached with one end to a cross member and with the other end by pulling a securing grip under the edge of the roof. <CIT> relates to a roof rack which has spring supported rollers mounted on the feet in such a way that the feet are supported via the rollers on a bearing surface of vehicle rails. <CIT> relates to a fixing device for roof tacks of motor vehicles. <CIT> relates to a roof rack attachment system for a glass roof vehicle, where a roof rack tower is attached over a seam between the glass roof and a structural portion of the vehicle. <CIT>relates to a connection device for fixing a cross-bar to a longitudinal rail. It discloses a roof rack for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Even though there exist different types of roof racks with fix point attachment, there is still a strive to develop further improved and/or alternative roof racks for vehicles. For example, there is a strive to develop improved roof rack technology which is advantageous for vehicle roofs comprising glass roof panels.

In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved roof rack for a vehicle, which at least alleviates some of the drawbacks of the prior art, or which at least provides a suitable alternative. Other objects of the present disclosure are to provide an improved method for mounting a roof rack, a vehicle roof, a roof rack alignment tool, and an end cap for a cross bar member of a roof rack, which at least alleviates some of the drawbacks of the prior art, or which at least provides a suitable alternative.

According to the invention, corresponding to a first aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by the subject matter in independent claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments may be found in the dependent claims and in the accompanying description and drawings.

Hence, according to the first aspect, there is provided a roof rack for a vehicle. The roof rack comprises:.

The tightening member is coupled to the roof rack foot member and the cross bar member for securing the roof rack to the vehicle. Furthermore, the tightening member comprises a first engagement section and the engagement member comprises a second engagement section, which first and second engagement sections are connectable and correspondingly configured for tightening the engagement member with respect to the vehicle bracket.

By the provision of the roof rack as disclosed herein, especially with respect to the first aspect, an improved roof rack for a vehicle is provided. For example, the configuration of the roof rack as disclosed herein is based on a realization that certain vehicles, especially vehicles comprising narrow channels with vehicle brackets for roof racks and/or vehicles with glass roof panels, may more easily be damaged when mounting a roof rack thereto. For example, for such vehicles there is a large risk of scratching vehicle body panels and damaging glass roof panels during mounting and use of the roof rack. By the roof rack according to the present disclosure, especially according to the first aspect, such risks can be mitigated.

The roof rack has a width extension, a height extension and a longitudinal extension corresponding to a longitudinal extension of the cross bar member.

According to the invention, the first engagement section is connectable to the second engagement section in a first connection direction which is different from the height extension, wherein the first connection direction corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the roof rack. The first connection direction is directed away, in the longitudinal extension, from a second roof rack foot member, wherein the second roof rack foot member is provided on an opposite side of the cross bar member. By configuring the roof rack with a connection direction away from the second roof rack foot member in the longitudinal extension, the mounting/dismounting procedure of the roof rack to/from the vehicle may be facilitated. The first connection direction implies that the mounting and/or dismounting procedure for a user can be facilitated. For example, it allows the user to move the tightening member in the first connection direction with one hand while holding in the roof rack foot member and/or the cross bar member with the other hand. This procedure has shown to reduce the risk of damaging the vehicle during mounting.

Optionally, the first engagement section is configured for tightening the engagement member with respect to the vehicle bracket by application of a first tightening force exerted on the second engagement section, wherein the engagement member comprises an engaging portion for engaging with the vehicle bracket of the vehicle and wherein the tightening member is configured for tightening the engaging portion with respect to the vehicle bracket so that a second tightening force is exerted on the engaging portion by the vehicle bracket. The engagement member is optionally configured so that the second tightening force and the first tightening force are substantially aligned. This configuration has shown to significantly reduce the risk of unwanted bending moments on the roof rack foot member. For example, it has been realized that prior art designs have resulted in unwanted bending moments which forces the roof rack foot members inwards towards the vehicle roof. By reducing or avoiding such unwanted bending moments, the risk of damaging vehicle body panels, such as glass roof panels, can be mitigated.

Optionally, the engagement member comprises an engaging portion for engaging with the vehicle bracket of the vehicle and the tightening member comprises a cross bar engaging portion for engaging with the cross bar member, wherein the tightening member is configured to transfer forces along a substantially straight line from the engaging portion to the cross bar engaging portion. This configuration also implies a reduced risk of unwanted bending moments.

According to the invention, the second engagement section comprises an opening, such as a slot, for receiving the first engagement section in a first connection direction, such as an opening facing in a direction corresponding to a longitudinal extension of the cross bar member. This implies facilitated mounting/dismounting, mitigating the risk of damaging vehicle body panels, such as glass roof panels. This also results in a more robust connection between the tightening member and the engagement member.

Optionally, the first engagement section is T-formed, L-formed, J-formed, or ball-formed. This implies a robust and reliable mechanical coupling between the first and second engagement sections.

Optionally, the roof rack further comprises a biasing member for biasing the tightening member towards a disconnected state with respect to the engagement member. This configuration implies facilitated mounting/dismounting of the roof rack for a user. For example, this has shown to result in fewer manual operations by the user during mounting/dismounting. For example, the biasing member may be a spring-biased member, such as any one or a combination of a torsion spring exerting a spring force on the tightening member, a helical coil spring, a tension/extension spring and/or a compression spring.

Optionally, the roof rack foot member comprises a guide surface for the tightening member, such as a guide slot, which is adapted to align the first engagement section with respect to the second engagement section and/or adapted to accommodate forces exerted on the tightening member which are directed in directions different from a longitudinal extension of the tightening member. Thereby, a more robust connection between the tightening member and the roof rack foot member can be achieved. Further, aligning the first engagement section with respect to the second engagement section implies a facilitated mounting/dismounting procedure. Accordingly, by way of example, the guide surface may be adapted to guide the tightening member in a guiding direction between a disconnected state and a first connected state, wherein the guiding direction corresponds to a longitudinal extension of the cross bar member.

Optionally, the engagement member is a hook member.

Optionally, the engagement member is detachable from the roof rack. Thereby, the engagement member can be provided in engagement with the vehicle bracket before the roof rack foot member is provided onto the vehicle roof. This implies facilitated mounting/dismounting of the roof rack, reducing the risk of damaging vehicle body panels.

Optionally, the engagement member is a bent sheet-metal element, such as the second engagement section is formed by bent sheet-metal, for example bent to hook into a slot formed in itself, the engagement member is bent to form an open hook end, and/or it is bent to form a closed loop end. Thereby, a robust engagement member can be provided which also is easy to manufacture, implying reduced manufacturing costs.

Optionally, the vehicle roof support surface is adapted to only rest on a vehicle roof surface of the vehicle which is provided on one side with respect to the vehicle bracket, as seen in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the cross bar member. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle roof support surface is adapted to only rest on a vehicle roof surface of the vehicle which is provided on one side with respect to the engagement member, as seen in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the cross bar member. Thereby, the risk of damaging parts on the other side, such as a glass roof panel, can be mitigated. For example, the tightening member may be coupled to the roof rack foot member and the cross bar member so that the roof rack foot member is prevented from inclining inwards towards the vehicle when the tightening member is tightening the engagement member with respect to the vehicle bracket. Still optionally, the tightening member, with its coupling to the roof rack foot member and the cross bar member, and the engagement member, with an engaging portion for engaging with the vehicle bracket, may be configured so that no inwardly directed bending moments is exerted at the engaging portion where it engages with the vehicle bracket.

Optionally, the roof rack foot member is configured to avoid contact with an adjacent glass roof panel of the vehicle when the roof rack is mounted on the vehicle.

Optionally, the roof rack foot member comprises an alignment portion for aligning the roof rack foot member with a roof channel of the vehicle. The vehicle bracket is preferably provided in the roof channel of the vehicle. The alignment portion is preferably configured to extend into the roof channel when the roof rack foot member is mounted to the vehicle.

According to the invention, the first engagement section is further connectable to the second engagement section in a second connection direction which corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the tightening member.

Optionally, the tightening member and the guide surface, as seen in a sectional plane being perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tightening member, are formed to prevent any rotational movement of the tightening member about the longitudinal extension of the tightening member. Thereby, a more robust connection can be provided, preventing the tightening member from rotating with respect to the roof rack foot member.

As mentioned in the above, the tightening member is coupled to the roof rack foot member and the cross bar member for securing the roof rack to the vehicle. For example, the tightening member may be coupled to the roof rack foot member and the cross bar member by providing the tightening member from the cross bar member via the roof rack foot member, such as through the roof rack foot member, so that it engages with the engagement member. As another example, the tightening member may be coupled to the roof rack foot member and the cross bar member by providing the tightening member from the roof rack foot member so that it engages with the engagement member, whereby the roof rack foot member is in engagement with the cross bar member. Accordingly, the tightening member may be directly or indirectly coupled to any one of the roof rack foot member and the cross bar member so that the tightening member secures the roof rack to the vehicle.

Optionally, the tightening member may be accessible for a user from the cross bar member so that the user can tighten the tightening member. As yet another example, the tightening member may be accessible for a user from the roof rack foot member so that the user can tighten the tightening member.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by the subject matter in independent claim <NUM>. Advantageous embodiments may be found in the dependent claims and in the accompanying description and drawings.

Hence, there is provided a method for mounting a roof rack to a vehicle. The roof rack is a roof rack according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

By the configuration of the roof rack, and by the mounting method as disclosed herein, the roof rack can be mounted to the vehicle in a manner so that the risk of damaging the vehicle is mitigated. In addition, the mounting procedure can be facilitated. For example, by the roof rack configuration as disclosed herein, there is no need to use a separate foot pad member in-between the vehicle roof and the roof rack foot member. Rather, the roof rack foot member can be provided directly onto the vehicle after the engagement member has been positioned with respect to the vehicle bracket.

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure cited as examples.

The drawings show diagrammatic exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure.

<FIG> depict sectional views of a roof rack <NUM> for a vehicle (not shown) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The roof rack <NUM> has a width extension w, a height extension h and a longitudinal extension L. The sectional view, or cross-section, is a plane defined by the longitudinal extension L and the height extension h. The width extension w corresponds to a longitudinal extension of the vehicle.

The tightening member <NUM> is coupled to the roof rack foot member <NUM> and the cross bar member <NUM> for securing the roof rack <NUM> to the vehicle.

As shown, the longitudinal extension L of the roof rack <NUM> corresponds to a longitudinal extension of the cross bar member <NUM>.

Furthermore, the tightening member <NUM> comprises a first engagement section <NUM> and the engagement member <NUM> comprises a second engagement section <NUM>, which first and second engagement sections <NUM>, <NUM> are connectable and correspondingly configured for tightening the engagement member <NUM> with respect to the vehicle bracket <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the first engagement section <NUM> is connected to the second engagement section <NUM>, whereas in <FIG>, the first engagement section <NUM> is disconnected from the second engagement section <NUM>.

The first engagement section <NUM> is as shown in e.g. <FIG> connectable to the second engagement section <NUM> in a first connection direction C (indicated by an arrow) which is different from the height extension h. More particularly, in the shown embodiment, the first connection direction C corresponds to the longitudinal extension L of the roof rack <NUM>. More precisely, as shown, the first connection direction C is directed away, in the longitudinal extension L, from a second roof rack foot member (not shown) which is provided on an opposite side of the cross bar member <NUM>. Accordingly, when disconnecting the tightening member <NUM> from the engagement member <NUM>, a disconnection direction will be directed in an opposite direction to the first direction C.

The engagement member <NUM> as shown comprises an engaging portion <NUM> for engaging with the vehicle bracket <NUM> of the vehicle and the tightening member <NUM> comprises a cross bar engaging portion <NUM> for engaging with the cross bar member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tightening member <NUM> may be configured to transfer forces along a substantially straight line A from the engaging portion <NUM> to the cross bar engaging portion <NUM>. Thereby, unwanted bending moments exerted at the engaging portion <NUM> can be mitigated.

As depicted in e.g. <FIG>, the tightening member <NUM> may be a screw member. Accordingly, as shown, the tightening member <NUM> may comprise a tightening tool engaging portion <NUM>, which herein is a screw head. Thereby, a tightening tool (not shown) may be inserted from above through an opening of the cross bar member <NUM>, such as through as a cross bar channel, to tighten the tightening member <NUM> with respect to the engagement member <NUM>.

As further depicted e.g. in <FIG>, the roof rack <NUM> may further comprise a biasing member <NUM> for biasing the tightening member <NUM> towards a disconnected state, i.e. as shown in <FIG>, with respect to the engagement member <NUM>. In the shown example, the biasing member <NUM> is a spring-biased member, and more specifically a torsion spring which biases the tightening member <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is mechanically connected to the cross bar member <NUM> and the roof rack foot member <NUM>.

The roof rack foot member <NUM> may comprises a guide surface <NUM> for the tightening member <NUM>, such as a guide slot <NUM>, which is adapted to align the first engagement section <NUM> with respect to the second engagement section <NUM> and/or adapted to accommodate forces exerted on the tightening member <NUM> which are directed in directions different from a longitudinal extension of the tightening member <NUM>. As shown, the tightening member <NUM> may be guided in the guide slot <NUM> in the longitudinal extension L between its connected and disconnected state with respect to the engagement member <NUM>. The guide slot <NUM> is also depicted in <FIG>, which shows the roof rack <NUM> with the roof rack foot member <NUM> in a perspective view from below.

As further depicted in e.g. <FIG>, the vehicle roof support surface <NUM> is preferably adapted to only rest on a vehicle roof surface of the vehicle which is provided on one side with respect to the vehicle bracket <NUM>, as seen in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension L of the cross bar member <NUM>. More preferably, the tightening member <NUM> is coupled to the roof rack foot member <NUM> and the cross bar member <NUM> so that the roof rack foot member <NUM> is prevented from inclining inwards towards the vehicle when the tightening member <NUM> is tightening the engagement member <NUM> with respect to the vehicle bracket <NUM>.

In the shown embodiment, the roof rack foot member <NUM> is configured to avoid contact with an adjacent glass roof panel <NUM> of the vehicle when the roof rack <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle. This may e.g. be accomplished by configuring the roof rack foot member <NUM> with an additional surface <NUM> which faces the glass roof panel <NUM> and which is raised with respect to the vehicle roof support surface <NUM>. In other words, when the vehicle roof support surface <NUM> rests on the vehicle roof, a free space is formed between the additional surface <NUM> and the glass roof panel <NUM>, as e.g. shown in <FIG> shows the roof rack <NUM> where certain elements of the roof rack foot member <NUM> have been omitted to better illustrate the other features of the roof rack <NUM> as described herein.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the roof rack foot member <NUM> may comprise an alignment portion <NUM> for aligning the roof rack foot member <NUM> with a roof channel <NUM> of the vehicle. The vehicle bracket <NUM> is preferably provided in the roof channel <NUM> of the vehicle. The alignment portion <NUM> may for example define an intersection between the above-mentioned vehicle roof support surface <NUM> and the additional surface <NUM>. The alignment portion <NUM> is preferably configured to extend into the roof channel <NUM> when the roof rack foot member <NUM> is mounted to the vehicle. As shown, the alignment portion <NUM> preferably has a main extension in the width extension w, and is further configured to prevent movement in the longitudinal extension L when it is provided in the roof channel <NUM>. Thereby, a user can more easily position the roof rack foot member <NUM> on the vehicle during mounting of the roof rack <NUM>.

With reference to e.g. <FIG>, the first engagement section <NUM> is further connectable to the second engagement section <NUM> in a second connection direction which corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the tightening member <NUM>. Accordingly, when the first engagement section <NUM> has been inserted into the second engagement section <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the first engagement section <NUM> will be moved upwardly towards the cross bar member <NUM> when the tightening member <NUM> is tightened.

Furthermore, the tightening member <NUM> and the guide surface <NUM>, as seen in a sectional plane being perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tightening member <NUM>, may as shown be formed to prevent any rotational movement of the tightening member <NUM> about the longitudinal extension of the tightening member <NUM>. Thereby, a more robust connection can be provided, preventing the tightening member <NUM> from rotating with respect to the roof rack foot member <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>, the tightening member <NUM> is square-formed at the guide surface <NUM>, thereby preventing any rotation therebetween about the longitudinal extension of the tightening member <NUM>. The square-form is seen in a plane being perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tightening member <NUM>.

As depicted in e.g. <FIG>, the tightening member <NUM> may comprise at least two separate parts. A first part in the form of a screw <NUM> and a second part <NUM>, which here is T-shaped, forming the first engagement section <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may in an embodiment be denoted a nut member, such as a T-formed nut member. The screw <NUM> is insertable into a threaded hole of the second part <NUM>. Accordingly, the tightening member <NUM> can be tightened with respect to the engagement member <NUM> by screwing the screw <NUM> further into the hole of the second part <NUM>.

As further depicted in e.g. <FIG>, the first and second engagement sections <NUM>, <NUM> are correspondingly configured by respective curved surfaces which are at least partly matching surfaces. More precisely, as shown, the second part <NUM> of the tightening member <NUM> may comprise a convexly shaped curved surface which at least partly matches with a corresponding concavely shaped surface of the second engagement section <NUM> of the engagement member <NUM>. By having such matching surfaces, forces can be transferred therebetween in a more predicted manner, thereby avoiding e.g. any unwanted bending moments.

With reference to <FIG>, a more detailed perspective view of an engagement member <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The engagement member <NUM> in <FIG> corresponds to the engagement member <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

More specifically, as may be gleaned in <FIG>, the first engagement section <NUM> (not shown) is configured for tightening the engagement member <NUM> with respect to the vehicle bracket <NUM> by application of a first tightening force F1 exerted on the second engagement section <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM> comprises as shown an engaging portion <NUM> for engaging with the vehicle bracket <NUM> of the vehicle and the tightening member <NUM> (not shown) is configured for tightening the engaging portion <NUM> with respect to the vehicle bracket <NUM> so that a second tightening force F2 is exerted on the engaging portion <NUM> by the vehicle bracket <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM> is configured so that the second tightening force F2 and the first tightening force F1 are substantially aligned. As shown, the first and second forces F1 and F2 are provided along the line A as also depicted in <FIG> a.

This configuration may for example be accomplished in that the second engagement section <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM>, such as a slot <NUM>, for receiving the first engagement section <NUM> in the first connection direction C, see <FIG>. The opening faces in a direction which corresponds to the longitudinal extension L of the cross bar <NUM>.

In the shown embodiment, the opening <NUM> is formed so that it can receive the above-mentioned T-formed part <NUM>, i.e. the first engagement section <NUM>. More particularly, in the shown embodiment, the opening <NUM> has a corresponding T-shape. In alternative embodiments, the first engagement section <NUM> may e.g. be L-formed, J-formed, or ball-formed. Accordingly, the opening <NUM> of the second engagement section <NUM> may be formed in a corresponding manner for receiving the first engagement section <NUM>.

The engagement member <NUM> may as shown in <FIG> be a hook member. Accordingly, the engaging portion <NUM> is hook-formed for engagement with the vehicle bracket <NUM>.

Preferably, the engagement member <NUM> is detachable from the roof rack <NUM>. More particularly, when the tightening member <NUM> is disconnected from the engagement member <NUM>, it is also completely disconnected from the roof rack <NUM>. This allows the engagement member <NUM> to first be inserted in the roof channel <NUM> to engage with the vehicle bracket <NUM>, whereafter the roof rack foot member <NUM> is mounted onto the vehicle roof. The insertion of the engagement member <NUM> may be performed by rotating the engagement member <NUM> with respect to the width extension w, corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle.

As further depicted in <FIG>, the engagement member <NUM> may be a bent sheet-metal element, such as the second engagement section <NUM> is formed by bent sheet-metal, for example bent to hook into a slot <NUM> formed in itself, the engagement member <NUM> is bent to form an open hook end <NUM>, and/or it is bent to form a closed loop end <NUM>. Accordingly, the closed loop end <NUM> may form a space in which the first engagement section <NUM> can be received.

With reference to <FIG>, a flowchart of a mounting method for mounting a roof rack <NUM> to a vehicle according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The roof rack <NUM> is a roof rack <NUM> according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure.

The method comprises:
S1: aligning and positioning the engagement member <NUM> with respect to the vehicle bracket <NUM>. This may for example be achieved by inserting the engagement member <NUM> into the roof channel <NUM>, and also rotating the engagement member <NUM> about an axis extending in the width extension w. Further, this may also be done by use of a roof rack alignment tool <NUM> as disclosed herein. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the engagement member <NUM> is rotated in a clockwise direction until it reaches its final position where the engaging portion <NUM> contacts the vehicle bracket <NUM>.

The method further comprises:
S2: positioning the roof rack foot member <NUM> with the vehicle roof support surface <NUM> onto the vehicle so that the tightening member <NUM> is aligned with the engagement member <NUM>. For example, this is shown in <FIG>. In other words, the roof rack foot member <NUM> is first positioned on the vehicle, whereafter the first engagement section <NUM> is inserted into the second engagement section <NUM> in the first connection direction C.

The method further comprises:
S3: tightening the engagement member <NUM> by use of the tightening member <NUM>. For example, this may be done as mentioned in the above where a tightening tool is rotating the first part <NUM> of the tightening member <NUM>. The tightening tool may for example be a screwdriver which is inserted from above through an opening of the cross bar member <NUM> for engaging with the tightening tool engaging portion <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an alternative embodiment of a roof rack <NUM> is shown, and also a vehicle roof <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the third aspect of the disclosure. Further alternative embodiments of the roof rack <NUM> and vehicle roof <NUM> are shown in <FIG>.

The vehicle roof <NUM> is shown in a cross-sectional view which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the vehicle. Accordingly, the width direction w of the roof rack corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle.

The vehicle roof <NUM> comprises a body side panel <NUM>, a roof top panel <NUM> and a roof channel <NUM>, wherein the roof channel <NUM> defines an intersection between the body side panel <NUM> and the roof top panel <NUM>.

The body side panel <NUM> is typically provided above a vehicle door (not shown).

The roof channel <NUM> comprises a floor <NUM> and a body side wall <NUM>. The body side wall <NUM> is associated with the body side panel <NUM>. In these shown embodiments, the body side wall <NUM> is part of the body side panel <NUM>. As further shown, the body side wall <NUM> typically faces the roof top panel <NUM>.

The roof channel <NUM> comprises a vehicle bracket <NUM>', which in <FIG> is a fix-point vehicle bracket, for securing the roof rack <NUM> to the vehicle roof <NUM>.

The roof rack <NUM> may be configured as mentioned herein. Depending on the type of vehicle bracket, the configuration of an engagement member <NUM>-<NUM>‴ of the roof rack1 may be altered. Accordingly, the disclosure comprises several different configurations of the engagement member <NUM>-<NUM>‴ adapted to match with different types of vehicle brackets <NUM>-130ʺʺ.

The vehicle bracket <NUM>' as shown in <FIG> comprises one or more protrusions <NUM> for an engagement member <NUM>' of the roof rack <NUM> to engage with. In the shown embodiment, the engagement member <NUM>' of the roof rack <NUM> holds around the one or more protrusions <NUM>.

As further shown, the one or more protrusions <NUM> may be configured so that the engagement member <NUM>' of the roof rack <NUM> can engage with the one or more protrusions <NUM> in a region of the roof channel <NUM> which is defined by the body side wall <NUM>, the floor <NUM> and a vertical sectional plane V extending between an edge of the roof top panel <NUM> and the floor <NUM> of the roof channel <NUM>, and also extending in a direction corresponding to a longitudinal extension of the body side wall <NUM>. The edge of the roof top panel <NUM> is herein an edge at the roof channel <NUM>. Thereby, the engagement member <NUM>' can more easily connect with the vehicle bracket <NUM>', thereby reducing the risk of e.g. damaging the roof top panel <NUM>.

The one or more protrusions <NUM> extend from the body side wall <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more protrusions may extend from the vertical sectional plane V, and/or the one or more protrusions may extend between the body side wall <NUM> and the vertical sectional plane V.

The one or more protrusions may be T-shaped, mushroom shaped, eye-let shaped, and/or may comprise cut-outs, so that the engagement member <NUM>' of the roof rack <NUM> can engage with the one or more protrusions <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the one or more protrusions <NUM>, herein two protrusions, are mushroom shaped. The engagement member <NUM>' comprises a corresponding engaging portion <NUM>' which is connectable with the one or more protrusions <NUM>. More particularly, the engaging portion <NUM>' comprises two slots for receiving and securing the mushroom shaped protrusions <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the vehicle bracket <NUM>' may be attached to the floor <NUM>, to the body side wall <NUM> and to a floor portion beneath the roof top panel <NUM>. Thereby, a secure and robust attachment is achieved, even though the roof channel <NUM> is relatively narrow. Alternatives are possible, such as the vehicle bracket <NUM>' may be attached to one or more of said surfaces.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the same engagement member <NUM>' is used. However, the vehicle bracket <NUM>" is different. More particularly, the one or more protrusions <NUM> instead extend from the vertical plane V and towards the body side wall <NUM>. Thereby, the risk of damaging the roof top panel <NUM> may be further reduced.

As further shown in e.g. <FIG>, the vehicle bracket <NUM>', <NUM>" may be inclined, such as L-shaped, as seen in a sectional plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the roof channel <NUM>, with one side attached to the floor <NUM> and the floor portion beneath the roof top panel <NUM>, and another side optionally attached to the body side wall <NUM>. In <FIG>, the other side is attached to the body side wall <NUM>.

<FIG> depict another embodiment where a vehicle bracket <NUM>‴ is U-shaped, as seen in a sectional plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the roof channel <NUM>.

More particularly, the U-shaped vehicle bracket <NUM>‴ comprises one or more pin members extending across opposite side flanges of the U-shaped vehicle bracket <NUM>"'. A corresponding engaging portion <NUM>" of an engagement member <NUM>" is configured to engage with the one or more pin members. In the shown embodiment, the engaging member <NUM>" comprises three slots, or openings, in which a respective pin member can be received to secure the roof rack <NUM> to the vehicle roof <NUM>. The engaging portion <NUM>" may comprise more or fewer slots to match the number of pin members of the vehicle bracket <NUM>"'.

A portion of the vehicle bracket which comprises means for securing the roof rack <NUM> to the vehicle may be provided substantially in parallel with the body side wall <NUM>, as seen in a sectional plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the roof channel <NUM>. Such configuration is for example shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The portion may as shown in <FIG> be provided in parallel with and offset from the body side wall <NUM> so that a gap is formed between the portion and the body side wall <NUM>. The portion may alternatively as shown in <FIG> be provided in parallel and in connection with the body side wall <NUM> so that a gap is formed between the portion and the roof top panel <NUM>.

<FIG> show an alternative embodiment with a vehicle bracket 130ʺʺ comprising cut-outs <NUM>" to engage with. Accordingly, a corresponding engaging member <NUM>‴ is also shown which comprises a corresponding engaging portion <NUM>‴, in this case hook-shaped members to engage with the cut-outs <NUM>".

As shown in <FIG>, a vehicle bracket <NUM>' may be an integral portion of the body side panel <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the vehicle bracket <NUM>' is an integral portion of the body side wall <NUM>. As can be further gleaned from <FIG>, the vehicle bracket <NUM> may be formed as an overhang portion of the body side wall <NUM>, and may be hook-shaped, as seen in a sectional plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the roof channel <NUM>. Thereby, the roof rack <NUM> may be attached to the vehicle in the roof channel <NUM> at any position along the roof channel. In other words, by this configuration, it is no longer a fix-point attachment. As such, a more flexible configuration is achieved.

The roof top panel <NUM> is typically a glass roof panel, even though also other types of roof top panels are feasible. For example, the roof top panel may be a standard roof top panel, such as made of aluminium or steel. Alternatively, the roof top panel may be any panel which is susceptible to damage, such as a carbon fiber light-weight roof top panel.

The vehicle brackets <NUM>-130ʺʺ may as shown be sheet metal elements, such as a bent sheet metal elements.

The roof channel <NUM> may have a channel opening width in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>.

Furthermore, the vehicle bracket <NUM>-130ʺʺ may as depicted herein be configured so that the engagement member <NUM>'-<NUM>‴ of the roof rack <NUM> can engage with the vehicle bracket <NUM>-130ʺʺ by initially lowering the engagement member <NUM>'-<NUM>‴ into the roof channel <NUM>. This may be followed by moving the engagement member <NUM>'-<NUM>‴ in a substantially horizontal direction, such as in a longitudinal direction of the roof channel <NUM>, e.g. according to the embodiments depicted in <FIG>, so that it engages with the vehicle bracket <NUM>-<NUM>"". Additionally, or alternatively, the engagement member <NUM>'-<NUM>‴ may be moved in a width direction of the roof channel <NUM>, e.g. according to the embodiments depicted in <FIG>, so that it engages with the vehicle bracket <NUM>-<NUM>"". Additionally, or alternatively, the engagement member <NUM>'-<NUM>‴ may be rotated about an axis extending in the longitudinal extension of the roof channel <NUM> so that it engages with the vehicle bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, to engage the engagement member <NUM>' with the vehicle bracket <NUM>', the engagement member <NUM>' has to be moved in a width direction of the roof channel <NUM> which faces away from the roof top panel <NUM> and towards the body side wall <NUM>. The opposite mounting direction is shown in <FIG>. By the configuration as shown in <FIG>, the risk of contacting the roof top panel during mounting may be further reduced.

It shall be noted that in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>, the tightening member <NUM> may be gleaned in both its connected and disconnected state.

With reference to <FIG>, a roof rack alignment tool <NUM> according to example embodiments of the disclosure is depicted that does not belong to the invention. The roof rack alignment tool <NUM> is a tool for aligning an engagement member <NUM> of a roof rack <NUM> to a vehicle bracket <NUM> of a vehicle. For example, the engagement member may be an engagement member <NUM>-<NUM>‴ as disclosed herein.

The roof rack alignment tool <NUM> comprises:.

The roof rack alignment tool <NUM> further comprises:.

As shown, the second surface <NUM> may be a folded portion of the first surface <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the second surface <NUM> may form a cut-out <NUM> for receiving the engagement member <NUM> of the roof rack <NUM> so that the engagement member <NUM> can engage with the vehicle bracket <NUM> of the vehicle therethrough. <FIG> shows a front side of the tool <NUM>.

The second surface may be formed by first and second leg portions <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the cut-out <NUM> is formed in-between the first and second leg portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The roof rack alignment tool <NUM> may further comprise a visual alignment indicator <NUM> for a user, such as an arrow <NUM>, wherein the visual alignment indicator <NUM> is associated with the cut-out <NUM>, such as provided mid-way in-between the first and second leg portions <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, the visual alignment indicator <NUM> may be used to align with an alignment indicator <NUM> of the vehicle, such as an indicator which is provided on the roof top panel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the roof rack alignment tool <NUM> may further comprise a third surface <NUM> for aligning the tool <NUM> with the vehicle bracket <NUM> of the vehicle. The third surface <NUM> extends from an outer edge of the second surface <NUM>. In the shown embodiments, the third surface <NUM> extends substantially in parallel with the vehicle roof <NUM> when the roof rack alignment tool <NUM> is in use.

The third surface <NUM> may as shown be a folded portion of the second surface <NUM>.

The third surface <NUM> is typically formed by at least one auxiliary leg portion, such as the at least one auxiliary leg portion is an extension of the first <NUM> or the second <NUM> leg portion. The third surface <NUM> may also be formed by two auxiliary leg portions, each auxiliary leg portion being an extension of the respective first <NUM> and second <NUM> leg portions.

In <FIG>, the first <NUM>, second <NUM> and third <NUM> surfaces form a substantially U-shaped tool <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first <NUM>, second <NUM> and third <NUM> surfaces form a substantially step-shaped tool <NUM>, as seen in sectional plane defined by a longitudinal extension x and a height extension h of the tool <NUM>.

The roof rack alignment tool <NUM> is configured so that it can be moved in a longitudinal direction of the roof channel <NUM> until it reaches the vehicle bracket <NUM> of the vehicle, such as until the third surface <NUM> reaches the vehicle bracket <NUM> of the vehicle.

In the shown embodiment, the roof rack alignment tool <NUM> further comprises a fourth surface <NUM> for a user to grip on. The fourth surface <NUM> extends from an outer edge of the first surface <NUM>, such as at an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees with respect to the first surface <NUM>. The fourth surface <NUM> is provided on an opposite side of the roof rack alignment tool <NUM> with respect to the second surface <NUM>. By substantially <NUM> degrees may herein be meant ± <NUM> degrees or ± <NUM> degrees from <NUM> degrees.

As can be gleaned from <FIG>, the fourth surface <NUM> may be extending around a corner of the first surface <NUM> to increase the rigidity of the fourth surface <NUM> and/or of the first surface <NUM>.

As can be further gleaned from <FIG>, the fourth surface <NUM> may form a cut-out <NUM> for a user to grip in.

With reference to <FIG>, a roof rack <NUM> and an end cap <NUM> according to example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown that do not belong to the invention.

The roof rack <NUM> may have a cross bar member <NUM> and a roof rack foot member <NUM> as disclosed herein, although other configurations are also feasible.

The roof rack <NUM> as shown in <FIG> comprises:.

The cross bar channel <NUM> may for example by used for securing a load to the cross bar member <NUM>, such as used for securing a roof box, a bike carrier or the like. The cross bar channel <NUM> may for example be used for providing a T-shaped nut therein (not shown), which can be used for securing the load.

The roof rack <NUM> further comprises an end cap <NUM> for the cross bar member <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> comprises a cover <NUM> for covering an end portion of the cross bar channel <NUM>. In addition, the cross bar channel <NUM> comprises cover engaging flanges <NUM> for engaging with an engaging portion <NUM> of the cover <NUM> when the end cap <NUM> is mounted to the cross bar member <NUM>.

In the shown embodiment, the cover engaging flanges <NUM> extend in a longitudinal direction L of the cross bar channel <NUM>.

Furthermore, the cover engaging flanges <NUM> and the engaging portion <NUM> of the cover <NUM> are configured to allow longitudinal sliding movement of the cover <NUM> in the cross bar channel <NUM> and to prevent movement of the cover <NUM> in an upward direction h from the cross bar channel <NUM>.

The end portion of the cross bar channel <NUM> comprises a tightening tool engaging portion <NUM> for tightening and releasing the roof rack <NUM> to/from the vehicle by use of a tightening tool (not shown), wherein the cover <NUM> is adapted for preventing unauthorized access to the tightening tool engaging portion <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the cover <NUM> is provided above the tightening tool engaging portion <NUM> and thereby prevents a user to access the tightening tool engaging portion <NUM> from above when the end cap <NUM> is mounted on the cross bar member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the end cap <NUM> is mounted to the cross bar member <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is substantially flush with an outer surface of the cross bar member <NUM>.

The other portions of the cross bar channel <NUM> which are not covered by the cover may instead be covered by e.g. a rubber strap cover (not shown), or anything similar.

With reference to <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> and the cover engaging flanges <NUM> are shown in a sectional plane being perpendicular to a longitudinal extension L of the end cap <NUM> and the cross bar member (<NUM>). As shown, the engaging portion <NUM> of the cover <NUM> may be T-shaped. Accordingly, the cover engaging flanges <NUM> may extend in the width extension w so that they prevent the cover <NUM> from being moved upwardly in the height direction h.

The engaging portion <NUM> of the cover <NUM> may at least be provided at a longitudinally outer end of the cover <NUM>.

Furthermore, as can be gleaned from <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> may comprise a lock cylinder <NUM> for locking the end cap <NUM> to the cross bar member <NUM>. Accordingly, a user may lock the end cap <NUM> to the cross bar member <NUM> by rotating the lock cylinder about an axis which extends in the longitudinal extension L of the cross bar member <NUM>. A key may be used for this purpose, which is inserted into the lock cylinder <NUM> at an outer end face <NUM> of the end cap <NUM>.

The disclosure also relates to the end cap <NUM> for a roof rack cross bar member <NUM> of a roof rack <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> comprises:.

The cover <NUM> may have a length of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>.

Claim 1:
A roof rack (<NUM>) for a vehicle, comprising:
- a roof rack foot member (<NUM>) comprising a vehicle roof support surface (<NUM>),
- an engagement member (<NUM>) for engaging with a vehicle bracket (<NUM>) of the vehicle,
- a tightening member (<NUM>) for tightening the engagement member (<NUM>),
- a cross bar member (<NUM>) for carrying a load on the vehicle, wherein the tightening member (<NUM>) is coupled to the roof rack foot member (<NUM>) and the cross bar member (<NUM>) for securing the roof rack (<NUM>) to the vehicle, wherein,
the tightening member (<NUM>) comprises a first engagement section (<NUM>) and the engagement member (<NUM>) comprises a second engagement section (<NUM>), which first and second engagement sections (<NUM>, <NUM>) are connectable and correspondingly configured for tightening the engagement member (<NUM>) with respect to the vehicle bracket,
wherein the roof rack (<NUM>) has a width extension (w), a height extension (h) and a longitudinal extension (L) corresponding to a longitudinal extension of the cross bar member (<NUM>), and wherein the first engagement section (<NUM>) is connectable to the second engagement section (<NUM>) in a first connection direction (C) which is different from the height extension (h), wherein the first connection direction corresponds to the longitudinal extension (L), wherein the second engagement section (<NUM>) comprises an opening (<NUM>), such as a slot, for receiving the first engagement section (<NUM>) in the first connection direction (C), the opening (<NUM>) facing in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extension (L) of the cross bar member (<NUM>), wherein a second roof rack foot member is provided on an opposite side of the cross bar member (<NUM>), wherein
the first engagement section (<NUM>) is further connectable to the second engagement section (<NUM>) in a second connection direction (A) which corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the tightening member (<NUM>), such that, when the first engagement section (<NUM>) has been inserted into the second engagement section (<NUM>) in the first connection direction (C), the first engagement section (<NUM>) is moved upwardly towards the cross bar member (<NUM>) when the tightening member (<NUM>) is tightened, characterized in that the first connection direction (C) is directed away, in the longitudinal extension (L), from the second roof rack foot member.