Vehicle article carrier for supporting articles adjacent a liftgate of a vehicle

ES 2 233 170 B2

DESCRIPTION

Vehicle Item Carrier for supporting items adjacent to the vehicle's tailgate. Cross reference to associated requests

This application is a continuation in part of US Patent Application No. 09 / 698,761, filed October 27, 2000, which is a continuation in part of US Patent Application No. 09 / 528,765, filed March 17, 2000. This application claims the benefits of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 352,147 filed October 29, 2001.

The expositions that are made in the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by their references.

Invention field

This invention relates generally to vehicle article carrier systems and more particularly to a multi-position vehicle article carrier system having a load bearing structure capable of being secured on a tailgate of a vehicle. vehicle.

Background of the invention

Vehicle article carriers are used in a wide variety of vehicles to support loads and various other articles on top of an exterior body surface, such as a roof portion, of a vehicle. Typically such systems include a pair of side rails or slats that are fixedly secured to the roof portion of the vehicle. Usually, a pair of cross bars are secured to the side rails or slats to extend transversely between them. The load is then positioned on the cross bars and secured by means of elastic cords or tie straps, so that the load is firmly retained on the article carrier while the vehicle is in use.

A drawback of any article carrier system for vehicles is the occasional difficulty in raising cargo and other articles to be transported to the roof of the vehicle. This is particularly the case if the vehicle is a sports utility vehicle or a mini van, in which case the roof of the vehicle is frequently at a height greater than that which many individuals can easily reach when trying to lift the load to. deposit it on the article carrier. Removal of the load from the vehicle article carrier can often be just as difficult, depending, of course, on the specific load, its dimensions and its weight.

Some attempts have been made to overcome this problem by providing a vehicle article carrier having a certain form of load bearing structure, which can be arranged in a temporary position in which load can be loaded on it more easily. . Such systems, for example, have been illustrated in US Patent Numbers 5,649,665; 5,505,579; and 5,417,358.

The systems illustrated in the aforementioned patents typically suffer from one or more drawbacks. Such systems are often complicated to manufacture, and therefore expensive. With some such devices, they cannot be left in a "lowered" position, but instead have to be held in a retracted position on top of the vehicle roof. Also some do not allow a comfortable opening of the tailgate of a vehicle when the load bearing part is in its lowered position.

Still another drawback of such pre-existing article carrier systems, such as those described above, is the inability to remove the load bearing portion of the system when it is not needed. It would also be advantageous to be able to fold the removed load bearing portion into a compact arrangement that could be stored in a sailor's bag or other similar accessory, and then stored in a garage or even in the vehicle from which it was removed.

Accordingly, there is a need in the relevant art to provide a vehicle article carrier having a load bearing structure that can be secured onto the tailgate of a vehicle, thereby allowing the load to be secured thereto without that the user has to stand on a ladder or other accessory, as is the case with conventional ceiling mounted article carrier systems. Furthermore, there is a need in the relevant art to provide a vehicle article carrier in which a load bearing structure is used to support the load adjacent to a tailgate of a vehicle, and which also allows it to be raised and lowered. the tailgate without interfering with the item carrier, and also not adding any appreciable amount of weight to the tailgate. Still further, there is a need in the relevant art to provide a vehicle article carrier which has a load bearing structure that is mounted on a tailgate of a vehicle, and wherein the load bearing structure can be easily. and quickly from the vehicle when the load bearing structure is not needed, and which can further be folded into a compact arrangement for storage. Summary of the invention

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, there is provided an article carrier adapted to contain cargo and other articles adjacent to a tailgate of a vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle, van, or minivan, which is of a construction advantageous. The article carrier includes a pair of brackets that are fixedly secured to the roof of the vehicle. A load bearing structure having a pair of upper link articulated arms is pivotally and releasably coupled to the supports. The load bearing structure includes a pair of main support members each including a pair of pivot assemblies. The load bearing structure is releasably and pivotally secured to a pair of anchor assemblies attached to the vehicle's tailgate or vehicle's bumper. Three pivot points along each side of the load bearing structure make it possible to pivot with the tailgate when the tailgate is raised and closed so that the item carrier does not interfere with the operation of the tailgate. The article carrier, in its entirety, can be quickly and easily detached from the vehicle for storage when not needed.

Other fields of application of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that

ES 2 233 170 B2 is done here below. It is to be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicative of the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be better understood in light of the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle, illustrating a first embodiment of a multi-position articulating article carrier apparatus according to the present invention, secured to the surface. from the outer body of the vehicle, with the apparatus in a first or lowered position;

Figure 2 is a view of the apparatus and vehicle illustrated in Figure 1, with the apparatus arranged in an intermediate position about to be pushed onto a roof portion of the vehicle;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the apparatus in a second position in which the load bearing structure thereof is arranged on the roof portion of the vehicle;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of the hitch assemblies secured to a support beam in the rear bumper of the vehicle of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the free end of the load bearing structure secured to the hitch assembly, taken along section line 5-5 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the hitch assembly of Figure 5 with the lower locking assembly of the load bearing structure disengaged therefrom and ready to be lifted away from the bumper;

Figure 6a is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the latch lever of Figure 5 engaging the latch assembly as the latch lever is pushed into the latch assembly;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the torsion bar assembly of the load bearing structure showing one of the lower locking assemblies at one end of the torsion bar assembly;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the torsion bar assembly illustrated in Figure 7, taken along section line 8-8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the torsion bar assembly, taken along section line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a plan view of the rear of one of the side rails, in which the articulation assembly and a small part of the load bearing structure are also illustrated;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the articulation assembly and the rearmost end part of one of the side rails;

Figure 11a is a plan view of an end portion of the link assembly showing the pair of rollers that are used to enable rolling motion of the link assembly along its associated side rail;

Figure 12 is a side view of the link assembly when the load bearing structure is arranged in the lowered position illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 13 is a side view of the link assembly as the load bearing structure is moved into the intermediate position illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the hinge assembly, taken along section line 14-14 of Figure 10, when the load bearing structure is in the lowered position of Figure 1;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the link assembly of Figure 14 with the load bearing structure raised to the intermediate position of Figure 2;

Figure 16 is a partial cross sectional view of the side rail taken along section line 1616 of Figure 11;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the upper locking assembly of one of the rear supports, taken along section line 17-17 of Figure 3;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the article carrier of Figure 18 with the load bearing structure thereof in a lowered position;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; ^Y

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the article carrier of Figure 20 with the load bearing structure thereof in the lowered position;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the article carrier of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a side view of the article carrier illustrated in Figure 22 but with the tailgate of the vehicle in the open position;

Figure 23A is an end view in cross section, taken along section line 23A-23A of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a portion of one of the main support members, illustrating one of the cross bars secured thereto in a storage arrangement, when the item carrier is not being used and has been removed from the vehicle;

Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of the components that comprise the upper pivot assembly;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pivot assembly;

Figure 27 is an end view of one of the brackets, showing a portion of one of the upper linkage link arms coupled thereto;

Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of one of the anchor assemblies fixedly attached to the tailgate;

Figure 29 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the lower pivot assembly engaged with the anchor assembly;

Figure 30 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle illustrating yet another embodiment of an article carrying apparatus, of ar3

ES 2 233 170 B2 ticulation, multi-position, according to the present invention, secured to the outer surface of the vehicle body, with the apparatus in a first or lowered position;

Figure 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 30, with parts removed for clarity of the drawing;

Figure 32 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pivot assembly;

Figure 33 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the locking application between a cross member and a main support member, with portions removed for clarity of the drawing;

Figure 34 is an enlarged perspective view, with parts hidden, of the end of an alternative embodiment of the cross member;

Figure 35 is a side cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the cross member;

Figure 36 is a side cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the pivot assembly, taken along section line 35-35 of Figure 32;

Figure 37 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the upper connection assembly;

Figure 38 is an enlarged perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the upper connection assembly;

Figure 39 is a side cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the lower lock assembly;

Figure 40 is an enlarged perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the lower lock assembly; Y

Figure 41 is an enlarged perspective view of the anchor assembly.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses.

Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a multi-position articulating vehicle article carrier apparatus 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 10 is shown secured to a roof portion 12a of a motor vehicle 12. Although the motor vehicle 12 has been illustrated as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), it will be appreciated that the apparatus 10 could also be used with mini vans, vans, and a wide variety of other vehicles, and is therefore not limited for use with any particular type of vehicle.

The apparatus 10 includes a pair of side rails 14 that are adapted to be fixedly secured to the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12. Each side rail 14 includes a rear support 16 and a front support 17, which support a portion main 14a of the side rail 14 above the roof portion 12a. Each of the main parts 14a of each lane 14 comprises C-shaped channels.

A pair of hinge mechanisms 18 are applied to the side rails 14 so that they are movable along each of the side rails 14. The hinge mechanisms 18 are pivotally secured to a load bearing structure 20. The load bearing structure 20 includes a frame consisting of side members 22, a transversely extending upper frame member 24, and an actuator bar assembly 26. Al. less one crossbar 25, and more preferably a pair of crossbars 25, are disposed on the load bearing structure to extend between the side members 22. The crossbars 25 may be fixedly secured to the side members 22, or Fixation assemblies, or other means, may either be employed to allow adjustable positioning of the cross bars 25 along the side members 22. To secure the load on the cross bars 25, tie straps, such as elastic cords, can be used.

A lower or free end 28 of load bearing structure 20 includes a pair of lower lock assemblies 30. These lower lock assemblies 30 are each adapted to engage with a corresponding pair of latch assemblies 32 disposed within a bumper. rear 34 of the vehicle 12.

Referring to Figures 1-3, the apparatus 10 can be secured in a first position, or lowered position, arranged on a tailgate 12b, as illustrated in Figure 1. In this position the load can be carried on the load-bearing structure 20 using elastic cords or suitable tie-down straps, or similar components that secure the load to the transverse bars 25. In Figure 2, the load bearing structure 20 is illustrated after it has been raised to an intermediate position. This is accomplished by the user acting on actuator bar assembly 26 to release lower lock assemblies 30 from latch assemblies 32, and then lift free end 28 of load bearing structure 20 upward. Figure 3 illustrates the load bearing structure 20 after it has been slid forward over the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12. In this position, the lower locking assemblies 30 can be locked in a position. corresponding pair of upper lock assemblies 36 associated with the two rear supports 16.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, one of the latch assemblies 32 is illustrated. The latch assembly 32 includes a main body portion 38 and a latch door 40 pivotally secured by a pivot pin 42 to the main body portion 38. The latch gate 40 includes a lower end 44 that is loaded by a spring 46 secured to a transversely extending pin 50. Thus, latch door 40 is constantly loaded to the closed position illustrated in Figure 4. A base portion 52 allows main body portion 38 to be secured to a structural frame member 54 disposed within bumper 34. The portion The base 52 is preferably secured to the structural member 54 by a plurality of threaded fastening members 58 which extend through openings 52a in the base portion 52. An upper wall 56 of main body portion 38 is generally flush with an upper outer surface of bumper 34 to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

ES 2 233 170 B2 whether or not the load bearing structure 20 is in the lowered position illustrated in Figure 1.

Referring now to Figures 7-9, actuator rod assembly 26 will be described. Referring specifically to Figures 7 and 8, actuator rod assembly 26 includes a rotatable and handheld member 60 arranged centered. Rotating member 60 is disposed on a first sleeve portion 62 and supported by a pair of support rings 64 that are also disposed on first sleeve 62. The first sleeve 62 extends fully to each opposite end 66 of actuator rod assembly 26 and is secured by at least one clamping member 68 within an end cap portion 70. A sleeve is disposed on either side of the rotatable sleeve 60. 72 freewheel action between one of the brackets 64 and one of the end cap portions 70. Freewheel action sleeve 72 rotates freely while being grasped when free end 28 of load bearing structure 20 is raised from the lowered position of Figure 1 to the intermediate position of Figure 2.

Continuing with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the rotating sleeve 60 is secured to a torsion bar 76 by means of a threaded member 74 that extends into a threaded bore 76a in the torsion bar 76. A spacer sleeve 78 ( also depicted in Figure 7) also receives threaded member 74 therethrough. The first sleeve 62 includes a slot 80 that extends in an arc of just over 90 °. Slot 80 allows rotary sleeve 60 and 1 threaded member 74 to be rotated without interference from first sleeve 62. Thus, when rotary sleeve 60 is rotated, that rotational motion is transmitted to torsion bar 76.

With specific reference to Figure 7, each opposite end of torsion bar 76 includes a crescent-shaped protrusion 82 that forms a camming surface 82a. The camming surface 82a is used to control the locking and unlocking of the associated lower lock assembly 30, which will be described later. It will thus be appreciated that the actuator bar assembly 26 allows an unlocking action to be performed, which releases the two lower lock assemblies 30 simultaneously from their respective latch assemblies 32, simply by a short twisting movement of the rotary sleeve 60. . Accordingly, the unlocking of the actuator rod assembly 26 from the lower locking assemblies 32 can be accomplished with only one hand of a user and with a simple short and convenient rotational movement of the rotary sleeve 60.

Referring now to Figures 5-7, the construction and operation of one of the pair of lower lock assemblies 30 will be described. Each lower lock assembly 30 includes a latch lever 84 having an upper end 86 and a lower end. 88. Latch lever 84 is pivotally mounted by means of a pivot pin 90 that extends through an opening 92 in lever 84 and also through a main body portion 94 that partially encloses latch lever 84. .

With specific reference to Figure 5, a spring 96 is disposed against an inner surface 22a of a tubular portion 22b of the side member 22, and extends through an opening 100 in the main body portion 94 into a notch 98 formed on latch lever 84. Spring 96 biases lower end 88 of latch lever 84 upward to a closed or latched position, which is illustrated in Figure 5.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7, when rotary sleeve 60 is grasped with one hand and rotated, camming surface 82s of projection 82 rotates to bias upper end 86 of latch lever 84 to pivoting around the pivot pin 90. As the latch lever 84 is rotated, the lower end 88 thereof is pulled out of the upper wall 56 of latch assembly 32 (Figure 6). This allows a lip portion 102 of latch lever 84 to be pulled out of a notch 104 formed in the lower surface of upper wall 56 While holding rotary sleeve 60 in its rotated position, the user lifts the end. free 28 of load bearing structure 20 up and out of hitch assembly 32.

When the free end 28 of the load bearing structure 20 has been lowered into engagement with the latch assemblies 32, no rotational movement of the rotary sleeve 60 is required for proper engagement of the lock assemblies to occur. lower 30. As the lower end 88 of each latch lever 84 contacts its respective latch door 40, an edge portion 94a of the main body portion 94 engages the latch door 40 and urges this component downward, to the position illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. With reference to Figure 6a, as the downward movement of the load bearing structure 22 continues, it causes the lip portion 102 to engage an inner edge 106 of the upper wall. 56. Continuing the downward motion causes lip 102 to ride over inner edge 106 before snapping into engagement with notch 104 (Figure 5).

Referring now to Figures 10-15, the construction and operation of the link mechanisms 18. With initial reference to Figures 10, 11 and 11a, each link mechanism 18 includes a pair of rollers 110 that are secured for pivoting by means of axes 112 within cutouts 119a of a support bar 119. Support bar 119 is dimensioned to fit within a C-shaped channel 14b of side rail 14 and through a C-shaped channel 116a (Figure 11) in rear bracket 16. During mounting, it is introduces the link mechanism 18 through the C-shaped channel 116 in the rear bracket 16, and a stop member 114 is secured to the support bar 119 by means of a threaded member 116. The stop member 114 prevents the hinge mechanism from being withdrawn beyond a predetermined point from its respective side rail 14.

Continuing with reference to Figures 11 and 14, support bar 119 includes a slot 120 formed therein, within which a locking bar 122 is disposed. Locking bar 122 is pivotally mounted in a central opening 123 via a pivot pin 126 extending through support bar 18. Also formed in support bar 18 is an elongated linear slot5

ES 2 233 170 B2 da 124. This slot 124 further includes a relief portion 124a to allow clearance for a cam lobe 128. The slot 124 may vary in length, but in a preferred form it is between about six and ten inches.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a threaded member 132 extends through an opening 134 at a first end 136 of locking bar 122. Threaded member 132 captures a push member 138 within opening 134. The biasing member 138 serves to provide a constant biasing force that tends to bias the first end 136 of the locking bar 112 upwardly to the position illustrated in Figure 15.

Referring to Figures 10 and 14, the upper frame member 24 'includes a shaft portion 24a at each end thereof. Each of the axle portions 24a has attached thereto, at its outermost ends, one of the cam lobes 128. Thus, the axle portions 24a pivotally support the load bearing structure 20 from the lifting mechanisms. joint 18. It is an important feature that the shaft portions 24a are also capable of sliding within the elongated slots 124 when the load bearing structure 20 is moved from the intermediate position of Figure 2 to the position illustrated in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15, when the load bearing structure 20 is in the lowered position illustrated in Figure 1, the side members 22 are arranged in the position illustrated in Figure 12. In this In position, the cam lobe 128 is engaged in the relief portion 124a, as illustrated in Figure 14. This allows the cam lobe 128 to lift a second end 140 of the locking bar 122, causing the first end 136 to project out of the support bar 119. The first end 136 abuts in a notch. 142 formed on the rear support 16, which prevents the hinge mechanism 18 from inadvertently moving toward and into the support member 16 when the load bearing structure 20 is in the lowered position of Figure

1. Thus, when in the lowered position illustrated in Figure 1, the load bearing structure 20 is fixedly arranged. The upper end 20a cannot be supported outwardly from the upper supports 16, due to the abutment engagement of the stop members 114 with their respective supports 16. The abutting engagement of the first end 136 of each locking bar 122 with the notch 142 of each bracket 16 prevents the upper end 20a from being pushed inwardly toward the side rails 14. Consequently, the load borne on the transverse bars 25 of the load bearing structure 20 can be borne just as safely with the structure 20 in the lowered position as when the structure 20 is arranged on the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12.

When the load bearing structure 20 is raised to the intermediate position illustrated in Figure

2, the cam lobe 128 rotates in accordance with the rotational movement of the upper frame member 24 (Figure 1) to the position illustrated in Figure 13. This rotation of the cam lobe 128 allows the spring 138 to load the first end. 136 from locking bar 122 upward to the position illustrated in Figure 15. In this position, the locking bar

122 it is now able to clear the notch 142. Consequently, the entire hinge mechanism 16 can be pushed forward (ie, to the right in the drawings of Figures 12-15) through the C-shaped channels 16a. at each of the rear supports 16. This locking action is further automatically performed by simply raising the free end 28 of the load bearing structure 20 to the intermediate position illustrated in Figure 2.

Once the individual has raised the load bearing structure 20 to the position illustrated in Figure 2, the entire load bearing structure can be pushed forward until the structure 20 is positioned on the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12. During the initial six to ten inches of forward travel, the axle portions 24a slide forward within the elongated slots 124, prior to contacting the leading ends 124b of the slots 124. These fifteen to twenty-three centimeters of "travel" provide the necessary distance to position the pivot axis defined by the axle portions 24a sufficiently behind the vehicle 12 so that the vehicle 12 does not interfere with the downward pivoting movement. load bearing structure 20.

Another important advantage of the articulation mechanisms 18 is that they effectively allow the upper frame member 24 to be positioned rearward of the pivot axis of the tailgate 12b of the vehicle 12, such that the support structure of the Load 20 can be lifted with the tailgate 12b without first placing the structure 20 on the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12. Access to the rear of the vehicle 12 can thus be easily obtained once the load bearing structure 20 and the tailgate 12b are both in the raised position.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 17, the attachment of one of the lower lock assemblies 30 to one of the upper lock assemblies 36 (also illustrated in Figure 3) will be described. Each of the upper lock assemblies 36 comprises a housing 146, which is preferably integrally formed with an associated one of the rear supports 16. Within housing 146 is upright frame 148 and a transversely extending latch member 150. When the load bearing structure 20 is to be secured on the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12, it is pushed into position on the roof portion 12a, such that the lower lock assembly 30 is on, but slightly forward of, the vertical frame 148. The lock assembly 30 can then be lowered into an area inside the housing 146. As the bottom lock assembly 30 is lowered into the inside area of ​​the housing 146, the lip portion 102 of the latch lever 84 contacts an upper edge. 150a of latch member 150 which extends transversely, and pivots slightly against the biasing force of spring 96, so as to release edge 150a. Lip portion 102 then engages under latch structure 150. In the position illustrated in Figure 17, lower lock assembly 30 is secured against movement.

The unlocking of the lower lock assembly 30 is achieved by grasping the user and rotating the rotary sleeve 60, which causes the latch lever 84 to pivot to the left in the drawing of

ES 2 233 170 B2 Figure 17. While holding the rotating sleeve 60 in its rotated position against the biasing force of spring 96, the user can then push the entire load bearing structure 20 forward, just very little prior to lifting the free end 28 of the frame 20, and then pulling it out of the vehicle 12, to the position illustrated in Figure 2. Consequently, the user can achieve disengagement of the load bearing structure 20 from the position illustrated in Figure 3, simply by grasping the rotating sleeve 60 and, from a single position behind the vehicle 12, articulating the actuator bar assembly. 26 to raise the upper lock assembly 36. Accordingly, there is no need for the user to separately unlock each of the lower lock assemblies 30. This contributes significantly to the comfort and ease of use of the apparatus 10.

From the description made above, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 10 of the present invention provides an articulated article carrier assembly that enables cargo to be carried, either in a generally horizontal position on the tailgate of a vehicle, or either on top of the vehicle, depending on the user's preference. The apparatus 10 of the present invention significantly facilitates the way in which the load can be loaded, since there is no need for the load to be positioned directly on top of the vehicle 12, but rather on the cross bars 25 while the load bearing structure 20 is arranged on the tailgate 12b. In this regard, it will be appreciated that one or both of the cross bars 25 could include perpendicularly extending portions that serve to temporarily support the load that is located on the cross bars 25 when the load bearing structure 20 is in position. the lowered position illustrated in Figure 1. The apparatus 10 can be further locked and unlocked from the position illustrated in Figures 1-3 with a simple one-time movement of the rotary sleeve 26, which therefore serves to significantly increase the ease with which the frame structure can be moved. load bearing 20 between its various positions.

Referring now to Figures 18 and 19, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment 200 of the multi-position articulating vehicle article carrier apparatus. Apparatus 200 includes a load bearing structure 202 comprising a pair of cross bars 204 and a pair of side members 206 (only one of which is visible). With apparatus 200, however, a pair of rear supports 208 and a pair of front supports 210 are used to support load bearing structure 202 above the outer surface 12a of the vehicle body 12. Each rear bracket 208 includes a suitable latch structure, which can be acted upon by opening and closing a pivot lever 209 to engage a suitably shaped cavity 212 (Figure 19) in a portion of the outer surface of the the body 214 of the vehicle 12. Each of the front brackets 210 includes a latching structure thereon, which can be locked and unlocked by means of a liftable locking lever 216 (illustrated in dotted lines in the raised position of Figure 19).

When the apparatus 200 is in the position illustrated in Figure 18, the load bearing structure 202 is arranged on the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12. The internal locking structure within the front supports 210 secures the front supports to slats. customary 218 that are fixedly secured to the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12, and each of which includes channels that retain trapped portions of the front supports 210 of the slats 218. This construction for the slats, and the reciprocal engagement of the front brackets 210 with the slats 218 to allow sliding movement of the front brackets 210 along the slats 218 is well known in the art. Patents of the assignee of the present application describing suitable constructions for the front bracket lock assembly 210, which could be used with little or no modification, are US Pat. Numbers 4,899,917; 4,972,983; 4,982,888; 5,385,285 and 5,579,970, all of which remain here for their references. Figure 19 illustrates the load bearing structure 202 disposed on the tailgate 12b of the vehicle 12. The rear supports 208 can be locked in one of a plurality of positions defined by the cavities 212.

Referring now to Figures 20 and 21, there is illustrated a multi-position articulating vehicle article carrier 300 in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 300 is similar to apparatus 200 and includes a load bearing structure 302 comprised of a pair of cross bars 304 and a pair of side members 306 (only one of which is visible). The load bearing structure 302 is supported above the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12 by a pair of rear supports 308 and a pair of front supports 310 (only one of each support 308 and 310 being visible). The front supports 310 are arranged on conventional slats 312, such that the front supports 310 can be slidably moved along the slats. The slats 312 are fixedly secured to the roof portion 12a of the vehicle 12. Each slat 312 further includes a latch assembly 314 to which it can be secured so that one of the rear supports 308 can be released.

To move the load bearing structure 302 from the position illustrated in Figure 20 to the position illustrated in Figure 21, the user first disengages the front supports 310 by pulling outward on the lever portions 316 of each of the front brackets 310. This unlocks each front bracket 310 from its associated slat 312 and allows the front bracket 310 to be slid along its associated slat 312. Each rear bracket 308 is also disengaged from its associated latch assembly 314 by lifting a latch lever 318. The crossbar 304 extending between the rear brackets 308 can then be lifted out of the latch assemblies 314, and You can pull the entire load bearing structure 302 rearward so that it extends over the tailgate 12b. The rear brackets 308 are then hooked to suitable latching structures formed on the tailgate 12b at areas 322. The front brackets 310 are then hooked, thereby closing the levers 316, causing

ES 2 233 170 B2 they are locked onto the slats 312 in the position illustrated in Figure 21. If desired, notches 324 (one of which is illustrated in Figure 20) could be formed in the slats 312, to defining a specific position in which the front supports 310 are to be located before they can be locked to the slats 312.

Apparatus 300 further provides a coupling member 326 associated with each front bracket 310, which provides two pivot points 328 and 330. These two points of rotation are necessary because the point of rotation around which the tailgate 12b rotates It is laterally offset from the point of rotation of the load bearing structure 302. This allows the load bearing structure 302 to be easily hinged, together with the tailgate 12b, as the tailgate 12b is raised, and without the need to first unlock the front supports 310 and the rear supports 308. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 can be raised simultaneously from the position illustrated in Figure 21 to an intermediate position, in which the load bearing structure 302 extends generally horizontally outward from the ceiling portion 12a, such as in Figure 2, before being pushed into position on the roof portion 12a, with no locking action occurring on the coupling member 326.

Referring to Figure 22, there is illustrated an articulating vehicle article carrier 400 in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The article carrier 400 differs from previous embodiments in that it is not suitable for being placed on the roof of the vehicle 402, but is easily and quickly removable from the vehicle 402 when not needed. Furthermore, the construction of article carrier 400 is such that it is capable of being placed in a compact arrangement, once removed, so that it can be conveniently stored within an area such as a garage, or even within an area load of the vehicle itself.

Continuing with reference to Figure 22, a pair of brackets 404 are fixedly secured to a roof portion 406 of a vehicle 402. A load bearing structure 410 having a pair of upper linkage articulated arms 412 is attached to pivoting to the supports at the first ends 414 thereof. Second ends 416 are attached to a first or upper pair of pivot assemblies 418. The pivot assemblies 418 are also attached to first ends 420 of a pair of main support members 422. These support members 422 have been illustrated as tubular, slightly curved members, but it will be appreciated that they could just as easily comprise different shapes of cross section. The main support members 422 are preferably made of aluminum, to provide very light weight yet structurally strong members.

The main support members 422 are attached at second ends 424 thereof to a second pair of pivot assemblies 426. Each of the second pair of pivot assemblies 426 is in turn releasable to a pair of anchor assemblies 428. Each of the anchor assemblies 428 is fixedly secured to a tailgate 408 of vehicle 408. The load bearing structure 410 is thus positioned on the tailgate 408 when in use. Since the load bearing structure 410 is very light, the presence of the structure 410 adds very little additional weight to the tailgate 408 when the tailgate is being raised by a user. Thus, for the user, the effort required to raise the tailgate is almost the same, whether or not the load bearing structure 410 is attached to the vehicle 408. Figure 23 depicts article carrier 400 with tailgate 408 in its raised position.

The load bearing structure 410 also preferably includes at least one, and more preferably a pair of cross bars 430 supported on the main support members 422. Each of the cross bars 430 includes a mounting arm 432 at each of its opposite ends, which is secured to a respective one of the main support members 422 in a predetermined position, by a manually engageable clamping member 434. This coupling has been illustrated in greater detail in Figure 23A. The hand-engageable clamping member 434 has an enlarged portion 434a that can be grasped by hand, and a partially threaded portion 434b. Partially threaded portion 434b threadedly engages in a threaded hole 434c within each mounting arm 432 An internally drilled and threaded rivet 435 is also preferably included to allow crossbar 430 to be attached parallel to support member 422 when detaching the article carrier 400 of vehicle 408. This feature will be described in more detail below.

An additional feature of load bearing structure 410 is that the cross bars can be secured to main support members 422 as illustrated in Figure 24 when frame 410 is removed from vehicle 408 for storage. This is accomplished by the internally threaded and drilled rivet fastener 435 illustrated in Figure 23A which has been included at a predetermined point along the length of each crossbar 430 to allow the spaced crossbar 430 to be turned back. attached by clamping member 434 while positioned parallel thereto. This further requires forming a hole at the appropriate point along the length of each support member 422 through which the clamping member 434 can extend therethrough. Each main support member 422 can then be handled separately in a compact configuration with one of the cross bars 430 attached thereto. It will be appreciated that a variety of clamping or clamping mechanisms could easily be used to secure so that the cross bars 430 generally parallel to the main support members 422 can be released. It will also be appreciated that the mounting arm 432 could be formed with one or more loop parts, to facilitate the joining of elastic cords or other cords or fastening straps. Also illustrated in Figure 24 is a preferred alternative form of mounting arm 432 'having such a loop portion 433'.

With reference to Figure 25, you can see in it

ES 2 233 170 B2 the construction of one of the upper pivot assemblies 418. It will be appreciated, however, that the construction of each of the lower pivot assemblies 426 is identical to that illustrated in Figure 25. A first element of pivot 439 includes a tubular free flange portion 439a having an enlarged connecting ring 438. A second pivot member 441 also includes a tubular free flange portion 441a and an enlarged connecting ring 440 having a groove 442 formed therein. The free flange portion 439a is intended to be coupled to the second end 416 of the upper linkage arm 412 with threaded fasteners or other conventional fastening means, while the free flange portion 441a of the second pivot element 441 is, intended to be secured to one end of one of the main support members 422.

The groove 442 is just slightly wider than the width of the connecting ring 438, such that it is capable of receiving the connecting ring 438 therein. Each of the identical first second engagement elements 444 includes an enlarged shoulder portion 446 and a hub portion 448. Hub portion 448 has an outside diameter that allows it to slide snugly within connecting rings 440 and 438 when the two rings 440 and 438 are coupled together. Hub portion 448 includes a pair of slots 450 each having a somewhat flexible arm 452. Slots 450 open in opposite directions.

The two engagement members 444 are secured to each other by first snapping each into the mounted connecting rings 438 and 440 from opposite sides. The coupling elements 444 are then slightly rotated such that the arms 452 of each coupling element are aligned with the slot 450 of the other coupling element. The coupling elements 444 can then be rotated in different directions, which causes each arm 452 to snap into engagement with the slot 450 of the opposing coupling element 444. At this point, the first and second pivot elements 439 and 441 will be held firmly together while allowing pivoting movement of the upper link link arm 412 relative to the associated main support member 422. The opening formed in each pivot assembly also functions as a tie down area where bungee cords or the like can be attached.

An alternate pivot assembly 460 is illustrated in Figure 26. Pivot assembly 460 is similar to assembly 440, with the exception of a one-piece locking hub 462. This locking hub includes a pair of shoulder portions 464 and 464a spaced from one another by a central hub portion 466. One or more slots 469 are formed to extend into central hub portion 466 from shoulder portion 464a. . When locking hub 462 is inserted into the assembled combination of connecting rings 438 and 440, with shoulder portion 464a being inserted first, that shoulder portion will compress slightly as it is forced through connecting rings 438 and 440 By releasing the second connecting ring 440a, it snaps to lock the locking hub 462 within the connecting ring 440. Each of the first pivot assemblies 418 and second pivot assemblies 426, as well as the reciprocating pivot assembly 460 illustrated in Figure 26, are preferably made of high-strength plastic, but could also be formed of other materials. resistant and light.

Referring to Figure 27, one of the supports 404 can be seen which includes a recess 470 in which the first end 414 of one of the upper linkage arms 412 is located. A locking wheel 472 that can be manually applied Typically having a threaded shaft 474, it extends through openings 476 at the first end 414 and into a threaded recess 478. When the locking wheel 472 is completely removed from the bracket 404, the upper link link arm 412 can be completely removed from the bracket.

Referring now to Figure 28, one of the anchor assemblies 428 is illustrated. The anchor assembly 428 includes a flange portion 480 having a pair of openings 482. The openings 482 accommodate conventional fasteners 483 that They are used to secure the flange portion 480 to a suitable reinforcing member 484 within the tailgate 408.

Anchor assembly 428 also includes a tubular neck portion 486 integrally formed with, or otherwise secured to, flange portion 480, and having a tapering end 486a. Neck portion 486 has an opening 488 to receive a locking member 490 therethrough. Locking member 490 is inserted from the rear (i.e. initially through flange portion 480) into the interior area. of the tubular neck portion 486. The locking element 490 includes a pusher element 492 which is a Z-shaped piece of spring steel, having a head portion 494 dimensioned to project through the opening 488. The head portion 494 preferably has a beveled edge.

Referring to Figure 29, to connect the lower pivot assembly 426 to its associated anchor assembly 428, the free flange portion 438a is pushed onto the tubular neck portion 486. The free flange portion 438a includes an opening 496 aligned with the opening 488 in the neck portion when the free flange portion is pushed onto the neck portion 486. When this occurs, the head portion 494 of the locking element 490 is momentarily depressed as the free flange portion 438a initially slides over the neck portion 486. As soon as the opening 496 reaches the opening 488, the head portion 494 it snaps into opening 488. To release free flange portion 438a, the user pushes down on head portion 494 and pulls free flange portion 438a away from neck portion 486. The beveled edge of the head portion 494 helps to cause the head portion 494 to be removed.

Referring to Figure 30, there is illustrated an articulating vehicle article carrier 500 in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The article carrier 500 differs from the previous embodiments in that it is not suitable for being located on the roof of the vehicle 502, but it is easily and quickly removable from the vehicle 502 when not needed. In addition, the construc9

ES 2 233 170 B2 tion of the article carrier 500 is such that it is suitable to be placed in a compact arrangement, once removed, so that it can be conveniently stored within an area such as a garage, or even within a cargo area of ​​the vehicle itself.

Continuing with reference to Figures 30 and 31, a pair of brackets 504 are fixedly secured to a roof portion 506 of vehicle 502. A load bearing structure 510 includes a pair of upper linkage link arms 512. The pair Upper linkage link arms 512 are pivotally attached to brackets 504 at first ends 514 by means of an upper link assembly 513, which will be described below. The second ends 516 are attached to a first or upper pair of pivot assemblies 518. The pivot assemblies 518 are also attached to the first ends 520 of a pair of main support members 522. These support members 522 have been illustrated as generally rectangular members, slightly curved, but it will be appreciated that they could just as easily comprise different cross-sectional shapes. The main support members 522 are preferably made of aluminum to provide very light weight yet structurally strong structural members.

The main support members 522 are attached at second ends 524 thereof to a lower lock assembly 526. The lower lock assemblies 526 are each in turn engageable so that they can be released to either a pair of locks. anchor assemblies 528 (Figure 31), which are fixedly secured to a tailgate 508 of the vehicle 502, or to a pair of hitch assemblies 527 disposed on the bumper 529 of the vehicle (Figure 31). The load bearing structure 510 is therefore located on the tailgate 508 when in use. Since the load bearing structure 510 is very light, the presence of the structure 510 adds very little additional weight to the tailgate 508 when the tailgate is being lifted by a user. Accordingly, for the user the effort required to raise the tailgate is about the same whether or not the load bearing structure 510 is attached to the vehicle 502, and is raised in a manner generally consistent with the previous embodiments described in what precedes.

Referring now to Figures 30-35, the load bearing structure 510 also preferably includes at least one, and more preferably a pair, of cross bars 530 supported on the main support members 522. Each of the cross bars 530 includes a mounting portion 532 at each of its opposite ends, which are secured to respective one of the main support members 522 in a predetermined position by a manually engageable clamping member 534. This coupling has been illustrated in more detail in Figure 32. The mounting part 532 is in turn secured to the cross bar 530 by means of screw fasteners 530a or by other conventional fasteners.

As best seen in Figures 32, 34, and 35, the hand-engageable clamping member 534 has an enlarged hand grip portion 534a, and an internal threaded portion 534b. The threaded internal part 534b is threadedly engaged with a threaded screw member 534c. Threaded screw member 534c extends from a generally inverted T-shaped mounting member 534d, which is disposed within a pathway 522a formed in main support member 522. As best seen in Figures 33 and 34 , the mounting portion 532 of the crossbar 530 generally includes a pair of generally identical protruding mounting tabs 532a. Each of the pair of mounting tabs 532a is dimensioned to slide within track 522a of main support member 522 to allow vertical adjustment of crossbar 530. To facilitate insertion of crossbar 530 into track 522a of the Main support member 522, Main support member 522 further includes an area 522b provided with notches to enable crossbar 530 to be slid within track 522a.

Referring to Figures 31, 32 and 36, the construction of the pivot assemblies 518 can be seen therein. A first pivot element 539 includes a tubular flange portion 539a, A second pivot element 541 also includes a pair of portions. tab 541a. The tubular flange portion 539a is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the pair of tubular flange portions 541a by means of a connecting rod 543. The first pivot element 539 is fixedly coupled to the second end 516 of the upper linkage arm 512 with threaded fasteners 539b or by other conventional fastening means, while the second pivot element 541 is intended to be secured to an end of one of the main support members 522 by means of threaded fasteners 541b or by other conventional fastening means.

Referring to Figures 31, 37 and 38, the construction of the upper connection assembly 513 can be seen. The upper connection assembly 513 includes a main member 544 and a pivot member 546. The pivot member 546 is coupled to pivoting to main member 544 by means of connecting pin 548. Pivot member 546 is biased to a closed position by torsion spring 549 such that pivot member 546 and main member 544 cooperate to secure article carrier 500 to pair of supports 504 of vehicle 502. More particularly, pivot member 546 and main member 644 retain a transverse connecting pin 550, which extends from each of the pair of supports 504, within a retention channel 552 formed by pivot member 546. and main member 544. Main member 544 is fixedly coupled to first end 514 of upper link link arm 512 with threaded fasteners 544a or by other conventional fastening means. The upper connection assembly 513 can be released from connection with the transverse connection pin 550 of the bracket 504 by applying a compressive force to the pivot member 546 to overcome the biasing force of the torsion spring 549.

Similarly, referring now to Figures 31, 39, 40 and 41, the construction of the lower lock assembly 526 is seen there. The lower lock assembly 526 includes a main member 554

ES 2 233 170 B2 and a pivot member 556. The pivot member 556 is pivotally coupled to the main member 554 by means of a connecting pin 558. The pivot member 556 is loaded to a closed position by a compression spring 560, such that pivot member 556 and main member cooperate to secure article carrier 500 to anchor assembly 528. More particularly, as best seen in Figures 38 and 40, pivot member 556 and main member 554 retain a transverse connecting pin 562, which extends from each of the pair of anchor assemblies 528, within of a retention channel 564 formed by pivot member 556 and main member 554. It is to be noted that a second cross connecting pin 562a extends from the hitch assemblies 527 disposed in the bumper 529 of the vehicle. Therefore, during operation, the lower lock assembly 526 is preferably coupled to the anchor assembly 528 to facilitate lifting of the tailgate 508. However, while items are being transported on the item carrier 500, the lower lock assembly 526 is preferably coupled to the latch assembly 527 disposed on the bumper 529 of the vehicle. This arrangement provides additional hauling capacity, allowed by the structural support of the 529 bumper. However, it is to be understood that the tailgate 508 may be constructed such that it can alone support the weight of additional items attached to the load bearing structure 510, thereby eliminating the need for the assembly. hitch 527.

The main member 554 is fixedly coupled to the second end 524 of the main support member 522 with threaded fasteners 554a or by other conventional fastening means. The lower lock assembly 526 can be released from connection with the transverse connecting pin 562 of the anchor assembly 528 by applying a compression force to the pivot member 556 to overcome the biasing force of the compression spring 560, opening thereby retaining channel 564 for removing cross connecting pin 562.

Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that upper link link arm 512, main support member 522, tailgate 508, and vehicle roof 502 together define a four-bar link construction that is capable of pivoting when actuated. tailgate 508.

The description of the invention is, by its nature, merely an example and, therefore, variations that do not deviate from the essence of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be construed as a departure outside the spirit and scope of the invention.