Roof-bar assembly intended to be positioned on a vehicle roof

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof-bar assembly (1) comprising: - two pairs of fastening feet (3a1, 3a2; 3b1, 3b2), and - a pair of bars (2a, 2b) able to move into at least two specific use positions, respectively a longitudinal position, in which they are parallel to a longitudinal axis (X), and a transverse position, in which they are oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis (X), wherein each of the bars (2a, 2b) can move both in rotation and in translation with respect to one of the fastening feet (3a2, 3b1), the roof-bar assembly (1) further comprising a lifting device (70) capable of vertically moving said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), away from said fastening foot (3a2, 3b1) when said first bar, respectively said second bar, is in an unlocked position in which it can move with respect to said fastening foot (3a2, 3b1).

Description

[0001] Set of roof bars intended to be positioned on the roof of a vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a set of roof bars intended to be positioned on the roof of a vehicle.

[0003] It is known to use roof bars to support, for example, a roof box or a bicycle rack on the roof of a vehicle.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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 folding 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.

[0006] In other solutions known from the prior art, it has been proposed to connect each roof bar in a pivoting manner to a first fixing foot fixed to the roof of the vehicle, each roof bar being furthermore removably fixed to a second fixing foot fixed to the roof of the vehicle so that it can be moved from its non-operating position to its operating position, or vice versa from its operating position to its non-operating position, by first unlocking the roof bar from the second fixing foot and rotating it at right angles about a pivot axis. The roof bar is then locked in position on a third fixing foot fixed to the roof of the vehicle.However, since this operation is carried out simultaneously for both roof bars, it is necessary for each roof bar to be able to perform a ball-and-socket type movement around its pivot axis so as to position itself above the other roof bar when moving from its longitudinal position to its transverse position and vice versa. The solutions currently proposed to allow this ball-and-socket type movement require providing a depression at the level of the fixing foot on which the roof bar is fixed, this depression allowing the roof bar to be positioned inclined relative to the horizontal. However, this depression has the disadvantage of being unsightly. Furthermore, it induces an annoying asymmetry at the level of the fixing point between the two roof bars.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention has as its first objective to provide a set of roof bars which limits the assembly time while reducing the manufacturing costs and as its second objective to provide a set of roof bars using pivoting roof bars and which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0008] According to a general definition, the invention relates to a set of roof bars comprising:

[0009] - two pairs of fixing feet, namely a first pair of fixing feet and a second pair of fixing feet, intended to be fixed on each side of a vehicle roof, each pair of fixing feet comprising a rear fixing foot arranged at the rear relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle and a front fixing foot arranged at the front relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle, said front and rear fixing feet being parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the vehicle,

[0010] - a pair of bars, namely a first bar and a second bar, the first bar, respectively the second bar, being pivotally connected to one of the fixing feet of the first pair of feet, respectively to one of the fixing feet of the second pair of feet, by means of a pivot pin so as to allow the positioning of the first bar, respectively the second bar, in at least two specific positions of use, respectively a longitudinal position, in which it is parallel to said longitudinal axis, and a transverse position, in which it is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, in which the first bar, respectively the second bar,is provided with a first locking member and a second locking member intended to cooperate with locking pins fixed on the fixing feet of the first and second pairs of feet so as to lock said first bar, respectively said second bar, in its longitudinal position and in its transverse position, in which the set of roof bars further comprises a lifting device capable of vertically moving said first bar, respectively said second bar, away from the fixing foot to which it is pivotally connected when said first bar, respectively said second bar, is in an unlocked position in which it can move relative to said fixing foot, in which the pivot pin of the first bar, respectively of the second bar,is provided with a head and a stem extending vertically from an upper wall of the mounting foot to which said pivot pin is fixed, and in which the through hole of the base is configured to accommodate the stem of the pivot pin, but not the head of said pivot pin.,

[0011] Thus configured, the set of roof bars of the invention will simplify the transition of the bars from their longitudinal position to their transverse position, in particular by eliminating the operations of disassembly / assembly of the roof bars on the fixing feet arranged on each side of the roof of the vehicle. Furthermore, under the action of the lifting device, the roof bars will automatically lift when they are no longer locked by the locking members, thus facilitating the transition from the longitudinal position to the transverse position and vice versa.

[0012] The roof bar assembly of the invention may also include one or more of the following features:

[0013] - the lifting device comprises a base slidably connected to the fixing foot on which the first bar, respectively the second bar, is pivotally connected, said base being vertically movable under the action of at least one elastic member from a low position, in which the base is housed entirely inside a cavity of said fixing foot, to a high position, in which the base is positioned at least partially above said fixing foot and acts directly or indirectly on the first bar, respectively the second bar, so as to keep it away from said fixing foot.

[0014] - the base is provided with a through hole inside which is housed at least partially the pivot pin of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, said base being configured to allow a ball-joint type movement of said first bar, respectively of said second bar, around said pivot pin.

[0015] - the pivot pin of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, is further provided with a skirt formed under the head, and the through hole of the base is configured so as not to allow the skirt of said pivot pin to be housed.

[0016] - the lifting device also comprises an intermediate element arranged between the base and the first bar, respectively the second bar, the intermediate element being provided with a through hole inside which is housed at least partially the rod and the skirt of the pivot pin of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, said intermediate element being configured to allow a ball-joint type movement of said first bar, respectively of said second bar, around said pivot pin.

[0017] - the intermediate element is provided with a hemispherical portion in contact with the base, said hemispherical portion being housed at least partially inside a hemispherical-shaped cavity of the base, thus allowing a ball-joint type movement of the intermediate element relative to the base.

[0018] - the first bar, respectively the second bar, is slidably connected to the intermediate element.

[0019] - the intermediate element is provided with at least two straight ribs, parallel to each other, said ribs being configured to be housed at least partially in a rectilinear slot of the first bar, respectively of the second bar, the slot having a width substantially equal to the distance separating the ribs.

[0020] - the base is provided with at least one guide rib on its external periphery, said at least one guide rib being configured to be housed in a sliding manner in a vertical groove formed in the fixing foot on which the first bar, respectively the second bar, is pivotally connected.

[0021] - said at least one elastic member is a helical type spring arranged in the cavity of the fixing foot housing the base, said spring having a first end bearing against the fixing foot and a second end bearing against the base, and said spring being compressed by the base when the latter is in its low position.

[0022] 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:

[0023] [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.

[0024] [Fig. 2] is a view similar to Fig. 1, with the roof bars in their transverse position.

[0025] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of one end of one of the roof bars on one of the mounting feet, the roof bar being in its longitudinal position, with the cover raised.

[0026] [Fig. 4] is a front view of the roof bar of Figure 3, without the mounting foot.

[0027] [Fig. 5] is an exploded perspective view of the roof bar of Figure 3.

[0028] [Fig. 6] is a perspective view, from below, of the roof bar of Fig. 3, at the end which supports the pivot pin. [Fig. 7a] is a perspective view of the pair of locking elements of the locking member shown in Fig. 5.

[0029] [Fig. 7b] is an enlarged sectional view of one of the locking elements shown in Fig. 7a, when attached to the handle of the locking member.

[0030] [Fig. 8a] is a front view of a locking pin intended to cooperate with the locking elements of Fig. 7a.

[0031] [Fig. 8b] is a view of the locking pin of Fig. 8a when it cooperates with one of the locking elements of Fig. 7a, the locking member being in its locked position.

[0032] [Fig. 8c] is a view similar to Fig. 8b, with the locking member in its unlocked position.

[0033] [Fig. 9a] is a front view of a pivot pin intended to cooperate with the locking elements of Figure 7a.

[0034] [Fig. 9b] is a view of the pivot pin of Fig. 9a when it cooperates with one of the locking elements of Fig. 7a, the locking member being in its locked position.

[0035] [Fig. 9c] is a view similar to Fig. 9b, with the locking member in its unlocked position.

[0036] [Fig. 10a] is a cross-sectional view of the first roof bar of the roof bar assembly of Figure 1 at the end which supports the pivot pin, the first roof bar being in its longitudinal position and the locking member being in its locked position.

[0037] [Fig. 10b] is a view similar to Fig. 10a, with the locking member in its unlocked position and the first roof bar in a low horizontal position.

[0038] [Fig. 10c] is a view similar to Fig. 10a, with the locking member in its unlocked position and the first roof bar in a high horizontal position.

[0039] [Fig. 10d] is a view similar to Fig. 10a, with the locking member in its unlocked position and the first roof bar in a position inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0040] [Fig. 11a] is a perspective top view of the first roof bar of the roof bar assembly of Figure 1 at the end which does not support the pivot pin, the first roof bar being in its longitudinal position and the locking member being in its locked position, the locking member handle, the cover and the cover support not being shown.

[0041] [Fig. 11 b] is a view similar to Fig. 11a, with the first roof bar in its transverse position and the locking member in its locked position. [Fig. 12a] is a cross-sectional view of the second roof bar of Fig. 1 at the end that supports the pivot pin, with the second roof bar in its longitudinal position and the locking member in its locked position.

[0042] [Fig. 12b] is a view similar to Fig. 12a, with the second roof bar pivoted about its pivot axis.

[0043] [Fig. 12c] is a view similar to Fig. 12a, with the second roof bar in a transverse position and the locking member in its locked position.

[0044] [Fig. 13a] is a cross-sectional view of one end of one of the roof bars, with the locking member in its locked position and the cover in a partially folded position.

[0045] [Fig. 13b] is a view similar to Fig. 13a, with the cover in a fully folded position.

[0046] [Fig. 13c] is a view similar to Fig. 13a, with the locking member in an unlocked position and the cover in a partially folded position.

[0047] [Fig. 14a] is a sectional view along a horizontal plane of a locking member and an associated cover support, the locking member being in its locked position,

[0048] [Fig. 14b] is a view similar to Fig. 14a, with the locking member in its unlocked position.

[0049] [Fig. 15a] is a perspective view of a locking member according to another embodiment of the invention, said locking member being in its unlocked position.

[0050] [Fig. 15b] is a view similar to Fig. 15a, the locking member being in an intermediate position between its unlocked position and its locked position.

[0051] [Fig. 15c] is a view similar to Fig. 15b, with the locking member in its locked position.

[0052] [Fig. 16a] is a perspective view of the locking member shown in Fig. 15a, when positioned on one of the roof bars.

[0053] [Fig. 16b] is a view similar to Fig. 16a, the locking member being in an intermediate position between its unlocked position and its locked position.

[0054] [Fig. 16c] is a view similar to Fig. 16b, with the locking member in its locked position.

[0055] [Fig. 17a] is a cross-sectional view of the locking member shown in Fig. 16a.

[0056] [Fig. 17b] is a cross-sectional view of the locking member shown in Fig. 16b. [Fig. 17c] is a cross-sectional view of the locking member shown in Fig. 16c.

[0057] [Fig. 17d] is a cross-sectional view of the locking member shown in Fig. 16c, in the case where it cooperates with a pivot pin.

[0058] [Fig. 18a] is a perspective view of one end of one of the roof bars on one of the fixing feet, the roof bar being in its longitudinal position and the cover being raised.

[0059] [Fig. 18b] is a cross-sectional view of the roof bar shown in Fig. 18a with the cover folded down.

[0060] [Fig. 19] is an exploded perspective view of the second roof bar of the roof bar assembly of Fig. 1 and the mounting foot to which it is pivotally attached, in another alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0061] [Fig. 20] is a perspective and sectional view of the second roof bar and the fixing foot shown in Figure 19, the second roof bar being shown in a transverse position and in a high horizontal arrangement.

[0062] [Fig. 21] is a perspective view from above of a structural detail of the fixing foot of Figure 19.

[0063] [Fig. 22] is a partial sectional view of the second roof bar and mounting foot in their position of Figure 20.

[0064] [Fig. 23a] is a cross-sectional view of the second roof bar and mounting foot shown in Fig. 19, the second roof bar being in its longitudinal position and the locking member being in its locked position.

[0065] [Fig. 23b] is a view similar to Fig. 23a, the locking member being in an intermediate position between its unlocked position and its locked position.

[0066] [Fig. 23c] is a view similar to Fig. 23b, with the locking member in its unlocked position and the second roof bar in a low horizontal position.

[0067] [Fig. 23d] is a view similar to Fig. 23c, with the second roof bar in a high horizontal position.

[0068] [Fig. 23e] is a view similar to Fig. 23d, with the second roof bar moved horizontally relative to the mounting foot.

[0069] [Fig. 23f] is a view similar to Fig. 23e, with the second roof bar in an inclined position relative to the horizontal.

[0070] [Fig. 23g] is a view similar to Fig. 23f, with the second roof bar pivoted about its pivot axis,

[0071] [Fig. 23h] is a view similar to Fig. 23g, with the second roof bar in a high horizontal position. [Fig. 23i] is a view similar to Fig. 23h, with the second roof bar in a low horizontal position.

[0072] [Fig. 23j] is a view similar to Fig. 23i, the locking member being in an intermediate position between its unlocked position and its locked position.

[0073] [Fig. 23k] is a view similar to Fig. 23j, with the locking member in its locked position.

[0074] 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 in relation to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The term "horizontal" refers to a direction or surface parallel to the ground when the vehicle's wheels are in contact with the ground and the term "vertical" refers to a direction or surface perpendicular to the ground when the vehicle's wheels are in contact with the ground. The terms "lower" and "upper", or "bottom" and "top" refer to relative positions in the vertical direction.The terms "inward-facing" and "outward-facing," or "internal" and "external," refer to orientations toward the center of the vehicle and away from the center of the vehicle, respectively.

[0075] With reference to figures 1 and 2, there is shown a set 1 of roof bars according to a first variant embodiment of the invention.

[0076] 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.As shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal axis X is one of the axes of an orthonormal reference frame XYZ in which X is a longitudinal axis of the vehicle facing forward, Y is a transverse axis facing to the right of the vehicle and Z is a vertical axis facing upwards.

[0077] The set 1 of roof bars further comprises a pair of roof bars extending respectively between the rear and front fixing foot 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. 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 pivot pin so as to be able to be positioned in at least two specific positions of use, respectively a longitudinal position, as shown in Figure 1, in which it is parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and a transverse position, as shown in Figure 2, in which it is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal axis X.

[0078] To effect the transfer from their longitudinal position to their transverse position, the roof bars 2a, 2b first pivot about a pivot axis, respectively Za and Zb, to position themselves at right angles to their longitudinal position. As shown in Figure 1, 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 3b 1 . 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 in Figure 2, positioned respectively on the front fixing foot 3b2 and on the rear fixing foot 3a 1 .These fixing points P2 and P3 correspond respectively to the positions in which a locking member integrated in the first roof bar 2a, respectively in the second roof bar 2b, can cooperate with a locking pin 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 a locking member integrated in the first roof bar 2a cooperates with a locking pin 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 different from 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 a locking member integrated in the second roof bar 2b cooperates with a locking pin 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.To reach the position shown in Figure 2, each roof bar 2a, 2b therefore performs, after lifting then rotation at right angles around its pivot axis Za, Zb, a translation parallel to itself so as to align a locking member integrated in one of its ends with a locking pin in the fixing foot 3b2, 3a1 respectively.

[0079] 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.

[0080] A specific solution for achieving this rotational and translational movement of the first roof bar 2a is shown in Figure 6 and is described in detail later with reference to Figures 10a to 10d. This solution is also used to achieve the rotational and translational movement of the second roof bar 2b. This solution consists of providing a lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a with a slot 4 along which the pivot pin 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.

[0081] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown in perspective the rear end of the roof bar 2a when it is connected to the rear fixing foot 3a1, the roof bar 2a being in its longitudinal position. As shown in Figure 4, the roof bar 2a is made of a hollow profile with a substantially trapezoidal section and is defined respectively by a lower wall 21, an external side wall 22, an upper wall 23 and an internal side wall 24. The roof bar 2a is in particular provided with a pivoting cover 27 which is intended to close an opening 25 partially formed in the upper wall 23 when it is folded down (as illustrated in Figure 1), which will always be the case if no adjustment of the roof bars is being carried out. In its raised position, illustrated in Figure 3, the cover 23 provides access to a locking member 10 housed inside the roof bar 2a.This locking member 10 is in particular configured to be fixed in a sliding manner on the roof bar 2a such that it can move along the longitudinal direction X between a first position, called the locked position, in which it cooperates with a locking pin 6 fixed on the fixing foot 3a1 so as to prevent any relative movement between said roof bar 2a and said fixing foot 3a1, and a second position, called the unlocked position, in which it no longer cooperates with said locking pin 6, a relative movement between said roof bar 2a and said fixing foot 3a1 then being possible. For this purpose, and as shown in FIG. 4, the roof bar 2a is advantageously provided with a pair of rails 26, 26' projecting from its lower wall 21. The rails 26, 26' are spaced along a transverse direction.Each of the rails 26, 26' has a specific shape which is complementary to the shape of an internal contour of the locking member 10, such that the locking member 10 fits onto the rails 26, 26', while being longitudinally movable. In the variant shown, the rails 26, 26' respectively have an internal projection 262, 262'. The internal projections 262, 262' serve as a slide for locking elements 11a, 11b of the locking member 10, said locking elements 11a, 11b being described in detail in the following paragraphs. Furthermore, internal projections 261, 261' projecting respectively from the external and internal side walls 22, 24 and oriented downwards serve as a slide for a handle 12 of the locking member 10 which is removably connected to the blocking elements 11a, 11b.In another alternative embodiment of the invention, it will be possible to design a locking member 10 in a single block, the handle 12 being in this case secured to the locking elements 11a, 11b by any conceivable means, or made in one piece with said locking elements. In a preferred alternative embodiment of the invention, the locking elements 11a, 11b will be formed from a metallic material and the handle 12 will be formed from a plastic material.

[0082] With reference to Figure 5, the constituent parts for connecting the bar 2a to the fixing foot 3a1 in a removable manner are shown. As explained previously, this connection is made by means of a locking pin 6 fixed to the fixing foot 3a1 and protruding from an upper wall 31 of said fixing foot 3a1. This locking pin 6 is intended to be received in a first oblong hole 7 formed through the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a. A second oblong hole 8 offset longitudinally from the first oblong hole 7 is also formed through the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a. As explained in detail below, this second hole 8 is intended to house a locking pin 6 fixed to the fixing foot 3b2 at the level of the fixing point P2, when the roof bar 2a is in its transverse position.The locking member 10, formed by the locking elements 11a, 11b and the handle 12, is positioned above the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a so as to interact with the locking pin 6 protruding from the first hole 7. The opening 25 in the roof bar 2a makes it possible to manipulate the handle 12 so as to move the locking member 10 longitudinally between its locked position and its unlocked position. For this purpose, the handle 12 is provided on its external face 121 with two recessed zones with a curved profile 122 having an ergonomic shape facilitating the manual gripping of the handle 12. The handle 12 is also provided with a central cavity 123 serving as a housing for a clipping element (not visible in FIG. 5) protruding from the internal face of the cover 27, when the cover 27 is in its folded position.The cover 27 is pivotally connected to a cover support 28 fixed to the upper face 21 of the roof bar 2a by any conceivable means, for example by clipping. In the variant shown, the cover support 28 has a generally U-shaped shape and is provided with a cylindrical clip 282 intended to be housed in a corresponding hole in the roof bar 2a when the cover support 28 is fixed to the roof bar 2a. The cover support 28 is also provided with a longitudinally oriented tab 281, said tab 281 being elastically deformable so that it can move slightly in a transverse direction. The tab 281 is provided with a positioning lug 283 at its free end.As explained further below with reference to figures 14a and 14b, this positioning lug 283 makes it possible in particular to facilitate the positioning of the locking member 10 when locking and unlocking the roof bar 2a.

[0083] In order to also ensure locking / unlocking of the roof bar 2a on the fixing foot 3a2 which supports the pivot pin 5, there is also provided, in the variant shown, a second locking member 10 arranged at the front end of the roof bar 2a. As a result, said front end will advantageously have a configuration similar to that shown in Figures 3 to 5. It will differ essentially by the fact of providing a pivot pin 5 in place of the locking pin 6 at the fixing foot 3a2 and by the presence of a slot 4 in place of the oblong hole 8, as illustrated in Figure 6. It should be noted that the oblong hole 7 of the front end of the roof bar 2a plays no role during the locking / unlocking operation because only the pivot pin 5 interacts with the second locking member 10 at the front end.

[0084] The roof bar 2b has a configuration similar to that of the roof bar 2a. In particular, the front end of the roof bar 2b, which is removably connected to the front fixing foot 3b2 in the longitudinal position of the roof bar 2b and to the rear fixing foot 3a1 in the transverse position of the roof bar 2b, has the same configuration as that shown in Figures 3 to 5. Furthermore, the rear end of the roof bar 2b, which supports the pivot pin 5 and is connected to the rear fixing foot 3b1, has a configuration similar to that shown in Figures 3 to 5, except that the oblong hole 8 is replaced by a slot 4, as illustrated in Figure 6.It should be noted that the locking pin 6 of the fixing foot 3b1 plays no role during the locking / unlocking operation in the transverse position of the roof bar 2b because only the pivot pin 5 interacts with the second locking member 10 at the rear end.

[0085] Referring to Figure 7a, the two locking elements 11a, 11b of one of the locking members 10 are shown. The locking elements 11a, 11b are substantially identical. Each locking element 11a, 11b has a U-shape and comprises a substantially flat base 110, defined by an upper wall 111, and an end tab 112, oriented perpendicular to the base 110. A through opening 113, respectively 114, is formed in the base 110 of the locking element 11a, respectively 11b, said through opening 113, 114 having a rounded shape at a closed edge which adjoins the end tab 112 and a slightly flared shape at an open edge which is opposite the closed edge. The end leg 112 is provided with a pair of openings, respectively a lower opening 112a and an upper opening 112b, spaced apart in the vertical direction.As shown in Figure 7b, the upper opening 112b is configured to receive a clip 125 integrated into a vertical wall 124 of the handle 12, thus ensuring clip-on attachment of the locking element 11a, 11b to the handle 12.

[0086] The through opening 113, 114 of each of the locking elements 11a, 11b is surrounded by two locking ribs, respectively 115, 115' and 117, 117', formed projecting above the upper wall 111 of the base 110, the locking ribs 115, 115', 117, 117' being aligned in a longitudinal direction. In the configuration shown in Figures 7a, 7b, each of the locking ribs 115, 115', 117, 117' is an integral part of a resilient lamella 116, 116', 118, 118' which is pivotally connected to the base 110, such that the resilient lamella 116, 116', 118, 118' tends to move vertically away from the upper wall 111 of the base 110.In the position shown in Figure 7b, corresponding to the unstressed position of the elastic strips, the free end 119 of the strips, which is received in the lower opening 112a of the vertical wall 124 of the handle 12, comes into abutment against one of the edges surrounding this lower opening 112a. Thus configured, the elastic strips 116, 116', 118, 118' can, when subjected to a downward thrust, approach the upper wall 111 until they reach a limit position in which the locking ribs 115, 115', 117, 117' come into contact with the upper wall 111. In another configuration of the invention, the locking ribs 115, 115', 117, 117' may also be fixedly connected to the upper wall 111. In this case, it will be possible to envisage forming the locking ribs 115, 115', 117, 117' in an elastically deformable material.

[0087] With reference to figures 8a to 8c, the principle of locking / unlocking the locking members 10 on one of the locking pins 6 is illustrated.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8a, the locking pin 6 is provided with a head 61 and a rod 62 extending vertically. An annular rim 63 is furthermore formed along the rod 62. The lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a or 2b has been shown when it is correctly positioned to be fixed on one of the fixing feet by means of one of the locking members 10. In particular, the head 61 is aligned with one of the oblong holes 7 or 8 formed in the lower wall 21. The width of the oblong hole 7 or 8, as measured in the transverse direction, is greater than the width of the head 61. When moving from the longitudinal position to the transverse position, the roof bar 2a or 2b can therefore be lifted so that its lower wall 21 is arranged above the locking pin 6, thus allowing the roof bar 2a or 2b to pivot about its pivot axis Za or Zb.

[0089] When the locking member 10 is in its locked position, its blocking elements 11a, 11b are in the configuration shown in Figure 8b. In this configuration, the rod 62 of the locking pin 6 is partially housed in the through opening 113 of the blocking element 11a, the head 61 of the locking pin 6 covering the blocking ribs 115, 115' and exerting a downward thrust on them so that they come closer to the base 110. Furthermore, the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a or 2b presses against a lower wall of the base 110, thus blocking the locking member 10 in said locked position.

[0090] When the locking member 10 is in its unlocked position, its blocking elements 11a, 11b are in the configuration shown in FIG. 8c. In this configuration, the rod 62 of the locking pin 6 is no longer housed inside the through opening 113 of the blocking element 11a. This locking pin 6 therefore no longer interferes with movement in a vertical direction of the locking member 10 and, consequently, of the roof bar 2a or 2b, relative to the fixing foot on which the locking pin 6 is fixed, thus making it possible to position said roof bar 2a or 2b above the head 61 of said locking pin 6.

[0091] With reference to figures 9a to 9c, the principle of locking / unlocking the locking members 10 on one of the pivot pins 5 is illustrated.

[0092] As shown in Figure 9a, the pivot pin 5 is provided with a head 51, a skirt 54 formed under the head 51 and a rod 52 extending vertically. An annular rim 53 is further formed along the rod 52. The lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a or 2b has been shown when it is correctly positioned to be fixed on one of the fixing feet of the assembly 10. In particular, the head 51 is aligned with the slot 4 formed in the lower wall 21. The width of the slot 4, as measured in the transverse direction, is greater than the width of the skirt 54, but less than the width of the head 51. When moving from the longitudinal position to the transverse position, the roof bar 2a or 2b can therefore be lifted so that its lower wall 21 is arranged in abutment against the head 51 of the pivot pin 5, thus allowing the roof bar 2a or 2b to be lifted or inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0093] When the locking member 10 is in its locked position, its blocking elements 11a, 11b are in the configuration shown in Figure 9b. In this configuration, the rod 52 of the pivot pin 5 is partially housed in the through opening 114 of the blocking element 11b, the skirt 54 of the pivot pin 5 covering the blocking ribs 117, 117' and exerting a downward thrust on them so that they come closer to the base 110. Furthermore, the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a or 2b presses against a lower wall of the base 110, thus blocking the locking member 10 in said locked position.

[0094] When the locking member 10 is in its unlocked position, its blocking elements 11a, 11b are in the configuration shown in Figure 9c. In this configuration, the rod 52 of the pivot pin 5 is no longer housed inside the through opening 114 of the blocking element 11b. This pivot pin 5 therefore no longer interferes during a movement in a vertical direction of the locking member 10 and, consequently, of the roof bar 2a or 2b, relative to the fixing foot on which the pivot pin 5 is fixed, thus making it possible to position said roof bar 2a or 2b in abutment against the head 51 of said pivot pin 5.

[0095] With reference to Figures 10a to 10d, the various steps for tilting the roof bar 2a relative to the horizontal at its front end which supports the pivot pin 5 are shown. It is clear that such an inclination is only possible if the rear end has been previously unlocked. Such an inclination is necessary to allow the roof bar 2a to pivot at a right angle around its pivot axis Za. Indeed, without this inclination, the roof bar 2a would come into contact with the roof bar 2b during its rotation. For the sake of understanding, the cover support 28, the cover 27 and the handle 12 have not been shown in these figures.

[0096] In the initial position of the roof bar 2a, shown in Figure 10a, the roof bar 2a is locked in its longitudinal position at the fixing foot 3a2, the locking elements 11a, 11b of the locking member 10 being in the position shown in Figure 9b.

[0097] In the next position of the roof bar 2a, shown in Figure 10b, the locking member 10 has been moved into its unlocked position, the locking elements 11a, 11b of the locking member 10 being in the position shown in Figure 9c, the skirt 54 of the pivot pin 5 being longitudinally spaced from the locking ribs 117, 117'.

[0098] In the following position of the roof bar 2a, shown in Figure 10c, the locking member 10 still being in its unlocked position, the roof bar 2a has been lifted vertically so that its lower wall 21 is no longer in contact with the upper wall 31 of the fixing foot 3a2 and comes to abut against the head 51 of the pivot pin 5.

[0099] In the following position of the roof bar 2a, shown in Figure 10d, the locking member 10 still being in its unlocked position, the roof bar 2a has been inclined relative to the horizontal so that its lower wall 21 rests on its front edge with the upper wall 31 of the fixing foot 3a2, while remaining partially in abutment with the head 51 of the pivot pin 5.

[0100] Referring to Figures 11a and 11b, the rear end of the roof bar 2a is shown respectively when it is locked onto the fixing foot 3a1, the roof bar 2a being in its longitudinal position, and when it is locked onto the fixing foot 3b2, the roof bar 2a being in its transverse position. For the sake of understanding, the cover support 28, the cover 27 and the handle 12 have not been shown in these figures.

[0101] In Figure 11a, the locking elements 11a, 11b of the locking member 10 are in the position shown in Figure 8b, the locking pin 6 being positioned inside the oblong hole 7 of the roof bar 2a.

[0102] In Figure 11b, the locking elements 11a, 11b of the locking member 10 are in the position shown in Figure 8b, the locking pin 6 being positioned inside the oblong hole 8 of the roof bar 2a.

[0103] To move from the position shown in Figure 11a to the position shown in Figure 11b, it will be necessary to successively move the locking member 10 into its unlocked position so as to release the rear end of the roof bar 2a, carry out all the steps described previously with reference to Figures 10a to 10d, pivot the roof bar 2a at a right angle around its pivot axis Za, translate the roof bar 2a parallel to itself until the oblong hole 8 of the roof bar 2a is aligned with the locking pin 6 located at the level of the fixing point P2, lower the roof bar 2a until it comes into contact with the upper wall of the fixing foot 3b2, then finally move the locking member 10 into its locked position.

[0104] The operations described above can be carried out in a similar manner for moving the roof bar 2b from its longitudinal position to its transverse position.

[0105] However, since the pivot pin 5 around which the roof bar 2b pivots is distant from its rear end in the longitudinal position of said roof bar 2b, it is necessary to provide an additional locking pin 6 at the rear fixing foot 3b1, said locking pin 6 being positioned on the fixing point P4 indicated in FIG. 2. Thus, when the roof bar 2b is locked in its longitudinal position, its rear end is in the configuration shown in FIG. 12a. In this configuration, the roof bar 2b is positioned such that the locking pin 6 fixed on the rear fixing foot 3b1 is housed in the oblong hole 7 formed in the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2b. The locking member 10 is in its locked position, the locking elements 11a, 11b cooperating with the locking pin 6 according to the position shown in FIG. 8b.The pivot pin 5 is positioned, for its part, at the front end of the slot 4 formed in the roof bar 2b. Subsequently, the locking member 10 can be moved into its unlocked position, thus allowing the roof bar 2b to be inclined relative to the horizontal and pivoted at a right angle about its pivot axis Zb, as illustrated in Figure 12b. Subsequently, the roof bar 2b is moved parallel to itself until it reaches the position shown in Figure 12c in which the pivot pin 5 is positioned at the other end of the slot 4 and cooperates with the blocking element 11b of the locking member 10 according to the position shown in Figure 9b.

[0106] With reference to figures 13a to 13c, various possible positions for the cover 27 are shown between its raised position and its fully folded position.

[0107] In particular, in Figure 13a, the cover 27 is shown in a partially folded position, in which it has begun to cover the locking member 10 of one of the roof bars. In this example, the locking member 10 is in its fully locked position, the head 61 of the locking pin 6 covering the locking ribs 115, 115' of the locking element 11a. A clipping element 272 projecting from the inner face 271 of the cover 27 is then correctly positioned to fit inside the central cavity 123 of the handle 12 of the locking member 10.

[0108] In Figure 13b, the cover 27 is shown in its fully folded position, in which it completely covers the locking member 10. This position is obtained when the cover 27 of Figure 13a has continued its pivoting movement until its internal face 271 comes to rest on the external face 121 of the handle 12. In this position, the clipping element 272 is clipped inside the central cavity 123 of the handle 12, which prevents any longitudinal movement of the handle 12 relative to the roof bar, and therefore an unlocking of the locking member 10.

[0109] Figure 13c is similar to Figure 13a, with the cover 27 shown in a partially folded position, in which it has begun to cover the locking member 10 of one of the roof bars. However, in this example, the locking member 10 is in a partially locked position, the head 61 of the locking pin 6 partially covering the locking ribs 115, 115' of the base 11. The clipping element 272 of the cover 27 is then not correctly positioned to be inserted inside the central cavity 123 of the handle 12 of the locking member 10, one or more external surfaces of said clipping element 272 in particular abutting against the external face 121 of the handle 12. The cover 27 therefore cannot be completely folded down until the locking member 10 has been moved so that the head 61 of the locking pin 6 completely covers the locking ribs 115, 115' of the base 11.The cover 27 will therefore allow the user to easily detect unsatisfactory locking of the locking member 10, which will improve the safety of the user when using the set of roof bars of the invention. With reference to Figures 14a and 14b, a locking member 10 is shown respectively in its locked and unlocked position. A cover support 28 with which said locking member 10 cooperates is also shown. As mentioned above, the cover support 28 comprises an elastically deformable tongue 281 which is provided with a positioning lug 283 at its free end, the positioning lug 283 having a beveled shape on its external contour. This positioning lug 283 is in contact with an internal wall 125 of the handle 12 during its movement.The inner wall 125 is in particular provided with a first notch 125a and a second notch 125b, offset in the longitudinal direction. The notches 125a, 125b have a shape substantially complementary to the beveled shape of the positioning lug 283, such that the positioning lug 283 is partially received in the first notch 125a in the locked position of FIG. 14a and in the second notch 125b in the unlocked position of FIG. 14b. When moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, the tongue 281 moves transversely under the action of the positioning lug 283. It then returns to its initial position when it is positioned in one or other of the positions shown in FIGS. 14a, 14b.This interaction between the positioning lug 283 and the inner wall 125 will allow the user to easily detect whether the locking member 10 is correctly positioned in its locked or unlocked position.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In other conceivable embodiments, each of the locking members may be provided with a single locking element, or with more than two locking elements.

[0112] A variant of the locking member usable within the framework of the invention is notably represented in figures 15a to 15c, 16a to 16c and 17a to 17d.

[0113] In this variant, each locking member 10 is provided with a single U-shaped locking element 13 comprising a substantially flat base 130, defined by an upper wall 131, and an end tab 132, oriented perpendicular to the base 130, said end tab 132 being connected to the base 130 by a connecting wall 135. A through opening 133 is formed in the base 130 of the locking element 13, as well as in the connecting wall 135 which is parallel thereto. This through opening 133 has a rounded shape at a closed edge which adjoins the end tab 132 and a slightly flared shape at an open edge which is opposite the closed edge. The through opening 133 is thus bordered on each side by two flat surfaces 135a and 135b of the connecting wall 135, which are formed above the upper wall 131 of the base 130 and which are aligned in a longitudinal direction.The connecting wall 135 will be formed from a material that will make it capable of deforming when placed under tension. It will thus be possible to form the connecting wall 135 from metal.

[0114] As shown in Figure 15b, the through opening 133 is configured to partially house the rod 62 of one of the locking pins 6, the head 61 of the locking pin 6 covering the surfaces 135a, 135b of the connecting wall 135, in an intermediate position of the locking member 10. This intermediate position is reached from the unlocked position of the locking member 10, shown in Figures 15a, 16a and 17a, by a longitudinal translation of the locking member 10 along the roof bar 2a or 2b on which the locking member 10 is slidably fixed. As shown in Figures 16b and 17a, this sliding connection of the locking member 10 is obtained by the presence of a pair of rails 26, 26' projecting from the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a or 2b. Rails 26, 26' are spaced along a transverse direction.Each of the rails 26, 26' has a specific shape which is complementary to the shape of one of the end edges 136 of the locking element 13 which surrounds the base 130, such that the locking element 13 is housed under the rails 26, 26', while being movable longitudinally. To prevent the locking member 10 from being disconnected from the roof bar 2a or 2b, when the locking member 10 moves along the rails 26, 26' away from a locking pin 6, it is provided to equip each of the roof bars 2a and 2b with a pair of retaining elements 29 which can be clipped to each end of said roof bars, as shown in Figures 16a and 16b.Thus arranged, the retaining elements 29 will limit the movement of the locking element 13 along the rails 26, 26', the base 130 of the locking element 13 abutting against a projecting edge 291 of the retaining element 29, when the locking element 13 reaches the position shown in Figures 16a and 17a, corresponding to the unlocked position shown in Figure 15a. In this position, the locking element 13 is sufficiently distant from the locking pin 6 so that the rod 62 of said locking pin 6 is not housed inside the through opening 133 of the locking element 13, thus allowing movement in a vertical direction of the roof bar 2a or 2b relative to the fixing foot on which said locking pin 6 is fixed.The roof bar 2a or 2b can thus be lifted above the head 61 of the locking pin 6, before being repositioned in a transverse orientation, the locking member 10 then being able to cooperate with a locking pin 6 fixed on another fixing foot to ensure locking of said roof bar 2a, 2b in this transverse position. As shown in Figure 15a, the end tab 132 of the locking element 13 is extended at its upper end by a hook-shaped extension 134, said extensions 134 making it possible to pivotally connect the locking element 13 to a crosspiece 141 of a lever 14, called the locking lever, such that said lever 14 can move between a raised position, shown in Figures 15a and 15b, and a folded position, shown in Figure 15c.

[0115] As shown in Figure 16c, the lever 14 further comprises a pair of lateral arms 142 connected by the crosspiece 141 and extending substantially perpendicularly thereto, as well as an upper wall 143 extending between the two lateral arms 142, said upper wall 143 being provided with a central opening 144 in the shape of a semicircle, said central opening being configured to align vertically with the head 61 of a locking pin 6, when the lever 14 is in its folded position and when the locking member 10 is in its locked position, as shown in Figure 17c. This central opening 144 will also be sufficiently large to accommodate the head of a pivot pin 5, as illustrated in FIG. 17d, so that the locking member 10 will also ensure locking of the roof bars 2a, 2b at the pivot points 5 fixed to the fixing feet 3a2 and 3b1.

[0116] As shown in Figure 17c, the lever 14 is advantageously provided with an internal rib 145, in the form of a beak, which, when the lever 14 is in its folded position and when the locking member 10 is in its locked position, is configured to come into longitudinal alignment with the head 61 of the locking pin 6. The locking pin 6 is then wedged in position, on one side, by the blocking element 13, at its rod 62, and, on the other side, by said internal rib 145, at its head 61.

[0117] As shown in Figure 17d, the lever 14 is advantageously provided with an external rib 147, of annular shape, which, when the lever 14 is in its folded position and when the locking member 10 is in its locked position, is configured to come into longitudinal alignment with the head 51 of a pivot pin 5. The pivot pin 5 is then wedged in position, on one side, by the blocking element 13, at its rod 52, and, on the other side, by said external rib 147, at its head 51.

[0118] As shown in Figures 16c and 17c, each side arm 142 has at its lower end a cam profile 142a. This cam profile 142a is able to come into contact with one of the rails 26, 26' projecting from the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a or 2b when the lever 14 is in its folded position, thus causing the connecting wall 135 to be tensioned relative to the lower wall 21. This tensioning generates a deformation of the connecting wall 135, which causes the connecting wall 135 to lift relative to the base 130. The connecting wall 135 can thus cause the locking pin 6 to lift, consequently causing the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2a or 2b to press against a lower wall of the base 130 of the locking element 13, thus blocking the locking member 10 in its locked position.

[0119] Referring to Figure 18a, there is shown in perspective one of the ends of one of the roof bars 2a or 2b when it is connected to one of the fixing feet, the roof bar 2a or 2b being in its longitudinal position. The roof bar 2a is in particular provided with a pivoting cover 27 which can move between a raised position, shown in Figure 18a, in which it allows access to the lever 14 of a locking member 10 through an opening 25 partially formed in the upper wall of the roof bar 2a, 2b, and a folded position, illustrated in Figure 18b, in which the cover 27 completely closes the opening 25, thus preventing manipulation of the lever 14. The folded position of the cover 27 illustrated in Figure 18b requires that the lever 14 itself be in the folded position and that the locking member 10 be in the locked position.To check that the locking member 10 is actually in the locked position, the cover 27 is advantageously provided with an internal rib 273 which, in the folded position of the cover 27, covers the lever 14. This internal rib 273 is in particular provided with a hollow shape 274 capable of receiving a corresponding projecting shape 146 of the lever 14 when the lever 14 is correctly positioned. A user will thus be able to easily detect that the roof bar 2a, 2b is not correctly locked in the longitudinal or transverse position by observing that the cover 27 does not fold down properly.

[0120] Another possible embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 19 to 22 and 23a to 23k.

[0121] This embodiment differs from the embodiments previously described in that it incorporates a device for lifting the roof bars so as to facilitate the movement of the roof bars from their longitudinal position to their transverse position and vice versa. This lifting device is notably designed to vertically move each of the roof bars away from the fixing foot to which it is pivotally connected when this roof bar is in an unlocked position in which it can move relative to this fixing foot. Thus, each roof bar will be able to pivot more easily around its pivot axis when it moves into the operating position or into the non-operating position. This lifting device is also configured, as explained further above, to allow a ball-and-socket type movement of each of the roof bars around the pivot pin to which it is connected.

[0122] This lifting device may be integrated into each of the fixing feet on which the roof bars are pivotally fixed. Figures 19 to 22 illustrate the lifting device 70 fitted to the fixing foot 3b1 and which is intended for lifting the second bar 2b. An equivalent device may be fitted to the fixing foot 3a2 for lifting the first bar 2a. For the sake of understanding, only the parts of the roof bar assembly which are likely to interact with the lifting device 70 have been shown in these figures. In particular, it is necessary to note the presence of the pivot pin 5 which is fixed to the fixing foot 3b1 and which defines the pivot axis Zb of the second bar 2b. A locking member 10 according to Figures 15a to 15c is also shown. This locking member 10 comprises in particular a blocking element 13 and a locking lever 14.When it covers the locking pin 6 fixed on the fixing foot 3b1 at the level of the fixing point P4 indicated in Figure 19, it allows the second bar 2b to be locked in the longitudinal position. It is clear that, in other possible embodiments of the invention, this locking member 10 could be replaced by that of Figure 5. Also shown is one of the retaining elements 29 which clip onto each end of the second bar 2b.

[0123] The lifting device 70 comprises in particular a base 72 which is slidably connected to the fixing foot 3b1. In the variant shown, the base 72 has a substantially annular shape. As shown in detail in FIG. 21, this base 72 has in particular an external periphery 720 of cylindrical shape from which several guide ribs 723 protrude radially. The base 72 is received in a cylindrical cavity 32 formed inside the fixing foot 3b1 and which opens at the upper wall 31 of the fixing foot 3b1. Grooves 33 are formed along an internal wall of the fixing foot 3b1 which surrounds the cavity 32. Each of the grooves 33 is configured to slidably receive one of the guide ribs 723 of the base 72, so that the base 72 can move vertically relative to the fixing foot 3b1.In particular, it will be able to move from a low position, as shown for example in Figure 21, in which it is housed entirely inside the cavity 32, to a high position, as shown for example in Figure 22, in which it is positioned at least partially outside the cavity 32.

[0124] The base 72 will be able to move vertically from its low position to its high position under the action of one or more elastic members. In the variant shown, this elastic member is a helical-type spring 71 disposed between the base 72 and the bottom wall of the cavity 32. This spring 71 will in particular be configured to be compressed by the base 72 when the latter is in its low position.

[0125] As shown in Figure 21, the base 72 is provided with a central through hole 721 inside which is housed at least partially the rod 52 of the pivot pin 5 on which the second bar 2b is fixed. This through hole 721 may in particular have a circular section whose diameter will be substantially equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the rod 52. Thus, this through hole 721 will not allow the skirt 54 and the head 51 of the pivot pin 5 to be housed.

[0126] As shown in Figure 22, the lifting device 70 further comprises an intermediate element 73 arranged between the base 72 and the second bar 2b. This intermediate element 73 comprises an upper portion 730 in the form of a disc and a lower portion 732 of hemispherical shape. The upper portion 730 is in contact with the lower wall 21 of the roof bar 2b. This lower wall 21 is provided with a slot 4 along which the pivot pin 5 can slide. The slot 4 is rectilinear and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X when the roof bar 2b is in its transverse position, as shown in Figure 20.

[0127] The upper portion 730 is provided with at least two straight ribs 733, parallel to each other. The spacing between the ribs 733 is substantially equal to or slightly less than the width of the slot 4. Thus, in the mounted configuration of the lifting device 70, these ribs 733 are housed without play in the slot 4, thus allowing a sliding connection of the second bar 2b on the intermediate element 73. A translational movement of the second bar 2b relative to the intermediate element 73 is thus possible. When this intermediate element 73 is fixed, in particular during the locking and unlocking operations of the second bar 2b, the second bar 2b can thus move in translation relative to the fixing foot 3b1.

[0128] The lower portion 732 is in contact with the base 72 by being housed at least partially inside a cavity 722 of hemispherical shape of the base 72 (visible for example in FIG. 21), thus allowing a ball-joint type movement of the intermediate element 73 relative to the base 72.

[0129] The intermediate element 73 is also provided with a central through hole 731 inside which the rod 52 and the skirt 54 of the pivot pin 5 are at least partially housed. This through hole 731 may in particular have a first cylindrical section 731a intended to house the skirt 54 of the pivot pin 5, the diameter of which will be greater than the diameter of the skirt 54, while being less than the diameter of the head 51, and a second cylindrical section 731b intended to house the rod 52 of the pivot pin 5, the diameter of which will be greater than the diameter of the rod 52, while being less than the diameter of the skirt 54 and the head 51. Thus, this through hole 731 will allow the intermediate element 73, and consequently the second bar 2b, to perform a ball-and-socket type movement around the pivot pin 5.

[0130] The operating principle of the lifting device 70 is explained in detail in the following paragraphs and with reference to Figures 23a to 23k, in which the second bar 2b gradually moves from a longitudinally locked position to a transversely locked position. In the initial position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23a, the roof bar 2b is locked in its longitudinal position at the fixing foot 3b1, the locking element 13 and the locking lever 14 of the locking member 10 being in the position shown in Figure 15c. In this position, the roof bar 2b presses on the intermediate element 73 of the lifting device 70 so that the base 72 is in the lower position and compresses the spring 71.

[0131] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23b, the locking lever 14 of the locking member 10 has been raised, the locking member 10 now being in the position shown in Figure 15b. In this position, the roof bar 2b is still held in abutment against the fixing foot 3b1 by the locking element 13. As a result, the base 72 and the intermediate element 73 are still in the lower position.

[0132] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23c, the locking member 10 has been moved until it abuts against the retaining element 29 so that the locking member 10 is moved longitudinally away from the locking pin 6 and is now in the unlocked position shown in Figure 15a. In this position, the roof bar 2b is still held in abutment against the fixing foot 3b1 by the pushing action exerted by the user. As a result, the base 72 and the intermediate element 73 are still in the low position.

[0133] In the following position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23d, the locking member 10 still being in its unlocked position, the roof bar 2b has been lifted vertically under the action of the lifting device 70 until it comes into abutment against the head 51 of the pivot pin 5 so that its lower wall 21 is no longer in contact with the upper wall 31 of the fixing foot 3b1. In this position, the base 72 is in the high position and the spring 71 is no longer compressed. Furthermore, the roof bar 2b is disconnected from the locking pin 6.

[0134] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23e, the roof bar 2b has been moved longitudinally relative to the fixing foot 3b1 so that the pivot pin 5 and the intermediate element 73 are no longer positioned at the front end of the slot 4 formed in the roof bar 2b, as in Figures 23a to 23d, but are now positioned at the rear end of this slot 4.

[0135] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23f, the roof bar 2b has been inclined relative to the horizontal so that its lower wall 21 is closer to the upper wall 31 of the fixing foot 3b1 at its rear edge, while remaining partially in abutment with the head 51 of the pivot pin 5.

[0136] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23g, the roof bar 2b has been pivoted at a right angle about its pivot axis Zb, while being kept inclined relative to the horizontal. During the transition between the position of Figure 23f and Figure 23g, the roof bar 2b has temporarily moved above the roof bar 2a, which, at the same time, also rotates about the pivot axis Za.

[0137] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23h, the roof bar 2b has been inclined at its front edge towards the fixing foot 3a1 so that it is now substantially horizontal.

[0138] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23i, the roof bar 2b has moved vertically downwards by the pushing action exerted by the user so that its lower wall 21 abuts against the upper wall 31 of the fixing foot 3b1. In this position, the roof bar 2b presses on the intermediate element 73 of the lifting device 70 so that the base 72 is in the low position and compresses the spring 71.

[0139] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23j, the locking member 10 has been moved towards the pivot pin 5 so that the locking member 10 now covers the pivot pin 5 and is in the position shown in Figure 15b. In this position, the roof bar 2b is held in abutment against the fixing foot 3b1 by the action exerted by the locking element 13. As a result, the base 72 is always in the low position.

[0140] In the next position of the roof bar 2b, shown in Figure 23k, the locking lever 14 of the locking member 10 has been lowered, the locking member 10 now being in the position shown in Figure 15c. In this position, the roof bar 2b is locked in its transverse position at the fixing foot 3b1.

[0141] The invention is obviously not limited to the embodiment described above. In particular, in another conceivable embodiment, the lifting device may not include an intermediate element. In this case, the base will be configured to act directly on one of the roof bars so as to keep it away from the corresponding fixing foot and to allow a ball-joint type movement of said roof bar around the pivot pin secured to said fixing foot.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 . A set (1) of roof bars 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 pivot pin (5) so as to allow the positioning of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), according to at least two specific positions of use, 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 the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is provided with a first locking member (10) and a second locking member (10) intended to cooperate with locking pins (6) fixed on the fixing feet (3a1, 3a2; 3b1, 3b2) of the first and second pairs of feet so as to lock said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), in its longitudinal position and in its transverse position,characterized in that the set (1) of roof bars further comprises a lifting device (70) capable of vertically moving said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), away from the fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) on which it is pivotally connected when said first bar (2a), respectively said second bar (2b), is in an unlocked position in which it can move relative to said fixing foot (3a2, 3b1), in that the pivot pin (5) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), is provided with a head (51) and a rod (52) extending vertically from an upper wall (31) of the fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) on which said pivot pin (5) is fixed, and in that the through hole (721) of the base (72) is configured to allow the rod (52) of the pivot pawn (5), but not the head (51) of said pivot pawn (5)., 2. Set (1) of roof bars according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting device (70) comprises a base (72) slidably connected to the fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) on which the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is pivotally connected, said base (72) being vertically movable under the action of at least one elastic member (71) from a low position, in which the base (72) is housed entirely inside a cavity (32) of said fixing foot (3a2, 3b1), to a high position, in which the base (72) is positioned at least partially above said fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) and acts directly or indirectly on the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), so as to keep it away from said fixing foot (3a2, 3b1).

3. Set (1) of roof bars according to claim 2, characterized in that the base (72) is provided with a through hole (721) inside which is housed at least partially the pivot pin (5) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), said base (72) being configured to allow a ball-joint type movement of said first bar (2a), respectively of said second bar (2b), around said pivot pin (5).

4. Set (1) of roof bars according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivot pin (5) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), is further provided with a skirt (54) formed under the head (51), and in that the through hole (721) of the base (72) is configured so as not to allow the skirt (54) of said pivot pin (5) to be housed.

5. Set (1) of roof bars according to claim 4, characterized in that the lifting device (70) also comprises an intermediate element (73) arranged between the base (72) and the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), the intermediate element (73) being provided with a through hole (731) inside which is housed at least partially the rod (52) and the skirt (54) of the pivot pin (5) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), said intermediate element (73) being configured to allow a ball-joint type movement of said first bar (2a), respectively of said second bar (2b), around said pivot pin (5).

6. Set (1) of roof bars according to claim 5, characterized in that the intermediate element (73) is provided with a hemispherical portion (732) in contact with the base (72), said hemispherical portion (732) being housed at least partially inside a cavity (722) of hemispherical shape of the base (72), thus allowing a ball-joint type movement of the intermediate element (73) relative to the base (72).

7. Set (1) of roof bars according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b) is slidably connected to the intermediate element (73), such that the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), can move in translation relative to the intermediate element (73).

8. Set (1) of roof bars according to claim 7, characterized in that the intermediate element (73) is provided with at least two straight ribs (733), parallel to each other, said ribs (733) being configured to be housed at least partially in a rectilinear slot (4) of the first bar (2a), respectively of the second bar (2b), the slot (4) having a width substantially equal to the distance separating the ribs (733).

9. Set (1) of roof bars according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the base (72) is provided with at least one guide rib (723) on its external periphery, said at least one guide rib (723) being configured to be housed in a sliding manner in a vertical groove (33) formed in the fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) on which the first bar (2a), respectively the second bar (2b), is pivotally connected.

10. Set (1) of roof bars according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that said at least one elastic member is a spring (71) of helical type arranged in the cavity (32) of the fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) housing the base (32), said spring (71) having a first end bearing against the fixing foot (3a2, 3b1) and a second end bearing against the base (72), and said spring (71) being compressed by the base (72) when the latter is in its low position.

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