Expandable Carrier Patents (Class 224/320)
  • Patent number: 11383651
    Abstract: A load carrier bracket for coupling a load carrier foot to a vehicle is disclosed. The load carrier bracket has a vehicle engaging section and a trough-shaped coupling portion. The trough-shaped coupling portion extends from the vehicle engaging section in a longitudinal direction of the load carrier bracket and has a holder engaging section which is configured to be releasably engageable with a holder of the load carrier foot. The trough-shaped coupling portion is continuously convexly formed in its longitudinal direction such that it is configured to apply higher forces on an outer surface of the trough-shaped coupling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Stefan Andersson, Fredrik Larsson
  • Patent number: 10913399
    Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier foot for supporting a load bar on a vehicle. The load carrier foot comprises a supporting member mountable to the load bar, a coupling member for coupling the load carrier foot to the vehicle and a tightening mechanism for tightening the coupling member. The tightening mechanism force transmittingly the couples the coupling member with the supporting member by a force distribution member. The force distribution member is configured to transfer a received input force on at least two force application sections while being translatory movably held with respect to each force application section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Stefan Andersson, Fredrik Larsson
  • Patent number: 10556548
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism includes a first pin connectable to a crossbar, a second pin connectable to a roof rail, a housing assembly disposed on the second pin, the housing assembly including a bearing and a first biasing member both disposed within the housing assembly, the bearing translatable within the housing assembly, the biasing member disposed between the bearing and the housing assembly to bias the bearing member, the first pin disposed through the bearing, and a second biasing member disposed on the second pin between the roof rail and the housing assembly to bias the housing assembly. The first pin is rotatable within the bearing to rotate the crossbar, the first pin is translatable with the bearing to move the crossbar in a first direction and a second direction, and the housing assembly is translatable along the second pin to move the crossbar in a third direction and a fourth direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: DURA OPERATING, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Keck, II
  • Patent number: 10059274
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system is disclosed for use on an outer body roof surface of a vehicle to removably support articles above the outer body roof surface. The system makes use of a cross bar assembly having a central tubular portion and telescopically coupled outer cross bar portions. A locking lever may be used to lock at least one of the outer cross bar portions to prevent telescopic movement. A pair of end supports is used to latch to door jam areas of the vehicle. The end supports each have a construction such that both can be configured in a generally planar configuration to enable easy stowage of the cross bar assemblies, and each pivoted into an angled configuration which places the tubular cross bar portion above the vehicle outer body surface when the cross bar assembly is secured to the door jam areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard J. Kmita
  • Patent number: 9738229
    Abstract: A carrier bar is provided, capable of enabling suitable assembly work of the stay and improving freedom in adjustment of stay assembly position relative to carrier bar, disclosed is a carrier bar having shell formed along longitudinal direction and hollow zones in cross-sectional structure so as to be assembled to stay by using a clamp mechanism having a head and a constricted portion to form a base carrier. Shell has assembly and positioning openings extending toward the longitudinal end of shell by using assembly opening as a basal end and having a terminated end formed by longitudinal end of shell. Assembly opening has an opening width and an opening length into which the head of clamp mechanism is insertable. Positioning opening has an opening width narrower than that of assembly opening, along which the constricted portion is slidable, and an opening length longer than that of assembly opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CAR MATE MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Sato, Daisuke Kisaka, Hisashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9707900
    Abstract: Vehicle rooftop cargo systems and methods for transporting cargo such as baled hay upon the rooftop of vehicles are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Larry Townsend
  • Patent number: 9566913
    Abstract: Roof rack for motor vehicles is provided, said roof rack comprises a cross member and leg members arranged on both sides of said cross member, each leg member comprising a support unit, which is adapted to rest on a respective carrier bar unit of a body of said motor vehicle, said support unit comprising a retaining unit adapted to be connected to a mounting section of said carrier bar unit, said support unit is adapted to be supported on said respective carrier bar unit and that said support unit comprises a first form locking element designed to cooperate with a second form locking element on said respective carrier bar unit upon movement in a locking direction extending essentially parallel to said cross member in order to provide a form locking fixation of said support unit with respect to said respective carrier bar unit against movement in directions transverse to said cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Scambia Holdings Cyprus Limited
    Inventors: Bernard Sargès, Jean-Pierre Neuret
  • Patent number: 9016449
    Abstract: The briefcase and backpack luggage includes a housing that may carry a plurality of items. The housing comprises a case portion of the housing that may store the items. A folder portion of the housing is coupled to the case portion of the housing. The folder portion of the housing may store items. A handle is coupled to the housing. The handle may be gripped. A strap is coupled to the housing. The strap may be positionable on the user so the housing is retained on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Oluwakemi S. Soboyejo
  • Publication number: 20150069102
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flush bar roof rack comprising a pair of legs, each of which includes a housing for holding and supporting a crossbar. The roof rack also includes a crossbar, held and supported at each end by the crossbar housing of each leg, and further includes an extension means for adjusting the length of the roof rack between the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LTD.
    Inventor: Peter Douglas Hubbard
  • Patent number: 8925776
    Abstract: A device for securing ladders to a vehicle having telescoping cross bar having pivotal arms pivotally attached at each end of the telescoping cross bar, respectively, the telescoping crossbar having a receiving portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion and receiving portion sized such that there is a close fit when inserting the insertion portion into the receiving portion, each pivotable arm has an arm body that includes a pivot arm aperture, at each distal end of the insertion portion and receiving portion are at least one pivot tang, also located at each distal end of the insertion portion and receiving portion is a ladder insertion tang, the ladder insertion tangs are attached to projecting tabs on the distal ends and are inwardly directed, and the receiving portion includes a movement limiting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Moore
  • Publication number: 20130206802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an extendable vehicle rack arrangement (10) comprising a first and a second load carrier foot (3, 4) and comprising a stationary part (12) attached to said first and second load carrier foot (3, 4) and a displaceable part (11). The stationary part (12) is pivotally connected to at least one of the load carrier feet (3, 4). The extendable vehicle rack arrangement (10) is advantageously an extendable vehicle top rack arrangement. The present invention provides for a solution which effectively reduces or neutralizes the intrinsic forces which can be imparted to an extendable vehicle rack arrangement during or after attachment to a vehicle, thereby providing an easier extension of the displaceable part (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20130200121
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flush bar roof rack comprising a pair of legs, each of which includes a housing for holding and supporting a crossbar. The roof rack also includes a crossbar, held and supported at each end by the crossbar housing of each leg, and further includes an extension means for adjusting the length of the roof rack between the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LTD.
    Inventor: Hubco Automotive Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130048690
    Abstract: A vehicle article may have cross bars that may be nestably secured together on a trunk lid of a vehicle when not in use, and yet quickly and easily attached to elements mounted in roof ditches on the roof of the vehicle when needed for use. In another embodiment the vehicle article carrier includes a pair of pivotally secured support rails that are supported from frame or body structure of the vehicle below and adjacent the rear bumper of the vehicle. The support rails may be pivoted into stowed positions when not needed to hide them from view, and then quickly and easily pivoted out when needed for use. Attachments such as a cargo box or a bicycle carrier may be easily secured to the support rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Noel v. Ranka
  • Patent number: 8365969
    Abstract: A mobile carrier includes a generally planar cargo platform. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed side rails, each side rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed side rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each side rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed end rails, each end rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed end rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each end rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes a rod. A receiving structure is configured to maintain the rod at multiple respective positions relative to the receiving structure, the rod and the receiving structure being separable from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Larry A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8333311
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flush bar roof rack comprising a pair of legs, each of which includes a housing for holding and supporting a crossbar. The roof rack also includes a crossbar, held and supported at each end by the crossbar housing of each leg, and further includes an extension means for adjusting the length of the roof rack between the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hubco Automotive Limited
    Inventor: Peter Douglas Hubbard
  • Patent number: 8123270
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof is provided that included, but is not limited to a base roof and a roof segment essentially vertically adjustable relative to the base roof. The roof segment is designed, essentially, to fit closely with the base roof in a closed state and to provide a space in relation to base roof in an open state. The roof segment can include, but is not limited to at least one upper, relatively adjustable, roof element connected with the roof segment, and/or the base roof can include, but is not limited to at least one lower, relatively adjustable roof element connected with the base roof. Through the adjustable roof element the storage space can be open and closed. As a result, the transportation of objects is improved without significantly compromising safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gian Luca Baccelli
  • Patent number: 8100306
    Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) includes an elongate load carrying member (13) selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (20). A crossbar portion (15) of the elongate load carrying member (13) is wider than it is thick and is orientated such that the width of the crossbar portion (15) is vertically arranged when the roof bar (10) is in the deployed position so as to increase the resistance to vertical bending of the crossbar portion (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding, Steve David Fleming, Danny Edward Stanesby, Alicia Agius, Will Farrelly, Ian Sutherland Wright
  • Patent number: 8016171
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system incorporating at least one single sided release cross bar assembly. The cross bar assembly includes first and second end support assemblies. Detachment or adjustable positioning of the cross bar assembly is made by a user engaging a locking element in a first one of the end support assemblies and moving a cross bar of the cross bar assembly linearly, telescopically slidably into a second one of the end support assemblies. This causes a release of tension provided by a biasing element in the second end support assembly, thus enabling the entire cross bar assembly to be removed from the side rails. The single biasing element in the second cross bar assembly provides a constant tension on latching elements mounted in each of the first and second end support assemblies, which maintain each of the assemblies in locking engagement with the side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M Aftanas
  • Patent number: 8016172
    Abstract: A storage rack assembly in kit form is particularly adapted for use on a vehicle and includes a small number of different types of components to simplify shipping, assembly and installation by a purchaser. The storage rack includes side, front and back generally flat panels connected together to form a generally rectangular structure. Opposed side panels are connected to opposed ends of plural elongated cross members which are arranged in a spaced manner along the length of the rectangular structure and are aligned in a common plane to form a flat support bed in the storage rack. Plural telescoping support/mounting members are each connected to a respective cross member to allow for varying the storage rack's width depending on vehicle size and are adapted for secure attachment to the vehicle. Incorporating additional interfitting side panels and cross members allows for increasing the storage rack's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dan A. Mefford
  • Publication number: 20100282799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flush bar roof rack comprising a pair of legs, each of which includes a housing for holding and supporting a crossbar. The roof rack also includes a crossbar, held and supported at each end by the crossbar housing of each leg, and further includes an extension means for adjusting the length of the roof rack between the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LTD.
    Inventor: Peter Douglas Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7806306
    Abstract: A system and method for forming a vehicle article carrier having a single side release crossbar assembly. The crossbar assembly includes a trigger style, horizontally arranged actuating lever that simultaneously locks and unlocks a pair of locking pins at opposite ends of the crossbar assembly from their respective support rails. The support rails are fixedly secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle such that the crossbar assembly is supported above the outer body surface. The single side release feature eliminates the need for the operator to walk back and forth to both sides of the vehicle to unlock and lock the crossbar assembly when the crossbar assembly needs to be repositioned on the support rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 7802707
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus and method incorporating a single side releasable crossbar assembly. In one embodiment the crossbar assembly includes a pair of end supports that each includes an actuating member. In one embodiment the actuating member is formed by a pivotally mounted actuating lever. In another embodiment the actuating member is formed by a rotationally mounted, trigger style actuating member. In either embodiment, the actuating member is movable between locked and unlocked positions. Each end support also includes a locking pin having a pivot wheel carried thereon. A cable is entrained around the pulley wheel of each locking pin, and the ends of the cable are coupled to the actuating members. Either actuating member can be used to simultaneously lock and unlock the locking pins of both end supports from a pair of support rails on which the cross bar assembly is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Publication number: 20080149675
    Abstract: A load carrying basket for attachment to a vehicle roof is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position facilitates entry of the vehicle into garages, parking lots and the like, having limited overhead clearance. The load carrier includes a plurality of pivotally mounted support members which are pivotally attached to an upper frame and a lower frame. At least one of the support members is a clamping member to clamp the carrier in the deployed position. Advantageously, the clamping member also clamps the load carrier in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventors: Serge Moreau, Robert Virtu
  • Patent number: 7036698
    Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, to facilitate loading a boat onto a vehicle. The systems include a load assist device mounted on a vehicle load carrier. The load assist device includes a support member that is stored substantially within a crossbar of the load carrier and telescopes outwardly from the crossbar to a deployed position. The support member may be returned to its stored position in the crossbar after the boat has been loaded onto the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6772926
    Abstract: A retractable carrier system (10) is provided for carrying luggage and other objects on the roof of a vehicle. The carrier system (10), which may be original equipment on the vehicle or an after market addition, includes a collapsible container (20), a reel (50) onto which the collapsible container (20) may be rolled and a storage compartment (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: William R. Eichele, Ronald Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6729513
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier specifically adapted for use on a roof of a cab of a pickup truck. The vehicle article carrier includes a slidably extendable article carrier sub-system which allows the overall length of the vehicle article carrier to be effectively increased to better support elongated items such as bicycles, kayaks, canoes and virtually any other item having a length such that would make it awkward to support on an otherwise conventional article carrier assembly having a longitudinal length short enough to be secured to the roof of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: JAC Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 6425508
    Abstract: A load-bearing frame assembly for coupling to a roof of a vehicle is provided. The load-bearing frame assembly comprises a front frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the front of the vehicle roof, a rear frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the rear of the vehicle roof, and a frame extension section adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front frame section and the rear frame section. The front frame section includes a first connector and a first load bar for supporting a sports equipment mount. The rear frame section includes a second connector complementary to the first connector so that the rear frame section is joinable to the front frame section to form a first, smaller load bearing frame. The frame extension section is adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front and the rear frame section to form a second, larger load-bearing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Cole, Lyle R. Hilk
  • Patent number: 6338524
    Abstract: An automotive aerodynamic component and object carrier fixture is installed on the top of an automobile with an inclination adjustable according to the handling style of the driver. During normal utilization, the aerodynamic component is mounted level to provide a low air resistance. When the aerodynamic component is adjusted such that it is mounted at a forward inclination, downward pressure is generated which increases the weight of the vehicle to increase tracking over the ground. When the aerodynamic component is adjusted such that it is mounted at an upward inclination, a lifting force is generated that decreases the weight of the vehicle to achieve lower fuel consumption, faster acceleration, and more responsive braking performance. A vertical wing is provided to increase directional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Shiang-Huei Wu
  • Patent number: 6308874
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly 10 for use in combination with a vehicle 12 of the type having a roof 14 and a rear or back portion or end 16 including a rear door or hatchback 18. Assembly 10 includes a pair of elongated support rails or members 20, 22, a movable rack or storage member 24 which is movably coupled to said rail members 20, 22, and several fasteners or fastening members 26, 28, 30 and 32. Rack member 24 is movable between a “roof-mounted” position in which rack member 24 is substantially parallel to roof 14 and a “back end-mounted” position in which said rack member is substantially parallel to back end 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Kim, Nicholas Waskul, Minyong Lee, Steve Aidenbaum
  • Patent number: 6186729
    Abstract: A portable rack is shown for transporting objects including animal carcasses such as deer. The rack is removably secured to a vehicle and includes a carrying tray assembly adapted to receive the object, i.e. animal carcass. The rack is structured such that the tray assembly can be selectively mounted from a ground position to facilitate loading to an upright position for transporting of the object which has been loaded. The carrying tray assembly can also be selectively adjusted from a straight, in line contour to an arcuate or angulated contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: David R. Sargent
  • 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: 5531366
    Abstract: A reusable shopping bag assembly is provided. The assembly has collapsible expandable soft sided bags which can be rolled up from an upper open end in a spiral shape, the bags having a bottom end having a plurality of holes to permit air flow there through for allowing the bags to be rolled up into a compact shape. A pair of hanger bars are attached to opposite bag sides adjacent the upper open end of the bags. Opposite ends of each hanger bar extending beyond opposite bags sides for engagement with spaced apart upper edges of a shopping cart to suspend the bags in a shopping cart when the bags are unrolled. A carrying case is provided having a side opening. The side opening being adapted for insertion of the bags when the bags are in a rolled state so that the carrying case will encapsulate the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Grant C. Strom
  • 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: 5452831
    Abstract: In a vehicle roof rack that has an elongate frame fastened at each end to a support base, a joint is provided between each support base and the frame so that the base can be moved laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Votex GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Linnhoff
  • Patent number: 5427396
    Abstract: A trailer connected to a vehicle to carry an extra load. The trailer has a bracket with flexible arms and a fixative. The flexible arms are adapted to form bearings together with a bicycle rear wheel axle. Because of the flexibility of the flexible arms the bracket can be pivotally connected to the axle of the rear wheel of a two-wheel vehicle without disassembling the vehicle while connecting and disconnecting it. That simplifies and accelerates the process of connecting the trailer to and disconnecting it from the vehicle. A passenger version of the trailer has rigid child chairs with safety belts mounted on the trailer base, and a safety frame, preventing children from getting hurt. The frame is pivotally mounted to the base and can be rotated about 180 degrees until it touches the ground, opening a space for loading and unloading the trailer and having more support points to prevent the trailer from falling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Gore
  • Patent number: 5372287
    Abstract: An article carrier adapted to be detachably interconnected with a vehicle such as an automobile, truck or trailer. The article carrier includes a connector member adapted to be telescopically received within a tubular member affixed to the vehicle and a carrier assembly carried by the connector member. The carrier assembly includes a generally vertically extending column and one or more outwardly extending article supporting elements. A securement mechanism is carried by the carrier assembly for cooperation with the article supporting elements to secure the carried article within the carrier assemblage. A clamping mechanism is provided to securely interconnect the telescoping tubular members of the device in a manner to positively prevent movement between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Orlando Deguevara
  • Patent number: 5372289
    Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage compartment having a luggage rack element mounted to a bottom portion of the trunk lid. A storage module or piece of luggage is removably mounted to the luggage rack element and the storage module can be immobilized within the luggage rack element. The storage module is slid into and out of the luggage rack when the trunk lid is open but immobilized when the trunk lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Regie Nationale des Usines Renault
    Inventor: Augustin Dachicourt
  • Patent number: 5360150
    Abstract: The invention concerns a roof rack for vehicles which is provided with a mechanism for extension (11, 2, 3, 4) permitting to lower the surface of manipulation for the load laterally of the car, in order to permit easy manipulations of all types of load which one may wish to carry on the roof of the car. During the lowering, the surface of manipulation remains horizontal. After the fixing of the load on the lowered support surface, the mechanism is lifted again and shifted over the roof of the car by a combination of horizontal and vertical movements and thereafter latched in its final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Praz
  • Patent number: 5340007
    Abstract: The roof-rack device for a motor vehicle roof comprises at least two longitudinal elements coupled to the vehicle roof via respective pairs of end legs, with each longitudinal element being made up of at least three portions, namely: two end portions each extending between a corresponding end leg and an additional leg; and one central portion connected to the end portions by releasable link structure enabling said central portion to be installed either between the two end portions of the same longitudinal element, or else between two end portions of two different longitudinal elements, and situated at the same longitudinal position along the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Farnier & Penin
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Jeuffray, Michel Memeteau
  • Patent number: 5303858
    Abstract: A mounting rack for pickup trucks that have a cargo bed with upstanding lateral side walls where the rack includes a pair of base forming rails adapted to be surmounted on the top fenders of the truck cargo bed, a pair of rigid frames attached centrally to the respective rails in a position upstanding from the side walls or top fenders of the truck cargo bed and at least one cross beam interconnecting the uppermost portions of the said rigid frames. The rack further includes cargo support cradles shaped like "U" shaped bail members carried by each of the rails and projecting laterally from the cargo bed of the truck to support bikes or other additional cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Brent A. Price
  • Patent number: 5285941
    Abstract: A car storage system is disclosed which mounts to the ceiling of an automobile to provide storage for small items carried by a vehicle operator such as cassette tapes, compact discs, gloves, sunglasses, nasal tissue, and/or maps. The car storage system is adjustably mountable to the ceiling of an automobile such that any of the above items are easily within reach of a vehicle operator. The car storage system comprises a support member which is adjustable to any ceiling width and is mounted using pivotable flanges secured behind the trim molding normally placed about a vehicle's ceiling. A storage member which comprises a plurality of individual storage compartments is removably connected to the support member in order to provide the storage area for any of the above items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Paul L. Herrera
  • Patent number: 5009337
    Abstract: An automotive parts support rack for holding objects such as automotive parts, the rack being temporarily located on a substantially horizontal surface of a vehicle. The automotive parts support rack has a frame having a substantially rectangular configuration with four corners and having first and second longitudinally adjustable side sections connected respectively by first and second longitudinally adjustable end sections. Each of the first and second side sections and each of the first and second end sections has a holding device for holding the end and side sections at a desired length. At least four means for temporarily supporting the frame on the surface of the vehicle are attached to an underside of the frame at least substantially in the vicinity of the four corners, that is each of the corners have attached in a vicinity thereof a device for temporarily supporting the frame on to the substantially horizontal surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Domenico Bimbi
  • Patent number: 5002216
    Abstract: A roof rack mounting system for vehicle having concealed drip moldings in mounting plates are riveted to the roof return of a vehicle, on opposite sides of the vehicle underneath a vehicle upper door lip. Each mounting plate has two pins which fit into cups or slots formed on a foot plate. A leg section connects each foot plate to a hollow transverse beam. One leg section is movable and has a screw extending through the leg section and engaging a nut secured to the inside of the tranverse beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Gerber Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary A. Gerber
  • Patent number: 4877169
    Abstract: A crossbar on a vehicle roof rack is supported by a pair of pedestals through a cam on each pedestal which exerts its clamping action by rotating toward the center of the vehicle, each cam operating independently of the fastening clip which secures each pedestal to the vehicle roof. The direction of the clamping rotation of the cams and the rate of increase of the radius of each cam as it rotates in the clamping direction provides the cams with a self-tightening effect--i.e., should the apparatus ever begin to loosen after the cam is engaged, any pulling apart of the pedestals will cause the crossbar to draw itself over the cam, causing the cam to rotate in the tightening direction and re-secure the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Grim
  • Patent number: 4757929
    Abstract: A car rack comprises an elongated support bar adapted to be disposed above the roof or trunk of a vehicle and a pair of support members mounted to said bar and moveable towards or away from each other. The support members being adjustable in distance to accommodate vehicles of different widths. The support members having gripping means to engage and hold on to selected structures on or adjacent to the roof or trunk of the vehicle. The support bar contains the tensioning and release mechanism which is comprised of a fixed elongated toothed ratchet element and a tooth engaging movable pawl in a sliding sleeve which in turn is connected to a tensioning cable to which when pressure is applied exerts biased forces on to the attached gripping means thereby clamping and locking them and the support members in engagement with the selected structures of the roof or trunk of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Norman Nelson
  • Patent number: 4728019
    Abstract: An automobile roof carrier (10) includes an elongated carrier bar (12) transversely extending across the roof (18) of an automobile. The carrier bar (12) is supported at each end by a fastening device (14) which is attached to a generally trough-shaped rain gutter (20) on a lateral border of the roof (18). The fastening device (14) includes a supporting leg (22) having an upper portion (24) connected to the carrier bar (12). The supporting leg (22) also has a lower portion (26) connected to the rain gutter trough (20). The lower portion (26) is pivotally connected to the upper portion (24) so that the lower portion has two degrees of pivotal movement relative to the upper portion. An interchangeable article carrier (16) is mounted to the top of the carrier bar (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Michael J. Olliges
  • Patent number: 4688706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural arrangement by which a load may be carried on the rooftop of a vehicle. A roof rack is provided for directly supporting the load and is detachably connected to the roof of the vehicle through a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement will position the roof rack in a predetermined relationship with respect to the vehicle roof and clamp the roof rack thereto. Additionally, the roof rack is correctly positioned and clamped by the same device that connects the roof rack to the vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Willis Thulin
  • Patent number: 4684049
    Abstract: A versatile carrying bar for cars with or without gutters, including an invisible flexible connecting member (4) along the carrying tube and allowing, on one hand, the contour of the roof edge to be clamped by vertical tightening between a movable part (12-17) and a support pad (18) forming the bar feet, and, on the other hand, the bar to be firmly maintained on the roof by horizontally tightening said feet by bringing them near, the whole by means of a lockable tensioning device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventors: Jacques Maby, Jean L. Maby
  • Patent number: 4641769
    Abstract: A folding car rack having first and second rigid side members each of which has first and second ends. The roof rack also includes first and second rigid end members, each of which has first and second ends. A first articulated joint connects the first end of the first side member to the first end of the first end member. A second articulated joint connects the first end of the second side member to the first end of the second end member. A first separable connector temporarily joins the second end of the second end member to the second end of the first side member when the roof rack is being used. A second separable connector temporarily joins the second end of the first end member to the second end of the second side member when the roof rack is being used. A plurality of cargo support members having ends which are articulated to the first and second side members are also articulated approximately midway between their ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventor: Salvador Ten Angel
  • Patent number: 4586638
    Abstract: The invention contemplates roof-rack structure comprising (a) an elongate bar of constant external section profile, and (b) two pad-mounted pedestal supports having provision for inserted through-reception of the respective ends of the bar. Each pedestal support includes its own selectively available one-way-engaging clutch action whereby end-inserted displacement of the bar is freely accommodated, and whereby inserted-bar retraction is foreclosed. Each pedestal support also includes its own jack-actuated clamp for secure lateral anchorage to a roof or window edge. Further, a single manual control serves to operate both the clutch action and the lateral clamp, and the manual control is key-lockable when the conditions of bar-clutched engagement and lateral-clamp setting have both been established. The single manual control is subsequently operable, once unlocked, to release both the lateral clamp and the clutched engagement, thus permitting easy and fast disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: The Shelburne Corporation
    Inventors: Keith L. Prescott, Robert J. Finnegan