Carrier basket for an automotive vehicle and a carrier basket net

Abstract

A carrier basket for an automotive vehicle is disclosed which includes a base having at least one member for connecting to a roof of an automotive vehicle, a frame having two side rails oriented in a first direction and at least one transverse bar oriented cross to the side rails, wherein the side rails are connected to the at least one transverse bar, wherein the frame is attached upon the base as to form a box open to the top, wherein the at least one transverse bar includes a groove arranged for attachment of accessories and having a length, wherein the entire length of the groove is available for attaching accessories, and wherein the groove extends over a substantial portion of the distance between the two side rails.

Claims

1. A carrier basket for an automotive vehicle, comprising: a base having at least one member configured to connect to a roof of an automotive vehicle; and a frame having two side rails oriented in a first direction and at least one transverse bar oriented cross to the side rails, wherein the side rails are connected to the at least one transverse bar, wherein the frame is attached upon the base forming a box open to the top, wherein the at least one transverse bar comprises a groove configured for attachment of accessories and having a length, wherein the entire length of the groove is configured for attaching accessories, wherein the groove extends over a portion of the distance between the two side rails, and wherein the groove is exposed at a distal end of the at least one transverse bar when the at least one transverse bar is connected to the side rails.

2. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein the groove extends between the two side rails along the entire length of the at least one transverse bar.

3. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein the carrier basket further comprises at least one cap configured to close an end of the groove, wherein the at least one cap is removably positioned at an end of the at least one transverse bar.

4. The carrier basket according to claim 3, wherein at least one cap comprises a lock configured to lock the at least one cap at an end of the groove, wherein the lock engages with cooperating means in the at least one cap or engages with the side rails or the at least one transverse bar, wherein the cooperating means are arranged at a lower part of the cap.

5. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein the carrier basket further comprises a cover, wherein the cover engages the groove to close the groove of the at least one transverse bar outwardly, wherein the cover substantially covers a surface of the at least one transverse bar, and wherein the cover provides a profile having protrusions for reducing noise of air turbulences.

6. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein the groove is a T-track.

7. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the side rails, the at least one transverse bar, and the at least one member are made of aluminum, metal, carbon fiber or a compound, and wherein the at least one cap is made of plastic.

8. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein the groove faces upwards, or wherein two grooves of two transverse bars face each other.

9. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein the base forms a bottom of the box and the side rails and the at least one transverse bar form side walls of the box.

10. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein each side rail comprises a second groove, wherein the second groove of the side rails and the at least one transverse bar are connected, and wherein the second groove of each side rail and the groove of the at least one transverse bar are oriented into the center of the carrier basket.

11. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein an eyelet is arranged at the base and configured to secure a carrier basket net, and wherein the base comprises a groove.

12. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one member of the base is oriented in the first direction or cross thereto.

13. The carrier basket according to claim 1, wherein a centerline of a slit of a first groove of a first transverse bar and a centerline of a slit of a second groove of a second transverse bar are positioned between two virtual parallel planes, wherein a distance between the two virtual parallel planes is less than 50 millimeters, and wherein the two virtual parallel planes are substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the base.

14. The carrier basket of claim 1, wherein the at least one transverse bar has a hollow profile and a side rail has a hollow profile.

15. The carrier basket of claim 14, further comprising a connecting member disposed within and connecting the hollow profiles of the at least one transverse bar and the side rail.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a carrier basket for an automotive vehicle;

(2) FIG. 1b shows an embodiment in a perspective view of a carrier basket for an automotive vehicle;

(3) FIG. 2a shows a plan view of the topside of the carrier basket of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 2b shows a cross-section along IIb-IIb of FIG. 2a;

(5) FIG. 3 shows a side view of the carrier basket of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 4 shows a rear side of a carrier basket according to an embodiment;

(7) FIG. 5a shows an eyelet mounted to the carrier basket in a three-dimensional view;

(8) FIG. 5b shows the eyelet of FIG. 5a;

(9) FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of a cap;

(10) FIG. 6b shows a perspective view of FIG. 6a;

(11) FIG. 6c shows a perspective view of two parts of the cap of FIG. 6a;

(12) FIG. 6d shows a cross section of the cap of FIG. 6a;

(13) FIG. 6e shows a further cross section of the cap of FIG. 6a;

(14) FIG. 6f shows a cap of the carrier basket in a side view;

(15) FIG. 6g shows a cap of the carrier basket in a side view;

(16) FIG. 6h shows a lock of a cap;

(17) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a carrier basket net; and

(18) FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the carrier basket net.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(19) In the following an embodiment of the present subject-matter is explained based on the drawings. It is noticed that the drawings show a specific embodiment as explained below and further alternative modifications as specified in the description are at least in part not illustrated. Further, same reference signs used in the Figures denote same components.

Embodiment

(20) In FIG. 1a an embodiment of a carrier basket 1 for an automotive vehicle is shown. The carrier basket 1 comprises a base 2 and a frame 3.

(21) The base 2 has six members 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f for connecting to a roof of an automotive vehicle. The six members 2a-2f are placed in a common plane to form a bottom of the box-shaped carrier basket 1. The two outer members 2a,2f comprise grooves 2g in which eyelets 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are arranged for e.g. securing a carrier basket net 20.

(22) The frame 3 comprises two side rails 3a, 3b oriented in a first direction D and two transverse bars 3c, 3d oriented cross to the side rails and in a second direction E, respectively. The side rails 3a, 3b are connected to the two transverse bars 3c, 3d, wherein the frame 3 is attached upon the base 2 so as to form a box open to the top. Precisely, the six members 2a-2f of the base 2 are connected to the transverse bars 3c, 3d, wherein each transverse bar comprises a slit 10a, 10b in which the longitudinal ends of the six members 2a-2f directed in the first direction D are introduced and mounted to the transverse bars 3c, 3d. The transverse bars 3c, 3d oriented in the second direction E cross to the first direction D and their longitudinal ends, respectively, are connected to the side rails 3a, 3b oriented in the first direction D and their longitudinal ends, respectively.

(23) At the meeting points of the side rails 3a, 3b and the transverse bars 3c, 3d the carrier basket 1 comprises caps 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, wherein each of the caps comprises a lower part 13b and an upper part 13a and a lock 6. The caps are described in detail with regard to explanations given for FIGS. 6a to 6h.

(24) Further, both transverse bars 3c, 3d of the carrier basket 1 shown in FIG. 1a comprise a groove 4a, 4b, wherein only the groove 4b is shown as in the groove 4a a cover 7 engages and thus covers the groove 4a. The grooves 4a, 4b are arranged for attachment of accessories, e.g. for a bike carrier or a water sports equipment carrier or ski carrier.

(25) The grooves have a length L, wherein the entire length L of the groove 4a, 4b is available for attaching accessories. Thus, the grooves 4a, 4b extend over a substantial portion of the distance between the two side rails 3a, 3b.

(26) As further shown in FIG. 1a the grooves 4a, 4b extend between the two side rails 3a, 3b along the entire width W of the two transverse bars 3c, 3d. The two side rails 3a, 3b and the two transverse bars 3c, 3d are displaced to the base 2 in a vertical direction V such that the base 2 forms a bottom of a box and the side rails 3a, 3b plus the transverse bars 3c, 3d build sidewalls of the box. Hence, a box is made similar to a basket having a bottom and four side walls, wherein the basket is open to the top allowing the placement of for example accessories.

(27) The transverse bar 3c comprises a cover 7 engaging the groove 4aas mentioned abovefor closing the groove of the transverse bar 3c outwardly. The cover 7 is positioned upon and covers, respectively, substantially the whole flat surface of the transverse bar 3d directed upwardly. Onto this upwards directed surface, the cover 7 is arranged having a profile with protrusions 7a for reducing noise of air turbulences. Of course, it is possible that a further cover 7 is positioned within the groove 4b of the transverse bar 3d.

(28) Further, in FIG. 1a the grooves 4a, 4b of the transverse bars 3c, 3d face upwards in the vertical direction V. Thus, fixing of accessories upon the transverse bars 3c, 3d is possible. By this, mounting a bike carrier or a water sports equipment carrier or ski carrier engaging the provided grooves 4a, 4b of the carrier basket 1 is possible. Further, it is also possible that the two grooves 4a, 4b of the two transverse bars 3c, 3d face each other. This allows also the attachment of accessories.

(29) Further, it is possible that the transverse bars 3c, 3d comprise a groove facing upwards and a groove facing another groove of another transverse bar, preferably positioned opposite. Thus, it is possible that a groove of the transverse bar 3c faces a groove of the transverse bar 3d so that the slits of the grooves are directed into the center C of the carrier basket 1.

(30) Referring to FIG. 1b which is similar to FIG. 1a shows a further embodiment, but here each side rail 3a, 3b comprises a further groove 8a, 8b. Also these grooves allow an attachment of accessories. The further grooves 8a, 8b of each side rail 3a, 3b are oriented into the center C of the carrier basket 1. Thus, the grooves 8a, 8b face each other. Hence, it is possible to attach an accessory on both side rails 3a, 3b having the aforementioned grooves. The grooves 8a, 8b are optional.

(31) Not shown in the Figures but similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1a or 1b, in a further embodiment it is preferred that the grooves 8a, 8b of the side rails 3a, 3b and the grooves of the transverse bars 3c, 3d are connected. Thus, it is possible that the grooves 8a, 8b of the side rails 3a, 3b are arranged facing upwards similar to the grooves 4a, 4b shown in FIG. 1. Further, it is possible that the grooves 4a, 4b of the transverse bars 3c, 3d and the further grooves 8a, 8b of each side rail 3a, 3b are oriented into the center C of the carrier basket 1.

(32) Of course, it is possible that the side rails 3a, 3b as well as the transverse bars 3, 3d each comprises two grooves, one facing to the center C of the basket and one facing upwards in the vertical direction V. In this context, it is preferred, that the grooves 8a, 8b of the side rails 3a, 3b and the grooves 4a, 4b of transverse bars 3c, 3d are connected so that a circulating groove is obtained circulating on the inside of the sidewalls and the frame, respectively, of the box open to the top.

(33) FIG. 2a shows a plan view of the topside of the carrier basket 1 of FIG. 1a. Here, the outermost members 2a and 2f of the base 2 comprise a width X which is broader than the width Y of each of the members 2b, 2c, 2d, 2f. The width X of the member 2a is similar to the width X of the members 2f. Same applies for the width Y of the members 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e. Their width Y is also similar. The distance S between the six members is uniform so that e.g. the space between the members 2a and 2b is equal to the space between 2d and 2f. The distance S between two members is measured between two ends of the members facing each otheras can be seen in FIG. 2. It is also possible that the distance between each member varies.

(34) Further, the members 2b to 2e comprise each a profile for mechanically stabilizing each member. Even further, the members 2a and 2f also comprise further grooves 2g, 2w positioned at the side and directed outwards and inwards, respectively, from the carrier basket 1. Thus, the grooves 2g face away from the center C of the carrier basket 1, wherein the grooves 2w are directed to the center C.

(35) In FIG. 2b a cross-section along lines IIb-IIb of FIG. 2a is shown. Here, the T-track and the groove 4b, respectively, of the transverse bar 3d is shown, wherein also the hollow profile of the bar 3d is depicted. The T-track and the groove 4b, respectively, are adapted to be engaged by a counterpiece having a T-screw for example.

(36) FIG. 3 shows a side view of the carrier basket 1 of FIG. 1a. As can be seen in FIG. 1a, 1b and FIG. 3 the side rails 3a, 3b comprise a bended shape, wherein the ends of the side rails 3a, 3b are lower in the vertical direction V in comparison to the highest point in the middle of the side rails 3a, 3b. For mechanical stability the middle of the bended side rails 3a, 3b is supported by distance means 11a, 11b spanning the distance Q between the highest point of the side rail 3a, 3b and the base 2.

(37) As can be seen in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2a, eyelets 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9h are positioned in the grooves 2g such that the eyelets 9a-9h are directed outwards and face away from the center C of the carrier basket 1, respectively. The arrangement of the eyelets in the grooves can be better understood with regard to FIG. 5a, described below.

(38) Further, in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 3 the distance means 11a, 11b connecting the highest point of the side rails 3a, 3b with the members 2a and 2f, respectively, engage the grooves 2g of the members 2a and 2f from the outside. The end opposite to the end engaging the groove 2g is mounted to the side rails 3a, 3b, wherein this mounting can be realizedas depicted in FIG. 1bby engaging the groove 8a of the side rail 3a or by screwing together the distance means 11a, 11b with the side rail 3a, 3bas depicted in FIG. 1a.

(39) Referring to FIG. 2a, the grooves 2w of the members 2a and 2f are directed to the center C of the carrier basket 1 in which connecting means 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d are arranged. These connecting means 100a-100d protrudewith regard to FIG. 3from the bottom of the carrier basket 1 to a downside. The means comprise a holder 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d which can encircle a cross bar mounted to a roof of a vehicle. In this way, the carrier basket 1 is attachable to a roof of a vehicle so as to hold the carrier basket 1 in place and to transfer forces acting on the carrier basket 1 to the roof of a vehicle.

(40) FIG. 4 shows a rear side of an embodiment of a carrier basket 1 which is mainly identical to the carrier basket shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b to 3, but comprises instead of six members of the base 2 five members. This means that there are two outer members 2a and 2f but only three inner members 2b, 2c, 2d. Nevertheless, the distance S and the space, respectively, between the members 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2f of the base 2 is alsoas already discussed above with regard to FIG. 2aequal, mainly identical and equidistant, respectively. But, it is also possible that the distance between each member varies. Further, also the width X of the members 2a and 2f is different to the width Y of the members 2b to 2e. Whereas the widths of the members shown in FIG. 2a differs from the widths of the members shown in FIG. 4.

(41) FIG. 5a shows an enlarged view of the eyelet 9a mounted to the carrier basket 1 in a three-dimensional view. The eyelet 9a is exemplarily explained for all further eyelets 9b-9h. The eyelet 9a is hold and guided, respectively, in the groove 2g of the member 2a. As can be seen, a screw 12 fixes the eyelet 9a to the groove 2g and the member 2a, respectively. When releasing the screw force of clamping the eyelet 9a to the member 2a and the groove 2g, respectively, the eyelet 9a can be displaced along the groove 2g. Thus, the position of the eyelet 9a relative to the member 2a is variably adjustable.

(42) FIG. 5b shows the eyelet 9a of FIG. 5a. The eyelet comprises protrusions 9x and 9y for engaging the groove 2g of the member 2a. Further, a through hole 9z is shown in which the screw 12 shown in FIG. 5a can be inserted. Further, with regard to FIG. 5b as well as FIG. 5a several cavities are shown in which cross pieces CP are arranged for enhancing the mechanical stability. The cavities further enhance the weight of the eyelet and save material, so that production costs can be reduced.

(43) FIG. 6a shows an enlarged view of the cap 5a of the carrier basket 1. The cap 5a is exemplarily explained for all further caps 5b, 5c, 5d. At the cap 5a the transverse bar 3d meets the side rail 3b. The cap 5a comprises an upper part 13a and a lower part 13b. As can be seen in this Figure, the cover 7 comprises protrusions 7a as already mentioned before with regard to FIG. 1a. Moreover, also members 2a-2d are shown.

(44) FIG. 6b shows an enlarged view of the cap 5a of the carrier basket 1, wherein the upper part 13a of the cap 5a is taken away so that the inside of the cap 5a and the connection between the side rail 3b and the transverse bar 3d can be seen.

(45) The transverse bar 3d is depicted without the cover 7 (see FIG. 1) so that the groove 4b is visible. The groove 4b comprises a T-track. Further, the transverse bar 3d has a hollow profile. Also the side rail 3b comprises a hollow profile. Both profiles comprise a side part directed to the center C of the carrier basket 1. To each of said side parts of the transverse bar 3d and the side rail 3b a connecting member 14 is mounted inwards the profile.

(46) The connecting member 14 comprises a bended shape so as to connect the inside of the side parts of the hollow profiles of the transverse bar 3d and the side rail 3b. The connecting member 14 comprises a shape is similar to L. The connecting member 14 is mounted to the side rail 3b and the transverse bar 3d via screws 15a, 15b, wherein the member 14 is made of aluminum.

(47) A guide 16 is depicted in FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c which comprises four reinforcing rips 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d. The guide is integrally molded with the lower part 13b of the cap 5a, wherein the guide as well as further reinforcing rips and protrusions within the lower part 13b enhance stability of the lower part. While the connecting member 14 is connected to the transverse bar 3d and the side rail 3b via screws 15a, 15b, the lower part 13b is connected to the connecting member 14 via screws 20see FIG. 6g.

(48) The reinforcing rip 16d forms a bottom of the guide 16 and is arranged in the first direction D. The reinforcing rips 16a, 16b, 16c are directed in the second direction E and spaced to each other in the first direction D. Thus, the reinforcing rip 16d is mainly perpendicular to the three reinforcing rips 16a, 16b, 16c.

(49) Further, the cross reinforcing rips 16a, 16b, 16c are U-shaped, wherein the width from U to U gets smaller. By this, a cone-shaped guide and glide, respectively, is formed, wherein the cross reinforcing rips 16a-16c and their U-shape, respectively, form sidewalls. Further, the reinforcing rip 16d descends from cross reinforcing rip to cross reinforcing rip, wherein the three rips 16a, 16b, 16c are arranged in a row and spaced to each other in the first direction D. The aforementioned arrangement of the four reinforcing rips 16a-16d is adapted to guide a mating component 17 on the upper part 13a of the cap 5a easily into its position shown in FIG. 6a. Due to this arrangement of rips a stabilization of the upper part 13a with regard to a movement in the second direction E is obtained, wherein a sliding movement of the upper part 13a relative to the lower part 13b in the first direction D is possible.

(50) Referring to FIGS. 6c and 6d, the lower part 13b of the cap 5a comprises a hole 18 in an additional reinforcing rip 18a for stabilizing the upper part 13a. Further, the upper part 13a comprises a protrusion 19as depicted in FIGS. 6d and 6cfor engaging the hole 18. The protrusion 19 limits the relative movement of the upper part 13a of the cap 5a to the lower part 13b on the side of the transverse bar 3d.

(51) For further enhancing the mechanical stability, the lower part 13b comprises a reinforcing rip 21 and wall, respectively, extending in the first direction D and originating from the additional reinforcing rip 18a (see FIG. 6c). The rip 21 comprises a crank 22 adapted to engage with a hook 23 formed on the inside of the upper part 13a of the cap 5a. Further, the lower part 13b comprises a base 24 supporting a protrusion 25 having a shape similar to a reinforcing rip wherein the protrusion is formed on the inside of the upper part 13a of the cap 5a.

(52) With regard to FIG. 6e, on the inside of the upper cap part a nose 26 is installed such that the profile of the side rail 3b can be engaged between the nose 26 and an outer wall 13c of the upper part 13a. Thus, the protrusion 19 engages the hole 18 on one end of the cap 5a and the nose 26 together with the outer wall 13c of the upper part 13a of the cap 5a engages the profile of the side rail 3b. Thus, both ends of the cap 5a are securely hold in place. Hence, the whole cap 5a and the upper part 13a, respectively, is fixed to the lower part 13b and the carrier basket 1, respectively.

(53) Due to the aforementioned parts of the upper and lower part 13a, 13b of the cap 5a a reliable and stable connection of the upper part can be realized, wherein the cap 5a is removably positioned at an end of the transverse bar 3d. Further, it is possible that the caps 5a to 5d comprise a shape adapted for engaging the groove. This is another solution for connecting the cap with carrier basket 1.

(54) FIGS. 6f and 6g show two positions, wherein the first position of FIG. 6f shows the moving direction of the upper part 13a for engaging the lower part 13b of the cap 5a. In FIG. 6g, the upper part 13a is engaged with the lower part 13b of the cap 5a.

(55) In FIG. 6h the upper part 13a is seen-through and it is shown that a locking cylinder 19a engages and locks behind the additional reinforcing rip 18a of the lower part 13b. Thus, sliding the upper part 13a in a direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 6f is prevented, which means that movement along the second direction E is restricted. Hence, unauthorized access to the grooves 4a, 4b is prevented.

(56) FIG. 7 shows a carrier basket net 20 having a mesh 21 and a plurality of non-elastic attachments straps 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d for securing a load in particular to a carrier basket 1. Some of the plurality of attachments straps 22a, 22das can be seen in FIG. 7comprise a buckle 23a, 23b for tightening tension by shortening and for releasing tension by extending the distance between two ends of some of the plurality of attachment straps 22a-22d.

(57) As can be seen in FIG. 7, the mesh is mainly rectangular shaped, wherein non-elastic attachment straps 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d envelope the mesh 21. The attachment straps 22a and 22c comprise each a buckle 23a and 23b, respectively, so as to shorten the distance of the corner points P1 to P2 and P3 to P4. Thus, in a transverse direction T the mesh can be adapted by the buckles 23a, 23b and the attachment straps 22a, 22c, respectively. The attachment straps 22a to 22d form a border 24a to 24d of the mesh 21 such that a longitudinal or a transversal direction L, T of the mesh 21 is adaptable to a load secured with the carrier basket net 20.

(58) Further, the carrier basket net 20 comprises reinforcing attachment straps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e which connect to corner points P1, P2, P3, P4 of the mesh 21 or to borders 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of the mesh 21 or a corner point P1 to P4 with a border 24a to 24d of the mesh 21. As can be further seen in FIG. 7, the reinforcing straps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d comprise each two buckles, wherein the reinforcing strap 25e oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L comprises no buckle.

(59) The buckles 23c to 23j are all fixed to the reinforcing straps such that the distance between the buckle and an outer end connected to the attachment straps 22a to 22d can be shortened or extended as a free end of the reinforcing straps is guided through a maze of the buckle.

(60) More precisely, each reinforcing strap comprises two parts, a fixed one mounted to the mesh and an extension 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f, 26g, 26h relatively movable to the mesh 20, wherein each extension projects over the borders 24a to 24d of the mesh 21. The fixed part is mounted to the buckle, wherein the movable extension is guided through a maze of the buckle. At the end of the extension 26a to 26h an eye 27a to 27h is arranged for engaging and securing, respectively, the end to a carrier basket 1. At each end of the extension 26a-26h a hook 27a-27h is installed for e.g. engaging with an eyelet 9a-9f of a carrier basket 1.

(61) The eye is made of metal and comprises a triangular shape, wherein the mesh is an elastically sewed fabric, wherein it is possible that the mesh is a rigid sewed fabric made of plastic or wire.

(62) The reinforcing straps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e are positioned substantially parallel and spaced apart such that the reinforcing straps are positioned equidistant along the longitudinal dimension L at the borders 24b and 24d. Further, the reinforcing attachment straps 25a to 25e are attached at interspaced points along the borders 24a to 24d of the mesh 21.

(63) In an embodiment the buckle 23a-23h of the carrier basket net 20 is a pump buckle having an open-lock mechanism so that it is openable to allow pulling the strap and the extension, respectively, at various positions to release tension without interacting with the buckle 23a-23h.

(64) FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the carrier basket net 20 of FIG. 7. As can be seen, the reinforcing straps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e are attached on one side of the mesh.

(65) Further, by assembling the carrier basket 1 for an automotive vehicle with the carrier basket net 20, the hooks 27a-27h of the carrier basket net 20 engage with the eyelets 9a-9d of the carrier basket 1 for securing a load.