U.S. patent application number 16/404639 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-27 for attachment devices for vehicle rooftop rack accessories.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yakima Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Yakima Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gian-Marco D'Angelo, John Mark Elliott, Victor Rogers, Chris Sautter.
Application Number | 20200062187 16/404639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49514820 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200062187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sautter; Chris ; et
al. |
February 27, 2020 |
ATTACHMENT DEVICES FOR VEHICLE ROOFTOP RACK ACCESSORIES
Abstract
Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars
on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap
member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member
may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A
mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for
connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling
device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to
grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be
configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more
ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding
surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or
tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the
crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a
t-slot in the crossbar.
Inventors: |
Sautter; Chris; (Portland,
OR) ; Rogers; Victor; (Portland, OR) ;
Elliott; John Mark; (Beaverton, OR) ; D'Angelo;
Gian-Marco; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yakima Products, Inc. |
Lake Oswego |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Yakima Products, Inc.
Lake Oswego
OR
|
Family ID: |
49514820 |
Appl. No.: |
16/404639 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15864920 |
Jan 8, 2018 |
10279747 |
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16404639 |
|
|
|
|
15069902 |
Mar 14, 2016 |
9868402 |
|
|
15864920 |
|
|
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|
13874248 |
Apr 30, 2013 |
9283884 |
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15069902 |
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|
61640633 |
Apr 30, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/06 20130101; B60R
9/04 20130101; B60R 9/052 20130101; Y10T 24/2175 20150115 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/04 20060101
B60R009/04; B60R 9/052 20060101 B60R009/052; B60P 7/06 20060101
B60P007/06 |
Claims
1. A strap coupler for connecting a cargo specific carrier to a
crossbar on top of a vehicle, comprising: a body configured for
positioning on a crossbar, the body having a mounting interface for
the cargo specific carrier; and a retention strap having a first
end portion secured to the body, a middle portion wrapping around
the crossbar opposite from the body, and a second end portion
connected to a lever apparatus configured to connect the second end
portion to the body to secure the strap coupler to the crossbar,
wherein the lever apparatus includes an axle removably inserted
into a recess in the body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/864,920 filed Jan. 8, 2018, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/069,902, filed
Mar. 14, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,868,402 on Jan. 16, 2018,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/874,248, filed Apr. 30, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,283,884
on Mar. 15, 2016, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/640,633, filed Apr. 30, 2012. The
complete disclosures of each application are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties for all purposes.
[0002] This application also incorporates by reference in its
entirety U.S. Pat. No. 8,136,709 issued Mar. 20, 2012.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] People frequently carry cargo on vehicles. Specialized racks
are available for securing recreational items typically on top or
on the rear of vehicles. For example, recreational items can be
secured on a pair of crossbars on top of a vehicle with a cargo
specific carrier, such as boat, bike, ski/snowboard carrier, or
other suitable accessory attachment. Carrying cargo outside the
vehicle is a convenient way to increase carrying capacity,
particularly considering current trends to drive smaller more fuel
efficient vehicles, and particularly with respect to inherently
large items that usually don't fit well inside a vehicle, for
example, boats, bikes, skis, and surfboards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo rack mounted on a
vehicle, according to the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a strap coupler.
[0006] FIGS. 3-4 are perspective views of a cargo specific carrier
being coupled to a crossbar with the strap coupler of FIG. 2.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a cut away view of the strap coupler of FIG. 2 and
a portion of the cargo specific carrier of FIGS. 3-4 with a lever
apparatus in an open position and a cam lever in an up
position.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a cut away view of a portion of the strap coupler
of FIG. 2 with a mounting interface rotated and the lever apparatus
in the closed position.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a cut away view of a portion of the strap coupler
of FIG. 2 and a portion of the cargo specific carrier of FIGS. 3-4
with the cam lever in a down position.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a semi-schematic view of the cargo specific
carrier of FIGS. 3-4 coupled to the crossbar via a strut.
[0011] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a coupler suitable for being
selectively attached to either a round or square crossbar.
[0012] FIG. 10 is a side view of a fitting member of the coupler of
FIG. 9 in an open position.
[0013] FIG. 11 is a side view of a cap for mounting over the
fitting member of FIG. 10 in a wrapped position.
[0014] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cargo specific carrier
being coupled to a crossbar with two of the couplers of FIG. 9.
[0015] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a coupler suitable for
being attached to a T-slot crossbar.
[0016] FIG. 13A is a perspective bottom view of a cap portion of
the coupler of FIG. 13.
SUMMARY
[0017] Clamp systems are disclosed for coupling rack accessories to
crossbars on top of a vehicle. A clamp device may include a body
having a top side, a bottom side, a first end portion, and a second
end portion. A flexible strap member may be connected to the first
end portion of the body, and may have an adjustable effective
length for gripping a crossbar.
[0018] Another clamp device may include a flexible plastic fitting
member having an inner wall defining an aperture for receiving a
crossbar. The fitting member may have opposing end portions, and an
orientation with the end portions defining a gap having a width
dimension which is decreased as the fitting members tighten around
a crossbar. A cap member may be configured to engage the fitting
member. The cap member may have an internal ramp surface configured
to slide relative to one or more external ramp surfaces provided on
the fitting member, causing a decrease in the width dimension of
the gap, and corresponding tightening of the clamp device around
the crossbar.
[0019] Other clamp devices provide various mechanisms for securing
an enlarged head portion of a bolt in a t-slot of a crossbar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a cargo rack 20 mounted to a vehicle 22. As
shown, cargo rack 20 includes a pair of crossbars 21a, 21b mounted
to a roof of vehicle 22 by towers 24a-d. Attachment devices, such
as strap couplers 26 and 28, couple a cargo specific carrier, such
as ski carrier 30, to crossbar 21a, and strap couplers 32 and 34
couple a cargo specific carrier, such as ski carrier 36, to
crossbar 21b. Strap couplers 26, 28, 32, and 34 may be
substantially similar in structure, and may be suitable for
attachment to crossbars of a variety of shapes and sizes. For
example, FIG. 1 shows each strap coupler having a body 38
positioned on an upper surface of a crossbar, and a retention strap
40 for securing body 38 to the crossbar.
[0021] Cargo specific carriers 30 and 36 may be operable between a
gripping mode that grips a specific type of cargo (e.g., skis), and
an unloading mode that allows for the specific type of cargo to be
unloaded from the cargo specific carrier. FIG. 1 shows cargo
specific carriers 30 and 36 in the gripping mode. As shown, cargo
specific carriers 30 and 36 each include a lock assembly 42
configured to lock the associated cargo specific carrier in the
gripping mode.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of strap coupler 26. Body 38
may include a lower housing portion 38a configured positioning on a
crossbar (not shown) opposite a middle portion 40a of retention
strap 40. Lower housing portion 38a may be made of rubber or any
other material suitable for gripping the crossbar. Retention strap
40 may include a metal strap (e.g., a strap made of stainless
steel) that is coated with rubber and/or a material similar to, or
the same as, the material of lower housing portion 38a.
[0023] Strap coupler 26 may include any suitable apparatus for
adjusting an effective length of retention strap 40 to tension and
relax retention strap 40 around the crossbar. For example, FIG. 2
shows a traveling nut 44 attached to (or firmly holding) a first
end portion 40b of retention strap 40. A drive screw 46 may extend
through an opening 48 in body 38 and be threaded into an aperture
50 in traveling nut 42. Drive screw 46 may include a thumbscrew or
knob 52, which when turned may pull or push traveling nut 44 toward
or away from opening 48 to respectively shorten or lengthen the
effective length of retention strap 40.
[0024] A second end portion 40c of retention strap 40 may be
removably connected to body 38 by a lever apparatus 54. For
example, a pin or axle 56 may pivotally connect second end portion
40c of strap 40 to apertures 58a and 58b of lever apparatus 54.
Lever apparatus 54 may be configured to be removably and/or
pivotally connected to body 38. For example, FIG. 2 shows lever
apparatus 54 including opposing protrusions 60a and 60b, which are
shaped to be removably inserted into respective slots 62a and 62b
of body 38 to form a lever pivot axis 64.
[0025] Lever device or apparatus 54 may be configured to finish
tightening retention strap 40 around the crossbar. For example,
lever apparatus 54 may be operable (or pivotable) about pivot axis
64 between open and closed positions. Pivoting lever apparatus 54
from the open position to the closed position about pivot axis 64
may move retention strap 40 from a released (or loose, or relaxed)
position to a retained (or tightened, or tensioned) position to
secure body 38 to the crossbar. Moving lever apparatus 54 from the
open position to the closed position may involve an over-center
action of pin 56, which both tightens and retains retention strap
40 and prevents retention strap 40 from exerting an opening force
on lever apparatus 54 toward the open position. In some
embodiments, retention strap 40 may exert a closing force on lever
apparatus 54 toward the closing position when retention strap 40 is
in the retained position and lever apparatus 54 is in the closed
position. In the closed position, lever apparatus 54 may mate with
body 38 to cover and/or prevent access to thumbscrew 52.
[0026] A mounting interface 66 for a cargo specific carrier may be
rotatably connected to body 38. For example, a tab 68 may be
slidingly engaged in a slot 70 to retain mounting interface 66 on
body 38, and allow mounting interface 66 to rotate about an axis 72
located above the crossbar. As shown in FIG. 2, both tab 68 and
slot 70 are arcuate, and slot 70 is radially wider than tab 68 to
allow for radial displacement of mounting interface 66 to
selectively engage teeth 74 disposed inside mounting interface 66
with teeth 76 disposed on body 38. For example, when teeth 74 and
76 are disengaged, tab 68 may slide along a lower surface 70a of
slot 70, and when teeth 74 and 76 are engaged, tab 68 may seat
against (or be proximate) an upper surface 70b of slot 70. Strap
coupler 26 may include a second tab (not shown) similar to tab 68
located opposite tab 68 on body 38. The second tab may be slidingly
engaged in a slot 71 just as tab 68 is in slot 70.
[0027] An attachment member 78, shown here as a threaded bolt, may
extend through an aperture or opening 80 in mounting interface 66
via an opening 82 in body 38. Attachment member 78 may then be
threaded into an aperture or threaded nut member 84 of a cam lever
86 disposed inside of the cargo specific carrier, such as ski
carrier 30 of FIG. 1.
[0028] Strap coupler 26 may include any suitable mechanism for
securing lever apparatus 54 in the closed position. For example,
attachment member 78 may be connected to a latch mechanism 88
disposed within body 38. As shown in FIG. 2, latch mechanism 88
includes a latch or latch lever 90 pivotally connected to a nut 92
about a pivot axis 94. As shown, attachment member 78 is connected
to (or held by) nut 92, and latch 90 includes a pair of opposing
protrusions 96a, 96b to pivotally connect latch 90 to body 38 by
respective insertion into opposing apertures 98a, 98b in body 38
forming a latch pivot axis 97.
[0029] Cam lever 86 may be operable between an open or up position
that allows mounting interface 66 to rotate relative to body 38
(e.g., about pivot axis 72), and a closed or down position that
secures mounting interface in position on body 38. For example,
moving cam lever 86 from the up position to the down position may
pull nut 92 toward opening 82 to secure (or engage) teeth 74 of
mounting interface 66 in position on teeth 76 of body 38, and may
drive latch 90 down onto a catch 100 of lever apparatus 54 to
secure lever apparatus 54 in the closed position. When cam lever 86
is in the up position, pivot axis 94 may align with pivot axis 72.
When cam lever 86 is in the down position, pivot axis 94 is
displaced from pivot axis 72 (e.g., pivoted relative to pivot axis
72, and/or vertically translated relative to pivot axis 72).
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, a biasing assembly 102 is disposed
around attachment member 78 to bias mounting interface 66 away from
nut 92 and/or body 38. For example, biasing assembly 102 may
include a spring and washer, as shown, seated and/or extending
between nut 92 and an inner surface (not shown) of mounting
interface 66 to bias teeth 74 away from teeth 76, which may allow
mounting interface 66 to be rotated about pivot axis 72 when cam
lever 86 is in the up position and/or when weight from a cargo
specific carrier, such as ski carrier 30, presses down on mounting
interface 66. Biasing assembly 102 may exert a downward force on
nut 92 to bias pivot axis 94 away from opening 82, which may cause
latch 90 to pivot about latch pivot axis 97 such that latch 90
presses against a surface 103 of body 38 when cam lever 86 is in
the up position.
[0031] Strap coupler 26 may include any structure or apparatus to
allow attachment mechanism 78 to pivot about an axis substantially
parallel to pivot axis 72. For example, opening 82 is wider than
attachment member 78 in a direction horizontally perpendicular to
pivot axis 72, as shown, to allow attachment member 78 to pivot
about a pivot axis substantially parallel to pivot axis 72 when cam
lever 86 is in the up position. As shown in FIG. 2, opening 80 is
similarly dimensioned as attachment member 78 in a direction
substantially horizontally perpendicular to pivot axis 72, which
may cause attachment member 78 to pivot (e.g., about pivot axis 94)
with mounting interface 66 when mounting interface 66 is rotated
about pivot axis 72.
[0032] Strap coupler 26 may include any structure or apparatus
configured to allow attachment mechanism 78 to pivot about an axis
substantially horizontally perpendicular to pivot axis 72. For
example, opening 80 and opening 82 are wider than attachment member
78 in a direction parallel to pivot axis 72, as shown, to allow
attachment member 78 to pivot about a pivot axis substantially
horizontally perpendicular to pivot axis 72 to allow the cargo
specific carrier to be mounted in an angled orientation to the
crossbar (see FIG. 8).
[0033] FIGS. 3-4 depict ski carrier 30 being coupled to crossbar
21a with strap couplers 26 and 28, according to the present
disclosure. FIGS. 3-4 show ski carrier 30 in the unloading mode. As
indicated in FIG. 3, attachment members 78 may be slid through
securing apertures 104 in ski carrier 30. Cam levers 86 may then be
connected to respective attachment members 78 to loosely couple ski
carrier 30 to respective mounting interfaces 66 of strap couplers
26 and 28. In other examples, attachment members 78 may be dropped
through ski carrier 30 and threaded into respective nuts 92 in
respective strap couplers 26 and 28. As shown, strap couplers 26
and 28 may each include an orienting structure, such as an angled
notch 106, which may mate with complimentary structures (not shown)
on a bottom surface of ski carrier 30 to assist a user in properly
orienting each strap coupler to ski carrier 30, for example in a
substantially perpendicular orientation, as shown.
[0034] Strap coupler 28 may include other features and protrusions
that allow further attachment interfaces. For example, strap
coupler 28 includes an elevator or strut aperture 108, as shown,
for coupling ski carrier 30 to strap coupler 28 via an elevator arm
or strut 110, which may be selectively pivoted away from ski
carrier 30 and secured to aperture 108 with any suitable attachment
member, such as a bolt (FIG. 8). As shown, strut aperture 108 is
substantially horizontal. The orienting structure may assist in
properly orienting strut aperture 108 for subsequent alignment with
strut 110 to provide increased clearance between ski carrier 30 and
vehicle 22 (see FIG. 8).
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, opening 80 in mounting interface 66 is
elongate or oblong in an elongate direction of crossbar 21a (see
FIG. 4), which may allow for attachment member 78 to pivot away
from vertical in a plane substantially parallel to an elongate or
core axis of crossbar 21a to provide for an angled or
non-perpendicular (or non-parallel) attachment of ski carrier 30 to
strap coupler 26. In other words, oblong opening 80 may allow
attachment member 78 to extend from an interior space of strap
coupler 26 into an interior space of ski carrier 30 when ski
carrier 30 is coupled to crossbar 21a via strut 110. This angled
extension of attachment member 78 may allow for an attachment
member actuator, such as cam lever 86, to be located inside ski
carrier 30, which may provide an increased level of security.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows retention straps 40 wrapped around crossbar
21a, and as described, lever apparatus 54 is inserted into
respective slots 62a, 62b (see FIG. 2) in strap couplers 26 and 28.
Thumbscrews 52 may then be turned to shorten or lengthen the
effective length of retention straps 40.
[0037] FIG. 5 shows a cut away view of strap coupler 26 loosely
connected (or coupled) to ski carrier 30 with a top portion of ski
carrier 30 removed, lever apparatus 54 in the open position,
retention strap 40 in a released position, and cam lever 86 in the
up position. As shown, biasing assembly 102 pushes (or biases) nut
92 away from mounting interface 66 to pivot latch 90 about pivot
axis 97 so that latch 90 presses against surface 103, which allows
biasing assembly 102 to push mounting interface 66 away from body
38 to disengage teeth 74 from teeth 76.
[0038] As indicated in FIG. 5, lever apparatus 54 is configured to
move retention strap 40 from the released position to the retained
position. As described, actuating thumbscrew 52 causes barrel nut
44 and first end portion 40b of retention strap 40 to be pulled
toward opening 48, providing a "rough" adjustment of the effective
length of retention strap 40. For example, turning thumbscrew 52
may cause retention strap 40 to be pulled against opposing end
portions 38c and 38d of body 38 and contact a lower surface of
crossbar 21a. Lever apparatus 54 may then be pivoted about pivot
axis 64 toward the closed position to cause retention strap 40 to
move from the released (or relaxed) position to the retained (or
tensioned) position around crossbar 21a (e.g., further tensioning
retention strap 40 around crossbar 21a), which secures or clamps
crossbar 21a between retention strap 40 and lower housing portion
38a. In other words, moving lever apparatus 54 from the open
position to the closed position may finish the tightening (or
tensioning) of retention strap 40 around crossbar 21a.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a cut away view of a portion of strap coupler
26 with lever apparatus 54 in the closed position. As shown,
mounting interface 66 is selectively rotated relative to body 38,
which may be desirable when coupling a cargo specific carrier to a
crossbar with an angled pitch, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
8,136,709 B2 assigned to Applicants, which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows mounting interface 66 and attachment member 78
selectively pivoted counter-clockwise. Alternatively, mounting
interface 66 may be selectively pivoted clockwise. For example,
mounting interface 66 may be pivoted clockwise until a lower
surface 66a of mounting interface 66 contacts an upper surface 38b
of body 38. As shown, the pivot axis (e.g., pivot axis 94) for
mounting interface 66 is located above the crossbar, which may
provide greater flexibility in coupling a cargo specific carrier to
a pitched or angled crossbar as compared to a mounting interface
having a pivot axis located below the crossbar. For example,
mounting interface 66 may have a 20 degree range of pivotation
relative to body 38 to provide a horizontally oriented mounting
interface 66 when strap coupler 26 is mounted on a pitched
crossbar.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows a cut away view of a portion of strap coupler
26 and a portion of ski carrier 30 with cam lever 86 in the down
position. As shown, moving cam lever 86 to the down position pulls
up nut 92 via attachment member 78 (see FIG. 2), which pivots latch
90 about latch pivot axis 97 onto catch 100 to secure lever
apparatus 54 in the closed position and clamp body 38 between nut
92 and mounting interface 66 to engage teeth 74 and 76. As shown in
FIG. 7, lever apparatus 54 substantially houses and/or prevents
access to knob 52 when in the closed position.
[0042] Ski carrier 30 may then be moved to the gripping mode, and
lock assembly 42 (see FIG. 1) may be locked to indirectly lock
strap coupler 26 in the retained position. For example, locking
lock assembly 42 may prevent ski carrier 30 from being opened,
which may prevent a third party from actuating strap coupler 26 to
the released position and/or removing ski carrier 30 from the
crossbar (e.g., when ski carrier 30 is locked in the gripping mode,
cam lever 86 is inaccessible, thus indirectly locking latch 90 in
position on catch 100).
[0043] FIG. 8 is a semi-schematic diagram of ski carrier 30 coupled
to crossbar 21a with strap coupler 26 and strap coupler 28 via
strut 110. As shown, an end portion of strut 110 is pivoted away
from ski carrier 30 and connected to aperture 108 (see FIG. 2) of
strap coupler 28 to provide additional clearance between ski
carrier 30 and the vehicle roof (see FIG. 1), for example, to
provide additional clearance for "tall" snowboard bindings. As
shown, oblong opening 80 (see FIG. 2) allows attachment member 78
to pivot about pivot axis 112, so that attachment member 78 extends
non-perpendicularly (e.g. away from vertical) from inside strap
coupler 22 to inside ski carrier 30 where an actuator, such as cam
lever 86 (see FIG. 7) or a threaded nut member, may secure ski
carrier 30 to strap coupler 26. As shown, pivot axis 112 is normal
to the view of FIG. 8, perpendicular to the elongate direction of
crossbar 21a, and horizontally perpendicular to pivot axis 94 of
attachment member 78 (see FIG. 6). In other words, attachment
member 78 may pivot about a first pivot axis (e.g., pivot axis 94)
that is substantially parallel to the elongate direction of the
crossbar, and about a second pivot axis (e.g., pivot axis 112) that
is substantially horizontally perpendicular to the first pivot
axis.
[0044] FIGS. 9-12 show an example of an attachment device or clamp
or coupler 200 that is suitable for being selectively attached to
either a round or square or rectangular crossbar for coupling a
cargo specific carrier or rack accessory to the selected crossbar.
As shown, clamp 200 includes a fitting member 202 coupled to an
attachment or bolt member 204, and a cap or cap member 206
dimensioned to fit over fitting member 202. As shown, cap 206 is a
generally cubic block and includes a hole or central aperture 208
and a mounting interface 210. In other embodiments, cap 206 may
have other external shapes.
[0045] When cap 206 is fit over fitting member 202, attachment
member 204 is received through central aperture 208 in cap 206 to
extend above mounting interface 210 for subsequent insertion into
the cargo specific carrier, as indicated in FIG. 12. Fitting or
mounting cap 206 over fitting member 202 presses together first and
second jaws 212 and 214 of fitting member 202 to secure fitting
member 202 to the crossbar (e.g., between jaws 212 and 214), as
indicated in FIG. 11. Coupling ski carrier 30 to the crossbar with
coupler 200 may provide additional clearance between the carrier
and the vehicle. For example, cap 206 may "raise" a mounted
position of the carrier.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, fitting member 202 is a flexible "C"
shaped member having a generally rounded square inner profile with
first and second jaws 212 and 214 forming a mouth or gap 216 of the
C. For purposes of this description, mouth 216 shall be referred to
as being at the top or upper side of the device.
[0047] Fitting member 202 may be a flexible plastic fitting member
having an inner wall defining an aperture 219 for receiving the
crossbar. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, a clamping axis 217 is
defined through the center of aperture 219 for receiving the
crossbar, and is parallel with the inner wall of fitting member
202. Fitting member 202 has opposing end portions (e.g., upper
portions of jaws 212 and 214), and an orientation with the end
portions defining gap 216, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown,
gap 216 has a width dimension which is decreased as fitting member
202 is tightened around the crossbar.
[0048] As indicated in FIG. 9, fitting member 202 is operable
between an open position (shown here below the crossbar) and a
wrapped position (shown here on the crossbar). Fitting member 202
may be made of unfilled nylon or similar resin so that mouth 216
may be spread open (e.g., to the open position). Fitting member 202
may then be wrapped around the crossbar (e.g., in the wrapped
position).
[0049] As shown, fitting member 202 includes inner adapter pieces
or removable flanges 218 that adapt the generally square inner
profile to a generally round profile (see FIG. 11) for use on round
crossbars (e.g., a crossbar having a round cross-section).
Alternatively, adapter pieces 218 may be selectively removed. For
example, adapter pieces 218 may be torn or cut out at points 220
(see FIG. 10) to secure coupler 200 to a square or rectangular
crossbar (e.g., a crossbar having a square or rectangular
cross-section), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,441 assigned to
Applicants, which is hereby incorporated by reference. For example,
aperture 219 containing removable flanges 218 conforms to a round
crossbar, as shown in FIG. 11, and removal of flanges 218 renders
aperture 219 conformable to a square or rectangular crossbar. FIG.
9 shows adapter pieces 218 removed in the wrapped position.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, first jaw 212 includes a central
protruding tab 222 configured to interface with a complementary
opening or recess 224 in second jaw 214. Central protruding tab 222
may include a plurality of smaller protruding arms configured to
interface with complementary apertures in recess 224. For example,
a first protruding arm 222a may interface with and extend into a
complementary aperture 224a, and a second protruding arm 222b (see
FIG. 10), which is similar to protruding arm 222a, may interface
with and extend into a complimentary aperture 224b (see FIGS.
9-10). As shown, the interface of central protruding tab 222 and
complementary recess 224 is located in an interior space of fitting
member 202, such that when fitting member 202 is in the wrapped
position the interface is substantially enclosed by (or housed in)
fitting member 202.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 9-10, fitting member 202 includes one or
more exterior protruding tabs configured to interface with one or
more complementary recesses on opposing exterior surfaces of
fitting member 202. For example, FIG. 9 shows first jaw 212
including an exterior protruding tab 226 configured to interface
with a complementary exterior recess 228, and FIG. 10 shows an
opposite exterior side of fitting member 202 having an exterior
protruding tab 230 configured to interface with a complementary
exterior recess 232. The interface of tabs 222, 226, and 230 with
respective recesses 224, 228, and 232 may act to prevent lateral
displacement (e.g., displacement in the direction of the elongate
direction of the crossbar) when jaws 212 and 214 are brought
together in the wrapped position and engaged with cap member
206.
[0052] Either jaw may include the features described. For example,
second jaw 214 may include central protruding tab 222, and first
jaw 212 may include complementary recess 224.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, first and second jaws 212 and 214
have respective opposingly sloped upper surfaces or external ramp
surfaces 212a and 214a, resulting in a tapered wedge of the upper
section of fitting member 202 when in the wrapped position.
Opposingly sloped upper surfaces 212a and 214a are sloped (or
angled) toward an upper portion of attachment member 204 and extend
parallel to the elongate direction of the crossbar, as shown in
FIG. 9.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, bolt member 204 has a head 204a
seated in gap 216 between the end portions (e.g. upper portions of
jaws 212 and 214) of fitting member 202. As shown, bolt member 204
has a core axis 204b extending in a direction perpendicular to
clamping axis 217. External ramp surfaces 212a and 214a of fitting
member 202 are shown in respective planes 212b and 214b that form
respective acute angles .theta.1 and .theta.2 with core axis 204b.
Clamping axis 217 and planes 212b and 214b are shown normal to the
view of FIG. 11. As shown, planes 212b and 214b are intersecting
planes.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows a side view of cap 206 being fit over fitting
member 202 in the wrapped position. As indicated, cap 206 includes
opposingly sloped interior surfaces or internal ramp surfaces 234
and 236 complementary to the tapered wedge formed by opposingly
sloped upper surfaces 212a and 214a of fitting member 202 such that
cap 206 biases (or presses) jaws 212 and 214 toward one another
when fit onto fitting member 202 (e.g., when interior surfaces 234
and 236 of cap 206 slide and/or seat against surfaces 212a and 214a
of fitting member 202).
[0056] Cap member 206 may be configured to engage fitting member
202. For example, one or more of the internal ramp surfaces 234 and
236 may form a sliding interface with one or more external ramp
surfaces 212a and 214a of fitting member 202 so that sliding of one
or more internal ramp surfaces 234 and 236 relative to one or more
external ramp surfaces 212a and 214a causes the width dimension of
gap 216 to change. Bolt member 204 may extend through hole 208 when
one or more external ramp surfaces 212a and 214a are in contact
with one or more internal ramp surfaces 234 and 236. As indicated
in FIG. 11, cap 206 includes a substantially horizontal interior
surface or one or more ridges 238 extending between (or connecting)
sloped interior surfaces 234 and 236 to prevent fitting member 202
from splitting cap 206. For example, one or more ridges 238 may
reinforce the biasing force provided by cap 206 on fitting member
202.
[0057] FIG. 12 shows two couplers 200 installed on the crossbar. As
indicated, ski carrier 30 is then set on top of caps 206, so that
attachment members 204 extend through securing apertures 104 in ski
carrier 30. Threaded fasteners, or quick release nuts, such as cam
levers 86 shown in FIG. 3, may then be connected to attachment
members 204 inside ski carrier 30 to secure ski carrier 30 to
mounting interfaces 210. In other examples, attachment members 204
(or other suitable attachment members) may be dropped through
securing apertures 104 in ski carrier 30 and threaded into
respective nuts (or other suitable fasteners) in respective fitting
members 202.
[0058] When ski carrier 30 is tightened onto mounting interfaces
210 (e.g., via quick release nuts tightened onto attachment members
204, or attachment members tightened into nuts in fitting members
202), caps 206 are pushed down over the tapered wedges of fitting
members 202. For example, a threaded nut member may engage a
threaded portion of bolt member 204, and rotation of the nut member
around bolt member 204 may cause sliding of one or more internal
ramp surfaces 234 and 236 relative to one or more external ramp
surfaces 212a and 214a and variation of the width dimension of gap
216 (see FIGS. 10-11). Jaws 212 and 214 (or opposing end portions
of fitting member 202) are thus pushed together which tightens the
respective fitting members 202 around the crossbar. The nut member
may include a cam lever, such as cam lever 86 (see FIGS. 2-7),
which pivots about an axis perpendicular to core axis 204b of bolt
member 204 (see FIG. 11) for adjusting the position of cap member
206 on fitting member 202 and corresponding width dimension of gap
216 (see FIGS. 9-10).
[0059] Securing ski carrier 30 to coupler 200 may secure or clamp
cap 206 in position between ski carrier 30 and the crossbar. For
example, cap 206 may have a flat bottom surface 206a with a central
concave region 206b. When secured to a square crossbar, cargo
specific carrier 30 may clamp or secure cap 206 in position by
pressing (or seating) surface 206a against the crossbar. When
secured to a round crossbar, cargo specific carrier 30 may clamp or
secure cap 206 in position by pressing (or seating) concave region
206b against the crossbar.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 12, cap 206 may include a strut aperture
240 and an orienting structure, such as an angled notch 242,
similar to strut aperture 108 and angled notch 106 and of strap
couplers 26 and 28 (see FIG. 3).
[0061] Coupler 200 may be configured to secure ski carrier 30 via
strut 110 in an orientation similar to that shown FIG. 8. For
example, FIG. 10 shows head portion 204a of attachment member 204
loosely retained in first jaw 210 to allow attachment member 204 to
pivot back and forth in an oblong aperture 244 in fitting member
202 and hole 208 in cap 206 (see FIG. 9) about an axis
substantially horizontally perpendicular to the crossbar (e.g.,
similar to pivot axis 112 of attachment member 78 in FIG. 8). As
shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, hole 208 in cap member 206 is oblong,
and has a long axis parallel to clamping axis 217 of fitting member
202 and perpendicular to core axis 204c of bolt member 204.
[0062] FIG. 13 shows an example of an attachment device or coupler
300 that is suitable for being attached to a T-slot crossbar, such
as crossbar 302, to couple a cargo specific carrier, such as ski
carrier 30 (see FIG. 12), to the crossbar. Coupler 300 may include
a T-bolt, such as T-bolt 304 or T-bolt 305, and a body (or cap, or
block) 306. Coupling ski carrier 30 to the crossbar with coupler
300 may provide additional clearance between the carrier and the
vehicle. For example, block 306 may "raise" a mounted position of
the carrier.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 13, T-bolt 304 is formed as a unitary bolt
including a "T" shaped retention cleat 308 protruding from a bottom
side of a block portion 310, and a threaded rod or attachment
member 312 extending from a top side of block portion 310 opposite
the bottom side. T-bolt 304 is shown having a narrow side profile
or dimension to facilitate installation in the middle of T-slot
302a. In other words, T-bolt 304 is shown having a side thickness
narrow enough to allow T-bolt 304 to pass into T-slot 302a when
T-bolt 304 is in a first orientation, generally indicated at
314.
[0064] FIG. 13 shows T-bolt 304 having a wider profile in a
dimension orthogonal to the side dimension to allow T-bolt 304 to
be retained in T-slot 302a when T-bolt 304 is in a second
orientation, generally indicated at 316. As shown in FIG. 13, block
portion 310 has rounded or otherwise shaped edges in order to allow
block portion 310 to be keyed to a correspondingly shaped opening
318 in a lower portion of base 306, as shown in FIG. 13A. Threaded
rod portion 312 may be configured to thread into or pass through an
aperture 320 in base 306, and further sized and configured to allow
threaded attachment of an accessory, such as ski carrier 30 of FIG.
12.
[0065] Base 306 may be formed of plastic, and may be generally
cube-shaped. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, aperture 320 is a
central vertical aperture with a bottom side including shaped
opening 318. Base 306 includes one or more alignment tabs 322, and
a shaped top section 324 configured to create one or more
attachment interfaces for accessories, as shown. For example, an
upper surface of block 306 may provide a mounting interface for an
accessory attachment, and as shown, shaped top section includes a
strut aperture 325 and an angled notch 327 to provide interfaces
similar to strut aperture 108 and angled notch 106 of strap
couplers 26 and 28 (see FIGS. 2-3, and 8).
[0066] Central aperture 320 may be sized to allow threaded rod 312
to pass through base 306 and protrude from top section 324 when
T-bolt 304 is inserted through the bottom of base 306. Block
portion 310 of T-bolt 304 may be sized and shaped to correspond to
opening 318 in the bottom of base 306, as shown, to allow T-bolt
304 to be keyed to base 306 when bolt 304 and base 306 are in a
complementary orientation, generally indicated at 326, thus
preventing T-bolt 304 from rotating (e.g., to second orientation
314). When in complementary orientation 326, alignment tabs 322 are
sized to fit or protrude into T-slot 302a in order to prevent base
306 from rotating out of position.
[0067] As indicated in FIG. 13, a process of installing coupler 300
to crossbar 302 includes operatively connecting a T-bolt to T-slot
302a. In a first embodiment, T-bolt 304 is inserted into T-slot
302a in first orientation 314 and rotated (e.g., approximately 90
degrees) to second orientation 316 to retain or operatively connect
cleat 308 in or to T-slot 302a. T-slot 302a may be substantially
filled with a resilient infill (not shown) which may exert an
upward force on cleat 308 in second orientation 316 to press cleat
308 against interior surfaces of T-slot 302a. In a second
embodiment, a door 328 may be lifted so that a substantially square
cleat 305a of T-bolt 305 may be inserted through an end of T-slot
302a and moved to a select location along T-slot 302a where the
resilient infill may operatively connect cleat 305a to T-slot 302a,
such that attachment member 305b extends upward from T-slot 302a
much like attachment member 312 in second orientation 316.
[0068] As indicated, base 306 is then set (or placed) over the
T-bolt in orientation 326. A second coupler 300 may be installed on
crossbar 302, and a cargo specific carrier, such as ski carrier 30
(see FIG. 12), may be set on top of base(s) 306 so that attachment
members 312 (or 305b) extend into ski carrier 30 (e.g., via
securing apertures 104). Threaded fasteners (e.g., a nut, knob, or
cam lever) may then secure ski carrier 30 to crossbar 302 by
pulling up attachment members 312 (or 305b) to secure blocks 306 in
position and to provide a clamping force on T-slot 302a. For
example, longitudinal lips 302b of T-slot 302a may be clamped
between cleats 308 (or 305a) and block 306.
[0069] The following paragraphs describe exemplary embodiments of
the present disclosure:
[0070] A. A clamp device for connecting a rack accessory to a
crossbar on top of a vehicle comprising
[0071] a body having a top side, a bottom side, a first end
portion, and a second end portion, the bottom side having a padded
concave surface for contacting a top side of a crossbar, the top
side of the body being configured for connection to a
cargo-specific carrier,
[0072] a flexible strap member connected to the first end portion
of the body, the strap member having an effective length and a
distal end portion pivotally connected to a lever device including
a shaft portion, the second end portion of the body having a dial
and a slot for receiving the shaft portion of the lever device,
rotation of the dial causing alteration of the effective length of
the strap member when the shaft portion is seated in the slot,
wherein the lever device is moveable between an open position and a
closed position, movement of the lever device from the open
position to the closed position causing a decrease in the effective
length of the strap member.
[0073] A1. The clamp device of paragraph A, wherein the movement of
the lever device from the open position to the closed position
causes blocking of access to the dial.
[0074] A2. The clamp device of paragraph A, further comprising
[0075] a threaded bolt member extending vertically upward from the
top side of the body for attachment to a cargo-specific carrier,
and
[0076] a threaded nut member for receiving the bolt member to
secure a cargo-specific carrier to the body of the clamp
device.
[0077] A3. The clamp device of paragraph A1, wherein the body has a
rocking portion capable of pivoting around an axis parallel to a
crossbar axis when the clamp device is secured around a
crossbar.
[0078] A4. The clamp device of paragraph A3, further comprising
[0079] a threaded bolt member extending vertically upward from the
rocking portion for attachment to a cargo-specific carrier, and
[0080] a threaded nut member for receiving the bolt member to
secure a cargo-specific carrier to the body of the clamp device,
wherein pivotal movement of the rocking portion is prevented when
the nut member is tightened on the bolt member.
[0081] A5. The clamp device of paragraph A2, wherein the nut member
includes a cam lever attached to a barrel nut, wherein final
tightening of the nut member to secure a cargo-specific carrier to
the body is carried out by pivoting the lever from a clamped
position to a released position.
[0082] A6. The clamp device of paragraph A3, wherein the rocking
portion has an oblong hole with a long axis parallel to a crossbar
axis when the clamp device is secured around a crossbar.
[0083] A7. The clamp device of paragraph A3, wherein the rocking
portion has a latch device catching a recess on the lever device
when the lever device is in the closed position and the nut member
is securely engaging the bolt member.
[0084] A8. The clamp device of paragraph A, wherein the strap
member includes a metal band encased in a polymer.
[0085] A9. The clamp device of paragraph A2, wherein the nut member
is configured to be retained inside a cargo-specific accessory
having a locking device.
[0086] B. A clamp device for connecting a rack accessory to a
crossbar on top of a vehicle comprising
[0087] a body having a top side, a bottom side, a first end
portion, and a second end portion, the bottom side having a padded
concave surface for contacting a top side of a crossbar, the top
side of the body being configured for connection to a
cargo-specific carrier,
[0088] a flexible strap member connected to the first end portion
of the body, the strap member having a distal end portion
configured for connection to the second end portion of the body,
and
[0089] a cam lever connected to a bolt member extending upward from
the top side of the body, the cam lever being moveable between a
clamped position and a released position, wherein the distal end of
the strap member is prevented from being detached from the second
end portion of the body when the cam lever is in the clamped
position.
[0090] B1. The clamp device of paragraph B, wherein the distal end
portion is pivotally connected to a lever device including a shaft
portion, the second end portion of the body having a dial and a
slot for receiving the shaft portion of the lever device, rotation
of the dial causing alteration of an effective length of the strap
member when the shaft portion is seated in the slot, the lever
device being moveable between an open position and a closed
position, movement of the lever device from the open position to
the closed position causing a decrease in the effective length of
the strap member.
[0091] B2. The clamp device of paragraph B, wherein the body has a
rocking portion capable of pivoting around an axis parallel to a
crossbar axis when the clamp device is secured around a
crossbar.
[0092] C. A clamp device for connecting a rack accessory to a
crossbar on top of a vehicle comprising
[0093] a body having a top side, a bottom side, a first end
portion, and a second end portion, the bottom side having a padded
concave surface for contacting a top side of a crossbar, the top
side of the body being configured for connection to a
cargo-specific carrier,
[0094] a flexible strap member connected to the first end portion
of the body, the strap member having an adjustable effective length
and a distal end portion pivotally connected to a lever device
including a shaft portion, the second end portion of the body
having a slot for receiving the shaft portion of the lever device,
wherein the lever device is moveable between an open position and a
closed position, movement of the lever device from the open
position to the closed position causing a decrease in the effective
length of the strap member, and corresponding tightening of the
strap member around a crossbar.
[0095] C1. The clamp device of paragraph C, wherein the second end
portion of the body had a dial, rotation of the dial causing
alteration of the effective length of the strap member when the
shaft portion of the lever device is in the slot.
[0096] C2. The clamp device of paragraph C1, wherein movement of
the lever device from the open position to the closed position
causes blocking of access to the dial.
[0097] C3. The clamp device of paragraph C, further comprising
[0098] a threaded bolt member extending vertically upward from the
top side of the body for attachment to a cargo-specific carrier,
and
[0099] a threaded nut member for receiving the bolt member to
secure a cargo-specific carrier to the body of the clamp
device.
[0100] C4. The clamp device of paragraph C, wherein the body has a
rocking portion capable of pivoting around an axis parallel to a
crossbar axis when the clamp device is secured around a
crossbar.
[0101] C5. The clamp device of paragraph C3, wherein pivotal
movement of the rocking portion is prevented when the nut member is
tightened on the bolt member.
[0102] C6. The clamp device of paragraph C3, wherein the nut member
includes a cam lever attached to a barrel nut, wherein final
tightening of the nut member to secure a cargo-specific carrier to
the body is carried out by pivoting the lever from a clamped
position to a released position.
[0103] C7. The clamp device of paragraph C4, wherein the rocking
portion has an oblong hole with a long axis parallel to a crossbar
axis when the clamp device is secured around a crossbar.
[0104] C8. The clamp device of paragraph C4, wherein the rocking
portion has a latch device catching a recess on the lever device
when the lever device is in the closed position and the nut member
is securely engaging the bolt member.
[0105] C9. The clamp device of paragraph C, wherein the strap
member includes a metal band encased in a polymer.
[0106] C10. The clamp device of paragraph C3, wherein the nut
member is configured to be retained inside a cargo-specific
accessory having a locking device.
[0107] D. A rack system for carrying recreational equipment
comprising
[0108] a pair of crossbars equipped for mounting on the roof of a
vehicle
[0109] a pair of clamp assemblies, each clamp assembly having a
base and a top portion, the base and the top portion being
connected by a hinge at one end, the top portion being moveable
relative to the base, between an open position and a clamped
position in which a closed compartment is created between the base
and the top portion,
[0110] each clamp assembly having at least one clamp device for
connecting a the clamp assembly to one of the crossbars,
[0111] each clamp device including a body having a top side, a
bottom side, a first end portion, and a second end portion, the
bottom side having a padded concave surface for contacting a top
side of a crossbar, the top side of the body being configured for
connection to the respective clamp assembly, a flexible strap
member connected to the first end portion of the body, the strap
member having a distal end portion configured for connection to the
second end portion of the body, and a cam lever connected to a bolt
member extending upward from the top side of the body, the cam
lever being moveable between a clamped position and a released
position, wherein the distal end of the strap member is prevented
from being detached from the second end portion of the body when
the cam lever is in the clamped position, the cam lever being
contained inside the closed compartment of the clamp assembly when
the respective clamp assembly is in the clamped position.
[0112] E. A clamp device for connecting a rack accessory to a
crossbar on top of a vehicle comprising
[0113] a flexible plastic fitting member having an inner wall
defining an aperture for receiving a crossbar, a clamping axis
being defined through the center of the aperture parallel with the
inner wall of the fitting member, the fitting member having
opposing end portions, and an orientation with the end portions
defining a gap having a width dimension which is decreased as the
fitting member is tightened around a crossbar,
[0114] a bolt member having a head seated in the gap between the
end portions of the fitting member, the bolt member having a core
axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the clamping axis,
wherein the fitting member has an external ramp surface in a plane
that forms an acute angle with the core axis,
[0115] a cap member configured to engage the fitting member, the
cap member having an internal ramp surface configured to form a
sliding interface with the external ramp surface so that sliding of
the internal ramp surface relative to the external ramp surface
causes the width dimension of the gap to change, the cap member
also having a hole through which a threaded portion of the bolt
member extends when the external ramp surface is in contact with
the internal ramp surface, and
[0116] a threaded nut member for engaging the threaded portion of
the bolt member, wherein rotation of the nut member around the bolt
member causes sliding of the internal ramp surface relative to the
external ramp surface and variation of the width dimension of the
gap.
[0117] E1. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the fitting
member has multiple external ramp surfaces.
[0118] E2. The clamp device of paragraph A, wherein the fitting
member has opposing external ramp surfaces in intersecting
planes.
[0119] E3. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the cap member
has multiple internal ramp surfaces.
[0120] E4. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the cap member
has multiple internal ramp surfaces defining one or more planes,
each plane forming an acute angle with the core axis.
[0121] E5. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the nut member
includes a cam lever which pivots around an axis perpendicular to
the core axis for adjusting the position of the cap member on the
fitting member and corresponding width dimension of the gap.
[0122] E6. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the aperture is
configured for gripping a crossbar having a round
cross-section.
[0123] E7. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the aperture is
configured for gripping a crossbar having a rectangular
cross-section.
[0124] E8. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the aperture is
configured for gripping a crossbar having a square
cross-section.
[0125] E9. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the aperture
contains removable flanges conforming to a round crossbar, removal
of the flanges rendering the aperture conformable to a square
crossbar.
[0126] E10. The clamp device of paragraph E, wherein the hole in
the cap member is oblong having a long axis perpendicular to the
clamping axis and the core axis.
[0127] F. A strap coupler for coupling a cargo specific carrier to
a crossbar on top of a vehicle, comprising:
[0128] a body positioned on the crossbar, the cargo specific
carrier being coupled to a mounting interface on the body;
[0129] a retention strap configured to secure the body to the
crossbar in a retained position and release the body from the
crossbar in a released position; and
[0130] a lock assembly located on the cargo specific carrier
capable of indirectly locking the retention strap in the retained
position.
[0131] F1. The strap coupler of paragraph F, wherein the cargo
specific carrier is operable between a gripping mode that grips a
specific type of cargo, and an unloading mode that allows for the
specific type of cargo to be unloaded from the cargo specific
carrier, the lock assembly being configured to indirectly lock the
retention strap in the retained position by locking the cargo
specific carrier in the gripping mode.
[0132] F2. The strap coupler of paragraph F1, wherein the cargo
specific carrier is coupled to the mounting interface by an
attachment member having an actuator located inside the cargo
specific carrier that is inaccessible to a user in the gripping
mode.
[0133] F3. The strap coupler of paragraph F2, wherein the actuator
of the attachment member is operable between an open position that
allows the retention strap to be moved to the released position,
and a closed position that secures the retention strap in the
retained position and prevents the retention strap from moving to
the released position.
[0134] F4. The strap coupler of paragraph F3, wherein the retention
strap has a first end portion firmly held by the body, a middle
portion wrapping around the crossbar opposite from the body, and a
second end portion connected to a lever apparatus configured to
connect the second end portion to the body to operate the retention
strap between the released and retained positions, the actuator of
the attachment member in the closed position preventing the lever
apparatus from moving out of the retained position.
[0135] F5. The strap coupler of paragraph F4, wherein operation of
the actuator of the attachment member toward the closed position
engages a latch mechanism on to the lever apparatus to prevent the
lever apparatus from being moved to the released position.
[0136] F6. The strap coupler of paragraph F5, wherein operation of
the actuator of the attachment member pivots the latch mechanism
about a pivot axis disposed within the body of the strap
coupler.
[0137] G. A strap coupler for connecting a cargo specific carrier
to a crossbar on top of a vehicle, comprising:
[0138] a body positioned on the crossbar, the body having a
mounting interface for the cargo specific carrier; and
[0139] a retention strap having a first end portion firmly held by
the body, a middle portion wrapping around the crossbar opposite
from the body, and a second end portion connected to a lever
apparatus configured to connect the second end portion to the body
to secure the strap coupler to the crossbar.
[0140] H. A strap coupler for connecting a cargo specific carrier
to a crossbar on top of a vehicle, comprising:
[0141] a body positioned on the crossbar, the body having a
mounting interface for the cargo specific carrier; and
[0142] a retention strap having a first end portion firmly held by
the body, a middle portion wrapping around the crossbar opposite
from the body, and a second end portion connected to a lever
apparatus configured to connect the second end portion to the body
to secure the strap coupler to the crossbar.
[0143] H1. The coupler of paragraph H, wherein the lever apparatus
is operable between a closed position that is configured to move
the retention strap to a tensioned position to secure the body to
the crossbar, and an open position that is configured to move the
retention strap to a relax position to release the body from the
crossbar.
[0144] H2. The coupler of paragraph H, wherein the lever apparatus
includes an axle removably inserted into a recess in the body.
[0145] H3. The coupler of paragraph H, wherein the lever apparatus
secures the second end portion of the strap to the body by being
flipped about the axle in an over center action to prevent the
retention strap from exerting an opening force on the lever when in
the closed position.
[0146] H4. The coupler of paragraph H, wherein the first end
portion is firmly held by a traveling nut configured to adjust a
length of the retention strap by being driven along a drive
screw.
[0147] H5. The coupler of paragraph H, wherein the lever apparatus
prevents access to the drive screw when in the closed position.
[0148] H6. The coupler of paragraph H, wherein the cargo specific
carrier is connected to the mounting interface by an attachment
member having an actuator located inside the cargo specific carrier
to secure the cargo specific carrier to the mounting interface, the
actuator being configured to secure the lever apparatus in the
closed position.
[0149] I. A strap coupler for connecting a cargo specific carrier
to a crossbar on top of a vehicle, comprising:
[0150] a body positioned on the crossbar, the body having a
mounting interface for the cargo specific carrier that is pivotable
about a pivot axis located above the crossbar; and
[0151] a retention strap configured to secure the body to the
crossbar in a retained position and release the body from the
crossbar in a released position.
[0152] I1. The coupler of paragraph I, wherein the mounting
interface is pivotable about the pivot axis in the retained
position.
[0153] I2. The coupler of paragraph I, wherein the mounting
interface is biased away from a portion of the body by a spring and
retained by the portion of the body by a tab slidingly engaged in a
slot.
[0154] I3. The coupler of paragraph I, wherein securing the cargo
specific carrier to the mounting interface prevents pivotation of
the mounting interface about the pivot axis.
[0155] I4. The coupler of paragraph I, wherein preventing
pivotation of the mounting interface about the pivot axis involves
engagement of interlocking teeth disposed between the mounting
interface and the portion of the body.
[0156] I5. The coupler of paragraph I, wherein the pivot axis is
parallel to a core axis of the crossbar.
[0157] It is believed that the disclosure set forth herein
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the disclosure
includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations
of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties
disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a
first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be
understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,
neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
[0158] The various structural members disclosed herein may be
constructed from any suitable material, or combination of
materials, such as metal, plastic, nylon, plastic, rubber, or any
other materials with sufficient structural strength to withstand
the loads incurred during use. Materials may be selected based on
their durability, flexibility, weight, and/or aesthetic
qualities.
[0159] It is believed that the following claims particularly point
out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to
one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious.
Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed
through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new
claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new
claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or
directed to the same invention, whether different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also
regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *