Patent ID: 6976615
Filing Date: 2005-12-20
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A load carrier for mounting to the rear of a vehicle, comprising: a load carrying frame mountable to the rear of a vehicle, wherein the frame includes a coupling member for connection to the vehicle and a carrier section for supporting a load; a pivot joint including locking catches, wherein the pivot joint pivotally connects the coupling member to the carrier section for relative rotation between a stowed position and a deployed position; a non-removable retainer configured for selectively engaging the locking catches to lock the pivot joint and the frame in either the stowed position or the deployed position, and disengagable from the locking catches to permit the pivot joint and the frame to be rotated between the stowed position and the deployed position, wherein the retainer is movable relative to the pivot joint for selective engagement or disengagement with the locking catches and includes a stop element mounted thereon configured for preventing the retainer from being removed from the frame, the retainer including an elongate member dimensioned to pass through the frame, and wherein the retainer is selectively shiftable laterally, a predetermined distance, for extension to engage the locking catches, and retraction to disengage the locking catches; and wherein the retainer is prevented from being removed from the frame when the stop element abuts an insert attached to the frame.