Patent ID: 7090103
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: A61M,B60R,B62H,E05B

Abstract:
1. A vehicle article carrier for supporting articles elevationally above an outer body surface of a vehicle, comprising: a pair of side rails adapted to be fixedly secured to the outer body surface generally parallel to one another; a pair of cross bars assemblies adapted to be secured to said side rails to support articles thereon; each said side rail including mounting structure at a first longitudinal end and at a second longitudinal end opposite to said first longitudinal end; said mounting structure enabling each of said cross bar assemblies to be secured in either a stowed position, wherein each said side rail assembly is secured at said longitudinal ends over a single one of the side rails, and an operative position, wherein the side rails are secured at opposite ends to span between the side rails; each said cross bar assembly including a pivotally supported locking member having a graspable portion and a locking end portion; and wherein said mounting structure at each said longitudinal end of each said side rail includes a keyed opening for receiving said locking end portion to enable said locking member to be secured to said keyed opening by movement of said locking member into a first position, and quickly released from said opening by moving said locking member to a second position and lifting said cross bar assembly off of said side rail.