CLAMP ASSEMBLY FOR A RECONFIGURED ROOF RACK

Abstract

A reconfigurable roof rack assembly of a motor vehicle may include a roof rail. The assembly may also include a crossbar that is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. Furthermore, the assembly may include a clamping assembly that incorporates a lever configured to apply force to one side of the crossbar facing away from the roof rail, in order to clamp the crossbar in place relative to the roof rail.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates to a terminal assembly for a reconfigurable roof rack of a motor vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Some motor vehicles include roof rack assemblies, which can be referred to as "roof bars" or "roof rails." These roof bars extend along the sides of the roof. Roof bars are used as mounting points for equipment such as luggage or sports gear. Some roof rack assemblies also include crossbars that extend between the roof bars. These crossbars provide additional mounting points for equipment. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a roof rail; a crossbar configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration; and a clamping assembly comprising a lever configured to exert force on one side of the crossbar facing away from the roof rail in order to clamp the crossbar in place relative to the roof rail.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof rack assembly, wherein: the clamp assembly is configurable between a locked position, an exchange position, and an unlocked position; the clamp assembly in the locked position is configured to prevent rotational and vertical movement of the crossbar relative to the roof rail; the clamp assembly in the exchange position is configured to allow the crossbar to be released from the clamp assembly; and the clamp assembly in the unlocked position is configured to allow the crossbar to rotate relative to the roof rail.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof rack assembly, whereby the lever in the unlocked position restricts vertical movement of the crossbar.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof rack assembly, wherein the crossbar is configurable between the first configuration and the second configuration when the clamp assembly is not in the locked position.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly, wherein: in the first configuration the crossbar is essentially parallel to the roof beam and in the second configuration the crossbar is essentially perpendicular to the roof beam.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly, wherein the lever includes a cam configured to touch the side of the crossbar facing away from the roof beam.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly, the clamp assembly further comprising a shaft attached to the lever.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly, wherein, when the clamp assembly is in an exchange position, the lever is essentially parallel to the shaft.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly wherein: the crossbar includes a through hole adjacent to one end thereof and, when the clamp assembly is in a locked position and an unlocked position, a section of the shaft protrudes through the through hole.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly, wherein: the through-hole has a first dimension and a second dimension, the first dimension being larger than the width of the lever and the second dimension being smaller than the width of the lever.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof support assembly, where the lever is rotatably attached to the shaft.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly wherein: a head is arranged at an end of the shaft opposite the lever, the head has an increased diameter relative to the shaft, the roof truss includes a roof truss foot, the roof truss foot includes a through-hole that accommodates the head and a section of the shaft, the through-hole includes a first sub-section adjacent to the crossbar and having a first diameter, the through-hole includes a second sub-section having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and the head is arranged in the second sub-section.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly wherein: the through-hole has a shoulder at an interface of the first sub-section and the second sub-section and, when the clamp assembly is in a locked position, the cam is configured to exert force on the shaft such that the head contacts the shoulder.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly wherein the side of the crossbar facing away from the roof beam includes a recess configured to at least partially accommodate the lever when the clamp assembly is in a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly, wherein, when the clamp assembly is in the locked position, the lever is in contact with a base within the recess in such a way as to provide a space between the recess and the lever.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly wherein: the roof beam includes a first roof beam foot and a second roof beam foot spaced apart from the first roof beam foot, the clamp assembly is a first clamp assembly, the first clamp assembly is adjacent to the first roof beam foot, the roof truss assembly further includes a second clamp assembly adjacent to the second roof beam foot, and the second clamp assembly includes a lever configured to exert force on the side of the crossbar facing away from the roof beam.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly wherein: the roof beam includes a central section extending between the first and second roof beam feet, and, if the crossbar is in the first configuration, the crossbar vertically overlaps at least one section of the first roof beam foot, the second roof beam foot, and the central section. In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a roof truss assembly wherein: the roof beam is a first roof beam, the crossbar is a first crossbar, the roof truss assembly further includes a second roof beam spaced apart from the first roof beam, and the roof truss assembly further includes a second crossbar that is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration.The roof rack assembly further comprises a third and a fourth clamp assembly adjacent to the second roof rail. When the first and second crossbars are in their respective first configurations, the first and second clamp assemblies clamp the first crossbar in place, and the second and third clamp assemblies clamp the second crossbar in place. When the first and second crossbars are in their respective second configurations, the first and third clamp assemblies clamp the first crossbar in place, and the second and fourth clamp assemblies clamp the second crossbar in place.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a procedure that involves clamping a crossbar to a roof rail of a motor vehicle by rotating a lever of a clamping assembly such that the lever exerts force on one side of the crossbar that is away from the roof rail.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a procedure that further includes: turning the lever of the clamp assembly and releasing the crossbar from the clamp assembly; and, after releasing the crossbar, moving the crossbar between a first configuration and a second configuration in relation to the roof beam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a motor vehicle with a roof rack assembly. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of a roof truss assembly with crossbars in a first configuration. Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 with the crossbars in a second configuration. Fig. 4 is a view similar to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and shows how the crossbars are moved from the first configuration to the second configuration. Fig. Figure 5 is a close-up view of one end of a crossbar, an example clamp assembly, and a section of a roof beam. Fig. 5 the terminal assembly is in an exchange position. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the end of one of the crossbars, the exemplary clamp assembly, and the section of the roof beam. Fig. 6 the terminal assembly is in a locked position. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the end of one of the crossbars, the exemplary clamp assembly, and the section of the roof beam. Fig. 7 the terminal assembly is in an unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] This disclosure relates to a clamping assembly for a reconfigurable roof rack of a motor vehicle. Specifically, the clamping assembly includes a lever configured to selectively apply force to one side of a crossbar facing away from a roof rail (i.e., the top of the crossbar). When in a locked position, the clamping assembly prevents rotational and vertical movement of the crossbar. Furthermore, a user can move the lever such that the clamping assembly is no longer in the locked position, thereby allowing the crossbar to be moved into a different configuration. These and other advantages will become apparent from the following description.

[0023] Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 A perspective front view of a motor vehicle 10 (“vehicle 10”). While the vehicle 10 is in Fig. Although the vehicle 10 is depicted as an SUV, this disclosure is also applicable to other types of vehicles. The vehicle 10 includes a roof rack assembly or a "roof rack" A, which includes a first and a second roof rail 12, 14 extending along opposite sides of a roof 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0024] The Fig. Figures 2-4 illustrate additional views of the roof rack assembly A from a rear perspective, and in particular from a rear perspective on one side of the vehicle 10, which in regions such as North America is the passenger side of the vehicle 10. The roof rack assembly A further includes at least one crossbar, which is configurable between a first and a second configuration. The first and second configurations of the at least one crossbar may be referred to as configurations of the roof rack assembly A or configurations of the crossbar. In the first configuration, the roof rack assembly A is essentially configured as roof rails without crossbars, whereas in the second configuration, the roof rack assembly A is configured as roof rails with crossbars extending between them.The roof rails and crossbars provide mounting points for equipment, for example, in relation to the roof rack assembly A. Depending on the type of equipment to be mounted, a user can choose to configure the roof rack assembly A in either the first or the second configuration.

[0025] In the embodiment from the Fig. 2-4 The roof rack assembly A includes a first crossbar 18 and a second crossbar 20. The first and second crossbars 18, 20 are located between a first configuration ( Fig. 2) and a second configuration ( Fig. 3) Configurable. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in the first configuration the first and second crossbars 18, 20 are substantially parallel to the first and second roof spars 12, 14 (i.e., a length dimension of each of the first and second crossbars 18, 20 is substantially parallel to a length dimension of the first and second roof spars 12, 14) and are also substantially parallel to a centerline C of the vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the second configuration the first and second crossbars 18, 20 are essentially perpendicular to the first and second roof beams 12, 14 and are also essentially perpendicular to a center line C of the vehicle 10.

[0026] The roof support assembly A further includes at least one clamping assembly configured to selectively lock a crossbar in place and to facilitate movement of the crossbar between the first and second configurations. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2-4 includes the roof rack assembly A four clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28.

[0027] Each of the terminal assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 is configurable in this disclosure between a locked position, an exchange position, and an unlocked position, as discussed below. In the locked position, the terminal assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to clamp one of the crossbars 18, 20 in place relative to one of the roof beams 12, 14. In the exchange position, the terminal assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to release and / or receive the crossbars 18, 20. In the unlocked position, the clamping assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to allow the crossbars 18, 20 to rotate in relation to the corresponding roof beam 12, 14, and are specifically configured to allow the crossbars 18, 20 to pivot or swing as they move between the first and second configuration.

[0028] The crossbars 18, 20 and the clamp assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured to be moved between configurations only when the vehicle 10 is stationary.

[0029] In Fig. In the first configuration, the first and second crossbars 18, 20 are in the first configuration, and the clamping assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are in a locked position, in which the clamping assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 hold the first and second crossbars 18, 20 in place relative to the first and second roof beams 12, 14. Specifically, the first clamping assembly 22 engages the first crossbar 18 adjacent to a first end 30 of the first crossbar 18, and the second clamping assembly 24 engages the first crossbar 18 adjacent to a second end 32 of the first crossbar 18. Furthermore, the third clamping assembly 26 engages with the second crossbar 20 adjacent to a first end 34 of the second crossbar 20, and the fourth clamping assembly 28 engages with the second crossbar 20 adjacent to a second end 36 of the second crossbar 20.

[0030] To move the first and second crossbars 18, 20 between the first and second configurations, the terminal assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are moved from a locked position to either the exchange position or an unlocked position. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal assemblies 22, 24, 26, 28 are each movable between the locked position, exchange position, and unlocked position such that a user can freely choose how the first and second crossbars 18, 20 are to be moved between the first and second configurations. In another embodiment of this disclosure, one of the terminal assemblies 22, 24 is movable only between the locked position and the exchange position, and the other of the terminal assemblies 22, 24 is movable only between the locked position and the unlocked position.In this example, one of the terminal assemblies 26, 28 is only movable between the locked position and the exchange position, and the other terminal assemblies 26, 28 are only movable between the locked position and the unlocked position. In this example, the first and second crossbars 18, 20 are only rotatable in one direction between the first and second configurations.

[0031] In the example from Fig. In position 4, the terminal assembly 22 is in the exchange position and the terminal assembly 24 is in the unlocked position. The first crossbar 18 can then be detached from the terminal assembly 22 and moved in the direction of R1 around the terminal assembly 24 into the second configuration. Fig. 3 can be swivelled. Furthermore, the terminal assembly 28 is located in Fig. 4 in the exchange position and the terminal assembly 26 is in the unlocked position. The second crossbar 20 can then be detached from the terminal assembly 28 and moved around the terminal assembly 26 in the direction of R2 into the second configuration. Fig. 3 will be swung.

[0032] Referring to this, if the first and second crossbars 18, 20 are in the second configuration, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first and third clamping assemblies 22, 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 and second roof beams 12, 14. Similarly, the second and fourth clamping assemblies 24, 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 and second roof beams 12, 14.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 2 The first roof beam 12 includes a first roof beam base 38, a second roof beam base 40, and a central section 42 extending between the first and second roof beam bases 38, 40. The second roof beam 14 is configured similarly.

[0034] When the first crossbar 18 is in the first configuration, it vertically overlaps at least one section of the first rafter foot 38, the second rafter foot 40, and the central section 42. The first rafter foot 38, the second rafter foot 40, and the central section 42 are configured to contact and support the first crossbar 18 from below. The first crossbar 18, the first rafter foot 38, the second rafter foot 40, and the central section 42 may include complementary projections and / or recesses configured to facilitate engagement and / or alignment of the first crossbar 18 with respect to the first rafter 12. The first and second roof beam bases 38, 40 are sub-areas of the first roof beam 12. Among other structures, the first and second roof beam bases 38, 40 include structures configured to connect to and touch the roof 16.In this example, the central section 42 does not directly touch the roof 16. In other examples, the central section 42 may touch the roof 16. The second roof beam 14 and the second crossbar 20 are configured similarly.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a section of the roof truss assembly A and illustrates in particular an arrangement of the first clamp assembly 22 in relation to the first roof beam foot 38 and a section of the first crossbar 18 adjacent to the first end 30. Fig. In Figure 5, the first clamp assembly 22 is in the exchange position. A section of the first crossbar 18 adjacent to the end 30 could, in some examples, be provided by a separate end cap attached to a remainder of the first crossbar 18. While the first clamp assembly 22, the first crossbar 18, and the first roof rafter foot 38 are shown, it is understood that the clamp assemblies 24, 26, 28, the second crossbar 20, and additional roof rafter feet, including the second roof rafter foot 40 and the roof rafter feet of the second crossbar 20, are configured similarly.

[0036] Adjacent to the end 30, the first crossbar 18 includes a recess 44 that is inset relative to a top surface 46 of the first crossbar 18. The recess 44 includes a lower wall 48. Within the recess 44, a base 50 projects upward from the lower wall 48 but does not protrude from the recess 44. The base 50 is configured to contact a lever 52 of the first terminal assembly 22 when the lever 52 is in the locked position. This provides space between the lever 52 and the lower wall 48 for a user's fingers to fit under the lever 52, for example, to facilitate access to the lever 52. As will be shown below, the lever 52 can be configured as a cam lever, also known as a quick-release cam lever.

[0037] The first crossbar 18 also includes a through-hole 54. In this example, the through-hole is rectangular and has a dimension D1 in a direction parallel to a length of the first crossbar 18 and a dimension D2 perpendicular to the length of the first crossbar 18. When the lever 52 is aligned as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, where the width dimension D3 of the lever 52 is parallel to dimension D1, the first crossbar 18 can be released (i.e., detached) from the first clamping assembly 22 or attached to the clamping assembly 22 by a substantially vertical movement of the first crossbar 18 relative to the first clamping assembly 22. The term "substantially vertical" in this context refers to the fact that the first crossbar 18 is moved vertically while also pivoting about the second clamping assembly 24. Dimension D1 is larger than width D3, and the second dimension D2 is smaller than width D3.

[0038] The first crossbar 18 further includes grooves 56 on opposite sides of the through-hole 54. In this example, the grooves 56 extend parallel to dimension D2. The grooves 56 are configured to interface with the lever 52 when the first terminal assembly 22 is in the locked and unlocked positions.

[0039] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the first clamping assembly 22 in the locked position relative to the first roof spar foot 38 and the first crossbar 18. In addition to the lever 52, the first clamping assembly 22 includes a shaft 58. The lever 52 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 58 about an axis B, which is oriented relative to Fig. 6 extends into and out of the side.

[0040] The first terminal assembly 22 further includes a head 60. The head 60 could be designed as a separate structure from the shaft 58, such as a nut, and then connected to the shaft 58 in a separate assembly step, such as by tightening the nut relative to the shaft 58. Alternatively, the head 60 could be formed integrally with the shaft 58. The head 60 is located at an end of the shaft 58 opposite the lever 52. As shown, the head 60 has an increased diameter D4 relative to the shaft 58, which has a diameter D5. In an example, such as when the head 60 is provided by a nut, the shaft 58 could be at least partially threaded.In this example, a clamping force can be adjusted by relative rotation between the shaft 58 and the head 60. This clamping force is exerted on the first crossbar 18 by the first clamping assembly 22 when it is in the locked position. Alternatively, the top of the shaft 58 could include an internal hexagon drive interface, and the lever 52 could, for example, include an access slot, allowing clamp adjustment without disassembling any components. In other examples, the shaft 58 could have a smooth outer surface.

[0041] A section of the shaft 58 and the head 60 are received in a through-hole 62 of the first roof rail foot 38. The through-hole 62 includes a first sub-section 64, which is adjacent to the first crossbar 18 and has a first diameter D6, and the through-hole 62 further includes a second sub-section 66, which has a second diameter D7 that is larger than the first diameter D6. A section of the shaft 58 is received in the first sub-section 64. The head 60 is located in the second sub-section 66. Furthermore, the through-hole 62 has a shoulder 68 at the interface of the first and second sub-sections 64, 66.

[0042] Adjacent to the shaft 58, the lever 52 incorporates a cam 70. The cam 70 is a section of the lever 52 having a shaped profile configured to translate a rotation of the lever 52 about a pin arranged about an axis B into a vertical force exerted on the shaft 58, which is then translated into a force exerted on the first crossbar 18. The cam 70 is shaped to correspond, in this example, to the grooves 56. In the locked position, the cam 70 is located within the grooves 56 and the lever 52 is configured via the cam 70 to exert force on the shaft 58 such that the head 60 touches the shoulder 68, which in turn causes the lever 52 to exert force on the first crossbar 18, clamping the first crossbar 18 in place relative to the first roof spar foot 38.As shown, the first crossbar 18 is located vertically between the lever 52 and the first roof rafter foot 38 in the locked position. Therefore, in the locked position, the lever 52 is configured to exert force on the side of the first crossbar 18 facing away from the first roof rafter 12 (i.e., the top of the first crossbar 18), thereby exerting pressure on it by exerting force on the grooves 56 via direct contact between the cam 70 and the grooves 56. In this disclosure, the lever 52 directly contacts the first crossbar 18 without any intervening structures, such as an elastomeric cushion or damper, between the lever 52 and the first crossbar 18, thus reducing the relative movement between the first clamp assembly 22 and the first crossbar 18.

[0043] Furthermore, in the locked position, the lever 52 is in direct contact with an upper surface of the base 50 and is a top surface 72 of the lever 52 essentially vertically aligned with the top surface 46 of the first crossbar 18 (i.e., flat or flush with it).

[0044] In the locked position, the width D3 of the lever 52 is parallel to the dimension D2, so that the lever 52 cannot pass through the through-hole 54. In the locked position, the lever 52 is essentially perpendicular to the shaft 58. In the exchange position from Fig. However, in section 5, the lever 52 is essentially 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. In the Fig.In the unlocked position shown in Figure 7, the lever 52 is in contact with the grooves 56, but has rotated out of the locked position. As in the locked position, the width D3 of the lever 52 in the unlocked position is parallel to the second dimension D2, so that the lever 52 cannot pass through the through-hole 54. Due to the shape of the cam 70, the lever 52 exerts less force on the shaft 58 in the unlocked position than in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the first clamping assembly 22 allows rotation of the first crossbar 18 and enables minimal vertical movement of the first crossbar 18 such that the opposite end 32 can be pivoted about the first clamping assembly 22 and lifted above the second clamping assembly 24 when the second clamping assembly 24 is in the exchange position.Nevertheless, the vertical movement of the first crossbar 18 remains restricted by the lever 52 when the first clamping assembly 22 is in the unlocked position, preventing the first crossbar 18 from being released into the unlocked position by the first clamping assembly 22. In the unlocked position, the lever 52 is configured to allow the first crossbar 18 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 58. In one example, the lever 52 rotates with the rotation of the first crossbar 18. In the locked position, by contrast, the first clamping assembly 22 prevents any vertical and rotational movement of the first crossbar 18 relative to the first roof beam 12.

[0045] Directional terms such as "upwards", "upper", "above", "downwards", "below", "lower", "below", "sideways", "inside", "outside", "horizontal", etc. are used in this document with reference to the normal operating position of a motor vehicle. It is understood that terms such as "slightly", "minimal", "generally", "essentially", and "approximately" are not intended to be unlimited expressions and should be interpreted in accordance with how a person skilled in the art would interpret them.

[0046] Although the different examples feature the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another of the examples. Furthermore, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or reduced to show certain details of a specific component or arrangement.

[0047] It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are exemplary and not limiting. That is to say, modifications to this disclosure would fall within the scope of the patent claims. Accordingly, the following patent claims should be read carefully to determine their actual scope and content.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the roof beam includes a first roof beam foot and a second roof beam foot spaced apart from the first roof beam foot, the clamping assembly is a first clamping assembly, the first clamping assembly is adjacent to the first roof beam foot, the roof beam assembly further includes a second clamping assembly adjacent to the second roof beam foot, and the second clamping assembly includes a lever configured to exert force on the side of the crossbar facing away from the roof beam.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the roof beam includes a central section extending between the first and second roof beam feet and, when the crossbar is in the first configuration, vertically overlaps at least one section of the first roof beam foot, the second roof beam foot and the central section.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the roof beam is a first roof beam, the crossbar is a first crossbar, the roof support assembly further comprises a second roof beam spaced apart from the first roof beam, the roof support assembly further comprises a second crossbar configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the roof support assembly further comprises a third and a fourth clamping assembly adjacent to the second roof beam, clamping when the first and second crossbars are in their respective first configurations, the first and second clamping assemblies hold the first crossbar in place, and the second and third clamping assemblies hold the second crossbar in place and clamp when the first and second crossbars are in their respective second configurations.The first and third clamping assemblies secure the first crossbar in place, and the second and fourth clamping assemblies secure the second crossbar in place.

[0051] According to the present invention, a method comprises: clamping a crossbar to a roof rail of a motor vehicle by rotating a lever of a clamping assembly such that the lever exerts force on a side of the crossbar that is facing away from the roof rail.

[0052] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: rotating the lever of the clamping assembly and releasing the crossbar from the clamping assembly; and after releasing the crossbar, moving the crossbar between a first configuration and a second configuration in relation to the roof beam.

Claims

[1] Roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a roof beam; a crossbar that is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration; and a clamping assembly comprising a lever configured to apply force to one side of the crossbar facing away from the roof beam in order to clamp the crossbar in place relative to the roof beam. [2] Roof support assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal assembly is configurable between a locked position, an exchange position, and an unlocked position. the clamping assembly is configured in the locked position to prevent any rotating and vertical movement of the crossbar relative to the roof beam, The terminal assembly is configured in the exchange position to allow the crossbar to be detached from the terminal assembly, and The clamping assembly is configured in the locked position to allow the crossbar to be rotated relative to the roof beam. [3] Roof support assembly according to claim 2, wherein the lever in the unlocked position restricts a vertical movement of the crossbar. [4] Roof support assembly according to claim 2, wherein the crossbar is configurable between the first configuration and the second configuration when the clamp assembly is not in the locked position. [5] Roof support assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The crossbar in the first configuration is essentially parallel to the roof beam and In the second configuration, the crossbar is essentially perpendicular to the roof beam. [6] Roof support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lever includes a cam configured to touch the side of the crossbar facing away from the roof beam. [7] Roof support assembly according to claim 6, wherein the clamp assembly further comprises a shaft attached to the lever. [8] Roof support assembly according to claim 7, wherein when the clamp assembly is in an exchange position, the lever is substantially parallel to the shaft. [9] Roof support assembly according to claim 7, wherein: the crossbar includes a through-hole adjacent to one end thereof and, When the terminal assembly is in a locked position and an unlocked position, a section of the shaft protrudes through the through hole. [10] Roof support assembly according to claim 9, wherein: the through hole has a first dimension and a second dimension, the first dimension is larger than the width of the lever and the second dimension is smaller than the width of the lever. [11] Roof support assembly according to claim 7, wherein the lever is rotatably attached to the shaft. [12] Roof support assembly according to claim 11, wherein: a head is arranged at one end of the shaft opposite the lever, the head has an increased diameter in relation to the shaft, the roof beam includes a roof beam foot, the roof beam base includes a through-hole that accommodates the head and a section of the shaft, the through-hole includes a first sub-area that is adjacent to the crossbar and has a first diameter, the through-hole includes a second sub-area that has a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and the head is located in the second sub-area. [13] Roof support assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the through-hole has a shoulder at an intersection of the first and second sub-areas and, when the clamping assembly is in a locked position, the cam is configured to exert such force on the shaft that the head touches the shoulder. [14] Roof support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the side of the crossbar facing away from the roof beam includes a recess configured to at least partially accommodate the lever when the clamp assembly is in a locked position and an unlocked position. [15] Roof support assembly according to claim 14, wherein, when the clamp assembly is in the locked position, the lever is in contact with a base inside the recess such that a space is provided between the recess and the lever.

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