ROOF RAIL ARRANGEMENT FOR POSITIONING ON A VEHICLE ROOF

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of roof bars intended to be positioned on the roof of a vehicle.

[0002] It is known to use roof bars to support, for example, a roof box or a bicycle rack on the roof of a vehicle.

[0003] Most often, transverse roof bars are attached to longitudinal bars fixed to the vehicle. The attachment of the transverse roof bars to the longitudinal bars is often achieved by means of a screw-nut assembly passing through the transverse roof bar and the longitudinal bar. Similarly, it is known to use adjustable jaws positioned at each end of the transverse roof bar and configured to tighten each longitudinal bar. To maintain the aerodynamics of the vehicle, it is necessary that in the longitudinal position the roof bars are close to the roof. Conversely, it is necessary that in the transverse position the roof bars are further from the roof (in a direction normal to the plane of the roof) to allow the passage of an accessory attachment system.

[0004] A solution known from document US2016243994 consists of using foldable roof bars that can be fixed to support rails secured to the roof in two specific positions, a non-operating position, in which each roof bar is fixed to one of the support rails at a first pair of fixing points, and an operating position, in which each roof bar is fixed to each of the support rails at a second pair of fixing points. The roof bars are fixed to the support rails by means of mounting members that can be removed without tools. However, this solution requires that the roof bars be successively removed and remounted on the support rails so as to move from the non-operating position to the operating position and vice versa.This solution is therefore not satisfactory because it requires numerous handling operations, precise positioning and assembly of the roof bars, which excessively increases the assembly time. Furthermore, this solution requires the use of foldable roof bars and the presence of at least four fixing points on the support rails, which significantly increases the manufacturing costs of the roof bar assembly. A roof bar assembly is also known from document WO 2013 / 045798 A1 or from document US 5,377,890 A. The disclosure of the latter corresponds to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a roof bar assembly which limits assembly time while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0006] According to a general definition, the invention relates to a roof bar assembly comprising the features of claim 1.

[0007] Thus configured, the roof bar assembly of the invention will make it possible to reduce manufacturing costs due to the use of a single fixing point on one of the fixing feet to achieve the fixing of both the second bar in its longitudinal position and the first bar in its transverse position.

[0008] The roof bar assembly of the invention may also include one or more of the following features: the first bar, respectively the second bar, can pivot about a first pivot axis, respectively about a second pivot axis, which is distant from the first attachment point, respectively from the second attachment point, by a first distance, respectively by a second distance, the first distance being less than the distance separating the first pivot axis from the second attachment point and the second distance being less than the distance separating the second pivot axis from the third attachment point. the articulation of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, comprises a T-screw provided with a head arranged above a lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, in which the slot is formed, and a threaded rod partially received in the slot and in a bore formed through an upper wall of the attachment foot of the first pair of feet,respectively of the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which faces said lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, a nut being screwed to the free end of the threaded rod, the nut pressing against a spring washer arranged between said nut and said upper wall, thus pressing the head of the T-screw against the lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar. the T-screw is housed at least partially inside a central cavity of a guide element arranged between the first bar, respectively the second bar, and the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, respectively the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which supports the joint, the guide element comprising at least two lugs arranged on either side of the head of the T-screw and configured to slide inside the slot,the inner wall of the guide element which surrounds the central cavity being configured to allow pivoting of the guide element relative to the T-screw at least around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when, the first bar, respectively the second bar, being in its longitudinal position, the locking means of the first bar, respectively the second bar, cooperate with the complementary locking means of the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, respectively the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which does not support the articulation, and at least around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis when, the first bar, respectively the second bar, being in its transverse position, the locking means of the first bar, respectively the second bar, cooperate with the complementary locking means of the fixing foot of the second pair of feet,respectively of the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, which does not support the articulation. the inner wall of the guide element forms a cam pattern against which the T-screw bears when the first bar, respectively of the second bar, is moved from its longitudinal position to its transverse position and vice versa. the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, respectively the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which supports the articulation, is provided with at least one projecting shape protruding from its upper wall, said at least one projecting shape forming a stop against which the lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, rests, when said first bar, respectively said second bar, is fixed on one of the fixing feet which does not support an articulation, the fixing of the first bar, respectively of the second bar,generating a pivoting of said first bar, respectively of said second bar, around said at least one projecting shape and, consequently, a lifting of the head of the T-screw under the effect of the upward movement of the lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, which results in a compression of the spring washer between the nut and the upper wall of the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which supports the articulation. the T-screw is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis around which the guide element pivots when fixing the first bar, respectively of the second bar, on one of the fixing feet which does not support an articulation, the fixing of said first bar, respectively of said second bar,generating a lifting of the head of the T-screw under the effect of the upward movement of the lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, which results in a compression of the spring washer between the nut and the upper wall of the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which supports the joint. the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, respectively the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which supports the joint is provided with at least one protruding and / or hollow shape at its upper wall, said at least one protruding and / or hollow shape forming a cam path along which at least one lower lug protruding from a lower face of the guide element can move, the movement of the first bar, respectively of the second bar,from its longitudinal position to its transverse position and vice versa generates an upward and / or downward movement of the guide element when said at least one lower lug moves along said cam path, which, due to the contact of an upper face of the guide element with the lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, produces a lifting and / or a lowering of said first bar, respectively of said second bar, and, consequently, a lifting of the head of the T-screw, which results in a compression of the spring washer between the nut and the upper wall of the fixing foot of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot of the second pair of feet, which supports the joint. an area of ​​the lower wall of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, which at least partially surrounds the slot,is covered with a covering piece formed from a material with a low coefficient of friction, said covering piece making it possible in particular to limit the friction between the head of the T-screw and the first bar, respectively the second bar, when the joint slides along the slot. the material constituting the covering piece is chosen from polyoxymethylene and polyamide 6. the covering piece is partially housed inside at least one groove formed along the external periphery of one of the lugs of the guide element. the locking means of the first bar, respectively the second bar, comprise a threaded male member, such as a screw, and the complementary locking means of the fixing foot, on which said first bar, respectively said second bar, is fixed, comprise a threaded female member, such as a nut. the locking means of the first bar,respectively of the second bar, comprise a retaining lyre and an asymmetrical core rotatably linked in the retaining lyre, and the complementary locking means of the fixing foot, on which said first bar, respectively said second bar, is fixed, comprise a quadrangular opening formed in the upper wall of said fixing foot, said locking means being configured such that, upon rotation of the core, the retaining lyre passes from a retracted position, in which it is removable from the quadrangular opening, to an expanded position, in which it is locked in the quadrangular opening.

[0009] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the detailed description below of two embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of a set of roof bars according to one embodiment of the invention, the roof bars being in their longitudinal position. [ Fig. 2 ] is a top view of the roof rack assembly shown in the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] is a view similar to the figure 2 , the roof bars having pivoted at right angles to their longitudinal position. Fig. 4 ] is a view similar to the figure 2 , the roof bars being in their transverse position. [ Fig. 5a ] is an enlarged view of the joint used to pivotally connect one of the roof bars to one of the mounting feet, with the roof bar in the longitudinal position of the figure 2 . [ Fig. 5b ] is a view similar to the figure 5a , the roof bar being in the intermediate position of the figure 3 . [ Fig. 5c ] is a view similar to the figure 5a , the roof bar being in the transverse position of the figure 4 . [ Fig. 6a ] is a perspective view of the roof rack assembly of the figure 1 , the roof bars being in a first intermediate position. Fig. 6b ] is a view similar to the figure 6a , the roof bars being in a second intermediate position. [ Fig. 6c ] is a view similar to the figure 6a , the roof bars being in a third intermediate position. [ Fig. 6d ] is a view similar to the figure 6a , the roof bars being in their transverse position. [ Fig. 7a ] is a cross-sectional view of a joint according to a first embodiment, the roof bar being in the position shown in the figure 1 . [ Fig. 7b ] is a view similar to the figure 7a , the roof bar being in the position shown in the figure 6a . [ Fig. 7c ] is a view similar to the figure 7a , the roof bar being in the position shown in the figure 6b . [ Fig. 7d ] is a view similar to the figure 7a , the roof bar being in the position shown in the figure 6c . [ Fig. 7e ] is a view similar to the figure 7a , the roof bar being in the position shown in the figure 6d , the joint not being in its locked state. [ Fig. 7f ] is a view similar to the figure 7e , the joint being in its locked state. [ Fig. 8a ] is a cross-sectional view of a joint according to a second embodiment, the roof bar being in the position shown in the figure 6c . [ Fig. 8b ] is a view similar to the figure 8a , the roof bar being in the position shown in the figure 6d , the joint being in its locked state. [ Fig. 9a ] is a perspective top view of a guide element usable in a joint according to a third embodiment. [ Fig. 9b ] is a perspective bottom view of the guide element shown in the figure 9a . [ Fig. 9c ] is a perspective view of a fixing foot intended to cooperate with the guide element of the figures 9a et 9b . [ Fig. 10a ] is a perspective view of the joint according to the third embodiment, the joint not being in its locked state. [ Fig. 10b ] is a cross-sectional view of the joint of the figure 10a according to the XYZ cutting plane. [ Fig. 11a ] is a view similar to the figure 10a , the joint being in its locked state. [ Fig. 11b ] is a cross-sectional view of the joint of the figure 11a according to the YZ cutting plane. [ Fig. 12a ] is a top view of a portion of one of the roof bars surrounding the slot. [ Fig. 12b ] is a cross-sectional view along section plane C1 of the roof bar shown in the figure 12a . [ Fig. 12c ] is a cross-sectional view along section plane C2 of the roof bar shown in the figure 12a . [ Fig. 13 ] is a cross-sectional view of a portion of one of the roof bars at its detachable connection with one of the fixing feet. [ Fig. 14 ] is a cross-sectional view of a connecting element which can allow the removable connection of the roof bars to the fixing feet.

[0010] In this text, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction parallel to the length of the vehicle and the term "transverse" refers to a direction parallel to the width of the vehicle. In addition, the terms "front", "rear" and "lateral" are used relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "horizontal" refers to a direction or surface parallel to the ground when the wheels of the vehicle are in contact with the ground and the term "vertical" refers to a direction or surface perpendicular to the ground when the wheels of the vehicle are in contact with the ground. The terms "lower" and "upper", or "bottom" and "top" refer to relative positions in the vertical direction. The expressions "inward-facing" and "outward-facing" refer to orientations respectively directed towards the center of the vehicle and away from the center of the vehicle.

[0011] In reference to the figure 1 , there is shown a set 1 of roof bars according to a first variant embodiment of the invention, the roof bars being in a longitudinal position.

[0012] The set 1 of roof bars comprises in particular two pairs of fixing feet intended to be fixed on each side of a vehicle roof, respectively a first pair of fixing feet 3a1, 3a2 intended to be fixed on the left side of the roof, and a second pair of fixing feet 3b1, 3b2 intended to be fixed on the right side of the vehicle. Each pair of fixing feet comprises a rear fixing foot, respectively the fixing feet 3a1 and 3b1, arranged at the rear relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle and a front fixing foot, respectively the fixing feet 3a2 and 3b2, arranged at the front relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle.The front and rear fixing feet of each of the pairs are aligned in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis X defined by the vehicle. The set 1 of roof bars further comprises a pair of roof bars extending respectively between the rear and front fixing feet of one of the pairs of fixing feet, respectively a first roof bar 2a extending between the rear fixing foot 3a1 and the front fixing foot 3a2 and a second roof bar 2b extending between the rear fixing foot 3b1 and the front fixing foot 3b2.

[0013] Each roof bar 2a, 2b is connected to one of the fixing feet of one of the pairs of fixing feet by means of a joint so as to be able to be positioned in at least two specific usage positions, respectively a longitudinal position, shown in particular on the figure 2 , in which it is parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and a transverse position, represented in particular on the figure 4 , in which it is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis X.

[0014] To effect the transfer from their longitudinal position to their transverse position, the roof bars 2a, 2b first pivot about a pivot axis to position themselves at right angles to their longitudinal position, as shown in the figure 3 . In the configuration shown in the figure 3 , the pivot axis Za of the first roof bar 2a is positioned at the front fixing foot 3a2 and the pivot axis Zb of the second roof bar 2b is positioned at the rear fixing foot 3b1. It should be noted that the relative position of the pivot axes Za and Zb does not allow the roof bars 2a, 2b to reach specific fixing points, referenced P2 and P3 on the figure 3 , positioned respectively on the front fixing foot 3b2 and on the rear fixing foot 3a1. These fixing points P2 and P3 correspond respectively to the positions in which locking means integrated in the first roof bar 2a, respectively in the second roof bar 2b, can cooperate with complementary locking means integrated in the front fixing foot 3b2, respectively in the rear fixing foot 3a1, so as to ensure a removable fixing of said roof bars 2a, 2b on said fixing feet 3b2, 3a1 when they are in their transverse position.In particular, the first roof bar 2a is configured such that the pivot axis Za of the first roof bar 2a is spaced by a distance d1 from a fixing point P1 positioned on the rear fixing foot 3a1, said fixing point P1 corresponding to the position in which the locking means integrated in the first roof bar 2a can cooperate with complementary locking means integrated in the rear fixing foot 3a1 so as to ensure a removable fixing of the first roof bar 2a on said rear fixing foot 3a1 when it is in its longitudinal position. However, this distance d1 is less than the distance d3 separating the pivot axis Za from the fixing point P2.Similarly, the second roof bar 2b is configured such that the pivot axis Zb of the second roof bar 2b is separated by a distance d2 from the fixing point P2 positioned on the front fixing foot 3b2, said fixing point P2 corresponding to the position in which the locking means integrated in the second roof bar 2b can cooperate with complementary locking means integrated in the front fixing foot 3b2 so as to ensure a removable fixing of the second roof bar 2b on said front fixing foot 3b2 when it is in its longitudinal position. However, this distance d2 is less than the distance d4 separating the pivot axis Zb from the fixing point P3.

[0015] In reference to the figure 4 , the final position of the roof bars 2a, 2b is shown once they have been translated parallel to themselves from their intermediate position shown on the figure 3 This translational movement made it possible to align the locking means integrated in the roof bars 2a, 2b with the complementary locking means integrated in the front 3b2 and rear 3a1 fixing feet respectively.

[0016] The set 1 of roof bars thus configured has the advantage of using the same fixing point, namely the fixing point P2, to achieve the fixing of the first roof bar 2a in its transverse position and the fixing of the second roof bar 2b in its longitudinal position. This configuration therefore makes it possible to limit the number of fixing points compared to the sets of roof bars of the prior art which require the presence of four fixing points.

[0017] A specific solution allowing this movement to be achieved both in rotation and translation of the first roof bar 2a is shown in the figures 5a à 5c , as well as on the figure 7a . This solution is also used to achieve the rotational and translational movement of the second roof bar 2b. To facilitate understanding of the system, the roof bar 2a, as shown in the figures 5a à 5c , has had its upper part amputated so as to see the joint around which it pivots.

[0018] This solution consists of providing a lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a with a slot 4 along which the articulation 5 can slide, around which the roof bar 2a can pivot relative to the front fixing foot 3a2. The slot 4 is rectilinear and oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X when the roof bar 2a is in its longitudinal position. In the configuration shown, the articulation 5 comprises a T-shaped screw 50 provided with a rectangular head 51. The head 51 is arranged above the lower wall 21, being oriented perpendicular to the slot 4. The width of the head 51 being greater than the width of the slot 4, the roof bar 2a abuts against the head 51 when it is lifted.The screw 50 is furthermore provided with a threaded rod 52 partially received in the slot 4 and in a bore 32 formed through an upper wall 31 of the front fixing foot 3a2 which faces the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a, a nut 53 being screwed to the free end of the threaded rod 52, the nut 53 pressing against a spring washer 54 arranged between said nut 53 and said upper wall 31, thus pressing the head 51 against the lower wall 21.

[0019] The articulation 5 further comprises a guide element 55 arranged between the roof bar 2a and the front fixing foot 3a2. This guide element 55 is provided with a central cavity 56 at least partially housing the screw 50. The guide element 55 further comprises two lugs 57 arranged on either side of the head 51 of the screw 50, said lugs 57 being sized to slide without play inside the slot 4.

[0020] Thus configured, the articulation 5 allows the movement of the roof bar 2a from its longitudinal position, shown in the figure 5a , at the intermediate position, shown on the figure 5b , by a 90° counterclockwise rotation of the roof bar 2a around the axis Za defined by the T-screw 50. During this movement, the lugs 57 of the guide element 55 have also pivoted, while maintaining their relative position along the slot 4. In this position, they are contiguous to one of the ends of the slot 4. The movement of the roof bar 2a from its intermediate position, shown in the figure 5b , in its transverse position, shown on the figure 5c , is then carried out by translating the roof bar 2a parallel to itself so that the lugs 57 and the head 51 come to be positioned contiguously at the other end of the slot 4.

[0021] The movement of the first roof bar 2a with respect to the front fixing foot 3a2, as described above, can be carried out in a similar manner for the second roof bar 2b with respect to the rear fixing foot 3b1.

[0022] However, since the roof bars 2a, 2b must be handled at the same time when moving them from their longitudinal position to their transverse position, an advantageous solution for carrying out this operation is detailed below.

[0023] Thus, and as represented on the figures 6a à 6d , the roof bars 2a, 2b will advantageously be able to perform a ball joint movement around their articulation so as to position them in a series of intermediate positions in which they will be correctly arranged relative to each other to allow their rotational movement around their respective pivot axis Za and Zb. Indeed, without this ball joint movement, the roof bars 2a, 2b would be aligned in the same plane and, as a result, would come to abut against each other during their rotational movement.

[0024] A first intermediate position, represented on the figure 6a , is reached when, from the position shown on the figure 1 , the rear end of the first roof bar 2a is lifted to move it away in a vertical direction Z from the rear fixing foot 3a1 and the front end of the second roof bar 2b is lifted to move it away in a vertical direction Z from the front fixing foot 3b2.

[0025] A second intermediate position, represented on the figure 6b , is reached when, from the position shown on the figure 6a , the first roof bar 2a is pivoted about the pivot axis Za so as to orient its rear end towards the front fixing foot 3b2 and the second roof bar 2b is pivoted about the pivot axis Zb so as to orient its front end towards the rear fixing foot 3a1.

[0026] A third intermediate position, represented on the figure 6c , is reached when, from the position shown on the figure 6b , the first roof bar 2a is translated along a transverse direction Y so as to position its rear end above the front fixing foot 3b2 and the second roof bar 2b is translated along the transverse direction Y so as to position its front end above the rear fixing foot 3a1.

[0027] A final position, represented on the figure 6d , is reached when, from the position shown on the figure 6c , the rear end of the first roof bar 2a is lowered to bring it into contact with the front fixing foot 3b2 and the front end of the second roof bar 2b is lowered to bring it into contact with the rear fixing foot 3a1.

[0028] The movements of the roof bars 2a and 2b illustrated on the figures 6a à 6d are achievable due to the specific configuration of articulation 5, as detailed below in view of the figures 7a à 7f .

[0029] In particular, as shown in the figure 7b , the inner wall 58 of the guide element 55 which surrounds the central cavity 56 in which the screw 50 is housed has on a high portion 58b, which is located above a central circular zone 58a, a conical shape flared upwards and on a low portion 58c, which is located below said central zone 58a, a conical shape flared downwards. Thus configured, the inner wall 58 of the guide element 55 forms a cam pattern against which the screw 50 bears during the movement of the first roof bar 2a, respectively of the second roof bar 2b, from its longitudinal position to its transverse position and vice versa, thus allowing the ball joint movement of said roof bars 2a, 2b.

[0030] Thus, when moving the roof bar 2a from its longitudinal position shown in the figure 7a , at its first intermediate position, represented on the figure 7b , the guide element 55 pivots relative to the screw 50 around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X until the guide element 55 abuts against the screw 50 at its internal wall 58c.

[0031] Subsequently, when the roof bar 2a moves from its first intermediate position, shown in the figure 7b , at its second intermediate position, represented on the figure 7c , the guide element 55 and the screw 50 pivot together relative to the front fixing foot 3a2 around the pivot axis Za, the guide element 55 being in contact with the screw 50 at the level of the internal face of the lugs 57. The figure 7c shows the front fixing foot 3a2 in cross section. This figure shows that the front fixing foot 3a2 is provided with a projecting shape 33 protruding from its upper wall 31. The function of this projecting shape 33 will be specified in the following paragraphs.

[0032] When moving the roof bar 2a from its second intermediate position, shown in the figure 7c , in its third intermediate position, represented on the figure 7d , the roof bar 2a is translated relative to the front fixing foot 3a2 along the transverse direction Y until the lug 57 which is the outermost comes to abut against the outer end of the slot 4, the guide element 55 still being in contact with the screw 50 at its inner wall 58c.

[0033] The translational movements of the roof bars 2a, 2b can be carried out thanks to a play in the holding mechanism which will be described later with the spring washer 54. This spring washer will be put under compression to ensure good fixing of these roof bars 2a, 2b in their transverse position.

[0034] Then, when moving the roof bar 2a from its third intermediate position, shown in the figure 7d , at its transverse position shown on the figure 7e , the guide element 55 pivots relative to the screw 50 around the longitudinal axis X until the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a comes into contact with the projecting shape 33. The internal wall 58c of the guide element 55 is then no longer in contact with the screw 50. In this position, the inclination of the roof bar 2a relative to the horizontal does not yet allow it to be fixed to the front fixing foot 3b2 at the fixing point P2.

[0035] In order to fix the roof bar 2a in a transverse position, the roof bar 2a must then be tilted around the projecting shape 33 so that the end of the roof bar 2a which is provided with the slot 4 lifts, thus creating a clearance e between the guide element 55 and the front fixing foot 3a2. This lifting produces an upward movement of the screw 50 due to the contact between the head 51 and the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a. This upward movement of the screw 50 generates a compression of the spring washer 54 between the nut 53 and the upper wall 31 of the front fixing foot 3a2. The joint 5 is then in a locked state, which limits the risks of accidental disconnection of the roof bar 2a when it is positioned in its transverse position.

[0036] It will be possible to provide an additional protruding shape 33 at the level of the front fixing foot 3a2 so as to also avoid accidental disconnection of the roof bar 2a when it is positioned in its longitudinal position. This additional protruding shape 33 could for example be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and be located near the articulation 5.

[0037] In reference to the figures 8a et 8b , a first alternative embodiment for the articulation 5 is shown.

[0038] In this embodiment, the joint 5 differs from that shown in the figures 7a à 7f by the fact that instead of providing a protruding shape 33 to define the locked state of the articulation, the solution consists in arranging the screw 50 eccentrically with respect to an axis X' parallel to the longitudinal axis X and with respect to an axis Y' perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X around which the guide element 55 pivots when fixing the roof bar 2a on the rear fixing foot 3a1 or front 3b2 respectively in its longitudinal and transverse position. For this purpose, the lower face 59 of the guide element 55 may have a hemispherical shape intended to cooperate with a corresponding hollow shape of the upper wall 31 of the front fixing foot 3a2 so as to allow the pivoting movement of the guide element 55 around the axis X' or Y'.Thus, when fixing the roof bar 2a, a lifting of the head 51 of the screw 50 occurs under the effect of the upward movement of the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a, which results in a compression of the spring washer 54 between the nut 53 and the upper wall 31 of the front fixing foot 3a2.

[0039] In reference to the figures 9a à 9c , 10a, 10b, 11a et 11b , a second alternative embodiment for the joint 5 is shown.

[0040] In this embodiment, the joint 5 differs from that shown in the figures 8a et 8b by the fact that instead of providing an eccentric position of the screw 50 to define the locked state of the articulation, the solution consists in providing the guide element 55 with two lower lugs 62 protruding under the lower face 59 of the guide element 55, as shown in the figures 9a et 9b , and to provide the upper wall 31 of the front fixing foot 3a2 with an annular cam path along which the lower lugs 62 move during rotational movements of the roof bar 2a. As shown in the figure 9c , the cam path comprises two projecting shapes 35 separated by two hollow shapes 34. Thus, as shown in the figures 10a et 10b , when the roof bar 2a is in an intermediate position between its longitudinal position and its transverse position, the lower lugs 62 are in contact with the hollow shapes 34. The guide element 55 and the screw 50 are in a low position: the spring washer 54 is therefore not compressed by the nut 53. On the other hand, as shown in the figures 11a et 11b, when the roof bar 2a is in its longitudinal or transverse position, the lower lugs 62 are in contact with the projecting shapes 35. The guide element 55 and the screw 50 are in a high position: the spring washer 54 is therefore compressed by the nut 53.

[0041] In reference to the figures 12a à 12c , an advantageous embodiment variant of the invention is shown. In this variant, an area 22 of the lower wall 21 of the first roof bar 2a, respectively of the second roof bar 2b, which surrounds the slot 4, is covered with a covering piece 6 formed from a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as polyoxymethylene or polyamide 6. This covering piece 6 will in particular limit the friction of the head 51 of the screw 50 against the lower face 21 of the first roof bar 2a, respectively of the second roof bar 2b, when the joint 5 slides along the slot 4. As shown in the figure 12c , the covering piece 6 can advantageously be received inside grooves 57a formed along the external periphery of the lugs 57 of the guide element 55.

[0042] In reference to the figure 13 , a cross-sectional view of the roof bar 2a is shown at its removable connection with the front fixing foot 3b2 in a possible alternative embodiment of the invention. In this alternative, the roof bar 2a comprises a threaded male member 7, such as a screw, and the front fixing foot 3b2 comprises a threaded female member 8, such as a nut, intended to cooperate with said threaded male member 7 so as to ensure the fixing of the roof bar 2a on said front fixing foot 3b2. This specific example of locking means and complementary locking means can thus also be used to fix the first roof bar 2a on the rear fixing foot 3a1 in its longitudinal position and to fix the second roof bar 2b on the front 3b2 and rear 3a1 fixing feet respectively in its longitudinal and transverse position.In order to access the threaded male member 7, the roof bars 2a and 2b can advantageously be equipped with removable covers 23 as shown in the . figure 13 .

[0043] In reference to the figure 14, a possible variant of locking means and complementary locking means that can equip the system of the invention is shown. In this variant, the locking means integrated in each of the roof bars 2a, 2b comprise a retaining lyre 11 and an asymmetrical core 12 linked in rotation in the retaining lyre 11, and the complementary locking means of the fixing feet 3a1 and 3b2, on which said roof bars 2a, 2b are fixed, comprise a quadrangular opening 13 formed in the upper wall 31 of each of the fixing feet 3a1 and 3b2. The retaining yoke 11 and the core 12 are configured such that, upon rotation of the core 12, the retaining yoke 11 moves from a retracted position, in which it is removable from the quadrangular opening 13, to an expanded position, in which it is locked in the quadrangular opening 13.This solution was notably described in patent EP 3 124 328 B1.

[0044] The invention is obviously not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, in one conceivable embodiment, the rear and front fixing feet 3a1 and 3a2 of the first pair of fixing feet, respectively the rear and front fixing feet 3b1 and 3b2 of the second pair of fixing feet, may be integrated into the same part so as to form a single support rail.

Claims

1. A roof bar assembly (1) comprising: - two pairs of fixing feet (3a1, 3a2; 3b1, 3b2), namely a first pair of fixing feet (3a1, 3a2) and a second pair of fixing feet (3b1, 3b2), intended to be fixed on each side of a vehicle roof, each pair of fixing feet (3a1, 3a2; 3b1, 3b2) comprising a rear fixing foot (3a1, 3b1) arranged at the rear relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle and a front fixing foot (3a2, 3b2) arranged at the front relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle, said front and rear fixing feet (3a1, 3a2; 3b1, 3b2) being parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) defined by the vehicle, - a pair of bars (2a, 2b), namely a first bar (2a) and a second bar (2b), the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), being pivotally connected to one of the fixing feet (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively to one of the fixing feet (3b1) of the second pair of feet, by means of a hinge (5) fixed to said fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) so as to allow the positioning of the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), in at least two specific use positions, respectively a longitudinal position, in which it is parallel to said longitudinal axis (X), and a transverse position, in which it is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (X), in which, in its longitudinal position, the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is capable of being removably fixed to the fixing foot (3a1) of the first pair of feet, respectively on the fixing foot (3b2) of the second pair of feet, which does not support the hinge (5) when locking means of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), cooperate with complementary locking means of said fixing foot (3a1, 3b2) at a first fixing point (P1), respectively of a second fixing point (P2), and, in its transverse position, the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is capable of being fixed in a removably manner on the fixing foot (3b2) of the second pair of feet, respectively on the fixing foot (3a1) of the first pair of feet, which does not support the hinge (5) when said locking means of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), cooperate with complementary locking means of said fixing foot at the second fixing point (P2), respectively at a third fixing point (P3), and in which the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is provided with a slot (4) along which its hinge (5) can slide such that the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), can be displaced both in rotation and in translation relative to the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively relative to the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which supports said hinge (5), thus allowing said locking means of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), to cooperate with said complementary locking means at the first fixing point (P1), respectively at the second fixing point (P2), when it is in its longitudinal position, and at the second fixing point (P2), respectively of the third fixing point (P3), when in its transverse position, characterized in that the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is capable of performing a ball-joint movement around the hinge (5), thus allowing said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), to be displaced from its longitudinal position to its transverse position.

2. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), can pivot about a first pivot axis (Za), respectively about a second pivot axis (Zb), which is distant from the first fixing point (P1), respectively from the second fixing point (P2), by a first distance (d1), respectively by a second distance (d2), the first distance (d1) being less than the distance (d3) separating the first pivot axis (Za) from the second fixing point (P2) and the second distance (d2) being less than the distance (d4) separating the second pivot axis (Zb) from the third fixing point (P3).

3. The roof bar assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge (5) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), comprises a T-bolt (50) provided with a head (51) arranged above a lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), in which the slot (4) is formed, and a threaded rod (52) partially received in the slot (4) and in a bore (32) formed through an upper wall (31) of the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which faces said lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), a nut (53) being screwed onto the free end of the threaded rod (52), the nut (53) bearing against a spring washer (54) arranged between said nut (53) and said upper wall (31), thus pressing the head (51) of the T-bolt (50) against the lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b).

4. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the T-bolt (50) is housed at least partially inside a central cavity (56) of a guide element (55) arranged between the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), and the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which supports the hinge (5), the guide element (55) comprising at least two lugs (57) arranged on either side of the head (51) of the T-bolt (50) and configured to slide inside the slot (4), the inner wall (58) of the guide element (55) which surrounds the central cavity (56) being configured to allow a pivoting of the guide element (55) relative to the T-bolt (50) at least about an axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) when, the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), being in its longitudinal position, the locking means of the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), cooperate with the complementary locking means of the fixing foot (3a1) of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot (3b2) of the second pair of feet, which does not support the hinge (5), and at least about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) when, the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), being in its transverse position, the locking means of the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), cooperate with the complementary locking means of the fixing foot (3b2) of the second pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot (3a1) of the first pair of feet, which does not support the hinge (5).

5. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner wall (58) of the guide element (55) forms a cam pattern against which the T-bolt (50) bears when the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is displaced from its longitudinal position to its transverse position and vice versa.

6. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which supports the hinge (5), is provided with at least one projecting shape (33) protruding from its upper wall (31), said at least one projecting shape (33) forming a stop against which the lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), rests, when said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), is fixed on one of the fixing feet (3b2, 3a1) which does not support a hinge (5), the fixing of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), generating a pivoting of said first bar (2a), respectively of said second bar (2b), about said at least one projecting shape (33) and, consequently, a lifting of the head (51) of the T-bolt (50) under the effect of the upward displacement of the lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), which results in a compression of the spring washer (54) between the nut (53) and the upper wall (31) of the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which supports the hinge (5).

7. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the T-bolt (50) is arranged eccentrically relative to the axis (X', Y') about which the guide element (55) pivots when fixing the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), on one of the fixing feet (3b2, 3a1) which does not support a hinge (5), the fixing of said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), generating a lifting of the head (51) of the T-bolt (50) under the effect of the upward displacement of the lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), which results in compression of the spring washer (54) between the nut (53) and the upper wall (31) of the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which supports the hinge (5).

8. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which supports the hinge (5) is provided with at least one projecting and / or recessed shape (34, 35) at its upper wall (31), said at least one projecting and / or recessed shape (34, 35) forming a cam path along which at least one lower lug (62) protruding from a lower face (59) of the guide element (55) can be displaced, the displacement of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), from its longitudinal position to its transverse position and vice versa generates an upward and / or downward displacement of the guide element (55) when said at least one lower lug (61) is displaced along said cam path, which, due to the contact of an upper face (61) of the guide element (55) with the lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), produces a lifting and / or a lowering of said first bar (2a), respectively of said second bar (2b), and, consequently, a lifting of the head (51) of the T-bolt (50), which results in a compression of the spring washer (54) between the nut (53) and the upper wall (31) of the fixing foot (3a2) of the first pair of feet, respectively of the fixing foot (3b1) of the second pair of feet, which supports the hinge (5).

9. The roof bar assembly (1) according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that an area (22) of the lower wall (21) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), which at least partially surrounds the slot (4), is covered with a covering part (6) made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, said covering part (6) making it possible in particular to limit the friction between the head (51) of the T-bolt (50) and the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), during the sliding of the hinge (5) along the slot (4).

10. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the material constituting the covering part (6) is selected from polyoxymethylene and polyamide 6.

11. The roof bar assembly (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the covering part (6) is housed partially inside at least one groove (57a) formed along the outer periphery of one of the lugs (57) of the guide element (55).

12. The roof bar assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), comprise a threaded male member (7), such as a screw, and the complementary locking means of the fixing foot (3a1, 3b2), on which said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), is fixed, comprise a threaded female member (8), such as a nut.

13. The roof bar assembly (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the locking means of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), comprise a retaining clip (11) and an asymmetrical core (12) rotatably connected in the retaining clip (11), and the complementary locking means of the fixing foot (3a1, 3b2), on which said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b) is fixed, comprise a quadrangular opening (13) formed in the upper wall of said fixing foot (3a1, 3b2), said locking means being configured such that, upon rotation of the core (12), the retaining clip (11) moves from a retracted position, in which it is removable from the quadrangular opening (13), to an expanded position, in which it is locked within the quadrangular opening (13).