Patent ID: 6334561
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: B60R,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A vehicle load carrier configured to carry recreational equipment on the exterior of a vehicle, comprising:a recreational equipment rack adapted for exterior engagement on a vehicle; a torque-operated clamping mechanism, including a rotatable clamp member, where the torque-operated clamping mechanism is adapted to selectively secure and release an article to the rack upon rotation of the clamp member; and a torque-applying member selectively configurable in an engaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate together, and in a disengaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate independently of one another, where the torque-applying member is semi-permanently attached to the clamping mechanism so that it cannot be removed without disassembling the clamping mechanism.