Carrier Comprises Plurality Of Spaced Members Patents (Class 224/325)
  • Patent number: 11731566
    Abstract: A snowboard carrier for a vehicle allows a snowboard to be mounted to a vehicle via the employment of at least one rotatable member for rotating relative to a snowboard from an open position, which provides access to operably position the snowboard, to a closed position, wherein the at least one rotatable member extends over the top surface of the snowboard, securing the snowboard to the snowboard carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 11718239
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly for a vehicle includes a pedestal including an indentation. A roof rail is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the pedestal. In the first configuration, a toggle loop of the roof rail is positioned in a first orientation relative to the indentation. In the second configuration, the toggle loop is positioned in a second orientation relative to the indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rohit Telukunta, Adam Weyrauch, Peter Joyce, Steven Frank
  • Patent number: 11708173
    Abstract: A mounting rail system for a console of an aircraft includes a pair of mounting rails. The first mounting rail is secured to the console and includes a first track with a pair of threaded faces that are configured to receive a first fastener. The second mounting rail is secured to the console opposite the first mounting rail and includes a second track with a pair of threaded faces that are configured to receive a second fastener. The mounting rail system includes a first mounting bracket configured to be secured to the first mounting rail via the first fastener and a second mounting bracket configured to be secured to the second mounting rail via the second fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Tentinger
  • Patent number: 11400865
    Abstract: Provided herein is a security mounting bracket device that can be used to securely connect a crossbar to a mounted object. The device is shaped to form a contoured fit with the crossbar and adapted for use with a security nut and bolt rendering both nut and bolt unexposed outside of the device and inaccessible to tools that may be used to forcibly remove the mounted object. The security mounting bracket device can be used as an antitheft device as a security socket is required to remove the nut form the security mounting bracket. The contoured fit reduces the movement of the crossbar within the security mounting bracket device therefore reducing vibrationally induced failure of the mount and loss of mounted object. The security mounting bracket device smooth edges and unexposed nut and bolt also make it a safer bracket for the user in assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Ian William Lane-Lohse
  • Patent number: 11390210
    Abstract: A luggage rack able to illuminate includes a body portion (101), fixed on a top of a vehicle. A plurality of illuminators (103) is further included and arranged with the illuminating luggage rack. By arranging the illuminators (103), surrounding vehicles and drivers may easily notice the vehicle having the illuminating luggage rack, ensuring driving safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: WINBO-DONGJIAN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yongbo Chen, Zhihai Zhang, Wei Hu, Wenxiang He, Jie Yang, Weiting He
  • Patent number: 11148606
    Abstract: Disclosed are a load carrier foot for supporting a load bar on a vehicle, a load carrier bracket for coupling a load carrier foot to a vehicle and a load carrier comprising such a load carrier foot and a load carrier bracket. The load carrier foot comprises a holder adapted to receive the load carrier bracket. The holder comprises a sleeve portion defining an accommodating space which is configured to partially accommodate the load carrier bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Stefan Andersson, Fredrik Larsson
  • Patent number: 10625684
    Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle cargo rack system for use on a vehicle Roof mounts are attached to the roof. A cargo bar is provided. The cargo bar has a first end, an opposite second end, and a midsection. The cargo bar is supported above the roof by the roof mounts. When a load is attached to the vehicle, the load is placed atop the cargo bar, wherein the weight of the load is borne by the cargo bar. A plurality of support legs extends from the midsection of the cargo bar to the roof. The support legs contact the roof and transfer the forces across the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: George J. Schafer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10597089
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is equipped an enclosure for electronic devices that is attached to a roof. First and second bridge brackets extend between the enclosure and one of the roof rails on opposite sides of the roof. The vehicle also includes a roof support structure including a roof bow and windshield header that also supports the enclosure for electronic devices. A method of providing the enclosure for electronic components on the roof of an autonomous vehicle includes the step of inserting first and second bridge brackets into an injection molding die. A thermoplastic material is injected into the injection molding die to form the hollow enclosure and bridge bracket sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is then arranged on the roof, and the bridge brackets are attached to roof rails of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 10507874
    Abstract: A modular support system for a vehicle with multi-component support structures that include a pair of side supports, a pair of base supports, and a horizontal support suspended between the pair of side supports. Each side support can include a vertical portion, a base portion extending from the vertical portion and coupled, directly or indirectly, to the base support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Crandall, William H. Cord
  • Patent number: 10369934
    Abstract: A luggage tray includes a first part and a second part which is connected to the first part by multiple connectors. Each of the first and second parts has a net portion. The tubes of the first and second parts are connected to extension tubes at the connectors. An intermediate portion can be connected between the first and second parts by more connectors to expand the size of the luggage tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KING RACK INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chiu Kuei Wang
  • Patent number: 9428099
    Abstract: A universal lightbar foot and mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a lightbar on an emergency vehicle includes a foot, a flexible strap mounted to the foot and with a free end configured to be secured to a side of a vehicle; a light bar bracket configured to be mounted to a light bar; and a connector for rotatably mounting the lightbar bracket to the foot for rotational adjustment of a lightbar bracket with respect to the foot. The foot has a strap adjuster for adjustably attaching the flexible strap to the foot for adjusting the relative position of the foot with respect to the free end of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Emergency Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Doenges, Gary Ludwig
  • Patent number: 9308872
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof rack (2) for a vehicle (K) comprising a front crossmember (3) and a rear crossmember (4), the crossmembers (3, 4) comprising fastening feet (5) at the end, by which they are supported on the lateral roof rails (DR), and in which at least the fastening feet (5) of the front crossmember (3) comprise fastening means (8), by means of which the fastening feet (5) are able to be secured to the respectively associated roof rail (DR) of the vehicle (K). For improved securing of the roof rack (2) to the vehicle (K) it is proposed that at least one crossmember (3, 4) is connected to the rear roof rail (HR) via at least one connection element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Henrik Huhn, John Leslie Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9302144
    Abstract: A mobile exercise system includes a rectangular shaped frame designed for attachment to a roof of an automobile, at least one pole, at least one riser comprising a bar and a horizontal bore, at least one bore in the frame, the bore designed for holding the pole when in stowed mode, a in the frame for holding the riser when in stowed mode, at least one vertical bore in the frame, into which said the riser can be inserted and secured when in deployed mode, such that said riser extends vertically from the frame, and wherein the pole may be inserted into the horizontal bore of the riser and extends horizontally from the riser when in deployed mode; and a horizontal bore in the frame, into which said pole can be inserted and secured when in deployed mode, such that the pole extends horizontally from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Gianfranco Benavides
  • Patent number: 9022264
    Abstract: A roof rack attachment assembly for a vehicle is provided along with a method of assembling a vehicle having a roof panel capable of receiving a roof rack attachment at a predetermined attachment point is provided. The vehicle may include a roof panel defining a plurality of elongated grooves. The assembly may include a groove applique disposed within and along the length of each of the elongated grooves. The groove applique may be secured within each of the elongated grooves with a plurality of securing components placed along the length of the elongated groove. A plurality of attachment features may be coupled to the groove applique at predetermined locations, defining a predetermined attachment point for a vehicle roof rack. The roof rack assembly allows a roof rack of any style to be added, removed, or replaced at the each of the predetermined attachment points throughout the life of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian J Jutila, Ronald J. Wojciechowski, Mark A. Fredal
  • Patent number: 9004330
    Abstract: A holder for holding an electronic device includes a frame and a harness pivotably connected to the frame. The harness has a pair of parallel elongated bars and at least one bracing member extending between the elongated bars. The frame has one or more side tabs for retaining an electronic device within the frame. A holder for holding an electronic device has a retaining member including a plurality of retaining tabs; and a harness member rotatably connected to the retaining member and rotatable between a stowed position and an inclined position. A holder for holding an electronic device has a harness having two parallel elongated bars; a frame having a base member and two parallel arms each having an opening therein; and a pivotable retaining member pivotably connected to the parallel arms. The retaining member releasably holds the electronic device. The elongated bars are slidably inserted into the openings of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Shawn White
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8720761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof luggage rack (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one roof drip molding (3) provided with a fastening device (5) for the detachable installation on the roof of the motor vehicle. It is provided that the fastening device (5) is a sliding fastening device (6). The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method for fastening the roof luggage rack (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hans und Ottmar Binder GmbH Oberflachenveredelung
    Inventors: Hans Binder, Ottmar Binder
  • Publication number: 20140097220
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Yakima Products, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8640933
    Abstract: A cargo rack secured to the roof of the vehicle wherein a portion of the cargo rack is operable to be extended beyond the rear roof-line of the vehicle and subsequently placed in an angular position with respect to the roof of the vehicle in order to facilitate the loading of objects within the cargo rack. The cargo rack further includes a first support rail and a second support rail that are securely mounted to the roof of the vehicle. A luggage frame is movably secured to the first support rail and second support rail. The first support rail and the second support rail further include extension members that facilitate the rearward movement of the luggage frame. A front lock is integrally secured to the first support rail and second support rail and is operable to maintain the luggage frame in a secure position. A rear lock is further included and is adjacent to and generally perpendicular with the luggage frame and functions to engage a portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Levi McCray
  • Patent number: 8640934
    Abstract: The present invention is a roof rack having stowable, non-adjustable cross-bars. The roof rack also includes a plurality of mounts attached to a vehicle in an arrangement to provide a singular stowed position and a singular deployed position. The present invention also includes at least one cross-bar attached between the stowed position or the deployed position. The cross-bar is completely detached from the plurality of mounts to move the cross-bar from the stowed position to the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Desmond P. Jamieson, Jeffrey R. Johnson, Sackda Samatchai, Phil Grella
  • Patent number: 8556146
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a boat on top of the vehicle is configured for clamping on a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar has a pair of saddle mounts facing each other on opposite sides of a cradle axis being defined perpendicular to the crossbar and equidistant from each saddle mount. Each saddle mount has a pliable upper platform which is conformable to different boat hull shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder, John Mark Elliott
  • Patent number: 8534517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof railing for motor vehicles, comprising at least one rack bar and at least one support element associated with the rack bar, wherein the rack bar and support element are provided as separate components. According to the invention, the rack bar as well as the support element are provided as extruded components. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hans und Ottmar Binder GmbH, Oberflachenverdelung
    Inventors: Hans Binder, Ottmar Binder
  • Patent number: 8496146
    Abstract: A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a light bar and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the light bar remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the light bar remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Designs 2000 Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Badillo
  • Patent number: 8485403
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly for a vehicle is provided with a first and a second elongated roof rail substantially parallel and spaced from one another. An elongated cross member is secured to the first roof rail and configured to be selectively securable to the second roof rail. The cross member is pivotable between a stowed position and a use position, also referred to as a deployed position. The cross member is substantially parallel with the first roof rail and is not secured to the second roof rail in the stowed position, and not parallel with the first roof rail and secured to the second roof rail in the use position. In the stowed position, the cross member may be within a cavity defined by the roof rail. Two cross members may be used, each being stowable in a different one of the roof rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Glenn E. Stahl, Joseph M. Polewarczyk
  • Patent number: 8393508
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 8387842
    Abstract: A car top carrier incorporating improved dual-functioning hinge/latch mechanisms connected by a drive bar that translates pivotal rotation to open and close the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mark Elliott, Chris Sautter
  • Patent number: 8302828
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar of a roof carrier for vehicles. The cross bar may include a cross bar body. First and second brackets are provided on both ends of the cross bar body. First and second locking pins are provided, respectively, on the first and second brackets to be elastically ejected. A link is positioned in the first bracket and hinged to the first locking pin. A release lever includes a coupling part hinged to the link and installed via a rotating shaft, and a grip part exposed to the outside, so that when the release lever rotates, the link and the first locking pin are pulled into the cross bar body. A wire couples the coupling part of the release lever with the second locking pin. According to the present invention, the release lever is mounted to only one side and only one wire is used, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hang Young Kim, Woo Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8297570
    Abstract: An adjustable mount assembly (100) is provided. The adjustable mount assembly (100) comprises a body (205) and an adjustment member (207) coupled to the body (205). The adjustment member (207) includes a threaded member (316) and a tension bar (210) coupled to the threaded member (316). The adjustable mount assembly (100) also includes one or more retaining member receivers (208A, 208B) formed in the body (205). One or more retaining members (206A, 206B) are provided with each of the one or more retaining members (206A, 206B) coupled to the tension bar (210) at a first end (206A?, 206B?) and adapted to engage the retaining member receiver (208A, 208B) at a second end (206A?, 206B?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rocky Mounts
    Inventor: Bobby Noyes
  • Patent number: 8267293
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Yung-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 8267292
    Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle roof is disclosed. The load carrier includes at least one load profile which, in use, extends along the vehicle roof. The load profile has a first part and a second part which are movable relative to each other in their longitudinal direction. The first part that in use is positioned next to the vehicle roof having at the top an undercut groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first part and in which engages, in a longitudinally displaceable manner, at least one slideway belonging to the second part and having a shape matching the undercut groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Taras Czornyj
  • Patent number: 8251267
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Donald R. Potter, John M. Heuchert
  • Patent number: 8167180
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Fred Murray, Gregor Weaver, Fredric Clark
  • Patent number: 8167179
    Abstract: A roof-rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having a first support member extending along a length thereof. A second support member is spaced apart from the first support member and extends along a length of the roof. At least one cross-member extends between and is attached to the first support member and the second support member and is movable between a use position and a stowed position relative to the roof. The at least one cross-member extends away from a surface of the roof in the use position and is received generally within the roof in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Richmond P. Thomas, Brett Ladetto, Jacek Dubiel, Daniel T. Griffin, Carl Mather, David E. Dawkins, Paresh Rana, George Konstantakopoulos
  • Patent number: 8113397
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Karl-Johan Magnusson
  • Patent number: 8087557
    Abstract: A load carrier that includes a load carrier bar with a load carrier foot at each end of the load carrier bar. Each load carrier foot has a fixed clamping jaw and a movable clamping jaw configured to be arranged on an upper side and an opposite lower side of the respective roof rails and to cooperate with a clamping device that is configured to move the movable clamping jaw towards the fixed clamping jaw. The movable clamping jaw is pivotally connected at the load carrier foot and in a first mounting position. The movable clamping jaw is firmly connected to at least one guiding protrusion, located on a distance from the movable clamping jaw and in a first mounting position is arranged so that the distance between the guiding protrusions, which are located at each end of the load carrier, is larger than the distance between the roof rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Larsson, Wolf-Dietrich Lenk
  • Publication number: 20110290836
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: JACK C.T. SHEN
  • Patent number: 8028875
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system having a pair of swingable cross bars. The cross bars can be placed in a first configuration in which they extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. They can easily be released and re-secured in a different configuration wherein they take the form of low profile side rails. A particular advantage is that when the cross bars are moved into their positions perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, each of the cross bars is raised to an elevated position. This provides additional clearance above the outer body surface for articles being supported on the cross bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Noel V. Ranka, Claude K. Trambley
  • Publication number: 20110233246
    Abstract: A roof rack system includes structures for connecting item holders to crossbars which simplify the attachment the item holders. The structures include slots in the crossbars and extensions on the items holders to mate with the slots. One of the crossbars includes a locking mechanism for locking the item holders into the crossbar. The locking mechanism includes a rod within the crossbar which mates with the extension on the item holder to retain the extension within the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Vollbrecht
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7980437
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof rack system (1) for a vehicle, specifically for a passenger car, having at least one roof rail (2), which is configured in one piece and can be located on the vehicle body with an attaching device (13), wherein the roof rail (2) has a contact surface (27) extending over the length of the roof rail (2) which can be placed substantially continuously over its full length on the vehicle body (13) and is conformed to the vehicle body contour, and the attaching device has a retaining element (58) which is located in a cavity (60) of the roof rail (2) in the manner of a slot nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hans und Ottmar Binder GmbH Oberflachenveredelung
    Inventors: Hans Binder, Ottmar Binder
  • Patent number: 7946457
    Abstract: A truck rack (10) for a bed (14) of a pickup truck (12) in which a pair of opposing front supports (18) and a pair of opposing rear supports (20) attach at respective lower ends to the bed of the pickup truck, with the rear supports (18) each having a leading edge and a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the respective leading and trailing edges and the front supports (20) each have a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the trailing edge of the front support, with a pair of opposing side rails (22) that attach to respective front and rear supports, and interconnect by forward, intermediate, and rear transverse members (28) extending between and attached to the opposing side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Dixon Kramer
  • Publication number: 20110101056
    Abstract: A roof rack for a jeep type vehicle having a removable canopy. The roof rack having a rack member suspended overtop of the canopy by mounting members which are connected to support brackets positioned inside the canopy. Portions of side surfaces of the canopy are positioned between the connection of the mounting members and the support brackets. The support brackets transfer loads from the rack member to the vehicle without requiring mounting to bumpers or a windshield frame of the jeep type vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: MBRP INC.
    Inventor: Martin BARKEY
  • Patent number: 7926686
    Abstract: A roof rack having movable cross bars that have a low profile when aligned with the side bars, but are raised when generally perpendicular to the side bars. The height variation is achieved using ribs that are provided on a bottom side of the cross bars. When the cross bars are aligned with the side bars, the ribs fit into slots that are provided in the side bars. As a result, each cross bar has a very low profile with respect to the roof of the vehicle. When each cross bar is rotated to a position generally perpendicular to the side bars, the ribs within the cross bar are no longer aligned with the slots in the side bar. Instead, the ribs rest on an upper surface of the side bar, and thus, provide a significant gap between the cross bar and vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Salvador, Josh Morrow, Dave Sunderhaus
  • Publication number: 20100264179
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly is provided for a motor vehicle roof. The roof rack assembly includes a support member adapted to be fixedly secured to the roof. The support member includes first and second flanges extending out therefrom. A crossrail is releasably coupled to the support member for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The crossrail is engageable with the first flange when in the stowed position and engageable with the second flange when in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Johnson, Desmond P. Jamieson, Alexander C. Laursen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7766200
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar locking device of a roof carrier for a vehicle. The cross bar locking device includes a link, which is movably provided in the cross bar and has protrusion pins, and locking members, which are coupled to respective ends of the link so as to be axially movable. The locking member has a locking protrusion, to be locked to the corresponding locking hole of the associated side rail, and a plurality of protrusion pins. The cross bar locking device further includes levers, which are rotatably coupled to respective ends of the cross bar by a hinge. An operating slot is formed in each lever so that the protrusion pins of the corresponding locking member and the link are inserted into the operating slot. Movement guide slots are formed in the lever and communicate with the operating slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Hwa Park, Hee-Deog Kim
  • Publication number: 20100147914
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 7707765
    Abstract: A fishing rod fixing device includes a base that is supported by two suction cups for easy and efficient attachment of the device to a smooth fixture surface. A seat is rotatably mounted on the base and is releasably set any desired horizontal direction by an adjustment knob. The seat includes a tubular bar on which at least one retainer is mounted and rotatable about the bar for setting the retainer at any desired inclination angle. An angle locking member is provided to releasably secure the retainer at the desired inclination angle. The retainer has a base support mounted to the tubular bar and a top wall member spaced from the base support to define a passage therebetween for receiving a fishing rod. A locking member is provided on the top wall and is manually movable to releasably and selectively secure the fishing rod to the base support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao