Accessory port and accessory for vehicle

Abstract

A crossbar for a vehicle may include a latching mechanism that provides a latching force that is maintained over various mounting conditions and / or changes in mounting conditions. In various implementations, the latch mechanism is provided with a spring assembly coupled to a pawl that is actuatable to releasably secure the crossbar to the vehicle.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 562,209, filed on March 6, 2024, entitled “Accessory Port And Accessory for Vehicles,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Accessory ports and accessories for the vehicle are provided. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification generally relates to accessory ports and accessories for vehicles. The accessory port may include a mechanical connector on the roof or bed of the vehicle, and the accessory may be a crossbar, which may also be referred to herein as a bracket, roof bracket, or roof bracket mount.

[0005] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a crossbar for a vehicle is provided, the crossbar including a pawl configured to interact with a striker of a mechanical connector on the vehicle to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector; and a spring assembly mechanically coupled to the pawl and configured to provide a latching force tolerance to the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector. The crossbar may also include one or more sealing features configured to form a seal with the mechanical connector when the crossbar is mounted to the mechanical connector. The latching force tolerance may maintain a latching force for the pawl within a range of configurations of the one or more sealing features.

[0006] The one or more sealing features may include an outer sealing feature configured to form a first seal between the mechanical connector and an outermost surface of the crossbar and an inner sealing feature configured to form a second seal between a striker of the mechanical connector and another surface of the crossbar.

[0007] The spring assembly may include a spring and screw assembly.

[0008] The spring assembly may include a leaf spring.The pawl may include a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion, and the leaf spring may couple the first portion of the pawl to the second portion of the pawl.

[0009] The crossbar may further include a locking structure and an additional spring that biases the locking structure into a locked position that holds the pawl in the latched configuration. The crossbar may further include a paddle for controlling a latch mechanism that includes the pawl, the spring assembly, the locking structure, and the additional spring. Moving the paddle when the pawl is in the latched configuration moves a protrusion on a structure mechanically coupled to the paddle into contact with the locking structure to push the locking structure away from the locked position, thereby compressing the additional spring until the pawl is released into the unlocked configuration. The spring assembly may also be configured to allow the latch including the pawl to latch and unlock with a constant force throughout the range of the latch.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, comprising a mechanical connector having a striker, and a crossbar including a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may include a pawl configured to interact with the striker of the mechanical connector to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector, and a spring assembly mechanically coupled to the pawl and configured to provide a latching force tolerance to the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector.

[0011] The vehicle may further include a mechanical connector mounted to a roof of the vehicle or a truck bed. The crossbar may further include one or more sealing features configured to form a seal with the mechanical connector when the crossbar is mounted to the mechanical connector, wherein the latching force tolerance maintains the latching force for the pawl over a range of configurations of the one or more sealing features.

[0012] The spring assembly may include a die spring and a screw assembly.

[0013] The spring assembly may include a leaf spring. The pawl may include a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion, and the leaf spring may couple the first portion of the pawl to the second portion of the pawl. The latch mechanism may also include a locking structure and an additional spring that biases the locking structure into a locked position that retains the pawl in the latched configuration.

[0014] The crossbar may further include a paddle for controlling a latch mechanism including a pawl, a spring assembly, a locking structure, and an additional spring. When the pawl is in the latched configuration, moving the paddle causes a protrusion on a structure mechanically coupled to the paddle to move into contact with the locking structure, pushing the locking structure away from the locked position, thereby compressing the additional spring until the pawl is released into the unlocked configuration. The spring assembly may also be configured to allow the latch including the pawl to latch and unlock with a constant force throughout the range of the latch.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a latch mechanism for a crossbar of a vehicle is provided, the latch mechanism comprising: a pawl configured to interact with a striker of a mechanical connector on the vehicle to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector; and a spring assembly mechanically coupled to the pawl and configured to provide a latching force tolerance to the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector. The pawl may comprise a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion, wherein a leaf spring couples the first portion of the pawl to the second portion of the pawl. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims.For illustrative purposes, however, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0017] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic side view of an example implementation of a vehicle having a crossbar mounted to the vehicle is shown, according to one or more implementations.

[0018] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic perspective view of an example implementation of a vehicle having a crossbar mounted to the vehicle is shown, according to one or more implementations.

[0019] Figure 3 A side view of an example crossbar is shown according to one or more implementations.

[0020] Figure 4 A side view of another example crossbar is shown according to one or more implementations.

[0021] Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of an example implementation of a crossbar is shown, according to one or more implementations.

[0022] Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of another example implementation of a crossbar is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0023] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of yet another example implementation of a crossbar is shown, according to one or more implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The specific embodiments set forth below are intended to be used as a description of various configurations of the subject technology, and are not intended to represent the only configuration that can be put into practice. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject technology, the specific embodiments include specific details. However, the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein, and one or more other specific implementations can be used to put it into practice. In one or more specific implementations, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusion between the concepts of the subject technology.

[0025] Aspects of the subject technology described herein relate to accessory ports and accessories for vehicles, such as electric vehicles.

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example implementation of an apparatus as described herein. Figure 1A In an example of FIG, the device includes a mobile device implemented as a vehicle 100. As shown, the vehicle 100 may include one or more batteries 110. The battery 110 may be coupled to the electrical system of the vehicle 100 to receive power for charging the battery and / or to provide power to one or more electronic components of the vehicle's electrical system.

[0027] In one or more specific implementations, the vehicle 100 can be an electric vehicle having one or more electric motors that use electricity from a battery 110 to drive the vehicle's wheels 102. The battery 110 can include one or more battery modules or can have no battery modules (e.g., in a cell-to-pack configuration), which can include one or more battery cells. In one or more specific implementations, the vehicle 100 can also or alternatively include one or more chemically powered engines, such as a gasoline-powered engine or a fuel cell-powered motor. For example, the electric vehicle can be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., a hybrid or plug-in hybrid).

[0028] exist Figure 1A In the example of FIG. 1 , the vehicle 100 is implemented as a truck (eg, a pickup truck) having a roof 122 and a truck bed 124 .

[0029] As shown, the vehicle 100 may include one or more corresponding mechanical connectors 159 (e.g., accessory ports). For example, the mechanical connectors 159 may be disposed on and / or embedded within the roof 122 of the vehicle 100, and / or disposed on a surface or wall of the cabin 124 of the vehicle 100.

[0030] exist Figure 1A In the example of FIG. 1 , two mechanical connectors 159 are visible on the roof 122 of the vehicle 100 (eg, at or near the left side of the vehicle, which is Figure 1A In one or more implementations, two additional mechanical connectors 159 may be symmetrically disposed on the roof 122 of the vehicle 100, such as at or near the right side of the vehicle. Figure 1A In such an embodiment, the roof 122 of the vehicle 100 may include four mechanical connectors 159. Figure 1A As shown, in one or more embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include one or more mechanical connectors 159 on or near a wall of the vehicle's cabin 124 (e.g., in addition to and / or in place of one or more of the mechanical connectors 159 on the vehicle's roof 122).

[0031] like Figure 1A As shown, one or more cross bars 120 can be mounted to the vehicle 100 using mechanical connectors 159. For example, each cross bar 120 can be removably mounted to one or more mechanical connectors 159. For example, each cross bar 120 can be removably mounted to two mechanical connectors on opposing sides of the roof 122 or the truck bed 124.

[0032] exist Figure 1A In the example of FIG, the crossbar 120 is mounted to the mechanical connector 159 of the vehicle 100 implemented as a pickup truck. However, in one or more other use cases, the crossbar 120 and the mechanical connector 159 can be mounted to another type of vehicle. For example, Figure 1B Another use case is shown where the vehicle 100 including the battery 110, mechanical connector 159, and crossbar 120 is implemented as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), such as an electric sport utility vehicle. Figure 1B In the example of FIG. 1 , the vehicle 100 may include a cargo storage area at least in the rear of the vehicle that is enclosed within the vehicle 100 (e.g., behind a row of seats within the cabin of the vehicle). As shown, in this example, the vehicle 100 may include two mechanical connectors 159 located on the left side of the roof 122 of the SUV. One or more (e.g., two) additional mechanical connectors 159 may also be provided on the right side of the vehicle's roof 122 (e.g., symmetrically with the two mechanical connectors 159 on the left side of the vehicle's roof 122). In other specific implementations, the vehicle 100 may be implemented as another type of electric truck, electric delivery van, electric motor vehicle, electric electric vehicle, electric motorcycle, electric scooter, electric bus, electric passenger or commercial truck, hybrid vehicle, or other vehicle, such as a marine or air transport vehicle, airplane, helicopter, submarine, boat, or drone, and / or any other movable device having a mechanical connector for a crossbar.

[0033] Figure 2A The implementation is shown as Figure 1A1 and 2. A perspective view of vehicle 100 is shown with a pickup truck in FIG. 1 and illustrating how crossbar 120 may extend across the width of the vehicle and be mounted at or near opposite sides of the vehicle (e.g., mounted to mechanical connectors 159 on opposite sides of the vehicle). Figure 2B The implementation is shown as Figure 1B 1 and 2. A perspective view of vehicle 100 is shown, which is an SUV in a vehicle 100, and illustrates how crossbars 120 may extend across the width of the vehicle and be mounted at or near opposite sides of the vehicle (e.g., mounted to mechanical connectors 159 on opposite sides of the vehicle).

[0034] Figure 3 A side view of an example crossbar 120 is shown in accordance with one or more implementations. Figure 3 In the example of , the mechanical connector 159 can be attached to the vehicle using bolts (e.g., permanently). Figure 3 In the example of FIG, the paddle 300 of the crossbar 120 is shown in the open position. Figure 3 120 from the mechanical connector 159, and / or the crossbar 120 can be actuated downward to latch or clamp the crossbar 120 to the mechanical connector 159, as described in further detail below. As shown, a lock 302 can be disposed below the paddle 300. For example, the lock 302 can be switched from an unlocked position that allows the paddle 300 to be actuated upward to release the crossbar 120 and / or actuated downward to latch the crossbar 120 to the mechanical connector 159.

[0035] Figure 4 A side view of another example crossbar is shown according to one or more implementations. Figure 4 In the example of , the mechanical connector 159 may include a mechanism 400 and a protrusion 402. For example, the mechanism 400 may be a release mechanism, and the protrusion 402 may be mechanically coupled to the release mechanism to release the mechanical connector 159 from the vehicle 100. Figure 4 In the example of , paddle 300 is shown in the closed position. Figure 4 In the closed position, a latch mechanism within the cross bar 120 clamps the cross bar 120 to the mechanical connector 159.

[0036] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 The internal features of various latching mechanisms are shown, which may be included in the crossbar 120 and may be controlled by Figure 3 and Figure 4 The paddle 300 is actuated to release and / or latch the crossbar 120 from the mechanical connector 159 .

[0037] Figure 5 According to one or more specific implementations Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of the crossbar. Figure 5 In the example, with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The crossbar 120 is shown in the same orientation as in FIG, and with a portion of the crossbar housing removed to show the latch mechanism 501. As shown, the crossbar 120 may include a latch mechanism 501 operable to releasably couple the crossbar to the mechanical connector 159 using a pawl 500 that engages a striker 502 on the mechanical connector 159. Figure 5 In the example of FIG, latch mechanism 501 is shown in an unlocked configuration. In this example, moving the paddle downward can lift structure 503 coupled to paddle 300 and pawl 500. Structure 503 can be pulled upward on one side of pawl 500 until locking structure 504 moves (e.g., snaps) into place to hold pawl 500 in a latched position about striker 502. Once latched, lifting paddle 300 upward can move protrusion 506 downward to rotate locking structure 504, thereby allowing pawl 500 to move (e.g., snap) back into position. Figure 5 Shown in unlocked position.

[0038] exist Figure 5 In the example of FIG, the pawl 500 can provide a limited amount of tolerance with respect to the clamping force of the latch mechanism 501 on the mechanical connector 159. For example, a sealing material 508 can be provided on the cross bar 120 to provide a sealing interface between the cross bar 120 and the mechanical connector 159 when the cross bar 120 is latched. The sealing material 508 can be a flexible material that can change thickness or flexibility over time. In one or more specific implementations, one or more adjustment screws 510 can be provided for modifying the clamping force of the latch mechanism 501. However, it may be desirable to be able to provide a latch mechanism that incorporates an internal tolerance for clamping force (e.g., to adjust for changes in thickness and / or flexibility of the sealing material without having to adjust the adjustment screws 510).

[0039] Figure 6 In one specific implementation, Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of a crossbar, wherein the crossbar includes a latch mechanism 601. For example, relative to Figure 5 The latch mechanism 501 and the latch mechanism 601 can provide additional clamping force tolerance for the crossbar 120. Figure 6 In the example, with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The crossbar 120 is shown in the same orientation as in FIG, with a portion of the crossbar housing removed to show the latch mechanism 601. Figure 6As shown, the crossbar 120 may be releasably coupled to the mechanical connector 159 using a pawl 600 that engages a striker 502 on the mechanical connector 159 .

[0040] exist Figure 6 60. In the example of FIG. 60, the latch mechanism 601 is shown in a latched configuration, wherein the locking structure 609 holds the pawl 600 in a latched position about the striker 502. In this example, lifting the paddle 300 upward may move the protrusion 611 downward to rotate the locking structure 609, thereby allowing the pawl 600 to rotate (e.g., snap) into the unlocked position. Once unlocked, moving the paddle 300 downward may lift the structure 607 coupled to the paddle 300 and / or the pawl 600. Moving the structure 607 upward may cause or allow one side of the pawl 600 to move upward while the other side of the pawl moves downward until the locking structure 609 rotates (e.g., snaps) into place to hold the pawl 600 in the unlocked position. Figure 6 latch position.

[0041] and Figure 5 Compared with the specific implementation of Figure 6 The crossbar 120 of the embodiment may include a spring assembly, such as a die spring and screw assembly 604 (e.g., including spring 605 and screw 603). For example, the die spring and screw assembly 604 may apply an upward force on the side of the pawl 600 away from the locking structure 609 along some or all of the range of motion of the pawl 600. In this way, the die spring and screw assembly 604 may provide benefits (e.g., relative to Figure 5 embodi ments), such as additional tolerance adjustment and / or a constant force is applied to the latch (e.g., including pawl 600) throughout the range of motion of the latch (e.g., full range). Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the same force may be provided at the paddle 300 to unlock and latch the crossbar 120 to the mechanical connector 159 (eg, due to Figure 6 Over-center design of the system in Figure 6 In the example of , the die spring and screw assembly 604 is used to provide a latching force tolerance for the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector. However, other configurations of the latch assembly are possible, including using other spring assemblies in the latch mechanism.

[0042] For example, Figure 7 Shown Figure 4 sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment of a crossbar, in which the crossbar includes a latch mechanism 701 having another spring assembly 704. For example, with respect to Figure 5 The latch mechanism 501, latch mechanism 701 can also provide additional clamping force tolerance for the crossbar 120. Figure 7 In the example, with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The crossbar 120 is shown in the opposite orientation to that shown in FIG. Figure 7 Not shown, but the crossbar 120 may be releasably coupled to the mechanical connector 159 using a pawl 700 that engages a striker 502 on the mechanical connector 159 .

[0043] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the latch mechanism 701 is shown in a latched configuration, wherein the locking structure 709 holds the pawl 700 in the latched position (e.g., the curved portion of the pawl 700 partially extends around the striker 502). As shown, an additional spring 713 can be provided in the latch mechanism 701 that pulls the locking structure 709 toward the latch position. Figure 7 502 , until the locking structure 709 rotates (e.g., snaps) into position to retain the first portion 700A of the pawl 700. Figure 7 latch position.

[0044] As shown in the figure, Figure 7 The spring assembly 704 includes a leaf spring 705. As shown, the leaf spring 705 can couple the first portion 700A of the pawl 700 to the second portion 700B of the pawl 700. For example, the first portion 700A of the pawl 700 and the second portion 700B of the pawl 700 can be separated by a gap 706. The leaf spring 705 can span the gap 706, wherein a first end of the leaf spring 705 is attached to the first portion 700A of the pawl 700 and a second end of the leaf spring 705 is attached to the second portion 700B of the pawl 700. Figure 7 In the latch configuration, the leaf spring 705 can be bent into a substantially flat shape. When the first portion 700A of the pawl 700 is released by the locking structure 709, the leaf spring 705 can contract into a curved shape (e.g., a wide U-shape), thereby pulling the first portion 700A and the second portion 700B of the pawl 700 toward each other. Figure 7 In the flexed configuration shown, the leaf spring 705 can exert a force on the second portion 700B of the pawl 700 that holds the second portion 700B against the striker of the mechanical connector 159 even if the relative positions of the pawl 700 and the striker change (e.g., to the flexed range of the leaf spring).

[0045] In this manner, the leaf spring 705 can provide a spring-loaded flexibility in the pawl 700 that helps provide a desired latching force even in different configurations of the sealing feature 708. For example, the leaf spring 705 can allow manufacturing variations in the sealing feature 708 and / or changes in the flexibility and / or thickness of the sealing feature 708 over time (e.g., due to wear) to be tolerated by the latch mechanism 701 without substantially changing the latching force with which the latch mechanism 701 latches the crossbar 120 to the vehicle (e.g., to the striker on the mechanical connector 159). For example, if the sealing feature 708 becomes more compressed over time, causing the striker to move away from the latching portion of the second portion 700B of the pawl 700, the leaf spring 705 can provide a force that compensates for this relative movement to maintain the latching force provided by the pawl 700.

[0046] like Figures 1A-7 As shown, in one or more specific implementations, a crossbar 120 for a vehicle 100 can be provided. The crossbar 120 can include a pawl (e.g., pawl 600 or pawl 700) configured to interact with a striker 502 of a mechanical connector 159 on the vehicle 100 to releasably secure the crossbar 120 to the mechanical connector 159. The crossbar 120 can also include a spring assembly (e.g., spring assembly) mechanically coupled to the pawl. Figure 6 Die spring and screw assembly 604 or Figure 7 705) (e.g., to provide a spring force on a portion of the pawl). The crossbar 120 may also include one or more sealing features (e.g., sealing material 508, sealing features 606 and / or 608, or sealing feature 708) that are configured to form a seal with the mechanical connector 159 when the crossbar 120 is mounted to the mechanical connector 159. For example, the one or more sealing features may include an outer sealing feature 606 (e.g., configured to form a first seal between the mechanical connector 159 and the outermost surface of the crossbar 120). The one or more sealing features may also include an inner sealing feature 608 (e.g., configured to form a second seal between the striker 502 of the mechanical connector 159 and another surface of the crossbar 120). As discussed herein, the spring assembly can be configured to provide tolerance adjustment for mounting the crossbar 120 to the mechanical connector 159, and / or to allow a latch including a pawl to be latched and unlatched using a constant force over a range of latching (e.g., full range).

[0047] In one or more implementations, a vehicle 100 can be provided that includes a mechanical connector 159 having a striker 502. The vehicle 100 can include a crossbar 120. The crossbar 120 can include a pawl (e.g., pawl 600 or pawl 700) configured to interact with the striker 502 of the mechanical connector 159 to releasably secure the crossbar 120 to the mechanical connector 159. The crossbar 120 can also include a spring assembly (e.g., spring assembly 600) mechanically coupled to the pawl. Figure 6 Die spring and screw assembly 604 or Figure 7 leaf spring 705).

[0048] In one or more implementations, the latching force tolerance maintains the latching force for the pawl over a range of configurations of one or more sealing features (e.g., due to mechanical variations in the sealing features and / or wear of the sealing features over time). In one or more implementations, the spring assembly can include a leaf spring 705. For example, the pawl can include a first portion 700A and a second portion 700B separate from the first portion, and the leaf spring 705 can couple the first portion 700A of the pawl to the second portion 700B of the pawl. In one or more implementations, the crossbar (e.g., the latch mechanism of the crossbar) can also include a locking structure 709 and an additional spring 713 that biases the locking structure 709 into a locked position, which holds the pawl in the latched configuration (e.g., as Figure 7 ). In one or more implementations, the crossbar may further include a paddle 300 for controlling a latch mechanism 701 including a pawl, a spring assembly (e.g., spring assembly 704), a locking structure 709, and an additional spring 713. Moving the paddle when the pawl is in the latched configuration may cause a protrusion 711 on a structure 707 mechanically coupled to the paddle to move into contact with the locking structure 709 to push the locking structure 709 away from the locked position, thereby compressing the additional spring 713 until the pawl 700 is released into the unlocked configuration. In one or more implementations, the spring assembly is further configured to allow a latch including the pawl to latch and unlock using a constant force within the range of the latch.

[0049] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" preceding a series of items, together with the terms "and" or "or" used to separate any items, modifies the entire list, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one" does not require selection of at least one of each listed item; rather, the phrase allows for the inclusion of the meaning of at least one of any of those items, and / or at least one of any combination of those items, and / or at least one of each of those items. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0050] The predicates "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of the subject matter, but are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or component may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control the operation or that the processor is operable to monitor and control the operation. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0051] Phrases such as an aspect, this aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, a specific implementation, this specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, an embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, a configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject technology, this disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof, etc. are for convenience and do not imply that the disclosure associated with such phrases is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosure associated with such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other aforementioned phrases.

[0052] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or serving as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other specific implementations. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0053] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to serve the public regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element will be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless it is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “step for.”

[0054] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein elements mentioned in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one", unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more". Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit this disclosure.

[0055] The invention title, background technology, description of the figures, abstract of the specification and drawings are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure rather than as limiting descriptions. This document is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, the description provides illustrative examples and various features are grouped together in various specific implementations. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those expressly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0056] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompassing all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A crossbar for a vehicle, the crossbar comprising: a pawl configured to interact with a striker of a mechanical connector on the vehicle to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector; and A spring assembly is mechanically coupled to the pawl and is configured to provide a latching force tolerance to the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector.

2. The crossbar of claim 1 , further comprising one or more sealing features configured to form a seal with the mechanical connector when the crossbar is mounted to the mechanical connector, wherein The latching force tolerance maintains a latching force for the pawl over a range of configurations of the one or more sealing features.

3. The crossbar according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more sealing features include: an outer sealing feature configured to form a first seal between the mechanical connector and an outermost surface of the crossbar; and An inner sealing feature is configured to form a second seal between the striker of the mechanical connector and another surface of the crossbar.

4. The crossbar according to claim 1, wherein The spring assembly includes a spring and a screw assembly.

5. The crossbar according to claim 1, wherein The spring assembly includes a leaf spring.

6. The crossbar according to claim 5, wherein: The pawl includes a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion, and wherein the leaf spring couples the first portion of the pawl to the second portion of the pawl.

7. The crossbar according to claim 1, further comprising: Locking structure; and An additional spring biases the locking structure into a locked position that retains the pawl in the latched configuration.

8. The crossbar of claim 7, further comprising a paddle for controlling a latch mechanism, the latch mechanism comprising the pawl, the spring assembly, the locking structure, and the additional spring, wherein Moving the paddle when the pawl is in the latched configuration moves a protrusion on a structure mechanically coupled to the paddle into contact with the locking structure to push the locking structure away from the locked position, thereby compressing the additional spring until the pawl is released into the unlocked configuration.

9. The crossbar according to claim 1, wherein The spring assembly is further configured to allow a latch including the pawl to latch and unlatch with a constant force over a range of the latch.

10. A vehicle, comprising: a mechanical connector having a firing pin; and A crossbar including a latch mechanism comprising: a pawl configured to interact with the striker of the mechanical connector to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector; and A spring assembly is mechanically coupled to the pawl and is configured to provide a latching force tolerance to the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The mechanical connector is mounted to the roof or bed of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle of claim 10, the crossbar further comprising one or more sealing features configured to form a seal with the mechanical connector when the crossbar is mounted to the mechanical connector, wherein The latching force tolerance maintains a latching force for the pawl over a range of configurations of the one or more sealing features.

13. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The spring assembly includes a spring and a screw assembly.

14. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The spring assembly includes a leaf spring.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein: The pawl includes a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion, and wherein the leaf spring couples the first portion of the pawl to the second portion of the pawl.

16. The vehicle of claim 10, the latch mechanism further comprising: Locking structure; and An additional spring biases the locking structure into a locked position that retains the pawl in the latched configuration.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, the crossbar further comprising a paddle for controlling the latch mechanism, the latch mechanism comprising the pawl, the spring assembly, the locking structure, and the additional spring, wherein: Moving the paddle when the pawl is in the latched configuration moves a protrusion on a structure mechanically coupled to the paddle into contact with the locking structure to push the locking structure away from the locked position, thereby compressing the additional spring until the pawl is released into the unlocked configuration.

18. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The spring assembly is further configured to allow a latch including the pawl to latch and unlatch with a constant force over a range of the latch.

19. A latch mechanism for a crossbar of a vehicle, the latch mechanism comprising: a pawl configured to interact with a striker of a mechanical connector on the vehicle to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector; and A spring assembly is mechanically coupled to the pawl and is configured to provide a latching force tolerance to the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector.

20. The latch mechanism of claim 19, wherein: The pawl includes a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion, and wherein a leaf spring couples the first portion of the pawl to the second portion of the pawl.

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