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VEHICLE ARTICLE CARRIER SYSTEM HAVING CROSS BAR END SUPPORTS WITH ANTI-LOOSENING MECHANISM

  • US 20150175082A1
  • Filed: 12/19/2014
  • Published: 06/25/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. For a vehicle article carrier, an article carrier component adapted to be tightened to an article carrier element, the article carrier component comprising:

  • a main body configured to engage with a portion of the article carrier element;

    an opening in the main body;

    a latching element moveably supported from the main body for movement between a latched position engaging the article carrier element, and an unlatched position wherein the article carrier element is able to be removed from the article carrier element;

    a threaded member having a head portion with a plurality of first features formed on an outer perimeter of the head portion, and a center hole having a specialized configuration requiring a matching specialized tool to engage the center hole and rotate the threaded member;

    the main body further including at least one second feature in the opening thereof;

    a spring clip inserted in the opening, wherein the second feature engages with a portion of the spring clip to hold the spring clip stationary in the opening, the spring clip further including a central opening for receiving a portion of the threaded member therethrough, and at least one third feature configured to engage the plurality of first features on the outer perimeter of the head portion; and

    wherein the engagement of the at least one third feature of the spring clip and the at least one second feature of the head portion of the threaded member cooperatively prevent loosening of the threaded member once the threaded member is rotated into a tightened orientation in which the latching element is secured to the article carrier element.

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