Vehicle article carrier having a simplified locking mechanism
US6796471B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R9/045
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle article carrier apparatus having bracket assemblies that include a locking mechanism requiring no independent springs or biasing elements. The bracket assemblies are secured to opposite ends of a cross bar member and each of the bracket assemblies are coupled to a respective support rail secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. Each bracket assembly generally includes an actuating lever and a locking clamp that are each pivotable between closed and open positions. When the actuating lever is placed in the closed position, interaction between the actuating lever and the locking clamp forces the locking clamp closed and maintains the locking clamp in the closed position. When the actuating lever is moved from the closed position to the open position, the interaction between the actuating lever and the locking clamp permits the locking clamp to open and disengage the support rail.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.