Vehicle article carrier
US5385285A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R9/045
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle article carrier including a spring loaded locking mechanism for lockably engaging a pair of bracket members of the carrier releasably to a pair of slats of the carrier. The locking mechanism of each bracket member generally includes a locking member disposed for rotational movement within its bracket member, a spring for biasing the locking member into a normally locked position relative to its associated slat, and an actuating member mounted for pivotal movement within its associated bracket member. The actuating member has a cam surface and an upper end portion of the locking member has a cam following surface. Movement of the actuating member from a closed position to an open position protruding outwardly of its bracket member causes the locking member to be rotated against the biasing force of the spring into an unlocked position relative to its slat. Movement of the actuating member into a closed position allows the spring to bias the locking member into locking engagement with its slat. In the preferred embodiment the actuating member includes a protruding portion which serves to help maintain the actuating member in its open position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.