Abstract:
Method and apparatus for providing dual anti-theft locks protecting an elongate object stored on a load bar of a load carrier. A bracket is attached to a retainer using connecting fasteners secured by connecting knobs to firmly attach the apparatus to the load bar when the load bar lies between the bracket and the retainer. A lever extending from the retainer controls a first locking mechanism having a gripper cable for wrapping the elongate object tightly against the retainer. The lever also controls a second locking mechanism coupling the lever to at least one latch that prevents rotation of one or more connecting knobs to prevent removal of the apparatus from the load bar. A lock limits movement of the lever to prevent or allow release of the elongate object from the retainer and the apparatus from the load bar.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/159,158 filed Jun. 23, 2005, now abandoned, which, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/522,054 filed Aug. 7, 2004 and 60/582,387 filed Jun. 23, 2004. Said applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for securing articles to a vehicle load carrier, and more specifically, to an apparatus, including a dual locking mechanism for preventing theft of both the articles secured to a vehicle load carrier using the apparatus and the apparatus itself. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Recreational activities involving a variety of water sports typically require participants to transport required equipment therefore. Depending on the size or quantity of the articles or pieces of sports equipment to be transported, it may be necessary to use a carrier arrangement as large as a boat trailer, for example, or as small as a clamping device that may be attached to a load carrier, such as a sports equipment rack for an automobile or similar small vehicle. 
   Vehicle mounted sports equipment racks are known devices for carrying equipment. Suitable vehicle mounting points for sports equipment racks typically include the rear of a vehicle or the roof of a vehicle. Rear mounted racks and roof racks may be used to transport bicycles, snow skis, snowboards, surfboards, small water craft such as canoes and kayaks and associated accessories including oars, paddles and the like, and such equipment is typically secured to the sport equipment rack by means of clamping assemblies. 
   For sports such as canoeing or kayaking, there may also be a need to transport a selection or variety of paddles, depending upon the intended use of the watercraft, e.g., for negotiating a relatively calm stretch of water, such as a lake, or surviving the challenges of white water rapids. The need to carry an array of paddles can increase the number of clamping accessories that may be needed. Rack structures that support canoes, kayaks and related components are available from an array of sources and available devices typically have clamping assemblies for securing one or more elongate objects to the load bars of the roof rack. While such clamping assemblies are generally sufficient for transporting paddles, oars and the like, these known assemblies generally do not prevent theft of such equipment. Because improvements in design and selection of materials used for canoe and kayak paddles have caused these types sporting accessories to become increasingly expensive and prone to theft, it is desirable to provide a sports equipment rack that securely retains these types of objects while, at the same time, deterring theft. 
   While locking shackles are currently available to prevent of minimize theft of elongate objects such as canoe and kayak oars and paddles, masts, fishing rods and the like, many of the known locking shackles do not prevent theft; it is still possible to remove both the shackle together with the equipment from a load bar. 
   Another problem with known clamping devices and shackles is that they typically comprise hard surfaces that have a tendency to damage equipment during transport, e.g., as may occur as the result of vibration; such damage can include marring or scratching of equipment surfaces, which can compromise the integrity of equipment or performance. Because paddles oars and the like can be expensive, it also is desirable to prevent such damage. 
   In view of the above-described deficiencies associated with the known clamping devices and securing assemblies, there is a longfelt need to provide an apparatus for a vehicle load carrier that engages an elongate object to secure it to a vehicle load carrier while simultaneously deterring theft of the object and apparatus and preventing and/or minimizing damage to the equipment during transport. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention broadly comprises an apparatus for a securing an object to a vehicle load carrier. The apparatus generally includes a gripping assembly for securing an object to the apparatus, a mounting assembly for mounting the apparatus to the load carrier, and a locking assembly. In one aspect, the locking assembly is movable between at least first and second positions. In a first position the gripping assembly and the mounting assembly are substantially prevented from free movement such that the gripping assembly may lockably secure an object to the apparatus and the apparatus may be lockably secured to the load carrier. In a second position the gripping assembly and the mounting assembly are freely movable such that objects may be loaded or unloaded from the apparatus and/or the apparatus removed from the load carrier. 
   One preferred aspect of the apparatus is the inclusion of an article retainer for securing one or more elongate objects, such as a mast or a paddle for a canoe or a kayak and the like, to a vehicle-top load carrier used for transporting the objects to areas suitable for water sports activities. As described herein, the present invention alleviates the drawbacks described above with respect to conventional retaining devices attached to vehicle load carriers. 
   An article retainer, according to the present invention, is a fully lockable, multipurpose holder for paddles, masts, oars and other elongate articles, often of the accessory-type to other sports equipment. One or more of the retainers may be attached to a vehicle carried load bar or other support structure, including a member or component of an installed or integral sports equipment rack, for securing elongate items usually having cross-sectional dimensions significantly less than their lengths; and exemplarily, 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter. The use of multiple retainers provides transport and theft protection for multiple paddles. Furthermore, more than one retainer, for instance one on each of two spaced apart load bars, may be used for securing one longer item at two a plurality of locations, such as in the case of vehicular transport of long oars or paddles. 
   In some aspects, each retainer includes a flexible member, e.g., a cable, restraining a portion of an elongate object along the length thereof. Based on the disclosed configuration, a one-key system can be used to operate one or more locking cylinders such that theft of items secured to the load carrier is able to be prevented or deterred. A rubber sheath acting as a buffer cushion can surround the contact surface of the cable to protect the surface finish of retained objects and prevent damage. Extra cable can neatly fit into a cable management slot formed in the surface of each retainer. 
   An apparatus configured according to the present invention provides means for holding elongate objects proximate a load bar. For example, the apparatus may be used to hold a canoe paddle by a portion of the paddle shaft so that the paddle&#39;s handle extends from the apparatus substantially at right angles with respect to the load bar. Retention of the shaft proximate to the load bar requires that the apparatus include a retainer attached to the load bar by means of a bracket connected to the retainer by a connection means. One connection means uses a connecting bolt that is inserted through a throughbore at an end of the bracket and passed through an orifice at one side of the retainer so that the connecting bolt protrudes sufficiently from the orifice to receive a threaded connecting knob that may be advanced along the connecting bolt by rotation of the knob. A fully installed retainer grips one side of a load bar, of a sports equipment rack, following connection of the retainer to opposite ends of a bracket, on the other side of the load bar, using a connecting bolt and a connecting knob as the means for each connection. Connection of a retainer to a bracket may include the use of a retractable latch providing the benefit of safety and security because a latched connecting knob prevents removal of the apparatus once it is firmly attached to the load bar of a sports equipment rack. Thereafter, removal of the apparatus from the load bar requires knowledge of how to release one or more retractable latches to allow reverse rotation and loosening of a connecting knob. 
   After attachment to the load bar, a retainer is ready to receive and secure an elongate object, such as the shaft of a canoe paddle. A retainer according to the present invention captures and retains an elongate object between a shaft saddle and a gripper cable. Application of tension to the gripper cable increases a retaining or securing pressure of the cable arrangement against the shaft. A flexible pad threaded on, or otherwise attached to the gripper cable acts as a buffer and protects the shaft from damage as the tension on the cable increases. A liner of flexible padding material may also be applied to the shaft saddle to provide further protective cushioning of the shaft. The gripper cable passes through a spring clip, or lever assembly, that includes a serrated surface to restrict retraction of the tightened gripper cable in a ratchet or unidirectional manner. In the exemplary embodiment, a spring clip includes a locking mechanism so that the gripping cable remains under tension, preventing removal of the paddle shaft and a potentially expensive article, until the spring clip is intentionally released. 
   The flexible pad or buffer is preferably capable of substantial deformation under the pressure of a operator constricted cable thereby tending to envelop at least a portion of the secured article, ultimately over an area greater than initially contacted when the buffer pad is initially engaged upon the article. This capability for collapse is exemplarily achieved by constructing the buffer pad as a hollowed body made out of resilient material, such as flexible rubber. Alternatively, the pad can be made of foam or similarly compressible material. By these examples, it can be appreciated that the buffer pad this resilient under, and naturally biased against imposed compressive deformation, and therefore can act as a take-up mechanism should the cable unintentionally slightly retract in the otherwise intended one-way gripping mechanism. 
   An apparatus configured according to one aspect of the invention provides dual locking of expensive water sports accessories to a load carrier for transportation on a vehicle. The apparatus includes a retainer that houses at least two locking mechanisms as theft prevention devices. These locking mechanisms provide a benefit and distinguishing feature of the present invention compared to existing types of apparatus for securement of elongate articles. 
   More particularly, the present invention provides an arrangement including a dual locking mechanism. The arrangement comprises (includes, but is not necessarily limited to) a lever having a gripping surface on the lever that has pivoting movement between a first position and a second position. A first locking mechanism includes a gripper cable contacting the gripping surface of the lever to prevent movement of the gripper cable when the lever is in the first position. Release of the gripper cable for movement occurs when the lever is in the second position. A second locking mechanism couples the lever to at least one latch that has an extended position and a retracted position. The latch prevents rotation of a connecting knob when the lever is in the first position and the latch is in the extended position. The connecting knob is free to rotate with the lever in the second position and the latch in the retracted position. A lock included in the arrangement has a locked position to confine the lever to the first position. The lock further has a release position permitting movement of the lever from the first position to the second position. 
   The present invention uses an apparatus to secure an elongate object to the load bar of a load carrier. The apparatus comprises a bracket having at least one throughbore formed at each opposing end thereof. A retainer includes a base and opposing side flanges each having an orifice formed therein to align with the at least one throughbore at opposing ends of the bracket. The apparatus includes a connecting bolt including a threaded portion received in the at least one throughbore of the opposing ends and the orifice of each opposing side flange when the load bar lies between the bracket and the retainer. A connecting knob includes a threaded channel to receive the threaded portion of the connecting bolt. The connecting knob further includes a plurality of spaced-apart projections as assists for turning the connecting knob to draw the threaded portion into the threaded channel to join the bracket to the retainer to provide the apparatus securely attached to the load bar. 
   A lever extends from the base of the retainer to pivot between a first position and a second position. The lever has a gripping surface. A first locking mechanism includes a gripper cable for wrapping around the elongate object. The gripper cable contacts the gripping surface of the lever to prevent movement of the gripper cable placed under tension to restrain the elongate object against the retainer when the lever is in the first position. Release of the gripper cable for movement occurs when the lever is in the second position. 
   A second locking mechanism couples the lever to at least one latch that has an extended position and a retracted position in at least one of the opposing side flanges. The latch prevents rotation of the connecting knob about the connecting bolt to prevent removal of the apparatus from the load bar when the lever is in the first position and the latch is in the extended position. The connecting knob is free to rotate with the lever in the second position and the latch in the retracted position. The apparatus includes a lock having a locked position to confine the lever to the first position preventing gripper cable movement and connecting knob rotation. The lock further has a release position permitting movement of the lever from the first position to the second position to facilitate release of the elongate object from the retainer and the apparatus from the load bar. 
   A method for locking an elongate object to the load bar of a load carrier comprises providing a bracket having at least one throughbore formed at each opposing end thereof and providing a retainer including a base and opposing side flanges each having an orifice formed therein to align with the at least one throughbore at opposing ends of the bracket. Insertion of a connecting bolt, including a threaded portion, into the at least one throughbore of the opposing ends and the orifice of each opposing side flange, when the load bar lies between the bracket and the retainer, places the bolt for positioning of a connecting knob including a threaded channel to receive the threaded portion of the connecting bolt. The connecting knob further includes a plurality of spaced-apart projections as assists for turning the connecting knob to draw the threaded portion into the threaded channel to join the bracket to the retainer to provide an apparatus securely attached to the load bar. 
   Adjustment of a lever, that has a gripping surface and pivots between a first position and a second position, controls a first locking mechanism including a gripper cable for wrapping around the elongate object. The gripper cable contacts the gripping surface of the lever to prevent movement of the gripper cable placed under tension to restrain the elongate object against the retainer when the lever is in the first position. Release of the gripper cable occurs, for movement thereof, when the lever is in the second position. The lever further controls a second locking mechanism, coupling the lever to at least one latch that has an extended position and a retracted position in at least one of the opposing side flanges. The latch prevents rotation of the connecting knob about the connecting bolt to prevent removal of the apparatus from the load bar when the lever is in the first position and the latch is in the extended position. The connecting knob has freedom to rotate with the lever in the second position and the latch in the retracted position. Locking the lever in the first position prevents gripper cable movement and connecting knob rotation to lock the elongate object to the retainer and the apparatus to the load bar. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following, by way of example only, and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a handle of a canoe paddle disposed between a base portion and a gripping portion of a retainer according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a lockable retainer configured according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross section of an apparatus according to the present invention and which corresponds to a section through an approximate center of the retainer of  FIG. 2  at cable  34 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view showing component parts of an apparatus for retaining elongate objects configured according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 5  is a top, plan view of an apparatus exemplarily of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presently described invention(s). 
   Referring to the figures, wherein like reference numbers identify like parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  provides a perspective view showing an apparatus  10  configured according to the present invention attached to a load bar (not shown) of a load carrier (not shown) and which is also referred to herein as a sports equipment rack that may be attached to the roof of a carrier vehicle, for example. Apparatus  10  provides means for holding elongate objects adjacent to the load bar.  FIG. 1  illustrates the use of apparatus  10  according to the present invention to hold a canoe paddle by a portion of paddle shaft  14  so that handle  16  extends from apparatus  10  substantially at right angles to the load bar. 
   Retention of shaft  14  adjacent to the load bar requires that apparatus  10  include retainer  18  attached to the load bar using bracket  20  positioned on the side of the load bar opposite retainer  18 . Connection of bracket  20  to base  22  of retainer  18  may use a variety of connection means to provide apparatus  10  according to the present invention attached to a load bar. A preferred connection means for securely gripping a load bar between bracket  20  and base  22  of retainer  18  uses connecting bolt  24  inserted through a throughbore (not shown) at an end of bracket  20  to pass through an orifice (not shown) at one side of base  22  so that connecting bolt  24  protrudes sufficiently from the orifice to receive threaded connecting knob  26  that may be advanced along connecting bolt  24  by rotation of knob  26  to draw the screw portion of connecting bolt  24  into the threaded channel (not shown) of connecting knob  26 . A fully installed retainer  18  grips a load bar following connection of base  22  to opposite ends of bracket  20  using connecting bolt  24  and connecting knob  26  as the means for each connection. 
   Apparatus  10  according to the present invention comprises retainer  18 , on one side of a load bar, joined to bracket  20 , on the opposite side of the load bar, using connecting means adapted for tightening so that apparatus  10  exerts a gripping force applied to both sides of the load bar.  FIG. 1  illustrates connecting means, applied at each end of bracket  20 . The connecting means includes connecting bolt  24  extending through one end of bracket  20  and through side flange  28  of base  22  of retainer  18 . The upwardly extending connecting bolt  24  lies in a position for application of connecting knob  26  that includes a threaded channel to receive a screw portion of connecting bolt  24 . Rotation of connecting knob  26  draws connecting bolt  24  into the threaded channel to provide a tight connection between base  22  and bracket  20 . 
   The crown portion of connecting knob  26  includes several spaced apart projections  30  that provide convenient gripping segments for firmly tightening connecting knob  26  to connecting bolt  24 . As connecting knob  26  advances along the screw portion of connecting bolt  24  projections  30  impinge against a retractable latch (not shown) that protrudes from side flange  28  and interferes with further rotation of connecting knob  26 . To complete the process of tightening connecting knob  26  the latch may be retracted into a seat it occupies in side flange  28  of retainer  18 . After tightening connecting knob  26  and releasing the retractable latch from its seat, it is no longer possible to loosen connecting knob  26  since the latch prevents reverse rotation of projections  30 . 
   A retractable latch feature incorporated in retainer  18  according to the present invention provides a benefit of safety and security because a latched connecting knob  26  prevents removal of the elongate object retaining apparatus  10  once it is firmly attached to the load bar of a sports equipment rack. Thereafter, removal of apparatus  10  from the load bar requires knowledge of how to release one or more retractable latches to allow reverse rotation and loosening of connecting knob  26 . 
   After attaching it to the load bar retainer  18  is ready to receive and secure an elongate object, such as shaft  14  of a canoe paddle. Retainer  18  according to the present invention captures and retains an elongate object between shaft saddle  32  and gripper cable  34 . Gripper cable  34  extends from anchor point  36  to wrap around an elongate object, e.g. paddle shaft  14 , resting against shaft saddle  32 , then passes through guide slot  38  and spring clip  40  (see  FIG. 3 ) before emerging from a gap (not shown) in base  22  adjacent to anchor point  36 . Application of tension to the emerging gripper cable draws cable  34  through guide slot  38  and spring clip  40  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) to increase the pressure of the wrapped cable against shaft  14 . Flexible pad  42  threaded onto gripper cable  34  protects shaft  14  from damage as the tension on cable  34  increases. A liner of flexible padding material may also be applied to shaft saddle  32  to provide further protective cushioning of shaft  14 . 
   The portion of spring clip  40  in contact with the tensioned cable includes serrations that slightly penetrate the surface of cable  34 . Although allowing further tensioning of gripper cable  34 , by pulling away from spring clip  40 , the serrations restrict retraction of gripper cable  34  into base  22  of retainer  18 . Spring clip  40  according to the present invention includes a locking mechanism so that gripper cable  34  remains under tension, preventing removal of paddle shaft  14  and an expensive paddle, until spring clip  40  is intentionally released. 
   The previous description indicates that apparatus  10  according to the present invention, used to retain elongate objects such as masts, oars, paddles and the like, includes a dual locking mechanism. A first locking mechanism deters removal of apparatus  10  from the load bar of a sports equipment rack. Another locking mechanism prevents removal of an elongate object placed in shaft saddle  32  of retainer  18  and held wrapped, under tension, using gripper cable  34 . Preferably both locking mechanisms may be controlled using a single keyed lock, a cylinder lock, for example, that activates both mechanisms. 
     FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of a lockable retainer according to the present invention before attachment to the load bar of a load carrier and attachment of a canoe paddle by shaft  14  using gripper cable  34 . The illustration of  FIG. 2  clearly shows many of the useful features of apparatus  10 , which includes bracket  20  attached to flanges  28  on either side of base  22  using connecting means including connecting bolt  24  received in the threaded channel of connecting knob  26 . Rotation of the connecting knob draws connecting bolt  24  further into the threaded channel, which reduces the gap between bracket  20  and base  22 , as required for attachment of apparatus  10  to the load bar of a load carrier. The use of spaced apart projections  30  on the crown portion of connecting knob  26  provides convenient gripping segments that provide appropriate leverage for developing tight attachment of apparatus  10  to a load bar. 
   After attaching apparatus  10  according to the present invention to a load bar, retainer  18  provides a molded surface, referred to herein as shaft saddle  32  upon which shaft  14  of an elongate object, e.g. a paddle, rests during transportation. Shaft  14  of a paddle, for example, may be tied to shaft saddle  32  using gripper cable  34  anchored at anchor point  36  in base  22  then wrapped around retainer  18  using guide slot  38  that feeds cable  34  towards pivoting spring clip  40  through which it emerges from base  22  to be terminated using cable grip  44  that prevents gripper cable  34  from retracting back into the body of base  22 . Spring clip  40  includes a lever that has a frictional or gripping surface that includes materials or surface features, such as serrations or bumps, to grip cable  34  as it passes through spring clip  40  to limit movement of gripper cable  34  after it has been wrapped and tightened around shaft  14  of an elongate object. Confinement of gripper cable  34  within spring clip  40  may be maintained using lock  46  shown in  FIG. 2  as a cylinder lock that operates using a key to set lock  46  between its locked and released positions. In its locked position, lock  46  urges spring clip  40  against gripper cable  34  substantially preventing movement of cable  34 . Using a key to unlock cylinder lock  46  clears spring clip  40  so that the lever may then pivot to free gripper cable  34  so as to loosen the wrap of cable  34  holding shaft  14  to shaft saddle  32 . Cushion pad  42  may be threaded on gripper cable  34  to reduce the possibility of damage to the surface and finish of shaft  14  of an expensive elongate object such as a valuable canoe paddle. 
     FIG. 3 , provides a cross section of retainer  18  according to the present invention illustrating the routing of gripper cable  34  from anchoring point  36 , via guide slot  38 , past gripping surface  50  of spring clip  40  that includes lever  52  for separating gripping surface  50  from gripper cable  34 . Opposite lever  52  spring clip  40  includes arm  54  abutting the surface of beam  56  coupled to plate  58  (see  FIG. 4 ) that includes at least one recess  60  (see  FIG. 4 ) that accommodates a retractable latch (see  FIG. 4 ). As discussed previously, the latch may be used to prevent rotation of connecting knob  26  used to attach apparatus  10  according to the present invention to the load bar of a load carrier. Retention of an elongate object using retainer  18  of  FIG. 3  occurs by inserting the elongate object between shaft saddle  32  and flexible pad  42  then pulling cable  34  through spring clip  40 , using cable grip  44 , until there is resistance to further pulling force with flexible pad  42  tightened against the elongate object. When full tension is applied to gripper cable  34 , gripping surface  50  impinging against cable  34  prevents retraction of cable  34  into the body of retainer  18 . 
     FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view showing component parts of apparatus  10  for retaining elongate objects according to the present invention. Apparatus  10  comprises bracket  20  and retainer  18  that may be joined together to attach apparatus  10  to a load bar. A preferred connection means, for attaching apparatus  10  to the load bar uses connecting bolts  24  inserted through throughbores  64  at each end of bracket  20 . Each connecting bolt  24  passes through an orifice  66  formed in side flange  28  of retainer  18 . Preferably, retainer  18  includes two side flanges  28 . Connecting bolt  24 , inserted through orifice  66  of side flange  28 , protrudes sufficiently from orifice  66  to receive threaded connecting knob  26  that may be advanced along connecting bolt  24  by rotation of knob  26 . A fully installed retainer  18  grips a load bar of a sports equipment rack, following connection of retainer  18  to opposite ends of bracket  20  using connecting bolt  24  and connecting knob  26  as the means for each connection. 
   Base  22  of retainer  18  contains several components providing benefits to the present invention. One component is housing  68  secured to base  22  using a pair of screws  70 . Cylinder lock  72  fits into cylindrical opening  74  in housing  68 , which also provides part of spring clip  40  that includes lever  52  connected by pin  76  to pivot within keeper  78 . A spring (not shown) between keeper  78  and lever  52  urges lever  52  towards keeper  78 . Lever  52  and keeper  78  may be separated by applying pressure to raise lever  52  relative to keeper  78 . 
   Pivoting lever  52  includes arm  54  that abuts beam  56  coupled to plate  58  that includes at least one recess  60  (see  FIG. 4 ) that accommodates a retractable latch, or interference member,  80 . Connecting tongue  82  extending from beam  56  provides means for attaching beam  56  inside base  22  of retainer  18  (see  FIG. 3 ). Latch  80  is the retractable latch discussed previously, which prevents rotation of connecting knob  26  used to attach apparatus  10  according to the present invention to the load bar of a load carrier. In its normal position, latch  80  protrudes from latch seat  84 , of side flange  28  to interfere with rotation of connecting knob  26  threaded onto connecting bolt  24 . Application of pressure to raise lever  52  above keeper  78  causes arm  54  to pivot downwards to depress beam  56  and retract latch  80 , which withdraws into latch seat  84 . Unlatching latch  80  removes the impediment to rotation of connecting knob  26  thereby allowing retainer  18  to be released from the load bar. FIG.  5 , provides a plan view looking down on apparatus  10  according to the present invention to clarify the relative positioning of latch  80  and projections  30  of connecting knob  26  so that latch  80 , when extended, restricts rotation of connecting knob  26  about connecting bolt  24 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the routing of gripper cable  34  proceeds from anchoring point  36  where it is hooked using cable slug  86  before wrapping gripper cable  34  around retainer  18 , through guide slot  38  and base  22 . Inside base  22 , the gripping, preferably serrated, surface  50  of spring clip  40  holds gripper cable  34  against keeper  78  restricting forward and reverse movement of cable  34  until upward pressure on lever  52  produces sufficient separation of gripping surface  50  from keeper  78  to release gripping cable  34 . If lock  72  has been activated, locking catch  88  limits lever  52  to its closed position. In this position locking catch  88  prevents the raising of lever  52  sufficiently to release gripper cable  34 . The locked cable feature described here for apparatus  10  according to the present invention combined with the use of retractable latch  80  to lock the apparatus to the load bar of a sports equipment rack, provides the theft preventing, dual locking mechanism that may be controlled using a single lock, preferably a cylinder lock operable with a single key. A dual locking device, as described herein, distinguishes the present invention from existing types of apparatus for transporting elongate articles. 
   An apparatus, including a bracket and a retainer according to the present invention for securing elongate articles, such as boat masts and paddles for canoes and kayaks, to a load carrier of a transporting vehicle and related components have been described herein. These and other variations, which will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, are within the intended scope of this invention as claimed below. As previously stated, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms.