Mounting member for a slat of a vehicle article carrier
US5975391A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R9/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mounting apparatus adapted to be disposed within a channel formed in an outer body surface of a vehicle, wherein the channel includes a permanently disposed hook portion, for securing a slat to the hook portion without the use of conventional riv-nut fasteners and without requiring holes to be drilled in the outer body surface. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket having a base portion and a pair of offset arm portions. The base portion is adapted to slide under a lip of the permanently secured hook portion so as to be disposed substantially completely within the channel formed in the outer body surface of a vehicle. The arm portions include threaded openings which allow conventional fastening elements to be used to secure the slat to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be used with or without a conventional resilient mounting pad. Since the mounting bracket does not require the drilling of any holes in the outer body surface, the risk of water entering into the interior area of the vehicle is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the securing of the slats to the outer body surfaces is significantly simplified since no holes must be marked and drilled in the outer …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.