Carrier With Locking Means Patents (Class 224/315)
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Publication number: 20110297712Abstract: The locking member of the present invention includes a main body, at least one engaging portion, a slidable rod and a locking element. The main body defines at least one first bore, at least one chamber and at least one second bore. The chamber communicates the first bore with the second bore. The engaging portion is movably disposed in the chamber, and the engaging portion is formed with a teeth portion adjacent to the first bore. The locking clement includes at least one rod member, which has an engaging end formed with a teeth section. The engaging end is slidably disposed in the first bore. The slidable rod is slidably disposed in the second bore and selectively abuts against the engaging portion so that the teeth portion engages with the teeth section, and the rod member is thus positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: JACK C.T. SHEN
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Publication number: 20110233246Abstract: A roof rack system includes structures for connecting item holders to crossbars which simplify the attachment the item holders. The structures include slots in the crossbars and extensions on the items holders to mate with the slots. One of the crossbars includes a locking mechanism for locking the item holders into the crossbar. The locking mechanism includes a rod within the crossbar which mates with the extension on the item holder to retain the extension within the crossbar.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventor: Thomas Vollbrecht
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Patent number: 8016171Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system incorporating at least one single sided release cross bar assembly. The cross bar assembly includes first and second end support assemblies. Detachment or adjustable positioning of the cross bar assembly is made by a user engaging a locking element in a first one of the end support assemblies and moving a cross bar of the cross bar assembly linearly, telescopically slidably into a second one of the end support assemblies. This causes a release of tension provided by a biasing element in the second end support assembly, thus enabling the entire cross bar assembly to be removed from the side rails. The single biasing element in the second cross bar assembly provides a constant tension on latching elements mounted in each of the first and second end support assemblies, which maintain each of the assemblies in locking engagement with the side rails.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M Aftanas
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Patent number: 7926685Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system having at least one single side releasable cross bar. The cross bar includes end support assemblies at opposite ends thereof. Each end support assembly includes a pivotally mounted locking member which can be locked and unlocked relative to an associated side rail. Both of the locking members can be locked and unlocked by a user manually engaging one of the locking members and pivotally moving it into an unlocked position. This causes simultaneous pivoting movement of the locking member at the opposite end of the cross bar so that both the locking members are simultaneously locked and unlocked from their respective side rails. When in the unlocked position, the cross bar can be lifted directly off of the side rails, thus eliminating the need for any disassembly of the side rails when the user desires to remove the cross bar entirely from the side rails.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M Aftanas
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Publication number: 20100327032Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system that may have a pair of support rails and at least one cross bar. The cross bar may have an end support at each opposing end thereof. Each of the support rails may include an elongated recess extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof, where the elongated recess may be shaped generally in accordance with the cross bar, for receiving the cross bar when the cross bar is placed in a stowed orientation. Each of the support rails may further have at least one primary locking bar for supporting said cross bar in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and at least a pair of secondary locking bars for supporting the cross bar in said elongated recess when the cross bar is placed in the stowed orientation in one of the support rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: JAC Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
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Publication number: 20100320244Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system is adapted to be secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system may include a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface and at least one cross bar. The cross bar may have end supports that are able to pivot. The end supports may be secured to the support rails to place the cross bars in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and elevationally above the support rails. The end supports may also enable the cross bar to be placed in a stowed position along the slats where each of the end supports lay generally co-linear with a central portion its respective cross bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Conde M. Gonzalez, Michael Makin, Gordon Michie
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Patent number: 7845528Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Inventor: Michael McMillan
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Publication number: 20100264179Abstract: A roof rack assembly is provided for a motor vehicle roof. The roof rack assembly includes a support member adapted to be fixedly secured to the roof. The support member includes first and second flanges extending out therefrom. A crossrail is releasably coupled to the support member for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The crossrail is engageable with the first flange when in the stowed position and engageable with the second flange when in the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Jeffrey R. Johnson, Desmond P. Jamieson, Alexander C. Laursen
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Publication number: 20100252595Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system for use on an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system may have a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface. At least one cross bar having a pair of end supports extends between the support rails. Each end support has a housing and a rotatable locking component secured to the housing for rotatable movement. One of the housing and the rotatable locking component has a biased implement projecting therefrom, and the other has a plurality of structural elements arranged in a circumferential pattern. The biased implement engages with at least one of the structural elements to provide an additional holding force to the rotatable locking component when the rotatable locking component has been tightened.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: John M. Heuchert, Eric Weber, Michael R. Makin, Gerald L. Drumm, Gordon Michie
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Patent number: 7806306Abstract: A system and method for forming a vehicle article carrier having a single side release crossbar assembly. The crossbar assembly includes a trigger style, horizontally arranged actuating lever that simultaneously locks and unlocks a pair of locking pins at opposite ends of the crossbar assembly from their respective support rails. The support rails are fixedly secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle such that the crossbar assembly is supported above the outer body surface. The single side release feature eliminates the need for the operator to walk back and forth to both sides of the vehicle to unlock and lock the crossbar assembly when the crossbar assembly needs to be repositioned on the support rails.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
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Patent number: 7802707Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus and method incorporating a single side releasable crossbar assembly. In one embodiment the crossbar assembly includes a pair of end supports that each includes an actuating member. In one embodiment the actuating member is formed by a pivotally mounted actuating lever. In another embodiment the actuating member is formed by a rotationally mounted, trigger style actuating member. In either embodiment, the actuating member is movable between locked and unlocked positions. Each end support also includes a locking pin having a pivot wheel carried thereon. A cable is entrained around the pulley wheel of each locking pin, and the ends of the cable are coupled to the actuating members. Either actuating member can be used to simultaneously lock and unlock the locking pins of both end supports from a pair of support rails on which the cross bar assembly is supported.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
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Patent number: 7780050Abstract: The cargo rack assembly a support rack such as the roof rack of a vehicle to assist in the loading and unloading of cargo onto the support rack. The assembly includes load bars connected to base bars via a pivoting lever; the load bars include straps and load arms for securing cargo to the assembly. The base bars are affixed to the support rack and the load bars and pivoting levers transition between a secured position and a loading/unloading position in a smooth motion. The assembly may include a tensioning system for biasing the load bars to the secure position to aid the user in lifting the cargo.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Timothy Tucker
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Patent number: 7766200Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Byung-Hwa Park, Hee-Deog Kim
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Patent number: 7726529Abstract: A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventor: Aaron J. Foley
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Publication number: 20100116858Abstract: A carrier for elongated equipment for sports, such as hockey or the like is arranged to be mounted on a roof transport rack of an automotive vehicle. The carrier is molded from a high impact plastic material and consists of an elongated straight portion integrally attached to an angular offset portion defining an elbow between the two portions. The carrier is mounted to the roof transport rack with the angular offset end facing the rear of the vehicle such that a cover door mounted to the carrier can be pivoted downward to gain access to the interior space of the carrier and hockey sticks may conveniently be loaded into the carrier, handle end first, whereafter the cover member is pivoted to a closed and locked position to contain the hockey sticks within the interior space of the carrier during transporting thus avoiding interference with passengers in the interior portion of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Jeffery T. Foley
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Publication number: 20100078454Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Chris Sautter, Kevin E. Lesley
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Publication number: 20090314814Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle rack for holding hockey sticks including a rack with a base. A lower cushion bar is attached to an upper surface of the base. A clamping arm is pivotally coupled to a lock bracket extending upwardly from the base. An upper cushion bar is attached to a lower surface of the clamping arm. The clamping arm is pivotably moveable between an open position to receive one or more hockey sticks and a closed position for clamping the received hockey sticks between the lower cushion bar and the upper cushion bar. A latch downwardly extends from an end of the clamping arm in the closed position. The latch aligns with the base. The locking bracket and the latch can have a similar shape in order to maintain the lower cushion bar and upper cushion bar in a parallel relationship to one another in the closed position. The rack can be attached to the roof of a vehicle with one or more magnets attached to the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Michael ROSS
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Publication number: 20090308902Abstract: A container for at least one surfboard is disclosed. The container includes a top shell having at least one hollow projection projecting outwardly from the outside surface and a bottom shell pivotally connected to the top shell with at least one hinge means. Each fin projection is adapted to receive at least one of the fins of each surfboard. The container is provided with at least one air inlet aperture and at least one air exhaust aperture. The bottom shell may further include a rack fixed to the inside surface to securely hold at least one wetsuit, towel, or other item. The invention further includes a vehicle attachment means adapted to secure the container to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventor: Michael D. Rex
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Patent number: 7549307Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an object to a vehicle comprises a mounting bracket for being fixedly secured to a vehicle. A mating unit is removably secured to the mounting unit, the mating unit comprising an adjustable shackle and a locking mechanism, the adjustable shackle operative to secure an object, such as a surfboard, snowboard, wakeboard, or skis, to the mating unit and mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventor: Donald A. Bistline
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Publication number: 20090120982Abstract: Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Jeff Castro, Eric Roesinger, Kevin Lesley
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Publication number: 20080308590Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Donald R. Potter, John M. Heuchert
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Publication number: 20080264989Abstract: The vehicular roof rack cargo carrier system of the preferred embodiment includes rotary latch housing units that can be affixed to roof rack crossbars (also referred to as load bars) plus cargo carrier vessels that have exterior-positioned built-in retention rods. The rotary latch—retention rod system enables carriers to be securely attached to and easily disengaged from roof racks when the carriers themselves are filled with content. The carriers then become portable enabling designs with features such as wheels and handles. Taken altogether, the system enables the creation of content-filled cargo carriers that have product functionality and consumer purpose away from point of vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Thomas John Barquinero, William Paul Smith
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Publication number: 20080264988Abstract: A roof-rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having a first support member extending along a length thereof. A second support member is spaced apart from the first support member and extends along a length of the roof. At least one cross-member extends between and is attached to the first support member and the second support member and is movable between a use position and a stowed position relative to the roof. The at least one cross-member extends away from a surface of the roof in the use position and is received generally within the roof in the stowed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Richmond P. Thomas, Brett Ladetto, Jacek Dubiel, Daniel T. Griffin, Carl Mather, David E. Dawkins, Paresh Rana, George Konstantakopoulos
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Patent number: 7441679Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: SportRack LLCInventors: John H. Harberts, John Edward Klinkman
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Publication number: 20080257925Abstract: A ski rack with horizontal storage is disclosed which may be removably affixed to a conventional trailer hitch on a vehicle. The ski rack includes a base which is parallel to the rear bumper of the vehicle. The base includes a pair of hinges. A rear carrier is rotatably affixed to the hinges and rotates downward and rearward. A front carrier is complimentary to the rear carrier, but remains substantially vertical Skis or snow boards may be secured between the rear carrier and the front carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Wesley Brooks
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Patent number: 7434425Abstract: A golf club securing mechanism includes a rigid member and a flexible member. The flexible member is wovenly engaged with the rigid member to define one or more golf club holding regions between the flexible member and the rigid member. The flexible member can be manipulated to vary a size of the one or more golf club holding regions such that in a loose position a golf club can be positioned within one of the golf club holding regions and in a tightened position the golf club is tightly fixed between the rigid member and the flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventors: Roger O. Mahre, Charles R. Halverson
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Patent number: 7422130Abstract: A vehicular roof rack system has a cross bar that employs a base member, a top member that is retractable to a position within the base member, a spring for biasing the top member away from the base member, and a spring case encompassing the spring to limit spring extension and thus protraction of the top member. The spring case is a two-piece case within which the spring biases against the base member when the top member is in its stowed position to place the top member in its protracted position. The top member and the base member fit together in the retracted position to form an aerodynamic part to permit the cross bar to reduce drag and wind noise when moved through a medium. When protracted, the top member and the bottom member define a gap therebetween so that cargo to be secured can be tied to the top member.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventor: Mobeen Shaukat
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Patent number: 7419074Abstract: A roof rack includes a pair of roof rails extended in parallel each other and connected to a roof of a vehicle, a cross rail extended perpendicular to the roof rail for connecting the roof rails, and a stopper mechanism including a handle operable for fixing the cross rail to the roof rails. The cross rail is movable relative to the roof rail when the handle is at a first position and the cross rail is immovable relative to the roof rail when then handle is at a second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsuyoshi Kamiya, Hironori Koeda, Daiichi Shiraishi, Kazuo Mori
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Publication number: 20080197162Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle is provided, including a side rail and a cross rail. The side rail includes a top surface that defines, at least in part, a maximum height of the side rail. The cross rail is operable to be secured to the side rail in a stowed position and a deployed position. The cross rail is located generally below the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the stowed position, and the cross rail is above the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: John E. Klinkman, John H. Harberts, Gary Fulkerson
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Publication number: 20080169322Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: MICHAEL MCMILLAN
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Publication number: 20080128461Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus, having a simple structure, for locking a cross bar to side bars of a roof carrier. In the present invention, the side bars are provided at opposite sides on a roof panel of a vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A plurality of locking holes is formed in the inner surface of each side bar at regular intervals. The cross bar is coupled at opposite ends thereof to respective side bars in a lateral direction of the vehicle so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the side bars. The locking apparatus includes a pair of locking members, which are removably inserted into the locking holes of the respective side bars, a wire, which is provided in the cross bar to couple the locking members to each other, and a spacing device, which bends the wire and thus removes the locking members from the side bars. As such, the present invention has a simple structure using the wire, thus reducing production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Cheon Bok Lee
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Publication number: 20080121671Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Robert G. Cronce, Terry L. Obermesik, David W. Gabbard, John H. Harberts, John E. Klinkman
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Publication number: 20080116237Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Byung-Hwa PARK, Hee-Deog KIM
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Patent number: 7328823Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventor: Scott R. Allen
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Publication number: 20080017679Abstract: A roof box comprising: (a) a bottom part comprising a bottom section and side sections projecting upwardly from the bottom section, the bottom section being adapted for mounting the roof box to a roof area of a vehicle; (b) a top part movable relative to the bottom part between an opened position and a closed position, the top part comprising a top section and side sections projecting downwardly from the top section, wherein, in the closed position, the bottom section and the side sections of the bottom part and the top section and the side sections of the top part define an internal volume for storing objects in the roof box, the top part comprising first and second polymeric walls joined together at the side sections of the top part to define an interior space between the first and second polymeric walls; and (c) at least one strengthening element provided in the top section of the top part, each strengthening element being made of a respective portion of the first polymeric wall fused to a corresponding poType: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: Philippe LEBLANC, Stephan DEMERS, Elaine DESJARDINS
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Patent number: 7311176Abstract: A ladder retaining assembly for securing a ladder or multiple ladders to a vehicle rack, the assembly includes a rail formed as a channel to receive a ladder or multiple ladders, a sleeve attached to the rail that can be easily attached and removed from a vehicle rack, and a means to secure the ladder retaining assembly and the ladder or ladders to a vehicle rack.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: Robert B. Stevens
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Patent number: 7240815Abstract: An arrangement for securing a load carrier to a transporting vehicle that includes an anchor mechanism adapted for securement to a transporting vehicle and for releasable engagement with a carrier foot. The carrier foot has a latching mechanism for releasable engagement with the anchor mechanism. The latching mechanism is adapted for latching engagement to, and disengagement from the anchor mechanism by movement of the carrier foot in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the carrier foot. An example of such movement is vertical movement substantially of an up and down nature. The latching mechanism has a latching and an unlatching configuration and the latching mechanism is urged toward the latching configuration by a resilient biasing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Thomas A. Chimenti, Fred Clark, Andreas Arvidsson
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Publication number: 20070152001Abstract: Disclosed herein is a crossbar locking device for removably locking the opposite ends of a crossbar to respective roof racks. The crossbar locking device of the present invention includes operating modules, which are provided on the respective opposite ends of the crossbar, and a cable, which couples the operating modules to each other such that the operating modules are operated in conjunction with each other. Therefore, the present invention has an advantage in that, when one operating module is operated, the two operating modules are simultaneously locked to or unlocked from the respective roof racks. Furthermore, because the present invention has a structure such that locking pins are locked to respective roof racks, there is an advantage in that reliable locking force is ensured.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Hyun-Young CHO, Hee-Deog KIM
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Patent number: 7234617Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing dual anti-theft locks protecting an elongate object stored on a load bar of a load carrier. A bracket is attached to a retainer using connecting fasteners secured by connecting knobs to firmly attach the apparatus to the load bar when the load bar lies between the bracket and the retainer. A lever extending from the retainer controls a first locking mechanism having a gripper cable for wrapping the elongate object tightly against the retainer. The lever also controls a second locking mechanism coupling the lever to at least one latch that prevents rotation of one or more connecting knobs to prevent removal of the apparatus from the load bar. A lock limits movement of the lever to prevent or allow release of the elongate object from the retainer and the apparatus from the load bar.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Gregor Weaver, Mark Viklund, Vincent Bove, Kevin W. Harris
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Patent number: 7201025Abstract: A golf club securing mechanism includes a rigid member and a flexible member. The flexible member is wovenly engaged with the rigid member to define one or more golf club holding regions between the flexible member and the rigid member. The flexible member can be manipulated to vary a size of the one or more golf club holding regions such that in a loose position a golf club can be positioned within one of the golf club holding regions and in a tightened position the golf club is tightly fixed between the rigid member and the flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Inventors: Roger O. Mahre, Charles R. Halverson
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Patent number: 7111764Abstract: A clamp assembly secures a first article to a second article. The clamp assembly includes first and second spaced-apart article holders adapted for engaging respective first and second articles. An elongated gear rack interconnects the first and second article holders. A pinion operatively engages the gear rack, and is adapted for moving the first article holder along the gear rack relative to the second article holder. A locking bar has a plurality of spaced teeth adapted for meshing with respective teeth of the gear rack in a locked position. The locking bar is moveable between the locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the meshing teeth of the locking bar and gear rack cooperate to prevent linear movement of the first article holder relative to the second article holder, thereby securing the first article to the second article.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Nordman Corporation of NCInventors: Robert F. Smith, Michael S. Richardson
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Patent number: 7108162Abstract: On a roof rack fixedly connected with the vehicle roof, a so-called loading aid is arranged which, in a loading position, can be swung out inclinedly on the sides of the vehicle, so that bicycles or the like can be placed on this loading aid by corresponding transport fixtures and, after being fitted with the bicycles, the loading aid can be pushed back into a transport position onto the roof.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, Mont Blan Industri ABInventors: Bernd Stadler, Dan Svenningsson
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Patent number: 7080714Abstract: A ladder securing device for securing a ladder to a device attached to a vehicle for safe transport and security. The ladder securing device includes at least a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first base piece positioned upon a structure member. The first base piece comprises first and second side pieces whereon an upper piece is coupled to the first side piece. The second section comprises a second base piece and first and second side pieces. The first side piece of the second base piece includes an upper piece secured thereon. The second side piece includes a locking mechanism which may be comprised of both a securing arm and a locking arm, or just a securing arm, wherein the securing arm secures the ladder to the device while the locking arm may be locked to a locking arm receiver for locking the securing arm over the ladder to provide security against movement and theft.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Inventor: John Stout
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Patent number: 6997657Abstract: A stanchion for an article carrier system comprises a main body member having a cavity extending inwardly of the main body member from a plate. A floor of said cavity includes a first plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. The stanchion further includes an arm having an end sized to rotate within the cavity. The cavity includes a bottom edge that includes a second plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. A post is also included in the stanchion and has a first end positioned within the cavity and secured to the arm. The post also has a second end that includes a cleat. The first plurality of ramps and the second plurality of ramps are configured to cooperate to raise and lower the cleat in relation to the main body member when the arm is rotated about the main body member.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: SportRack LLCInventor: Ronald G. Saward
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Patent number: 6929162Abstract: An apparatus for locking a ladder to a vehicle mounted carrier. The apparatus includes a platform assembly to which a ladder is mounted. The platform assembly includes a plurality of v-notch shaped clips that are positioned to grasp rungs of the ladder. The clips are curved in a similar shape to the claw end of a hammer and biased in a direction to hold the ladder firmly on the vehicle carrier.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: Lawrence R Jordan
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Patent number: 6905053Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Watermark PaddleSports, Inc.Inventor: Scott R. Allen
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Patent number: 6796470Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a rack component, such as a crossbar, to a vehicle rack, and apparatus that include the coupling device. The coupling device includes a first portion for attachment to the rack component and a second portion for coupling to the vehicle rack. A fastener member moves along an axis to couple the second portion to the vehicle rack. The coupling device also includes a security mechanism. The security mechanism may be implemented volitionally and/or irreversibly. The security mechanism prohibits movement of the fastener member that would uncouple the second portion from the vehicle rack but allows limited movement of the fastener member along the axis. The limited movement adjusts the second portion between fixed and movable conditions on the vehicle rack, allowing the rack component to be re-positioned on the vehicle rack but not removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Watermark PaddleSports, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith, Joseph J. Settelmayer
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Patent number: 6793186Abstract: A clamp for use with a cross bar of an existing vehicle article carrier to allow accessory vehicle article carrier components to be secured to the cross bar. The clamp includes a base portion and a clamp element hingedly coupled to the base portion. A locking assembly allows the clamp element to be secured to the base portion without any external tools. The locking assembly includes an over-center locking lever which can be pretightened before being moved from an unlatched into a latched position to thus allow a pre-tightening force to be applied to the clamp element. The clamp element also includes a C-shaped channel for receiving a tap plate or other similar component associated with an accessory article carrier component.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: JAC Products Inc.Inventor: Magnus E. Pedersen
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Patent number: 6779696Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle having a cross bar with a pair of end supports at each end, where each end support can be simultaneously locked or unlocked by lifting an actuating member of either end support. A principal advantage of the construction of the end supports is that the actuating member thereof can be urged between its locked and unlocked positions without protruding significantly from the end support, and therefore without requiring a significant degree of clearance between the end support and the outer body surface of the vehicle. Thus, the cross bar can be placed closer to the outer body surface of the vehicle while still allowing the actuating member of each end support to be articulated between its locked and unlocked positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Donald R. Potter, Gordon E. Michie, Lambert F. Sellers
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Patent number: 6766929Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Peter Karlsson