LOAD CARRIER

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a roof rack load carrying bar including an airflow regulating pattern extending in a length direction of the load carrying bar. The pattern includes at least two raised rib portions relatively offset from each other in the length direction of the load carrying bar. 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. Two adjacent raised rib portions are separated by a separation distance in the length direction of the load carrying bar. The separation distance is at least two times greater than the portion width of at least one of the adjacent raised rib portions.

Claims

1.-9. (canceled)

10. A load carrying bar configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the load carrying bar having a length direction perpendicular to a travel direction of the vehicle during use, the load carrying bar comprising: a channel extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar, the channel having an opening provided at an upper portion of the load carrying bar and extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar; and a cover disposed at least partially over the opening to the channel and at least partially in front of the opening to the channel, relative to the travel direction of the vehicle, wherein the cover includes a single row of v-shaped ribs spaced apart from each other along the length direction of the load carrying bar, wherein tips of the v-shaped ribs point in the travel direction of the vehicle, and wherein the v-shaped ribs are disposed at least partially in front of the opening to the channel.

11. The load carrying bar of claim 10, wherein the row of v-shaped ribs comprises a first v-shaped rib and an adjacent, second v-shaped rib, and wherein the cover is free of raised ribs in areas directly forward and rearward of the first and second v-shaped ribs.

12. The load carrying bar of claim 10, wherein the cover is free of raised ribs rearward of the single row of v-shaped ribs.

13. The load carrying bar of claim 10, wherein a majority of each v-shaped rib is disposed in front of the opening to the channel.

14. The load carrying bar of claim 10, wherein the v-shaped ribs are disposed entirely in front of the opening to the channel.

15. The load carrying bar of claim 10, wherein the row of v-shaped ribs spans at least 80% of the load carrying bar in the length direction.

16. The load carrying bar of claim 10, further comprising a second cover disposed at least partially over the opening to the channel and rearward of the first cover relative to the travel direction of the vehicle.

17. The load carrying bar of claim 10, wherein the v-shaped ribs form a continuous reoccurring pattern.

18. A load carrying bar configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the load carrying bar having a length direction perpendicular to a travel direction of the vehicle during use, the load carrying bar comprising: a channel extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar, the channel having an opening provided at an upper portion of the load carrying bar and extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar; and a cover disposed at least partially over the opening to the channel, wherein the cover comprises a first v-shaped rib and a second v-shaped rib spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the load carrying bar, wherein the first and second v-shaped ribs each include a tip and two legs extending diagonally rearward from the tip, relative to the travel direction of the vehicle, wherein the legs of the first and second v-shaped ribs each have a width, measured in the length direction of the load carrying bar, of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and wherein a distance between the first and second v-shaped ribs, measured in the length direction of the load carrying bar, is 4 mm to 25 mm.

19. The load carrying bar of claim 18, wherein the width of each leg of the first and second v-shaped rib portions is 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm.

20. The load carrying bar of claim 18, wherein the width of each leg of the first and second v-shaped ribs is 0.8 to 1.2 mm.

21. The load carrying bar of claim 18, wherein the distance between the first and second v-shaped ribs is 10 mm to 20 mm.

22. The load carrying bar of claim 18, wherein an angle between a surface on which the first rib is located and a side wall of the rib is at least 90 degrees.

23. The load carrying bar of claim 18, wherein the cover is disposed at least partially in front of the opening to the channel, and wherein the first and second v-shaped ribs are disposed at least partially in front of the opening to the channel.

24. The load carrying bar of claim 18, wherein the cover comprises rubber, a polymer, an elastomer, or a combination thereof.

25. A load carrying bar configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the load carrying bar having a length direction perpendicular to a travel direction of the vehicle during use, the load carrying bar comprising: a channel extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar, the channel having an opening provided at an upper portion of the load carrying bar and extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar; and a row of raised ribs spaced apart from each other along the length direction of the load carrying bar, the row of ribs disposed at least partially in front of the opening to the channel, wherein for two adjacent raised ribs: each of the raised ribs is diagonally arranged with respect to the travel direction of the vehicle, each of the raised ribs has a portion width, measured in the length direction of the load carrying bar, and the raised ribs are spaced apart from each other by a separation distance, measured in the length direction of the load carrying bar, that is at least two times greater than the portion width of each raised rib.

26. The load carrying bar of claim 25, further comprising a cover disposed at least partially over the opening to the channel, and at least partially in front of the opening to the channel, wherein the row of raised ribs is disposed on the cover.

27. The load carrying bar of claim 26, wherein a top surface of the cover is substantially planer other than the row of raised ribs.

28. The load carrying bar of claim 25, wherein one of the two adjacent raised ribs is a V-shaped rib with a tip pointing in the travel direction of the vehicle.

29. The load carrying bar of claim 25, wherein the portion width of each of the two adjacent raised ribs is 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0071] In the drawings:

[0072] FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional profile of a load carrying bar according to the prior art;

[0073] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a load carrying bar according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of a load carrying bar according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 4 depicts another cross sectional view of a portion of a load carrying bar according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] FIGS. 5a and 5b depicts cross sectional views of a first and a second cover according to example embodiments of the present invention;

[0077] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a first and a second cover according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic illustration of an airflow pattern according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] FIG. 8 depicts a schematic illustration of a raised rib portion according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] FIG. 9 depicts a cross sectional view of a portion of a load carrying bar according to an example embodiment of the present invention, where a mounting member is placed in the channel; and

[0081] FIG. 10 depicts a cross sectional view of a load carrying bar according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The drawings show diagrammatic exemplifying embodiments of the present invention and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the invention 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 invention. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description, unless expressed otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0083] FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional view of a load carrying bar 1 according to the prior art. The load carrying bar 1 comprises a channel which opening is covered by two covers, 2 and 3 respectively. As can be seen, the two covers 2 and 3 are attached to the load carrying bar 1 via respective grooves provided on side surfaces defining the opening and facing each other, thereby sealing the channel.

[0084] Now, with reference to FIGS. 2-10, example embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. In FIG. 2, a perspective view of a load carrying bar 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The load carrying bar 100 comprises a channel 101 for receiving at least one mounting member, the mounting member being shown in FIG. 9 as ref. 10, for attaching a load carrying bar accessory (not shown) to the load carrying bar 100. The channel 101 extends in a length direction L of the load carrying bar 100. Moreover, the load carrying bar 100 comprises a first 200 and a second 300 cover which extends in the length direction L of the load carrying bar 100 and which is arranged for sealing the channel 101 from an external environment. The first cover 200 is attached to the load carrying bar 100 via a first attachment interface AI.sub.1, see e.g. FIG. 4, provided at a first side of the channel 101, and the second cover 300 is attached to the load carrying bar 100 via a second attachment interface AI.sub.2, see FIG. 4, provided at a second side of the channel 101. The first and the second sides of the channel 101 are oriented with respect to a width direction w of the load carrying bar 100. Moreover, as can be seen in for example FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and the second attachment interfaces, AI.sub.1 and AI.sub.2, are asymmetrical with respect to each other.

[0085] Moreover, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an airflow regulating pattern 400 according to an example embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention is depicted. In this particular embodiment, the pattern 400 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 400 extends along a substantial portion of the total length L.sub.10 of the load carrying bar 100, and is also located on the first cover 200. However, it shall be noted that the pattern 400 may be located in other places, such as directly on the surface of the load carrying bar 100, however preferably in front of, or close to, or above, the channel 101 with respect to the travel direction T.

[0086] In FIG. 3, a cross sectional view of the load carrying bar 100 as seen in FIG. 2 is depicted. The airflow regulating pattern 400, here provided on the first cover 200, can be seen. Moreover the asymmetrical attachment interfaces AI.sub.1 and AI.sub.2 are also shown, with an enlarged view in FIG. 4. The load carrying bar 100 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, 200 and 300, comprises respective outer surfaces, 209 and 309 respectively, wherein the outer surface 309 of the second cover 300 is substantially flush with the outer surface 105 of the load carrying bar 100. The outer surface 209 of the first cover 200 is also substantially flush with the outer surface 105. However, the airflow pattern 400 extends out from the outer surface 209. By this configuration, a more integrated and smooth design is provided, which in turn may result in improved airflow around the load carrying bar 100.

[0087] FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged view of the channel 101, the first and the second cover, 200 and 300, and the asymmetrical attachment interfaces, AI.sub.1 and AI.sub.2, of the load carrying bar 100. The first and the second attachment interfaces, AI.sub.1 and AI.sub.2, are asymmetrical with respect to the width direction w of the load carrying bar 100. Moreover, the first and the second cover, 200 and 300, are separate parts with respect to each other and configured for sealing the channel 101 during use of the load carrying bar 100. In particular, the covers 200 and 300 seal an opening of the channel 101, oriented upwardly and extending in the length direction L. The first and the second attachment interface, AI.sub.1 and AI.sub.2, are configured as respective female/male connections. In this particular embodiment, the first cover 200 comprises a first groove 201 and a corresponding, i.e. matching, first protruding portion 102 extending in the length direction L of the load carrying bar 100. Moreover, the second cover 300 comprises a second groove 301 and a corresponding, i.e. matching, second protruding portion 103 extending in the length direction L of the load carrying bar 100. It shall be noted that the present invention 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 100 and protruding portions on the covers, 200 and 300.

[0088] The first groove 201 further comprises a first side wall 202 and a second side wall 203 which faces the first side wall 202, and the second side wall 203 is here also inclined away from the first side wall 202. This configuration may facilitate to accomplish a snap on functionality for attaching the first cover 200 to the first protruding portion 102. Similarly, the second groove 301 further comprises a first side wall 302 and a second side wall 303 which faces the first side wall 302, and the second side wall 303 is in a similar manner inclined away from the first side wall 302 of the second cover 300.

[0089] The second side wall 203 of the first cover 200 also comprises a hook portion 204 at a distal end of the second side wall 203. The hook portion 204 is bent inwardly towards the first groove 201, thereby providing a locking mechanism for locking the first cover 200 to the load carrying bar 100. Similarly, the second side wall 303 of the second cover 300 also comprises a hook portion 304 at a distal end of the second side wall 303. The hook portion 304 is bent inwardly towards the second groove 301, thereby providing a similar locking mechanism for locking the second cover 300 to the load carrying bar 100.

[0090] Moreover, in this particular embodiment, in order to further improve the robustness of the connection of the respective covers, 200 and 300, to the load carrying bar 100, a further locking mechanism, 205 and 305, is provided on the respective first and second cover, 200 and 300. More particularly, the first side wall 202 of the first cover 200 further comprises a hook-shaped gripping member 205 which comprises a hook portion 206, wherein the hook-shaped gripping member 205 is an extension of the first side wall 202 of the first cover 200 with the hook portion 206 bent from the first side wall 202 by an angle being larger than 90 degrees with respect to the first side wall 202. As can be seen in this example embodiment, the hook portion 206 is bent by an angle being larger than 90 degrees. Still further, the hook portion 206 is arranged to snap into a corresponding receiving portion 108 on the load carrying bar 100, which is configured as a matching inclined surface for the hook portion 206, for locking the first cover 200 to the load carrying bar 100. By this configuration, an improved locking of the first cover 200 is provided. In a similar manner, the first side wall 302 of the second cover 300 further comprises a hook-shaped gripping member 305 which comprises a hook portion 306, wherein the hook-shaped gripping member 305 is an extension of the first side wall 302 of the second cover 300 with the hook portion 306 bent from the first side wall 302 by an angle being larger than 90 degrees with respect to the first side wall 302. As can be seen in this example embodiment, the hook portion 306 is bent by an angle being larger than 90 degrees. Still further, the hook portion 306 is arranged to snap into a corresponding receiving portion 109 on the load carrying bar 100, which is configured as a matching inclined surface for the hook portion 306, for locking the second cover 300 to the load carrying bar 100. By this configuration, an improved locking is also provided for the second cover 300. Both these hook portions, 206 and 306, are bent outwardly with respect to the respective grooves, 201 and 301, of the respective first and second cover, 200 and 300. 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, 201 and 301, instead. However, configuring the hook portions 206 and 306 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 202 of the first cover 200 extends substantially perpendicularly out from an upper surface 213 of the first cover 200. In a similar manner, the first side wall 302 of the second cover 300 extends substantially perpendicularly out from an upper surface 313 of the second cover 300.

[0091] Still further, in this example embodiment, the second groove 301 and the second protruding portion 103 comprises an additional groove and protruding portion configuration, 104 and 307, which extends in the length direction L of the load carrying bar 100. More particularly, the second groove 301 comprises a protruding portion 307 located inside the second groove 301, and the second protruding portion 103 comprises a matching groove 104 located on the protruding portion 103. The first groove 201 and the first protruding portion 102 of the first attachment interface AI.sub.1 do not present such an additional groove/protrusion configuration, thereby resulting in that the first and the second attachment interface, AI.sub.1 and AI.sub.2, are asymmetrical with respect to each other. It shall however be understood that the asymmetry may be provided in many different ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the additional groove/protruding portion could likewise be located on the first cover 200. In addition, an inverted groove/protruding portion configuration could also be used.

[0092] Moreover, the first cover 200 comprises an inner sealing surface 210 which faces the channel 101, wherein the inner sealing surface 210 of the first cover 200 is inclined towards a side wall 106 of the channel 101 located on the same side as the first cover 200. In a similar manner, the second cover 300 comprises an inner sealing surface 310 which faces the channel 101, wherein the inner sealing surface 310 of the second cover 300 is inclined towards a side wall 107 of the channel 101 located on the same side as the second cover 300. Thereby, the mounting member 10, as seen in FIG. 9 may be easier to move/displace in the length direction L of the channel 101, whilst still providing a good sealing performance for the channel 101.

[0093] Now turning to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first and the second cover, 200 and 300, can be seen when separated from the load carrying bar 100, with the first cover 200 being illustrated in FIG. 5b and the second cover 300 being illustrated in FIG. 5a. The first cover 200 cover comprises a friction reducing layer 208 for reducing a friction between the first cover 200 and the at least one mounting member 10, as seen in FIG. 9. In a similar manner, the second cover 300 cover comprises a friction reducing layer 308 for reducing a friction between the second cover 300 and the at least one mounting member 10, as seen in FIG. 9. The friction reducing layers, 208 and 308 may for example be provided as coatings on the sealing portions, 212 and 312, of the first and the second cover, 200 and 300. Moreover, the friction reducing layer may be provided by performing a treatment on the sealing portions, 212, 312, such as heat treatment and/or chemical treatment. Purely by way of example, the friction reducing layers, 208 and/or 308, may be from 0.05-0.2 mm thick, such as 0.1 mm. More particularly, in this example embodiment, the first cover 200 comprises an attachment portion 211 and the sealing portion 212 for sealing the channel 101 from the external environment, wherein the attachment portion 211 comprises or consists of a first material and the sealing portion 212 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 300 comprises an attachment portion 311 and the sealing portion 312 for sealing the channel 101 from the external environment, wherein the attachment portion 311 comprises or consists of a third material and the sealing portion 212 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, 211 and 311, may benefit from being stiffer in that the connection may be improved. In addition, the sealing portions, 212 and 312, may benefit from being relatively less stiff, thereby improving its sealing performance, especially when there is a mounting member 10 in the channel 101.

[0094] In FIG. 6, the first and the second cover, 200 and 300, are depicted, where a more detailed illustration of an airflow pattern 400 according to an example embodiment of the present invention also can be seen. In this example, the airflow pattern 400 is placed on the first cover 200, and configured by V-shaped raised rib portions, 406-408, extending in the length direction L as a reoccurring pattern. The tips of the V-shaped raised rib portions, 406-408, are oriented and pointing in the travel direction T of the load carrying bar 100 during use. In this embodiment, the pattern 400 extends along the complete length L.sub.10 of the load carrying bar 100.

[0095] In FIGS. 7 and 8, more detailed illustrations of the airflow pattern 400 and its raised rib portions can be seen. Different types of raised rib portions are shown, i.e. V-shaped, 406-408 and 409-411, and straight I-shaped rib portions, 401, 402 and 404, oriented diagonally with respect to the travel direction T. The illustration in FIG. 7 shows a reoccurring pattern 400 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 10-50 degrees with respect to the travel direction T, preferably 20-50 degrees or 30-50 degrees, such as 45 degrees.

[0096] The airflow regulating pattern 400 extends in a length direction L of the load carrying bar 100, and the pattern 400 comprises a plurality of raised rib portions, 401, 402, 404, 406-408 and 409-410, which are relatively offset from each other in the length direction L of the load carrying bar 100, 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 100 during use. Moreover, each rib portion has a portion width d1 measured in the length direction L of the load carrying bar 100, wherein two adjacent raised rib portions, e.g. 401 and 402, and 406 and 407, are separated by a separation distance L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 in the length direction L of the load carrying bar 100. The separation distance L.sub.1 is at least two times greater than the portion width d1 of the raised rib portion 401, and the separation distance L.sub.2 is at least two times greater than the portion width d1 raised rib portion 406. The portion width d1 of at least one of the adjacent raised rib portions is from 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably 0.7-2.5 mm, more preferably 0.7-2 mm, such as 0.8-1.2 mm.

[0097] In FIG. 8, a raised rib portion 401 is depicted, shown from the side. The rib portion 401 may have a rib height 0.3 to 2 millimeters, preferably 0.5-2 mm, such as 0.5-1 mm. Moreover, it can also be seen that the rib portion is configured as a distinct raised rib portion with an angle .sub.1 between a surface 214 onto which the at least one rib portion 401 is located and a side wall 403 of the rib portion which is more than 90 degrees, such as from 90 to 120 degrees or 90-140 degrees. In this example the surface 403 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 214 onto which the at least one rib portion is located.

[0098] In FIG. 9, the load carrying bar 100 is shown when a mounting member 10, in this embodiment a screw, is placed in the channel 101. The screw comprises a screw head located in the channel 101. Hence, the channel 101 may be regarded as a T-shaped channel, or alternatively a T-track. The screw 10 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.

[0099] It shall be noted that the load carrying bar 100 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.

[0100] FIG. 10 depicts another cross sectional view of a load carrying bar 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The load carrying bar 100 comprises a cross sectional profile having a front bar portion 109 and a rear bar portion 110 with respect to a travel direction T of the load carrying bar 100 during use. The front bar portion 109 has a front edge 111, the rear bar portion 110 has a profile 112 which tapers rearwards with respect to the travel direction T and towards a rear edge 113 of the rear bar portion 110. The front edge 111 comprises a first curved-shaped profile 114 which extends from an upper portion 115 to a lower portion 116 of the front bar portion 109. The upper portion 115 is here the utmost portion of the load carrying bar 100 with respect to the height direction h, when excluding the covers 200 and 300, and the lower portion 116 is here the lowest portion of the load carrying bar 100 with respect to the height direction h. The first curved-shaped profile 114 has a first distinct angular shift 117 at a very front portion of the front edge 111. Moreover, the first curved-shaped profile 114 further has a second distinct angular shift 118 approximately half-way up from the very front portion 117 with respect to the upper portion 115 of the front bar portion 109. In an example embodiment, a distance between the first angular shift 117 and the second angular shift 118 is from 5-25 mm, such as 10-20 mm, or 15-20 mm. As can be further seen, the cross sectional profile is here a wing-shaped profile. The width of the load carrying bar 100 is therefore at least 2 times greater than the height of the load carrying bar 100, such as at least 2.5 or 3 times greater. The distinct angular shifts, 117, 118 and 119, are here from 5-60 degrees, more particularly from 10 to 30 degrees. The angles are here indicated by the references .sub.2, .sub.3 and .sub.4, respectively. Purely by way of example, .sub.2 may be from 10 to 30 degrees, .sub.3 may be from 5-30 degrees, such as 5-20 degrees, and .sub.4 may be from 10 to 60 degrees, such as 30-60 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 100, as seen in its cross sectional view. Moreover, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the distinct angular shifts are angled such that they follow the perimeter profile of the load carrying bar 100. 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.

[0101] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. It would be evident for the skilled person that other embodiments and modifications to the embodiments specified herein are also possible within the scope of the claims.

[0102] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the load carrying bar 100 according to the first to fifth aspects are disclosed in item structure and form part of the disclosure of the present application.

Load carrying bar according to the first aspect:

[0103] 1. A roof rack load carrying bar (100), comprising, [0104] a channel (101) for receiving at least one mounting member (10) for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to said load carrying bar (100), said channel (101) extending at least partly in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), [0105] a first (200) and a second (300) cover extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100) and being arranged for sealing said channel (101) from an external environment, said first cover (200) being attached to said load carrying bar (100) via a first attachment interface (AI.sub.1) provided at a first side of said channel (101), said second cover (300) being attached to said load carrying bar (100) via a second attachment interface (AI.sub.2) provided at a second side of said channel (101), characterized in that,

[0106] said first (AI.sub.1) and said second (AI.sub.2) attachment interface being asymmetrical with respect to each other.

[0107] 2. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 1, wherein said first (AI.sub.1) and said second (AI.sub.2) attachment interface further being asymmetrical with respect to a width direction (w) of said load carrying bar (100), said width direction (w) being perpendicular to said length direction (L).

[0108] 3. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said first (200) and said second (300) cover are separate parts with respect to each other and configured for sealing said channel (101) during use of said load carrying bar (100).

[0109] 4. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said first (AI.sub.1) and/or said second (AI.sub.2) attachment interface is configured as a female/male connection, preferably by a groove (201; 301) and a corresponding protruding portion (102; 103) extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100).

[0110] 5. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 4, wherein said groove (201; 301) comprises a first side wall (202; 302) and a second side wall (203; 303) facing said first side wall (202; 302), preferably wherein said second side wall (203; 303) is inclined away from said first side wall (202; 302).

[0111] 6. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of items 4 or 5, wherein said second side wall (203; 303) comprises a hook portion (204; 304) at a distal end of said second side wall (203; 303).

[0112] 7. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of items 5 or 6, wherein said first side wall (202; 302) further comprises a hook-shaped gripping member (205; 305) comprising a hook portion (206; 306), said hook-shaped gripping member (205; 305) being an extension of said first side wall (202; 302) with said hook portion (206; 306) bent from said first side wall (202; 302) by an angle being larger than 90 degrees with respect to said first side wall (202; 302).

[0113] 8. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein each one of said first (AI.sub.1) and said second (AI.sub.2) attachment interface is configured as a female/male connection, preferably wherein said first attachment interface (AI.sub.1) comprises a first groove (201) and a corresponding first protruding portion (102) extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100) and said second attachment interface (AI.sub.2) comprises a second groove (301) and a corresponding second protruding portion (103) extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100).

[0114] 9. The load carrying bar (1) according to item 8, wherein said second groove (301) and said second protruding portion (103) each comprise an additional groove and protruding portion configuration (307, 104) extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100).

[0115] 10. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (200) and said second (300) cover comprises a friction reducing layer (208; 308) for reducing a friction between said at least one cover (200; 300) and said at least one mounting member (10).

[0116] 11. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said first (200) and/or said second (300) cover comprises an outer sealing surface (209; 309) substantially flush with an outer adjacent surface (105) of said load carrying bar (100).

[0117] 12. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (200) and said second (300) cover comprises an inner sealing surface (210; 310) facing said channel (101) and sealing against the mounting member (10) during use of the mounting member (10), wherein said inner sealing surface (210; 310) is inclined towards a side wall (106; 107) of said channel (101) located on the same side as said cover (200; 300) comprising said inner surface (210; 310).

[0118] 13. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (200) and said second (300) cover comprises an attachment portion (211; 311) and a sealing portion (212; 312) for sealing said channel (101) from said external environment, wherein said attachment portion (211; 311) comprises or consists of a first material and said sealing portion (212; 312) comprises or consists of a second material different from said first material.

[0119] 14. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 13, wherein a hardness of said first material is higher than a hardness of said second material.

[0120] 15. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said first cover (200) is located in front of said second cover (300) with respect to a travel direction (T) of said load carrying bar (100) during use, said first cover (200) comprising an airflow regulating pattern (400) extending in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), said pattern (400) comprising at least two raised rib portions (401, 402) relatively offset from each other in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100).

Load carrying bar according to the second aspect:

[0121] 1. A roof rack load carrying bar (100), comprising, [0122] a channel (101) for receiving at least one mounting member (10) for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to said load carrying bar (100), said channel (101) extending at least partly in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), [0123] at least a first cover (200) extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), said first cover (200) comprising a first attachment portion (211) for attaching said first cover (200) to said load carrying bar (100) and a first sealing portion (212) for sealing said channel (101) from an external environment, characterized in that, [0124] said first attachment portion (211) comprises or consist of a first material and said first sealing portion (212) comprises or consist of a second material different from said first material.

[0125] 2. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 1, wherein a hardness of said first material is higher than a hardness of said second material.

[0126] 3. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, further comprising a second cover (300) extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), said second cover (300) comprising a second attachment portion (311) for attaching said second cover (300) to said load carrying bar (100) and a second sealing portion (312) for sealing said channel (101) from an external environment, wherein said second attachment portion (311) comprises or consist of a third material and said second sealing portion (312) comprises or consist of a fourth material different from said third material.

[0127] 4. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 3, wherein a hardness of said third material is higher than a hardness of said fourth material.

[0128] 5. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of items 3-4, wherein said first (211) attachment portion and said second (311) attachment portion are asymmetrical with respect to each other, preferably with said asymmetry provided in a width direction (w) of said load carrying bar (100), said width direction (w) being perpendicular to said length direction (L).

[0129] 6. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (211) and said second (311) attachment portion is configured as a snap on attachment portion.

[0130] 7. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (211) and said second (311) attachment portion is configured as a groove (201; 301) or a protruding portion extending in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100).

[0131] 8. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 7, when said first (211) and/or said second (311) attachment portion is configured as a groove (201; 301), said groove (201; 301) comprising a first side wall (202; 302) and a second side wall (203; 303) facing said first side wall (202; 302), preferably wherein said second side wall (203; 303) is inclined away from said first side wall (202; 302).

[0132] 9. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 8, wherein said second side wall (203; 303) comprises a hook portion (204; 304) at a distal end of said second side wall (203; 303)

[0133] 10. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 8 or 9, wherein said first side wall (202; 302) further comprises a hook-shaped gripping member (205; 305) comprising a hook portion (206; 306), said hook-shaped gripping member (205; 305) being an extension of said first side wall (202; 302) with said hook portion (206; 306) bent from said first side wall (202; 302) by an angle being larger than 90 degrees with respect to said first side wall (202; 302).

[0134] 11. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (200) and said second (300) cover comprises an outer sealing surface (209; 309) substantially flush with an outer adjacent surface (105) of said load carrying bar (100).

[0135] 12. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (200) and said second (300) cover comprises an inner surface (210; 310) facing said channel (101), wherein said inner surface (210; 310) is inclined towards a side wall (106; 107) of said channel (101) being located on the same side as said cover (200; 300) comprising said inner surface (210; 310).

[0136] 13. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said first (200) and said second (300) cover comprises a friction reducing layer (208; 308) for reducing a friction between said at least one cover (200; 300) and said at least one mounting member (10).

[0137] 14. The load carrying bar (100) according any one of the preceding items, wherein said first cover (200) comprises an airflow regulating pattern (400) extending in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar () said pattern (400) comprising at least two raised rib portions (401, 402) relatively offset from each other in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100).

Load carrying bar according to the third aspect:

[0138] 1. A roof rack load carrying bar (100), comprising, [0139] a channel (101) for receiving at least one mounting member (10) for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to said load carrying bar (100), said channel (101) extending at least partly in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), [0140] at least a first cover (200) extending in said length direction (L) for sealing said channel (101) from an external environment, said first cover (200) comprising an attachment portion (211), said attachment portion (211) comprising a groove (201) extending in said length direction (L) attaching said first cover (200) to a corresponding protruding portion (102) extending in said length direction (L) on said load carrying bar (100), said groove (201) comprising a first (202) and a second (203) side wall, characterized in that,

[0141] said attachment portion (211) further comprising a hook-shaped gripping member (205) comprising a hook portion (206), said hook-shaped gripping member (205) being an extension of said first side wall with said hook portion (206) bent from said first side wall (202) by an angle being larger than 90 degrees with respect to said first side wall (202).

[0142] 2. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 1, wherein said hook portion (206) is bent from said first side wall (202) by an angle being larger than any one of 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 degrees with respect to said first side wall (202)

[0143] 3. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said hook portion (206) is bent outwardly from said groove (201).

[0144] 4. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of items 1-2, wherein said hook portion is bent inwardly into said groove.

[0145] 5. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said hook portion (206) is arranged to snap into a corresponding receiving portion (108) on said load carrying bar (100) for locking said at least first cover (200) to said load carrying bar (100).

[0146] 6. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said first side wall (202) extends substantially perpendicularly out from an upper surface (213) of said at least one first cover (200).

[0147] 7. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said second side wall (203) faces said first side wall (202), and wherein said second side wall (203) is inclined away from said first side wall (202).

[0148] 8. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said second side wall (203) comprises a hook portion (204) at an outer end of said second side wall (203)

Load carrying bar according to the fourth aspect:

[0149] 1. A roof rack load carrying bar (100), comprising, [0150] an airflow regulating pattern (400) extending in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), said pattern (400) comprising at least two raised rib portions (401, 402) relatively offset from each other in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), wherein each one of said at least two raised rib portions (401, 402) is diagonally arranged with respect to a travel direction (T) of said load carrying bar (100) during use and further has a portion width (d1) measured in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), wherein two adjacent raised rib portions (401, 402) are separated by a separation distance (L1) in said length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), characterized in that, said separation distance (L1) is at least two times greater than the portion width (d1) of at least one of said adjacent raised rib portions (401, 402).

[0151] 2. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 1, wherein said pattern (400) extends along at least 80% of a load carrying bar length (L10) in said length direction (L).

[0152] 3. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said pattern (400) is a continuous reoccurring pattern in said length direction (L), preferably with at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 raised rib portions (401, 402).

[0153] 4. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said at least two raised rib portions (406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411) is a V-shaped rib portion with a tip of said V-shape pointing in said travel direction (T).

[0154] 5. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, further comprising a channel (101) for receiving at least one mounting member (10) for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to said load carrying bar (100), said channel (101) extending at least partly in a length direction (L) of said load carrying bar (100), wherein said pattern (400) is at least partly located in front of said channel (101) with respect to said travel direction (T).

[0155] 6. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 5, said load carrying bar (100) further comprising at least a first cover (200) extending in said length direction (L) for sealing said channel (101) from an external environment, wherein said pattern (400) is located on said first cover (200).

[0156] 7. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said portion width (d1) of at least one of said adjacent raised rib portions is from 0.5 to 3 millimeters (mm), preferably 0.7-2.5 mm, more preferably 0.7-2 mm, such as 0.8-1.2 mm.

[0157] 8. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said at least two rib portions (401, 402) has a rib height from 0.3 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5-2 mm, such as 0.5-1 mm.

[0158] 9. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least one of said at least two raised rib portions (401, 402) is configured as a distinct raised rib portion with an angle (1) between a surface (214) onto which said at least one rib portion (401, 402) is located and a side wall (403) of said rib portion which is at least 90 degrees, such as from 90 to 120 degrees or 90-140 degrees.

Load carrying bar according to the fifth aspect:

[0159] 1. A roof rack load carrying bar (100), comprising, [0160] a cross sectional profile having a front bar portion (109) and a rear bar portion (110) with respect to a travel direction (T) of said load carrying bar (100) during use, said front bar portion (109) having a front edge (111), said rear bar portion (110) having a profile (112) tapering rearwards with respect to said travel direction (T) and towards a rear edge (113) of said rear bar portion (110), said front edge (111) comprising a first curved-shaped profile (114) extending from an upper portion (115) to a lower portion (116) of said front bar portion (109), characterized in that,

[0161] at least one of said first curved-shaped profile (114) and said rear edge (113) having a first distinct angular shift (117, 118, 119).

[0162] 2. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 1, wherein said first curved-shaped profile (114) has the first distinct angular shift (117) at a very front portion (120) of said front edge (111).

[0163] 3. The load carrying bar (100) according to item 2, wherein said first curved-shaped profile (114) further has a second distinct angular shift (118) approximately half-way up from said very front portion (120) with respect to said upper portion (115) of said front bar portion (109).

[0164] 4. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said cross sectional profile is a wing-shaped profile.

[0165] 5. The load carrying bar (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said at least one angular shift is from 5 to 60 degrees, preferably from 10 to 30 degrees, such as 10-20 degrees.