Patent ID: 6793186
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: B60R,B62J,F16B

Abstract:
An adjustable clamp for use with a cross bar of a vehicle article carrier to enable accessory article carrier components to be secured to said cross bar, said clamp comprising:a base portion having a coupling portion and hinge portion; a clamp element having a first end and a second end, said first end being hingedly coupled to said hinge portion; said clamp element having an accessory attachment portion formed between said first end and said second end said accessory attachment portion adapted to couple to an external article carrier component; a locking assembly secured to said coupling portion of said base portion, said locking assembly including an over-center locking lever adapted to be rotated between a non-locking position and a locking position about said coupling portion of said base portion, said locking lever further being rotatable between an unlatched position and a latched position; said clamp element being movable pivotally about said first end away from said base portion into an open position to allow said clamp to be placed over said cross bar, and also into a clamping position disposed against a surface of said cross bar, wherein said second end can be engaged by said locking assembly; once said locking assembly is in said locking position engaged with said second end of said clamp element, said over-center locking lever is movable from said unlatched position to said latched position to clampingly secure said second end of said clamp element tightly and said base portion over said cross bar; and wherein said base and said clamp elements cooperatively form at least one of an oval shaped aperture, a modified oval shaped aperture, and a circular shaped aperture.