Carrier Comprises Plurality Of Spaced Members Patents (Class 224/325)
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Publication number: 20010042766Abstract: A luggage rack on car roof mainly includes two long supports, a plurality of supporting suckers, and a plurality of ski holders. Each of the upper and the lower side of the long supports is provided with two longitudinally and parallelly extended channels. Each of the ski holders includes a U-shaped base and two bridge-type retainers. The U-shaped base includes two walls defining a space between them for holding a pair of skis. The two walls of the U-shaped base outward extend to provide two side extensions each having a stopper thereon. Each of the two bridge-type retainers straddles one side extension to locate between the stopper and the wall from which the side extension extends. The supporting suckers are movably connected at tops to the lower side of the long supports and attached at bottoms to the car roof through vacuum suction. The ski holders are removably connected to the upper side of the long supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventor: Yang Ming-Shun
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Patent number: 6283310Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
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Patent number: 6267281Abstract: A roof rail (10), which consists of a side rail (5) and support legs (7, 8). The support legs (6, 7) engage a roof channel (2), which is otherwise closed off by a cover strip (3). The support legs are connected to adaptors (8) at the bottom surface. The connection between the adaptors (8) and the vehicle roof (1) is established by means of threaded bolts (12) which are fastened to the adaptors (8) by means of a threaded portion (14) and to the vehicle roof (1) by means of a second threaded portion (16) with the use of threaded nuts. Each support leg (6, 7) is connected to each respective adaptor in such a manner that it can be loosened, while a bolt (17) with its threaded shaft (21) is screwed into the support leg (6, 7). Here, the bolt head (18) is seated in the adaptor (8) and includes a circular groove (23), one end of which is engaged by a threaded bolt (22) for the purpose of securing it in an axial direction, and where the bolt (22) is extended transversely to the bolt (17).Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: JAC Products Deutschland GmbHInventors: Gregor Nerling, Reinhold Rothstein
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Patent number: 6257261Abstract: A canopy top for use with a vehicle having an open passenger compartment and carrying equipment. The canopy top has a frame adaptable for being secured to the vehicle and supported above the passenger compartment. A canopy overlies the frame. Means formed integral with the frame for securing equipment to the top is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Mitchel B. Johnson
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Patent number: 6257471Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Sport Carriers, Inc.Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
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Patent number: 6250526Abstract: A kit for installation across a rear seat of a vehicle that suspends objects such as toys, rattles, etc. in easy reach of a child seated on the seat of the vehicle. More particularly, the kit includes a suspension line and a series of hanger lines along with a pouch for holding objects. The suspension line is flexible in nature and includes opposed end portions that are adapted to be secured to supports disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle above the rear seat. In addition, the respective hanger lines includes hook and loop fasteners formed on one end that permit the hanger lines to be looped and secured around the suspension line and wherein the hanger lines can even slide laterally back and forth on the suspension line. When suspended, each hanger line includes a lower terminal end portion that also includes hook and loop fasteners that permit the respective hanger lines to be secured to objects such as toys, rattles, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventor: Luke Bess
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Patent number: 6186729Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: David R. Sargent
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Patent number: 6131782Abstract: The present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which incorporates a relatively simple mechanism for locking and unlocking the cross rail assembly from one side of the vehicle. One aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly having a manually turnable knob and a pair of linking members each connecting the knob with associated locking structure. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which has locking structures and rail supporting structures on opposing ends thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Decoma International Inc.Inventors: Amesh De Silva, Dennis D. Noonan, Daniel S. Baylis, Robert D. Worley
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Patent number: 6126051Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of generally parallel disposed side rails and a plurality of mounting support members for securing the side rails fixedly to an outer body surface, wherein each outermost end of each side rail is secured to its associated mounting support member without any fastening element being visible at the areas where each outermost end of the side rail attaches to the mounting support members. A mounting plate is disposed in one tubular end of the side rail such that the ends of the mounting plate engage opposing slots formed in an outermost end of the side rail. A fastening element is inserted through an opening of an internal boss formed within the mounting support member and engages a threaded opening in the mounting plate. The fastener secures the mounting plate, and therefore the outermost end of the side rail, to the mounting support member without the fastening member or mounting plate being visible once these two components are secured together.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventor: Donald R. Potter
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Patent number: 6056176Abstract: A vehicle article carrier including a cross bar having a pair of bracket assemblies at each end, where each bracket assembly includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw which may be cooperatively clamped around a side rail of the article carrier system. The fixed jaw incorporates a keyed recess and the movable jaw incorporates a key. The construction of the keyed recess and the key enable the movable jaw to be pre-positioned so as to not interfere with placement of the cross bar onto the side rails during assembly. Clamping of each bracket assembly to its associated side rail is accomplished simply by turning a threaded fastener engaged with both jaw portions. The movable jaw is rotated automatically into alignment with the fixed jaw and its associated side rail. Further tightening of the fastening member automatically draws the movable jaw into clamping engagement with its associated side rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Donald R. Potter
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Patent number: 5884824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Inventor: Joseph N. Spring, Jr.
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Patent number: 5829654Abstract: A rack assembly for securing cargo on a roof of a vehicle. The rack has a pair of mounting bracket assemblies for attaching securely to the roof of a vehicle, a cross member with a plurality of apertures located at predetermined positions between its transverse axis and each of its ends so as to provide pairs of attachment points (each pair defining a unique spacing distance correlating to a different vehicle roof width) and a pair of support assemblies for adjustably coupling between respective mounting bracket assemblies and the cross member to support the cross member above the roof of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Knaack Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kenneth F. Weger, Jr., Freddie C. Webb, Gerald A. Draffkorn, Jr.
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Patent number: 5782392Abstract: In a vehicle having a roof groove, which extends in the longitudinal direction along each side of its roof panel, and a roof rail attached to the roof groove, the number of components for attaching the roof rail can be reduced to facilitate the mounting operation for the rail.The roof rail (1) is formed integrally from a synthetic resin, comprising a rail body (2), front and rear end legs (3) protruding downward from the rail body, an intermediate leg (4), and a molding unit (5) connecting the respective lower end portions of the legs (3, 4) together. The molding unit (5) includes a cover section (5a) covering the top of the roof groove (8) and a ridge (5b) fitted in the groove (8). The respective heads of fixing bolts (9) are fixedly embedded in suitable positions in the bottom portion of the ridge (5b).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiyuki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5765737Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of one-piece, integrally formed side rail members. Each side rail member has a side rail portion and a pair of end supports integrally formed with terminal ends of the side rail portion. The side rail portion includes a hollow area formed therein and extending along the entire length of the side rail portion. Each end support further includes an inaccessible hollow portion in communication with the hollow portion formed in the side rail portion. Each side rail member forms a lightweight yet rigid member which does not require molding lines, seams or other markings on any portion of the outer surface which is clearly visible to an observer once the side rail members are mounted on an outer body surface of a vehicle. The cost of manufacture is also reduced because the number of molding tools needed to manufacture the side rail member is reduced, as is the complexity and time to assemble the side rail members to an outer body surface of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: John S. Cucheran, John Michael Heuchert
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Patent number: 5738258Abstract: A single roof rack system accommodates several outdoor sports equipment items simultaneously and provides expandable sizing to fit a variety of motor vehicles without requiring equipment-specific add-on mounting supports. The system includes shaped carrying pods which have built-in mounting surfaces and tie-downs for accommodating sports equipment items such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles, skis, snowboards, sailboards, and surfboards.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Walden Products, Inc.Inventors: Paul H. Farrow, Dale W. Vetter
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Patent number: 5715981Abstract: The present invention deals with the problem of changing the design of the roof rails, which have hitherto been of a multipart design, in such a way that they can be manufactured in a simple manner and at a lower cost. This is achieved according to the present invention by the spar and the feet including one component, which is preferably formed by a deformed hollow chamber section. To achieve this, the hollow chamber section is deformed downward in a gentle arch at its end. The deformed bent section is cut off on the underside obliquely to the curved longitudinal axis of the section. The bottom of the hollow chamber section is then pressed in from below, so that an omega-shaped cross section is formed. The roof rail thus prepared has a consistently elegant shape, which does not reveal how it was made.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Erbsloh AGInventors: Harald Blomberg, Olaf Poter, Alfred Scholl
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Patent number: 5676291Abstract: A roof rack assembly is disclosed for on a passenger car, particularly a convertible. The roof rack assembly includes two lateral frame parts extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and front and rear transversely extending carrying elements fastened on the lateral frame parts. The two lateral frame parts are detachably held in position on the adjacent body of the passenger car. The lateral frame parts are formed as large-surface cast metal parts and each frame part has a molded-on forward and a rearward supporting section on which the transversely extending carrying elements rest and are fastened.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventors: Erhard Wolf, Thilo Ludewig
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Patent number: 5636776Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of slats and a cross bar which is removably securable to the slats at mounting portions formed on each of the slats. Each mounting portion includes an associated cover member which may be quickly and easily positioned in the mounting portion when the cross bar is not attached to its respective slat to thereby cover the mounting portion and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to each of the slats. Several alternative preferred embodiments of the cover member are disclosed with each enabling the mounting portion of the slat to be quickly and easily covered and uncovered without the need for special tools or extensive assembly/disassembly steps.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Inventors: Arthur K. Rak, John S. Cucheran
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Patent number: 5622298Abstract: A method for forming one-piece end support for a vehicle article carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: John S. Cucheran, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
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Patent number: 5615818Abstract: A load carrier roof-mounted on a vehicle has longitudinal so-called railings (2) with elongate, undercut spaces for anchorage bodies (8) which have anchorages (12, 30) for struts or other accessories extending between the railings. The anchorage bodies (8) have upper (11) and lower (10) parts which are separately insertable in the undercut space transversely of the longitudinal direction thereof. The parts (10 and 11) are, interiorly in the undercut space, combinable to form the anchorage body (8). A screw (16) between the parts (10 and 11 ) tightens these to expansion in the undercut space.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Industri AB ThuleInventor: Claes-Goran Linden
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Patent number: 5588573Abstract: The invention concerns a load-carrier for vehicles of the kind comprising a load-carrying tubular rail extending across the vehicle roof in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and a foot member at each lateral edge of the vehicle roof, said foot member resting on the upper vehicle roof face and serving as a load-carrying rail support. The purpose of the invention is to provide a load-carrier which is safely anchored to the vehicle roof also when the latter is not formed with safe support against outwardly directed forces, i.e. drip-mouldings, previously commonly provided on vehicle roofs.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Mont Blanc Industri ABInventor: Gerhard Mann
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Patent number: 5577649Abstract: An article carrier includes spaced longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails having an upper arm coupled by a hinge to a lower arm. A crossbar having an end portion adapted to be entrained between the upper and lower arm portions includes a conformingly shaped mating surface to one of the members of the longitudinal rail. Preferably, both ends of each crossbar include conforming surfaces that mate with corresponding configurations on the rail to fixedly position the crossbar along the longitudinal rail. The position of the crossbar is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by displacement about the hinge, and the hinge axis may be transversely, longitudinally or vertically aligned as desired. Preferably, two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail, hinged at opposite ends of the longitudinal rails, and include overlapping portions retained by a single latch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems L.L.C.Inventors: James A. Lee, Jr., Douglas L. Wickham, Gregory L. Eilers, William D. Batterson, Craig A. Stapleton
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Patent number: 5560525Abstract: A load carrier arrangement for mounting a load holder on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a roof and a rear door and/or a trunk lid. The load carrier includes a rack disposed across the roof of the vehicle and fastened at a rear portion thereof. A carrier device having the load holder for carrying a load behind the vehicle in a load carrying position of the carrier device is also provided. The carrier device is pivotally arranged about a substantially horizontal pivot axis directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the carrier vehicle. The pivot-arrangement connecting the carrier device to the rack allows the carrier device and a load holder to be pivoted upwardly from the load carrying position to an elevated position not interferring with the opening of the rear door and/or the trunk lid.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1994Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Industri AB ThuleInventors: Hubert Grohmann, Magnus Christiansson
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Patent number: 5535930Abstract: A standoff assembly, adapted to mount a sports rack crossbar onto a vehicle roof-rail having an inner groove extending substantially along the length thereof, includes a standoff having a base portion and a rack portion fixed in a spaced apart relationship by an intermediate portion disposed between a rack and the base portions, a fastener rotatably carried on the rack portion and retaining the standoff to the sports rack crossbar, and an anchor which is adapted to be adjustably receivable in one of a plurality of locations along the inner groove of the rail and which fixedly secures the standoff to the rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Inventor: Douglas Lee
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Patent number: 5518157Abstract: A support foot for supporting the end of a railing tube on the roof of a motor vehicle. The foot is fastened on the roof of the vehicle and rests on a resting surface. An insertion pin is vertically and laterally spaced from the resting surface and produces a plug connection with the railing tube. At least one opening extending transversely though the foot. Cover plates cover both sides of the foot and at least one opening which passes through the foot. The support foot is a section cut off from an extruded profiled strip cut transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Happich Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Brigitte Evels, Karl-Heinz Lumpe
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Patent number: 5516017Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Industri AB ThuleInventor: Jan-Ivar Arvidsson
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Patent number: 5499762Abstract: A rack for supporting a bicycle on the roof of an auto is disclosed herein having two pairs of mounts secured at each end of spaced-apart tracks, two pairs of secured mounts or to roof mounted adaptor plates carried on the auto roof. Each mount includes a bottom support surface engageable with the track and yoke supporting a retainer member provided with an interchangeable open-ended passageway for insertably receiving the end of a bicycle support crossbar. The major length of the retainer member is angular with respect to its bottom support surface and the central longitudinal axis of the retainer member passageway is parallel to the bottom support surface. Thereby, the two pairs of mounts carried on the longitudinal tracks accommodate conformity of the retainer members and the crossbars with the curved auto roof.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1994Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Inventor: Douglas Lee
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Patent number: 5456512Abstract: An automotive vehicular rack is described having an adjustable securing mechanism for securing cross slats between side rails. The securing mechanism includes a plunger which is normally urged by a coil spring to a protruding position in which it can register with a selected, corresponding aperture in a side rail. An actuator slide engages the pin defining the plunger to enable a user to slide the pin against the force of the spring as desired, for example, to disengage the cross slat from the side rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1995Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.Inventors: Douglas P. Gibbs, Scott R. Allen
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Patent number: 5454499Abstract: An automotive vehicle rack is described having a wing joint which holds the wing open, i.e., away from its associated cross bar, to facilitate loading/unloading of skis or other elongated articles. An obstruction is included as part of the joint, which obstruction is configured and positioned to hinder the pivoting selectively and hold the wing away from its closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Mascotech Accessories, Inc.Inventor: Douglas P. Gibbs
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Patent number: 5443190Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus adapted for use with a cargo bed of a vehicle such as a pick-up truck. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of cross rails each having a length sufficient to span the width of the cargo bed and to be supported on upper surfaces of the sidewalls of the cargo bed. A securing mechanism includes a threaded bolt and a threaded nut which clampingly secures a bracket to an inner lip portion of the sidewall and an undersurface of the cross rail to thus secure the cross rail to the sidewalls of the cargo bed. When an optional lock member is locked in place via a key, a threaded nut housed therein cannot be loosened when the lock member is in a locked position, and therefore the cross rail cannot be moved from the cargo bed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1993Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: John S. Cucheran, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
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Patent number: 5439152Abstract: An extendable carrier rack comprising a pair of L-shaped base legs, each base leg having a horizontal outer side rail coupled to an upwardly extended outer support rail thus creating an upper free end, a lower free end, and a corner therebetween; a pair L-shaped extension legs, each extension leg having a horizontal inner side rail coupled to an upwardly extended outer support rail thus creating an upper free end, a lower free end, and a corner therebetween with the lower free ends of the extension legs each coupled with a separate free end of a base leg; a pair of L-shaped bottom rails with one bottom rail coupled to the corners of separate base legs and the other bottom rail coupled to the corners of separate extension legs, whereby the base legs, extension legs, and bottom rails define a pedestal having a base section and an upwardly extended legged section adapted to be placed in and secured to a vehicle; and a pair of u-shaped holding legs with each holding leg having a top rail and a pair of inner extenType: GrantFiled: May 16, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Inventor: Samuel Campbell
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Patent number: 5388744Abstract: A tie down apparatus for an automotive luggage rack includes a holder located inside the outer rails of the luggage rack. The holder consists of a upper section with an aperture; two resilient retaining rails; and two stay rods. The assembly process consists of placing a washer inside the holder and then inserting the combination inside the channel of a luggage rack's outer rails. The tie down stud then can be easily inserted into the apertures of the upper portion and washer. The completed assembly can then be translated to an appropriate location along the outer rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Nissan Research and Development, Inc.Inventors: David M. Glorio, John S. Cucheran
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Patent number: 5383589Abstract: A carrier system for carrying elongate articles, such as skis and poles, on the exterior of an automobile includes a pair of separate, compact base members. Each base member includes three suction cups arranged in a triangular, three-point configuration for engaging the exterior of the automobile and further includes a flexible strap extending from side to side between the rain gutters of the vehicle. Each strap includes a cam-like tensioning member that, when rotated, significantly increases the tension in each strap. The base members are mounted one ahead of the other on the roof of the vehicle. A plurality of clips or other article-engaging members are detatchably mounted to the base members for engaging the articles to be carried. Different types of article engaging members are provided for carrying different types of loads. In one embodiment, each base member includes a pair of built-in load stops for carrying loads therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Inventors: Keith P. Tracy, William E. Chase
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Patent number: 5340007Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 1993Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Farnier & PeninInventors: Jean-Marie Jeuffray, Michel Memeteau
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Patent number: 5328067Abstract: A carrier which consists of three separate frames, forward, center and rear that are of weld construction with bolt on brackets that are bolted to the truck body in concealed areas of hood and door jambs. The carrier frames are easily removed when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1993Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Inventor: Louis M. Lalush
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Patent number: 5257728Abstract: The preferred embodiment consists of a rack comprising two separate parts, a nose piece and a tail piece, mounted in the pockets of either side wall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The nose piece consists of an adjustable, substantially horizontal, support plate with a protruding stud and nut for receiving and securing in place the nose of a personal watercraft. The plate of the nose piece is attached to the end of an extendable shaft mounted in the front pocket of the side wall of the truck, so that the height of the plate can be adjusted to fit the size and profile of the watercraft being carried. The tail piece consists of a similar shaft, mounted in the rear pocket of the same side wall, incorporating a cross member at its top end having a cradle-like concave upper face, preferably shaped like the underside of the watercraft, so as to provide a conforming support bracket for the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1992Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Inventor: Terry L. Gibson
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Patent number: 5236114Abstract: A carrier basket which is intended to be secured on a vehicle roof comprises two longitudinal profile members between which extend a number of rods which form a load-carrying surface in the carrier basket. In order to eliminate the need for loose small parts on assembly and dismantling of the carrier basket, the rods are releasably connected to the profile members by snap catch connections. The snap catch connections are formed by locking heel disposed at the ends of the rods, the heel extending, in a rest position, outside the cross-section of the rod and being, against the action of spring force, depressable inside the cross-section. The rod extends through an opening in one wall of the profile member and has the locking heel inside the opening, and one end in abutment against the inside of the opposing wall of the profile member.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1991Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Industri AB ThuleInventor: Per Bergquist
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Patent number: 5161762Abstract: A cargo clamp for a van, the van having cargo space defined by a floor, upwardly extending sidewalls and a roof. The cargo clamp comprises a transverse track that extends between the sidewalls below the roof and is supported below the roof and is held in place by side rails on each side. A clamp is attached to the track and is movable along the side rails between the sidewalls. The clamp also includes a downwardly extending brace that engages and restrains sheet material that is positioned on edge in the cargo space. The clamp includes a handle and bolt for engagement in a threaded hole for securing the clamp to the track at a selected position.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1991Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Inventors: Peter V. Stewart, David R. Butts
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Patent number: 5143415Abstract: A truck utility rack which is made up of assemblable pieces which allow for different configuration of size and shape. It is easy to assemble and disassemble and is light weight making it easy to store and transport when not in use. When stored in a noise (rattle) suppressing carrying case, can be carried in the cab of a truck without interfering with passengers. The truck rack can be put up in part, i.e., one vertical stanchion just to hand objects from on the back of a pickup truck or it can be assembled as the more typical rectangular overhead rack for carrying objects above the bed of a pickup truck.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Assignee: Jemb Rack Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael Boudah
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Patent number: 5115954Abstract: The present invention is an article securing assembly for receiving a device to secure an object on a plurality of elongated slats mounted on an exterior horizontal surface of an automobile. The assembly includes a cavity in at least one of the slats. A tie-down member is disposed within the cavity for pivotal movement between a closed position in which the upper surface of the tie-down member does not extend above the upper surface of the slat and an open position such that a portion of the tie-down member extnds above the upper surface of the slat.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1991Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Inventor: John A. Bott
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Patent number: 5082404Abstract: A cargo clamp for a van, the van having cargo space defined by a floor, upwardly extending sidewalls and a roof. The cargo clamp comprises a transverse track that extends between the sidewalls below the roof and is supported below the roof and is held in place by side rails on each side. A clamp is attached to the track and is movable along the side rails between the sidewalls. The clamp also includes a downwardly extending brace that engages and restrains sheet material that is positioned on edge in the cargo space. The clamp includes a handle and bolt for engagement in a threaded hole for securing the clamp to the track at a selected position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1990Date of Patent: January 21, 1992Inventors: Peter V. Stewart, David R. Butts
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Patent number: 5076479Abstract: A cargo rack mountable on the roof of a car or the bed of a pickup truck. The rack has a frame that includes a support base for carrying cargo between a pair of spaced apart upstanding members. A restraining strap on the frame extends between the upstanding members. Elastic cords extending from the upstanding members suspend the strap over the support base to provide clearance for the cargo. A ratchet mechanism urges the strap toward the cargo to hold it on the support base.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1990Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Inventor: Phillip G. Davison
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Patent number: 5054673Abstract: A vehicle ski carrier system carries a plurality of skis oriented in a position inclined from the vertical. The ski carrier system includes hinged lower and upper arms, and ski carrier inserts attached to each arm. The ski carrier inserts have opposed, alternating flat holding members and curvilinear compression members. When the arms are opened, a pair of skis can be placed against a holding member on the lower arm, and when the arms are closed, an opposing holding member on the upper arm closes on the opposite side of the skis and the opposed holding members are then urged tightly together by the compression members. The ski carrier inserts are of a modular construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Assignee: Rola Roof Racks International, Inc.Inventor: Michael Dixon
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Patent number: 5029785Abstract: A car-mounted article carrying bracket is disclosed. The bracket includes inner and outer upright members joined at their respective lower ends to define an article receiving section. An arm element extends inwardly from a lower section of the inner member. Secured to the arm element is a car engaging member shaped to be received and firmly secured in a joint between either the hood and fender or trunk lid and fender of a car. Struts are provided from the upright members. A brace shaped to engage the fender of a car to which the bracket is secured is fixed to the lower sections of the struts, and serves to assist in supporting the bracket in its article receiving orientation. One each of the brackets may be secured to the hood and trunk of a car whereby long articles may be supported by the brackets. An elastic tie-down rope wrapped around the upright members or around one of the members and a strut serves to hold the carried articles in place.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventor: James A. Besong, Jr.
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Patent number: 5025967Abstract: An end piece of a support slat of a luggage carrier which facilitates attachment of the end piece to the slat body prior to mounting to the vehicle body. The end piece has a tongue which extends into the slat body. The tongue includes a snap-in ramp designed to cooperate with an opening formed in the floor of the slat body to prevent withdrawal of the end piece and a series of alignment flanges extending upwardly from the tongue to engage the rub strip retaining shoulders of the slat body. A separate fastener is used to secure the slat assembly to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1989Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: Huron/St. Clair IncorporatedInventors: Gary M. Cronce, William Rasor, Dean Graboske
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Patent number: 5016798Abstract: A load-bearing slat for an article carrier having a spacer insert disposed between the load-bearing wall of the slat and the insulator for added support. The spacer is pre-attachable to the insulator to facilitate final assembly. The insulator includes spaced openings for receiving the insert which is locked into place whether by a snap fit or through rotation of the insert. The spacers have throughbores to permit the fasteners for the slat to pass through to the vehicle surface for attachment thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1990Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Huron/St. Clair IncorporatedInventors: Craig A. Stapleton, Robert S. Zauner
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Patent number: 4995538Abstract: A rack for a motor-vehicle roof comprises a pair of bridges (10) each having a cross member (12), a pair of box-shaped feet (14) for bearing on the roof (T) and a connector for hooking and fixing each foot on to the edge (B) of the roof, such as the drainage channel or the upper edge of a door opening. Each cross member (12) is slidably inserted in respective transverse passages formed in the upper parts of the feet (14) and pressure members are associated with each transverse passage, respectively, for clamping the cross member (12) in an adjusted position. The hooking and fixing connector for each bridge (10) is comprised of an inextensible strap (18) which passes through each foot (14), through an opening in an outer wall of the foot and which is provided, outside this outer wall, with a rigid, shaped hook (20), which is replaceable by other similar hooks of different shapes, for hooking on the edge (B) of the roof (T). At least one of the two feet (14) incorporates a device for tensioning the strap (18).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1988Date of Patent: February 26, 1991Assignee: FAPA S.p.A.Inventor: Osvaldo Marengo
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Patent number: 4942989Abstract: A device for carrying elongated articles too long to fit inside a vehicle. The device is unitarily formed from tubing and shaped into two parallel S-shaped members bridged by an intermediate member which provides lateral stability. Padding extends substantially the length of one of the loops of each S-shaped member. The device is primarily designed for the padded loops to be hooked over the sides of a vehicle while the oppositely facing loops are used to support the elongated articles in cooperation with another similar device located farther down the same side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1989Date of Patent: July 24, 1990Assignee: Jupiter Products, Inc.Inventor: Kevin W. Miller
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Patent number: 4911348Abstract: An adjustable cross rail for a luggage carrier which utilizes a self-storing lever to release the rail stanchions. The stanchions cooperate with a longitudinal track which receives an adjustable slide bar threadably connected to the release lever. The track is clampingly engaged between the slide bar and the bottom of the stanchion to prevent movement of the stanchion. The clamping and unclamping of the slide bar can be controlled by either a camming lever or a wrench lever, both of which store within the stanchion body.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1988Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: Huron/St. Clair CompanyInventors: William A. Rasor, Craig Stapleton
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Patent number: 4890777Abstract: An article supporting slat is adapted to be mounted in contiguous relationship to a surface portion of a vehicle and includes a longitudinally extending upwardly facing article supporting surface having an upwardly presenting groove. A one-piece end cap member is interfitted with one end of the slat and includes a tongue adapted to be received within the groove. A mounting pad is disposed between the end cap member and the vehicle surface portion. The mounting pad includes resilient fingers for releasably retaining the mounting pad and the slat together as an integral unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1988Date of Patent: January 2, 1990Inventor: John A. Bott