Hinged rail article carrier
US5577649A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60P7/135
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An article carrier includes spaced longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails having an upper arm coupled by a hinge to a lower arm. A crossbar having an end portion adapted to be entrained between the upper and lower arm portions includes a conformingly shaped mating surface to one of the members of the longitudinal rail. Preferably, both ends of each crossbar include conforming surfaces that mate with corresponding configurations on the rail to fixedly position the crossbar along the longitudinal rail. The position of the crossbar is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by displacement about the hinge, and the hinge axis may be transversely, longitudinally or vertically aligned as desired. Preferably, two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail, hinged at opposite ends of the longitudinal rails, and include overlapping portions retained by a single latch mechanism. In addition, the crossbar preferably includes a retainer that engages a lip in the lower arm of the rail so that the lower arm resists lifting of the crossbar from the rail.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.