Patent Publication Number: US-2022234685-A1

Title: System for securing an accessory to a vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/077,436, filed on Oct. 22, 2020, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/662,877, filed on Jul. 28, 2017 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,850,806), which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/389,476 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,751,592), filed on Sep. 30, 2014, which is a 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/034391, filed on Mar. 28, 2013. International Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/034391 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/618,505 filed on Mar. 30, 2012. The entirety of each of the above-listed applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to systems for securing an accessory to a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles such as snowmobiles often carry miscellaneous accessories for personal items, fuel, equipment, and the like, in addition to passengers. The vehicles may be provided with sections or racks and the like to carry cargo. Other sections or arrangements may be also provided to add passengers. The cargo items are often secured to parts of the vehicles by ropes, cords, tie-downs and the like. This is however, not a convenient method for transporting objects on a vehicle. Jerks and bumps experienced during travel can sometimes result in objects shifting within the spaces in which they were placed, or loosening from the grips of the tying cords. It is not always easy to find a space having the ideal shape or size for carrying particular objects, or to find a hook or structure for securing an object to in the desired location. 
     Additionally, some accessories such as seats, armrests and the like are generally permanently attached to the snowmobile or other vehicle, and do not allow them to be easily interchanged or substituted. It would be useful to have these accessories be detachable or adjustable, for instance, so that the vehicle can be easily customized for different drivers and passengers. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a system for securing an accessory to a vehicle that address at least in part the above drawbacks. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art. 
     In a first aspect, a system for transporting items on a base of a vehicle is provided. The base can be a rack. The rack has one or more aperture(s) sized to receive corresponding anchor(s). The anchors are designed to be secured to the base and also, when desired to secure one or more accessories to the base. The accessories are items or containers that have features designed for cooperating with the anchor and the base. The anchors can also have features used for preventing an item (i.e. cargo item) from moving from the base, and can also have features for connecting to a connector for further securing the item to the base. Owing to the versatile use of the anchor(s) and the rack, cargo items can be transported, either directly onto the base using the anchors as restraining or hooking points for example, or inside accessories that are secured to the base by the anchor(s) (directly or indirectly). 
     Thus, as broadly embodied herein, an anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises an anchor and an attachment base assembly comprising a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of a first accessory. The anchor has an anchor base connecting part. At least a portion of the anchor base connecting part is movable relative to a remainder of the anchor between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. The anchor base connecting part is selectively connected at least partially to a brim of the at least one base aperture for bracing at least partially the base. A first accessory connecting part is operatively connected to the anchor base connecting part. The first accessory connecting part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the first accessory for bracing at least partially the first accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. 
     It is also an aspect to provide a vehicle comprising a frame and a seat connected to the frame. A propulsion system is connected to the frame. A driving system is operatively connected to the propulsion system. A base is connected to the frame. The base has at least one base aperture. At least one of a first accessory and a second accessory is connected to the base. At least one anchor selectively is secured to the base for connecting the at least one of a first accessory and a second accessory to the base. The at least one anchor has an anchor base connecting part. A first accessory connecting part is operatively connected to the anchor base connecting part, and at least one second accessory connecting part. When the least one anchor is secured to the base the anchor base connecting part braces at least partially the brim of the at least one base aperture. When the first accessory is secured to the base, the anchor further braces at least partially a brim of an aperture of the first accessory to the base. When the second accessory is connected to the base, the at least one second accessory connecting part connects the second accessory to the base. 
     The term ‘brim’ refers to external surface(s) adjacent to an edge of an aperture. 
     The term ‘rim’ refers to internal surface(s) of an aperture adjacent to the edge(s) of the aperture. 
     The term ‘contour’ refers to a shape of an element formed by its sides and edges. It should be understood that the shape of an element is independent of its size. Elements may have the same shape but have different size (for example two round holes of different diameters). 
     The term ‘flange’ refers to an outwardly extending portion. Steps and lips are two examples of flanges. 
     The term ‘recess’ refers to an inwardly extending portion. For example, two adjacent flanges form a recess therebetween. In another example, an inwardly extending portion of an otherwise flat member forms a recess. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided an anchor for use with a base connected to a vehicle. The anchor comprises: an anchor case; a latch rotatably mounted to the anchor case, the latch having a latch body; at least one cam extending from the latch body and separated from the anchor case by a space, the at least one cam being configured to be inserted through a base aperture defined by the base, the at least one cam being rotatable about an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively secure the anchor to the base; a lever operatively connected to the at least one cam, the lever being rotatable by a user in order to cause the at least one cam to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position; and a biasing mechanism biasing the at least one cam towards the anchor case. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one cam comprises two cams extending in opposite directions from the latch body. 
     In some embodiments, the latch has a first end and a second end; the at least one cam is closer to the second end than the first end; and the latch has splines at the first end to operatively connect the latch to the lever. 
     In some embodiments, the latch body, the splines and the at least one cam are integrally formed as a single-piece component. 
     In some embodiments, the splines are received in an opening defined by the anchor case. 
     In some embodiments, the splines operatively connect the lever to the at least one cam such that rotation of the lever causes rotation of the at least one cam, at least part of the splines being disposed between the lever and the at least one cam in a direction along the axis. 
     In some embodiments, the lever has splines that are mated with the splines of the latch. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism is disposed, in a direction along the axis, at least partly between the anchor case and the at least one cam. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor further comprises a stem extending along the axis through at least part of each of the latch and the anchor case. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism comprises at least one of: a spring washer, a coil spring and a resilient member. 
     In some embodiments, the latch has a first end and a second end; the at least one cam is closer to the second end than the first end; the latch defines a recess at the second end; and the biasing mechanism is disposed within the recess. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor further comprises a stem extending through the latch; and the biasing mechanism is mounted to the stem. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor further comprises a fastener connected to the stem; and the biasing mechanism is disposed between an inner surface of the latch defining the recess and the fastener. 
     In some embodiments, the fastener is a C-clip. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor case is shaped to prevent the anchor case from rotating relative to the base in response to the least one cam being inserted through the base aperture; and the anchor case and the base aperture have congruous shapes. 
     In some embodiments, an accessory base comprises: a frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a tongue fastener at the first end; and the anchor integrated with the frame at the second end. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a system for securing an accessory to a vehicle. The system comprises: a base configured to be connected to the vehicle, the base defining a base aperture; and an anchor selectively secured to the base and configured to brace the accessory against the base, the anchor being selectively inserted into the base aperture, the anchor comprising: an anchor case configured to abut against a brim of the accessory in order to brace the brim against the base; a latch rotatably mounted to the anchor case, the latch having a latch body; at least one cam extending from the latch body and separated from the anchor case by a space, the at least one cam being configured to be inserted through the base aperture, the at least one cam being rotatable about an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively secure the anchor to the base, in the locked position, the at least one cam bracing the base by abutting a brim of the base defining the base aperture for securing the anchor to the base; and a lever operatively connected to the at least one cam, the lever being rotatable by a user in order to cause the at least one cam to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one cam comprises two cams extending in opposite directions from the latch body. 
     In some embodiments, the latch has a first end and a second end; the at least one cam is closer to the second end than the first end; and the latch has splines at the first end to operatively connect the latch to the lever. 
     In some embodiments, the latch body, the splines and the at least one cam are integrally formed as a single-piece component. 
     In some embodiments, the splines are received in an opening defined by the anchor case. 
     In some embodiments, the splines operatively connect the lever to the at least one cam such that rotation of the lever causes rotation of the at least one cam, at least part of the splines being disposed between the lever and the at least one cam in a direction along the axis 
     In some embodiments, the lever has splines that are mated with the splines of the latch. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism is disposed, in a direction along the axis, at least partly between the anchor case and the at least one cam. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor further comprises a stem extending along the axis through at least part of each of the latch and the anchor case. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor case has a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to abut against the brim of the accessory. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor is configured to be placed within an aperture defined by the brim of the accessory such that part of the anchor case braces the brim of the accessory against the base. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor case is shaped to prevent the anchor case from rotating relative to the base in response to the least one cam being inserted through the base aperture; and the anchor case and the base aperture have congruous shapes. 
     In some embodiments, the accessory is a first accessory; the base is an anchor fixture, the base aperture being an anchor aperture; the anchor fixture defines an anchor chamber, the anchor aperture opening into the anchor chamber; and the anchor fixture defines a fastener aperture opening into the anchor chamber, the fastener aperture being configured to receive a tongue fastener that is connected to the second accessory. 
     In some embodiments, the anchor aperture defines a first central axis normal to the anchor aperture; the fastener aperture defines a second central axis normal to the fastener aperture; and the first central axis is perpendicular to the second central axis. 
     In some embodiments, the fastener aperture is generally rectangular and defined by three edges of a fixture body of the anchor fixture. 
     For purposes of the present application, terms related to spatial orientation when referring to a vehicle and components in relation to the vehicle, such as “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “left”, “right”, “above” and “below”, are as they would be understood by a driver of the vehicle, with the vehicle, in a straight ahead orientation (i.e. not steered left or right), and in an upright position. When referring to a component alone, terms related to spatial orientation should be taken with respect to the component itself. The explanations provided above regarding the above terms take precedence over explanations of these terms that may be found in any one of the documents incorporated herein by reference. 
     Embodiments of the present invention each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present invention that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. 
     Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1A  is a right side elevation view of a snowmobile; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view taken from a rear, right side of portions of the snowmobile of  FIG. 1  showing a jerry can secured to anchor fixtures on a tunnel of the snowmobile, one of the anchor fixtures having an anchor attached thereto; 
         FIG. 1C  shows a perspective view taken from a bottom, right side of the anchor of  FIG. 1B  in isolation; 
         FIGS. 2A-2E  are various close-up views of a right one of the anchor fixtures of  FIG. 1B ;  FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view taken from a front, left side;  FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view taken from a rear, right side;  FIG. 2C  shows a front elevation view;  FIG. 2D  shows a top plan view; and  FIG. 2E  shows a rear elevation view of the anchor fixture of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view taken from a rear, right side of a part of the snowmobile tunnel of  FIG. 2A  showing an accessory base with two different mounting elements for mounting to the anchor fixture of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view taken from a rear, right side of a part of the snowmobile tunnel of  FIG. 3  showing the accessory base mounted to the two anchor fixtures; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are respectively a rear elevation view, a bottom plan view and a front elevation view of the accessory base of  FIG. 3 , showing the anchor and a lever of the anchor, respectively in an unlocked and open position; 
         FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C  are respectively a rear elevation view, a bottom plan view and a front elevation view of the accessory base of  FIG. 3 , showing the anchor and the lever respectively in a locked position and a closed position; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view taken from a front, right side of the jerry can of  FIG. 1  and the accessory base of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of the jerry can of  FIG. 7A  mounted on the accessory base with the anchor in an unlocked position and the strap in an open position; 
         FIG. 7C  is a bottom plan view of the jerry can of  FIG. 7A  mounted on the accessory base with the anchor in an unlocked position and the strap removed. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view taken from a rear, left side of a bag and an accessory base according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view taken from a rear, left side of the bag and an accessory base of  FIG. 8A  shown in an assembled configuration; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  are various views of a side bag having an anchor bracket;  FIG. 9A  is a perspective view taken from a rear, right side thereof;  FIG. 9B  is a left side elevation view thereof and  FIG. 9C  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  are perspective views of portions of the snowmobile taken from a rear, right side thereof illustrating the steps for mounting two side bags and a jerry can to the tunnel of the snowmobile; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view taken from a rear, right side of portions of the snowmobile showing a backrest secured thereto by means of a fixture according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 11B  is a left side elevation view of the snowmobile of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a top plan view of the snowmobile of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12  is a close-up left side elevation view of the left armrest and the left fixture of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 13A  is a partially exploded perspective view taken from a top, left side of the left armrest and the left fixture of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 13B  is a partially exploded view taken from a top, left side of the right armrest and right fixture of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIGS. 14A-14F  are close-up views of the left fixture of the snowmobile of  FIG. 11A ;  FIG. 14A  is a perspective view taken from a top, rear side thereof;  FIG. 14B  is a left side elevation view thereof;  FIG. 14C  is a top plan view thereof;  FIG. 14D  is a rear elevation view thereof;  FIG. 14E  is a front elevation view; and  FIG. 14F  is a right side elevation view of the fixture on the left side of the snowmobile of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective exploded view, taken from a front, left side, of a rear rack of the snowmobile of  FIG. 1  with a plurality of anchors and an accessory; 
         FIG. 15B  is a close-up of an aperture of the rack of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial view of the rack of  FIG. 15A  with an item retained by a connector hooked to an anchor; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of one of the anchors of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of one of the anchors of  FIG. 15A  in a locked position, and in an unlocked position shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the anchor taken along the line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 , with the anchor shown secured on the accessory and the rack of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of one of the anchors of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of the rack of  FIG. 15A  with one of the anchors shown in the unlocked position; and 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom plan view of the rack of  FIG. 15A  with one of the anchors shown in the locked position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 1A , the middle and rear part of a snowmobile, shown generally as  1 , will be described generally. It should be understood that the snowmobile  1  could be another type of snowmobile, and could have a construction other than the one described. The snowmobile  1  has a front end  2 ′ and a rear end  2 , which are defined with respect to the forward travel direction of the snowmobile  1 . 
     The snowmobile  1  includes a chassis  130  which includes a tunnel  4 . A ski  26  and steering assembly  136  is provided at the front end  2 ′ of the snowmobile  1 . The engine  124  and a belt transmission system  120  (shown schematically) disposed near the front end  3  are enclosed by fairings  154  which not only protect the engine  124  and the belt transmission system  120 , but can also be decorated to make the snowmobile  1  more aesthetically pleasing. 
     In the rear section, an endless drive track  138  is disposed under the tunnel  4 . The endless drive track  138  is operatively connected to the engine  124  through the belt transmission system  120 . The endless drive track  138  is driven to run about a rear suspension assembly  148  for propulsion of the snowmobile  1 . The endless drive track  138  is suspended for movement relative to the chassis  130 , by a rear suspension assembly  148 . The rear suspension assembly  148  includes a slide frame assembly  144  which primarily includes a pair of spaced apart slide rails  144  that engage the inner side of the ground-engaging portion of the endless drive track  138 . A snowflap  5  is disposed at the rear end  2  of the snowmobile  1 . 
     A snowmobile driver seat  3  is installed in the rear section of the snowmobile  1 . A rear portion of the seat  3  may include a storage compartment, or may be used to accept a passenger seat  70  ( FIG. 11A ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 1B , an accessory  6  is anchored rearwards of the seat  3  on the upper surface  12  of the tunnel  4  by an anchor  8  secured to an anchor fixture  200  on the upper surface of the tunnel  4 . The accessory  6  is a jerry can used for transporting fuel on longer excursions. The anchor  8  and the fixture  200  securing the accessory  6  to the snowmobile tunnel  4 , and their operation will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     The snowmobile  1  has other features and components which would be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, further explanation and description of these components will not be provided herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1C , an exemplary anchor  8  includes an anchor base  20  and an anchor lock  22  extending from the anchor base  20 . The anchor lock  22  and the anchor base  20  are separated by a space  24  wherein one or more surfaces can be held anchored together. The anchor base  20  and anchor lock  22  have an elongated shape. The anchor lock  22  is rotatable about an axis  26  perpendicular to the anchor base  20  between a locked position and an unlocked position that are separated by a quarter turn. In the unlocked position, the anchor lock  22  is disposed parallel to the anchor base  20 , and in the locked position, the anchor lock  22  is disposed perpendicular to the anchor base  20 . The anchor lock  22  extends from a stem  28  disposed along the axis  26 . A lever  30  in a portion  32  of the anchor  8  that extends above the base  20  is rotatable about the axis  26  and is operatively connected to the anchor lock  22  to move the anchor lock  22  between the locked and unlocked positions. The locked and unlocked positions of the anchor  8  correspond to the anchor lock  22  being rotated by 90 degrees relative to the anchor base  20 , and to the lever  30  being correspondingly turned by 90 degrees. It is contemplated that the anchor lock  22  could be turned by more or less than 90 degrees to engage an aperture  230  ( FIG. 2A ) in the fixture  200 . It is also contemplated that the lever  30  could be turned by a different angle than the anchor base  20  in order to move the anchor  8  between locked and unlocked positions. International Patent Publication No. WO 2012/002959 A1, published on 5 Jan. 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, provides additional details regarding anchors similar in construction to the anchor  8 . For instance, an alternative embodiment of the anchor  8 , an anchor  400 , will be described in greater detail below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2A through 2E , an anchor fixture  200 , has a fixture body  210  with top  212 , front  214 , left side  216 , right side  218  and rear  220  portions, each portion having an interior and an exterior surface. The fixture body  210  also has a base  222 . An anchor aperture  230 , designed for an anchor  8  to be inserted into, is defined through the top portion  212  of the anchor fixture  200 . The anchor aperture  230  leads downwards through the top portion  212  to an anchor chamber  232 . The anchor chamber  232 , below the anchor aperture  230 , extends outwards towards the front surface  214 . A fastener aperture  240 , designed for the insertion of a tongue fastener  310  ( FIG. 3 ) is defined in the front surface  214 A pair of fasteners  226  inserted through a pair of fastener holes  224  in the fixture body  210  are used to secure the fixture  200  into fastener holes  227  defined in a vehicle surface. 
     The central axis  244  of the fastener aperture  240  (axis normal to the fastener aperture  240 ) is perpendicular to the central axis  246  of the anchor aperture  230  (axis perpendicular to the anchor aperture  230 ) and parallel to the base  222 . The fastener aperture central axis  244  generally defines an acute angle with the anchor fixture base  222 . It is contemplated that the central axes  244 ,  246  could be disposed at other angles to each other and to the anchor fixture base  222 . 
     The elongated anchor lock  22  of an anchor  8  is inserted into the anchor chamber  232  through the anchor aperture  230  of top portion  212 . The anchor lock  22  selectively engages the interior surface of the top portion  212  of the anchor chamber  232  when rotated between the unlocked position and the locked position. The anchor aperture  230  is elongated to allow insertion of the elongated anchor lock  22  into the anchor chamber  232 , and the anchor chamber  232  extends outwards from the anchor aperture  230  to allow rotation of the elongated anchor lock  22  within the anchor chamber  232 . 
     The anchor aperture  230  is in the shape of an irregular hexagon. The anchor aperture  230  is also contemplated to have other shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal and the like, depending on the anchor shape and anchor mechanism contemplated for use with the anchor fixture. For anchors  8  of the type shown in  FIG. 1C , the anchor aperture  230  can be any elongated shape such as elliptical, rectangular or an irregular polygon. The anchor aperture  230  has a chamfered rim  234 , however, it is contemplated that the rim  234  could be unchamfered. 
     The anchor chamber  232  leading from the anchor aperture  230  is bounded partly by the interior surfaces of the anchor fixture  210 , however, it is contemplated that the anchor chamber  232  could have more or fewer boundary surfaces than as shown, in part based on the anchor shape and selective engagement mechanism. The fastener aperture  240  in the front surface is generally rectangular and defined by three edges  240   a ,  240   b ,  240   c  of the front surface  214  of the fixture body  210 . The fourth edge of the fastener aperture  240  would be defined by the surface on which the anchor fixture is attached. It is contemplated that the fastener aperture can be defined wholly by the fixture body  210  or by the fixture body  210  and any other surfaces that the anchor fixture  200  may be engaged with. For example, the fixture body  210  could define a portion of one or two sides of the fastener aperture  240 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the fastener aperture  240  is designed to be used with a tongue fastener  310  having a toe-in at the end that can be inserted into the fastener aperture  240  and retained within the anchor chamber  232  by the edges  240   a,b,c  of the fastener aperture  240  as seen in  FIG. 4 . The toe-in of the tongue fastener  310  widens laterally (in the direction parallel to the plane of the upper surface  312  of the frame  302 ) allowing it to be inserted into the fastener slot  240  until it fits tightly. Other structures are contemplated for the toe-in. It is also contemplated that additional restraining structures such as posts or hooks could be associated with the fastener aperture  240  to engage the tongue fastener  310 , or portions of the tongue fastener  310 . For example, the fastener aperture  240  could have a post extending into the anchor chamber  232  to engage and retain a tongue fastener  310  having two prongs at the end. 
     As will be discussed in further detail below, the anchor fixture  200  is designed to be used simultaneously by an anchor  8  and a tongue fastener  310 . When both the anchor lock  22  and the toe-in  310  are simultaneously inserted in the anchor chamber  232 , the anchor lock  22  is disposed above the toe-in part  311  of the tongue fastener  310 . It is contemplated that the anchor chamber  232  could therefore have a different shape in the lower portion where the toe-in  310  is disposed than in the upper portion where the anchor lock  22  is disposed. For example, the anchor chamber  232  could have a trapezoidal shape in the lower portion adjacent to the base  22  and an elliptical shape in the upper portion adjacent to the anchor aperture  230 . It is also contemplated that the anchor chamber  232  could be designed such that the anchor lock  22  and the toe-in  310  simultaneously inserted in the anchor chamber  232  are disposed on the right and left portions of the anchor chamber  232  or in the front and back portions of the anchor chamber  232 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 to 9 , the anchor fixture  200  can be used to attach different kinds of accessories  6 , such as a jerry can  6 , bag  6 ′, sidebag  6 ″, and the like, to a vehicle surface. The anchor fixture  200  could also be used to attach accessories having different attachment structures. The anchor aperture  230  could be used to attach accessories  6  having an anchor  8  integrated with the accessory  6 . The anchor aperture  230  of the fixture  200  could also be used in conjunction with an anchor  8 , to attach an accessory having an accessory anchor aperture  232  defined in the accessory body or in an anchor bracket  202  ( FIG. 9 ) connected to the accessory body  6 ′ ( FIG. 9 ). The fastener aperture  240  could be used to attach an accessory  6  having a tongue fastener  310  attached to the accessory body  6 . Different kinds of accessories and attachment systems thereof will be described below in further detail. 
     An accessory without any of the attachment structures mentioned above can be attached to a vehicle surface by attaching to the accessory an accessory base designed to be used with the anchor fixture  200 . With reference to  FIGS. 3 to 8 , an accessory base shown generally as  300  comprises a frame  302 , with a tongue fastener  310  at a first end  304  of the frame  302  and an anchor  8  integrated with the frame  302  at the opposite end  306 . The frame  302  has several criss-crossing ribs  308  providing support to the accessory  6 . The lever  30  of the anchor  8  disposed above the frame  302  while the anchor lock  22  connected to the lever  30  is disposed below the frame  302 . 
     The lever  30  is used to rotate the anchor lock  22  between the locked position and unlocked position as mentioned above. In the unlocked position of the anchor  8 , the open lever  30  extends outwards from the frame  302 . The lever  30  is turned clockwise (when looking down from above the accessory base) in the groove  328  provided in the frame  302  for the lever  30  to lock the anchor  8 . In the locked position of the anchor  8 , the closed lever  30  is disposed adjacent to the frame  302  in the groove  328  and not extending outwards as in the unlocked position. Thus, when the anchor  8  is locked, the lever  30  is less likely to be accidentally pushed keeping the anchor  8  securely in lock position. In the unlocked position, the elongated anchor lock  22  is disposed parallel to the anchor base  20 , and to the edge  307  of the frame  302  as can be seen in  FIGS. 5A to 5C   5 B. In the locked position, the anchor lock  22  is disposed perpendicular to the edge  307  of the accessory frame  302  as can be seen in  FIGS. 6A to 6C . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3, 4 and 7B , a strap  50  is provided on the frame  302  and attached thereto on one side of the anchor  8 . The strap  50  can be extended over the closed lever  30  and hooked to a tab  350  on the frame  302  on the other side of the anchor  8 . In  FIG. 4 , the anchor  8  is in a locked position, the lever  30  is closed, and the strap  50  is attached over the anchor  8 . When the lever  8  is unlocked, the strap  50  is left hanging loosely from the frame  302 , as seen in  FIG. 3 , and thereby providing a noticeable visual indication that the anchor  8  is unlocked. The strap  50  is made of rubber, however, it is contemplated that the strap  50  can be made of any flexible material. The strap  50  can also be detachable from the frame  302  so that it can be reused with other accessories  6  or other fixtures  200 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the accessory base  300  is mounted to two oppositely facing anchor fixtures  200 L,  200 R on the upper surfaces  12 L,  12 R on either side of the tunnel  4 . The tongue fastener  310  is first inserted into the fastener aperture  240  of the fixture  200 L. The tongue fastener  310  is retained in the anchor chamber  230  by the edges  240   a,b,c , allowing the accessory base  300  to be braced against the anchor fixture  200 L while it is installed into the anchor fixture  200 R. The anchor  8  at the end  306  of the accessory base  300  is then inserted into the anchor aperture  230  of the anchor fixture  200 R with the anchor  8  disposed in an unlocked position. Once the anchor  8  is inserted and the lever  30  is locked, the rubber strap  50  is extended over the lever  30  and attached to the hook  350  on the other side of the anchor  8  as seen in  FIG. 4 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7A to 8C , the accessory base  300  is attached to an accessory  6  by fasteners  322 . An accessory  6  such as the jerry can  6  shown in  FIGS. 1B and 7 , and the bag  6 ′ shown in  FIG. 8 , can be mounted on the upper surface  312  of the frame  302  and fastened to the frame  302  with fasteners  322  inserted through holes  320  provided in the frame  302 . The accessory base  300  with the accessory  6 ,  6 ′ mounted thereon can be installed in the fixtures  200  as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     When viewed from directly above the accessory  6 , the accessory base  300  is hidden from view underneath the accessory  6 . When the anchor  8  is in the unlocked position, the lever  28  and rubber strap  50  extend out from beneath the accessory  6  as can be seen in  FIG. 7B . In some embodiments, the anchor  8  is attached to the accessory base  300  such that the anchor base  20  extends out from beneath the accessory  6 ,  6 ′ in the unlocked position when viewed from above. It is also contemplated that an accessory base  300  could have larger lateral dimensions than the accessory  6  so that a greater portion of the base  20  is visible when viewing the accessory  6  mounted on the accessory base  300  from above. The accessory base  300  can be adapted for specific accessories, or it can be made generally usable for accessories of different dimensions. 
     The tongue fastener  310  is disposed on the left side  304  of the frame  302  at a lower level than the anchor  8 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 5A and 6A , to enable the accessory  6  to be disposed horizontally when the frame  302  is mounted on the fixtures  200  on opposite upper surfaces  12 L,  12 R of the tunnel  4  of the snowmobile  1 . The tongue fastener  310  and the anchor base  20  are integrally attached to the frame  302 , however, it is contemplated that the anchor  8  could be removably attached to the frame  302  (or to the anchor fixture  200 ). An anchor aperture  230  could be provided on the frame  302  for the removable attachment of the anchor  8 , or an anchor bracket  202  having an anchor aperture  230  could be attached to the frame  302  for using the anchor  8  to attach an accessory  6  to a vehicle surface  12  as can be seen in  FIG. 9 . This would be a useful feature, for instance, for using the accessory base in different configurations, such as spacing or orientation, of anchor fixtures  200  in different vehicles, or in different parts of the same vehicle. Similarly, it is also contemplated that a tongue bracket  310  with a toe-in  311  could be separate from the accessory base  300  and fastened thereto. 
     The accessory  6  of  FIGS. 1B, 7A-7C and 10C-10D  is a jerry can  6  used on a snowmobile  1  to transport fuel. The jerry can  6 , is shown uncapped in  FIG. 7A  and capped in  FIG. 7B . The jerry can  6  is shown with the lever  30  and the rubber strap  50  attached in  FIG. 7B  and with the rubber strap  50  removed in  FIG. 7C . 
     The accessory  6 ′ of  FIG. 8  is a bag  6 ′ mounted on an accessory base  300 ′ according to a second embodiment. Corresponding features of the accessory bases  300  and  300 ′ that are similar have been marked with the same reference number and will not be discussed herein in detail. Features of the accessory base  300 ′ that are different from the corresponding features of the accessory base  300  have been marked with an apostrophe after the reference number. Instead of criss-crossing ribs  308 , the frame  302 ′ of the accessory base  300 ′ has a substantially continuous surface  312 ′. An anchor  8  is attached on the left end  304 ′ and a tongue fastener (not visible) on the right end  306 ′ of the frame  302 ′. 
     The accessory  6 ″ of  FIGS. 9 and 10  is a side bag  6 ″ having a different attachment mechanism compared to the jerry can  6  or bag  6 ′ which are laterally elongated and attached to two laterally spaced attachment fixtures  200  via a tongue fastener  310  and an anchor  8 . The side bag  6 ″, which is comparatively less extended in the lateral direction and more extended in the vertical direction than the jerry can  6  and bag  6 ′. The side bag  6 ″ has an anchor bracket  202  attached in the center of a vertically extending surface  252  which faces the side surface  13  of the tunnel  4  when the side bag  6 ″ is mounted thereon. A keyhole shaped pin-slot  250  is defined in the surface  252  directly below the anchor bracket  202  towards the bottom of the surface  252 . 
     The anchor bracket  202  is a flat plate  203  extending horizontally outwards from the surface  252 , and having an anchor aperture  230  defined in the center thereof to receive an anchor  8 . The bracket  202  can be used to anchor the sidebag  6 ″ to another anchor bracket  202 , or to an anchor fixture  200 , using an anchor  8 .  FIG. 10B  shows another embodiment of an anchor bracket  202 ′. The anchor bracket  202 ′ is similar to the anchor bracket  200  except that the bracket  202 ′ has surfaces  204  extending downwards from the edges of the horizontal plate  203  perpendicular to the surface  252  and from the edge of the plate  203  adjacent and parallel to the surface  252 . The surfaces  204  are designed to fit around the exterior surfaces  216 ,  218  and  220  of the anchor fixture  200  while leaving the tongue fastener aperture  240  unobstructed. The surfaces  204  aid in aligning the anchor apertures  230  of the anchor bracket  202 ′ and anchor fixture  200 , and in preventing the anchor bracket  202 ′ from sliding laterally off the anchor fixture  200  before being fastened with an anchor  8 . 
     A pin  254  ( FIG. 10A ), having a head and a stem, can be locked in the key-hole shaped slot  250  by inserting the pin-head into the centre of the circular portion of the key-hole shaped slot  250  and then displacing the pin  254  along the linear section so that the pin  254  cannot be removed from the slot  250  since the linear section has a narrower width than the pin-head. The pin  254  and key-hole shaped slot  250  are used to fasten the side bag  6 ″ to the vertical surface  13  having the pin  254  and extending below the horizontally disposed surface  12  having the anchor fixture  200  disposed above the pin  254 . The side bag  6 ″ is fastened with the pin  254  to provide stability to the side bag  6 ″ after the anchor bracket  202 ,  202 ′ of the side bag  6 ″ has been placed on an anchor fixture  200  and before the anchor bracket  202 ,  202 ′ has been fastened with an anchor  8 . It is contemplated that the anchor bracket  202 ,  202 ″ could be disposed at a non-normal angle to the surface  252  and the side bag  6 ″ could be mounted to adjacent surfaces  13  at an angle other than perpendicular to each other. It is also contemplated that multiple slots  250  and multiple anchor brackets  202  could be provided for mounting sidebags  6 ″, for example, if the side bag  6 ″ is longer or wider than the one shown in  FIG. 8 , or if the side bag  6 ″ is designed to carry relatively heavier items. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10A to 10D , the use of anchor fixtures  200  for the attachment of multiple accessories to a vehicle surface will now be discussed. Referring to  FIG. 10A , the accessories are mounted on the tunnel  4  of a snowmobile  1 . The tunnel  4  has anchor fixtures  200 L and  200 R attached on opposite sides on the top left  12 L and top right  12 R surfaces. A pin  254  is mounted on each side surface  13 R and  13 L below the respective anchor fixtures  200 R and  200 L. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10B , sidebags  6 L″ having anchor brackets  202 L′ and sidebag  6 R″ having the anchor bracket  202 R′ are first mounted respectively on the anchor fixtures  200 L and  200 R such that the anchor aperture  230  of each anchor fixture  200 L,  200 R is aligned with the anchor aperture  230  of the corresponding anchor bracket  202 L,  202 R′. The key-hole shaped slots  250  of each sidebag  6 L″,  6 R″ is engaged with the corresponding pin  254 L,  254 R on the corresponding side surfaces  13 L,  13 R of the tunnel  4  to support the sidebags  6 L″,  6 R″ before being fastened to the respective anchor fixture  200 L,  200 R. The sidebag  6 L″ is fastened to the anchor fixture  200 L with an anchor  8 L. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10C , a jerry can  6  mounted to an accessory base (not shown) having a tongue fastener  310  on the left side and an anchor  8  on the right side is then mounted on the anchor fixtures  200 L and  200 R. The tongue fastener  310  of the jerry can  6  is fastened before the anchor  8 . The fastener aperture  240 L of anchor fixture  200 L is used to fasten the tongue fastener  310  of the jerry can  6  as seen in  FIG. 10C . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10D , the anchor  8  of the jerry can  6  is finally inserted into the anchor aperture  230 ′ of the anchor bracket  202 R′ and the anchor aperture  230  of the anchor fixture  200 R and locked, thus fastening the right side of the jerry can  6  and the sidebag  6 ″ to the anchor fixture  200 R, and thereby achieving the installation of three accessories  6 ,  6 L″ and  6 R″ on the tunnel  4  of the snowmobile  1 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11 to 14 , a second embodiment of a fixture  500  for detachable mounting of an accessory to a vehicle will now be described. The fixture  500  is used to mount a detachable backrest  70  for a snowmobile passenger seated in a passenger seat  3  behind the driver seat  3 . The backrest  70  is attached above the tunnel  4  of the snowmobile  1  using fixtures  500 R,  500 L mounted respectively on the right and left sides of the tunnel  4 . The backrest  70  has a frame comprising a back support portion  72  with a left armrest  74 R, and a right armrest  74 L respectively on the right and left sides of the back support portion  72 . Each armrest  74 R, 74 L is connected to the back support  72  and the corresponding fixture  500 R,  500 L by an armrest mounting portion  76 . The backrest  70  can be detached when not in use. The backrest  70  could be of the adjustable kind with mechanisms for adjusting the height and inclination etc., of the back support  72  and the armrests  74 R,  74 L. 
     The left armrest  74 L is a mirror image of the right armrest  74 R and the left fixture  500 L is a mirror image of the right fixture  500 R. Corresponding features of the left and right side armrests  74 L,  74 R and fixtures  500 L,  500 R are labeled with the same reference number, and will not be discussed separately. The terms “outer” and “inner” with respect to each fixture  500 R,  500 L, as used hereinafter, are with respect to the relevant tunnel side surfaces  13 R, 13 L when the fixture  500 R,  500 L is attached to the tunnel  4 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 13A , the armrest  74  has a projection  78  extending downwards from the base  77  of the mounting portion  76 . The projection  78  has two prongs  80 ,  82  joined by a bridge  84  extending between the prongs  80 ,  82 . The prongs  82  and  84  are of different lengths and extend downwards from the generally horizontal mounting portion base  77  at an angle to the vertical direction. 
     An anchor  8  in the mounting portion base  77  serves to fasten the armrest  74  to the fixture  500 . The anchor lock  22  of the anchor  8  extends below the lower edge  79  of the mounting portion base  77  in the space between the prongs  80  and  82  and above the bridge  84 . A lever  30  of the anchor  8  extends outside the mounting portion  76  to move the anchor lock  22  between the locked and unlocked positions to fasten and unfasten the armrest  74  with the fixture  500 . A strap  50  is attached to a hook  86  behind the lever  30 . The lever  30  and the hook  86  are disposed in a niche  88  above the mounting portion base  77 . The lever  30  is connected to the anchor lock  22  through the lower wall of the niche  88 . A portion of the lever  30  extends out of niche  88  in the open position and is disposed within the niche  88  in the closed position. The hook  86  is attached on the rear wall of the niche  88 . One end of the strap  50  is attached to the hook  86  and the other end can be extended over the lever  30  in the closed position and held between the front wall of the niche  88  and the lever  30 . It is contemplated that a hook, or other attachment means could be provided on the both the front and rear walls of the niche  88  to hold the two ends of the strap  50 . It is also contemplated that the anchor  8  could not be disposed in a niche, or that instead of the lever  30 , a button or other actuator means be provided on the mounting portion  76  for moving the anchor lock  22  between locked and unlocked positions. 
     The fixture  500  has a body  510  with an upper wall  512  which is fastened to the upper surface  12  of the tunnel  4 . Fastener holes  520  near the inner edge  518  are provided for attaching the fixture  500  to the tunnel  4  using the fastener holes  227  on the upper surface  12  of the tunnel  4 . An outer wall  522  extends generally vertically downwards from the outer edge  516  of the upper wall  512 . An elongated slot  526  in the upper wall  512  has a wider section  528  in the middle portion to allow the anchor  8 , of the armrest  74  to be inserted through the slot  526 . The prongs  80  and  82  of the armrest projection  78 , disposed on either side of the anchor  8  of the armrest  74 , enter the slot  526  on either side of the wider section  528 . When inserted through the slot  526  and moved to the locked position, the anchor lock  22  engages the lower surface  550  ( FIG. 14F ) of the upper wall  512  directly adjacent the wider section  528  of the slot  526 , and the anchor base (not shown) engages an upper surface (not shown) in the armrest mounting portion base  77 , thus anchoring the armrest  74  and the fixture  500  together. 
     The upper wall  512  is fastened to the tunnel upper surface  12  such that the vertical outer wall  522  is spaced from the respective tunnel side surfaces  13 . The upper wall  512  has a ridge  524  adjacent the outer edge  516  that engages the armrest mounting base  77  at an inner surface adjacent to the lower edge  79  of the mounting portion  76 . It is contemplated that the ridge  524  could be omitted, or some other structure be used to engage the mounting portion base  77 . 
     The vertical wall  522  has front  530  and rear  532  vertical sections wrapping around to the front and rear of the fixture  500 . It is contemplated that the walls  530  and  532  could not be provided. The vertical wall  522  extends from a top outer edge  516  of the upper wall  512  to a bottom edge  514 . A fastener hole  521  is defined in the outer wall  522  for attaching the fixture  500  to the tunnel side surface  13 . The fixture body  510  has a gap  511  corresponding to the space between the prongs  80 ,  82  of the armrest projection  78  which is inserted into the fixture body  510 . The gap  511  facilitates handling of the fixture  500  during attachment of the fixture  500  to the tunnel surfaces  12 ,  13 , however, it is contemplated that the body  510  could be continuous without gaps, or that other means for handling the fixture  500  could be provided. 
     It is contemplated that the shapes and contours of the walls  512 ,  522 ,  530 ,  532  of the fixture body  510  could be different. The slot  526  could be shaped differently based on the shape of the anchor  8  and the projection  78  extending downwards from the armrest mounting portion base  77 . The fixture  500  and the armrest projections  80 ,  82 ,  84  are contemplated to be symmetrical so as to be usable for attachment of accessories on either the right or the left sides. It is also contemplated to have multiple slots instead of a single slot  526 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 14F , the inner surface of the vertical wall  522  has several projections extending inwards from the wall  522  towards the side tunnel surface  13  when the fixture  500  is attached to the tunnel upper surface  12 . A projection  540  is shaped to mate with the lower surface of the bridge  84  and the prongs  80 ,  82  on the side surfaces. The projection  540  also defines the fastener hole  521 . The projection  540  blocks the downward motion of the prongs  80 ,  82  when inserted into the fixture  500 . Projections  542  which define the gap in the outer wall  522 , abut the side surfaces of the prongs  80 ,  82  when the armrest  74  is installed in the fixture  500 . The projection  540  and  542  prevent forward and backwards motion of the armrest mounted  74  in the fixture  500 . The projections  540 ,  542  in the fixture  500  are in the form of walls and surfaces enclosing hollow spaces, however, they are contemplated to define other structures, either solid or hollow. 
     When the armrest  74  is fully inserted in the fixture  500 , the bridge  84  is supported on the projection  540 . It is contemplated that the anchor lock  22  could be aligned with the lower surface  550  of the upper wall  512  directly adjacent the wider section  528  of the slot  526  when the fixture  500  is supported on the projection  540 . Thus, in the locked position of the anchor  8 , the armrest  74  would be additionally held in the fixture  500  by the anchor lock  22  engaging the lower surface  550  of the upper wall  512  from underneath and the bridge  84 , disposed below the anchor lock  22 , engaging the upper surface of projection  540  from above. 
     It is also contemplated that the anchor base  20  and anchor lock  22  could engage respective upper and lower surfaces of a horizontal projection inside the fixture  500  parallel to the slot  526 , instead of the lower surface  550  of the upper wall  512  and an upper surface in the armrest mounting portion base  77 , in order to anchor the armrest  74  to the projection  550  and preventing it from being pulled out of the fixture  500 . This configuration could be useful for instance, if the upper wall  512  has a thickness different than the separation between the anchor base  20  and anchor lock  22 . 
     An inner plate  536  (best seen in the fixture  500 R shown in  FIG. 13B ) extends downwards from the inner edge  516  of the upper wall  512 . The inner plate  536  is removably attached to the upper wall  512  by the fasteners in the holes  520  which attach the upper wall  512  of the fixture  500  to the tunnel upper surface  12 . The inner plate  536  prevents access to the portion of the interior of the body  510  extending above the level of the tunnel upper surface  12 . It is contemplated that the inner plate  536  could extend further down or that the inner plate  536  not be provided. It is also contemplated that the inner plate  536  could be attached fixedly to the upper surface  512 . 
     The fixtures  200 ,  500  have been described exemplarily for attaching to a tunnel  4  of a snowmobile  1 , however, it is contemplated that the fixtures  200 ,  500  could be used with any surfaces disposed at other angles and in different locations in the snowmobile  1  or in vehicles other than a snowmobile. The fixtures and attachment mechanisms could be used for wide range of accessories not limited to the ones described herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , in some embodiments, the snowmobile  1  includes a rack  500 ′ which is an area where cargo items or accessories are to be secured. The rack  500 ′ is a generally flat surface having the plurality of rack apertures  550 ′. Although the rack  500 ′ is shown as a flat surface with a plurality of rack apertures  550 ′, it is contemplated that the rack  500 ′ could not be flat and could have only one rack aperture  550 ′. For example, the rack  500 ′ could be as simple as a C-shaped extruded rod with an aperture between ends of the C forming the rack aperture  550 ′. The rack  500 ′ is made of plastic. It is contemplated that the rack  500 ′ could be made of a material other than plastic. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 15B , each of the rack apertures  550 ′ has a rim  552 ′ and an upper brim  553 ′ (a lower brim not being shown). The rim  552 ′ is an inside surface of the rack aperture  550 ′ between the upper brim  553 ′ and the lower brim. The upper brim  553 ′ is the upper lateral surface of the rack aperture  550 ′. The upper brim  553 ′ is chamfered. The rack apertures  550 ′ have an irregular hexagonal shape. As will be described in greater details below, the rim  552 ′ and brims (upper brim  553 ′ and lower brim) are congruent with a part (rack receiving part) of an anchor  400 . The anchor  400  is an alternative embodiment of the anchor  8  and will be described in more detail below. It is contemplated that the rack apertures  550 ′ could have a shape different from hexagonal. It is contemplated that the rack apertures  550 ′ could be a regular polygon. It is contemplated that the brim  553 ′ could not be chamfered. It is also contemplated that the rack apertures  550 ′ could not be congruent with the anchors  400 , as long as the rack apertures  550 ′ allow the anchors  400  to be inserted therein, and the anchor  400  can brace the rack aperture  550 ′, as will be described below. It is contemplated that the rim  552 ′ and the upper brim  553 ′ could have a shape different from each other. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 15A , the rack  500 ′ also has a plurality of apertures  549 ′. The apertures  549 ′ are larger than the rack apertures  550 ′ and are designed to reduce the weight of the rack  500 ′. It is contemplated that the apertures  549 ′ could be smaller than the rack apertures  550 ′. It is also contemplated that the apertures  549 ′ could be omitted. 
     Also seen in  FIG. 15A , the rack  500 ′ has, on a top face, a plurality of pads  556 ′ for providing friction with the accessories or items to be secured on the rack  500 ′. The pads  556 ′ are made of neoprene. It is contemplated that the pads  556 ′ could be omitted. It is also contemplated that the pads  556 ′ could be made of a different material. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , a bottom face of the rack  500 ′ also has a plurality of ribs  548 ′. The plurality of ribs  548 ′ adds strength to the rack  500 ′ without adding too much weight. Some of the ribs  548 ′ are disposed around the rack apertures  550 ′. These ribs  548 ′ provide sliding surfaces during locking of the anchors  400 , as will be described below. It is contemplated that the ribs  548 ′ could be omitted. 
     It is contemplated that the rack  500 ′ could have a different orientation and still be used for securing to items or accessories. For example, the rack  500 ′ could be positioned vertically or at an angle. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 15A , a holder  600  is removably connected to the top face of the rack  500 ′ via two of the anchors  400  (only one being shown) securing two opposite sides of the holder  600 . As will be described below, the anchors  400  are movable by a user between a locked position where the anchors  400  are secured on the rack  500 ′ and to the holder  600 , and an unlocked position where the anchors  400  are not secured to the rack  500 ′ nor the holder  600 . As will be described below, it is contemplated that the anchor  400  can also be secured to the rack  500 ′, without securing to the holder  600  via the brim  605  of the aperture  603 . 
     The holder  600  is one example of an accessory that can be secured to the rack  500 ′ via the anchors  400 . Other contemplated accessories are bags, vessels, gun racks, etc. The accessories have features designed to operate with the anchors  400  and the rack  500 ′. 
     The holder  600  has a holder body  601  and two outwardly extending abutment tabs  602  (only one being shown). An aperture  603  is located in each abutment tab  602 . The abutment tabs  602  and the aperture  603  are designed to cooperate with the anchors  400  and the rack aperture  550 ′. It is contemplated that the aperture  603  could be located on the holder body  601 . It is also contemplated that the aperture  603  could be omitted from the abutment tab  602 . It is contemplated that one or more than two abutment tabs  602  and apertures  603  could be used to secure the holder  600 . It is also contemplated that the abutment tabs  602  could be formed by a recess in the holder body  601 . As seen from a top, the aperture  603  has an irregular pentagonal shape. The aperture  603  is congruent with an accessory receiving part of the anchor  400 . It is contemplated that the aperture  603  could not be congruent with the anchor  400 , as long as the aperture  603  allows the anchor  400  to be inserted partially therein, and allows the anchor  400  to rest on the abutment tab  602  once inserted. The aperture  603  has a rim  604  and an upper brim  605  (a lower brim of the aperture  603  not being shown). The upper brim  605  is flat. It is contemplated that the brim  605  could be chamfered. It is also contemplated that the aperture  603  could not be pentagonal. It is contemplated that in cases where the holder  600  does not comprise an aperture  603  to receive the anchor  400 , that the accessory receiving part of the anchor  400  would connect to the abutment tab  602  itself for securing the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 16 , the anchors  400  can also be used to connect to a bungee cord  610  for retaining a box  612  onto the rack  500 ′. The box  612  is one example of an item that could be retained by the anchors  400  with the bungee cord  610 . Other accessories or items could be food coolers, chain saws, hunting equipment etc. The box  612  is not designed to cooperate with the anchors  400  (although it may be). The bungee cord  610  is one example of connectors that can be used with the anchors  400  to retain the box  612  to the rack  500 ′. Other connectors could be tie downs, etc. In the configuration of  FIG. 16  (which will be described in greater details below), the anchors  400  are conveniently positioned so as to provide a hooking point for the bungee cord  610  in proximity of the box  612 . Since the box  612  is not designed to cooperate with the anchors  400 , the anchors  400  are not to be inserted in any aperture of box  612 . The anchors  400  are further conveniently positioned so as to provide an abutment wall for the box  612 . It is contemplated that the anchor  400  could not provide an abutment wall for the box  612 . It is contemplated that the anchors  400  could be used to provide an abutment wall and not be used in conjunction with the bungee cord  612 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 17 to 20 , an embodiment of the anchor  400  for the rack  500 ′ will be described. 
     The anchor  400  has a case  402  and a latch  404  rotatably mounted to the case  402 . The case  402  is made of metal and the latch  404  is made of plastic. It is contemplated that the case  402  and the latch  404  could be made of a same material. It is also contemplated that the case  402  and the latch  404  could be made of materials different from metal and plastic, respectively. The latch  404  is connected to the case  402  by a stem  406  extending through the latch  404 . The stem  406  is made of metal. It is contemplated that the stem  406  could be made of a different material. The stem  406  has a T-shaped top  407  abutting against a lower wall  411  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) of a cavity  413  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) in the case  402 . A C-clip  417  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) is disposed between the T-top  407  of the stem  406  and the lower wall  411  of the case  402  to retain the stem  406  in the case  402 . Four spring washers  408  are disposed toward a bottom  409  of the stem  406 . The spring washers  408  bias the latch  404  upwards towards the case  402 . A C-clip  410  is mounted into a recess  415  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) in the stem  406 . The C-clip  410  prevents the spring washers  408  and the latch  404  from sliding off the stem  406 . Stem  406  and C-clip  417  are connected to case  402  prior to sliding latch  404  over the bottom end of the stem  406  and securing it to the spring washers  408  and C-clip  410 . It is contemplated that a different number of spring washers  408  could be used. It is also contemplated that a biasing mechanism other than the spring washers  408  could be used for biasing the latch  404  toward the case  402 . For example, one or more coil springs or a resilient member could be used. 
     The latch  404  is operated by a lever  414 . The lever  414  is made of a same plastic as the latch  404 . It is contemplated that the lever  414  could be made of a different material. It is also contemplated that the lever  414  could be replaced by another actuation mechanism. For example the lever  414  could be a button. It is also contemplated that the lever  414  could be omitted. In such a case, the case  402  and the latch  404  could be connected such that the latch  404  would be turned by turning the case  402  itself. It is also contemplated that, in such a case, the anchor  400  could also include a spring loaded mechanism. As best seen in  FIG. 17 , a top of the latch  404  has a splined end  410  congruent with splines  412  of the lever  414 . A top  443  of the splined end  410  has two notches  445 . The two notches  445  accept a pin (not shown) on the case  402 , and provide an indication that the anchor  400  is in the locked position or in the unlocked position, and that the user has fully rotated the lever  414  so as to not apply unnecessary force to the lever  414  for locking the anchor  400 . The lever  414  can rotate by a quarter-turn between a first position (shown in phantom in  FIG. 18 ) where the anchor  400  is unlocked and a second position (shown in solid in  FIG. 18 ) where the anchor is locked. Rotation of the lever  414  is illustrated by arrow  421  in  FIG. 18 . Rotating the lever  414  forces the latch  404  to rotate and lock/unlock the anchor  400  as will be described in greater details below. It is contemplated that the lever  414  could rotate by more or less than a quarter-turn. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the case  402  has an upper flange  432  and a middle flange  434 . The upper flange  432  and the middle flange  434  extend outwardly from an entire external surface of a cross-section of the case  402 . It is contemplated that the upper flange  432  and the middle flange  434  could be disposed only on a portion of the external surface of the cross-section of the case  402 . 
     A bottom surface of the upper flange  432  defines a horizontal plane  471  (shown in  FIGS. 17-19 ). When the anchor  400  is inserted into the aperture  603  of the holder  600 , a contour of the upper flange  432 , projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , extends beyond a contour of the aperture  603  (formed by the rim  604 ), and a contour of the middle flange  434  is contained within the contour of the aperture  603 . Because the contour of the middle flange  434  is contained within the contour of the aperture  603 , the middle flange  434  can be inserted into the aperture  603  without abutting against it. Furthermore, because the contour of the upper flange  432  extends beyond the contour of the aperture  603 , when inserted into the aperture  603 , the anchor  400  is prevented by the upper flange  432  from sliding upwards. As will be described below, the upper flange  432  constitutes an element of the accessory connecting part for securing the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′, and the middle flange  434  constitutes an element of the rack connecting part for securing the anchor  400  to the rack  500 ′. 
     The middle flange  434  has an upper part  435  and a lower part  436 . The upper part  435  is a vertical wall having a thickness about the same as a thickness of the pads  556 ′ of the rack  500 ′. A recess  430 , described below, is formed by and between the upper flange  432  and the upper part  435  of the middle flange  434 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 20 , in one embodiment of the upper part  435 , when the anchor  400  is inserted into the aperture  603  and the rack aperture  550 ′ and when projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , a contour of the upper part  435  is pentagonal and congruent with the pentagonal shape of the aperture  603 . The pentagonal shape allows to position the anchor  400  in only one orientation with respect to the holder  600 . For example, in some cases, it is preferred that the anchor  400  be positioned with the lever  414  away from the holder  600 , in order to access and operate the lever  414 . Thus, the pentagon shape of the upper part  435  allows to position the anchor  400  in the aperture  603  with the lever  414  disposed away from the holder  600 . It is contemplated that the upper part  435  of the middle flange  434  could be of a different shape. It is contemplated that, the upper part  435  of the middle flange  434  could have an irregular hexagonal contour. It is contemplated that, the upper part  435  could not be congruent with the aperture  603 . It is also contemplated that, the upper part  435  could be a vertical wall having a hexagonal contour congruent with the rack aperture  550 ′. 
     In other cases, such as in the embodiment of the anchor  8 , there is no recess  430  present between the upper flange  432  and the middle flange  434 . Rather, as shown in  FIG. 1C  for example, a pair of slots are disposed on opposite sides of the upper part, each extending on a portion of the counter of the upper portion and on a portion of a height of the upper part. 
     Turning back to  FIGS. 17 to 20 , the lower part  436  of the middle flange  434  is congruent with the rack aperture  550 ′. When the anchor  400  is inserted into the rack aperture  550 ′, a contour of the lower part  436 , projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , is contained within the contour of the upper part  435 . The contour of the lower part  436  is hexagonal and congruent with a contour of the rack aperture  550 ′. The lower part  436  is chamfered, and the chamfer is congruent with the chamfered upper brim  553 ′ of the rack aperture  550 ′. It is contemplated that the chamfered lower part  436  could be omitted. It is also contemplated that the lower part  436  could be different from chamfered. The lower part  436  is the part of the middle flange  434  that constitutes an element of the rack connecting part. 
     The recess  430  is formed by and between the upper flange  432  and the middle flange  434 . When projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , a contour of the recess  430  is pentagonal, and congruent with the pentagonal shape of the aperture  603 . It is contemplated that the recess  430  could have a shape different from a congruent shape with the aperture  603 . The recess  430  receives a seal  431  (shown in  FIG. 19 ). The seal  431  creates a friction fit between the anchor  400  and the holder  600 . In the case where the aperture  603  is located on the holder body  601 , the seal  431  also prevents dirt from entering into the holder  600 . When installing the holder  600  or whenever the holder  600  is not used, the seal  431  keeps the anchor  400  temporarily positioned with the holder  600 . The seal  431  has a pentagonal shape  431 , congruent with the shape of the recess  430 . The seal  431  is made of rubber. It is also contemplated that the seal  431  could be made of any resilient material. It is contemplated that the seal  431  could cover only a portion of the recess  430 . It is contemplated that the seal  431  could be watertight. It is also contemplated that the seal  431  could be omitted. 
     A pair of tabs  403  (shown best in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ) extends downwardly vertically from the lower part  436  of the middle flange  434 . It is contemplated that the pair of tabs  403  could extend downwardly and inwardly from the lower part  436  of the middle flange  434 . When the anchor  400  is inserted into the aperture  603  of the holder  600  and into the rack aperture  550 ′, a contour of the tabs  403 , projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , is contained within the contours of the rack aperture  550 ′ and the aperture  603 . Thus, when the anchor  400  is inserted in the rack aperture  550 ′, the tabs  403  are disposed by the rim  552 ′ of the rack aperture  550 ′. It is contemplated that the tabs  403  could abut the rim  552 ′ of the rack aperture  550 ′ when inserted therein. A shape of the tabs  403  is congruent with the hexagonal shape of the rack apertures  550 ′. The tabs  403  have an irregular hexagonal shape. The tabs  403  have a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis  473  (shared with the middle flange  434 ). The tabs  403  have a thickness which is smaller than a thickness of the rack  500 ′. The tabs  403  can provide guidance to insert the anchor  400  in the rack aperture  550 ′, as well as additional strength to the connection between the anchor  400  and the rack  500 ′. It is contemplated that the tabs  403  could have a shape different from a hexagon. It is also contemplated that one or both tabs  403  could be omitted. It is contemplated that more than two tabs  403  could extend from the middle flange  434 . 
     Two connectors  450  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) are disposed on opposite sides of the case  402 , and a connector  451  is disposed on top of the case  402  between the two connectors  450 . The two connectors  450  are triangular apertures, and the connector  451  is a generally trapezoidal aperture. When desired, the connectors  450 ,  451  can be used to hook a bungee cord  610  to the anchor  400 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 16 . It is contemplated that the case  402  could have no, only one, or more than two connectors  450 , and no or more than one connector  451 . It is contemplated that the connectors  450 ,  451  could be disposed at different locations on the case  402 . It is contemplated that the connectors  450 ,  451  could have different shapes. It is also contemplated that the connectors  450 ,  451  could be designed differently. For example the connectors  450 ,  451  could be hooks. 
     A vertical wall  452  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) is disposed on one side of the case  402 . When desired, the vertical wall  452  can be used as an abutment wall to the box  612 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 16 . It is contemplated that the case  402  could have no or more than one vertical wall  452 . It is contemplated that the wall  452  could not be vertical. 
     The latch  404  will now be described. The latch  404  has a cylindrical latch body  441  and a pair of cams  442  extending outwardly from an end of the latch body  441  opposite to the splined end  410 . The pair of cams  442  constitutes another element of the rack connecting part. It is contemplated that the latch body  441  could have a shape different from cylindrical. It is contemplated that one or more than two cams  442  could be connected to the latch body  441  depending on a shape of the rack aperture  550 ′. The pair of cams  442  constitutes a lower flange of the anchor  400 . When the anchor  400  is inserted into the rack aperture  550 ′ and when projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , the pair of cams  442  (mounted on the latch  404 ) has a hexagonal shape that is congruent with the rack aperture  550 ′. The hexagon is irregular and has a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis  475  (shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ). 
     The pair of cams  442  is rotatable via the lever  414  between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the cams  442  is illustrated by arrow  420  in  FIGS. 18 and 22 . In the first position (shown in  FIG. 18  in dotted lines, and in  FIG. 21 ), the anchor  400  is unlocked (i.e. free from the rack  500 ′ and the holder  600 ), and the pair of cams  442  has a same orientation as the tabs  403 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , in the first position, the longitudinal axes  473  and  475  of the middle flange  434  and cams  442 , respectively, are aligned and form an angle of 0 degrees with respect to each other. When projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , in the first position, a hexagonal contour of the cams  442  is contained within the pentagonal contour of the aperture  603  and the hexagonal contour of the rack aperture  550 ′. When in the first position, the cams  442  are insertable through the aperture  603  and the rack aperture  550 ′ to position the anchor  400  on the rack  500 ′. It is contemplated that, in the first position, the longitudinal axes  473  and  475  could not be aligned with each other and could be at an angle with each other different from 0, as long as when projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , the hexagonal contour of the cams  442  is contained within the hexagonal contour of the rack aperture  550 ′ for inserting the cams  442  into the rack aperture  550 ′. 
     In the second position (as shown in  FIG. 18  in solid lines, and  FIG. 22 ), the anchor  400  is locked, and the pair of cams  442  is positioned perpendicular to the tabs  403 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , in the second position, the longitudinal axes  473  and  475  are perpendicular to each other and form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other. It is contemplated that the longitudinal axes  473 ,  475  could form an angle other than 90 degrees. When projected onto the horizontal plane  471 , in the second position, the hexagonal contour of the cams  442  extends beyond the hexagonal contour of the rack aperture  550 ′. When inserted in the rack aperture  550 ′ and in the second position, the anchor  400  is secured to the rack  500 ′ and the pair of cams  442  and the middle flange  434  brace the rack aperture  550 ′ (rack connecting part). As will be described below, if the anchor  400  is inserted both in the aperture  603  and the rack aperture  550 ′, in the second position, the middle flange  434  and the cams  442  brace the holder  600  against the rack  500 ′ (accessory connecting part), thus securing the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′. 
     Each of the cams  442  has a cam surface  444  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) which slides against the ribs  548 ′ of the rack  500 ′ when the cams  442  are rotated between the first and the second position by the lever  414 . The cam surface  444  includes an inclined surface  447 . The inclined surface  447  is a ramp used in conjunction with the spring washers  408  to bias the cam  442  upward toward the middle flange  434 . 
     The anchor  400  can be used in several ways. In a first example, the user desires to retain an item (e.g. box  612 ) onto the rack  500 ′ using the bungee cord  610 , similar to what is shown in  FIG. 16 . To do so, the user grabs an anchor  400  and selects a rack aperture  550 ′ in function of where and how he/she desires to retain the accessory box  612 . If not already done, the user moves the anchor  400  to the unlocked position (cams  442  in the first position) by rotating the lever  414  by a quarter-turn clockwise until the lever  414  extends beyond the case  402 . The latch body  441  then moves by a quarter-turn from a position where the cams  442  are perpendicular to the tabs  403  (cams  442  in the second position), to a position where the cams  442  are in a same direction as the tabs  403  (cams  442  in the first position). Once the anchor  400  is in the unlocked position, the user positions the anchor  400  in the rack aperture  550 ′. The lower part  436  of the middle flange  434  abuts against the upper brim  553 ′ of the rack aperture  550 ′. Once in place, the user moves the lever  414  by quarter-turn counter clockwise for locking the anchor  400  to the rack  500 ′. By moving the lever  414 , the latch body  441  moves by a quarter-turn from the position where the cams  442  had the same orientation as the middle flange  434  (cams  442  in the first position), to the position where the cams  442  are perpendicular to the middle flange  434  (cams  442  in the second position). During this motion, the inclined surfaces  447  slid against the ribs  548 ′ until the cam surface  444  becomes in contact with the ribs  548 ′. When the anchor  400  is locked to the rack  500 ′, the user can position the box  612  by the anchor  400  (this step could also be done before locking the anchor  400  to the rack  500 ′). The user connects an end of the bungee cord  610  to the aperture  450  of the anchor  400 , wraps the bungee cord  610  around the box  612  and attaches the other end of the bungee cord  610  to the rack  500 ′ or to another anchor  400  (previously or not) secured onto the rack  500 ′. 
     To detach the box  612  from the rack  500 ′, the user releases the bungee cord  610  from the aperture  450  of the anchor  400 , and removes the box  610  from the rack  500 ′. If the user desires further to unsecure the anchor  400  from the rack  500 ′, the user moves the lever  414  by a quarter-turn clockwise, thereby moving the cams  442  back to the position where they are aligned with the middle flange  434  (cams  442  in the first position). The user can then remove the anchor  400  from the rack aperture  550 ′. The user can reuse the anchor  400  again at a later time for a same or a different application. 
     In an alternative embodiment where the anchor  400  does not have the lever  414  and the latch  404  connected to move with the case  402 , the user could secure the anchor  400  to the rack  500 ′ by inserting the anchor  400  into the rack aperture  550 ′. The user would then turn the anchor  400  so as to have the middle flange  434  and the cams  442  (now forming a lower flange) bracing the brims of the aperture  550 ′. To detach the anchor  400  from the rack  500 ′, the user could turn the anchor  400  back to a position where the flanges  434 ,  442  of the anchor  400  are aligned with the aperture  550 , and remove the anchor  400  from the rack aperture  550 ′. 
     Instead of or in addition of using the bungee cord  610 , the user can use the vertical wall  452  as an abutment surface to the box  612 , similarly to what has been described above with respect to  FIG. 16 . The user can select one of the rack apertures  550 ′ and position the anchor  400  in the selected rack aperture  550 ′ in such a way that the box  612  will have its motion constrained at least by the abutment wall. 
     In a second example, the user can use the anchor  400  for securing the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′. To do so, the user grabs two anchors  400  and the holder  600 , and selects two of the rack apertures  550 ′ that are located at positions that allow to place the holder  600  where desired. The user first places the holder  600  on the top face of the rack  500 ′, so that the apertures  603  and  550 ′ are disposed one on top of the other in a way to allow insertion of the anchor  400  through the apertures  603  and  550 ′. It is contemplated that the apertures  603  and  550 ′ could be aligned or could be disposed at a slight angle with respect to each other, as long as the contour of the rack aperture  550 ′ is contained within the contour of the aperture  603 , so as to allow insertion of the anchor  400 . The user then inserts the anchors  400 , being in the unlocked position, into the apertures  603 ,  550 ′. When the anchor  400  is in the rack aperture  550 ′, the middle flange  434  abuts against the upper brim  553 ′ of the rack aperture  550 ′ and the upper flange  432  abuts against the upper brim  605  of the aperture  603 . To secure the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′, the user locks the anchors  400  to the rack  500 ′ one after the other, in a manner similar to the one described above, by moving the lever  414  so as to engage the pair of cams  442  with the rack  500 ′. When the cams  442  are rotated and perpendicular to the middle flange  434 , the anchor  400  also secures the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′. The user can then fill the holder  600  with items. It is contemplated that the user could fill the holder  600  with items before securing the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′. It is also contemplated that the user could use the bungee cord  610  to further secure the holder  600  or the items it transports onto the rack  500 ′. 
     It is contemplated that, the user could also secure two holders  600  (as an example of two accessories) with a same anchor  400  to secure the holders  600  together disposed side-by-side in cases where the shapes of the upper part  435  of the middle flange  434  and the apertures  603  of the holders  600  would allow it (e.g. the upper part  435  is irregular and the apertures  603  of each holder  600  are oriented differently, or e.g. the upper part  435  and the apertures  603  of each holder  600  have a same regular shape). The user would dispose one abutment tab  602  so as to align the apertures  603  of each abutment tab  602  of each holder  600 , and insert the anchor  400  into the accessory apertures  603  and the aperture  550 ′ of the rack  500 ′. The user would proceed as described above to secure the two holders  600  to the rack  500 ′. Using two other anchors  400 , the user would then secure the other abutment tabs  602  of each holder  600  to the rack  500 ′, conveniently with two other rack apertures  550 ′. 
     Also, a same anchor  400  could be used to secure partially an accessory and an item. For example, one anchor  400  could be used to secure one side of the holder  600 . That same anchor  400  could also be used as a hooking point for the bungee cord  610  to retain the box  612  to the rack  500 ′, the box  612  having been priory disposed adjacent to the holder  600 . Another anchor  400  could be used to secure another side of the holder  600  for further securing the holder  600  to the rack  500 ′, and yet another anchor  400  could be used to secure another end of the bungee cord  610  to the rack  500 ′. 
     To unlock each anchor  400 , the user moves the lever  414  back so as to orient the cams  442  in the same direction as the middle flange  434 , in a manner similar to the one described above. The user then removes the anchor  400  from the rack  500 ′ and the holder  600 . By removing the anchor  400  from the rack  500 ′, the user also removes the anchor  400  from the holder  600 . The user can then use each of them at a later time for a same or a different application.