U.S. patent application number 13/424256 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for article carriers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yakima Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard Jeli, Peter Jones, Mike Kemery, Steve Rodden.
Application Number | 20120261449 13/424256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38574108 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120261449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jeli; Richard ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
ARTICLE CARRIERS
Abstract
A rack for carrying skis and snowboards on top of a vehicle
includes a pair of clamp devices equipped for mounting on a pair of
crossbars. Each clamp device has a collapsible position which
reduces its forward facing profile when not being used to carry
cargo items.
Inventors: |
Jeli; Richard; (Milwaukie,
OR) ; Kemery; Mike; (Portland, OR) ; Rodden;
Steve; (Sherwood, OR) ; Jones; Peter;
(Portland, OR) |
Assignee: |
Yakima Products, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
38574108 |
Appl. No.: |
13/424256 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11657708 |
Jan 23, 2007 |
8136709 |
|
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13424256 |
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60762220 |
Jan 23, 2006 |
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60776384 |
Feb 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/323 ;
224/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 9/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/323 ;
224/324 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/12 20060101
B60R009/12 |
Claims
1. A rack for carrying skis or a snowboard comprising a pair of
cross bars equipped for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, first
and second clamp devices, each clamp device having a base equipped
for mounting on one of the crossbars, and a top portion, the base
and top portion being connected by a hinge at one end, the base and
top portion having complimenting flexible inner strip members for
cooperatively gripping skis or snowboards, wherein the hinge device
is expandable allowing the strip members to nest when the clamp
devices are not being used to carry skis or snowboards, the hinge
device including a rigid link having first and second end portions,
the first end portion of the link being pivotally connected to the
first clamp device at a first pivot point, and the second end
portion of the link being pivotally connected to the second clamp
device at a second pivot point, wherein the hinge device has a
collapsed position and an expanded position, the second pivot point
being lower than the first pivot point when the hinge device is in
the collapsed position, and the second pivot point being higher
than the first pivot point when the hinge device is in the expanded
position.
2. The rack of claim 1, wherein each clamp device is equipped with
a collapsible elevating strut for elevating one end of the clamp
device.
3. The rack of claim 1, wherein one of the base and top portion has
a central flexible strip member, the other of the base and top
portion having a pair of lateral flexible strip members, the
central strip member fitting between the lateral strip members when
the strip member are nested.
4. The rack of claim 3, wherein the lateral strip members are
connected to the base.
5. The rack of claim 1, wherein one of the base and the top portion
has a substantially V-shaped flexible strip member, the other of
the base and the top portion having a substantially M-shaped
flexible strip member, the strip members being configured to stack
in close proximity to each other when the clamp device is in a
collapsed position.
6. The rack of claim 1, each clamp device having a pair of crossbar
clamps, each crossbar clamp being adjustable to accommodate
crossbars of different shape or orientation.
7. The rack of claim 6, wherein the crossbar clamp includes a
strap.
8. A clamp assembly for securing skis or a snowboard on crossbars
on top of a vehicle comprising a pair of clamp devices, each clamp
device having a base equipped for mounting on a crossbar, and a top
portion, the base and top portion being connected by a hinge at one
end, the base and top portion having complimenting flexible inner
strip members for cooperatively gripping skis or snowboards,
wherein the hinge device is expandable allowing the strip members
to nest when the clamp devices are not being used to carry skis or
snowboards, wherein the hinge device includes a link member having
first and second end portions, the first end portion of the link
member being pivotally connected to a first pivot point on the base
and the second end portion of the link member being connected to a
second pivot point on the top portion.
9. The rack of claim 8, wherein the range of pivotal movement of
the link member around the first pivot point provides limited but
sufficient expansion for securing skis or snowboards between the
base and top portion.
10. The clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein one of the base and top
portion has a central flexible strip member, the other of the base
and the top portion having a pair of lateral flexible strip
members, the central strip member fitting between the lateral strip
members when the strip member are nested.
11. The clamp assembly of claim 10, wherein the lateral strip
members are connected to the base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/657,708 filed Jan. 23, 2007 which
application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No.
60/762,220 filed Jan. 23, 2006 and Ser. No. 60/776,384 filed Feb.
24, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
[0002] This application also incorporates by reference in their
entirety for all purposes the following patent and patent
applications: U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,980 issued Jun. 9, 1992, Ser. No.
11/300,603 filed Dec. 13, 2005 and Ser. No. 11/198,901 filed Aug.
5, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to assemblies for carrying articles on
a vehicle. In particular, the invention provides improvements for
article carriers designed for mounting on one or more crossbars on
a vehicle rack system of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Top-mounted vehicle rack systems provide a versatile
platform for transporting bicycles, skis, snowboards, boats, cargo
boxes, gear racks, and/or other items. Such rack systems typically
use pairs of crossbars that extend side-to-side across the top of a
vehicle. Each crossbar is typically supported on each side of the
vehicle's roof by a tower, where the length of each crossbar and
the distance between crossbars depend on factors such as the shape
and size of the vehicle's roof, and type(s) of cargo being carried.
The towers supporting the rack crossbars are securely fastened to
the vehicle in a suitable manner.
[0005] Various article carriers are designed for mounting on a set
of crossbars, and to carry a variety of articles such as bicycles,
skis, snowboards, and/or boats. For example, clamp devices are used
to secure skis and snowboards in a scissor-like fashion. However,
some clamp devices have problems such as; failing to fit or adapt
to certain vehicle or factory rack configurations; failing to
accommodate skis or snowboards with bulky bindings or attachments;
and unsatisfactory adjustability to secure equipment of different
shapes and thicknesses. Moreover, article carriers mounted on
vehicle roof tops typically increase the height profile of the
vehicle. Increased front facing profile or surface area may cause
wind resistance related problems, such as increased driving noise,
reduced fuel efficiency, etc. Users may remove the article carriers
when not in use to avoid or minimize such problems. However,
removing the article carriers between uses may not be convenient or
desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamping device for a ski
rack mounted on a crossbar.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view through the
clamping device shown in FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the clamping
device, similar to the view shown in FIG. 2, except partially
open.
[0009] FIGS. 4-6 are partial sectional rear views of an expanding
hinge device employed in a clamp device, shown in various
positions.
[0010] FIGS. 7 and 8 show side views of a clamp device mounted on
crossbars having different shapes.
[0011] FIG. 9 shows a rear view of a clamp device.
[0012] FIG. 10 shows the clamp device of FIG. 9 with one end
elevated to provide space below the clamp device.
[0013] FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional rear view of a
ratcheting latch device when the clamp device is in a collapsed
position.
[0014] FIG. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional rear view of a
ratcheting latch device when the clamp device is in an expanded
position for carrying skis or snowboards.
[0015] FIGS. 13 and 14 show partial perspective sectional views of
an alternative nesting clamp device, in collapsed and expanded
positions, respectively.
[0016] FIGS. 15-17 show partial rear sectional views of a clamp
device employing an alternate expanding hinge configuration.
[0017] FIG. 18 shows a partial perspective view of an alternate ski
or snowboard clamping device, employing a crossbar clamp including
a flexible strap member.
[0018] FIG. 19 shows a side view of the ski or snowboard clamp of
FIG. 18.
[0019] FIG. 20 shows a side cut-away view of the clamp device shown
in FIGS. 18 and 19.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] FIG. 1 shows ski or snowboard clamp 40 including main body
42 mounted via crossbar clamps 44a, 44b to crossbar 46. Main body
42 includes elongate rigid top portion 50 hinged at one end to
corresponding elongate rigid bottom portion 52. A latch device is
provided at the proximal end, as shown in FIG. 1. Actuator device
54, for example, may be a depressible pad or button, is provided
for a user to unlatch and open the clamp when loading or unloading
skis or snowboards. Flexible gripping strips 56 are provided on
interfacing sides of top portion 50 and bottom portion 52 for
gripping skis and snowboards. Gripping strips 56 are preferably
made of rubber or a similar flexible material which has conformable
properties and is soft enough to grip equipment without scratching,
scraping or damaging the equipment.
[0021] FIGS. 2 and 3 show cross-sectional views through clamp
device 40. Each of top and bottom portions 50, 52 have gripping
strips which are configured to nest or interleave in a collapsed
position when clamp device 40 is not being used to carry skis or
snowboards. The nesting profiles of strips 56 allow clamp device 40
to assume a smaller, more aerodynamic, profile when clamp device 40
is not being used to carry skis or snowboards. FIG. 2 shows
flexible gripping strips 70a, 70b attached to bottom portion 52.
Gripping strip 72 is attached to top portion 50. FIG. 2 shows a
collapsed position in which gripping strips 70a, 70b flank gripping
strips 72. In FIG. 3, top portion 50 is elevated relative to bottom
portion 52, permitted by an expanding hinge, shown in FIGS. 4-6,
and discussed below. Gripping strips 70a, 70b and 72 are spaced by
an appropriate distance for carrying skis or snowboards.
[0022] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an expanding hinge device used to
connect top portion 50 to bottom portion 52, and to permit a
collapsed aerodynamic closed position, and alternately an expanded
closed position for carrying skis and snowboards. Hinge device 80
connects top portion 50 to bottom portion 52. Hinge device 80
includes link member 82 which is pivotally connected to bottom
portion 52 at point 84 and pivotally connected to top portion 50 at
point 86. Hinge device 80 also has a stop structure 86 which limits
rotation of link member 82 around point 84. FIG. 4 shows hinge 80
in its collapsed position allowing top and bottom portions 50 and
52 to nest into a maximally aerodynamic profile when not carrying
skis or snowboards. FIG. 5 shows top portion 50 pivoting upward for
loading or unloading skis or snowboards. In FIG. 5, link member 82
has pivoted clockwise around point 84 until link member 82 abuts
stop structure 86. In FIG. 6, with link member 82 still abutting
stop structure 86, top portion 50 has been rotated counterclockwise
around pivot point 86 into a closed position with hinged device 80
in an expanded closed configuration for securing skis or snowboards
for transport.
[0023] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate how crossbar clamp 44a is adaptable
to fit crossbars having different shapes and orientations. In FIG.
7 ski or snowboard clamp device 40 uses crossbar clamp 44a to
rigidly connect main body 42 to circular crossbar 90. Crossbar
clamp 44a includes upper jaw member 92 connected to lower jaw
member 94 via bolts or similar linkage devices. Lower jaw member 94
has a concave depression 96 for seating an external surface of
circular crossbar 90. Upper jaw member 92 has conformable pad 98
for gripping and adapting to another surface of crossbar 90. Bolt
device 100 is used to connect main body 42 to crossbar clamp 44a.
Upper jaw member 92 includes top piece 102 which overlaps and is
slidable relative to bottom piece 104 when bolt device 100 is not
tight. FIG. 8 shows crossbar clamp 44a connected to crossbar 110
which has an oval cross-sectional shape that is oriented with a
tilt to one side. As shown in FIG. 8, top piece 102 of upper jaw
member 92 remains centered relative to bolt device 100 and main
body 42. The objective here is for main body 42 to remain in a
substantially vertical orientation relative to the top of the
vehicle. Bottom piece 104 has slid or rotated by angle .theta.,
along with lower jaw member 94 and conformable pad 98 to adapt to
the tilted orientation of crossbar 110. Tightening of bolt device
100 maintains the relative positions of top piece 102 and bottom
piece 104 of crossbar clamp 44a.
[0024] FIGS. 9 and 10 show clamp device 40 on crossbar 46,
illustrating use of elevator link or strut 58 to raise one end of
main body 42 to provide extra space for accommodating bindings or
other structures on skis or snowboards. In FIG. 9, elevator strut
58 is horizontal in a stowed, unused position. Elevator strut 58
may remain stowed either when clamp device 40 is not being used to
carry any equipment, or when carrying equipment that does not need
additional clearance between the rack and the top of the vehicle.
In FIG. 10, elevator link 58 is in a substantially vertical
position providing additional space below the rack.
[0025] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate details of ratcheting latch
device 120 which is used to secure top portion 50 to bottom portion
52. FIG. 11 shows latch device 120 securing top portion 50 and
bottom portion 52 in a nested collapsed position. FIG. 12 shows
latch device 120 securing top portion 50 to bottom portion 52 with
a hinge device (not shown) provided at the other end of the clamp
device, in an expanded orientation for carrying skis or snowboards.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, bottom portion 52 of clamp device 40
has one, two, three or more harpoon structures 122 projecting
vertically upward. Harpoon structure 122 has teeth 124 for engaging
corresponding teeth on latch member 126. Latch member 126 is
connected to top portion 50 and has a limited degree of rotational
freedom around pivot point 128. Latch member 126 may be
spring-biased in a counterclockwise direction to facilitate
latching engagement with teeth 124 on harpoon(s) 122.
[0026] FIGS. 13 and 14 show alternative nesting gripping strip
configurations for use on top and bottom portions of a clamp
device. Top portion 140 has V-shaped pliable gripping strip 142.
Bottom portion 144 has M-shaped pliable gripping strip 148
including lateral ridge portions 148 for flanking V-shaped gripping
strip 142 of top portion 140. FIG. 13 shows the gripping strips
nested providing an enhanced aerodynamic profile clamping device
when it is not being used to carry skis or snowboards. FIG. 14
shows gripping strips 142,146 spaced apart in a suitable position
for carrying skis or snowboards. Numerous other nesting flexible
strip configurations may be used. In the examples described, top
and bottom strip configurations may be interchanged.
[0027] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate an alternate hinge device 170. FIG.
15 shows hinge device 170 in its collapsed position for securing
the clamp device in a nested aerodynamic profile. FIG. 16 shows
hinge device 170 expanding as the clamp device is opened. FIG. 17
shows the clamp device closed with hinge device 170 expanded for
carrying skis or snowboards. Hinge device 170 uses criss-crossing
bars 172 and 174 which are pivotally connected at point 175. Bar
174 connects the bottom portion to another shorter linkage bar 176
which is connected to the top portion of the clamp device. Bar 172
is pivotally connected to the top portion and to linkage member 178
which is connected to the bottom portion of the clamp device. As
shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, linkage member 176 has a slot 178 for
facilitating opening and closing movement of the top portion of the
clamp device with hinge device 170 in an expanded position.
[0028] FIGS. 18-20 illustrate an alternate crossbar clamp device
which uses a conformable, flexible strap member to accommodate
crossbars of different shapes. FIG. 18 shows main body 200 of a
clamp device mounted on crossbar 202 of the crossbar clamp device
204. Crossbar clamp device 204 has upper portion 206 which is
contoured to accommodate a top surface of a crossbar. Strap 208 is
connected on both ends to upper portion 206 surrounding crossbar
202. The effective length of strap 208 may be grossly adjusted by
selecting appropriate knob or peg structures 210 for placement in
holders 212 of upper portion 206, as shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 20
shows a cut-away from the view shown in FIG. 19, illustrating a
final tightening device. Rotation of bolt member 214 causes upward
movement of holders 212 relative to upper portion 206, effectively
tightening strap 208 around crossbar 202.
[0029] Although vehicle top carriers and features of vehicle top
carriers have been shown and described with reference to the
foregoing operational principles and preferred embodiments, those
skilled in the art will find apparent that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the claims. The present disclosure is intended to embrace all
such alternatives, modifications, and variances that fall within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *