Vehicle roof box

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle roof box (1) comprising a lid (3) and a base (5) configured for installation of the vehicle roof box on a vehicle, wherein the lid has a lid edge (7) at least partly defining an opening into a lid space (15) and the base has a base edge (21) at least partly defining an opening into a base space (25), wherein the vehicle roof box is adapted to be brought in a first configuration in which the lid space and the base space provide an openable storage space for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box and a second nesting configuration, where the lid is positioned inside the base space or vice versa.

Description

[0001] Title: Vehicle roof box

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a vehicle roof box comprising a lid and a base configured for installation of the vehicle roof box on a vehicle, wherein the lid has a lid edge at least partly defining an opening into a lid space and the base has a base edge at least partly defining an opening into a base space, wherein the vehicle roof box is adapted to be brought in a first configuration in which the lid space and the base space provide an openable storage space for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for bringing a vehicle roof box in different configurations.

[0005] A vehicle roof box comprising a lid and a base configured for installation of the vehicle roof box on a vehicle roof is for example known from EP 3 587 188 A1 , wherein figure 1 shows that the lid has a lid edge at least partly defining an opening into a lid space and the base has a base edge at least partly defining an opening into a base space, wherein the lid space and the base space provide an openable storage space for positioning and transporting items in the vehicle roof box. Such a vehicle roof box provides additional storage space for a vehicle, and after using the vehicle roof box it can be stored for example in a garage. A disadvantage of the known vehicle roof box is that it has a relatively large volume.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle roof box which is adaptable for different purposes.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of the vehicle roof box as defined in claim 1 .

[0008] The invention relates to a vehicle roof box comprising a lid and a base configured for installation of the vehicle roof box on a vehicle, wherein the lid has a lid edge at least partly defining an opening into a lid space and the base has a base edge at least partly defining an opening into a base space. The vehicle roof box is adapted to be brought in a first configuration in which the lid space and the base space provide an openable storage space for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box. The vehicle roof box is further adapted to be brought in a second nesting configuration, wherein in the second nesting configuration the lid is positioned inside the base space or the base is positioned in the lid space. In the second nesting configuration of the vehicle roof box the volume of the vehicle roof box is reduced. In the second configuration, transport volume of vehicle roof boxes in logistics processes can be significantly reduced including storage volume of vehicle roof boxes in warehouses. Hence, the second nesting configuration of the vehicle roof box brings advantages from cost perspective and environmental perspective. For example from environmental perspective more vehicle roof boxes can be transported in the same transport volume between locations such that the carbon footprint of each vehicle roof box can be reduced.

[0009] As a result of the volume reduction in the second nesting configuration, a vehicle roof box, for example a newly manufactured vehicle roof box, may further require significantly less packaging material. The packaging savings also have a positive impact regarding costs and carbon footprint of each vehicle roof box.

[0010] In this disclosure the lid is positioned inside the base space has the meaning that at least 50% of the lid is positioned inside the base space. The same applies if the base is positioned in the lid space, in that at least 50% of the base is positioned inside the lid space.

[0011] In this disclosure the wording vehicle roof box encompasses a vehicle box comprising a lid and a base configured for installation of the vehicle box on a vehicle roof or on a vehicle tow bar, i.e. , a so called hitch cargo box.

[0012] Further, it is possible that in the second nesting configuration the lid space of the lid is positioned inside the base space of the base, or vice versa. In other words, the lid or the base has been positioned completely or substantially completely inside the lid space or base space. Hence, the volume reduction between the vehicle roof box in the first configuration and the second nesting configuration can be up to 50%, preferably the volume reduction is at least 25%.

[0013] In one aspect, the vehicle roof box may be designed to be brought only once into the first configuration from the second nesting configuration. For example, before selling the vehicle roof box to an end-user, the base and the lid are assembled from the second configuration into a final “permanent” first configuration, i.e. a “permanent” configuration which makes it difficult, perhaps impossible, for an end-user to bring the vehicle roof box back into the second configuration without risks of damaging the vehicle roof box. In another aspect, the vehicle roof box may be designed to be brought from the second nesting configuration to the first configuration by an end-user and vice versa. Such a designed vehicle roof box can be converted to the desired configuration any time by an end-user, wherein on top of the cost and environmental advantages mentioned above, the second nesting configuration also provides advantages for an end-user by using the second nesting configuration for temporarily storing the vehicle roof box in a storage space for example a garage. In this manner the storage space, for example the garage, can be used more optimally. Hence, the second nesting configuration is a configuration of the vehicle roof with a reduced volume of the vehicle roof box compared to the first configuration for transport, warehouse storage, end-user storage and / or packaging.

[0014] In one aspect, the lid space is smaller than the base space, or vice versa. In the second configuration the smaller lid space may be surrounded by the larger base space, or the smaller base space may be surrounded by the larger lid space. Hence, the vehicle roof box of this disclosure does not require that the base and the lid have identical designs and / or dimensions, such that there is freedom of design, for example for aerodynamic reasons for the base and / or the lid, or for adapting the design of the base for vehicle roof installation. In other words, the shape and / or dimensions of the base are independent from the shape and / or dimensions of the lid, as long as one of the base and lid can be positioned inside the other such that the vehicle roof box can be brought from the first to the second nesting configuration.

[0015] In one further aspect, the lid and the base each have an inner surface defining the lid space and the base space and an outer surface, wherein in the first configuration the inner surfaces of the lid and the base are facing each other, wherein in the second nesting configuration one of the outer surfaces of the lid or the base is facing one of the inner surfaces of the other. In this manner, the total volume including the storage volume of the vehicle roof box is relatively large in the first configuration and smaller in the second nesting configuration.

[0016] In another aspect, a maximum height of the lid and the base may be measured in a direction traverse to the opening of the lid and the base, wherein the base and the lid are designed such that in the first configuration the maximum height of the roof box is defined by the maximum height of the lid and the maximum height of the base. The maximum height of the roof box in the second configuration is shorter than the maximum height of the roof box in the first configuration, preferably the maximum height in the second configuration is 75% or lower of the maximum height in the first configuration, more preferred the maximum height in the second configuration is 65% or lower of the maximum height in the first configuration.

[0017] In the second configuration of the vehicle roof box the lid is adapted for nesting the base or the base is adapted for nesting the lid. The ratio storage volume of the vehicle roof box in the first configuration versus total volume of the vehicle roof box in the second configuration can be improved by design of the vehicle roof box. For example, by increasing more contact area or areas between the lid and the base in the second nesting configuration the ratio is optimized. For example, if there is no or minimal contact between the lid and the base in the second configuration than the ratio will be relatively low, i.e. the base and the lid can be brought in the second nesting configuration, but the volume of the vehicle roof box in the second nesting configuration will be relatively large. For the above given advantages it may be desired to reduce the volume of the vehicle roof in the second nesting configuration. This can be obtained by designing the lid and the base with complementary shapes for nesting and / or with identical or close to identical dimensions for nesting. In this manner the volume of the vehicle roof box in the second nesting configuration is (strongly) minimized, whereas the storage volume of the vehicle roof box in the first configuration is maximal.

[0018] In another aspect, the roof box comprises components adapted for opening, closing and / or locking the lid with respect to the base in the first configuration. For bringing the vehicle roof box in the first configuration at least a plurality of the components are partially or completely attachable or removably attachable to the lid and / or the base, preferably manually removably attachable. The plurality of component is attached for installing the roof box in the first configuration. It is further possible to prepare the lid or the base for nesting by removing internal and / or external base and / or lid components for opening, closing and / or locking of the vehicle roof box in the first configuration which obstruct nesting. Without obstacles the lid can be nested within the base or vice versa.

[0019] Preparing the lid and / or the base for the second nesting configuration may include preparing an inner and / or an outer surface of the lid or the base to provide a nesting-obstacle-free inner and / or outer surface. The plurality of components may comprise connectors configured for a snap-fit connection for relatively easily connecting the lid to the base to obtain the first configuration of the vehicle roof box. The connectors may be configured for a multiple use snap-fit connection, which facilitates an end-user to bring the vehicle roof box from the first configuration to the second nesting configuration or vice versa. These connectors may further provide a hinge to open and close the vehicle roof box in the first configuration. Thus, components used for connecting the lid and the base together may be connected to the lid and / or the base by snap-fit. By means of snap-fit, the components can be installed relatively quickly and with no or at least reduced mistakes.

[0020] The plurality of components may also comprise at least a hinge mechanism for opening and closing the roof box in the first configuration of the vehicle roof box. The hinge mechanism may comprise a cover hinge mechanism portion and a base hinge mechanism portion, wherein at least the hinge mechanism portion prohibiting that the vehicle roof box can be brought in the second configuration is releasably connectable, to the cover and / or the base. The hinge mechanism may further comprise a connecting hinge mechanism portion connecting the cover hinge mechanism portion with the base hinge mechanism portion in the first configuration, for example by snap-fit including multiple use snap-fit, wherein the connecting hinge mechanism portion is disconnected or in a disconnected condition with the cover hinge mechanism portion and / or the base hinge mechanism portion in the second configuration of the vehicle roof box.

[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for bringing a vehicle roof box in different configurations.

[0022] This object is achieved with the method claim in the appended set of claims.

[0023] By means of the method the vehicle roof box may be brought into the second nesting configuration by:

[0024] - preparing the base and / or the lid for nesting;

[0025] - nesting the base in the lid space, or vice versa nesting the lid in the base space.

[0026] In the second configuration, the vehicle roof box has the smallest volume, which provides packaging, storage and transport advantages from a cost perspective and reduces the carbon footprint the vehicle roof box. Preparing may include removing at least a portion of the components adapted for opening, closing and / or locking the lid with respect to the base in the first configuration as indicated in this disclosure. Preparing may further or alternatively include turning the base or the lid 180 degrees with respect to the orientation in the first configuration.

[0027] The vehicle roof box may further be brought from the first configuration into the second nesting configuration by the following steps:

[0028] - disconnecting the lid and the base;

[0029] - preparing the base and / or the lid for nesting;

[0030] - nesting the base in the lid space, or nesting the lid in the base space.

[0031] Hence, the second nesting configuration also provides advantages for an end user, because in the second nesting configuration storage volume for temporarily storing the vehicle roof box in a storage space can be further reduced such that the storage space can be used more optimally.

[0032] The vehicle roof box may brought from the second nesting configuration into the first configuration by:

[0033] - removing the lid from the base space of the base or vice versa removing the base from the lid space;

[0034] - connecting the lid and the base together such that the lid space and the base space provide an openable storage space for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box.

[0035] For using the vehicle roof box on a vehicle, the vehicle roof box can be assembled from the second configuration to the first configuration, such that the vehicle roof box provides an openable (additional) storage space for positioning and / or transporting items.

[0036] The aspects described above as well as other aspects of the vehicle roof box and the method will be explained hereunder on the basis of an exemplary embodiment in combination with figures. The invention is not, however, limited to the exemplary embodiments described hereunder. Rather, a number of adaptations and modifications are possible, which also make use of the idea of the invention claimed in the claims and consequently fall within the scope of protection. For example, the vehicle roof box encompasses a vehicle box comprising a lid and a base configured for installation of the vehicle box on a vehicle roof or a base configured for installation of the vehicle box on a vehicle tow bar, i.e. , a so called hitch cargo box. In particular, the possibility is mentioned of combining the features / aspects that are only mentioned in the description and / or are shown in the figures, with the features of the claims in so far as compatible.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings:

[0038] Figures 1a-c show perspective views of a vehicle roof box;

[0039] Figure 2 shows a lid of the vehicle roof box as shown in figure 1c;

[0040] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the vehicle roof box.

[0041] In the following description identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. Each feature disclosed with reference to a specific figure can also be combined with another feature disclosed in this disclosure, unless it is evident for a person skilled in the art that these features are incompatible.

[0042] Detailed description of the drawings:

[0043] The vehicle box 1 ; 101 shown in the figures comprises a lid 3; 103 and a base 5; 105 configured for installation of the vehicle roof box 1 on a vehicle roof (not shown). The vehicle box 1 ; 101 may also be designed as a hitch cargo box (not shown). The base 5; 105 may for example comprise installation features for installation on a vehicle roof like designed attachment hardware (not shown) or installation features for installation on a vehicle tow bar designed attachment hardware (not shown) and / or areas for receiving mounting hardware (not shown) and / or holes (not shown) in the base. Figure 3 shows a vehicle roof box 101 which only differs in that the components 102, 104 for opening and closing the vehicle roof box 101 in a first configuration to be discussed in more detail below are different than the components 2, 4, 6 of the vehicle roof box 1. Hence, in the following description of the figures no reference is being made to corresponding features of the vehicle roof boxes 1 ; 101 , like for example lid edge 107 or base edge 121 to be discussed hereafter wherein the description only refers to the reference signs shown in figures 1a-2 and not to identical features of the vehicle roof box 101 shown in figure 3.

[0044] The lid 3 has a lid edge 7 at least partly defining an opening into a lid space 15 and the base 5 has a base edge 21 at least partly defining an opening into a base space 25. The vehicle roof box 1 is adapted to be brought in a first “conventional” configuration as shown in figures 1C and 3 in which the lid space 15 and the base space 25 together provide an openable storage space 40 (figure 3) for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box 1.

[0045] The vehicle roof box 1 of this disclosure may be further adapted to be brought from the first configuration in a second nesting configuration for transport, storage or packaging, wherein in the second configuration the lid 3 can be positioned inside the base space 25 of the base 5 (not shown) or vice versa as shown in figure 1a. Fig. 1a shows that the base 5 can be positioned (indicated by arrows P1) inside the lid space 15 of the lid 3. In the embodiment of the vehicle roof box 1 shown in the drawings, the base 5 is positioned in the lid space 15 of the lid 3 in the second nesting configuration which is not shown in the figures. In figure 1a it is shown that the lid 3 is positioned over the base 5 by moving the lid 3 in a direction indicated by arrows P1 , i.e. by moving the lid 3 towards the base 5 in a direction traverse to the opening of the lid 3. The other way around is also possible in that the base 5 is positioned in the lid by moving the base 5, i.e. by moving / lowering the base 5 towards the lid 3 in a direction traverse to the opening of the lid 3. In the vehicle roof box 1 shown, the base space 25 of the base 3 is positioned inside the lid space 15 of the lid 5 in the second nesting configuration. The lid space 15 is larger than the base space 25, wherein in the second nesting configuration the smaller base space 25 is completely or almost completely be surrounded by the larger lid space 25. Although not shown, it is also possible that the vehicle roof box of this disclosure is designed such that the lid space of the lid is positioned inside the base space of the base, i.e. the other way around, wherein in the second configuration of this vehicle roof box the smaller lid space may further be surrounded by the larger base space.

[0046] As an example, the vehicle roof box 1 shown may comprise a length extending in a vehicles drive direction that is equal or greater than the width, wherein the width is equal or greater than the height of the vehicle roof box. The length of a vehicle roof box 1 may vary between 1 and 4 meter, the width between 0.5 and 2.0 meter and the height between 0.2 and 0.7 meter. In another example, the length of a hitch cargo box (not shown) is smaller than the width of the hitch cargo box, wherein the height can be varied depending on the vehicle type. The vehicle roof box 1 is configured to be brought from the second nesting configuration to the first configuration and vice versa. It is also possible as mentioned in this disclosure that the vehicle roof box 1 is configured to be brought from the second nesting configuration to the first configuration only once.

[0047] The lid 3 and the base 5 each have an inner surface 9 (for the base 5 not shown) defining the lid space 15 and the base space 25 and an outer surface 11 , 27, wherein in the first configuration (see figures 1c and 3) the inner surfaces 9 of the lid 3 and the base 5 are facing each other, wherein in the second nesting configuration, see for example figure 1a, the outer surface 27 of the base 5 is facing the inner surface 9 of the lid 3.

[0048] A maximum height H1 , H2 (figure 1 b) of the lid 3 and the base 5 is measured in a direction traverse to the opening of the lid 3 and the base 5, wherein the base and the lid are designed such that in the second nesting configuration the maximum height of the roof box 1 is defined by the maximum height of the lid H1. As mentioned it is also possible that the maximum height of the base determines the maximum height in the second nesting configuration.

[0049] The maximum height the roof box 1 in the first configuration corresponds approximately to the sum of the heights H1 and H2, wherein the maximum height the roof box 1 in the first configuration is larger than the maximum height of the roof box 1 in the second nesting configuration. In the second configuration the maximum height is approximately the half of the maximum height in the first configuration. The maximum height in the second configuration is preferably 75% or lower, more preferred 65% or lower than the maximum height in the first configuration.

[0050] The roof box 1 ; 101 comprises components 2, 4, 6; 102, 104 adapted for opening, closing and / or locking the lid 3 with respect to the base 5 in the first configuration, wherein for bringing the vehicle roof box in the first and / or second nesting configuration at least a plurality of the components 2, 4, 6; 102, 104 are partially or completely attachable, in particular removably attachable, to the lid 3 and / or the base 5.

[0051] As shown in the figures, the plurality of components 2, 4, 6; 102, 102a, 102b, 104 comprise connectors 4; 102 configured for a snap-fit connection for connecting the lid to the base in the first configuration. As shown in figure 2 the connector 4 is moved in a direction indicated by P2 to provide the snap-fit connection. The connectors 4; 102 provide a hinge to open and close the vehicle roof box 1 in the first configuration. The plurality of components comprises at least a hinge mechanism 2, 4, 6; 102, 102a, 102b, 104 for opening and closing the openable storage space 40 in the first configuration of the vehicle roof box 1.

[0052] As shown in figure 1 b, 2a and 2b the hinge mechanism of the components 2, 4, 6; 102, 102a, 102b comprises a cover hinge mechanism portion 2; 102a and a base hinge mechanism portion 6; 102b, wherein at least the hinge mechanism portion 4; 102 prohibiting that the roof box 1 can be brought in the second configuration is releasably connectable, to the cover 3 and / or the base 5.

[0053] The hinge mechanism comprises a connecting hinge mechanism portion 4; 102 connecting the cover hinge mechanism portion 2; 102a with the base hinge mechanism portion 6; 102b in the first configuration, wherein at least the connecting hinge mechanism portion 4; 102 is disconnected with the cover hinge mechanism portion 2; 102a and / or the base hinge mechanism portion 6; 102b in the second configuration of the vehicle roof box. As shown in figure 1a, it is also possible that all the components 2, 4, 6 are removed or uninstalled to bring the vehicle roof box 1 in the second nesting configuration.

[0054] By means of figures 1a-c the method for bringing a vehicle roof box in different configurations is explained. The vehicle roof box 1 is brought into the second nesting configuration by:

[0055] - preparing the base and / or the lid for nesting as shown in figure 1a;

[0056] - nesting the base in the lid space as shown by arrows P1 in figure 1a or vice versa nesting the lid in the base space (not shown).

[0057] The vehicle roof box 1 is brought from the first configuration as shown in figure 1c into the second nesting configuration by the following steps:

[0058] - disconnecting the lid and the base, in particular removing the components 2, 4, 6 or at least connector 4 (not shown);

[0059] - preparing the base and / or the lid for nesting, including turning the lid 3 180 degrees as shown in figure 1a with respect to the orientation in the first configuration as shown in figure 1c;

[0060] - nesting the base in the lid space as shown by arrows P1 in figure 1a or vice versa nesting the lid in the base space (not shown). The vehicle roof box is brought from the second nesting configuration into the first configuration by:

[0061] - removing the lid from the base space of the base or as shown in figure 1a removing the base 5 from the lid space 15 by moving the base 5 in the direction indicated by arrows P1 ;

[0062] - connecting the lid and the base together as shown in figures 1 b,c such that the lid space 15 and the base space 25 provide an openable storage space 40 (figures 1c and 3) for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box 1.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vehicle roof box comprising a lid and a base configured for installation of the vehicle roof box on a vehicle, wherein the lid has a lid edge at least partly defining an opening into a lid space and the base has a base edge at least partly defining an opening into a base space, wherein the vehicle roof box is adapted to be brought in a first configuration in which the lid space and the base space provide an openable storage space for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box, characterised in that the vehicle roof box is further adapted to be brought in a second nesting configuration, wherein in the second nesting configuration the lid is positioned inside the base space or the base is positioned in the lid space.

2. The vehicle roof box according to claim 1 , wherein the lid space of the lid is positioned inside the base space of the base, or vice versa, in the second nesting configuration.

3. The vehicle roof box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid space is smaller than the base space, or vice versa.

4. The vehicle roof box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid and the base each have an inner surface defining the lid space and the base space and an outer surface, wherein in the first configuration the inner surfaces of the lid and the base are facing each other, wherein in the second nesting configuration one of the outer surfaces of the lid or the base is facing one of the inner surfaces of the other.

5. The vehicle roof box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum height of the lid and the base is measured in a direction traverse to the opening of the lid and the base, wherein the base and the lid are designed such that in the second nesting configuration the maximum height of the roof box is defined by the maximum height of the lid or the maximum height of the base.

6. The vehicle roof box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum height of the roof box in the first configuration is larger than the maximumheight of the roof box in the second nesting configuration, preferably the maximum height in the second configuration is 75% or lower of the maximum height in the first configuration, more preferred the maximum height in the second configuration is 65% or lower of the maximum height in the first configuration.

7. The vehicle roof box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle roof box is configured to be brought from the second nesting configuration to the first configuration and vice versa.

8. The vehicle roof box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the roof box comprises components adapted for opening, closing and / or locking the lid with respect to the base in the first configuration, wherein for bringing the vehicle roof box in the first configuration at least a plurality of the components are partially or completely attachable, preferably removably attachable, to the lid and / or the base.

9. The vehicle roof box according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of components comprise connectors configured for a snap-fit connection for connecting the lid to the base in the first configuration, preferably the connectors provide a hinge to open and close the vehicle roof box in the first configuration.

10. The vehicle roof box according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of components comprises at least a hinge mechanism for opening and closing the openable storage space in the first configuration of the vehicle roof box.

11. The vehicle roof box according to claim 10, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a cover hinge mechanism portion and a base hinge mechanism portion, wherein at least the hinge mechanism portion prohibiting that the roof box can be brought in the second configuration is releasably connectable, to the cover and / or the base.

12. The vehicle roof box according to claim 11 , wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a connecting hinge mechanism portion connecting the cover hinge mechanism portion with the base hinge mechanism portion in the first configuration,wherein the connecting hinge mechanism portion is disconnected with the cover hinge mechanism portion and / or the base hinge mechanism portion in the second configuration of the vehicle roof box.

13. A method for bringing a vehicle roof box according to any of the preceding claims in different configurations, wherein the vehicle roof box is brought into the second nesting configuration by:- preparing the base and / or the lid for nesting;- nesting the base in the lid space, or vice versa nesting the lid in the base space.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the vehicle roof box is brought from the first configuration into the second nesting configuration by the following steps:- disconnecting the lid and the base;- preparing the base and / or the lid for nesting;- nesting the base in the lid space, or vice versa nesting the lid in the base space.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the vehicle roof box is brought from the second nesting configuration into the first configuration by:- removing the lid from the base space of the base or removing the base from the lid space;- connecting the lid and the base together such that the lid space and the base space provide an openable storage space for positioning and / or transporting items in the vehicle roof box.

Images