Roof rack with quick release tower assembly
US6010048A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R9/045
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A roof rack mountable to a vehicle to secure a load over a surface expanse of the vehicle. The rack includes at least one crossbar adapted to extend substantially across the surface expanse. Each end of the crossbar is secured to the vehicle by a tower assembly. Each tower assembly includes a base adapted to be independently locked in place on the vehicle in a position generally adjacent an edge of the surface expanse. A tower body is adapted to be disposed near an end of the crossbar and includes an upper portion configured to secure the tower body to the crossbar and a lower end adapted to be attached to and removed from the base while the base remains locked in place on the vehicle. The base thereby pre-establishes the position of the tower body on the vehicle. A quick release mechanism is adapted to selectively extend between and interconnect the base and tower body when the tower body is attached to the base to allow a user to selectively lock and release the tower body in place on the base. The quick release mechanism can be operated by direct digital manipulation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.