| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090120981 | Load-supporting device - A load-supporting device is provided for supporting and/or securing a load, such as a boat, to a vehicle. A mounting assembly may be provided for mounting the load-supporting device to a horizontal crossbar of a vehicle-mounted rack, and the mounting assembly may include one or more support pads to provide lateral support along the axis defined by the horizontal crossbar. The load-supporting device may additionally or alternatively include a support arm configured to rotate between multiple locked positions about the axis defined by the horizontal crossbar. The support arm may include at one end a securing region including both an aperture and a hook, to provide a user with options as to how the user secures a strap to the load-supporting device. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090120982 | Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs - Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090120984 | Hitch-mountable bicycle carrier - A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a bicycle. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090120985 | Hitch mounted article carriers for vehicles - An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090120986 | Pivoting hitch-mountable bicycle carrier - A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090236382 | Hitch mounted bicycle racks for vehicles - A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090321488 | RACK STRAP EXTENSION SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE BIKE RACKS - A rack strap extension system for a vehicle comprising a rack that is positioned adjacent a rear end of the vehicle, a strap coupled to the rack, a substantially rigid spanning member that is coupled to the strap and has at least two ends that fit around a protrusion positioned near a top rear surface of the vehicle, wherein the strap avoids tensional contact with the protrusion, and a connector mechanism proximate the strap and the substantially rigid spanning member engaged to a receiver of the vehicle, wherein the protrusion is interposed between the connector and the rack. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100078454 | BICYCLE CARRIER WITH FORK MOUNT AND UNIVERSAL CROSSBAR CLAMP - A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100084447 | CAR TOP CARRIER - A car top carrier incorporating improved dual-functioning hinge/latch mechanisms connected by a drive bar that translates pivotal rotation to open and close the carrier. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084448 | LINKAGE DEVICES FOR CONNECTING VEHICLE RACK SUPPORT MEMBERS TO VEHICLES - Linkage devices for connecting vehicle rack support members to preexisting attachment points on vehicle upper surfaces are disclosed. The linkage devices may include a body, a resilient pad, and an anchoring member. The body may include an interface, configured to engage and retain the support member, and a substantially hollow lower portion having a lower edge that defines a circumference of an opening. The resilient pad may be disposed on the lower edge and extend around at least a first substantial portion of the circumference of the opening. The opening may extend through the resilient pad and into the substantially hollow lower portion. The anchoring member may be configured to extend through the substantially hollow lower portion and through the opening, engage the attachment point, and selectively urge the body against the resilient pad and the upper surface of the vehicle. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100127031 | COORDINATED ADJUSTABLE TRUNK RACK FOR CARRYING BICYCLES - A carrier for a bicycle includes first and second frame elements configured for coupling to a vehicle. The elements are configured such that one can slide past the other to allow adjustment for various vehicle sizes and shapes. A slide restriction mechanism allows reversible fixation of a relative positioning of the first and second frame elements. In some embodiments, the first and second frame elements are arcuate in shape, such that the overall bicycle carrier is roughly semicircular in profile view when configured for attachment to a vehicle. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100147914 | RACK TOWER FOR SECURING CROSSBARS ON TOP OF A VEHICLE - A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20110024471 | CARGO BAGS - Cargo bags that are mountable on a roof or roof rack of a vehicle are provided herein. In some embodiments, a cargo bag may include a container portion constructed at least partially of textile, a strap for securing the container portion to the roof or roof rack, and a structure adapted to provide shape to the container portion regardless of whether cargo is stored within the container portion. The structure may include a semi-rigid elongate member and/or foam padding. Some embodiments may include a pad positioned on a bottom of the container portion to protect the roof of the vehicle. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110084102 | CARGO CARRIER WITH AERODYNAMIC ILLUMINATION DEVICE - An aerodynamic cargo box configuration includes a bottom portion hinged to a lid. The lid has a receptacle for receiving a photovoltaic light device substantially flush with, and below, the outer surface of the lid. A photovoltaic light assembly may include a cup portion and a top portion, the top portion containing a photovoltaic cell and the bottom portion containing electronics and an array of one or more light elements configured to provide optimal illumination to an interior space of an elongate rectangular cargo box. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110132946 | UPRIGHT BIKE MOUNT - A bike mount has an elongate body for supporting a bike. A front end of the bike mount may include a pair of hoop structures for gripping the front wheel of a bike. One of the hoop structures may have a ramp for causing rotation of the hoop structure as a bike rolls on to the ramp. One or more clamps are included for fastening the bike mount to one or more crossbars. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110139838 | BOAT RACK - A rack for carrying a boat on top of the vehicle is configured for clamping on a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar has a pair of saddle mounts facing each other on opposite sides of a cradle axis being defined perpendicular to the crossbar and equidistant from each saddle mount. Each saddle mount has a pliable upper platform which is conformable to different boat hull shapes. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139840 | SKEWER ASSEMBLY FOR BICYCLE FORK MOUNT - A bike rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle includes an elongate body for supporting a bicycle, and a fork mount for securing the front fork of the bicycle. A fork mount includes a skewer assembly having a shaft and a keyed member being freed to slide axially along the shaft, but not permitted to rotate around the shaft. A handle device is provided for rotation around the shaft causing adjustment of the effective length of the shaft. A lock device is configured to couple the handle device to the keyed member and prevent rotation of the handle around the shaft. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139841 | CROSSBAR CLAMP DEVICES - Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139842 | VEHICLE RACK FOR CARRYING A WHEEL - A vehicle rack for carrying a bicycle wheel, a wheel carrier mountable on a load supporting bar of a vehicle rack, and methods of using a vehicle rack and/or wheel carrier to hold a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel carrier may include a base, a pair of arms connected to the base and defining slots for receiving an axle of a bicycle wheel, and a strap securable to the base over a rim of the bicycle wheel to restrict removal of the wheel from the arms. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139844 | SPARE TIRE BIKE MOUNT - A rack for mounting on a spare tire assembly of a vehicle includes a mounting plate engagable to a spare tire mounting bracket of the vehicle, and a mast connected to the mounting plate in a substantially vertical position. The rack also includes a shoulder member connected proximate a top end of the mast and mountable proximate the top end of the mast using a connector at more than one position along a horizontal axis relative to the mast. A hub assembly is connected to the shoulder member, and a pair of arms are connected to the hub assembly that are configured to carry one or more bikes. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110186608 | CAR TOP CARRIER LID SUPPORT - Strut designs for assisting opening and closing of a cargo box lid are provided. A strut includes two or more arms biased toward one or more directions by spring devices. Struts may be used on a single side opening box or a dual-side opening box, and may exhibit degrees of symmetrical design and movement for balanced operation. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20120111910 | NESTABLE CARGO BOX FOR A VEHICLE - Vehicle rack system with a nestable cargo box, including a kit for constructing the cargo box, and methods of making, packaging, shipping, supplying, and assembling the cargo box. The cargo box may include a base portion and a lid portion that can be arranged in (1) a shipping configuration where the base and lid portions are not operatively connected to each other and one of the portions is inverted and nested in the other portion and (2) an operative configuration in which the base and the lid portions are operatively connected to each other to form a box that can be pivoted open and fastened shut. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120125964 | HITCH MOUNTED BICYCLE RACKS FOR VEHICLES - A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120181313 | VEHICLE BOAT LOADING DEVICE - An assembly for loading cargo on top of a vehicle includes at least one load bar oriented perpendicular to a pair of crossbars. The load bar is movable between stowed and loading positions in a direction parallel to the direction of vehicle travel. A rear end of the load bar is connected to a roller device for minimizing friction and avoiding contact with the vehicle when cargo is being elevated to the roof of the vehicle. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120228349 | STABILIZED CARGO BOX FOR A VEHICLE RACK SYSTEM - A vehicle rack system including a stabilized cargo box attached to a pair of crossbars. In some embodiments, the stabilized cargo box includes a container defining a long axis and having a bottom portion hinged to a lid portion to form an enclosure to hold cargo. A plurality of clamp devices may mount the container to the pair of crossbars attached to a roof of a vehicle. The bottom portion may include a housing member defining a groove and also may include a stiffening tube disposed in the groove and providing first and second tubular regions that are laterally spaced from each other and that each extend at least generally parallel to the long axis. The first and second tubular regions may be connected to each other by a third tubular region of the stiffening tube that extends at least part way across a nose of the container. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120234881 | LOAD-CARRYING MEMBERS FOR VEHICLE ROOFS - Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120234883 | REAR-MOUNTED BICYCLE CARRIER - A versatile rack for carrying one or more bicycles on the rear of a vehicle includes two or more frame structures connected and coordinated through a pair of hubs. One of the frame structures has a pair of parallel arms equipped with saddle mounts and stabilizers for supporting and securing one or more bicycles. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120298707 | ADJUSTABLE TRUNK RACKS FOR CARRYING BICYCLES - Carriers for a bicycle and methods of mounting a bicycle carrier to a vehicle are disclosed. In some examples, the carriers may include a first frame structure configured to couple to a vehicle and a second frame structure configured to couple to the vehicle. The carriers may additionally include a body disposed between the first and second frame structures. The first frame structure may be mounted to the body and the second frame structure may be slidably received within the body. The carriers may further include a first cable device. The first cable device may include a first cable reel rotatably mounted to the body, and a first cable having a first hook end portion configured to attach to a first portion of the vehicle. The first cable may be configured to be wound around the first cable reel. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130020361 | BICYCLE CARRIER WITH FORK MOUNT AND UNIVERSAL CROSSBAR CLAMP - A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130020364 | PIVOTING HITCH-MOUNTABLE BICYCLE CARRIER - A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130020365 | HITCH MOUNTED ARTICLE CARRIERS FOR VEHICLES - An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130020366 | HITCH MOUNTED ARTICLE CARRIERS FOR VEHICLES - An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130022440 | HITCH-MOUNTABLE BICYCLE CARRIER - A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a bicycle. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130062379 | BICYCLE FORK SECURING DEVICE - A bike rack may include an elongate body having a first end portion and a second end portion, a rear wheel receiver connected to the body adjacent the second end portion, and a fork mount device connected to the body adjacent the first end portion. The fork mount device may include a body and a pair of retractable axle portions configured to move between a retracted position in which the axle portions are substantially contained in the body, and an extended position in which the axle portions extend sufficiently to engage axle holes of a 15QR bicycle fork. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130175308 | UPRIGHT BIKE MOUNT - A bike mount has an elongate body for supporting a bike. A front end of the bike mount may include a pair of hoop structures for gripping the front wheel of a bike. One of the hoop structures may have a ramp for causing rotation of the hoop structure as a bike rolls on to the ramp. One or more clamps are included for fastening the bike mount to one or more crossbars. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130284779 | RETENTION DOCK - A retention dock device may include a body and one or more clamping assemblies, each clamping assembly operable by an actuator and having a cleat with an enlarged head portion configured to clamp the body of the device to a slotted crossbar of a vehicle rack. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20140097220 | RACK TOWER FOR SECURING CROSSBARS ON TOP OF A VEHICLE - A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140117062 | TRUCK CROSSBAR ATTACHMENT - A crossbar system for a truck bed and methods of mounting a crossbar system to a truck bed are disclosed. In some examples, the crossbar system may include two towers, each coupling an end portion of a crossbar to a truck bed wall. Each tower may include a crossbar housing having a clamp device for securing the crossbar housing around a selected location along the crossbar, and a coupling mechanism configured to secure the crossbar housing to the truck bed. The crossbar housing may have a ledge portion configured to sit on an upper surface of the truck bed wall. The coupling mechanism may include a hook member configured to removably engage the ledge portion of the crossbar housing; and an over-center lever that is operable between open and closed positions, which may cause a bridge piece to move between unclamped and clamped positions. The coupling mechanism may include a plurality of alternate bridge pieces, each configured to engage a different truck bed rail structure. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140124551 | VEHICLE RACK SYSTEM WITH A BICYCLE-GRIPPING CARRIER - Roof-mounted vehicle rack system including a load carrier. In some embodiments, the load carrier may be a bicycle carrier having an elongate base and an arm equipped with a frame-gripping device. The frame-gripping device may be operated with an actuating member, which may be centered transversely on the base for equal accessibility from either lateral side of the carrier. The actuating member and the arm may be mounted separately to the base at respective positions that are spaced along the base from each other. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140143990 | ATTACHMENT DEVICES FOR VEHICLE ROOFTOP RACK ACCESSORIES - 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. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144958 | LOAD-CARRYING DEVICES FOR VEHICLE ROOFS - A load-carrying device may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. The load-carrying device may include a body having a load-bearing surface and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The arm of the device may be pivotable between a collapsed position and an in-use position. A proximal end of the arm may be operatively connected to the body, and may move toward one end of the body when the arm is pivoted from the collapsed position to the in-use position. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144959 | ADJUSTABLE BOAT CARRIER - An adjustable saddle-type boat mount is described. A boat mount may include a central base and two wing assemblies pivotably attached to opposing lateral sides of the base. The wing assemblies may be selectively pivoted between a collapsed position and at least one in-use position. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144960 | UPRIGHT BIKE MOUNT - Bike mount designs for carrying bikes in connection with vehicles are described. A bike mount may include a base and a frame or wheel-gripping arm. A bike mount frame may also have ratcheting wheel grip assemblies which may be switched between tensioning and release modes. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140150222 | STRAP FOR SECURING CARGO ON A VEHICLE - A strap device and method of use thereof for securing cargo on a vehicle. The strap device includes a tension device for receiving a first end portion of a strap, and a quick connect device having a first member connected to the tension device and a second member connected to a second end portion of the strap. The members of the quick connect device being selectively connectable to create a circuit in the strap for binding cargo, wherein tension in the circuit prevents the members of the quick connect device from being disconnected. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140158727 | CARRIER FOR A VEHICLE - Carrier, such as a cargo box, for a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the cargo box may comprise a bottom portion mountable to a vehicle, and a lid portion that fits together with the bottom portion to form a container for cargo. The container may have a pair of lateral sides opposite each other. The cargo box also may comprise a plurality of hinge-latch members to connect the lid portion to the bottom portion adjacent each lateral side. At least one hinge-latch member adjacent each lateral side may include a hinge, a first latch, and a second latch. The first and second latches may be adjustable individually to connect the lid portion to the bottom portion via the hinge. In another exemplary embodiment, the carrier may comprise a clamp device having a force indicator. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140158728 | CROSSBAR T-SLOT INFILL - An infill device may include a lower portion pressing against a floor portion of a cavity of a slotted crossbar of a vehicle rack, and an upper portion pressing upward on first and second opposing lips of a longitudinal opening to the cavity. The infill is operable between a flush position corresponding to the upper portion substantially filling the opening, and a compressed position corresponding to the upper portion moving away from the opposing lips and closer to the floor portion to allow a retention device of a cargo-specific rack accessory to enter the channel and clamp the opposing lips. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140166710 | CROSSBAR CLAMP DEVICES - Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140246467 | VEHICLE CARRIER SYSTEM - A carrier that mounts to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a pair of arms to support a bicycle. Each arm may include one or more securing devices each including a strap to contact a frame region of a bicycle and a pair of buckles to fasten the strap over the frame region. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a mount for a vehicle hitch. The mount may include a pair of user-actuated coupling members, such as a wedge member and a retractable retainer, each configured to attach the mount to the hitch. One of the coupling members (e.g., the retainer) may serve as a backup for the other coupling member to improve safety. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a mast that is releasable for backward pivotal motion away from the vehicle. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20150076197 | CROSSBAR CLAMP DEVICES - Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws. | 03-19-2015 |
