Clamp assembly for reconfigurable roof rack

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a clip assembly for a reconfigurable roof rack. A reconfigurable roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle may include a roof rail. The assembly may also include a crossbar configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The assembly may include a clamp assembly including a joystick configured to apply a force to a side of the crossbar facing away from the roof rail to clamp the crossbar in place relative to the roof rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a clamp assembly for a reconfigurable roof rack for a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Some motor vehicles include a roof rack assembly, which may be referred to as a "roof rack," and includes roof rails extending along the sides of the roof. The roof rails serve as mounting points for equipment such as luggage or sporting equipment. Some roof rack assemblies also include crossbars extending between the roof rails. For example, the crossbars provide additional mounting points for equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle, the roof rack assembly including: a roof longitudinal rail; a crossbar configured between a first configuration and a second configuration; and a clamp assembly including a lever configured to apply force to a side of the crossbar opposite to the roof longitudinal rail to clamp the crossbar in place relative to the roof longitudinal rail.

[0004] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which: the clamp assembly is configurable between a locked position, an interchanged position, and an unlocked position; in the locked position, the clamp assembly is configured to prevent rotation and vertical movement of the crossbar relative to the roof rail; in the interchanged position, the clamp assembly is configured to allow the crossbar to be removed from the clamp assembly; and in the unlocked position, the clamp assembly is configured to allow the crossbar to rotate relative to the roof rail.

[0005] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which, in the unlocked position, the lever restricts vertical movement of the crossbar.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which the crossbar can be configured between a first configuration and a second configuration when the clamp assembly is not in the locked position.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which: in a first configuration, the crossbar is substantially parallel to the roof rails, and in a second configuration, the crossbar is substantially perpendicular to the roof rails.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which the lever includes a cam configured to contact the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof longitudinal rail.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly, wherein the clamp assembly further includes a shaft attached to the control lever.

[0010] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which the lever is substantially parallel to the axis when the clamp assembly is in the interchanged position.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which: the crossbar includes a through hole adjacent to its end, and a portion of the shaft protrudes through the through hole when the clamp assembly is in a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0012] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which the through-hole has a first size and a second size, the first size being larger than the width of the lever and the second size being smaller than the width of the lever.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which the control lever is rotatably attached to the shaft.

[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which: a head is disposed at the end of the shaft opposite to the lever, the head having an increased diameter relative to the shaft; the roof rail includes roof rail legs, the roof rail legs including through holes receiving the head and a portion of the shaft; the through holes include a first section adjacent to the crossbar and having a first diameter; the through holes include a second section having a second diameter greater than the first diameter; and the head is disposed in the second section.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which: the through-hole presents a shoulder at the intersection of the first and second sections, and when the clamp assembly is in a locked position, the cam is configured to apply force to the shaft such that the head contacts the shoulder.

[0016] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which the side of the crossbar opposite the roof rail includes a recess configured to at least partially receive the lever when the clamp assembly is in a locked and unlocked position.

[0017] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which, when the clamp assembly is in the locked position, the lever contacts a pedestal within the recess, thereby providing space between the recess and the lever.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which: the roof rail includes a first roof rail support leg and a second roof rail support leg spaced apart from the first roof rail support leg; the clamping assembly is a first clamping assembly adjacent to the first roof rail support leg; the roof rack assembly further includes a second clamping assembly adjacent to the second roof rail support leg; and the second clamping assembly includes a lever configured to apply force on the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof rail.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly in which: the roof rail includes a central section extending between a first roof rail support and a second roof rail support, and when the crossbar is in the first configuration, the crossbar vertically overlaps with at least a portion of the first roof rail support, the second roof rail support, and the central section.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a roof rack assembly, wherein: the roof rails are first roof rails, the crossbars are first crossbars, the roof rack assembly further includes a second roof rail spaced apart from the first roof rails, the roof rack assembly further includes a second crossbar configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and the roof rack assembly further includes a third clamp assembly and a fourth clamp assembly adjacent to the second roof rails, wherein when the first crossbar and the second crossbar are in their respective first configurations, the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly clamp the first crossbar in place, and the second clamp assembly and the third clamp assembly clamp the second crossbar in place; and when the first crossbar and the second crossbar are in their respective second configurations, the first clamp assembly and the third clamp assembly clamp the first crossbar in place, and the second clamp assembly and the fourth clamp assembly clamp the second crossbar in place.

[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: clamping the crossbar to the roof rail by rotating a lever of a clamp assembly such that the lever applies a force to the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof rail of the motor vehicle.

[0022] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes: rotating the lever of the clamp assembly and removing the crossbar from the clamp assembly; and after removing the crossbar, moving the crossbar relative to the roof rail between a first configuration and a second configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A motor vehicle with a roof rack assembly is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the roof rack assembly, with the crossbars in the first configuration.

[0025] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The view shows the crossbar in the second configuration.

[0026] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The view shows the horizontal bar moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a close-up view of one end of a crossbar, an exemplary clamp assembly, and a portion of the roof rail. Figure 5 In the middle, the fixture assembly is in the exchange position.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of one end of the crossbar, the exemplary clamp assembly, and the portion of the roof rail. Figure 6 In the middle, the fixture assembly is in the locked position.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of one end of the crossbar, the exemplary clamp assembly, and the portion of the roof rail. Figure 7 In the middle, the clamp assembly is in the unlocked position. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure relates to a clamp assembly for a reconfigurable roof rack in a motor vehicle. Specifically, the clamp assembly includes a lever configured to selectively apply force to a crossbar on the side opposite to the roof longitudinal rail (i.e., the top side of the crossbar). When in a locked position, the clamp assembly prevents rotation and vertical movement of the crossbar. Furthermore, a user can move the lever so that the clamp assembly is no longer in the locked position, thereby allowing the crossbar to be moved to another configuration. These and other benefits will become apparent from the following description.

[0031] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of motor vehicle 10 (“vehicle 10”). Although in Figure 1 In this design, vehicle 10 is shown as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), but this disclosure also applies to other types of vehicles. Vehicle 10 includes a roof rack assembly or “roof rack” A, which includes a first roof rail 12 and a second roof rail 14 extending along opposite sides of the roof 16 of vehicle 10.

[0032] Figures 2 to 4 An additional view of the roof rack assembly A is shown from a rear view, and particularly from a rear view of one side of the vehicle 10, which in regions such as North America is the passenger side of the vehicle 10.

[0033] The roof rack assembly A also includes at least one crossbar, which can be configured between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first and second configurations of the at least one crossbar can be referred to as a configuration of the roof rack assembly A or a configuration of the crossbar. In the first configuration, the roof rack assembly A is essentially configured as a roof rail without a crossbar, while in the second configuration, the roof rack assembly A is configured as a roof rail with a crossbar extending therebetween. The roof rail and crossbar provide attachment points for, for example, mounting equipment relative to the roof rack assembly A. Depending on the type of equipment to be mounted, the user can select to configure the roof rack assembly A as either the first or second configuration.

[0034] exist Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the roof rack assembly A includes a first crossbar 18 and a second crossbar 20. The first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 can be configured in a first configuration ( Figure 2 ) and the second configuration ( Figure 3 Configure between ) . For example Figure 2 As shown, in the first configuration, the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 are substantially parallel to the first roof rail 12 and the second roof rail 14 (i.e., the length of each of the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 is substantially parallel to the length of the first roof rail 12 and the second roof rail 14) and also substantially parallel to the centerline C of the vehicle 10. Figure 3 As shown, in the second configuration, the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 are substantially perpendicular to the first roof rail 12 and the second roof rail 14, and also substantially perpendicular to the centerline C of the vehicle 10.

[0035] The roof rack assembly A also includes at least one clamp assembly configured to selectively lock the crossbar in place and facilitate movement of the crossbar between a first configuration and a second configuration. Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the roof rack assembly A includes four clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, and 28.

[0036] In this disclosure, each of the clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 can be configured between a locked position, an exchange position, and an unlocked position, as will be discussed below. In the locked position, clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to clamp one of the crossbars 18, 20 in place relative to one of the roof rails 12, 14. In the exchange position, clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to release and / or receive the crossbars 18, 20. In the unlocked position, clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to allow the crossbars 18, 20 to rotate relative to the corresponding roof rails 12, 14, and are particularly configured to allow the crossbars 18, 20 to pivot or swing as they move between the first and second configurations.

[0037] The crossbars 18, 20 and the clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to move between their respective configurations only when the vehicle 10 is stationary.

[0038] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 are in a first arrangement, and the clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, and 28 are in a locked position, wherein the clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, and 28 hold the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 in place relative to the first roof rail 12 and the second roof rail 14. Specifically, the first clamp assembly 22 engages with the first crossbar 18 near its first end 30, and the second clamp assembly 24 engages with the first crossbar 18 near its second end 32. Furthermore, the third clamp assembly 26 engages with the second crossbar 20 near its first end 34, and the fourth clamp assembly 28 engages with the second crossbar 20 near its second end 36.

[0039] To allow the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 to move between a first configuration and a second configuration, clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, and 28 move from a locked position to an exchange position or an unlocked position. In one embodiment of this disclosure, each of the clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, and 28 is movable between a locked position, an exchange position, and an unlocked position, allowing a user to freely choose how to move the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 between the first and second configurations. In another embodiment of this disclosure, one of the clamp assemblies 22 and 24 is movable only between the locked and exchange positions, and the other of the clamp assemblies 22 and 24 is movable only between the locked and unlocked positions. In this same example, one of the clamp assemblies 26 and 28 is movable only between the locked and exchange positions, and the other of the clamp assemblies 26 and 28 is movable only between the locked and unlocked positions. In this example, the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 are rotatable only in one direction between the first and second configurations.

[0040] exist Figure 4 In the example, clamp assembly 22 is in the exchange position, and clamp assembly 24 is in the unlocked position. Therefore, the first crossbar 18 can be detached from clamp assembly 22 and pivot about clamp assembly 24 in direction R1. Figure 3 The second configuration. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the middle position, clamp assembly 28 is in the exchange position, and clamp assembly 26 is in the unlocked position. Therefore, the second crossbar 20 can be removed from clamp assembly 28 and pivot about clamp assembly 26 in direction R2. Figure 3 The second configuration.

[0041] Referring to the second configuration when the first crossbar 18 and the second crossbar 20 are in the second configuration, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first clamp assembly 22 and the third clamp assembly 26 are in the locked position and engage with the second crossbar 20 to hold the second crossbar 20 in place, such that the second crossbar 20 spans between the first roof rail 12 and the second roof rail 14. Similarly, the second clamp assembly 24 and the fourth clamp assembly 28 are in the locked position and engage with the first crossbar 18 to hold the first crossbar 18 in place, such that the first crossbar 18 spans between the first roof rail 12 and the second roof rail 14.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 The first roof rail 12 includes a first roof rail support 38, a second roof rail support 40, and a central section 42 spanning between the first roof rail support 38 and the second roof rail support 40. The second roof rail 14 is similarly configured.

[0043] When the first crossbar 18 is in the first configuration, it vertically overlaps at least a portion of the first roof rail support 38, the second roof rail support 40, and the central section 42. The first roof rail support 38, the second roof rail support 40, and the central section 42 are configured to contact and support the first crossbar 18 from below. The first crossbar 18, the first roof rail support 38, the second roof rail support 40, and the central section 42 may include complementary protrusions and / or recesses configured to facilitate engagement and / or alignment of the first crossbar 18 relative to the first roof rail 12. The first roof rail support 38 and the second roof rail support 40 are sections of the first roof rail 12. Among other configurations, the first roof rail support 38 and the second roof rail support 40 include structures configured to connect to and contact the roof 16. In this example, the central section 42 does not directly contact the roof 16. In other examples, the central section 42 may contact the roof 16. The second roof rail 14 and the second crossbar 20 are similarly configured.

[0044] Figure 5This is a perspective view of a portion of the roof rack assembly A, specifically showing the arrangement of the first clamp assembly 22 relative to a portion of the first roof rail support 38 and the first crossbar 18 adjacent to the first end 30. Figure 5 In this configuration, the first clamp assembly 22 is in an interchanged position. In some examples, a portion of the adjacent end 30 of the first crossbar 18 may be provided by a separate end cap attached to the remainder of the first crossbar 18. Although the first clamp assembly 22, the first crossbar 18, and the first roof rail support 38 are shown, it should be understood that clamp assemblies 24, 26, 28, the second crossbar 20, and additional roof rail supports (including the second roof rail support 40 and the roof rail support of the second crossbar 20) are similarly configured.

[0045] Adjacent to end 30, the first crossbar 18 includes a recess 44 recessed relative to the uppermost surface 46 of the first crossbar 18. The recess 44 includes a bottom wall 48. Within the recess 44, a base 50 projects upward from the bottom wall 48, but not beyond the recess 44. The base 50 is configured to contact the lever 52 of the first clamp assembly 22 when the lever 52 is in the locked position. By doing so, the base 50 provides space between the lever 52 and the bottom wall 48 for the user's fingers to engage below the lever 52, for example, to increase ease of access to the lever 52. As will be understood below, the lever 52 may be configured as a cam lever, also referred to as a quick-release cam lever.

[0046] The first crossbar 18 also includes a through hole 54. The through hole is rectangular, and in this example, it has a dimension D1 in a direction parallel to the length of the first crossbar 18 and a dimension D2 perpendicular to the length of the first crossbar 18. When the lever 52 is in... Figure 5 In the indicated orientation, where the width dimension D3 of the lever 52 is parallel to dimension D1, the first crossbar 18 can be released (i.e., detached) or attached to the first clamp assembly 22 via substantially vertical movement relative to the first clamp assembly 22. In this context, the term "substantially vertical" refers to the fact that the first crossbar 18 moves vertically while also pivoting about the second clamp assembly 24. Dimension D1 is greater than width D3, and the second dimension D2 is less than width D3.

[0047] The first crossbar 18 also includes a groove 56 located on the opposite side of the through hole 54. In this example, the groove 56 extends parallel to dimension D2. The groove 56 is configured to engage with the lever 52 when the first clamp assembly 22 is in the locked and unlocked positions.

[0048] Figure 6A first clamp assembly 22 is shown in a locked position relative to the first roof rail support 38 and the first crossbar 18. In addition to the lever 52, the first clamp assembly 22 also includes a shaft 58. The lever 52 is rotatably attached to the shaft 58 about axis B, which is relative to... Figure 6 Extend into and out of the page.

[0049] The first clamp assembly 22 also includes a head 60. The head 60 may be formed as a separate structure from the shaft 58, such as a nut, and then attached to the shaft 58 in a separate assembly step, such as by tightening the nut relative to the shaft 58. Alternatively, the head 60 may be integrally formed with the shaft 58. The head 60 is disposed at the end of the shaft 58 opposite the lever 52. As shown, the head 60 presents an increased diameter D4 relative to the shaft 58, which presents a diameter D5. In one example, such as when the head 60 is provided by a nut, the shaft 58 may be at least partially threaded. In this example, relative rotation between the shaft 58 and the head 60 can adjust the clamping force applied to the first crossbar 18 by the first clamp assembly 22 when in the locked position. Alternatively, the top of the shaft 58 may include an internal hexagonal drive interface, and the lever 52 may include an access slot, for example, allowing clamp adjustment without disassembling any components. In other examples, the shaft 58 may have a smooth outer surface.

[0050] A portion of the shaft 58 and its head 60 are received in a through-hole 62 of the first roof rail support 38. The through-hole 62 includes a first section 64 adjacent to the first crossbar 18 and presenting a first diameter D6, and also includes a second section 66 presenting a second diameter D7 larger than the first diameter D6. A portion of the shaft 58 is received in the first section 64. The head 60 is disposed in the second section 66. Furthermore, the through-hole 62 presents a shoulder 68 at the intersection of the first section 64 and the second section 66.

[0051] Adjacent to shaft 58, lever 52 includes a cam 70. Cam 70 is part of a shaped profile of lever 52 configured to convert rotation of lever 52 about a pin arranged around axis B into a vertical force applied to shaft 58, which in turn is converted into a force applied to first crossbar 18. In this example, cam 70 is shaped to correspond to recess 56. In the locked position, cam 70 is within recess 56, and lever 52 is configured to apply force to shaft 58 via cam 70 such that head 60 contacts shoulder 68, which in turn causes lever 52 to apply force to first crossbar 18, thereby clamping first crossbar 18 in place relative to first roof rail support 38. As shown, in the locked position, first crossbar 18 is vertically positioned between lever 52 and first roof rail support 38. Therefore, in the locked position, the lever 52 is configured to apply force to the side of the first crossbar 18 opposite to the first roof rail 12 (i.e., the top side of the crossbar 18), that is, to apply force to the groove 56 via direct contact between the cam 70 and the groove 56, and thus apply pressure to said side. In this disclosure, the lever 52 directly contacts the first crossbar 18, and there is no intermediate structure between the lever 52 and the first crossbar 18, such as an elastomeric pad or damper, which reduces the relative movement between the first clamp assembly 22 and the first crossbar 18.

[0052] Furthermore, in the locked position, the lever 52 is in direct contact with the upper surface of the base 50, and the uppermost surface 72 of the lever 52 is substantially vertically aligned with the uppermost surface 46 of the first crossbar 18 (i.e., flush or level).

[0053] In the locked position, the width D3 of the lever 52 is parallel to the dimension D2, preventing the lever 52 from passing through the through hole 54. In the locked position, the lever 52 is substantially perpendicular to the shaft 58. However, in... Figure 5 With the positions changed, the lever 52 is substantially parallel to the shaft 58, and the width D3 is parallel to the dimension D1, so that the lever 52 can pass through the through hole 54.

[0054] At the unlock location, such as Figure 7As shown, lever 52 contacts recess 56 but has rotated out of the locked position. Similar to the locked position, in the unlocked position, the width D3 of lever 52 is parallel to the second dimension D2, preventing lever 52 from passing through through hole 54. Due to the shape of cam 70, lever 52 exerts a smaller force on shaft 58 in the unlocked position compared to the locked position. In the unlocked position, first clamp assembly 22 allows rotation of first crossbar 18 and allows some minimal vertical movement of first crossbar 18, such that when second clamp assembly 24 is in the interchange position, opposite end 32 can pivot about first clamp assembly 22 and be lifted above second clamp assembly 24. That is, when first clamp assembly 22 is in the unlocked position, the vertical movement of first crossbar 18 is still restricted by lever 52, preventing first crossbar 18 from being released from first clamp assembly 22 in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, lever 52 is configured to allow first crossbar 18 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of shaft 58. In the example, the lever 52 rotates as the first crossbar 18 rotates. In contrast, in the locked position, the first clamp assembly 22 prevents the first crossbar 18 from moving vertically and rotationally relative to the first roof rail 12.

[0055] Directional terms such as “upward,” “upper,” “above,” “downward,” “lower,” “below,” “below,” “side,” “inner,” “outer,” and “horizontal” are used herein with reference to the normal operating posture of a motor vehicle. It should be understood that terms such as “slightly,” “minimum,” “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” are not intended to be unbounded terms and should be interpreted in accordance with the manner in which those skilled in the art would interpret those terms.

[0056] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. Some components or features from one example may be used in combination with features or components from another example. In addition, the various drawings of this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. That is, modifications of this disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the appended claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the roof rail includes a first roof rail support leg and a second roof rail support leg spaced apart from the first roof rail support leg. The clamp assembly is a first clamp assembly adjacent to the first roof rail support leg. The roof rack assembly also includes a second clamp assembly adjacent to the second roof rail support leg. The second clamp assembly includes a lever configured to apply force on the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof rail.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the roof rail includes a central section extending between the first roof rail support and the second roof rail support, and when the crossbar is in the first configuration, the crossbar vertically overlaps with at least a portion of the first roof rail support, the second roof rail support, and the central section.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the roof longitudinal rail is a first roof longitudinal rail, the crossbar is a first crossbar, the roof rack assembly further includes a second roof longitudinal rail spaced apart from the first roof longitudinal rail, the roof rack assembly further includes a second crossbar that can be configured between a first configuration and a second configuration, and the roof rack assembly further includes a third clamp assembly and a fourth clamp assembly adjacent to the second roof longitudinal rail. When the first crossbar and the second crossbar are in the corresponding first configuration, the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly clamp the first crossbar in an appropriate position, and the second clamp assembly and the third clamp assembly clamp the second crossbar in an appropriate position. When the first crossbar and the second crossbar are in the corresponding second configuration, the first clamp assembly and the third clamp assembly clamp the first crossbar in an appropriate position, and the second clamp assembly and the fourth clamp assembly clamp the second crossbar in an appropriate position.

[0061] According to an embodiment, a method includes clamping the crossbar to the roof rail by rotating a lever of a clamp assembly to apply force to the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof rail of the motor vehicle.

[0062] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: rotating the lever of the clamp assembly and removing the crossbar from the clamp assembly; and after removing the crossbar, moving the crossbar relative to the roof rail between a first configuration and a second configuration.

Claims

1. A roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: Roof rails; A crossbar, which can be configured between a first configuration and a second configuration; as well as A clamp assembly including a lever configured to apply force to the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof rail to clamp the crossbar in place relative to the roof rail.

2. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The clamp assembly can be configured between a locked position, an exchange position, and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the clamp assembly is configured to prevent rotation and vertical movement of the crossbar relative to the roof rail. In the exchange position, the clamp assembly is configured to allow the crossbar to be removed from the clamp assembly, and In the unlocked position, the clamp assembly is configured to allow the crossbar to rotate relative to the roof rail.

3. The roof rack assembly according to claim 2, wherein in the unlocked position, the lever restricts the vertical movement of the crossbar.

4. The roof rack assembly of claim 2, wherein when the clamp assembly is not in the locked position, the crossbar is configurable between the first configuration and the second configuration.

5. The roof rack assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In the first configuration, the crossbar is substantially parallel to the roof longitudinal rail, and In the second configuration, the crossbar is substantially perpendicular to the roof rail.

6. The roof rack assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever includes a cam configured to contact the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof rail.

7. The roof rack assembly of claim 6, wherein the clamp assembly further includes a shaft attached to the control lever.

8. The roof rack assembly of claim 7, wherein when the clamp assembly is in the interchanged position, the lever is substantially parallel to the axis.

9. The roof rack assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The crossbar includes a through hole near its end, and When the clamp assembly is in the locked and unlocked positions, a portion of the shaft protrudes through the through hole.

10. The roof rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The through-hole has a first size and a second size. The first dimension is larger than the width of the joystick, and the second dimension is smaller than the width of the joystick.

11. The roof rack assembly of claim 7, wherein the control lever is rotatably attached to the shaft.

12. The roof rack assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The head is located at the end of the shaft opposite to the control lever. The head has an increasing diameter relative to the axis. The roof longitudinal rail includes roof longitudinal rail supports. The roof rail support includes a through hole that receives the head and a portion of the shaft. The through hole includes a first segment adjacent to the crossbar and having a first diameter. The through-hole includes a second segment, the second segment having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and The head is located in the second segment.

13. The roof rack assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The through hole has a shoulder at the intersection of the first section and the second section, and When the clamp assembly is in the locked position, the cam is configured to apply force to the shaft, causing the head to contact the shoulder.

14. The roof rack assembly of claim 1, wherein the side of the crossbar opposite to the roof rail includes a recess configured to at least partially receive the lever when the clamp assembly is in a locked position and an unlocked position.

15. The roof rack assembly of claim 14, wherein when the clamp assembly is in the locked position, the lever contacts a base within the recess, thereby providing space between the recess and the lever.

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