Carrier Having Article Retaining Means Patents (Class 224/324)
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Patent number: 8613380Abstract: A bicycle fork mount for receiving and securing a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle type front bicycle wheel, but which is also temporarily adaptable for receiving a fork of a skewer type front bicycle wheel includes a fork mount body having a hollow for insertably receiving a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle front bicycle wheel. An adapter is received in the hollow and has a fork receiving skewer associated therewith that is configured for translational movement relative to the adapter. A biasing assembly is disposed between the adapter and the skewer and urges the skewer toward an ends-extended configuration in which a pair of fork receiving ends of the skewer are oppositely disposed beyond the lateral sides of the fork mount body and are configured for receiving and releasably securing the fork of a bicycle having a skewer type front wheel to the bicycle fork mount.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Andreas Book, Andreas Arvidsson
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Publication number: 20130334267Abstract: A ladder rack includes: a frame assembly mountable on a vehicle, the frame assembly having at least two cross bows each including a principal length extending between opposite first and second ends; a pivot bracket pivotally coupled to the first ends of each cross bow, each pivot bracket adapted to support one side rail of a ladder, and each pivot bracket being pivotally moveable between a first position corresponding to the stowage position and a second position corresponding to the loading/unloading position; a stationary bracket disposed on each cross bow intermediate the first and second ends thereof, each stationary bracket adapted to abut another side rail of a ladder in the stowage position; a torsion bar interconnecting the pivot brackets; and a manually operable handle coupled to one of the torsion bar or a pivot bracket for moving the pivot brackets between the stowage position and the loading/unloading position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: ADRIAN STEEL COMPANYInventors: Robert H. Sautter, JR., Thomas S. Richter
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Patent number: 8561864Abstract: A magnetic vehicle rack having an elongated body constructed from a flexible polymeric material. The elongated body generally including an arciform cross-sectional profile, an oblate top surface, a planar bottom surface having one or more permanent magnet(s) disposed flush with the bottom surface and an axially aligned aperture dimensioned to axially receive an incurvate spine therethrough. Positioning of the incurvate spine within the elongated body uniformly distributes static and dynamic loads throughout the magnetic vehicle rack.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Yevgeniy M. Gisin
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Publication number: 20130248568Abstract: A surfboard carrier for securing one or more surfing devices for transport upon a carrying vehicle and including an elongate base having a sliding base slidingly coupled to the main base and having a locking portion. A displacement hinge having a first end and a second end can be coupled to the elongate base at the first end of the displacement hinge. A middle arm can be coupled to the second end of the displacement hinge. A strap having a first end and a second end can have the first end of the strap coupled to the bottom displacement. A lock coupled to the locking portion can be configured to lock the strap to the locking portion in the event the second end of the strap is inserted into the locking portion of the sliding base.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: THULE SWEDEN ABInventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, James T. Stevens, Greg Weaver, John Laverack
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Patent number: 8534516Abstract: The present invention includes a polyurethane foam block placed on a vehicle rooftop to protect the vehicle's rooftop from damage during transport of cargo supported thereon, further comprising a generally trapezoidal shape of a length substantially equal than a width of the vehicle, further having a pair of opposing flexible extending ear portions. The bottom surface comprises a corrugated base of foam material to conform to the curvature of the vehicle's rooftop. An elastic fabric covers the device and the ear portions and further comprises a means for receiving rigging material in securing the device to the existing vehicle rooftop and preventing unwanted cargo shifting.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Tri D. Vo
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Patent number: 8517237Abstract: An improved apparatus and system for vehicle roof rack pads that provide improved support, aerodynamics, and cushioning. The pad includes an aerodynamically shaped elongated tubular member, wherein a cross-section of the pad has an airfoil exterior shape with a leading edge and a trailing edge and has a lengthwise interior hole therein for receiving a crossbar and one or more slots along the trailing edge for receiving tie down straps, where the slots are placed at a radial depth so as to prevent deformation of the trailing edge and the exterior airfoil shape.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventor: Thomas Michael Barber
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Patent number: 8505793Abstract: A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development CorporationInventor: Aaron J. Foley
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Publication number: 20130193176Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing an object onto a roof rack. The method and apparatus utilizes a securing arm to rotate and press an object onto a roof rack. The securing arm is held in a closed position to keep the object securely pressed onto a roof rack. The method and apparatus provides a more convenient and secure means of securing an object onto a roof rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventor: Denis Khoo
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Patent number: 8496145Abstract: A vehicle rack for carrying a bicycle wheel, a wheel carrier mountable on a load supporting bar of a vehicle rack, and methods of using a vehicle rack and/or wheel carrier to hold a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel carrier may include a base, a pair of arms connected to the base and defining slots for receiving an axle of a bicycle wheel, and a strap securable to the base over a rim of the bicycle wheel to restrict removal of the wheel from the arms.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development CorporationInventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder, Doug Fjelland, Charles Kraeuter
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Publication number: 20130175308Abstract: A bike mount has an elongate body for supporting a bike. A front end of the bike mount may include a pair of hoop structures for gripping the front wheel of a bike. One of the hoop structures may have a ramp for causing rotation of the hoop structure as a bike rolls on to the ramp. One or more clamps are included for fastening the bike mount to one or more crossbars.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: YAKIMA INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONInventor: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
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Publication number: 20130062383Abstract: A vehicle-mountable bicycle carrier includes a linkage device for mounting the carrier to a vehicle, a base portion or platform to support both wheels of a bicycle, and an arm assembly connected to the base portion. The arm assembly may include a mast member and a jaw member. The jaw member may have a mounting portion received on the mast member and a hook portion attached to the mounting portion and configured to engage a bicycle frame and/or a top portion of a bicycle wheel. The jaw member may have a released configuration where the jaw member, as a unit, is pivotable about and slidable up and down the mast member while the mounting portion remains on the mast member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Richard Jeli
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Publication number: 20130062379Abstract: A bike rack may include an elongate body having a first end portion and a second end portion, a rear wheel receiver connected to the body adjacent the second end portion, and a fork mount device connected to the body adjacent the first end portion. The fork mount device may include a body and a pair of retractable axle portions configured to move between a retracted position in which the axle portions are substantially contained in the body, and an extended position in which the axle portions extend sufficiently to engage axle holes of a 15QR bicycle fork.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LIMITEDInventors: Chris Sautter, David Condon, James Buckroyd
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Patent number: 8393506Abstract: The present invention relates to a support assembly (1) for securing a bicycle to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a bar (2), which is provided at both ends with a gripping means (3, 4) for mounting the support assembly between a substantially fixed frame of the load carrier and the bicycle, a common tensioning means (5), when tightened forcing together said gripping means (3, 4).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Torbjörn Malm
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Publication number: 20130037585Abstract: A connection assembly is described that may be used to snap fit and lock together a channel containing member to other members. One embodiment described is use of the connection assembly to snap fit and lock together a roof rack accessory rack or item to fit roof rack crossbar on a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LIMITEDInventors: Peter Douglas Hubbard, Bruce John Robertson
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Publication number: 20130020361Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: YAKIMA PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Chris Sautter, Kevin E. Lesley
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Publication number: 20120325875Abstract: A clamp for clamping an article to an anchor member, the clamp comprising at least one connecting member for positioning the clamp to an article, and tightening means for tightening the connecting member and thereby cause the clamp to clamp the article to an anchor member, and the clamp being such that it is portable, the connecting member is a flexible connecting member, the connecting member is extendable being pushed from and retractable into a housing, the continuous tightening and releasing means comprises operating parts which are housed in the housing, the tightening and releasing means being such that it is connected to a rod and in use is arranged to move travelling to and fro along the housing. The tightening means is so arranged to act upon the housings body absorbing and holding fast the clamping forces involved that otherwise often transfer there movement from the tightening means in other devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Roy William Knott
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Publication number: 20120261449Abstract: A rack for carrying skis and snowboards on top of a vehicle includes a pair of clamp devices equipped for mounting on a pair of crossbars. Each clamp device has a collapsible position which reduces its forward facing profile when not being used to carry cargo items.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard Jeli, Mike Kemery, Steve Rodden, Peter Jones
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Publication number: 20120255980Abstract: Various mechanical closure systems and securing systems are disclosed, such as snowboard bindings and car rack systems. The systems include a mechanically reformable strap. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: WIRE CORE STRAP, LLCInventor: Bruce Jay Caslowitz
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Patent number: 8276794Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system that may have a pair of support rails and at least one cross bar. The cross bar may have an end support at each opposing end thereof. Each of the support rails may include an elongated recess extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof, where the elongated recess may be shaped generally in accordance with the cross bar, for receiving the cross bar when the cross bar is placed in a stowed orientation. Each of the support rails may further have at least one primary locking bar for supporting said cross bar in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and at least a pair of secondary locking bars for supporting the cross bar in said elongated recess when the cross bar is placed in the stowed orientation in one of the support rails.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
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Patent number: 8267293Abstract: A car top bicycle frame for retaining at least one bicycle transversally and obliquely comprises at least one positioning rod; a retaining buckle set; and a track set. By the positioning rod to combine to the track by the clamping sets, a bicycle can be installed upon a top of a car transversally and obliquely so as to be carried safely and conveniently. The bicycle can be fixed to the bicycle retaining frame on the ground before lifted to the car top. Then the bicycle and the frame are lifted to the entrance of the assisting guide track to enter into the track. The height for operation is reduced greatly so that no platform is needed. Only one people can lift the bicycle to the car top or descend the bicycle from the car top. More bicycles can be installed to the car top. The number of bicycles can be increased as the top of the car is prolonged.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Inventor: Yung-Lin Liu
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Patent number: 8251267Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted to be mounted to an outer body surface of a motor vehicle. The carrier has a pair of cross bars that can each be stowed on corresponding pairs of support elements when the cross are not needed for use without the need to completely detach either of the cross bars from their associated support elements. A rear one of the cross bars has a single sided release feature that enables both end supports at opposite ends of the rear cross bar to be simultaneously unlocked or locked from a rear pair of support elements from either end support. The rear cross bar can also be slidably positioned along the rear pair of support elements to better configure the cross bars to support variously sized articles thereon.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Donald R. Potter, John M. Heuchert
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Publication number: 20120193380Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a vehicle rack mount. Specifically, an apparatus that mounts to the roll bar of a convertible vehicle without need to be attached to a secondary affixing point, the apparatus comprised of a base plate, two rack arms and a rack bar. The vehicle rack mount apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is designed to be fixably mounted to the roll bar of a Jeep® Wrangler®. Although an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is intended for use with the aforementioned vehicle, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may work with any vehicle with a similar roll bar setup, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with vehicles with similar roll bar setups.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Robert McMurtrie
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Patent number: 8220678Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Vincent Bove, Kevin Bogolofski, George Riehm, Gregor Weaver
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Patent number: 8210407Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, Kevin E. Lesley
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Patent number: 8196789Abstract: A bike rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle includes an elongate body for supporting a bicycle, and a fork mount for securing the front fork of the bicycle. A fork mount includes a skewer assembly having a shaft and a keyed member being freed to slide axially along the shaft, but not permitted to rotate around the shaft. A handle device is provided for rotation around the shaft causing adjustment of the effective length of the shaft. A lock device is configured to couple the handle device to the keyed member and prevent rotation of the handle around the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles Kraeuter, Chris Sautter
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Patent number: 8167180Abstract: A method and arrangement for providing a load carrying apparatus for securing an elongate article, such as a canoe of kayak, to a vehicle generally includes a plurality of load bars, a guide pivotally secured to each of the load bars, an aperture disposed along a length of each guide, and at least one retaining strap threadably received by each aperture. The at least one retaining strap is disposed about the elongate article and is secured to the load bars such that the elongate article may be secured between the retaining strap and the guide. In a preferred aspect, the retaining strap is disposed through the aperture, about the elongate article, about the load bars, and is secured to itself under a tensioning force.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Fred Murray, Gregor Weaver, Fredric Clark
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Patent number: 8136708Abstract: Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Jeff Castro, Eric Roesinger, Kevin Lesley
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Publication number: 20120055967Abstract: A load carrier has a flat tray-like body that attaches to a vehicle by load bars. Multiple components may be installed on the tray body in many locations on the tray body, for containing and/or supporting cargo. One component is a cargo container that is captured and locked in one of several possible positions on the tray body. Other components are cargo posts that include one or more upending towers for supporting cargo by capturing generally vertical portions of the cargo between the towers, wherein the cargo posts may be non-pivotal, pivotal, slidable and/or adjustable. Another component is a hooked or curved depending assembly that suspends cargo from the edges of the tray body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventor: MICHAEL MCMILLAN
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Patent number: 8113397Abstract: A load stop (1) for supporting a load being transported on a load carrier arranged on a vehicle. The load carrier includes at least one load carrying tube (2) with at least one groove (6) for fastening the load stop on the load carrying tube. The load stop includes an essentially rigid bracket (9) intended to be supportingly arranged adjacent the load. A fastening portion (11) is also provided for mounting the load stop to the load carrying tube. The bracket (9) is pivoted in at the fastening portion (11), wherein the load stop (1) is foldable between at least a raised working position and a folded transporting position.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Karl-Johan Magnusson
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Patent number: 8074851Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
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Publication number: 20110290836Abstract: The roof rack of the present invention includes a frame, a first carrier, a second carrier and at least one fixation device. The frame defines a longitudinal direction and has a front and a rear. The first carrier is disposed on the rear of the frame. The second carrier is disposed on the front of the frame. At least one of the carriers is movable along the longitudinal direction on the frame. The fixation device is adapted to selectively fix the at least one movable carrier to the frame. Thereby, the roof rack of the present invention is adapted to carry bicycles with alternative wheel distances thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventor: JACK C.T. SHEN
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Patent number: 8020737Abstract: A ratcheting strap-down system for use with a crossbar to securely transport any variety of objects. The ratcheting strap-down assembly includes a ratcheting receiver and a cam clamp receiver. The ratcheting receiver includes a ratcheting assembly and a locking mechanism and is adapted to engage a second end of a flexible strap. The flexible strap is preferably made from reinforced steel cog belt, making the system and the objects it's securing less susceptible to theft. The ratcheting strap-down system is particularly useful for securing one or more surfboards to the crossbars of an after-market roof rack assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Michael T. Sweeney
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Patent number: 7980436Abstract: A gear mounting assembly for mounting gear within a vehicle rooftop cargo box. The mounting assembly includes a support platform for mounting gear, and which is configured to fit within a vehicle cargo box. The mounting assembly also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the support platform to the cargo box, configured to allow rotation of the support platform between a stowed position and a rotated position in which gear is “presented” to a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Steve Rodden, Jeff Castro
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Publication number: 20110168749Abstract: A bicycle fork mount for receiving and securing a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle type front bicycle wheel, but which is also temporarily adaptable for receiving a fork of a skewer type front bicycle wheel includes a fork mount body having a hollow for insertably receiving a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle front bicycle wheel. An adapter is received in the hollow and has a fork receiving skewer associated therewith that is configured for translational movement relative to the adapter. A biasing assembly is disposed between the adapter and the skewer and urges the skewer toward an ends-extended configuration in which a pair of fork receiving ends of the skewer are oppositely disposed beyond the lateral sides of the fork mount body and are configured for receiving and releasably securing the fork of a bicycle having a skewer type front wheel to the bicycle fork mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Andreas Book, Andreas Arvidsson
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Publication number: 20110139839Abstract: A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventor: Aaron J. Foley
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Publication number: 20110139840Abstract: A bike rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle includes an elongate body for supporting a bicycle, and a fork mount for securing the front fork of the bicycle. A fork mount includes a skewer assembly having a shaft and a keyed member being freed to slide axially along the shaft, but not permitted to rotate around the shaft. A handle device is provided for rotation around the shaft causing adjustment of the effective length of the shaft. A lock device is configured to couple the handle device to the keyed member and prevent rotation of the handle around the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles Kraeuter, Chris Sautter
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Publication number: 20110139842Abstract: A vehicle rack for carrying a bicycle wheel, a wheel carrier mountable on a load supporting bar of a vehicle rack, and methods of using a vehicle rack and/or wheel carrier to hold a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel carrier may include a base, a pair of arms connected to the base and defining slots for receiving an axle of a bicycle wheel, and a strap securable to the base over a rim of the bicycle wheel to restrict removal of the wheel from the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder, Doug Fjelland, Charles Kraeuter
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Publication number: 20110139841Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
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Publication number: 20110132946Abstract: A bike mount has an elongate body for supporting a bike. A front end of the bike mount may include a pair of hoop structures for gripping the front wheel of a bike. One of the hoop structures may have a ramp for causing rotation of the hoop structure as a bike rolls on to the ramp. One or more clamps are included for fastening the bike mount to one or more crossbars.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Owen, Dave Condon
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Patent number: 7913885Abstract: An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Inventor: Jason Ron Long
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Publication number: 20110068138Abstract: A bicycle carrier rack mountable to a vehicle and having a load bearing arm, the arm having an attachment member on its underside having a locking portion. An anti-sway member is attachable to the locking portion of the member, the anti-sway member having an attachment portion on one end of the anti-sway member, the anti-sway member having an engaged position wherein the anti-sway member prevents sway of the bicycle. The attachment portion encloses a central aperture having an opening in a side of the attachment portion to the central aperture. The locking portion is sized to receive the opening of the anti-sway member when the anti-sway member is in a non-engaged position, and wherein the locking portion is sized to prevent passage through the opening when anti-sway member is in the engaged position, the anti-sway member being rotatable between the engaged and non-engaged positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: THULE SWEDEN ABInventors: Joseph R. Flaherty, Keith Prescott
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Patent number: 7896206Abstract: A storage device for a vehicle roof top cargo carrier includes a frame, and a rod assembly is carried by the frame. A pair of spaced apart attachment points is carried by the frame. A forward hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. A rear hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. The forward and rear hangers are to be hooked onto the rod assembly using the hooked ends, and the attachment ends are to be held in place by the pair of attachment points.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventors: Jeffrey Myron, Elizabeth Myron
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Publication number: 20110042432Abstract: An apparatus for securing a device to an exterior of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of rail members spaced apart and substantially parallel each other, each rail member has two ends; a first and second pair of mounting brackets configured to be fixedly or detachably attached to a portion of the vehicle, wherein two rail members are in communication with the mounting brackets; a first and second transverse member having two ends, and the ends of the transverse members are in communication with the mounting brackets; a wagon member, having two ends, and the ends, of the wagon member are in communication with the rail members; the wagon member is moveable, and further comprises a cradle; a restraining member having two ends, and the restraining member is in communication with the rail members; the restraining member is stationary, rotatable, and comprises a restraining arm, which contacts the device to prevent movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Frank Elezaj
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Publication number: 20110042433Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing and anti-sway arrangement for stabilizing a bicycle supported upon a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The arrangement includes a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The elongate arm is insert-received in a through-hole located in the cradle and the cradle is configured to abuttingly receive a portion of a bicycle frame thereupon. An anti-sway device is included that has a substantially Y-shape with two upper arms straddling the cradle, and the two upper arms are joined together at a lower common leg thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Vincent A. Bove, John R. Laverack, John J. Pelosi
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Patent number: 7877922Abstract: A weather-tight storage device and carrier for a single or multiple fishing rods and reels releasably mounted to a vehicular roof carrier rack. When not mounted on a vehicle, the storage device and carrier is manageable enough to be hand-carried and may also serve as a stand for the rods and reels. The storage device and carrier includes a carrier box housing the fishing reels and a portion of the associated fishing rods and an anchor portion for securing the distal ends of the associated fishing rods to the vehicular roof rack.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Aidan Petrie, Daniel Nelsen
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Patent number: 7845528Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Inventor: Michael McMillan
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Patent number: 7810685Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Vincent Bove, Kevin Bogolofski, George Riehm, Gregor Weaver
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Patent number: 7810686Abstract: The invention is a watercraft carrier that can be easily loaded and secured. The carrier has a base and an arm with a belt that runs the length of both the base and the arm. A watercraft is placed within upon the base and against the arm. Then the belt is extended using a crank so that the belt come around the watercraft and the belt is secured using a fastener that is attached to the end of the belt. Then the belt is tightened to secure the watercraft by turning the crank the other direction or by use of a ratchet. In the preferred embodiment, the belt has a flexible stiffener added to make the belt stiffer, but still flexible enough to secure any shaped watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Milton Edward Ilgenfritz
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Patent number: 7780050Abstract: The cargo rack assembly a support rack such as the roof rack of a vehicle to assist in the loading and unloading of cargo onto the support rack. The assembly includes load bars connected to base bars via a pivoting lever; the load bars include straps and load arms for securing cargo to the assembly. The base bars are affixed to the support rack and the load bars and pivoting levers transition between a secured position and a loading/unloading position in a smooth motion. The assembly may include a tensioning system for biasing the load bars to the secure position to aid the user in lifting the cargo.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Timothy Tucker
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Publication number: 20100193555Abstract: A carrier for elongated cargos, especially recreational cargos such as canoes, kayaks, long wind resistant loads, surf or paddle boards, etc. suitable for use on automobiles having a trunk-mounted, adjustable height support for supporting the rear portion of the elongated cargo in cooperation with a traditional roof mounted cargo rack on the top of the automobile. The trunk-mounted support may be height adjustable to ensure universal compatibility with different automobiles and with various roof-top carriers. The height adjustability feature also helps position the elongated cargo at an angle to control aerodynamic effects to help ensure the stability of the elongated cargo on the support system, even at highway speeds. The trunk-mounted support design eliminates the need for a bumper or trailer hitch attachment, such bumper attachments being impossible on many modern automobiles. The trunk-mounted support is both easy to install and to adjust.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: G. Kyle Gift