U.S. patent application number 11/407833 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for securement mechanism.
Invention is credited to John H. Harberts, John E. Klinkman.
Application Number | 20060263163 11/407833 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37448434 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060263163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harberts; John H. ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
Securement mechanism
Abstract
A securement mechanism includes a tie-down cleat assembly for
engagement with a mating component, the tie-down cleat assembly
including a pin, a lock plate adjacent to one of the ends of the
pin, and a housing having an aperture receiving the pin. An
actuating member is operationally connected to the pin and causes
selective movement of the pin and lock plate between a secured and
unsecured orientation. The lock plate has a first dimension
permitting the lock plate to be inserted into a channel associated
with the mating component and a second dimension permitting the
securement of the mating component between the housing and locking
plate. The pin and locking plate and preferably the housing are all
rotatable as a single unit.
Inventors: |
Harberts; John H.; (Macomb,
MI) ; Klinkman; John E.; (Riley Township,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER, FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
39533 WOODWARD AVENUE
SUITE 140
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-0610
US
|
Family ID: |
37448434 |
Appl. No.: |
11/407833 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10825456 |
Apr 15, 2004 |
7040849 |
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11407833 |
Apr 20, 2006 |
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11101984 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
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11407833 |
Apr 20, 2006 |
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60463291 |
Apr 16, 2003 |
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60710600 |
Aug 23, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
410/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61D 45/001 20130101;
B60P 7/0815 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
410/104 |
International
Class: |
B61D 45/00 20060101
B61D045/00 |
Claims
1. A tie-down cleat assembly for engagement with a mating
component, the mating component including a channel, comprising: a
pin extending along a generally longitudinal axis and having a
first end and a second end; a lock plate adjacent to said second
end; a housing having an aperture, said pin extending through said
aperture, said pin, said lock plate, and said housing being
configured so that rotation of one of said pin and said lock plate
about said longitudinal axis results in a corresponding rotation of
the other of said pin and said lock plate; an actuating member
operationally connected to said pin for causing selective movement
of said pin and said lock plate between a secured and an unsecured
orientation to secure the mating component between said housing and
said lock plate, said lock plate being received in the channel in
said secured orientation; and a support member secured to said
housing.
2. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein said pin, said
lock plate and said housing are configured such that rotation of
one of said pin, said lock plate and said housing about said
longitudinal axis results in corresponding rotation of the other
two of said pin, said lock plate, and said housing between a
secured and an unsecured orientation.
3. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein said lock plate
has a first dimension and a second dimension smaller than said a
first dimension, said second dimension selectively permitting said
lock plate to be received within the channel of said mating
component and said first dimension selectively trapping said lock
plate within the channel.
4. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 3, wherein a portion of
said mating component is clamped between said lock plate and said
housing using said pin and said actuating member when said lock
plate is trapped within the channel of the mating component by way
of the second dimension of said lock plate.
5. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 4, wherein said lock plate
is generally rectangular in shape.
6. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 4, wherein said lock plate
may be freely rotated within the channel of the mating
component.
7. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 4, wherein said actuating
member is threadingly engaged with said pin, a rotation of said
actuating member resulting in longitudinal movement of said pin
with respect to said housing and said actuating member.
8. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein said support
member selectively secures at least one fork of a bicycle.
9. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing
further includes a second aperture for selectively securing said
support member.
10. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 1, wherein said support
member is molded to said housing.
11. A tie-down cleat assembly for engagement with a mating
component, the mating component including a channel, comprising: a
pin extending along a generally longitudinal axis and having a
first end and a second end; a lock plate adjacent to said second
end; a housing having an aperture, said pin extending through said
aperture, said pin, said lock plate, and said housing being so
configured that rotation of one of said pin and said lock plate
about said longitudinal axis results in a corresponding rotation of
the other of said pin and said lock plate between a secured and an
unsecured orientation; an actuating member operationally connected
to said pin for causing selective movement of said pin and said
lock plate between said secured and said unsecured orientation to
secure the mating component between said housing and said lock
plate, said lock plate being received in the channel in said
secured orientation; and a support member secured to said housing;
whereby a portion of said pin and a portion of said aperture of
said housing include a noncircular cross-section to minimize
rotation of said pin with respect to said aperture.
12. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein said housing
includes at least one base plate member and at least one tie-down
member.
13. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 12, wherein said base
plate member includes a lowermost surface, at least one protrusion
extending away from said lowermost surface and receivable in the
channel of the mating component, said protrusion minimizing
rotation of said assembly within the rail when in said secured
orientation.
14. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein said housing
is a one-piece member.
15. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein said pin
includes a notch extending inwardly from an outer periphery of said
pin; a retainer received in said notch and extending outwardly from
said periphery, said retainer selectively engaging a surface of
said aperture to limit longitudinal movement of said pin within
said housing.
16. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein said housing
includes an upper surface and at least one groove adjacent to said
aperture of said housing; a thrust washer engaging said upper
surface, wherein said thrust washer includes an ear, said ear
engaging said groove to minimize rotation of said thrust washer
with respect to said housing.
17. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, including a biasing
member disposed between said housing and said actuating member and
biasing said actuating member away from a surface of said
housing.
18. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein said support
member selectively secures at least one fork of a bicycle.
19. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein said housing
further includes a second aperture for selectively securing said
support member.
20. The tie-down cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein said support
member is molded to said housing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/463,291, filed Apr. 16, 2003; U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/710,600, filed Aug. 23, 2005; U.S. paatent application Ser. No.
11/101,984, filed Apr. 8, 2005; and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/825,456, filed Apr. 15, 2004 are herein incorporated by
reference in their entireties, including their specifications,
claims, and drawings.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The embodiments described herein are directed to an
innovative tie-down cleat assembly loaded onto a rail or any
vehicle surface and secured in position.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Tie-down cleats are commonly used with rails having channels
defined by sidewalls and a bottom surface disposed between the
sidewalls. The top of each sidewall typically has an inwardly
extending leg disposed above the bottom surface. The tie-down cleat
is disposed along a rail with a portion of the tie-down cleat
including a lock plate being received within the channel, and
movement being selectively constrained through interaction of the
cleat with at least a subset of the sidewalls, bottom surface, and
legs.
[0004] Typically, a tie-down cleat is associated with a rail using
one of two approaches. One approach is to remove an end cap and
then insert the portion of the cleat including the lock plate into
the end of the rail. A problem with this approach is that a user
has to physically remove a component to allow for installation of
the cleat. The end cap may be lost, become damaged, or be difficult
to reinstall. Moreover, the end of the rail must be accessible,
typically reducing the overall length of rail available for
use.
[0005] Another well known approach is to have a notch added at each
of a plurality of discrete points along the rail, wherein the
portion of the cleat including the lock plate is inserted into the
notch and then the tie-down cleat is slid away from the notch
before the cleat is locked into position at a fixed point away from
the notch. The amount of usable rail length available to a consumer
is reduced by adding a notch to the rail channel. Further, under
some circumstances, if the cleat becomes unsecured or creeps along
the rail, it can suddenly escape from a notch.
[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved tie-down
cleat assembly allowing installation without removing a component
such as an end cap. It would further be highly desirable to provide
such a mechanism that may be secured anywhere along a vehicle
surface adapted to receive it while securing components such as
bicycles, skies, snowboards, kayaks, canoes, and the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] The described embodiments provide a solution to known
problems in the prior art by providing an innovative securement
mechanism having a tie-down cleat assembly and a locking member
such as a rail. The rail has a continuously extending channel along
its longitudinal length, the channel being defined by a web
disposed between opposing siderails and legs extending into the
channel from free ends of each siderail. In one embodiment, the
rail has a somewhat C-shaped cross-section. An end cap may be
permanently secured to the rail and notches are not required. The
tie-down assembly is top loaded into the rail and secured into
position. The tie-down assembly may also be secured anywhere along
a vehicle surface adapted to receive it.
[0008] The assembly includes a housing that accommodates one-handed
gripping and turning by a user while providing the ability to
attach items to the assembly. A pin is disposed through the
housing. The assembly further includes a lock plate adjacent to a
free end of the pin. The lock plate has a first dimension suitable
for insertion into the channel of the locking member and a second
dimension capable of gripping the underside of the legs in a locked
and secured position. The assembly preferably further includes an
actuating member capable of moving the pin and lock plate up and
down between secured and unsecured orientations with respect to the
rail.
[0009] The pin and actuating member are threadingly engaged with
one another such that rotation of the actuating member moves the
pin and attached locking plate up and down. To prevent the pin from
rotating at the same time, the actuating member is rotated, it
typically includes at least a partial noncircular cross-section.
The mating portion of the housing includes a noncircular feature
that complements the noncircular cross-section of the pin to the
extent that rotation of the pin within the housing is minimized as
the actuating member is rotated.
[0010] During operation, the user can install the tie-down assembly
by loading the lock plate into the rail by aligning the first
dimension with the space between the rail legs and then rotating
the lock plate until the second dimension is capable of engaging
the underside of the legs. In a preferred embodiment, the entire
housing is rotated approximately ninety degrees, simultaneously
rotating the lock plate at the same time. Thus, the tie-down
assembly is typically rotated as one component. The actuating
member is then activated to move the pin and lock plate into a
secured orientation, as by clamping.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The features and inventive aspects of the exemplary
embodiments will become more apparent upon reading the following
detailed description, claims, and drawings, of which the following
is a brief description:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view according to one embodiment of
a tie-down cleat assembly shown in a secured orientation on a
mating rail;
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2D show the process for securing the tie-down cleat
assembly of FIG. 1 to a mating rail with the assembly approaching
the rail in FIG. 2A, being inserted into the rail in FIG. 2B,
starting to be rotated toward a final orientation in FIG. 2C, and
shown in its final aligned orientation with the rail in FIG.
2D;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of
FIG. 1, showing the various elements of one embodiment of the
tie-down cleat assembly and corresponding rail;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lock plate
subassembly of the tie-down cleat assembly in of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a table showing exemplary material properties of
select elements of the tie-down cleat assembly of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tie-down cleat
assembly of FIG. 1 in a final secured orientation with respect to
the corresponding rail;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tie-down cleat assembly
of FIG. 1 with a cutaway portion to the interior of the
assembly;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tie-down cleat assembly
according to an alternative exemplary embodiment showing a
one-piece tie-down and a ratcheting cap;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG.
8 in a secured position;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG.
8 showing a biasing member urging an actuating member up into an
unsecured position;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of FIGS.
8-10;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the alternative embodiment of
FIGS. 8-11;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of
FIGS. 8-12;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative
embodiment shown in FIG. 8 taken at a position along the
longitudinal length of a rail. The alternative embodiment is shown
in a final secured orientation;
[0026] FIG. 15 is view similar to FIG. 14, but showing the
alternative embodiment perpendicular to the rail in an unlocked
position;
[0027] FIG. 16 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of
a cleat assembly showing a base plate and a support member;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 16;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 16;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly of FIG.
16;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a front view of one embodiment of a cleat
assembly showing a base plate, an actuating member, and a support
member;
[0032] FIG. 21 is an elevated perspective view of the assembly of
FIG. 20;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly of FIG.
20;
[0034] FIG. 23 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of
a cleat assembly showing a base plate and a support member;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 23; and
[0036] FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly of FIG.
23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments are
shown in detail. Although the drawings represent exemplary
embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain
features may be exaggerated. Further, the embodiments set forth
herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or
restrict the invention to the precise forms and configurations
shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed
description.
[0038] FIGS. 1-7 are directed to an innovative securement mechanism
including a tie-down cleat assembly 10 and mating component in the
form of a locking member or rail 12.
[0039] Rail 12 is formed with a continuously extending channel 14
along its length. The channel 14 of the rail 12 is defined by a web
or bottom surface 50 disposed between opposing siderails 52, legs
54 extending into the channel from a free end of each siderail (as
best shown in FIG. 6). An end cap (not shown) may be permanently
secured to the rail 12, which may or may not contain notches. When
there are no notches, legs 54 are uninterrupted along the length of
rail 12.
[0040] Tie-down cleat assembly 10 is placed on a top surface 16 of
the rail 12 and secured into position. While a rail is shown,
locking member 12 may also be a corresponding hole, passage, or
pocket anywhere on a vehicle surface (not shown).
[0041] The innovative tie-down cleat assembly 10 includes a housing
17 comprising a tie-down 18 and a base plate 20 that rides along
the top surface 16 of the rail 12 or vehicle surface (not shown).
As best shown in FIG. 3, the tie-down 18 is secured to the base
plate 20 by way of typical fasteners such as bolts 22, washers 23,
and nuts 24. In FIG. 7 assembly 10 is in a locked position.
[0042] The bolts 22 are placed through a counterbore 25 in tie-down
18 and then through a corresponding counterbore hole 26 of the base
plate 20. The head of each bolt engages a bottom surface of one of
counterbores 25 and 26 and the washer and nut engage the bottom
surface of the other counterbore.
[0043] In turn, the subassembly of the tie-down 18 and base plate
20 is secured to the rail 12 using a lock plate subassembly 28 as
shown in FIG. 4. Lock plate subassembly 28 includes a lock plate
30, a pin 32, a retainer 34, a thrust washer 36 with downwardly
extending tabs 37, a nut and washer combination 38, and an
actuating member 40. The lock plate 30 is rigidly secured to the
first free end 39 of the pin 32. Thus, as the pin 32 is rotated,
the lock plate 30 is rotated to the same angular extent. Thus, the
lock plate 30 does not spin independently of the pin 32. In an
alternative embodiment, lock plate 30 and pin 32 may be a single
component.
[0044] The lock plate 30 includes a first dimension 41 and a second
dimension 42 is greater than the first dimension 41. In the
indicated embodiment, lock plate 30 is generally rectangular with
the first dimension being the short edge and the second dimension
being the long edge. Lock plate 30 also has two optional extending
ears 43 to help facilitate the selective gripping of legs 54 of
rail 12 when the assembly 10 is in a final secured orientation as
discussed below.
[0045] Pin 32 includes a threaded second end 46 and a noncircular
cross-section 43 disposed along a portion of the pin between first
end 39 and second end 46. While a "square" cross-section is shown,
generally any noncircular shape will be acceptable.
[0046] As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, lock plate subassembly is
shown inserted through a mating aperture 47 of base plate 20.
Aperture 47 is shown tapered in cross-section so that up and down
movement of pin 32 is unimpeded even if the pin is offset from
illustrated axis A-A. Aperture 47 includes a noncircular periphery
along at least a portion of its longitudinal extent that mates with
the corresponding surface of pin 32 in an interference fit upon pin
rotation such that while the pin 32 may move up and down within the
aperture 47, at most minimal rotation is permitted between pin 32
and base plate 20. As a result, as the pin 32 is rotated, the base
plate 20 and tie-down 18 are rotated to substantially the same
angular extent. Moreover, while the lock plate 30 is shown secured
to the pin 32 using typical welding or related securement
techniques, it could instead also include a corresponding
noncircular aperture (not shown) to minimize rotation of the lock
plate 30 with respect to the pin 32.
[0047] Aperture 47 also includes a counterbore 68 with a bottom
surface 69 and counterbore 68 spaced from an upper end 66 of the
base plate. A retainer 34 is secured to pin 32 at a radially
inwardly extending notch 44 and extends radially outwardly from the
outer periphery of pin 32. Retainer 34 selectively contacts bottom
surface 69 of counterbore 68 to prevent pin 32 from escaping
through aperture 47. On the other hand, the longitudinal extent of
counterbore 68 is such that retainer 34 does not prohibit the
securing of the assembly 10. As illustrated in FIG. 6, even when
assembly 10 is in a secured orientation, retainer 34 has not
escaped from counterbore 68. Thus, as the pin 32 moves up and down
within the tie-down cleat assembly 10 along axis A-A, the retainer
34 moves with the pin 32. The radial extent of counterbore 68 is
greater than that of the aperture 47 and it may also include a
complementary noncircular cross-section.
[0048] Finally, the uppermost portion of base plate 20 includes a
counterbore 45 disposed about the periphery of aperture 47 and
above counterbore 68. A thrust washer 36 is disposed in counterbore
45. A key purpose of the thrust washer 36 is to prohibit damage to
the base plate 20 such as galling as the nut and washer combination
38 is rotated with respect to the pin 32, as discussed below.
[0049] When the tie-down cleat assembly 10 is in a non-secured
orientation the thrust washer 36 has a tendency to move up and down
along axis A-A and to twist about the longitudinally extending axis
of the base plate aperture 47. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment as
shown in FIG. 4, thrust washer 36 has a generally planer first
surface and two generally perpendicular downwardly extending ears
37, received in corresponding pockets 48 extending into the upper
surface of the base plate 20 proximate, but spaced away from
counterbore 45, as shown best in FIG. 3. The two outwardly
extending tabs 37 of thrust washer 36 that mate with the base plate
20 at pockets 48 generally keep thrust washer 36 in place, and
prevent accidental rotation, but still permit movement of pin 32
along axis A-A. Preferably, the extent of the ears 37 with respect
to axis A-A is such that they are greater than the longitudinal
travel of the pin 32 between the secured and unsecured orientations
of the tie-down cleat assembly 10. The counterbore 45 itself may
also be shaped to prevent accidental rotation of the thrust washer
36.
[0050] The nut and washer combination 38 is secured to actuating
member 40 and operationally threaded to pin 32, allowing pin 32 to
move up and down along axis A-A when the actuating member is
rotated rather than requiring a tool such as a wrench. Thus,
actuating member 40 is rigidly secured to the nut and washer
combination 38 such that rotation of the actuating member results
in corresponding rotation of the nut and washer combination. It is
contemplated that the actuating member 40 may be a thumbwheel, a
nut, a ratcheting cap, a lever, or any component capable of
accomplishing the function of moving the pin 32 up and down along
axis A-A. While a threading arrangement is shown, other approaches
may be used to secure lock plate subassembly 28.
[0051] Despite the clamping mechanism used, as shown in FIG. 6, the
dimensions of the lock plate 30 are very important. The second
dimension 42 of lock plate 30 permits the lock plate 30 to be
freely inserted into the channel 14 of the rail 12 from the top
surface 16 without interference from bottom surface 50, one of the
sidewalls 52 or legs 54. When the lock plate 30 is rotated about
axis A-A after insertion into channel 14, the extending ears 43 of
lock plate 30, corresponding to the ends of first dimension 41,
engage the legs 54 of the rail 12. FIG. 6 shows the lock plate 30
in an engaged and locked position where the extending ears 43 of
lock plate 30 grip the legs 54 of rail 12. Typically, lock plate 30
is rotated 90 degrees. Dimension 41 is greater than the space
between legs 54, as represented by dimension 58, while dimension 42
is smaller than dimension 58. When lock plate 30 is rectangular,
the diagonal dimension of the lock plate defined by the hypotenuse
of the first edge and the second edge must be smaller than the
distance between sidewalls 52 so that the assembly 10 may be freely
rotated three hundred and sixty degrees (360.degree.).
[0052] Because of the relationship between pin 32 and aperture 47
of the lock plate, and the relationship of the lock plate 20 with
tie-down 18, rotation of one member preferably results in rotation
of the entire tie-down assembly as a single component. As a result,
when lock plate 20 is rotated into engagement with legs 54,
tie-down 18 should be aligned with rail 18 in the desired
orientation, which is typically parallel with the rail as shown in
FIG. 1
[0053] FIGS. 2A-2D show the process of securing the tie-down cleat
assembly 10 to the rail 12. FIG. 2A shows the assembly 10
approaching the rail 12 with the longest dimension of the tie-down
offset from the longitudinal extent of the rail. Lock plate 30 is
shown with dimension 42 in alignment with channel 14 so that it may
be inserted between legs 54 of the rail. In FIG. 2B the lock plate
30 is inserted into channel 14 of rail 12. In FIG. 2C, assembly 10
is being rotated until in FIG. 2D the longest dimension of the
tie-down 18 is aligned with the longitudinal extent of rail 12. At
the same time, dimension 42 of lock plate 20 is now positioned
beneath legs 54 of rail 12. Rotation of actuating member 40 will
move pin 32 up and result in the engagement of ears 43 with legs 54
and the corresponding engagement of lock plate 20 with top surface
16 of rail 12. To release assembly 10, the process is simply
reversed.
[0054] To further enhance the clamping of the tie-down cleat
assembly 10 to the rail 12, select mating surfaces of the rail or
base plate may include surface interruptions (not shown) to
increase frictional engagement. In the alternative, the upper
surface of the lock plate 30 may include surface interruptions (not
shown) that engage the underside of the rail ears 54.
[0055] The tie-down cleat assembly 10 is typically intended for use
in vehicle application for either an article carrier (not shown) or
a bed rail system (not shown). The tie-down cleat assembly 10 would
be loaded through the top surface 16 of the rail 12 or channel 14
rather than through a loading notch (not shown) or end of the rail
12. This is done by keeping the movement of the lock plate 30
relative to the tie-down cleat assembly 10 minimized.
[0056] The top down loading allows a user to install the tie-down
cleat assembly 10 anywhere along the length of the channel 14
without removing any existing components (not shown) and it gives
the user the full length of rail 12 as usable channel 14.
[0057] Alternatively, if rail 12 does include notches within a
portion of legs 54, the notch is shaped to facilitate retention of
lock plate 30 in the secured orientation so that longitudinal
movement of the assembly 10 is minimized. An edge of second
dimension 41 would engage a corresponding notch edge formed by a
portion of the leg. In one embodiment, the notch would consist of
selective removal of the portion of a leg 54 extending downwardly
toward a bottom surface 50 of rail 12 while still providing
appropriate clamping surface.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a table of selected elements of the assembly 10
and various material properties of the elements used in one
exemplary assembly. The tie-down 18 is shown to be formed of
aluminum; however, steel and plastic are also contemplated. The
actuating member 40 is shown to be of aluminum and in the form of a
thumb wheel; however, steel and plastic are also contemplated. In
place of a thumb wheel, a ratcheting cap, a lever, or any component
capable of accomplishing a function of moving the pin 32 up and
down along axis A-A is also acceptable. The base plate 20 is shown
to be aluminum; however, steel and plastic are also contemplated.
The nut of the nut and washer combination 38 is shown to be steel
and the washer is shown to be spring steel; however, other
materials such as aluminum and plastic may also be appropriate in
some cases. The thrust washer 36, pin 32, lock plate 30, bolt 22,
washer 24, and nut 26 are shown to be stainless steel; however,
other steels, aluminum, and plastic could be used. The retainer is
contemplated to be aluminum, steel, or plastic.
[0059] An alternative exemplary embodiment assembly 10' is shown in
FIGS. 8-15. In general, elements similar in nature to those of the
first embodiment share the same element number and work in a
similar manner.
[0060] Assembly 10' includes a one-piece housing 80 that integrates
both a tie-down 18' and a base plate 20'. FIG. 14 shows assembly
10' in a secured orientation, attached to a vehicle surface 82 by
way of a rail 12'. Rail 12' is similar in design to rail 12, with
legs 54' somewhat thickened as they turn inward toward bottom
surface or web 50'
[0061] Actuating member 40' is illustrated as a ratcheting cap in
mechanical communication with a pin 32' and a lock plate 30'. As
member 40' is rotated, pin 32' moves up or down, depending on the
direction of rotation of the actuating member 40', and they are
threadingly engaged with one another. Actuating member 40' is
hollow, having an upper portion 84 and a lower portion 86. Lower
portion 86 has an upper surface 88 and an opening 90. Opening 90
threadingly engages pin 32' such that as actuating member 40' is
rotated, pin 32' moves up and down.
[0062] The pin 32' includes a radially inwardly extending notch 44'
receiving a radially outwardly extending retainer 34'. Retainer 34'
prevents pin 32' from passing through opening 90 and selectively
engages surface 88. It limits the longitudinal movement of pin 32'
downwardly. However, pin 32' is also limited in longitudinal
movement upwardly. End 46' can selectively strike the underside of
upper portion 84. Alternatively, as shown, aperture 47' and pin 32'
can be shaped so that upward movement of pin 32 is prevented when a
thickened region 104 of pin 32' bottoms out in a counterbore 106 of
aperture 47'. The mating surfaces are angled to provide additional
areas of contact and minimize accidental damage if there is over
torquing of the pin 32' with respect to the base plate 20'.
[0063] Once again, lock plate 30' has a first dimension 41 and a
second dimension 42, but unlike the first embodiment, no ears
43.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, a biasing member in the form of
a spring 92 biases actuating member 40' away from base plate 20'
and lock plate 30' toward the base plate 20'. It is disposed
between a lower surface 94 of the actuating member 40' and an upper
surface 66' of base plate 20'. One goal is to have lock plate 30'
closely adjacent to the underside of base plate 20' to facilitate
the insertion of the assembly 10' into a rail 12'. Sometimes,
insertion can be complicated if lock plate 30' extends
longitudinally too far away from the rest of the assembly 10'.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows assembly 10' with the actuating member 40'
depressed downwardly against the biasing force of the spring 92.
Spring 92 is also compressed when assembly 10' is in a secured
orientation as shown in FIG. 14.
[0066] The lowermost surface 96 of base plate 20' includes a
plurality of protrusions 98 extending away from the base plate 20'.
As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusions 98 have a common width 100
smaller than dimension 58 of the channel 14'. They help to prevent
accidental rotation of the assembly 10' when it is in its secured
orientation by being received within channel 14' of the rail 12'
and trapped between legs 54'.
[0067] FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 show the top, bottom, and side views,
respectively, of the housing 18' in a secured or closed
orientation. In FIG. 15, the assembly 10' is shown in an unlocked
position and unsecured position. To load the assembly 10' into the
rail 12', the actuating member 40' must be manually pushed
downwardly against the force of the biasing member 92 so that the
second dimension 42 of the lock plate 30' is inserted into the
channel 14' of the rail 12' when the assembly 10' has been properly
aligned with channel 14'. The lock plate 30' must clear the legs
54' and take into account the presence of the protrusions 98
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail 12'.
Then the entire assembly 10' is rotated approximately ninety
degrees (90.degree.) so that the first dimension 41 of the lock
plate 30' may engage or otherwise interlock with the rail 12' at
the legs 54' as shown in FIG. 14. Protrusions 98 extend into
channel 14'. At least one benefit of using the biasing member 92 in
this manner is that it forces the lock plate 30 against the legs
54' of the rail 12' holding the assembly 10' in place before the
securing operation is executed. Then, actuating member 40' is
rotated, clamping legs 54' of rail 12' between the base plate 20'
and the lock plate 30' by way of longitudinal movement of pin 32'.
To release assembly 10', the process is reversed.
[0068] An alternative exemplary embodiment assembly 110 is shown in
FIGS. 16-25. In general, elements similar in nature to those of the
previous embodiments described above share generally the same
element base numbers in the 100 series and work in a similar
manner. Assembly 110 includes a one-piece housing 120 that
integrates both a tie-down 118 and a base plate 120. Assembly 110
is shown including the base plate 120 and a support member 130. The
base plate 120 includes a first aperture 122 configured to accept
and secure the support member 130 and a second aperture 124
configured to accept the pin 32 as described above.
[0069] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate perspective, front, and side views,
respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the assembly 110. The
tie-down 118 includes two legs 131 disposed between first aperture
122 of the base plate 120 and the lowermost surface 196. The legs
131 may be formed in any shape and size that provides a passageway
133 therebetween. The support member 130 may be fixed within the
first aperture 122 by any method including gluing, welding,
friction, and molding. However, the support member may also be
slideable within the first aperture 122. Further, the support
member 130 may be formed in any shape and cross-section including
any tubular shape, cylindrical shape, and rectangular shape and
having a solid or hollow interior. The tie-down 118, base plate
120, and support member 130 may be formed from separate components
or formed as one piece. Further, the tie-down 118 and the base
plate 120 may be formed from one material including plastic, metal,
or polyamide resin while the support member may be formed from a
second material including metal or high-strength plastic.
[0070] FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 illustrate front, side perspective, and
bottom perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment
of the assembly 110 having an actuator 140 disposed within the
passageway 133. The lowermost surface 196 of base plate 120
includes at least one protrusion 198 extending away from the base
plate 120. As shown in FIG. 19, the protrusion 198 has a width 200
smaller than dimension 58 of the channel 14 of rail of FIG. 15. The
protrusion 198 provides securement from accidental rotation of the
assembly 110 when it is in the secured orientation when received
within channel 14 of the rail 12 and trapped between legs 54.
[0071] FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 illustrate front perspective, side
perspective, and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an
exemplary embodiment of assembly 1 10 having a generally partially
circular tie-down 118. In general, elements similar in nature to
those of the previous embodiments described above share generally
same element numbers and work in a similar manner.
[0072] Support member 130 is configured to secure at least one
bicycle fork (not shown). The support member 130 provides the user
with an anti-sway device capable of accepting the forks of a
bicycle. The forks may be locked onto the support member 130
providing stability when transporting the bicycle on a vehicle
surface (not shown). However, the assembly 110 may be adapted to
secure any cargo including skies, a kayak, a canoe, a snowboard,
and the like that are transported on the vehicle surface or cargo
bed of the vehicle.
[0073] The exemplary embodiments have been particularly shown and
described with reference to the foregoing drawings, which are
merely illustrative of the best modes. It should be understood by
those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the
embodiments described herein may be employed in practicing the
invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the following claims. It is intended that
the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the
method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their
equivalents be covered thereby. This description of the invention
should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious
combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be
presented in this or a later application to any novel and
non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing
embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is
essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this
or a later application.
* * * * *