Patent · US Expired

Adjustable cross rail for a vehicle article carrier

US5273195A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
7References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 26, 1992
Grant dateDec 28, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 26, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R9/045
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle article carrier having an adjustable cross rail. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of side rails positioned longitudinally along an outer body surface of a vehicle such as a roof. The side rails each include a side rail member and a pair of brackets secured fixedly to the side rail member at opposite ends of the side rail member. The brackets are further fixedly secured to the outer body surface. Each of the side rail members and selected pair of the brackets include channels formed therein in communication with each other. A cross rail is positioned perpendicularly between the channels and is movable slidably between an operative position between the side rial members, elevationally above the outer body surface, and a stored position between the selected pair of brackets closely adjacent the outer body surface. In the stored position the cross rail offers minimal wind resistance and generates minimal wind noise even when the vehicle is traveling at relatively high speeds. A thumbwheel is disposed within the cross rial and operatively connected to a threaded shaft and locking nut to enable the cross rail to be manually, releasably secured at desired positions al…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.