Carrier Attached To Carrier Patents (Class 224/319)
  • Publication number: 20030071097
    Abstract: A bike mount for securing a bicycle to a vehicle rack. The bike mount includes arms that pivot apart to receive a bicycle wheel and pivot together to cooperatively hold the bicycle wheel. The bike mount may be configured to include a lever that pivots the arms together as the bicycle is positioned on the vehicle rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dean
  • Publication number: 20030042281
    Abstract: A roof carrier has engagement portions at both sides of the intermediate portion of a bicycle receiver constituting a carrier main body portion. The one engagement portion is arranged in a manner that an erected arm is rotatable freely vertically and an engagement plate engages with the root portion of one of the pedals. The other engagement portion is arranged in a manner that the lower portion of a screw shaft is coupled to a buckle, and when a retainer hook provided at the tip end of the screw shaft is engaged with the root portion of the other pedal to fasten the buckle, the retainer hook engages-with the root portion of the pedal. A bicycle is strongly urged against the bicycle receiver by an engagement force between the engagement plate and the retainer hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ishikura
  • Patent number: 6523730
    Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a ladder to the roofrack of a vehicle. The locking assembly comprises a mounting bracket, a movable shaft slidably disposed in a channel defined in the mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a handle, a sheave attached to an end of the handle, and a bias spring connected between the mounting bracket and the handle, the spring biasing the handle so that the sheave extends through an elongated opening in the channel to engage the moveable shaft in order to prevent further sliding movement through the channel. The locking assembly can be adjusted to accommodate any size of ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Kent Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030029894
    Abstract: A hinged utility rack disposed on and external to a vehicle having a temporary top or roof. The utility rack has a bed that supports objects especially for transportation. First and second support bars are attached to the vehicle and support the bed. The second support bar is releasably connected to the bed, supporting the bed when connected. A hinge pivotally connects the first support bar to the bed, enabling the bed to pivot about the first support bar. The bed pivots between (a) a closed position in which the bed covers the vehicle top and the second support bar is connected to the bed, and (b) an open position in which the second support bar is disconnected from the bed and the bed is disposed away from the second support bar thereby rendering the top accessible for removal or retraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: John H. Crane, P. Joshua Crane
  • Publication number: 20030000978
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Aki
  • Patent number: 6457618
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (ATV) mounting bracket assembly that is adapted to mount to the rear deck of an ATV and to hold a scabbard or gun case outwardly of either side or the rear of the vehicle and in position to allow a tong gun to be easily inserted into or withdrawn from such scabbard or gun case includes a universal mounting plate to be secured to an ATV deck, a support plate extending upwardly from the universal mounting plate and outwardly from the vehicle and a holding plate carried by the support plate and capable of being tipped to insure proper angular mounting of a scabbard or gun case fixed to the holding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis H. Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20020125282
    Abstract: Securement arrangement for mounting articles upon a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes a pair of substantially rigid body members. At least one of the pair of body members has a receiver configured to accept the installation of a fitting member therein. A plurality of resilient fitting members are utilized. Each fitting member is adapted to be installed in the receiver in a plurality of orientations. At least one of the fitting members is configured to present a variable buffering thickness between the rigid body member and a receiving member of a carrying vehicle upon which the securement arrangement shall be installed. The variable buffering thickness is dependent upon an installed orientation of the fitting member in the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: John Laverack, Gregor Weaver, John F. Niedermeyer, Fred Murray, Jeffrey Ransden
  • Patent number: 6439646
    Abstract: A soft shell camper top for use on pickup truck cargo compartments is disclosed. The invention consists of a space frame and a flexible outer covering. The frame is removably attachable to the pickup truck bed and includes provisions for the attachment of a roof rack. The outer covering includes front and rear curtains and side curtains. The curtains may be securely fixed to attachments on the frame to protect cargo from the elements or may be rolled up to facilitate easy access to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Charles S. Cornelius
  • Publication number: 20020079341
    Abstract: Load carrier bar (3) intended to be attached to roof rails mounted on a vehicle roof. The roof rails having two longitudinal rails (2) disposed at a distance from and substantially parallel to each other, the load carrier bar being fitted at each of its ends with a corresponding attachment arrangement (4) intended to be connected with a corresponding rail. Each attachment arrangement includes a connecting means (5), united with the load carrier bar and adapted to be attached to the rail. A tightenable clamp joint (6) encloses the rail and which when tightened unites the load carrier bar to the rail by a rigid and immovable joint. The clamp joint possesses a locking plate (7) which at its first end is hinged to a link (8) connected to the load carrier bar and at its second end is connected with the load carrier bar by means of a demountable tensioned joint (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20020053581
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier which is detachably mounted to a roof rack of a motor vehicle. The carrier includes clamping assemblies which receive the cross members of the roof rack. The clamps include manipulable nuts for adjusting the clamping force with the cross members. The clamp assemblies are attached to cross bars which support wheel trays that nestingly receive the rear wheel of the bicycle and provide stability to the bike. A fork clamp is positioned at one end of the tray for lockingly receiving the front fork of the bicycle. The front wheel is stored in a rack mounted to the carrier frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Peschmann, Christopher M. Morris, Todd A. Trowbridge, Gregg Bednorski
  • Patent number: 6340106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carrying rack for transporting sporting or work equipment over a truck bed. The carrying rack utilizes the space above the truck bed so the truck bed may be enclosed with a tonneau or hard shell cover. The carrying rack is mounted to the truck bed so the cover may be removed or raised without removing the entire carrying rack. The carrying rack includes removable cross members that are attached when in use. The removable cross members include mounts for attaching equipment such as bicycles, skis, kayaks, ladders, or other types of equipment. The carrying rack allows the truck bed space to be used for other purposes while transporting sporting or other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jason D. Dutton
  • Patent number: 6296161
    Abstract: Fastening system for attaching a suitcase to a frame, which fastening system comprises a U-shaped locking clamp positionable around the frame, which U-shaped locking clamp is provided with two legs which form locking bars and a bridge part connecting the legs, whereby on aside of the frame remote from the bridge part the locking bars are lockably located in the suitcase. The fastening system is provided with a tilting means comprising at least one contacting surface, a tiltable plate comprising a passage, which plate abuts against the contacting surface, whereby the plate by means of the tilting means is tiltable from a first position to a second position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Hapro International B.V.
    Inventors: John Ezra Van der Feen, Johannes Wilhelmus Maria Teurlings
  • Patent number: 6257470
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrying device, for transporting and protecting articles on the roof of a vehicle comprises a one piece cargo bag with an aperture with a plurality of pieces of hook and loop fastening material operably positioned in proximity thereto. The aperture has a plurality of pieces of hook and loop fastening material sewn into an outer surface of the bag in proximity to the aperture, and a pair of pieces of hook and loop fastening material sewn are along an inner edge of the interior of the aperture. A strapping system is provided for securing the one piece cargo bag to a roof of a vehicle. One or more handles may be attached to the outer surface of the device for carrying and transport of the device. An inner liner system may be provided for further waterproofing and protection of articles being transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: David R. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6257471
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • Publication number: 20010006180
    Abstract: A carrier for attachment to a motor home or vehicle for transporting small outboard motors and their associated gasoline tanks is described. The carrier has a generally rectangular base for releasable attachment to a motor vehicle. The base has an outboard motor support for supporting an outboard motor in a position to maintain the propeller lower than the engine casing and a gasoline tank securing means for securely transporting the gasoline tank for the outboard motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Vince Cutajar, Kenneth Chadwick
  • Patent number: 6164507
    Abstract: A boat rack apparatus for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof rack. The apparatus includes one or more mounts configured for attachment adjacent a vehicle. Each mount includes a support region having a support surface constructed to slidably receive and support a boat above a vehicle roof, and a gripping pad movable from a recessed position to a protruding position to restrain the boat from sliding across the support surface. A securing strap is positionable over at least a portion of the boat and configured to hold the boat against the support regions when the strap is tightened. The securing strap passes around the gripping pad to move the pad to the protruding position and press it into contact with the boat. One or more connectors are optionally provided to attach the mounts to roof rack or boat trailer. The securing strap includes a lever-actuated buckle to join opposite ends of the securing strap. A buckle protective housing is optionally provided to protect the boat from damage by the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen, Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Patent number: 6152339
    Abstract: A vehicle carrier rack assembly for mounting upon the roof of the vehicle includes a cooperative clamping assembly for releasably mounting the carrier rack upon a vehicle roll bar. The rack assembly may further include at least one grommet assembly mounted at a hole formed in the vehicle roof and passing therethrough, in water-tight relationship, a portion of the cooperative, releasable engagement assembly for the vehicle rack. In other embodiments, the rack is hinged to pivot between a first position adjacent the vehicle roof and a second position spaced therefrom, e.g., to facilitate removal and replacement of the vehicle roof. A ladder may be mounted to the carrier rack at the rear of the vehicle to similar purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Stewart Olson Kreisler
  • Patent number: 6145719
    Abstract: A vehicle mountable gun and equipment case for the safe transportion of guns and equipment. The vehicle mountable gun and equipment case includes an upper cover having a top portion and an upper perimeter wall. The upper perimeter wall extends away from a perimeter of the top portion. Next provided is a lower cover having a bottom portion and a lower perimeter wall. The lower perimeter wall extends outwardly from a perimeter of the bottom portion such that the lower perimeter wall and the bottom portion define a space within the lower cover. The lower cover is hingedly attached to the upper cover. A plurality of clasping means are for releasably securing the upper cover to the lower cover. Also included is an equipment retaining pad having at least one of a shaped cut out. The pad is insertable into the space of sad lower cover. The shaped cut out is for conformably receiving a piece of equipment. A plurality of vehicle attachment means are adapted for attaching the lower cover to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Louis J. Robert
  • Patent number: 6131781
    Abstract: A load assist to a vehicle rack carrier that includes a brace bar coupleable to a vehicle rack carrier where the brace bar is positionable between extended and retracted configurations relative to the vehicle rack carrier when coupled thereto. A connector is adapted for coupling the brace bar to the vehicle rack carrier and includes a brace bar receiver adapted for accommodating reciprocating motion of the brace bar therein. A handle is coupled to an outer distal end of the brace bar and is adapted for preventing slippage of an object off of the distal end of the brace bar. The couplement of the handle to the outer distal end of the brace bar is by a threaded fastener that establishes a friction fit between the handle and the brace bar. The brace bar has an insert pin receiving aperture therein and there is also included a biased insert pin adapted for insertion into the insert pin receiving aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Frederick G. Murray
  • Patent number: 6079601
    Abstract: An anchorage device is intended for securing a load carrier on a load carrier strut which is disposed on a vehicle. The anchorage device includes an openable clamp (9) produced from a flexible material and a tensioning device (18). The tensioning device (18) extends through mutually overlapping end portions (10, 15) of the clamp (9). The clamp (9) is, in the open state, movable to a position surrounding the load carrier strut. On tightening of the tensioning device (18), the end portions (10, 15) are fixed against the load carrier. The one end portion (15) has a closed aperture through which the tensioning device (18) extends. The other end portion (10) has an open recess for accommodating the tensioning device (18). Each of the end portions have abuttable surfaces configured for abutting engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Frederick G. Murray
  • Patent number: 6015074
    Abstract: A roof rack for a vehicle including a support member which is removably secured to the roof thereof and a telescoping member slidably attached within the support member for movement between a transport position and a loading position. The telescoping member includes a first segment hinged to a second segment which rotates about its axis when in the loading position. A brace, which is fixed to the support member, braces the second segment when in the loading position and limits the extent of its rotation, ultimately preventing the telescoping member from contacting the vehicle's side panels. Articles are loaded onto an L-shaped bracket which extends upwardly from the outer ends of the telescoping member and parallel thereto to space the load above the vehicle's roof when in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: Travis J. Snavely, John F. Braun, Gerald L. Braun
  • Patent number: 6003748
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder assembly for transporting at least one fishing rod upon an existing luggage carrier having at least two cross bars. The fishing rod holder assembly comprises a tubular housing member having a reel slot at one end, with a handle slot disposed in alignment with the reel slot on the opposing side of the tubular housing, and a clamping bar for releasably and adjustably securing the tubular housing member to a selected cross bar of the existing luggage carrier. A resilient support member has a vertical slot positioned in axial alignment with the tubular housing member. The resilient support member has a mounting bracket and a clamping bar for releasably and adjustably securing the resilient support member to another cross bar of the existing luggage carrier. The tubular housing member and the resilient support member may be mounted to the existing luggage carrier without the need for hand or power tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Carl Rivenbark
  • Patent number: 5964565
    Abstract: A new deer lifting device for all terrain vehicles for allowing a deer to be lifted in an easier manner. The inventive device includes a pair of clamps adapted for coupling with a cargo rack of an all terrain vehicle. A forward section extends rearwardly from the pair of clamps. A middle section extends rearwardly from the forward section. The middle section includes a pair of support posts extending upwardly therefrom. A back section extends downwardly from the middle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Harvey Steven Skotzky
  • Patent number: 5938090
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • Patent number: 5931359
    Abstract: A carrier bar for a motor-vehicle roof is provided at each of its ends with a supporting leg (6) having a head (5) slidably mounted within a guide rail (3) of the bar (1). The head (5) is axially movable along with a threaded stem (7) which is screwed in a threaded channel (4) of the bar (1) and can be rotated to cause a movement of the supporting leg (6) along the bar (1). The bar has a bolt (13) with an enlarged head (14) which engages a slot (15) of a hook member (12) having a hook (17) adapted to engage the side edge of a motor-vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Fabio Pedrini
    Inventor: Mauro Zona
  • Patent number: 5884824
    Abstract: An equipment transport rack is mountable on the roof of a vehicle, and provides easy access for loading equipment thereon. The equipment payload is carried on a payload carrier mounted on a movable carriage assembly which has two operational positions. In the transport position, the payload is carried above the roof surface, thus avoiding interference with vehicle doors or windows and preventing safety hazards to passers by.In the loading position, the carriage assembly extends outwardly and pivots downwardly from the roof area to project the payload carrier at least partially below the height of the roof edge and roof surface. In the loading position, the equipment payload may be easily and conveniently loaded and unloaded from the rack by a user of average height standing next to the vehicle. When the loading or unloading is completed, the carriage assembly pivots upwardly and slides inwardly to be returned to the transport position, where it is latched in position prior to vehicle movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph N. Spring, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5845827
    Abstract: A cover for covering a cross-member of an automotive vehicle rack has a body and a hole. The body has a rounded leading edge and a tapered trailing edge. The hole extends longitudinally through the length of the body and is sized to receive a cross-member. In a further embodiment, the body also has a slit extending radially outwardly from the hole to an outer surface of the cover and extending longitudinally along the length of the body providing a passage through which a cross-member may slide into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Laurence A. Reising
  • Patent number: 5806735
    Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle has a load carrier bar which, at opposite ends, has anchorage devices for fixing on longitudinal so-called railings on the vehicle root. The anchorage devices have two clamping jaws (14) which, from opposite sides, are urgable against the railings. The one clamping jaw (14) has a sliding body (20) which is disposed in a channel (6) in the load carrier bar and has a free-going aperture (25) for a screw (21). The other clamping jaw (14) has a wedge body (17) slidable in the channel and provided with a through aperture (25) for the screw (21). The wedge body (17) of the clamping jaw (14) cooperates in the channel (6) with a second wedge body (19) which has a threaded aperture (26) for the screw. By tightening the screw (21), the wedge bodies (17, 19) are tightened towards one another and positionally fixed in the channel (6) at the same time as the clamping jaws (14) are forced towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Magnus Christiansson, Fredrik Wallin
  • 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: 5779116
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a load to a motor vehicle comprises at least two load holders which can be fixed to the vehicle body and which each have load securing elements directed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for fixing a load extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A clamping device is provided for fixing the respective load holder to an intermediate carrier which is fixedly connected or can be fixedly connected to the bodywork. The clamping device has clamping jaws which embrace a part of the intermediate carrier. The clamping jaws have a clamping opening matched to the profile of the intermediate carrier for substantially embracing it in the clamping position. The axial direction of the clamping opening extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load securing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: HS Products AG, Systemtechnik und Produktmanagement
    Inventors: Christoph Rosch, Mark Seer
  • 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: 5769291
    Abstract: First and second elongate members each have an upper pad member of cushioning material, a first side bolster hinged to one side edge of the upper member and a second side bolster hinged to the opposite side edge of the upper member. Each side bolster has a core of cushioning material and extends along the entire length of the elongate member. The side bolsters are of rectangular cross-section and have opposing inner faces carrying interengageable fasteners for releasably securing the side bolsters together beneath the upper pad member. The two elongate members are secured on spaced crossbars of a vehicle roof rack by placing the upper pad member on top of a roof rack crossbar and engaging the side bolsters beneath the crossbar. At least one tie down strap is secured to one end of each elongate member for securing an elongate item on top of the upper pad member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Paul E. Chasan
  • Patent number: 5769292
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus for securing an independent article securing implement to a support bar of an existing vehicle article carrier without requiring any disassembly of the support bar from the vehicle article carrier. The clamp apparatus includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion includes a channel portion and a hook portion and the second body portion includes a base portion slidably engageable within the channel portion, and a hook portion. The first and second body portions are clamped over a support bar through the use of an elongated threaded fastener and fastening nut, which provides a significant degree of adjustability to accommodate support bars having varying cross-sectional widths. A pair of elongated, slot-like openings are formed in the first body portion and a pair of openings are also formed in the second body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cucheran, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Jon D. Sparham
  • Patent number: 5746362
    Abstract: A heavy duty vehicle rack for the attachment to the drip rails or gutters of a vehicle is useful for carrying heavy articles, such as pipes, ladders, etc. The vehicle rack has at least one crossmember which extends across the vehicle roof and has an end member on each end of the crossmember to engage the drip rail or gutter and hold the crossmember above the vehicle roof. A clamp with horizontal fastening tightly secures each of the end members to the drip rail. The end members and clamps have inclined cooperating portions thereon which also cause the clamp to tighten against the drip rail also vertically to hold the rack in place on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Cross Tread Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Hickey
  • 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: 5690259
    Abstract: A modular bicycle rack system is useful with a vehicle that has a pair of rooftop transverse load bars that are spaced along the length of the vehicle. The rack system includes a base that is connected with the transverse load bars, and which may be one or more rail members, a slide connected in sliding engagement with the base to slide between a forward and a rearward position, a frame that is pivotally connected with the slide to pivot between an upper and a lower position, and which may be a channel member, and a clamp that connects between the base and the frame. A hanger releasably locks onto the frame to hang a bicycle on the frame when the frame is in the lower position. Alternatively, a cargo box may be coupled with the frame for convenient access to the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: John J. Montani
  • Patent number: 5673889
    Abstract: A wind surfing equipment holder is disclosed. The device comprises a pair of equipment holders each comprising a hollow, non-scuff bottomed base and a traversly disposed optionally telescoping stanchion. The top of the stanchion has a generally U-shaped saddle, with a slot on each end, located thereon. The wind surfing board is attached to a vehicle in usual fashion. Each equipment holder is placed on top of the board in spaced apart fashion and strapped in place. The boom is clamped to one stanchion and circumferentially fitted around the other stanchion and height adjusted into place. The mast is received within the saddle and the sail is positioned onto one side of the stanchions. A strap is fitted through the hollow base, around the sail and mast, through each slot of the saddle and tightened in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Ricky D. DeValcourt
  • 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: 5667116
    Abstract: A vehicle rooftop storage unit includes a rack portion which is permanently installed to the roof of the passenger vehicle at manufacture, or which may be installed as an aftermarket article after vehicle manufacture. A separate container portion is removably securable within the rack portion. The rack portion includes a generally rectangular rail, with the front and side members being fixed in position, and the rear member being hinged to the rear end of one of the side members. The rear member may be locked to the opposite side member to close the rail structure, and thereby capture the container portion within the rack rails. The rack portion captures the container portion by a tongue formed along the inner face of the rail, which engages a mating peripheral groove in the container portion; the tongue and groove configuration may be reversed between container and rack rail, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventors: Bambi L. Reinhart, Robert A. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 5657915
    Abstract: In a multipurpose object holder for skis, surfboards or the like an elastic device including a horizontal plate and two curved lateral tongues is inserted in a vertical guide fastened to a base. The radius of curvature of one tongue is greater than that of the other tongue, allowing for the definition of lateral transport compartments of different thickness. A further elastic tongue is attached to a mobile clamp. The objects to be transported can also be placed between the plate and the further elastic tongue. In a second version of the object holder the elastic device is fastened to a mobile clamp and has an X-shape cross-section that includes two V-shape lateral reinforcing members such that two ranges of pressure forces are defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Automaxi Industries
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Ravier
  • 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: 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: 5624063
    Abstract: A ride-ready bicycle carrier system designed to be removably attached to an existing vehicle roof rack system. The carrier system comprises a support arm assembly attached to a support arm pivot. The support arm assembly has a support arm, an upper hook, a lower hook and a ball lock. One end of the support arm is adapted to receive the upper hook and the other end of the support arm is connected to the support arm pivot. One end of the upper hook is shaped to engage the upper lateral bar of a bicycle frame and the other end of the upper hook is adapted to engage the ball lock and inserts into the ball lock and then into the upper end of the support arm. The ball lock is adapted to receive the upper hook. The ball lock secures the upper hook in a fixed position when the upper hook is engaged to the upper lateral bar of a bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ireland
  • Patent number: 5607093
    Abstract: A carrier device for supporting and securing different objects to a luggage rack of a vehicle or directly to the roof of a vehicle which does not have a luggage rack. The device includes a carrier fabric on which one side is covered along its length with loops and one half with barbs. The fabric is formed with cushioned straps on one half opposite either the hooks or barbs. The fabric may be placed onto a luggage rack bar across the width of a vehicle, and skis, fishing poles or the like can be secured by the straps to the support carrier. Alternatively, the carrier device may be secured directly to a vehicle roof which does not have a luggage rack. To this end, the carrier device is wrapped around a filler member and end straps with hooks thereon are provided and designed to connect to a vehicle gutter or other part of the vehicle body such as the lip of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: William F. Geier
  • Patent number: 5573160
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system, The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • 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: 5527146
    Abstract: A support rack for carrying articles behind a vehicle is disclosed. The rack includes a base member, a forward beam, a rearward beam, a top member, and lock arms. The base member is securable to the rearward end of the vehicle. The forward and rearward beams are pivotally connected to the base member and project upwardly therefrom. The beams are parallel to each other and together form a parallelogram with the base member and the top member. The top member is pivotally connected to the forward and rearward beams. The lock arms are for releasably locking the forward beam and the rearward beam in upright positions above the base member. Support arms are also slidably coupled to the top member for securing bicycles thereon. A crank clamp attachment structure is also provided, which fits on top of the top member to hold extra bicycles. The crank clamp attachment structure includes crank clamps and wheel rails. A ski rack is also disclosed that may be pivotally coupled to the support rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Softride, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivor J. Allsop, Eivind Clausen
  • Patent number: 5509776
    Abstract: A device for lifting and/or lowering a load, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle, onto or off of a load carrier connected to a motor vehicle, has an extension arm with which the load can be comfortably lifted and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: HS Technik Und Design Technische Entwicklungen GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Specht, Udo Hausrath, Christoph Rosch
  • Patent number: 5490621
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • 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