Vehicle article carrier having wind noise reducing cross bar
US6279802A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R9/05
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle article carrier which enables a degree of adjustable spacing of the support members used to support a cross bar while preventing the generation of wind noise which might be otherwise caused by wind entering through openings in the support members while the vehicle is moving. The vehicle article carrier includes front and rear cross bar assemblies which are mounted on a pair of slats. The slats may be disposed such that they converge slightly. At least one bracket member of one of the cross bar assemblies includes an elongated slot formed therein and a neck portion of the support member. The neck portion receives one end of one of the cross bars and enables the cross bar to move inwardly or outwardly of the neck as needed, such as when the cross bar is repositioned on a pair of slats which are mounted on a vehicle such that they converge slightly. Within the neck portion of the support member is disposed a compressible, foam-like rubber member which automatically covers that portion of the slot formed in the neck portion which is not covered by the end of the cross bar. In this manner no wind can enter through the slot and potentially create wind noise. The foam-like membe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.