Attaching Means Is An Individually Acting Clamp Patents (Class 224/331)
  • Patent number: 11164491
    Abstract: A cross bar for mounting a vehicle topper to a roof of a vehicle is provided. A center section has a rectangular cross section, a first end, and a second end. A first tapered section extends from the first end of the center section. A second tapered section extends from the second end of the center section. A longitudinal axis of the center section, the first tapered section, and the second tapered section extend primarily in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Hornsby, William Dunn, Mike Brown, Doug Bennett
  • Patent number: 11100822
    Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed which provide an inconspicuous electrical pathway between one or more electronic displays of a vehicle top unit and a power source for a vehicle. A housing for the electronic displays is mounted to a cross bar mounted to a roof of a vehicle. Festoon type wiring extends from the power source, along a black mask area of a windshield, along or through the cross bar, and to the housing. Double sided adhesive tape is positioned between said festoon wiring and a front surface of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Hornsby, William Dunn, Mike Brown, Doug Bennett
  • Patent number: 11072227
    Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Smith, Dean Mettler
  • Patent number: 11027661
    Abstract: A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Patent number: 10875440
    Abstract: Embodiments of a modular cargo system for use with a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may include side rails and stanchions securing the side rails to the vehicle. At least one hoop may be provided for connection to either the stanchions or the side rails. Each hoop may include a plurality of legs, a clamp connected to each leg, an elbow connected to each leg opposite the clamp, and a lateral cross bar connected between the elbows. Bed dividers and storage lockers or boxes are disclosed for use with embodiments of a cargo system as applied to a pickup truck. Elevated rails may be attached to the hoops. A cargo loading device for moving cargo into and out of the vehicle is also provided. A cover may enclose a portion of the vehicle, such as the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Jerome Puchkoff
  • Patent number: 10723277
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle article carrier system for supporting articles above an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system makes use of a pair of support rails fixedly secured generally parallel to one another on the outer body surface, and at least one cross bar assembly clampable to the support rails, and having a cross bar element having opposing ends. First and second end supports are secured at the opposing ends and able to engage the support rails to secure the cross bar against movement on the support rails. At least one of the end supports includes fixed and movable jaw portions, an actuating lever, and a pivot component pivotally coupled to the actuating lever and including a bore. A barrel nut is positioned in a bore of the movable jaw portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Michael J. Presley, Gordon Michie, Benjamin Kay
  • Patent number: 10399421
    Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Smith, Dean Mettler
  • Patent number: 10322679
    Abstract: A cargo management system includes a roof rack, a storage compartment rack and a first cross bar. The first cross bar is displaceable between a first position carried on the roof rack and a second position carried on the storage compartment rack. Clips at the opposed ends of the cross bar allow the first cross bar to be secured in position on either rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Stanislavovich Sakarian, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Matthew B. Rutman
  • Patent number: 10300963
    Abstract: Embodiments of a rail system for use with a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may include a plurality of side rails and stanchions securing the side rails to the vehicle. At least one hoop may be provided for connection to either the stanchions or the side rails. Each hoop may include a plurality of legs, a clamp connected to each leg, an elbow connected to each leg opposite the clamp, and a lateral cross bar connected between the elbows. The legs may be pivotable with respect to the elbows. The elbows may further include a rod pivotable between a stored and deployed position. In the deployed position, the rod may facilitate attachment of elevated rails. Additionally, bed dividers and storage lockers or boxes are disclosed for use with embodiments of a rail system as applied to a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Jerome Puchkoff
  • Patent number: 10160394
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body including a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar. The crossbar may have a long axis oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base portion configured to abut a roof of the vehicle and a clip retention and adjustment assembly. The clip retention and adjustment assembly may include (a) a carriage pivotally mounted to the coupler body and configured to rotate around a rotation axis oriented parallel to the direction of vehicle travel, the carriage having a slot for receiving a clip along a translation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis, (b) a catch configured to releasably engage an aperture in the clip, (c) a first actuator configured to rotate the carriage around the rotation axis, and (d) a second actuator configured to move the catch and the clip relative to the coupler body along the translation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Kraeuter, David Condon, John Mark Elliott
  • Patent number: 10071693
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body. The coupler body may include a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar, the crossbar oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base connected to the coupler body configured to sit on a flush rail of a vehicle roof. The flush rail may be oriented generally parallel to the direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a clip retention and adjustment mechanism connected to the coupler body with the clip retention and adjustment mechanism having an adjustment member. The clip retention and adjustment mechanism may be configured to interchangeably receive an inner clip and interchangeably receive an outer clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gian-Marco D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 10046713
    Abstract: A vehicle roof mount includes at least one datum feature. The datum feature is provided according to at least one datum. The at least one datum is determined according to a specified orientation of a sensor included in a sensor frame. The sensor frame is mateable to the roof mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Clay Wesley Maranville, Douglas Scott Rhode, Rick H. Wykoff, Randal Henry Visintainer
  • Patent number: 10023098
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed, first docking plate, second docking plate, first bracket, and second bracket. The truck bed has first and second side panels extending upward from a floor panel. The first and second docking plates are secured to opposing internal surfaces of the first and second side panels, respectively. The first and second brackets have upright members secured to the first and second docking plates, respectively, and horizontal members extending from the upright members inward relative to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Marchlewski, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic
  • Patent number: 9956919
    Abstract: A fastening assembly is provided for a roof add-on part of a motor vehicle, which has a roof skin element, an outer roof side frame, and a roof-add-on-part fastening element, which has a thread for detachably fastening the roof add-on part. The roof-add-on-part fastening element is fastened to a support plate. The support plate is arranged on a flange of the outer roof side frame and is fixed by a blind rivet only to the flange of the outer roof side frame, in such a way that the support plate and the flange of the outer roof side frame are jammed, in particular against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Kerscher
  • Patent number: 9840195
    Abstract: Provided is an attachment structure for a lighting device, with which it is possible to reduce the time that attachment requires and stably attach a lighting device to a curved surface on which the lighting device is to be attached without using a screw member. This attachment structure for a lighting device is equipped with: a base provided on a curved surface of a door lining and having a plate-shaped base section; and an attachment part provided on the base and used for affixing the lighting device to the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Inose, Naoki Ozono
  • Patent number: 9346344
    Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Smith, Dean Mettler
  • Publication number: 20140346203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fix point strip (20) to provide a provisional fix point position to a grip member (11) of a clamp rack load carrier foot (10), upon attachment to a vehicle (1). The fix point strip (20) comprises an attachment surface (25) for attaching to a surface of said vehicle (1) and a coupling surface (20) for interaction with said grip member (11) of said clamp rack load carrier foot (10). The coupling surface (30) comprises at least one pre determined position for said grip member (11). The present invention provides for a simple and cheap way of introducing a friction enhancing and means for preventing the grip member from being displaced in the event of e.g. a collision with another vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Micael Svensson
  • Patent number: 8839997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load carrier foot (1) for mounting at least a part of a load carrier to a first surface (2) of a vehicle. The load carrier foot (1) comprising a support member (3), arranged to abut the first surface (2), a gripping member (5) having a first part (16) arranged to abut the vehicle at a distance from the support member (3), an intermediate member (9) between the support member (3) and a second part (17) of the gripping member (5), and an adjustment member (7) acting on the intermediate member (9) to adjust a clamping force between the support member (3) and the first part (16) of the gripping member (5). The intermediate member (9) cooperates with the second part (17) of the gripping member (5) at a first working point (10) and the intermediate member cooperates with the support member (3) at a second working point (11) located at a distance (D) from the first working point (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20140191004
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a boat is disclosed. In some examples, the apparatus may include a crossbar, a pair of towers for coupling the crossbar to a vehicle, a gunwale support device configured to support a gunwale of the boat, and a clamp device coupled to the gunwale support device configured to selectively grip crossbars of various sizes and shapes. The gunwale support device may include a bench having a seat (or seat surface), a back (or back wall surface), and a top surface on which the gunwale and/or other portion of the boat may be supported. The seat, back wall, and/or top surfaces may be convexly curved, tapered, angled, and/or have a progressive curvature corresponding to a curved portion of a cone, which may compensate for misalignment between the gunwale and the bench. The clamp device may include an actuator located above the crossbar for manipulating the clamp device between open and clamped positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventor: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
  • Patent number: 8651349
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device by means of which, in use, an object is attached to a roof rack which is or at least can be connected to roof rails of a car, comprising a housing, at least two movable jaws extending to outside the housing, which jaws engage round a roof rack in use, and actuating means provided with an operating element for moving said at least two jaws together, wherein the actuating means are designed to translate the jaws and comprise at least one rack, which rack is engaged when the operating element is operated. The invention further relates to a combination of a roof rack and such an attachment device and to a combination of an object to be attached to a roof rack and such an attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hapro International B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Meissner, Joost Marinus Van Rooijen, Oscar Toetenel
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130043288
    Abstract: A leg assembly is described that links a roof rack bar to a vehicle roof. The leg assembly utilises a T-bar member linked to a rocker member and via a biasing arrangement, the T-bar flanges impinge with the bar flanges to lock the leg assembly in place or optionally move the leg assembly along the bar length by forcing the T-bar member flanges up from the bar flanges until the desired position is reached before release and re-locking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Hubbard, Bruce John Robertson
  • 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: 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: 8245893
    Abstract: An assembly for loading cargo on top of a vehicle includes at least one load bar oriented perpendicular to a pair of crossbars. The load bar is movable between stowed and loading positions in a direction parallel to the direction of vehicle travel. A rear end of the load bar is connected to a roller device for minimizing friction and avoiding contact with the vehicle when cargo is being elevated to the roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Eric Roesinger, Zac Elder
  • 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: 7637405
    Abstract: A fixing device for fastening a roof box to crossbars fastened to a vehicle roof includes two-armed clamping jaws that extend through the bottom of the roof box and can be braced, the clamping jaws being mounted on a support base fixed in the interior of the roof box in a manner so as to pivot about a stationary swivel axis and interior end sections of the clamping jaws rest against a stop element which is vertically displaced by rotating an actuating element in order to move the clamping jaws between a locked and an unlocked position by a pure swivel motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Alexander Emmerling, Guenther Fritsche
  • Publication number: 20090314815
    Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a first side rail an a second side rail to be located extending generally parallel to one another and spaced laterally from one another with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A first cross-rail and a second cross-rail are independently movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position of the first and second cross-rails are axially aligned with a corresponding side rail, and the deployed position of the first and second cross-rail are laterally extending between the first and second side rails. The cross rails can be gas assist, injection molded cross rails. A manually hand/finger rotated fastener attaches each end of the first and second cross-rails to the first and second side rails in the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: THE AMERICAN TEAM
    Inventor: Craig Stapleton
  • Publication number: 20080314944
    Abstract: An assembly for fixing and connecting a polygonal LED light bar lamp includes a fixing seat, a covering plug, and an electrical connector. The fixing seat has a bottom with both edges thereof extending to form two bevels and parallel plates. The bottom and bevels have a penetrating hole, respectively. The covering plug has a cover having an insertion hole. Two electrode pins are disposed in the interior of the insertion hole. The electrical connector has a partitioning block. Both sides of the partitioning block have a protruding pillar, respectively. The protruding pillar is provided with a hollow pillar having electrodes for contacting with electrode pins. With the fixing seat being fixed on a carrier, the light bar can be held in the fixing seat with adjustable irradiating direction. Further, two light bars can be connected in series by the electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Cheng-Yu TSAI, Li-Wei CHEN, Shiou-Shiung CHENG, Ching-Hsien LIN
  • Publication number: 20080308590
    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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Donald R. Potter, John M. Heuchert
  • Patent number: 7441679
    Abstract: An article rack assembly is disclosed, including at least two siderails generally parallel to one another that are adapted to be secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. At least one crossbar is generally perpendicular to the siderails having a length sufficient to span between the siderails. The crossbar has opposing ends that may each include a support assembly member. The support assembly member may include an actuating lever having a grip portion for facilitating engagement of the actuating lever and a locking portion. A rod member is disposed within the crossbar, and may be staked to each actuating lever such that pivoting of one the actuating levers from the locked to the unlocked position causes a generally simultaneous movement of a locking pin assembly at the opposite support assembly, thereby disengaging both locking pin assemblies from their respective siderails generally simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: SportRack LLC
    Inventors: John H. Harberts, John Edward Klinkman
  • Patent number: 7434343
    Abstract: A portable attachment (1) with a clip allowed to be easily fitted to a portable object by integrally holding a specified used-article such as a diverging component-contained material having a smell components or medically effective components and the clip, wherein an intermediate material (5) and a rear sheet material (6) are stacked on the rear side of a synthetic resin front sheet material (4) and the peripheral edge portion thereof is sealed to form a front storage part (7) and a rear storage part (8), and the front storage part forming an opening part (9) with a fastener (20) in the upper part thereof and partly having a ventilation part (21) stores the diverging component-contained material so as to be extracted and retrieved and the rear side storage part (8) is formed such that the one end part (3a) thereof for holding the clip (3) is inserted into clip insert storage parts (8a) separately formed on both sides thereof and the other end part (3b) thereof for holding the clip is formed to have a locking
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: NS Planning Inc.
    Inventor: Tsukasa Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080203125
    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: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Larsson, Wolf-Dietrich Lenk
  • Publication number: 20080121671
    Abstract: A stanchion lock mechanism assembly is provided, including a clamp, and pin and a lever. The pin includes a first end and a second end, where the second end of the pin is engaged with the clamp. The lever is rotatable about the first end of the pin and includes a locked position and an unlocked position. The lever is selectively rotatable about an axis that is generally aligned with the pin when in the unlocked position. The lever rotates the pin about the axis, thereby advancing the pin and the clamp in a longitudinal direction with respect to the pin. The lever is rotated no more than one-hundred and eighty degrees about the axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the lever may be placed into the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Robert G. Cronce, Terry L. Obermesik, David W. Gabbard, John H. Harberts, John E. Klinkman
  • Patent number: 7219822
    Abstract: A shopping list organizer includes a rigid substantially planar member sized to support a shopping list when the shopping list is mounted thereon. A clamp is provided for releasably mounting the shopping list on a first surface of the planar member. Magnets are mounted on a second side of the planar member, opposite the first side, for releasably mounting the planar member on a flat substrate. At least one clip is hingedly mounted to the second side of the planar member for rotation about the hinge between a closed position substantially flush against the second side of the planar member and an open position substantially orthogonal to the second side of the planar member. In the open position, the clip is disposed for releasably mounting onto an elongate handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Bradly A. Chretien, Alan Chretien, Michael Howard Boudreau
  • Patent number: 7108163
    Abstract: An equipment carrier adapted for mounting to a support member associated with a vehicle, includes a base engageable with the support member and a universal mounting arrangement for securing the base to the support member. The universal mounting arrangement includes a flexible retainer member, such as a retainer strap, that extends from and is engageable with a clamping member movably mounted to the base. The retainer strap defines a free end that extends from one side of the base, and which is adapted to be wrapped about the support member and engaged with a releasable engagement arrangement associated with the clamping member. The retainer strap and the releasable engagement arrangement define a variable effective length of the retainer strap when the retainer strap is initially wrapped about the support member. An actuator member, such as a rotatable threaded member, is engaged with the clamping member and with the base for moving the clamping member away from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 7010841
    Abstract: A mount assembly and method are provided for securing a component to an interior mounting surface in a vehicle having a sunroof. Initially, a sunroof frame is provided. The sunroof frame includes a cross-member disposed laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The component is then attached to the cross-member of the sunroof frame such that the cross-member supports the weight of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Donovan, James B. Cook, Sachin Shah, Holly R. Hecker, John L. Adams
  • Patent number: 6843394
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Aki
  • Patent number: 6817500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof-rack bar for automobile vehicles comprising a transverse bar and two fastening feet mounted at the ends of the transverse bar. The feet operate in conjunction with side rails mounted on an automobile vehicle, wherein the feet can slide along the side rails during adjustment. The angle between the transverse bar and each of the side rails remains substantially constant when the bar is displaced. At least one of the feet includes a housing in which one end of the transverse bar can slide between two extreme positions in order to adapt to a variable distance between non-parallel side rails. This housing includes a first locking and reinforcement means capable of operating in conjunction with a second locking and reinforcement means fitted on the transverse bar to immobilize or authorize the displacement of the end of the transverse bar in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Wagon Automotives SNC
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Neaux
  • Patent number: 6766929
    Abstract: Load carrier bar (3) intended to be attached to roof rails mounted on a vehicle roof. The roof rails having two longitudinal rails (2) disposed at a distance from and substantially parallel to each other, the load carrier bar being fitted at each of its ends with a corresponding attachment arrangement (4) intended to be connected with a corresponding rail. Each attachment arrangement includes a connecting means (5), united with the load carrier bar and adapted to be attached to the rail. A tightenable clamp joint (6) encloses the rail and which when tightened unites the load carrier bar to the rail by a rigid and immovable joint. The clamp joint possesses a locking plate (7) which at its first end is hinged to a link (8) connected to the load carrier bar and at its second end is connected with the load carrier bar by means of a demountable tensioned joint (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Peter Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6742686
    Abstract: A load carrier foot arrangement comprising a load carrier foot (3) which is mounted on a rail profile (2) which exhibits a mounting opening (12), wherein the load carrier foot is secured to the rail profile by means of a locking device having a locking spindle (21) which actuates a locking plate (27) and locks the foot to the rail profile, and wherein a retaining catch (32) is eccentrically and rotatably disposed on the locking spindle, which retaining catch interacts with notches (13) in the rail profile to prevent unwanted movement of the load carrier foot along the rail profile when the locking device is in locked position, the retaining catch having for this purpose a stop face (38) and a sensing element (39), that the retaining catch is prestressed by a tensioning element (37) to a position such that the stop face interferes obstructively with an edge region (41) of the load carrier foot (3) when the sensing element is not actuated, and that the mounting opening (12) is of such a size that the sensing el
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Patent number: 6712247
    Abstract: A roof rack for vehicles to facilitate the transport and unloading of cargo from a roof of a vehicle. The roof rack includes a plate for supporting a load that is mountable to a roof of a vehicle and has a plurality of slots. A plurality of mounting brackets releasably attaches the plate to the vehicle. A pair of actuator assemblies is rotatably couplable to each of the mounting brackets. Each of the actuator assemblies comprises an elongate main member, a plurality of elongate arm members, and a plurality of elongate support members. A lever member for rotatably biasing the actuator assemblies is releasably attachable to a rear end of each of the main members of the actuator assemblies. A plurality of securing members selectively secures the cargo to the top side of the plate. An elongate storage member for storing articles is mounted on the bottom side of the plate. A plurality of extension members facilitates guiding the cargo to a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: William H. Fox
  • Patent number: 6662982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a load carrier for vehicles, which load carrier is intended for roof-mounting. The load carrier comprises support members intended to rest against the upper face of the vehicle roof close to the edge thereof, a sheet-metal gripping member disposed in the support member to grip the edge portion of the vehicle roof, and a means arranged to lock the support member and the gripping member in a position, in which said means grippingly engages the associated roof edge portion. The gripping member is divided, in a portion of articulation, into at least two parts as seen in the lengthwise extension of the member, said two parts being hingedly interconnected in said portion of articulation in overlapping fashion while being separated by means of a spacer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mont Blanc Industri AB
    Inventor: Sari Päkkilä
  • Patent number: 6641012
    Abstract: A load carrier foot adapted for releasable securement upon an edge portion of a vehicle roof. The load carrier foot includes a support member for abutment against a vehicle roof. A clamping member is coupled to the support member by a retainer member and the clamping member is operable between a clamping configuration and a released configuration upon an edge portion of a vehicle roof. The clamping member has a first connection piece and the retainer member has a second connection piece for interconnecting the clamping member and the retainer member. One of the connection pieces forms an insertion space and the other of the connection pieces forms an insertion member for insertion into the insertion space. A latching device releasably latches the insertion member within the insertion space for facilitating the installation of different clamping members into the load carrier foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Patent number: 6516985
    Abstract: A load carrier which consists of a load carrier strut which, at each end region, has a foot with a support portion and a clamping portion for securing the load carrier transversely over a vehicle roof. At at least one end portion of the load carrier strut, the foot is displaced within a displacement range. By means of a rotary shaft disposed interiorly in the load carrier strut, the clamping portion is maneuverable between an open position and a locking position for securing the load carrier on the vehicle. Suitably, one rotary shaft is provided in each end region of the load carrier strut. In the open position of the clamping portion, the foot is freely movable within its displacement range. The foot is fixable in any optional position within its displacement range by fixing means extending into the interior of the load carrier strut for operation via the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20030000978
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Aki
  • Patent number: 6497350
    Abstract: This invention discloses a heavy duty vehicle rack capable of carrying heavy loads and that utilizes fasteners, to attach to the rack to the vehicle's gutter or drip rails. The heavy duty rack of the present invention has specially shaped cooperating end and clamp portions so that the rack can be attached to a variety of vans made by different manufacturers with different style and shapes gutter/drip rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Cross Tread Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Hickey
  • Patent number: 6491192
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Aki
  • Patent number: 6422441
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing recreational equipment to a vehicle-mounted rack. The apparatus includes a load-carrying member adapted to carry recreational equipment adjacent a vehicle, and a clamping member adapted to secure the load-carrying member to a crossbar of the vehicle rack. The clamping member is configured to clamp to at least two different styles of crossbars to prevent relative movement between the load-carrying member and the crossbar. Optionally, the clamping member may be configured to snap onto the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Daniel M. Humes, Gregory A. Dean