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Vehicle article carrier having a simplified locking mechanism

  • US 20040074939A1
  • Filed: 10/22/2002
  • Published: 04/22/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A vehicle article carrier apparatus adapted to be disposed on an outer body surface of a vehicle for supporting articles thereon, said apparatus comprising:

  • a pair of support rails adapted to be secured to said outer body surface in spaced apart relation to one another;

    a cross bar having a length sufficient to substantially span a distance separating said support rails;

    a pair of bracket assemblies secured to opposite ends of said cross bar, said bracket assemblies adapted to be coupled to each of said support rails to suspend said cross bar member between said support rails, each of said bracket assemblies including;

    a housing;

    an actuating lever pivotably coupled to said housing and pivotable between a closed position and an open position by manual movement by a user; and

    a locking clamp pivotably coupled to said housing between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to said support rail, said locking clamp securing said bracket assembly to said support rail when positioned in said closed position;

    wherein a portion of said actuating lever obstructs pivotal movement of said locking clamp from said locked position to said unlocked position when said actuating lever is placed in said closed position and released by said user.

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