Corner brackets for mounting on a vehicle's roof rack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a corner bracket (20) for mounting on a roof rack frame of a vehicle, consisting of longitudinal (4) and transverse cross members (6). The corner bracket is essentially designed as a U- or C-shaped profile and partially encompasses the outer surfaces of the adjacent cross members. It is designed such that the corner bracket leg profiles (22) begin offset from the geometric intersection of the cross members and are connected by a connecting profile (26) that is inclined to the vehicle axis. The corner bracket can be made of metal and, depending on the design, has flanges (23, 27) with mounting openings to ensure stable fixing and assembly. The webs of the leg profiles and the connecting profile can be aligned either in the vertical axis (z) or at an angle (θ) to it. The connecting profile can be straight or curved to allow for improved aerodynamic adaptation and stability.The design includes structural details such as U-profile stiffeners and flange overlaps (34), which can be joined by riveting, spot welding, or clinching. The corner bracket is manufactured either as a single piece from a bent sheet metal part, a die-cast part, or a welded part, and can be equipped with additional engagement elements. This design ensures increased stability, load-bearing capacity, and ease of assembly for applications on vehicle roof rack systems.

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