Vehicle external cargo stowage and retrieval apparatus and related control system
US12319241B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2024 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R9/042
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method to access external vehicle cargo carriers and cargo are disclosed for moving cargo from a vehicle's roof to the vehicle's hood and returning the cargo to the roof for storage. A particular embodiment consists of using existing vehicle external roof-rack mounts and cargo carriers to allow mobile crossbars to deliver the cargo carrier and the cargo to a position at the front of the vehicle. A self-contained control system provides locomotive force to deploy and retrieve the cargo carrier and cargo. A human interface is used to control the apparatus and includes manual checks to ensure safe use. The apparatus can be used without a control system and operated manually.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.