Carrier Attached To Carrier Patents (Class 224/319)
  • Patent number: 11833400
    Abstract: A cornhole training device for simulating practice scenarios involving a blocking bag positional a cornhole game board. The cornhole training device integrates a suction component and a stabilizing plate with a cornhole bag. The stabilizing plate is retained within a pocket attached to an inside of the cornhole bag with the suction component extending through the pocket, the stabilizing plate, and the cornhole bag. The suction component attaches to and engages the cornhole gameboard surface. Alternatively, the device is configured to attach the suction component, the stabilizing plate, and the pocket to an existing cornhole bag. The cornhole training device is positional anywhere on the gameboard to simulate a cornhole bag obstructing the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Jeff Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11459048
    Abstract: An adapter fixable to a bike mount of a bike supporting unit for changing the dimension of said bike mount such that a predetermined bike axle mount type of several bike axle mount types configured to be supported on the bike mount. The adapter is configured as a multiway adapter comprising at least two different adapter sections each provided to adapt the bike mount to a specific one of the different bike axle mount types so that by means of the adapter, the bike mount can be adapted to at least two different bike axle mount types. Furthermore, a bike mount for receiving the adapter and a bike mount system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: David Ardmar, Parke Pleasants, Michael Schmidt, Philip Hazeltine, Daniel Karlsson, Mark Thibadeau, Eric Hassett
  • Patent number: 11364976
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an item on a horizontal rail is disclosed. The apparatus may include a bracket having a hanger portion, a support portion, an elongated body extending from the hanger portion to the support portion, and a retaining strap that runs from the hanger portion to the support portion. Also disclosed is a system for mounting an item on a horizontal rail. The system may include a bracket having a hanger portion, a support portion, an elongated body extending from the hanger portion to the support portion, a retaining strap, and the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Paul Grayson
  • Patent number: 11097664
    Abstract: An attachment device for a load carrier includes a housing, a first attachment member, a second attachment member, an actuation member, and a locking system. The first and second attachment members apply a clamping force to an elongate member (such as a cross bar of a roof rack) between the first attachment member and the second attachment member. The actuation member is configured to apply a closing force to the first attachment member and is maneuverable from an open position to a closed position. The locking system is configured to resiliently accumulate a portion of the closing force when the closing force applied to the actuation member or the first attachment member exceeds a predefined load, regardless of the size of the elongate member but within a range of motion of the first and second attachment members, during the transition from its open position to its locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Joachim Vidar
  • Patent number: 10576903
    Abstract: An upright bicycle carrier may include an elongate base having a pair of parallel rails and a hoop-style wheel capture device. A rear wheel receiver may be adjustably coupled in sliding engagement with a first slot in each of the rails, and a rear crossbar clamp may be adjustably coupled in a second slot in each of the rails, such that the receiver and the clamp are capable of overlapping adjustment ranges. The wheel capture device may include a pair of hoop structures pivotable on a same axis of rotation and securable by a rotatable locking knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcos Henry Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10150423
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 10131288
    Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle that may include a crossbar and a pair of coupler assemblies for connecting opposing ends of the crossbar to raised rails on top of the vehicle. Each coupler assembly may include a body, a securing assembly to secure the body to the raised roof rail, and a crossbar clamp, where the securing assembly and the crossbar clamp are independently adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Mark Elliott
  • Patent number: 9695977
    Abstract: A multi-function clamp with integrated universal mount for an electronic device, such as a camera phone or tablet computer is described. The clamp may be adapted to support the electronic device in a variety of configurations, such as placed upon a desktop, strapped to a user's hand or fastened to a multiple of photography stability devices, such as a tripod or shoulder rig. The clamp may also allow secure mounting of electronic device to a number of objects, such as a tree, handlebar, auto interior, etc. when used with elastomer, adhesive or hook and loop straps. The clamp may be used with an electronic control module that mounts to a shoe on the clamp and electronically connects with the electronic device. The clamp may be used in combination with a hot shoe for attachment to a conventional SLR camera, wherein a camera phone is either wirelessly or with a wire interfaced to the SLR so that activation of the camera phone simultaneously activates the SLR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Gript Inc.
    Inventors: John Blalock, Martin Phipps
  • Patent number: 9421918
    Abstract: A load carrier foot, and a load carrying roof rack for a vehicle having at least one such load carrier foot. The load carrier foot has a lock arrangement for locking a load carrying bar to the load carrier foot comprising a wedge member, a tensioning member. The wedge member is adapted to cooperate with the tensioning member so that upon operation of the tensioning member. A clamping member is further arranged in working cooperation with the tensioning member. The present invention provides for a load carrying foot having a lock arrangement which requires little space inside of the load carrying bar to lock the load carrying bar to the load carrying foot, it permits the load carrier foot to be attached to the load carrying bar in a plurality of positions and it enables the load carrying bar to be attached to the load carrying foot while at the same time attach to the vehicle using the same tensioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Anders Lundgren
  • Patent number: 9333922
    Abstract: A kayak holder configurable between an open, load-receiving configuration and a closed, stored configuration can include an elongate support arm and a base. The base can be releasably mountable upon a load bar of a carrying vehicle. The elongate support arm can be anchored to a hub having an axle rotatably coupled to the base. The base can comprise a keyway assembly that releasably receives a mating key assembly on the axle. A biasing member interposed longitudinally between the axle and the base configured to bias the at least one support arm toward a locked position. The at least one support arm is unidirectionally axially displaced relative to the base between the locked position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: John Laverack, Greg G. Weaver, David Mathieu, Joseph Paul
  • Patent number: 9067522
    Abstract: A kayak holder configurable between an open, load-receiving configuration and a closed, stored configuration can include an elongate support arm and a base. The base can be releasably mountable upon a load bar of a carrying vehicle. The elongate support arm can be anchored to a hub having an axle rotatably coupled to the base. The base can comprise a keyway assembly that releasably receives a mating key assembly on the axle. The elongate support arm can have a locked position where the key assembly is interference-engaged in the keyway assembly and an unlocked position where the key assembly axially displaced from the locked position out of interference-engagement with the keyway assembly. The key assembly can include a key adapted to be located in a keyway of the keyway assembly in the locked position, thereby blocking rotation of the arm relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: John Laverack, Greg G. Weaver, David Mathieu, Joseph Paul
  • Publication number: 20150028072
    Abstract: A convertible mounting bracket (100) capable of securement onto load carrier bars (200, 202) of different dimensions is presented. The bracket (100) can include an elongate first jaw body (102), elongate second jaw body (110), and a flip-connector (130). The flip-connector (130) can be interconnected to a first end (112) of the second jaw body (110) by a pivot connection (140). In a first orientation (152) of the second jaw body (110), a first (120) of at least two load bar engaging surfaces (121, 123) of the second jaw body (110) is facing a load bar engaging surface (108) of the first jaw body (102). In a second orientation (154) of the second jaw body (110), a second (122) of the at least two load bar engaging surfaces (121, 123) of the second jaw body (110) is facing the load bar engaging surface (108) of the first jaw body (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Ash PATEL
  • Patent number: 8905277
    Abstract: A cable transport carrier facility is proposed. The cable transport carrier facility is designed for transport of system cables installed on a medical imaging facility and is able to be installed on the medical imaging facility. The cable transport carrier facility has at least one component which is made at least partly of an organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Maciejewski, Jörg Christopher Stapf
  • Patent number: 8905278
    Abstract: A cargo box is configured for mounting on crossbars on top of a vehicle. The cargo box includes a control assembly for operating a latch assembly on one side of the cargo box. The control assembly includes a toggle switch which may be enabled or disabled by operation of a lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elliot, Dave Condon
  • Patent number: 8807407
    Abstract: The application relates to an adjustment mechanism for altering the position of roof box clamps and/or the roof box position on a vehicle. Adjustment of the roof box position relative to a vehicle may be completed without unclamping the roof box from the vehicle roof rack or racks. The clamp or clamps may also be positioned easily relative to roof rack positions prior to fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Hubbard, Bruce John Robertson
  • Publication number: 20140209647
    Abstract: An adapter for a vehicle mount having a base portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a high friction element, the high friction element reducing a lateral movement of the base portion when positioned on an exterior surface of vehicle, and a receiver disposed on the base portion, the receiver configured to receive a portion of a vehicle mount, wherein a load of the vehicle mount is distributed across the surface area of the base portion is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Bernhardt D. DeGuile, Debra A. DeGuile
  • Patent number: 8763870
    Abstract: A bike mount for securing a bike on a vehicle includes a wheel clamp and securing devices for mounting bikes of various types, dimensions, and styles in one or more tray portions, extending between a pair of crossbars or other support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventor: Brian F. Davis
  • Patent number: 8757457
    Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8733604
    Abstract: A roller load assisted roof-top carrier for elongate articles such as kayak boats. The roof-top carrier includes a space frame having at least a U-shaped portion, the legs of which are each slidingly mountable to each of a front and back cross bar of a vehicular roof rack. In this manner, the space frame translates unitarily relative to the vehicular roof rack. Forward and back cross members are provided that are mounted upon the space frame, the front cross member carrying a pair of kayak saddles, each faced with a friction inducing material for discouraging slippage between a secured kayak and the space frame and the back cross member carrying a pair of guide panels, each faced with a slip inducing material for encouraging slippage between a kayak being loaded on or unloaded from the space frame. A roller is mounted on a back bight portion of the space frame, the roller being located at a fixed spacing with respect to the front and back cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Frederick G. Murray, Kevin W. Harris
  • Publication number: 20140131405
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to devices that can be used for mounting and securing skis, snowboards, among other equipment to vehicle roof racks (e.g., luggage racks, factory-installed racks, after-market racks, etc.), such as those having crossbars. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a device suitable for use in securing an article to a vehicle roof rack having one or more crossbars. The device generally includes at least one hook component including a curved portion configured to be hooked under a crossbar of a vehicle roof rack. The device also includes a clamping apparatus operable for creating a clamping force to secure the device and the article to the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Noonan
  • Patent number: 8690033
    Abstract: A tank assembly is configured for attachment to a mount of a tire carrier of a vehicle. The tank assembly includes a hub reservoir and a flange reservoir. The hub reservoir radially surrounds a central axis and is configured for connection to, and being supported by, the mount of the tire carrier. The flange reservoir extends radially from the hub reservoir about the central axis. The hub reservoir and the flange reservoir cooperate to define a cavity which is configured for holding a volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Streetcar ORV LLC
    Inventor: David Harriton
  • 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: 8646667
    Abstract: A roof rack device includes a base with a first through hole disposed on a car roof and two carrier members with a second through hole disposed on the base. The base is provided with pin and control members. The control member has a first buckle portion and a cam which pushes the pin member into the first and second through holes or out of the second through hole. The outer end of each carrier member has a lock seat with a second buckle portion. When the first and second buckle portions are engaged, the cam keeps the pin member in the first and second through holes and the carrier members are retracted. When the first and second buckle portions are disengaged, the cam acts on the pin member to disengage from the second through hole and the carrier members can be extended for dismounting the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: BETO Engineering and Marketing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lopin Wang
  • Patent number: 8517237
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and system for vehicle roof rack pads that provide improved support, aerodynamics, and cushioning. The pad includes an aerodynamically shaped elongated tubular member, wherein a cross-section of the pad has an airfoil exterior shape with a leading edge and a trailing edge and has a lengthwise interior hole therein for receiving a crossbar and one or more slots along the trailing edge for receiving tie down straps, where the slots are placed at a radial depth so as to prevent deformation of the trailing edge and the exterior airfoil shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Barber
  • Patent number: 8496145
    Abstract: A vehicle rack for carrying a bicycle wheel, a wheel carrier mountable on a load supporting bar of a vehicle rack, and methods of using a vehicle rack and/or wheel carrier to hold a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel carrier may include a base, a pair of arms connected to the base and defining slots for receiving an axle of a bicycle wheel, and a strap securable to the base over a rim of the bicycle wheel to restrict removal of the wheel from the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder, Doug Fjelland, Charles Kraeuter
  • Patent number: 8444033
    Abstract: A device for attaching accessories to a vehicle roof bar, the device comprising, a threaded control rod, two threaded nuts threaded onto the control rod, two guide bodies, wherein each of the guide bodies has one of the threaded nuts positioned within the guide body, a C-shaped rail, wherein each of the guide bodies and each of the threaded nuts are positioned within the C-shaped rail; two jaws, each of the jaws being attached to one of the guide bodies and a first portion of each jaw being located outside the C-shaped rail, whereby rotation of the control rod in a first direction causes the guide bodies to move towards each other thereby allowing a second portion of the jaws to contact the vehicle roof bar, and where further rotation of the control rod in the first direction locks the guide body within the C-shaped rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Patrice Jean Marie Alain Brochier, Christian Aime Charles Soteau
  • Patent number: 8393506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support assembly (1) for securing a bicycle to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a bar (2), which is provided at both ends with a gripping means (3, 4) for mounting the support assembly between a substantially fixed frame of the load carrier and the bicycle, a common tensioning means (5), when tightened forcing together said gripping means (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Torbjörn Malm
  • Patent number: 8387842
    Abstract: A car top carrier incorporating improved dual-functioning hinge/latch mechanisms connected by a drive bar that translates pivotal rotation to open and close the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mark Elliott, Chris Sautter
  • Patent number: 8297570
    Abstract: An adjustable mount assembly (100) is provided. The adjustable mount assembly (100) comprises a body (205) and an adjustment member (207) coupled to the body (205). The adjustment member (207) includes a threaded member (316) and a tension bar (210) coupled to the threaded member (316). The adjustable mount assembly (100) also includes one or more retaining member receivers (208A, 208B) formed in the body (205). One or more retaining members (206A, 206B) are provided with each of the one or more retaining members (206A, 206B) coupled to the tension bar (210) at a first end (206A?, 206B?) and adapted to engage the retaining member receiver (208A, 208B) at a second end (206A?, 206B?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rocky Mounts
    Inventor: Bobby Noyes
  • Patent number: 8267293
    Abstract: A car top bicycle frame for retaining at least one bicycle transversally and obliquely comprises at least one positioning rod; a retaining buckle set; and a track set. By the positioning rod to combine to the track by the clamping sets, a bicycle can be installed upon a top of a car transversally and obliquely so as to be carried safely and conveniently. The bicycle can be fixed to the bicycle retaining frame on the ground before lifted to the car top. Then the bicycle and the frame are lifted to the entrance of the assisting guide track to enter into the track. The height for operation is reduced greatly so that no platform is needed. Only one people can lift the bicycle to the car top or descend the bicycle from the car top. More bicycles can be installed to the car top. The number of bicycles can be increased as the top of the car is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Yung-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 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: 8220678
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Vincent Bove, Kevin Bogolofski, George Riehm, Gregor Weaver
  • Patent number: 8210407
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Kevin E. Lesley
  • Patent number: 8136708
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Jeff Castro, Eric Roesinger, Kevin Lesley
  • Patent number: 8136709
    Abstract: A rack for carrying skis and snowboards on top of a vehicle includes a pair of clamp devices equipped for mounting on a pair of crossbars. Each clamp device has a collapsible position which reduces its forward facing profile when not being used to carry cargo items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jeli, Mike Kemery, Steve Rodden, Peter Jones
  • Publication number: 20120055967
    Abstract: A load carrier has a flat tray-like body that attaches to a vehicle by load bars. Multiple components may be installed on the tray body in many locations on the tray body, for containing and/or supporting cargo. One component is a cargo container that is captured and locked in one of several possible positions on the tray body. Other components are cargo posts that include one or more upending towers for supporting cargo by capturing generally vertical portions of the cargo between the towers, wherein the cargo posts may be non-pivotal, pivotal, slidable and/or adjustable. Another component is a hooked or curved depending assembly that suspends cargo from the edges of the tray body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: MICHAEL MCMILLAN
  • Patent number: 8074851
    Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Scott R. Allen, Timothy C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110290836
    Abstract: The roof rack of the present invention includes a frame, a first carrier, a second carrier and at least one fixation device. The frame defines a longitudinal direction and has a front and a rear. The first carrier is disposed on the rear of the frame. The second carrier is disposed on the front of the frame. At least one of the carriers is movable along the longitudinal direction on the frame. The fixation device is adapted to selectively fix the at least one movable carrier to the frame. Thereby, the roof rack of the present invention is adapted to carry bicycles with alternative wheel distances thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: JACK C.T. SHEN
  • Patent number: 8065996
    Abstract: A leg is adapted to be inserted into a standard removable hitch receiver. The leg has spaced vertical plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced lower pivot apertures are provided. A plurality of positioning apertures are provided in an arcuate pattern. A pivoting grill platform has associated plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced upper pivot apertures are provided. A coupling assembly includes a pivoting support arm and a pivoting leveling arm. Each arm has an upper aperture and bolt coupling upper pivot apertures of the grill. Each arm has a lower aperture and bolt coupling the pivot apertures of the vertical plates of the leg. A removable self locking pin is positionable through the locking aperture and a preselected one of the plurality of positioning apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Neuvelt
  • Patent number: 8020737
    Abstract: A ratcheting strap-down system for use with a crossbar to securely transport any variety of objects. The ratcheting strap-down assembly includes a ratcheting receiver and a cam clamp receiver. The ratcheting receiver includes a ratcheting assembly and a locking mechanism and is adapted to engage a second end of a flexible strap. The flexible strap is preferably made from reinforced steel cog belt, making the system and the objects it's securing less susceptible to theft. The ratcheting strap-down system is particularly useful for securing one or more surfboards to the crossbars of an after-market roof rack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Michael T. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8016172
    Abstract: A storage rack assembly in kit form is particularly adapted for use on a vehicle and includes a small number of different types of components to simplify shipping, assembly and installation by a purchaser. The storage rack includes side, front and back generally flat panels connected together to form a generally rectangular structure. Opposed side panels are connected to opposed ends of plural elongated cross members which are arranged in a spaced manner along the length of the rectangular structure and are aligned in a common plane to form a flat support bed in the storage rack. Plural telescoping support/mounting members are each connected to a respective cross member to allow for varying the storage rack's width depending on vehicle size and are adapted for secure attachment to the vehicle. Incorporating additional interfitting side panels and cross members allows for increasing the storage rack's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dan A. Mefford
  • Publication number: 20110168749
    Abstract: A bicycle fork mount for receiving and securing a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle type front bicycle wheel, but which is also temporarily adaptable for receiving a fork of a skewer type front bicycle wheel includes a fork mount body having a hollow for insertably receiving a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle front bicycle wheel. An adapter is received in the hollow and has a fork receiving skewer associated therewith that is configured for translational movement relative to the adapter. A biasing assembly is disposed between the adapter and the skewer and urges the skewer toward an ends-extended configuration in which a pair of fork receiving ends of the skewer are oppositely disposed beyond the lateral sides of the fork mount body and are configured for receiving and releasably securing the fork of a bicycle having a skewer type front wheel to the bicycle fork mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Book, Andreas Arvidsson
  • Publication number: 20110084103
    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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: HAPRO INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Meissner, Joost Marinus Van Rooijen, Oscar Toetenel
  • Patent number: 7913885
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Ron Long
  • Patent number: 7896206
    Abstract: A storage device for a vehicle roof top cargo carrier includes a frame, and a rod assembly is carried by the frame. A pair of spaced apart attachment points is carried by the frame. A forward hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. A rear hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. The forward and rear hangers are to be hooked onto the rod assembly using the hooked ends, and the attachment ends are to be held in place by the pair of attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Myron, Elizabeth Myron
  • Patent number: 7877922
    Abstract: A weather-tight storage device and carrier for a single or multiple fishing rods and reels releasably mounted to a vehicular roof carrier rack. When not mounted on a vehicle, the storage device and carrier is manageable enough to be hand-carried and may also serve as a stand for the rods and reels. The storage device and carrier includes a carrier box housing the fishing reels and a portion of the associated fishing rods and an anchor portion for securing the distal ends of the associated fishing rods to the vehicular roof rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Aidan Petrie, Daniel Nelsen
  • Patent number: 7845528
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael McMillan
  • Patent number: 7810685
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Vincent Bove, Kevin Bogolofski, George Riehm, Gregor Weaver
  • Patent number: 7810686
    Abstract: The invention is a watercraft carrier that can be easily loaded and secured. The carrier has a base and an arm with a belt that runs the length of both the base and the arm. A watercraft is placed within upon the base and against the arm. Then the belt is extended using a crank so that the belt come around the watercraft and the belt is secured using a fastener that is attached to the end of the belt. Then the belt is tightened to secure the watercraft by turning the crank the other direction or by use of a ratchet. In the preferred embodiment, the belt has a flexible stiffener added to make the belt stiffer, but still flexible enough to secure any shaped watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Milton Edward Ilgenfritz
  • Patent number: 7740157
    Abstract: A cargo box has a bottom portion and a lid. The lid is hinged to the bottom to allow opening on one or more sides. Operation of opening and closing multiple latches is coordinated by an external handle and internal bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fisher, Joseph J. Settelmayer