Adjustable cross rail for a vehicle article carrier
US5470003A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2013 |
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 a 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 rail 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 rail and operatively connected to a threaded shaft and locking nut to enable the cross rail to be manually, releasably secured at desired positions …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.