Attaching Means Is An Individually Acting Clamp Patents (Class 224/331)
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Patent number: 12054124Abstract: A roof rack foot for securing a cross bar to a roof of a vehicle. The roof rack foot includes a clamping portion and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuation element with an actuation device, and an engagement element. The actuation element is movably engaged with the engagement element in an engagement zone. The roof rack foot is configured to be secured to the roof or the cross bar by the clamping portion by operating the adjustment mechanism with the actuation device. The actuation device and the engagement zone are at least partially provided on opposite sides of the clamping portion in at least one operating condition of the roof rack foot.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2022Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Hannes Olaison, Markus Nordangård, Joakim Andersson, Joakim Persson, Peter Wikström, Johan Bolmstam, Victor Millberg
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Patent number: 11164491Abstract: A cross bar for mounting a vehicle topper to a roof of a vehicle is provided. A center section has a rectangular cross section, a first end, and a second end. A first tapered section extends from the first end of the center section. A second tapered section extends from the second end of the center section. A longitudinal axis of the center section, the first tapered section, and the second tapered section extend primarily in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.Inventors: Eric Hornsby, William Dunn, Mike Brown, Doug Bennett
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Patent number: 11100822Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed which provide an inconspicuous electrical pathway between one or more electronic displays of a vehicle top unit and a power source for a vehicle. A housing for the electronic displays is mounted to a cross bar mounted to a roof of a vehicle. Festoon type wiring extends from the power source, along a black mask area of a windshield, along or through the cross bar, and to the housing. Double sided adhesive tape is positioned between said festoon wiring and a front surface of the windshield.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.Inventors: Eric Hornsby, William Dunn, Mike Brown, Doug Bennett
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Patent number: 11072227Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Anthony Smith, Dean Mettler
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Patent number: 11027661Abstract: A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Patent number: 10875440Abstract: Embodiments of a modular cargo system for use with a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may include side rails and stanchions securing the side rails to the vehicle. At least one hoop may be provided for connection to either the stanchions or the side rails. Each hoop may include a plurality of legs, a clamp connected to each leg, an elbow connected to each leg opposite the clamp, and a lateral cross bar connected between the elbows. Bed dividers and storage lockers or boxes are disclosed for use with embodiments of a cargo system as applied to a pickup truck. Elevated rails may be attached to the hoops. A cargo loading device for moving cargo into and out of the vehicle is also provided. A cover may enclose a portion of the vehicle, such as the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Inventor: Jerome Puchkoff
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Patent number: 10723277Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle article carrier system for supporting articles above an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system makes use of a pair of support rails fixedly secured generally parallel to one another on the outer body surface, and at least one cross bar assembly clampable to the support rails, and having a cross bar element having opposing ends. First and second end supports are secured at the opposing ends and able to engage the support rails to secure the cross bar against movement on the support rails. At least one of the end supports includes fixed and movable jaw portions, an actuating lever, and a pivot component pivotally coupled to the actuating lever and including a bore. A barrel nut is positioned in a bore of the movable jaw portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Michael J. Presley, Gordon Michie, Benjamin Kay
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Patent number: 10399421Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Anthony Smith, Dean Mettler
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Patent number: 10322679Abstract: A cargo management system includes a roof rack, a storage compartment rack and a first cross bar. The first cross bar is displaceable between a first position carried on the roof rack and a second position carried on the storage compartment rack. Clips at the opposed ends of the cross bar allow the first cross bar to be secured in position on either rack.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Stanislavovich Sakarian, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Matthew B. Rutman
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Patent number: 10300963Abstract: Embodiments of a rail system for use with a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, may include a plurality of side rails and stanchions securing the side rails to the vehicle. At least one hoop may be provided for connection to either the stanchions or the side rails. Each hoop may include a plurality of legs, a clamp connected to each leg, an elbow connected to each leg opposite the clamp, and a lateral cross bar connected between the elbows. The legs may be pivotable with respect to the elbows. The elbows may further include a rod pivotable between a stored and deployed position. In the deployed position, the rod may facilitate attachment of elevated rails. Additionally, bed dividers and storage lockers or boxes are disclosed for use with embodiments of a rail system as applied to a pickup truck.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Inventor: Jerome Puchkoff
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Patent number: 10160394Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body including a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar. The crossbar may have a long axis oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base portion configured to abut a roof of the vehicle and a clip retention and adjustment assembly. The clip retention and adjustment assembly may include (a) a carriage pivotally mounted to the coupler body and configured to rotate around a rotation axis oriented parallel to the direction of vehicle travel, the carriage having a slot for receiving a clip along a translation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis, (b) a catch configured to releasably engage an aperture in the clip, (c) a first actuator configured to rotate the carriage around the rotation axis, and (d) a second actuator configured to move the catch and the clip relative to the coupler body along the translation axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles Kraeuter, David Condon, John Mark Elliott
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Patent number: 10071693Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body. The coupler body may include a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar, the crossbar oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base connected to the coupler body configured to sit on a flush rail of a vehicle roof. The flush rail may be oriented generally parallel to the direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a clip retention and adjustment mechanism connected to the coupler body with the clip retention and adjustment mechanism having an adjustment member. The clip retention and adjustment mechanism may be configured to interchangeably receive an inner clip and interchangeably receive an outer clip.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventor: Gian-Marco D'Angelo
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Patent number: 10046713Abstract: A vehicle roof mount includes at least one datum feature. The datum feature is provided according to at least one datum. The at least one datum is determined according to a specified orientation of a sensor included in a sensor frame. The sensor frame is mateable to the roof mount.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Clay Wesley Maranville, Douglas Scott Rhode, Rick H. Wykoff, Randal Henry Visintainer
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Patent number: 10023098Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed, first docking plate, second docking plate, first bracket, and second bracket. The truck bed has first and second side panels extending upward from a floor panel. The first and second docking plates are secured to opposing internal surfaces of the first and second side panels, respectively. The first and second brackets have upright members secured to the first and second docking plates, respectively, and horizontal members extending from the upright members inward relative to the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jack Marchlewski, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic
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Patent number: 9956919Abstract: A fastening assembly is provided for a roof add-on part of a motor vehicle, which has a roof skin element, an outer roof side frame, and a roof-add-on-part fastening element, which has a thread for detachably fastening the roof add-on part. The roof-add-on-part fastening element is fastened to a support plate. The support plate is arranged on a flange of the outer roof side frame and is fixed by a blind rivet only to the flange of the outer roof side frame, in such a way that the support plate and the flange of the outer roof side frame are jammed, in particular against each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Kerscher
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Patent number: 9840195Abstract: Provided is an attachment structure for a lighting device, with which it is possible to reduce the time that attachment requires and stably attach a lighting device to a curved surface on which the lighting device is to be attached without using a screw member. This attachment structure for a lighting device is equipped with: a base provided on a curved surface of a door lining and having a plate-shaped base section; and an attachment part provided on the base and used for affixing the lighting device to the base section.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Inose, Naoki Ozono
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Patent number: 9346344Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of attachment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a self-energizing clamp can be used to retain a tonneau cover onto a side wall of a truck bed, or other vehicle bed. In some embodiments, the clamp can be rotated between a usage position and a storage position in order to prevent the clamp from incidental movement or harm while accessing the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Anthony Smith, Dean Mettler
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Publication number: 20140346203Abstract: The present invention relates to a fix point strip (20) to provide a provisional fix point position to a grip member (11) of a clamp rack load carrier foot (10), upon attachment to a vehicle (1). The fix point strip (20) comprises an attachment surface (25) for attaching to a surface of said vehicle (1) and a coupling surface (20) for interaction with said grip member (11) of said clamp rack load carrier foot (10). The coupling surface (30) comprises at least one pre determined position for said grip member (11). The present invention provides for a simple and cheap way of introducing a friction enhancing and means for preventing the grip member from being displaced in the event of e.g. a collision with another vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2010Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: Micael Svensson
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Patent number: 8839997Abstract: The present invention relates to a load carrier foot (1) for mounting at least a part of a load carrier to a first surface (2) of a vehicle. The load carrier foot (1) comprising a support member (3), arranged to abut the first surface (2), a gripping member (5) having a first part (16) arranged to abut the vehicle at a distance from the support member (3), an intermediate member (9) between the support member (3) and a second part (17) of the gripping member (5), and an adjustment member (7) acting on the intermediate member (9) to adjust a clamping force between the support member (3) and the first part (16) of the gripping member (5). The intermediate member (9) cooperates with the second part (17) of the gripping member (5) at a first working point (10) and the intermediate member cooperates with the support member (3) at a second working point (11) located at a distance (D) from the first working point (10).Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Anders Lundgren
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Publication number: 20140191004Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a boat is disclosed. In some examples, the apparatus may include a crossbar, a pair of towers for coupling the crossbar to a vehicle, a gunwale support device configured to support a gunwale of the boat, and a clamp device coupled to the gunwale support device configured to selectively grip crossbars of various sizes and shapes. The gunwale support device may include a bench having a seat (or seat surface), a back (or back wall surface), and a top surface on which the gunwale and/or other portion of the boat may be supported. The seat, back wall, and/or top surfaces may be convexly curved, tapered, angled, and/or have a progressive curvature corresponding to a curved portion of a cone, which may compensate for misalignment between the gunwale and the bench. The clamp device may include an actuator located above the crossbar for manipulating the clamp device between open and clamped positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Yakima Innovation Development CorporationInventor: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
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Patent number: 8651349Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Hapro International B.V.Inventors: Michael Meissner, Joost Marinus Van Rooijen, Oscar Toetenel
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Patent number: 8393508Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, Dave Condon
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Publication number: 20130043288Abstract: A leg assembly is described that links a roof rack bar to a vehicle roof. The leg assembly utilises a T-bar member linked to a rocker member and via a biasing arrangement, the T-bar flanges impinge with the bar flanges to lock the leg assembly in place or optionally move the leg assembly along the bar length by forcing the T-bar member flanges up from the bar flanges until the desired position is reached before release and re-locking.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: HUBCO AUTOMOTIVE LIMITEDInventors: Peter Douglas Hubbard, Bruce John Robertson
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Patent number: 8302828Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar of a roof carrier for vehicles. The cross bar may include a cross bar body. First and second brackets are provided on both ends of the cross bar body. First and second locking pins are provided, respectively, on the first and second brackets to be elastically ejected. A link is positioned in the first bracket and hinged to the first locking pin. A release lever includes a coupling part hinged to the link and installed via a rotating shaft, and a grip part exposed to the outside, so that when the release lever rotates, the link and the first locking pin are pulled into the cross bar body. A wire couples the coupling part of the release lever with the second locking pin. According to the present invention, the release lever is mounted to only one side and only one wire is used, thus reducing manufacturing costs.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Hang Young Kim, Woo Jin Lee
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Patent number: 8251267Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Donald R. Potter, John M. Heuchert
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Patent number: 8245893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Eric Roesinger, Zac Elder
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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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Publication number: 20100147914Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Chris Sautter, Dave Condon
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Patent number: 7637405Abstract: A fixing device for fastening a roof box to crossbars fastened to a vehicle roof includes two-armed clamping jaws that extend through the bottom of the roof box and can be braced, the clamping jaws being mounted on a support base fixed in the interior of the roof box in a manner so as to pivot about a stationary swivel axis and interior end sections of the clamping jaws rest against a stop element which is vertically displaced by rotating an actuating element in order to move the clamping jaws between a locked and an unlocked position by a pure swivel motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Alexander Emmerling, Guenther Fritsche
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Publication number: 20090314815Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a first side rail an a second side rail to be located extending generally parallel to one another and spaced laterally from one another with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A first cross-rail and a second cross-rail are independently movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position of the first and second cross-rails are axially aligned with a corresponding side rail, and the deployed position of the first and second cross-rail are laterally extending between the first and second side rails. The cross rails can be gas assist, injection molded cross rails. A manually hand/finger rotated fastener attaches each end of the first and second cross-rails to the first and second side rails in the stowed position and the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: THE AMERICAN TEAMInventor: Craig Stapleton
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Publication number: 20080314944Abstract: An assembly for fixing and connecting a polygonal LED light bar lamp includes a fixing seat, a covering plug, and an electrical connector. The fixing seat has a bottom with both edges thereof extending to form two bevels and parallel plates. The bottom and bevels have a penetrating hole, respectively. The covering plug has a cover having an insertion hole. Two electrode pins are disposed in the interior of the insertion hole. The electrical connector has a partitioning block. Both sides of the partitioning block have a protruding pillar, respectively. The protruding pillar is provided with a hollow pillar having electrodes for contacting with electrode pins. With the fixing seat being fixed on a carrier, the light bar can be held in the fixing seat with adjustable irradiating direction. Further, two light bars can be connected in series by the electrical connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Cheng-Yu TSAI, Li-Wei CHEN, Shiou-Shiung CHENG, Ching-Hsien LIN
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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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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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Patent number: 7434343Abstract: A portable attachment (1) with a clip allowed to be easily fitted to a portable object by integrally holding a specified used-article such as a diverging component-contained material having a smell components or medically effective components and the clip, wherein an intermediate material (5) and a rear sheet material (6) are stacked on the rear side of a synthetic resin front sheet material (4) and the peripheral edge portion thereof is sealed to form a front storage part (7) and a rear storage part (8), and the front storage part forming an opening part (9) with a fastener (20) in the upper part thereof and partly having a ventilation part (21) stores the diverging component-contained material so as to be extracted and retrieved and the rear side storage part (8) is formed such that the one end part (3a) thereof for holding the clip (3) is inserted into clip insert storage parts (8a) separately formed on both sides thereof and the other end part (3b) thereof for holding the clip is formed to have a lockingType: GrantFiled: December 26, 2003Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: NS Planning Inc.Inventor: Tsukasa Yoshida
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Publication number: 20080203125Abstract: A load carrier that includes a load carrier bar with a load carrier foot at each end of the load carrier bar. Each load carrier foot has a fixed clamping jaw and a movable clamping jaw configured to be arranged on an upper side and an opposite lower side of the respective roof rails and to cooperate with a clamping device that is configured to move the movable clamping jaw towards the fixed clamping jaw. The movable clamping jaw is pivotally connected at the load carrier foot and in a first mounting position. The movable clamping jaw is firmly connected to at least one guiding protrusion, located on a distance from the movable clamping jaw and in a first mounting position is arranged so that the distance between the guiding protrusions, which are located at each end of the load carrier, is larger than the distance between the roof rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2006Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: THULE SWEDEN ABInventors: Fredrik Larsson, Wolf-Dietrich Lenk
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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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Patent number: 7219822Abstract: A shopping list organizer includes a rigid substantially planar member sized to support a shopping list when the shopping list is mounted thereon. A clamp is provided for releasably mounting the shopping list on a first surface of the planar member. Magnets are mounted on a second side of the planar member, opposite the first side, for releasably mounting the planar member on a flat substrate. At least one clip is hingedly mounted to the second side of the planar member for rotation about the hinge between a closed position substantially flush against the second side of the planar member and an open position substantially orthogonal to the second side of the planar member. In the open position, the clip is disposed for releasably mounting onto an elongate handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Inventors: Bradly A. Chretien, Alan Chretien, Michael Howard Boudreau
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Patent number: 7108163Abstract: An equipment carrier adapted for mounting to a support member associated with a vehicle, includes a base engageable with the support member and a universal mounting arrangement for securing the base to the support member. The universal mounting arrangement includes a flexible retainer member, such as a retainer strap, that extends from and is engageable with a clamping member movably mounted to the base. The retainer strap defines a free end that extends from one side of the base, and which is adapted to be wrapped about the support member and engaged with a releasable engagement arrangement associated with the clamping member. The retainer strap and the releasable engagement arrangement define a variable effective length of the retainer strap when the retainer strap is initially wrapped about the support member. An actuator member, such as a rotatable threaded member, is engaged with the clamping member and with the base for moving the clamping member away from the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
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Patent number: 7010841Abstract: A mount assembly and method are provided for securing a component to an interior mounting surface in a vehicle having a sunroof. Initially, a sunroof frame is provided. The sunroof frame includes a cross-member disposed laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The component is then attached to the cross-member of the sunroof frame such that the cross-member supports the weight of the component.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Donovan, James B. Cook, Sachin Shah, Holly R. Hecker, John L. Adams
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Patent number: 6843394Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Aki
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Patent number: 6817500Abstract: The invention relates to a roof-rack bar for automobile vehicles comprising a transverse bar and two fastening feet mounted at the ends of the transverse bar. The feet operate in conjunction with side rails mounted on an automobile vehicle, wherein the feet can slide along the side rails during adjustment. The angle between the transverse bar and each of the side rails remains substantially constant when the bar is displaced. At least one of the feet includes a housing in which one end of the transverse bar can slide between two extreme positions in order to adapt to a variable distance between non-parallel side rails. This housing includes a first locking and reinforcement means capable of operating in conjunction with a second locking and reinforcement means fitted on the transverse bar to immobilize or authorize the displacement of the end of the transverse bar in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Wagon Automotives SNCInventor: Jean-Claude Neaux
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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
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Patent number: 6742686Abstract: A load carrier foot arrangement comprising a load carrier foot (3) which is mounted on a rail profile (2) which exhibits a mounting opening (12), wherein the load carrier foot is secured to the rail profile by means of a locking device having a locking spindle (21) which actuates a locking plate (27) and locks the foot to the rail profile, and wherein a retaining catch (32) is eccentrically and rotatably disposed on the locking spindle, which retaining catch interacts with notches (13) in the rail profile to prevent unwanted movement of the load carrier foot along the rail profile when the locking device is in locked position, the retaining catch having for this purpose a stop face (38) and a sensing element (39), that the retaining catch is prestressed by a tensioning element (37) to a position such that the stop face interferes obstructively with an edge region (41) of the load carrier foot (3) when the sensing element is not actuated, and that the mounting opening (12) is of such a size that the sensing elType: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Anders Lundgren
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Patent number: 6712247Abstract: A roof rack for vehicles to facilitate the transport and unloading of cargo from a roof of a vehicle. The roof rack includes a plate for supporting a load that is mountable to a roof of a vehicle and has a plurality of slots. A plurality of mounting brackets releasably attaches the plate to the vehicle. A pair of actuator assemblies is rotatably couplable to each of the mounting brackets. Each of the actuator assemblies comprises an elongate main member, a plurality of elongate arm members, and a plurality of elongate support members. A lever member for rotatably biasing the actuator assemblies is releasably attachable to a rear end of each of the main members of the actuator assemblies. A plurality of securing members selectively secures the cargo to the top side of the plate. An elongate storage member for storing articles is mounted on the bottom side of the plate. A plurality of extension members facilitates guiding the cargo to a ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: William H. Fox
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Patent number: 6662982Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a load carrier for vehicles, which load carrier is intended for roof-mounting. The load carrier comprises support members intended to rest against the upper face of the vehicle roof close to the edge thereof, a sheet-metal gripping member disposed in the support member to grip the edge portion of the vehicle roof, and a means arranged to lock the support member and the gripping member in a position, in which said means grippingly engages the associated roof edge portion. The gripping member is divided, in a portion of articulation, into at least two parts as seen in the lengthwise extension of the member, said two parts being hingedly interconnected in said portion of articulation in overlapping fashion while being separated by means of a spacer element.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Mont Blanc Industri ABInventor: Sari Päkkilä
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Patent number: 6641012Abstract: A load carrier foot adapted for releasable securement upon an edge portion of a vehicle roof. The load carrier foot includes a support member for abutment against a vehicle roof. A clamping member is coupled to the support member by a retainer member and the clamping member is operable between a clamping configuration and a released configuration upon an edge portion of a vehicle roof. The clamping member has a first connection piece and the retainer member has a second connection piece for interconnecting the clamping member and the retainer member. One of the connection pieces forms an insertion space and the other of the connection pieces forms an insertion member for insertion into the insertion space. A latching device releasably latches the insertion member within the insertion space for facilitating the installation of different clamping members into the load carrier foot.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Anders Lundgren
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Patent number: 6516985Abstract: A load carrier which consists of a load carrier strut which, at each end region, has a foot with a support portion and a clamping portion for securing the load carrier transversely over a vehicle roof. At at least one end portion of the load carrier strut, the foot is displaced within a displacement range. By means of a rotary shaft disposed interiorly in the load carrier strut, the clamping portion is maneuverable between an open position and a locking position for securing the load carrier on the vehicle. Suitably, one rotary shaft is provided in each end region of the load carrier strut. In the open position of the clamping portion, the foot is freely movable within its displacement range. The foot is fixable in any optional position within its displacement range by fixing means extending into the interior of the load carrier strut for operation via the rotary shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventor: Anders Lundgren
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Publication number: 20030000978Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Aki
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Patent number: 6497350Abstract: This invention discloses a heavy duty vehicle rack capable of carrying heavy loads and that utilizes fasteners, to attach to the rack to the vehicle's gutter or drip rails. The heavy duty rack of the present invention has specially shaped cooperating end and clamp portions so that the rack can be attached to a variety of vans made by different manufacturers with different style and shapes gutter/drip rails.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Cross Tread Industries, Inc.Inventor: David R. Hickey
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Patent number: 6491192Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Aki