System and method for vehicle article carrier having stowable cross bars

US8528799B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• JAC PRODUCTS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Gordon Michie · Windsor, CA
• Jeffrey M. Aftanas · Ortonville, US
• John M. Heuchert · Pontiac, US
• Eric Weber · Medina, US
• Michael R. Makin · Pontiac, US
• Gerald J. Drumm · Pontiac, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 10, 2013
• Expiry date: Mar 14, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16B5/0208
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle article carrier system for use on an outer body roof surface of a vehicle to removably support articles above the outer body roof surface. The system may use a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface generally parallel to one another. The system may also include at least one cross bar having a pair of end supports. Each support rail may include a decorative cover and metallic support element, with the decorative cover being positioned over the metallic support element, and secured thereto, to at least substantially cover the metallic support element. The metallic support element may include at least one aperture at each opposing longitudinal end thereof that allows the support rail to be secured to the outer body roof surface at only its opposing longitudinal ends, and to use pre-existing fastening elements mounted in the outer body roof surface as attachment points for the support rails.