Vehicle load carrier and clamping mechanism
US6334561B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7079
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle load carrier including a recreational equipment rack adapted for exterior engagement on a vehicle. The recreational equipment rack includes a torque-operated clamping mechanism, including a rotatable clamp member, where the torque-operated clamping mechanism is adapted to selectively secure and release an article to the rack upon rotation of the clamp member. Also provided is a torque-applying member that is selectively configurable in an engaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate together, and in a disengaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate independently of one another. The torque-applying member is semi-permanently attached to, or otherwise integrated with the clamping mechanism so that it cannot be removed without disassembling the clamping mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.