TECHNICAL FIELD

Described herein is a T-bolt mount and uses thereof. More specifically, a T-bolt mount is described that may be used to mount various roof rack accessories to a T-slot typically seen on a roof rack crossbar or other rack system parts including rear of vehicle mounted bike racks or roof trays.

BACKGROUND ART

Rack systems on vehicles commonly use T-slots as attachments points for accessories or other parts. Common points where T-slots might be used include roof rack cross bars that sit laterally across a vehicle roof. T-slots may also be used on rack accessories such as on bike racks, roof trays, kayak holders or cargo boxes to mount further accessories to these items.

The most common application of T-slots in roof rack systems is to attach an accessory to a roof rack crossbar. In this situation, the crossbar incorporates a T-slot and the accessory is held in place on the crossbar using a T-bolt that drops into the T-slot and then is twisted 90 degrees and drawn up so that the T-bolt head arms abut against the T-slot overhangs thereby locking the accessory in place.

Fitting the T-bolt can however be cumbersome, the user having to thread the bolt correctly and align various parts and then having to use a spanner or Allen key to turn and fix the T-bolt in place. Often this assembly work needs to occur in the eventual position of the accessory meaning, for roof mounted accessories, the user needs to reach a more difficult to access vehicle roof to complete the assembly work.

It should be appreciated that an alternative mount that enables easier assembly may be useful or at least provide the public with a choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the T-bolt mount will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a T-bolt mount that may be used to mount various roof rack accessories to a T-slot typically seen on a roof rack crossbar or other rack system parts such as that on a rear of vehicle mounted bike rack or a roof tray.

In a first aspect, there is provided a T-bolt mount configured to link a first member or members to a second T-slot containing member or members, the T-bolt mount comprising:

a first assembly configured to allow a user to selectively move the head of a T-bolt into or out of a T-slot in which the T-bolt is to be fitted without rotating the T-bolt head; and

a second assembly configured to allow a user to independently rotate the head of the T-bolt and at least one T-bolt arm associated with the T-bolt.

In a second aspect, there is provided a cargo box, the cargo box comprising at least one T-bolt mount to link the cargo box to at least one T-slot containing member or members, the T-bolt mount comprising: a first assembly configured to allow a user to selectively lift or lower the head of a T-bolt in a vertical plane relative to a T-slot in which the T-bolt is to be fitted without rotating the T-bolt head in a horizontal plane; and

a second assembly configured to allow a user to independently rotate the head of the T-bolt and at least one T-bolt arm associated with the T-bolt in a horizontal plane.

In a third aspect, there is provided a roof rack accessory, the roof rack accessory being retained on a vehicle or part thereof via at least one T-bolt mount that links to at least one T-slot containing member on a vehicle or part thereof, wherein the T-bolt mount comprises:

a first assembly configured to allow a user to selectively lift or lower the head of a T-bolt in a vertical plane relative to a T-slot in which the T-bolt is to be fitted without rotating the T-bolt head in a horizontal plane; and

a second assembly configured to allow a user to independently rotate the head of the T-bolt and at least one T-bolt arm associated with the T-bolt in a horizontal plane.

As may be appreciated from the above, the first assembly and second assembly perform two different functions that collectively provide a simple means to engage (and disengage) a T-bolt and accessory with a T-slot, the first assembly movement allowing the user to lift or lower the T-bolt relative to the T-slot and the second assembly movement allowing alteration of the T-bolt head rotational position.

Selected advantages of the above T-bolt mount may comprise:

(a) Simple integration of the T-bolt mount with a range of existing roof rack / racks and accessories; (b) The T-bolt may be integrated into the T-bolt mount and does not require insertion into the crossbar T-slot prior to loading an accessory on to a vehicle or crossbars;

(c) The T-bolt head can be concealed in a raised position during loading onto a vehicle to reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle;

(d) The T-bolt head can be oriented in two distinct positions to suit each particular stage of loading or unloading;

(e) Optionally, the collar may include positioning constraints to limit rotation of the T-bolt so that ideal locked and unlocked positions are achieved without needing to view the T-bolt directly;

(f) Visual and/or tactile inputs may be provided to the user to confirm the T-bolt position;

(g) Concealed torque limiting may be integrated into the T-bolt mount without detracting from the general exterior aesthetics; (h) As the T-bolt mount retains the T-bolt along the shaft vertical axis, when the T-bolt is lowered it will always travel downwards relative to the rack accessory (e.g. a cargo box base) and be clearly visible if successful engagement of the T-Bolt in to the T-slot has not been achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the T-bolt mount will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a T-bolt mount positioned in a locked configuration retaining a rack accessory item to a T-slot in a vehicle roof rack. The roof rack has been cross-sectioned to allow a view of the T-bolt position in the T-slot;

Figure 2 illustrates the side view of Figure 1 with the T-bolt mount cross-sectioned to show the

T-bolt mount internal configuration;

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the T-bolt mount;

Figure 4 illustrates a detail exploded perspective view of the knob assembly portion of the T- bolt mount;

Figure 5 illustrates a detail exploded perspective view of the platform assembly portion of the

T-bolt mount;

Figure 6 illustrates an assembled perspective view of the T-bolt mount;

Figure 7 illustrates a first step in an example of the T-bolt mount being fitted to a cargo box; Figure 8 illustrates a further step of the T-bolt mount being fitted to a cargo box;

Figure 9 illustrates the T-bolt head position during the above step of fitting the mount to a cargo box;

Figure 10 illustrates an assembled view from above of the knob and collar orientation during fitting;

Figure 11 illustrates a view from above of the collar orientation during fitting with the knob removed to show collar base features;

Figure 12 illustrates a view from below of the T-bolt orientation during fitting;

Figure 13 illustrates an assembled view from above of the knob and collar orientation once the mount is locked;

Figure 14 illustrates a view from above of the collar orientation once the mount is locked with the knob removed to show collar base features;

Figure 15 illustrates a view from below of the T-bolt orientation during fitting once the mount is locked; and

Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a cargo box base showing an example placement of the

T-bolt mounts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, described herein is a T-bolt mount that may be used to mount various roof rack accessories to a T-slot typically seen on a roof rack crossbar or other rack system parts such as that on a rear of vehicle mounted bike rack or a roof tray.

For the purposes of this specification, the term 'about' or 'approximately' and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, val ue, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term 'substantially' or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term 'comprise' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

In a first aspect, there is provided a T-bolt mount configured to link a first member or members to a second T-slot containing member or members, the T-bolt mount comprising:

a first assembly configured to allow a user to selectively move the head of a T-bolt into or out of a T-slot in which the T-bolt is to be fitted without rotating the T-bolt head; and

a second assembly configured to allow a user to independently rotate the head of the T-bolt and at least one T-bolt arm associated with the T-bolt.

In a second aspect, there is provided a cargo box, the cargo box comprising at least one T-bolt mount to link the cargo box to at least one T-slot containing member or members, the T-bolt mount comprising: a first assembly configured to allow a user to selectively lift or lower the head of a T-bolt in a vertical plane relative to a T-slot in which the T-bolt is to be fitted without rotating the T-bolt head in a horizontal plane; and

a second assembly configured to allow a user to independently rotate the head of the T-bolt and at least one T-bolt arm associated with the T-bolt in a horizontal plane.

In a third aspect, there is provided a roof rack accessory, the roof rack accessory being retained on a vehicle or part thereof via at least one T-bolt mount that links to at least one T-slot containing member on a vehicle or part thereof, wherein the T-bolt mount comprises:

a first assembly configured to allow a user to selectively lift or lower the head of a T-bolt in a vertical plane relative to a T-slot in which the T-bolt is to be fitted without rotating the T-bolt head in a horizontal plane; and

a second assembly configured to allow a user to independently rotate the head of the T-bolt and at least one T-bolt arm associated with the T-bolt in a horizontal plane.

The term 'T-bolt' as used herein refers to a bolt comprising an elongated shaft terminating at one end in a T-shaped head, the head having opposing elongated arms (termed hereafter as T-bolt arms) that extend at least partially orthogonally from the shaft head. The name T-bolt stems from the fact that when the T-bolt is viewed side on, the shape in most typical embodiments resembles a T-shape. When viewed from one end, the T-bolt typically has a profile resembling that of a rod. Opposing elongated arms (two) are generally used however, a single elongated arm may be used and is encompassed herein.

The term 'T-slot' as used herein refers to a slot, typically inside an elongated member, where the slot contains a cavity and the cavity has a narrowed opening width relative to the cavity width due to overhang members and the T-bolt arms from the T-bolt head can engage the overhang members through interference. The narrowed opening may however be sufficiently wide to accommodate the T- bolt head when the T-bolt is rotated so that the T-bolt arms align with the slot opening length. Rotation of the T-bolt moves the T-bolt arms to a position that then allows engagement between the slot overhangs and the T-bolt arms.

The term 'mount' refers to an assembly that may be fitted to link a first member or members to a T-slot containing a second member or members. The T-bolt mount may be independent of the first or second members. This embodiment may be useful for retrofit applications or to simplify manufacturing and/or assembly. Alternatively, the mount may, for example, be sold integral to or connected to the first member or members or second member or members.

By way of example, the first member or members may be one of various vehicle rack items including: cross bars, a cargo box, a bike carrier, kayak carriers, ski carriers, trays and so on. The second member or members may be a roof rack cross bar for example or a tray. The second member or members include a T-slot on a part of the member or members that the T-bolt may mount to.

As noted above, the first assembly allows a user to selectively move a T-bolt head into or out of a T-slot in which the T-bolt is to be fitted without rotating the T-bolt head. The first assembly may move the T- bolt vertically up and down directly. The first assembly may move the T-bolt vertically up and down indirectly. The terms 'up' and 'down' are used for ease of description referring to an orientation with the T-bolt mount is located above the first member or members and second member or members with up and down movement being in a generally vertical plane. It should be appreciated that other movement directions may still result in the same relative movement noted and the terms 'up' or 'down' should not be seen as limiting. Further, note that whilst up and down movement is noted above, the movement need not be fully up and down and may incorporate side movement along with up and down movement. An indirect transmission may be via at least one clutch or gear arrangement so that rotation force on the first assembly or a part thereof is translated to a lateral moving force on the T-bolt. The up and down movement described allows the user to position the T-bolt head into or out of the T-slot - retraction of the T-bolt head away from the T-slot avoids the T-bolt protruding from the first member or members, important for example to avoid scratching or damaging the second member or members whilst aligning the members. Extension of the T-bolt into the T-slot whilst not also rotating the head ensures that the T- bolt can freely move into (our out of) the T-slot. This feature may be useful as often the user cannot see the T-bolt head and T-slot during fitting - in effect the fitting process occurs blind - hence assistance from the mount to align the parts during fitting may be useful.

As noted above, the second assembly allows a user to independently rotate the T-bolt head to rotate the T-bolt arms. The second assembly may constrain movement of the T-bolt between two positions being a first T-slot opening aligned position and a second T-slot overhang engaged position. The aim of this second assembly is to allow the user to separately and selectively control when to rotate the T-bolt arms to allow the arms to than be drawn against the T-slot overhangs and engage together. For example, in one example of a fitting process, the T-bolt mount may firstly allow the user to extend out the T-bolt head into the T-slot with the T-bolt arms in a first T-slot aligned orientation. The T-bolt arms can then be rotated 90 degrees via the second assembly and then, via the first assembly, the rotated T-bolt arms can then be drawn up to abut with and clamp against the T-slot overhangs. In one embodiment, the second assembly may constrain movement of the T-bolt between two positions being a first T-slot opening aligned position and a second T-slot overhang engaged position. The two positions may be 90 degrees apart although, intermediate rotation angles or angles beyond 90 degrees may also be used if so desired. 90 degrees may be useful to maximise surface area between the opposing clamping surfaces.

In one embodiment, the T-bolt mount or a part thereof comprises at least one marking or indicia to the user as to the T-bolt head orientation. For example one or more visual indicators may be used although auditory, tactile and visual indicators may be used either individually or together.

In one embodiment, the T-bolt mount may have a first structure comprising:

a rotating knob that actuates the first assembly causing T-bolt head movement into or out of a T-slot;

a collar that fits around the knob actuating the second assembly causing T-bolt head rotation; and wherein the collar separately rotates about a common axis of rotation with the knob; and a washer and a collar base on which the knob and collar are seated.

The collar and collar base may be linked via at least one linking means so that rotation of the collar also causes rotation of the collar base. Linking means may be at least one fastener.

The washer may be seated within the collar base and the washer and collar base may provide a low friction surface on which the knob can rotate independent of rotation of the collar and collar base.

The collar and collar base may constrain knob movement to being in the same plane as rotational movement of the collar and collar base. Expressed another way, and assuming the plane of rotation is in a horizontal plane, the knob may be constrained so that it cannot move in a vertical plane relative to the collar and collar base. Constraining may be achieved in one embodiment using a flanged circumference about the base of the knob that the collar top abuts preventing upward movement away from the collar base on which the knob is seated.

The knob may include an internal thread through at least part of the central axis that the T-bolt threads into. Knob rotation may cause translational movement of the T-bolt along the T-bolt longitudinal axis allowing the T-bolt to move up and down relative to the knob.

The collar base may incorporate at least one extension member that engages a second structure.

The collar base may incorporate at least one extension member that engages a second structure, the second structure comprising:

a platform that receives and supports the first structure or a part thereof, the platform comprising an opening that receives at least one retainer member; and

wherein the at least one retainer member has an internal moulding that receives the at least one extension member from the collar base such that, when the collar and collar base are rotated, a rotation force acts on the at least one retainer member.

The at least one retainer member and platform opening may be circular shaped and have a common circumference allowing the at least one retainer member to fill or substantially fill the platform opening.

The at least one retainer member internal moulding may have a complementary shape to the at least one collar base extension member. The at least one collar base extension member and the at least one retainer member may fit snugly together. In effect, the collar base extension member and the at least one retainer member may nest together and movement of the collar rotates the retainer member. The at least one retainer member may move co-axially with the T-bolt rotation axis. For example, as the T-bolt moves up or down when the knob is rotated, the retainer member can also move, at least to some extent, up and down as well along the T-bolt shaft longitudinal length. Note however that the at least one retainer member movement up or down may not be directly coupled to T-bolt movement.

The at least one retainer member may communicate with the T-bolt to prevent the T-bolt from rotating when the knob is rotated. Communication in one embodiment may be via interference between the at least one retainer member or a part thereof and at least one extension member from the T-bolt shaft. The at least one T-bolt extension may for example be at least one orthogonally extending member from the T-bolt shaft. The at least one T-bolt extension may engage with the at least one retainer member (and hence indirectly to the collar). This interference ensures that the head of the T-bolt remains in a predetermined alignment as set by the user via the collar, typically either aligned with a T-slot to which the T-bolt is to be fitted or, at 90 degrees to the T-slot opening.

The platform may optionally have at least one pin extending therefrom that engages with at least one cam pathway, the at least one cam pathway being located in the collar base configured such that, when collar and collar base rotation occurs, the at least one pin may move through the at least one cam pathway until the at least one pathway terminates, the at least one pin being halted from further movement and, as a result, the at least one pin prevents further rotation of the collar base and collar relative to the platform. A detent feature may be incorporated at the terminal end of the at least one cam pathway and, when the at least one pin reaches the at least one cam pathway terminus, the at least one pin is urged via the at least one cam pathway to the detent feature. This movement may provide the user with tactile feedback that a terminal position has been reached.

The platform may incorporate at least one visual marking on the platform exterior that allows the user to visually see the collar alignment and infer the T-bolt head / arm position.

The platform may be shaped to fit over the first member or members or a part thereof and thereby act to help retain the mount in position.

Collar rotation may in one embodiment allow the user to rotate the T-bolt head 90 degrees so as to allow the bolt head to be aligned with the T-slot opening and be moved into or out of the opening or instead, to rotate the T-bolt head so that the head arms can abut the T-slot overhangs.

The T-bolt mount may also incorporate visual markings or indicia on the platform for example to provide the user positive feedback on the collar position (locked or unlocked) for example, by the user seeing a colour change through a viewing window.

Note that in the above embodiment, the knob actuates the first assembly movement (up and down T- bolt movement) and, the collar actuates second assembly movement (to rotate the T-bolt head).

Reference is made below to this configuration however, alternate configurations may also be used.

To use the T-bolt mount, an example is provided below using the first and second structures described above. The use example below refers to where multiple mounts are incorporated into a cargo box in order to fix the cargo box to roof rack crossbars. This should not be seen as limiting since, as may be appreciated, the same mechanism may be applied to other mounting scenarios.

Firstly, prior to the cargo box being loaded on to the vehicle, the knob is rotated clockwise to ensure the T-bolt is sitting at its highest position away from the T-slot. This allows the cargo box to be loaded on to the vehicle without risk of the T-bolt(s) damaging the vehicle roof or roof rack crossbars.

Also, prior to the cargo box being loaded on to the vehicle, the T-bolt collar may be rotated to an unlocked position. This orientates the T-bolt into a position which allows it to drop into the slot of the roof rack crossbar. The quarter turn slot in the T-bolt collar base limits rotation to an ideal unlocked position. Visual markings or indicia on the collar base may also help the user achieve the desired alignment. A cammed pathway and detents noted above as an option may also provide tactile feedback to the user as to the T-bolt head position.

The cargo box may then be manoeuvred to the desired position.

The knob may then be rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to lower the T-bolt into the T-slot of the roof rack crossbar. The knob will no longer turn when the T-bolt has achieved its lowest possible position.

The T-bolt collar may then be rotated in a clockwise direction to a locked position thereby also rotating the T-bolt head to a position which is locked into the crossbar T-slot, typically by causing 90 degree rotation of the T-bolt arms.

The knob may then be rotated clockwise to raise the T-bolt arms against the underside of the crossbar slot overhangs, thus providing clamping force to secure the cargo box to the crossbars.

As may be appreciated from the above description, the T-bolt mount eases the process of mounting an accessory like a cargo box to a roof rack by providing easy to use parts that assist with alignment of the T-bolt and provide the user with feedback on part positions.

Optionally, in a cargo box embodiment, the T-bolt mount may be used in conjunction with one or more rails that allow the T-bolt mount to be moved longitudinally along the rails prior to clamping of the T-bolt mount to the T-slot. This may be useful to help align the T-bolt mount or mounts at an optimum position relative to the cargo box and roof racks. The rails may run in a longitudinal direction, that is, from the front to rear of the cargo box, however side to side rails may also be used.

In selected cargo box embodiments each cargo box may include four T-bolt mounts which form part of the cargo box assembly. The mounts may be retained in vertical and lateral axes but may also be free to move along the longitudinal axis, (within limits defined by the cargo box base), to satisfy a range of specific crossbar / vehicle layouts.

In a further optional embodiment, the T-bolt mount comprises a torque limiting function preventing over tightening of the T-bolt mount to a T-slot. The torque limiting function may ensure that only the pre-set torque value (for example, 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6Nm) can be achieved. An example of a torque limiting mechanism may be a ratchet type assembly where the mechanism disengages when the maximum torque is reached corresponding to the ratchet mechanism not engaging or slipping preventing further tightening.

As should be appreciated from the above, the first assembly and second assembly perform two different functions that collectively provide a simple means to engage (and disengage) a T-bolt with a T-slot being fist assembly movement to allow the user to lift or lower the T-bolt relative to the T-slot and second assembly movement to alter the T-bolt head position.

The T-bolt mount described may be used in a number of existing roof rack crossbars with T-slots and not specific to any one manufacturer or rack type making the T-bolt mount versatile commercially. Selected advantages of the above T-bolt mount may be:

(a) Simple integration of the T-bolt mount with a range of existing roof rack / racks and accessories;

(b) The T-bolt may be integrated into the T-bolt mount and does not require insertion into the crossbar T-slot prior to loading an accessory on to a vehicle;

(c) The T-bolt head can be concealed in a raised position during loading onto a vehicle to reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle or crossbars;

(d) The T-bolt head can be oriented in two distinct positions to suit each particular stage of loading or unloading;

(e) Optionally, the collar may include positioning constraints to limit rotation of the T-bolt so that ideal locked and unlocked positions are achieved without needing to view the T-bolt directly;

(f) Visual and/or tactile inputs may be provided to the user to confirm the T-bolt position;

(g) Concealed torque limiting may be integrated into the T-bolt mount without detracting from the general exterior aesthetics;

(h) As the T-bolt mount retains the T-bolt along the shaft vertical axis, when the T-bolt is lowered it will always travel downwards relative to the rack accessory (e.g. a cargo box base) and be clearly visible if successful engagement of the T-bolt in to the T-slot has not been achieved.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as of individually set forth.

WORKING EXAMPLES

The above described T-bolt mount is now described by reference to a specific example.

EXA M P LE 1

Figures 1 to 16 illustrate one embodiment of the T-bolt mount 100 to fasten a first member 8 such as rack accessory to a second member 9 such as a roof rack crossbar with a T-slot 18.

The knob 10 and collar 3 structure shown in detail in Figure 4 as well as in the remaining Figures, comprises a rotating knob 10 with a collar 3 that fits around the knob 10 and which shares a common axis of rotation. The knob 10 and collar 3 structure further comprises a washer 6 and a collar base 7. The collar base 7 connects to the collar 3 via screws 5 that link extensions 11 from opposing sides of the collar base 7 to complementary wings 12 on the collar 3. The washer 6 is seated in the collar base 7 and provides a low friction surface on which the knob 10 can rotate. The knob 10 has a flanged circumference 13 about the base of the knob 10 that the collar 3 top 14 abuts and which retains the knob 10 in a seated position against the washer 6 and collar base 7. The collar base 7 also comprises a keyed extension 15 extending vertically from the common rotation axis.

The platform 1 and retainer 4 structure shown in detail in Figure 5 and the remaining Figures, comprises a platform 1, in the embodiment shown having a U-shape folded metal cross-section. The platform 1 comprises a hole within the platform 1 top face that receives a retainer 4, the retainer 4 having a common circumference with the platform 1 hole. The retainer 4 has an internal moulding that receives the keyed extension 15 from the collar base 7 such that, when the collar 3 is rotated, the collar base 7 also rotates and collar base 7 rotation also imposes a rotation force on the retainer 4. The retainer 4 in turn communicates with a T-bolt 2, the T-bolt 2 having extensions 17 therefrom about the T-bolt2 shaft that selectively engage with the retainer 4 (and indirectly to the collar 3).

The knob 10 and collar 3 therefore perform two different functions that collectively provide a simple means to engage (and disengage) a T-slot 18 with a T-bolt 2. Knob 10 rotation or other movement (e.g. pulling), that allows the user to lift or lower the T-bolt 2 relative to the T-slot 18. Collar 3 rotation allows the user to rotate the T-bolt 2 head 90 degrees so as to allow the T-bolt 2 head to be aligned with the T- slot 18 opening and be moved into or out of the opening 18 or instead, the rotate the T-bolt 2 head so that the head 19 arms can abut the T-slot overhangs 21.

The T-bolt mount 100 may also incorporate visual markings or indicia 22a, 22b on the platform 1 to provide the user positive feedback on the collar 3 position (locked or unlocked).

To use the T-bolt mount 100, an example is provided where the mounts 100 are incorporated into a cargo box 50 in order to fix the cargo box 50 to roof rack crossbars 60.

Figure 7 shows the mount 100 being aligned with a railing on a cargo box 50 moulding. Figure 8 shows the mount 100 aligned with the cargo box 50 moulding. As shown in Figure 7 and 8, the cargo box 50 moulding may have an elongated opening that the moulding may engage which allows longitudinal movement of the mount 100 relative to the cargo box 50.

Prior to the cargo box 50 being loaded on to the vehicle (not shown), the knob 10 is rotated clockwise to ensure the T-bolt 2 is sitting at its highest position retracted from the extended position illustrated in Figure 9. This allows the cargo box 50 to be loaded on the vehicle without consideration for the T-bolts 2 damaging the vehicle roof or roof rack crossbars 60.

Also, prior to the cargo box 50 being loaded on to the vehicle, it is useful to ensure the collar 3 is rotated anti-clockwise to its unlocked position. This positioning is shown in Figures 10 to 12 where Figure 10 shows the part orientation in an assembled form, Figure 11 shows the relative positioning with the knob 10 removed for clarity and illustrates the cammed pathway the pin may follow when the collar 3 is rotated. Figure 12 shows the T-bolt 2 head 19 alignment. This will orientate the T-bolt 2 into a position which allows it to drop into the slot 18 of the roof rack crossbar 60. The quarter turn slot in the T-bolt 2 collar base 7 will limit rotation to its ideal unlocked position and provide tactile feedback to the user via a detent 24 feature and corresponding pins 25 in the platform 1 assembly. A visual reference is also provided via the red and green coloured indicators 22a, 22b on the top face of the platform 1. The T-bolt 2 is orientated correctly in its unlocked position if only the red indicators 22a are visible and there is no part of the green indicators 22b visible.

The cargo box 50 is then manoeuvred to the desired position.

Reaching inside the open cargo box 50, each individual T-bolt mount 100 is then slid in a longitudinal direction via the cargo box mouldings shown in Figures 7-9 to position the T-bolt 2 above the T-slot 18 of the crossbar 60.

The knob 10 is then rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to lower the T-bolt 2 into the slot 18 of the roof rack crossbar 60. The knob 10 will no longer turn when the T-bolt 2 reaches its lowest possible position.

Rotate the collar 3 in a clockwise direction to its locked position, the new part position shown in Figures 13-15. This will orientate the T-bolt 2 into a position which is locked into the crossbar 60 T-slot 18. The quarter turn slot in the collar base 7 will limit rotation of the T-bolt 2 head 19 to an ideal locked position and provide tactile feedback to the user via the detent 24 feature in the slots 23 and corresponding pins 25 in the platform 1. A visual reference is also provided via the red and green coloured indicators 22a, 22b on the top face of the platform 1. The T-bolt 2 is orientated correctly in its locked position if only the green indicators 22b are visible and there is no part of the red indicators 22a visible.

Rotate the knob 10 clockwise to raise the T-bolt 2 against the underside of the crossbar slot 18 overhangs 21, thus providing clamping force to secure the cargo box 50 to the crossbars 60. The knob 10 may include a torque limiting function to ensure that only the pre-set torque value (e.g. 3Nm, 4Nm, 5Nm) can be achieved.

As shown in Figure 16, the cargo box 50 (box top removed for clarity) may utilise a total of four T-bolt mounts 100 access from inside the cargo box 50 although more or less T-bolts mounts may be used as desired. The cargo box 50 has longitudinal rails 200 that allow the T-bolt mounts 100 to slide along the rail 200 so as to allow for varying width cross bars (not shown).

Aspects of the T-bolt mount have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.