CROSSBAR CLAMP DEVICES
Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.
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This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/187,197, filed Jun. 15, 2009 which is incorporated herein by reference. This application incorporates by reference in their entireties U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,098 and U.S. Publication No. US-2010-0078454-A1.
BACKGROUNDVehicles commonly use a pair of crossbars mounted on the roof of the vehicle for mounting various rack assemblies for carrying cargo. Crossbars come in many different sizes and shapes. Yakima sells crossbars having a round cross section. Thule sells crossbars having a square cross section. Auto factory installed crossbars often have more irregular, oblong, elliptical, more aerodynamic shapes.
The diversity in crossbar shapes and sizes has caused a challenge for rack manufacturers to make racks that are adaptable for installation on a wide range of crossbar shapes. Typically, a rack company has to offer a large number of adapters for connecting its racks to different crossbar shapes.
SUMMARYAn apparatus for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars, each crossbar being secured to the vehicle by a pair of towers. A clamp assembly is configured to secure a particular cargo item, for example, bike, boat, skis, snowboard, cargo box, among other things, to the crossbars. A clamp assembly includes jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other jaw member, along a horizontal path substantially perpendicular to a crossbar. Each jaw member may have an internal surface which is concave and configured for gripping crossbars of different shapes and dimensions.
As shown in
Cargo securing device 58 may be adapted, for example, to secure a bike, a boat, skis, snowboards, or any other kind of cargo being transported with a vehicle. Cargo securing device 58 may take the form of a cargo box which may include a hard shell or a soft shell, i.e., a cargo bag.
Shaft 80 may have threads corresponding to internal threads in sliding jaw 72 for actuating horizontal movement of sliding jaw 72 in response to rotation of shaft 80. Alternatively, shaft 80 may be attached to sliding jaw 72 at a fixed point, while permitting rotation of shaft 80. Shaft 80 may be threaded near proximal end 82 of shaft 80. In this case, shaft 82 would have threads complementing internal threads in base 54 so that shaft 80 moves along axis A in response to rotation of shaft 80, thus causing corresponding horizontal movement of sliding jaw 72.
Handle 84 may take the form of a screw-type handle for permitting rotation of shaft 80. Alternatively, handle 84 may take the form of a pivoting cam lever. A cam lever may have a pivot axis perpendicular to axis A, and an eccentric surface which causes shaft 80 to move horizontally when the cam lever is pivoted from a first position to a second position. A cam lever may also use a threaded screw relationship, either to sliding jaw 72 or to base 54, for gross adjustment, with pivoting motion of the cam lever for final clamping actuation.
As shown in
C-shaped portion 242 may have one or more stiffening ribs or dents 264 for strengthening saddle mount 234 and/or resisting various forces applied by a boat hull. Wing expanse 268 is connected to the top side of upper platform portion 249 of C-shaped portion 242. Wing expanse 268 has side walls 269 forming a three-sided, open-ended, diaphragm for gripping, adapting, conforming, cushioning, and/or supporting the hull of a boat. Wing expanse 268 has a recessed area on the top surface which holds frictional pad 270, for example, made of rubber, for frictionally gripping the outer surface of a boat hull. In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric pad 270 is made of Dynaflex G2709 which has a 53 shore A durometer specification. Wing expanse 268 also may have internal stiffening ribs 271 connecting wing expanse 268 to upper platform portion 249.
In a preferred embodiment, C-shaped portion 242 is made of plastic comprising unfilled Nylon 6/6 which allows the mount to flex without cracking. The C channel or gap may collapse so that the tips of the C are touching for a steeped-bottom boat (approximately 20 degrees of flex). In contrast, the C structure may also open up for a flat-bottom boat (approximately 9 degrees of flex). Youngs Modulus is about 160,000 PSI. The yield strength of the material is approximately 6000 PSI. Base 243 is preferably made of glass-filled nylon for stiffness and structure.
Each saddle mount 234 includes clamps 264 for securing C-shaped portion 242 to crossbar 228. Base 243 includes stationary or fixed jaw 268 descending downward from a side of base 243 opposite from the top side to which C-shaped portion 242 is attached. Base 243 has internal track 272 for retaining and guiding sliding jaw member 276. Threaded bolt or screw shaft 280 engages sliding jaw member 276. Rotation of bolt 280 causes sliding jaw member 276 to move, alternately, back and forth, toward and away, from stationary jaw 268, along a path parallel to axis AA, and perpendicular to crossbar 228. Handle 282 is attached to bolt 280 for manually turning bolt 280. Handle 282 may be a knob or other device configured for twisting or rotating to cause rotation of shaft 280 resulting in translation of sliding jaw member 276. Alternatively, handle 282 may be replaced by a cam lever configured to screw and/or pivot causing movement of sliding jaw member 276 (
Second hoop member 382 also has lever arm 412 projecting downward when second hoop member 382 is in its collapsed or stowed position. Lever arm 412 has pivot point 414. Bolt member or shaft 418 is connected to pivot point 414 of lever arm 412. The opposite end portion of 422 of bolt member 418 is threaded, and projects through opening 426 of head 362. Knob or handle 430 has a hole with internal threads for engaging threaded end portion 422 of bolt member 418. Tightening rotation of handle 430 causes lever arm 412 to rotate around axis 400 in a clockwise direction, as shown in
In operation, when the front wheel of a bike hits the ramp at the front of the rear hoop, the weight of the bike pushes the ramp down and the rear hoop rotates up against the wheel. When the rear hoop raises up, the long bolt is driven towards the rear of the bike. The knob or handle (preferably red) is attached to the long bolt and also moves rearward, exposing about two inches of threads of the long bolt between the base and the red knob. The weight of the bike keeps the front wheel in position and the front wheel rotated up which allows the user to let go of the bike. The user spins the red knob until it is seated against the base then tightens the knob. With the knob tight against the base, the long bolt is prevented from moving forward and allowing the rear hoop to rotate down and release the bike.
To release the bike, the red knob is loosened until it hits a stop formed by a locking nut at the end of a long bolt. With the knob fully loose, a gap is formed between the knob and the base exposing the long bolt. The bike is then rolled rearward which allows the rear hoop to lower and the knob to move forward to the base. When the bike is released and removed, the front hoop is folded down toward the back of the mount.
As shown in
The sliding jaw or “claw” may be driven by a screw, for example, approximately 5 inches long. At one end of the screw is a knob. To lock the mount to the crossbar, a locking feature may be added to prevent the knob from turning. The locking solution may vary between products. Any solution that prevents the screw from turning may be used to lock the mount to the crossbars.
For smaller mounts, for example, such as boat, saddles or a wheelfork, the fixed jaw may be approximately 3-4 inches wide while the sliding jaw may be narrower, for example, 1-2 inches wide. To prevent crossbar damage on a larger mount like an upright bike mount, the load may be spread further apart. The upright bike mount may have a clamp area that is, for example, approximately 8 inches wide. Rather than have two sets of clamps 8 inches apart, the mount may have a pair of fixed jaws with one sliding jaw set between the fixed jaws. With only one center sliding jaw, the mount may be easier to attach to the crossbar.
Each front stationary jaw is about an inch wide. The total span, to the outside, of the two front jaws is at least six inches, or more preferably about seven inches. A wider span is more stable. If the jaw span is smaller, the loads on the crossbar are higher. This may cause small or weaker crossbars to fail. Also a seven inch wide clamp span coincides with a reasonable seven inch span for the width of the front wheel hoop. In a preferred design the space between the front jaws is about 4.75 inches. The gap reduces material, allows the rack to better fit crossbars with a slight crown. Having a gap also allows the mount to straddle or avoid other crossbar mounts, for example, mounting hooks for a fairing.
Each arm may define at least one slot 882. The slot may be formed near a distal end 884 of arm 860, generally with the distance of slot 882 from base 856 being about the same as or greater than a radius of wheel 848. Slot 882 may form a receiver at which axle 862 can be received from an end or a side of arms 860. In the present illustration, the slot has a mouth formed on the side of arm 860. The slot is generally wide enough to receive a segment of wheel axle 862. The slot may or may not be elongate and may extend along arm 60 and partially across the arm. In the present illustration, slot 882 extends both partially across and then along arm 860 on an L-shaped path. The slot may be elongate in a direction along arm 860 to permit wheels of different size (i.e., having distinct radii) to be used with the same wheel carrier. In other words, smaller wheels may have their axles disposed farther down slot 882 toward base 856, while larger wheels may have their axles disposed closer to distal end 884, when the wheel is secured to the carrier. In other embodiments, slot 882 may extend obliquely to the long axis of arm 860.
Base 856 may provide a bar mount or clamp 886. The clamp may opposingly engage bar 850 with a pair of jaws 888, 890, to fix the position of the wheel carrier on the bar. The jaws may be formed by a lower, depending portion of base 856.
Slidable jaw 890 may be driven in either direction along motion axis 916 by operation of a drive member 922. The drive member may be a threaded drive member disposed in threaded engagement with slidable jaw 890. For example, drive member 922 may include a threaded rod 924, namely, a drive screw that extends through slidable jaw 890. Drive member 922 may have a substantially fixed axial position in body 892, such that rotation of the drive member causes translational motion of slidable jaw 890 without net displacement of the drive member. The drive member also may include graspable handle or knob 898, which may be turned by hand to rotate threaded rod 924, which adjusts clamp 886.
Clamp 886 may be a “universal” clamp capable of effective engagement of bars having different cross-sectional shapes and/or sizes. To achieve this ability, fixed jaw 888 and slidable jaw 890 may have respective bar-engagement surfaces 930, 932 that are contoured to be wavy or sinuous in profile, to form a plurality of notches 934. More particularly, each surface 930, 932, in profile, may include a plurality of distinct concave and/or convex surface regions having different curvatures, a discernable and/or sharp boundary between adjoining surface regions, different shapes (angular versus curved), and/or the like. In some embodiments, the respective profiles of the fixed and slidable jaws may not (or may) be mirror images of one another. For example, in the present illustration, one of the jaws (fixed jaw 888) presents a more angular profile, while the other of the jaws (slidable jaw 890) presents a more curved profile.
The clamp may have any other suitable configuration. For example, the jaws of the clamp may pivot open and closed in a clamshell arrangement. Alternatively, or in addition, the jaws of the clamp may move relative to another along a vertical axis instead of the horizontal axis shown in
Wheel carrier 846 may include a lock 940 (e.g., a security lock) that is actuatable to place the lock in a locked position that blocks adjustment of clamp 886 and/or release of latches 906, 908 (see
Lock 940 may require a security token, such as a key, to pivot blocking member 942 from outside the wheel carrier. For example, blocking member 942 may be attached to a lock core 950, which may be disposed in a lock housing 952. The lock core and its attached blocking member 942 may be pivoted when a matching key is inserted in lock core 950 and turned. Thus, lock 940, in the locked position, may prevent an unauthorized person from opening clamp 886, thereby discouraging theft of the wheel carrier.
The lock may be flanked by opposing channels 990, 992 defined by openings formed in body 892. Each channel may receive an end of strap 866.
Latches 906, 908 each may be pivotably coupled to body 892 by a respective pin 994. Each latch may include a pawl 996 that is received between adjacent teeth 998 of strap 866, to restrict longitudinal motion of an end region of the strap. Each latch may be connected to a spring 999 that urges pawl 996 into engagement with teeth 998. The teeth may be biased in shape, to selectively permit tightening relative to loosening of the strap. Each latch may include an external lever or tab 1000, to permit a user to pivot pawl 996 out of engagement with the teeth, from outside the wheel carrier. However, each latch also may be equipped with an internal lever 1002 that also controls the ability of the latch to pivot. When blocking member 942 is in the locked position, as in
Blocking member 942, while blocking the ability of latches 906, 908 to be released, also may block rotation of fixture 944 of the drive member. As described previously with respect to
Adjustment device, for example, dial 1152 is provided for adjusting the effective length of shaft assembly 1142 to accommodate crossbars of different shapes and dimensions. Any adjustment device which allows modification of the effective length of shaft assembly 1142 may be used to alter the clamping function to suit different crossbar configurations. For example, dial 1152 may be keyed to a shaft which has a threaded connection to a busing or a nut member along the assembly.
Many alternatives and modifications of the examples described above, are possible and may be advantageous for different applications. For example, most of the examples include a “stationary” jaw combined with a “sliding” jaw. Similar designs may be useful in which both jaws may be movable or slidable along a horizontal clamping direction.
The various structural members disclosed herein may be constructed from any suitable material, or combination of materials, such as metal, plastic, nylon, plastic, rubber, or any other materials with sufficient structural strength to withstand the loads incurred during use. Materials may be selected based on their durability, flexibility, weight, and/or aesthetic qualities.
It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. An apparatus for securing cargo to a crossbar on top of a vehicle comprising
- a base having a top side, a bottom side, a clamping axis, and an internal track aligned with the clamping axis,
- a cargo supporting device fixed to the top side of the base,
- a first stationary jaw portion descending from the bottom side of the base, the jaw portion having an external surface and a concave internal surface configured for contacting a crossbar which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the clamping axis of the base,
- a sliding jaw member having a concave internal surface, the sliding jaw member being configured to move along the internal track of the base for clamping a crossbar cooperatively with the first stationary jaw portion, and
- an adjustment member connected to the sliding jaw member configured for manipulation to move the sliding jaw member back and forth along the internal track of the base, the adjustment member being accessible from the external surface of the stationary jaw portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal track defines a linear path.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the linear path is horizontal.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member has a shaft connecting the stationary jaw portion and the sliding jaw member.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the shaft has a proximal end portion engaging the stationary jaw portion and a distal end portion engaging the sliding jaw member, the distal end portion of the shaft having threads engaging internal threads on the sliding jaw member so that rotation of the shaft causes relative movement between the sliding jaw member and the stationary jaw portion.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the shaft has a proximal end portion engaging the stationary jaw portion and a distal end portion engaging the sliding jaw member, the proximal end portion of the shaft having threads engaging internal threads on the stationary jaw portion so that rotation of the shaft causes relative movement between the sliding jaw member and the stationary jaw portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device includes a handle accessible from the external surface of the stationary jaw portion, the handle including a screw knob.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device includes a lever mounted on a pivot axis perpendicular to the clamping axis, pivoting of the lever causing relative movement between the sliding jaw member and the stationary jaw member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the adjustment device further includes a shaft having a proximal end portion connected to the stationary jaw portion and a distal end portion connected to the sliding jaw member, the distal end portion of the shaft having a threaded engagement with the sliding jaw member so that rotation of the shaft causes movement of the sliding jaw relative to the stationary jaw portion.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein lever has an eccentric cam surface relative to the pivot axis.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cargo supporting device includes a saddle mount for supporting a boat hull.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cargo supporting device includes a bike mount for securing a bike.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cargo supporting device includes a wheel support for carrying a wheel.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cargo supporting device includes an elongate box.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising
- a second stationary jaw portion descending from the bottom side of the base, wherein the first and second stationary jaw portions straddle the internal track of the base, the sliding jaw being aligned with the internal track of the base.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising
- a lock device having a lock port accessible from the external surface of the stationary jaw portion configured to receive a key, the lock device having a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the lock device inhibits relative movement between the stationary jaw portion and the sliding jaw member when the lock device is in the locked position.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the adjustment member includes a shaft having threads engaging the sliding shaft, the lock device substantially preventing rotation of the shaft when the lock device is in the locked position.
18. An apparatus for securing cargo to a crossbar on top of a vehicle comprising
- a base having a top side, a bottom side, a clamping axis, and a track aligned with the clamping axis,
- a cargo supporting device fixed to the top side of the base,
- first and second stationary jaw portions descending from the bottom side of the base, each stationary jaw portion having a concave internal surface configured for contacting a crossbar which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the clamping axis of the base,
- a sliding jaw member having a concave internal surface, the sliding jaw member being configured to move along the track of the base for clamping a crossbar cooperatively with the first and second stationary jaw portions, the sliding jaw member being aligned with the clamping axis, the first and second stationary jaw members straddling the clamping axis, and
- an adjustment member connected to the sliding jaw member configured for manipulation to move the sliding jaw member back and forth along the track of the base.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the adjustment member includes a shaft oriented parallel to the track, and a handle connected to the shaft, rotation of the handle causing rotation of the shaft and movement of the sliding jaw member.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cargo supporting device includes an elongate wheel tray for supporting a bike.
21. An apparatus for securing cargo to a crossbar on top of a vehicle comprising
- a base having a top side, a bottom side, a clamping axis, and an internal track aligned with the clamping axis,
- a cargo supporting device fixed to the top side of the base,
- a first stationary jaw portion descending from the bottom side of the base, the jaw portion having an external surface and a concave internal surface configured for contacting a crossbar which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the clamping axis of the base,
- a sliding jaw member having a concave internal surface, the sliding jaw member being configured to move along the internal track of the base for clamping a crossbar cooperatively with the first stationary jaw portion, each of the concave internal surfaces of the stationary jaw portion and the sliding jaw member having a plurality of recesses, each of the recesses being oriented substantially perpendicular to the clamping axis, and
- an adjustment member connected to the sliding jaw member configured for manipulation to move the sliding jaw member back and forth along the internal track of the base.
22. A car top carrier comprising
- a box having opposing lateral sides, a top, a bottom, a front end, and a rear end, the bottom having a floor, the floor having an inner surface and an outer surface, the top and the bottom being connected via hinge mechanisms along the opposing lateral sides of the box, the hinge mechanisms being capable of unlatching allowing the box to be alternately opened on opposing lateral sides of the box,
- strut members connecting the top to the bottom on the front and rear ends of the box to assist in holding the box open,
- a plurality of clamp devices mounted to the floor configured to secure the box to a pair of crossbars on top of a vehicle, each clamp device including first and second jaw portions moveable relative to each other along a horizontal linear axis and extending from the outer surface of the floor, each clamp device further including a tightening mechanism mounted on the inner surface of the floor for controlling movement of corresponding jaw portions relative to each other on the outer surface of the floor.
23. The car top carrier of claim 22, wherein the tightening mechanism includes a base and a lever, the lever being pivotally mounted relative to the base and moveable between clamped and unclamped positions, the lever moving through an over-center position as it moves between clamped and unclamped positions.
24. The car top carrier of claim 23 further comprising a screw mechanism for adjusting the effect of the lever as it pivots, relative to the distance between the jaw portions.
25. The car top carrier of claim 22, wherein one of the jaw portions remains stationary relative to the base, the other jaw portion being moveable along the horizontal linear axis.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 15, 2010
Publication Date: Jun 16, 2011
Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
Inventors: Chris Sautter (Portland, OR), John Mark Elliott (Beaverton, OR), Dave Condon (Wilsonville, OR)
Application Number: 12/816,121
International Classification: B60R 9/048 (20060101);