Roof rack concept for passenger vehicles, incorporating reconfigurable, multipurpose storage roof for improved aerodynamics and aesthetics

摘要

The present invention provides a roof rack including at least two forward recesses and at least two rear recesses within a roof panel; a vertically extending stanchion in each of at least two forward and rear recesses, a forward transverse recess starting at one forward recess and ending at an opposite forward recess; a forward transverse bar in said transverse recess having pivoting connections with said vertically extending stanchions; a rear transverse recess starting at one rearward recess and ending at an opposite rearward recess; and a rear transverse bar in said transverse recess having pivoting connections with said vertically extending stanchions in each of said at least two rear recesses, wherein said each of said rear transverse bar and said forward transverse bar having a stored position with a vertical height below an upper surface of said roof panel and a deployed position above said upper surface of said roof panel.