Carrier Associated With Vehicle Roof Or Trunk Lid Patents (Class 224/309)
  • Patent number: 5794826
    Abstract: An article carrier for mounting to a vehicle body panel is formed by a crossbar connecting longitudinal rails. The crossbar is made of a cross rail and stanchions which support the cross rail for displacement along and locking engagement with the longitudinal rails. The split stanchions are formed of first and second jaw members, and one of the jaw members is carried by a shelf on the other jaw member and displaced along the shelf by a retainer. The retainer is manipulated by an actuator, preferably in the form of a rotary knob which is selectively engageable with a nut. The nut is threadably engaged on a threaded shaft that is engaged in an insert in the one of jaw parts and extending through the other jaw part. At least one of the jaw parts includes an engagement surface for locking the stanchion to the rail when the retainer has moved the jaws to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Cronce, Craig A. Stapleton, Craig R. Prasatek
  • Patent number: 5782392
    Abstract: In a vehicle having a roof groove, which extends in the longitudinal direction along each side of its roof panel, and a roof rail attached to the roof groove, the number of components for attaching the roof rail can be reduced to facilitate the mounting operation for the rail.The roof rail (1) is formed integrally from a synthetic resin, comprising a rail body (2), front and rear end legs (3) protruding downward from the rail body, an intermediate leg (4), and a molding unit (5) connecting the respective lower end portions of the legs (3, 4) together. The molding unit (5) includes a cover section (5a) covering the top of the roof groove (8) and a ridge (5b) fitted in the groove (8). The respective heads of fixing bolts (9) are fixedly embedded in suitable positions in the bottom portion of the ridge (5b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5775557
    Abstract: An arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Industri Ab Tlzule
    Inventor: Jan-Ivar Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 5765737
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of one-piece, integrally formed side rail members. Each side rail member has a side rail portion and a pair of end supports integrally formed with terminal ends of the side rail portion. The side rail portion includes a hollow area formed therein and extending along the entire length of the side rail portion. Each end support further includes an inaccessible hollow portion in communication with the hollow portion formed in the side rail portion. Each side rail member forms a lightweight yet rigid member which does not require molding lines, seams or other markings on any portion of the outer surface which is clearly visible to an observer once the side rail members are mounted on an outer body surface of a vehicle. The cost of manufacture is also reduced because the number of molding tools needed to manufacture the side rail member is reduced, as is the complexity and time to assemble the side rail members to an outer body surface of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cucheran, John Michael Heuchert
  • Patent number: 5738258
    Abstract: A single roof rack system accommodates several outdoor sports equipment items simultaneously and provides expandable sizing to fit a variety of motor vehicles without requiring equipment-specific add-on mounting supports. The system includes shaped carrying pods which have built-in mounting surfaces and tie-downs for accommodating sports equipment items such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles, skis, snowboards, sailboards, and surfboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Walden Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Farrow, Dale W. Vetter
  • Patent number: 5732863
    Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle body panel includes a pair of side rails adapted for attachment to the body panel, a pair of retainers engaging the side rails, and a cross rail extending between the retainers. Each of the pair of retainers includes a foot slidably disposed within the side rails, each foot forming a plurality of compression tubes therein for compressible engagement with the respective side rail to prevent rattles. The side rail assembly includes a roll-formed inner side rail for receiving the retainer and a roll-formed outer side rail secured to stand-off ribs extending from a side rail center support. An alternative side rail assembly provides a roll-formed side rail supported by a pad having an internal snap hook formed thereon, and an outer trim rail having a resilient snap tab for engagement with the snap hook for securing the trim rail to the pad in a manner to prevent rattles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems LLC
    Inventor: Craig A. Stapleton
  • Patent number: 5732864
    Abstract: An article carrier including a pair of side rails, each of the side rails having a styled arm and a lip, also includes a crossbar having first and second ends for supporting the bar upon the lip of the side rails. The ends can be a manipulated retainer or a clamp assembly with a moveable jaw. At least one of the ends includes a clamp with a movable jaw and a fixed jaw, each jaw having a jaw surface engageable with the rail lip. Preferably, the crossbar clamp includes a threaded stem carried by the movable jaw and extending through an opening in the fixed jaw and one of the jaws has an extension protruding beyond the lip. The movable jaw is movable in a plane parallel to the rail lip and between a position in registration with the lip surface and a retracted position out of registration with the lip. The side rail includes support structure including ribs extending across the lip and the styled arm, and the support structure preferably receives the jaw extension beyond the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems LLC
    Inventor: Craig A. Stapleton
  • Patent number: 5715981
    Abstract: The present invention deals with the problem of changing the design of the roof rails, which have hitherto been of a multipart design, in such a way that they can be manufactured in a simple manner and at a lower cost. This is achieved according to the present invention by the spar and the feet including one component, which is preferably formed by a deformed hollow chamber section. To achieve this, the hollow chamber section is deformed downward in a gentle arch at its end. The deformed bent section is cut off on the underside obliquely to the curved longitudinal axis of the section. The bottom of the hollow chamber section is then pressed in from below, so that an omega-shaped cross section is formed. The roof rail thus prepared has a consistently elegant shape, which does not reveal how it was made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Erbsloh AG
    Inventors: Harald Blomberg, Olaf Poter, Alfred Scholl
  • Patent number: 5713498
    Abstract: A cargo container is provided for being removably mounted to a roof rack system of an automobile. The container includes a body portion having a bottom, a continuous sidewall having a peripheral edge and extending up from the bottom at the peripheral edge, an interior space defined by the continuous sidewall and the bottom, a top releasably engageable to the continuous sidewall for providing access to the interior space, and a lip along the body portion to interconnect the peripheral edge and the bottom. The lip is constructed to extend beyond the peripheral edge to coact with at least one strut member of the roof rack system so as to be releasably secured in the space between the strut and the automobile roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Charles A. Cucci
  • Patent number: 5706989
    Abstract: Disclosed is a generally elongated container of stiff, durable material, preferably hard molded plastic, adapted to store within the interior thereof relatively large and bulky personal items such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, golf clubs and the like. Located on one surface of the container are a multiplicity of spaced mounting assemblies each of which is manually activatable between a first inactive condition where it is recessed into the wall of the container, and an active condition where the mounting assembly is extended along an axis orthogonal to the sidewall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Robert C. Vincent
  • Patent number: 5704524
    Abstract: A latch actuator assembly for use with an article carrier stanchion is attachable to a vehicle side rail, the stanchion having a latch chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a latching member carried by the stanchion for selective engagement with the side rail, and an actuating member carried in the latch chamber by the stanchion and manually movable along an actuating direction from a latched position to an unlatched position. The actuating member is operatively connected with respect to the latching member for disengaging the latching member. The stanchion forms an offset recess having a ledge which enables the actuating member to be displaced in a direction offset from the actuating direction for engaging the ledge when the actuating member is in the unlatched position to secure the actuating member in the unlatched position. A removable door is provided adjacent the latch chamber to facilitate installation of the latch assembly within the latch chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems LLC
    Inventor: Craig A. Stapleton
  • Patent number: 5699944
    Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Duran
  • Patent number: 5676291
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly is disclosed for on a passenger car, particularly a convertible. The roof rack assembly includes two lateral frame parts extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and front and rear transversely extending carrying elements fastened on the lateral frame parts. The two lateral frame parts are detachably held in position on the adjacent body of the passenger car. The lateral frame parts are formed as large-surface cast metal parts and each frame part has a molded-on forward and a rearward supporting section on which the transversely extending carrying elements rest and are fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Erhard Wolf, Thilo Ludewig
  • Patent number: 5673832
    Abstract: A combination cargo carrier and ski carrier mounted on the roof rack of a vehicle. The ski carrier is comprised of two sections, each section having two generally vertical legs, one of which is attached to the vehicle roof rack and the other of which is attached to the cargo carrier. The two sections are cross braced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph Whalen
  • Patent number: 5669497
    Abstract: A bicycle disassembly and shipping apparatus for compactly and securely shipping a bicycle. The bicycle disassembly and shipping apparatus comprises a pair of fork support fixtures to which the front and rear forks of the bicycle frame are attached; fastening straps by which the handlebar, seat and pedals are attached to the frame; a top support fixture which in conjunction with the fork support fixtures provides for the clamping of the bicycle wheels to the frame and to the top support fixture; and a container into which the disassembled bicycle and fixtures are encased for purposes of transport. An automobile roof attachment system comprising a plurality of straps having strap end fixtures for attaching the bicycle packaging fixture assembly to the roof of an automobile is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Endurance Sport Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc P. Evans, Peter M. Cazalet
  • Patent number: 5657914
    Abstract: A utility rack is provided for attachment to a vehicle luggage carrier. The utility rack includes a utility rail with first and second stanchions secured to the rail. Each stanchion includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket pivotally secured with respect to each other by a pivot joint. Each lower bracket includes a clamp for attachment to a crossbar of the luggage carrier. Each pivot joint includes an adjuster, preferably, a gear tooth interlock between the upper and lower brackets, in order to secure the upper and lower brackets at desired pivotal positions with respect to each other to facilitate attachment to sloping luggage carrier crossbars. Preferably, the utility rail extends laterally beyond the side rails of the luggage carrier to facilitate carrying larger or bulkier loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems LLC
    Inventor: Craig A. Stapleton
  • Patent number: 5657913
    Abstract: A ski rack having a pair of integrally formed hook portions and a pair of integrally formed channels which are adapted to help enable the ski rack to be secured to a cross bar or other like support member of an existing vehicle article carrier. The ski rack includes a pair of independent securing members also having a pair of hook portions which slidably engage within the pair of integrally formed channels and cooperate with the integrally formed hook portions to clamp the ski rack to an associated cross bar of the existing vehicle article carrier. The independent securing members of the ski rack are further adjustable to accommodate cross bars of varying cross-sectional widths and do not require any disassembly of the cross bar or any other component part of the vehicle article carrier before the ski rack is to be secured to the cross bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cucheran, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Jon D. Sparham
  • Patent number: 5641105
    Abstract: A fixing board, for an attraction-fastening type freight carrying device to be mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle, has been improved. The fixing board is composed of a magnetic attraction force contact plate, a film-like suction-cup, and a releasing handle. The magnetic attraction force contact plate has a three-layer structure comprising a soft magnet plate, an iron plate and smooth thin-film sheet coated on the iron plate. The iron plate has a plurality of grooves radially extending, which are elongated dead-end grooves. Further, the magnetic attraction force contact plate has a through-hole into which a substantially cylindrical seal lip extending from the suction film is inserted so as to make an air value. This air hole takes on a closed state when the freight carrying device is installed on the vehicle roof, and takes on an open state when being removed therefrom. The film-like suction-cup is formed throughout the circumference of the magnetic attraction force contact plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Autobacs Seven Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masumi Goto
  • Patent number: 5641107
    Abstract: The invention concerns a foot member in roof-mounted load-carriers for vehicles, of the kind comprising a pair of support members, with each such member placed on the upper face of the vehicle roof adjacent the respective one of the two longitudinal sides of the vehicle, a carrier rail extending transversely across the vehicle roof and interconnecting said support member, and a grip member in cooperating roof edge portion and arranged to be actuated by a lever mechanism to releasably secure the load-carrier by clamping it against the corresponding roof-edge portion as a result of mutual vertical displacement of the individual grip member relatively to is associated support member upon pivotal movement of said lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Mont Blanc Industri AB
    Inventor: Gerhard Mann
  • Patent number: 5636776
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of slats and a cross bar which is removably securable to the slats at mounting portions formed on each of the slats. Each mounting portion includes an associated cover member which may be quickly and easily positioned in the mounting portion when the cross bar is not attached to its respective slat to thereby cover the mounting portion and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to each of the slats. Several alternative preferred embodiments of the cover member are disclosed with each enabling the mounting portion of the slat to be quickly and easily covered and uncovered without the need for special tools or extensive assembly/disassembly steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventors: Arthur K. Rak, John S. Cucheran
  • Patent number: 5632427
    Abstract: A fishing rod and reel holder having a body which includes a cylinder having openings at both ends of the cylinder for receiving rod handles. A J-shaped slot in the cylinder accepts a reel mount. An elastic tensile member, such as a shock cord, biases the reel mount against the tip of the curl of the J, thereby securing the rod and reel within the cylinder. A recess, approximately coaxial with the cylinder, and distal from the cylinder, supports the rod's shaft towards the front of the holder. Suction cups mount the body securely to a surface, such as a car top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventors: John Gattuso, Ken Garstka
  • Patent number: 5628440
    Abstract: A collapsible, lightweight bicycle carrier for a vehicle that can be installed and removed easily by one person. When removed from the vehicle, the hollow and capped tube, that serves as the anchor for the front looped straps, is utilized to store the strapping components of the carrier. The capped tube is dimensioned to fit in a standard water bottle carrier supplied with the bicycle. The bicycle is attached to the vehicle using two looped straps dimensioned to fit over the storage tube. The tube is anchored through a vehicle opening. The bicycle is furnished with protective pads that fasten to the bicycle frame and handlebars. The bicycle is inverted and attached to the trailing ends of the looped straps that extend through the gap of the vehicle opening. The posterior of the bicycle is then fastened to the vehicle using two straps with adjusting buckles. A rear support structure may also be secured to the seat post of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Silvio Gallazzini
  • Patent number: 5617981
    Abstract: A roof rack is constructed of two railing rods securable to a vehicle roof. Each railing rod is cut from tubular sectional stock. The rod ends are bent and flattened to form two mounting feet, one at each rod end and integral with the railing rod. A connector element such as a screw passes through the respective mounting foot. Each mounting foot is enclosed by at least one enclosure. Preferably the enclosure has two sections such as a shell and a cover. The sections are strengthened by ribs and the cover snaps onto or into the shell with a location fit. At least one enclosure section is made of synthetic material. The load is carried by the integral mounting feet, whereby the enclosures are substantially load free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: YMOS Aktiengesellschaft Industrieprodukte
    Inventors: Erhard Ricker, Bruno Kroll, Wolfgang Isokeit, Volker Scheibe, Gunther Heim
  • Patent number: 5573161
    Abstract: The crossbar for an article carrier including a pair of side rails, each of the side rails having a lip, includes a bar having first and second ends for supporting the bar across the side rails. At least one of the ends includes a movable jaw and a fixed jaw, each jaw having a jaw surface engageable with the rail lip. The crossbar also includes a clamp for selectably urging the jaw surfaces against the rail, the clamp comprising a threaded stem carried by the movable jaw and extending through a slot in the fixed jaw. The movable jaw is movable in a plane parallel to the rail lip and between a position in registration with the lip surface and a retracted position out of registration with the lip. Preferably, an actuator wheel for the clamp is exposed for access and ease of manipulation but within the contour of adjacent luggage carrier surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Craig A. Stapleton
  • Patent number: 5573159
    Abstract: A roof railing having a rail with opposite ends and a respective support foot on each end. The support foot is a tubular extruded profile shaped to have a downwardly descending curved part which leads into a flat support surface that is below and parallel to the rail. A flattened wall region of the extruded profile rests on the top of the support surface. A hole through the support surface and the flattened wall region receives a fastening element. A cover cap over the support foot includes a web over the top and side legs down from the web and the cover cap is clipped to the support foot and may be pivoted to be upraised with respect to the support foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Happich Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Fritz Fisch, Karl-Heinz Lumpe, Klaus Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 5560525
    Abstract: A load carrier arrangement for mounting a load holder on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a roof and a rear door and/or a trunk lid. The load carrier includes a rack disposed across the roof of the vehicle and fastened at a rear portion thereof. A carrier device having the load holder for carrying a load behind the vehicle in a load carrying position of the carrier device is also provided. The carrier device is pivotally arranged about a substantially horizontal pivot axis directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the carrier vehicle. The pivot-arrangement connecting the carrier device to the rack allows the carrier device and a load holder to be pivoted upwardly from the load carrying position to an elevated position not interferring with the opening of the rear door and/or the trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Hubert Grohmann, Magnus Christiansson
  • Patent number: 5556015
    Abstract: Disclosed is a generally elongated container of stiff, durable material, preferably hard molded plastic, adapted to store within the interior thereof relatively large and bulky personal items such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, golf clubs and the like. Located on one surface of the container are a multiplicity of spaced mounting assemblies each of which is manually activatable between a first inactive condition where it is recessed into the wall of the container, and an active condition where the mounting assembly is extended along an axis orthogonal to the sidewall of the container. Each mounting assembly, in turn, comprises an extensible support rod terminating in a foot pad of relatively soft durable material for engaging the surface of a vehicle roof with the rod being connected to the foot pad via a universal pivotal joint or connection so that each foot pad may swivel separately relative to its corresponding rod and conform to the convex curvature of the vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Robert C. Vincent
  • Patent number: 5553760
    Abstract: An air shield for partially enclosing the forward end of a ladder such that the ladder can more easily and efficiently be carried on the top of vehicles which shield includes an aerodynamic outer shell and an interior of yieldable cushioning material which reduces ladder rattle and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventors: Kevin J. Wright, Stephen T. Wright
  • Patent number: 5538169
    Abstract: A collapsible, cargo carrier designed to be attached to the rack on the roof or truck lid on a vehicle. The carrier includes an enclosure made of durable, water-proof, coated vinyl material with a closeable inner lid. An outer lid is disposed over the inner lid and the enclosure to provide two wind and water-proof barriers over the cargo. The outer lid is attached along one edge to the front panel of the enclosure via a flexible, water-proof hinge also made of coated vinyl material. The enclosure and inner and outer lids are made of coated vinyl material which enables them to be sewn or heat welded together during manufacturing. A plurality of adjustable anchor straps are disposed longitudinally over the cargo carrier which are used to selectively attach it to the rack. A plurality of compression straps are disposed transversely over the cargo carrier which are used to adjust the shape of the carrier to the shape of the cargo items carried therein and to make the cargo carrier more aerodynamic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Michael W. Moore
  • Patent number: 5535930
    Abstract: A standoff assembly, adapted to mount a sports rack crossbar onto a vehicle roof-rail having an inner groove extending substantially along the length thereof, includes a standoff having a base portion and a rack portion fixed in a spaced apart relationship by an intermediate portion disposed between a rack and the base portions, a fastener rotatably carried on the rack portion and retaining the standoff to the sports rack crossbar, and an anchor which is adapted to be adjustably receivable in one of a plurality of locations along the inner groove of the rail and which fixedly secures the standoff to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas Lee
  • Patent number: 5531367
    Abstract: The baggage-holder of the invention includes a frame which has lateral bars made from bent extruded U-section and transverse bars made from hollow tubes. The U-section has a longitudinal slot. Support members are provided which are separate from the members for attachment to the bodywork. The various members and the hollow tubes include immobilizing devices sliding in the slot. This enables fixing of the support members and fixing members anywhere along the lateral parts. The ends of the U-section slide inside the hollow tubes enabling adjustment of the width of the frame. The baggage-holder can also include a hoop mobile about a transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Automaxi Industries
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Ravier
  • Patent number: 5516017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Jan-Ivar Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 5516019
    Abstract: A carrier includes a fixing member having a fixing plate and a rubber magnet plate attached underneath the fixing plate, a carrier main body having ski mounting recesses and a shaft insertion hole, and a vacuum adhesion member having a shaft for lifting the vacuum adhesion member. The shaft of the vacuum adhesion member is protruded through the shaft insertion hole of the carrier main body, and a lever for lifting the shaft is installed at a top of the shaft of the vacuum adhesion member protruding through the shaft insertion hole. A ski fixing plate and inner cover having side cover lips for confining the lever of the vacuum adhesion member and an outer cover having a pressing member are rotatably connected to the carrier main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Soo M. Moon
  • Patent number: 5499762
    Abstract: A rack for supporting a bicycle on the roof of an auto is disclosed herein having two pairs of mounts secured at each end of spaced-apart tracks, two pairs of secured mounts or to roof mounted adaptor plates carried on the auto roof. Each mount includes a bottom support surface engageable with the track and yoke supporting a retainer member provided with an interchangeable open-ended passageway for insertably receiving the end of a bicycle support crossbar. The major length of the retainer member is angular with respect to its bottom support surface and the central longitudinal axis of the retainer member passageway is parallel to the bottom support surface. Thereby, the two pairs of mounts carried on the longitudinal tracks accommodate conformity of the retainer members and the crossbars with the curved auto roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas Lee
  • Patent number: 5497925
    Abstract: A roof rack for a vehicle having two parallel rail tubes. Each rail tube is a hollow tube supported at its end regions by respective support feet fastenable to the roof surface. Each support foot includes a metal adapter with a plate on the vehicle roof and an upstanding adapter support to be fastened to the rail tube. A threaded plate is disposed in the tube at each adapter support for the adapter so that a fastening bolt can extend through the adapter, through a hole in the tube and into the fastening plate in the tube for securing the tube to the adapter. An additional resilient washer at the plate of the adapter at the roof of the vehicle. A third foot between the end regions of the rail tube may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Happich Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Lumpe, Klaus Kolodziej
  • Patent number: 5497924
    Abstract: A roof rack rail supported at each end of the rail on the roof of a vehicle by a support foot. The support foot has a fastening bolt at one end for attaching to the roof of the vehicle and an insertion bolt at the other end for connecting with the end of the rail. A sheet metal stamped reinforcing insert is received in slits in the ends of the bolts for connecting the bolts together. The ends of the bolts and the reinforcement insert are molded in plastic to define the roof rail foot. In an alternative design, the rail is in the form of a tubular sleeve and the insertion bolts for the feet are received in the sleeve. The entire assembly of the sleeve and the reinforcements for the feet is then molded over with plastic which forms the feet and covers over the rail end integrating them with the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Happich Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Fritz Fisch, Ulrith Rehm
  • Patent number: 5492259
    Abstract: A cargo support frame structure for vehicles is disclosed as including a replacement rear supporting bumper having two upright members attached thereto and extending above the bumper to a predetermined height that is, for most types of vehicles, in excess of the roof height of the vehicle. A connecting member is disposed between one end of each of the upright members opposite to where each upright member is attached to the supporting bumper and is attached thereto. A longitudinal member is perpendicularly attached near to the center of the connecting member and extends longitudinally generally parallel with the center-line of the vehicle. A front cross member having two ends is attached to the end of the longitudinal member that is opposite to the end where the longitudinal member is attached to the connecting member and extends perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal member. The two ends of the front cross member are each attached to a front upright member at a first end of each front upright member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Clyde A. Tippets
  • Patent number: 5476201
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrying assembly for supporting at least one bicycle in an upward standing position on the upper surface of a vehicle for transport by the vehicle includes first and second laterally spaced and longitudinally extending rail members affixed to the roof, and an elongated member adapted to retain the at least one bicycle for pivotally movement between a first position and a second position about an axis. The axis is substantially coincident with the elongated member. A first end portion of the elongated member is adapted to be attached to one of the rail members and a second end portion of the elongated member is adapted to be attached to the other of the rail members. In the preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a permanently spoiler attached to the deck lid. The spoiler integrally includes a longitudinally extending member including a channel adapted to receive the rear wheel of the at least one bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Hall, Darrel L. Morley, William A. Dayton, Donald R. Behm
  • Patent number: 5474218
    Abstract: A vehicle roof rack article carrier having a protective rubber insert strip secured in a channel formed in each cross rail of the roof rack. A leading edge portion is formed on the insert strip so as to curve downwardly along an arcuate upper front portion of the cross bar, terminating in a down-turned rounded edge, to thereby provide a virtually wind noise resistant roof rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur V. Arsenault, Jr., Joseph E. Kubina, Gerard J. Kmita
  • Patent number: 5465890
    Abstract: A mast holder for a roof rack is described. Such mast holder includes three flexible straps which interact to provide reliable securance to a rack cross bar. It also includes a cradle having a rest of a configuration which conforms to the exterior shape of a mast. The cradle is of a material which is sufficiently pliable to provide such conformation. The cradle is also formed with support structure for the rest by coextrusion. The support structure is configured to interact with the rest to provide the necessary structural support that it needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 5456396
    Abstract: A carrier for a bicycle or the like for interaction with an automobile rooftop rack is described. The carrier includes level adjusters which interact with a cross bar to assure that the bicycle or other load being carried is supported vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 5454499
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle rack is described having a wing joint which holds the wing open, i.e., away from its associated cross bar, to facilitate loading/unloading of skis or other elongated articles. An obstruction is included as part of the joint, which obstruction is configured and positioned to hinder the pivoting selectively and hold the wing away from its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5443190
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus adapted for use with a cargo bed of a vehicle such as a pick-up truck. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of cross rails each having a length sufficient to span the width of the cargo bed and to be supported on upper surfaces of the sidewalls of the cargo bed. A securing mechanism includes a threaded bolt and a threaded nut which clampingly secures a bracket to an inner lip portion of the sidewall and an undersurface of the cross rail to thus secure the cross rail to the sidewalls of the cargo bed. When an optional lock member is locked in place via a key, a threaded nut housed therein cannot be loosened when the lock member is in a locked position, and therefore the cross rail cannot be moved from the cargo bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cucheran, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 5439152
    Abstract: An extendable carrier rack comprising a pair of L-shaped base legs, each base leg having a horizontal outer side rail coupled to an upwardly extended outer support rail thus creating an upper free end, a lower free end, and a corner therebetween; a pair L-shaped extension legs, each extension leg having a horizontal inner side rail coupled to an upwardly extended outer support rail thus creating an upper free end, a lower free end, and a corner therebetween with the lower free ends of the extension legs each coupled with a separate free end of a base leg; a pair of L-shaped bottom rails with one bottom rail coupled to the corners of separate base legs and the other bottom rail coupled to the corners of separate extension legs, whereby the base legs, extension legs, and bottom rails define a pedestal having a base section and an upwardly extended legged section adapted to be placed in and secured to a vehicle; and a pair of u-shaped holding legs with each holding leg having a top rail and a pair of inner exten
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Samuel Campbell
  • Patent number: 5423466
    Abstract: A ski carrier combined with a rubber magnet plate and a vacuum sucking adhering plate to be mounted on a roof of an automobile. A fixing member comprises a fixing plate body and a rubber magnet plate attached to a bottom surface of a fixing plate body and is formed with the vacuum sucking adhering plate inserting portion at the center. A carrier main body for fastening the ski is fixed on a fixing member and is pierced with the shaft inserting hole. A vacuum sucking adhering plate is provided between the vacuum sucking adhering plate inserting portion and the shaft inserting hole, and a cover for covering the ski is connected by a hinge to a carrier main body and it covers on a lever of the vacuum sucking adhering plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Soo M. Moon
  • Patent number: 5419479
    Abstract: A roof luggage carrier for an automotive vehicle includes a pair of rails running the length of the vehicle and at least one transverse carrier extending between the rails. A clamping device at each end of the carrier clamps the respective rail. The carrier is a hollow section with an open channel on its bottom. The clamping device includes a support jaw held stationary on the carrier and positioned on the side of the rack pipe toward the outer side of the vehicle. A swingable clamping jaw cooperates with the support jaw to clamp the pipe between them. The clamping jaw is positioned on the side of the pipe toward the middle of the vehicle. The clamping jaw is a double arm lever swingable around a pivot pin that is supported on the support jaw. The upper parts of both the support jaw and the clamping jaw extend through the longitudinal opening in the carrier and into the interior of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Happich Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Brigitte Evels, Harald Brunner, Gerrit Fluss
  • Patent number: 5415333
    Abstract: A ski carrier for alternatively transporting skis by manually carrying, by a vehicle mounting the ski carrier therein, or by a common carrier. The ski carrier has a case having a cover portion and a holder portion, and an end cap positionable over an opening in a first end of the case when the cover and holder portions thereof are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: James H. Wills
  • Patent number: 5402925
    Abstract: A load carrier for vehicles has two longitudinal carrier profiles (4) fixed on the roof of the vehicle, the carrier profiles being of cross sections which are open in a direction towards one another and which are curved so as to be adapted to the curvature of the vehicle roof. The carrier profiles (4) are provided with covering profiles (5) on their open sides, these profiles being curved in a manner corresponding to that of the carrier profiles (4). The covering profiles (5) may be opened by pivoting by means of elastic and/or resiliently yieldable connecting devices (10) which, with short lengths, are distributed along the length of the carrier profiles. The carrier profiles (4) and the covering profiles (5) are provided, along their edges facing away from the connecting devices (10), with snap fasteners (7, 9) for fixedly retaining the covering strips in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Jan-Ivar Arvidsson, Claes-Goran Linden
  • Patent number: 5395024
    Abstract: A supporting structure for a roof rack of a vehicle. The structure includes two rails. Each rail has a rod supported for being transversely pivotable at supports arranged at the ends thereof and connected with a roof holding device. Bases are pivotably and nondetachably connected to the ends of the rods. The bases are detachably fastenable to the roof holding device. The transverse supports may have any mutual distance for being adaptable to different roofs and/or roof load dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Hagus C. Luchtenberg GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Curt Luchtenberg
  • Patent number: 5383589
    Abstract: A carrier system for carrying elongate articles, such as skis and poles, on the exterior of an automobile includes a pair of separate, compact base members. Each base member includes three suction cups arranged in a triangular, three-point configuration for engaging the exterior of the automobile and further includes a flexible strap extending from side to side between the rain gutters of the vehicle. Each strap includes a cam-like tensioning member that, when rotated, significantly increases the tension in each strap. The base members are mounted one ahead of the other on the roof of the vehicle. A plurality of clips or other article-engaging members are detatchably mounted to the base members for engaging the articles to be carried. Different types of article engaging members are provided for carrying different types of loads. In one embodiment, each base member includes a pair of built-in load stops for carrying loads therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventors: Keith P. Tracy, William E. Chase