Patent ID: 6427889
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B60R,E06C

Abstract:
Apparatus for facilitating the loading and unloading of a ladder from the roof of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination:(a) a first and a second 4-bar linkage assembly, each including a stationary bar member adapted for attachment to the roof of a motor vehicle in parallel, space-apart relation so as to extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of said motor vehicle and a moveable bar member comprising a ladder rest pivotally coupled to said stationary bar member by a pair of rigid links of unequal length, said pair of rigid links sized and positioned such that rotation of one of said pair of rigid links on each of said first and second 4-bar linkage assemblies results in said moveable bar member comprising said ladder rests moving between a first disposition which is generally parallel to said roof and a second disposition aligned with and spaced from one side of said vehicle; (b) a connector rod extending longitudinally between said first and second 4 bar linkage assemblies with said connector rod journaled for rotation in said stationary bar member of each of said 4-bar linkage assemblies and operatively coupled to said one of said pair of rigid links in each of said 4 bar linkage assemblies; (c) a lever pivotable about a fulcrum rigidly connected to the stationary bar member of the first 4-bar linkage assembly to define lever arms, L1 and L2, where L1 is >>L2; and (d) a rotatable coupler journaled for rotation about the connector rod and having a radially extending arm of a length, L3, that is 2 pivotally joined by a link member to an end portion of lever arm L2, said rotatable coupler cooperating with the connector rod to apply a torque to the connector rod only when a force is applied to lever arm, L1, to pivot the lever through a predetermined angle less than about 45Â° from the vertical and amplify the rotation angle of the rotatable coupler to about 90Â°.