Abstract:
The vehicular roof rack cargo carrier system of the preferred embodiment includes rotary latch housing units that can be affixed to roof rack crossbars (also referred to as load bars) plus cargo carrier vessels that have exterior-positioned built-in retention rods. The rotary latch—retention rod system enables carriers to be securely attached to and easily disengaged from roof racks when the carriers themselves are filled with content. The carriers then become portable enabling designs with features such as wheels and handles. Taken altogether, the system enables the creation of content-filled cargo carriers that have product functionality and consumer purpose away from point of vehicle. Applications include, but are not limited to, Luggage Carriers, Home &amp; Garage Storage Carriers, Camping &amp; Picnicking Carriers, Document Carriers, Tradesman Contractor Carriers and other purposeful carriers that serve distinct off-vehicle storage needs that can easily snap-in and snap-out of vehicular roof racks for transport.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Appl. No.: 60/914,185 
                 Filed: Apr. 26, 2007 
               
               
                   
                 Appl. No.: 60/821,114 
                 Filed: Aug. 01, 2006 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to the vehicular roof rack cargo carrier field and, more specifically, to a new and improved cargo carrier system that advances prior art with expanded carrier vessel product functionality, particularly for off-vehicle purposes, and with an easier method for users to attach and remove their carrier vessels from their vehicular roof racks. 
         [0003]    Cargo Carriers for vehicular roof racks are well known. The industry is dominated by several companies, who make cargo carriers in a variety of medium-to-large sizes in ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. Secondary competitors market similar cargo carriers in different sizes and shape with similar functions using ABS, fiberglass and other composite materials. The state of prior art across all of today&#39;s offerings involves how cargo carriers are mounted to vehicular roof racks, how they function once mounted and how consumers use them as a result. 
         [0004]    Currently, cargo carriers are mounted to vehicular roof racks in one of two ways. The most prominent (and oldest) method is nut and U-bolt mounting that requires the use of tools for installation. Consumers who mount their carriers in this manner tend to leave them on their roof racks on a permanent basis, although the same mounting tools can be used for un-bolting and removal if/when desired. Many versions of this more permanent method of mounting also incorporate a key-locking shroud over the nut &amp; u-bolt component to inhibit theft. 
         [0005]    The second (and newer) approach involves mounting from within the interior floor of an empty cargo carrier which can be subsequently closed and locked. This method utilizes a claw shaped mechanism—the bottom half underneath the carrier that clamps onto a roof rack crossbar and the upper half inside the bottom interior of the carrier which, like a clamp on a ski boot, can be clamped down to firmly tighten the bolt (and hence carrier) to the crossbar. This approach requires the cargo box to be empty in order to install it on a vehicular roof rack. As a result of prior art mounting methods, today&#39;s vehicular cargo carriers are always mounted as empty shells. Once mounted and then opened, independent free-standing cargo gets stored and removed from the carrier always at point of vehicle. 
         [0006]    Generally, most cargo carriers do not have handles or wheels to assist in handling the carriers when the carriers are separated from the vehicles thereby limiting the functionality of the cargo carriers away from the roof rack. When cargo carriers are removed from the vehicle for any extended period of time, they are stored as empty shells as well. As a result, consumers use roof rack-based cargo carriers as they use their automotive interior trunks—as a space to store goods, gear, luggage and other cargo for vehicular transport. The most ubiquitous unit sold is a streamlined rectangular container popular for its capability to carry skis, golf clubs and other large items typically difficult or impossible to store in trunks. 
         [0007]    Previous descriptions embody the near universal marketplace offerings today as made by the dominant companies selling cargo carriers. The previously described means for attaching, using and deploying cargo carriers have several identifiable limitations, including: the means for attaching and removing the cargo carriers; the limitations on the use of the cargo carriers when detached from the vehicle; and the limitations for securing the contents of the cargo carrier. The present invention provides an effective means for attaching and detaching the cargo carrier to a vehicle&#39;s roof rack; a purpose for the cargo carrier when removed from the vehicle; and a more effective means for securing the contents of the cargo carrier. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The key elements of our inventive attachment mechanism are rotary latches and retention rods. The method or system of attachment involves use of a rotary latch that is built into a housing unit called a Crossbar Cradle Clamp. This housing unit then attaches to all types of roof rack crossbars or side rails (which are typically of round pole, rectangular or diamond/sword shape). This rotary latch housing unit is then in position to engage a retention rod that is attached to or built into the exterior surface of a carrier vessel. This method of attachment is an innovation in the vehicular roof rack—cargo carrier market. It is an attachment system that provides its users with greater convenience and product functionality than is currently available with all prior art attachment methods. 
         [0009]    It is important to note that rotary latches and retention rods are universally common hardware items that manufacturers deploy in innumerable product applications across industry categories. As a result, rotary latches come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Since there are so many different types of rotary latches, they are typically categorized by subgroups. The more prominent subgroups are called slam latches, compression latches, cam latches and paddle latches. There also are a variety of ways to activate a rotary latch such as wireless release, electronic-controlled release and pneumatically-actuated release. Despite their subgroup differences, however, all rotary latches perform the same essential action of lock catching and free releasing of retention rods and are individually chosen based on their best fit in a product application—that is, the type of latch that would give the product user the easiest or desired performance latching solution. With respect to our specific inventive matter, the size, shape and nature of the vessel to be attached to the vehicle as well as the price/value range of consumer ease-of-use latching actions make all types of rotary latch solutions viable as vehicular roof rack—accessory vessel attachment mechanisms. The preferred embodiments in this patent application exhibit some of this viable variety. 
         [0010]    It is also worth noting that rotary latches have a rich automotive history. For instance, rotary latches are ubiquitously used as a component of vehicle door latching mechanisms. Further, exterior trunk lids universally utilize a vertically-oriented rotary latch application, these days with mechanical or electronic release functionality deployed from the driver&#39;s seat environment. Hence, we see our invention as expanding on this deep rotary latch automotive history. The significant and non-obvious distinction, however, is that our invention will apply rotary latches to vehicular roof racks for the very first time as a new and better way to attach cargo and other accessory carrier vessels. 
         [0011]    Further, we see our invention as an attachment mechanism that does not necessarily have to be a free-standing element. As already mentioned, the rotary latch element can be designed into an independent housing unit that can attach to roof rack crossbars or side rails, but it could also be incorporated into a roof rack crossbar or side rail, be built into the vehicular roof itself or even be attached to the exterior of the carrier vessel itself (making the crossbar, for example, the retention rod element). In any event, it is the rotary latch/retention rod connective matter that is at the unique heart of our invention and we seek patent protection of its variable deployment. 
         [0012]    Lastly, a few comments on the retention rod element of the attachment mechanism are in order. In common practice, the retention rod can be any element that engages the rotary latch in open and closing position. A retention rod typically consists of a metal cylinder or hoop whose diameter fits the rotary latch fork opening. As previously mentioned, our inventive attachment mechanism requires that an appropriately-sized cylindrical retention rod be built into or otherwise affixed to the exterior of a carrier vessel in the best transport location to engage the rotary latch housing unit attached to a roof rack crossbar or side rail. There are two ways to accomplish this. The first is to design the retention rod into permanent position during the manufacture of an original carrier vessel. The other manner is to introduce a “retrofit kit”—a stand-alone retention rod and mounting plate that can be added to or attached on any existing carrier vessel. With the purchase of a retrofit retention rod kit that can be affixed to any carrier and a rotary latch housing unit that can fit any roof rack crossbar, our attachment mechanism method has retrofit applicability to all cargo carrier solutions available in the marketplace today. 
         [0013]    In background summary, we see our unique cargo carrier system as creating a range of new opportunities in cargo carrier product functionality and thus the benefits they provide consumers in both on-vehicle and off-vehicle environments. Further, our rotary latch crossbar housing units offer a range of on-off activation methods including wireless key fob action which is by far the most convenient consumer use method ever invented. Hence consumers will have the choice of inexpensive manual rotary latch actuation through luxury higher-end actuation options. In addition, all our rotary latch housing units can be deployed on roof rack crossbars, load bars or side rails of all shapes and sizes without the typical roof rack installation warning restrictions found on conventional attachment methods. As for the carriers themselves, with retention rods built into or otherwise affixed to the exterior surface of cargo carrier vessels, an unlimited range of specialty cargo carriers become available to the marketplace for the first time. These include suitcase carriers, toolbox carriers, document carriers, general home &amp; garage storage container carriers, ice cooler carriers and others that serve consumers off-vehicle storage product needs. The cargo carrier no longer needs to be simply an empty shell vessel for the storage of independently-stored gear or other items. Taken all together, our new cargo carrier system expands the possibilities of what can be transported atop the vehicular roof rack. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a line drawing that shows the general operational view of a rotary latch clamping assembly, release knob mechanism with linkage and an open rotary latch fork where the retention rod of a cargo vessel is captured. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  provides an overall view of shell halves and assembly details. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  gives detailed internal mounting features required to install prior art release knob mechanism and rotary latch utilized inside of housings  12  and  14 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  details a typical 3-point retention rod layout used with the cross bar cradle clamping system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  portrays a multi-slot crossbar cradle clamp application attached to crossbars on vehicular roof rack system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows right shell half of static crossbar cradle clamp, through hole for assembly and stud plate hole. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  reveals inner slot guide, assembly pins, assembly boss, stud plate slot and spring recess. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  depicts an assembled rotary latch crossbar cradle clamp assembled to base with clamp bar assembly details. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates assembled static crossbar cradle clamp shell halves and assembly details with spring loaded clamping block in place. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  depicts an assembled rear static crossbar cradle clamp assembled to base with clamp bar in place but without crossbar installed. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  portrays multiple retention rod location details on bottom of luggage carrier. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  depicts a loaded luggage carrier as it would appear installed on original equipment manufacturer roof rack crossbars ready for transport and being held in place by single channel crossbar cradle clamps. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , rotary latch  10 , is positioned and housed inside matching shell housings  12  and  14  with said rotary latch held in position by installation of two machine screws that pass through holes  3  and  4  found in shell half  12 , into machine threads that exist on the side of prior art rotary latch  10 , the body of the latch mechanism; which is well known prior art sometimes referred to commercially as a slam latch. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  depicts said rotary latch in an operationally open position. Rotary latch  10  typically utilizes one or more spring loaded cocking detents that progressively combine in action to restrict rotational movement of latch fork  18  once said fork is rotated into a vertically latched condition. From said latched condition release lever  16  is used to trigger the approximately 30 degree rotation of spring loaded latch fork  18  to the open position. In the preferred embodiment, said shell housings are formed using an ABS type plastic, however shell housings can consist of any other formable material that can be molded with sufficient strength to withstand operational stresses that occur from repeated loading and unloading of heavy cargo vessel attachments by the user. Rotary latch  10  is utilized in this horizontal loading orientation of the invention by using latch fork  18  to restrain forward, vertical and rearward movement of a rotary latch diametrical matching steel ⅜″ diameter retention rod that is embedded or otherwise attached to cargo vessel external surface geometries. Vertical orientation of said clamping latch may also be used to capture and retain larger cargo vessels to vehicular roof rack systems providing convenient quick loading and release of said cargo vessels and rooftop carriers. Other diameters or shapes of retention rod and matching latches may be used as long as said latches and matching retention loops or rods are of sufficient strength and configuration to operate properly. 
         [0028]    Said rotary latch release lever  16  triggers spring loaded rotational movement of latch fork  18  to the open position when said release lever moves approximately one-eighth inch in a direction parallel with the rotational movement of said latch fork. Item  16  is moved via release rod  20  to initiate rotary latch  10 &#39;s release back to an open condition once latch fork  18  has been cocked into the closed position by intrusion of said retention rod. Item  20 &#39;s preferred embodiment is comprised of mold formed plastic shafting of sufficient strength and rigidity to provide a reliable service life. Said release rod has ends which are in 90 degree opposition to the common rod axis such that it transfers movement between release lever  16  and release bell crank  22 . Said release rod features enlarged bulb ends that allow diametrical collapsing during insertion into release lever hole  16   a  found in  16 , and release rod hole in release bell crank  22  while said bulb ends after passing through said holes revert to an uncompressed condition to provide a retention action keeping both ends of release rod  20  retained in said holes once said rod ends are snapped into said holes. 
         [0029]    Release bellcrank  22  pivots on projected boss  12   a  to transfer the rotational motion plane of release knob plate  24  and corresponding actuation pin  24   a  to a linear motion plane parallel with release lever  16 . Release bellcrank  22  pivots on projected boss  12   a  ( FIG. 3 ) with said release bellcrank held in place on the diametrical surface of the boss with one self-threading screw and washer large enough to retain  22  on said boss without frictionally restricting rotational movement of said bellcrank on  12   a.  Bellcrank  22  pulls release rod  20  via transferred rotary movement exerted on pressure plate  22   a  by actuation dowel pin  24   a  as release knob  24   b  and interconnected said release knob plate is rotated by the user. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , release knob  24   b  features a key lock tumbler capable of restricting rotational movement of said release knob when locked by the user. Said release knob assembly is well known prior art commonly used in slam/rotary latch type commercial applications. Actuation dowel pin  24   a  is a short steel dowel pin permanently affixed in position via interference fit, swaging, knurl, weld or any other method facilitating permanent fastening of said steel dowel pin inside existing hole in said steel release knob plate  24 . 
         [0031]    Shell housing  12 , features small projecting alignment pins positioned around the outside periphery of said shell housing that engage with corresponding holes in shell housing  14 , to ensure correct alignment of the said housings when placed together, as commonly practiced in prior art plastic injection molded joints. Prior to said shell housing joining process, stud  5   a  on clamping stud plate  26  is inserted into hole  5  ( FIG. 3 ) inside of shell half  12  and as shell half  14  is aligned with  12  stud  7   a  is pulled through hole  7  ( FIG. 2 ) in shell half  14  until said clamping stud plate is drawn flush with inner wall of said shell housings. Threaded studs  5   a  and  7   a  are used to align and permanently attach said shell housings to base  32  via internal matching clearance holes ( FIG. 8 ) using nuts and washers matching thread requirements of said threaded studs. 
         [0032]    Preceding the joining of shell housing  12  and  14  rotary latch  10  is permanently mounted to  12  using existing metal threads in rotary latch and truss head machine screws which pass through  3 ′ and  4 ′ holes shown in  FIG. 2 , with said screw heads attaining a flush condition relative to the outer surface of  12  via counterbored holes. Flat sided mounting cylinder body of release knob  24   b  is inserted through hole  9 , ( FIG. 3 ) in shell half  12  that incorporates two flattened sides conforming to release knob  24   b  mounting requirements to restrict rotation of said cylinder body knob assembly when said release knob is rotated. Said release knob cylinder body is retained in said flat sided hole via threaded cylinder body nut  24   c  supplied with said prior art locking knob assembly. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 8 , top surface of base  32 , serves as a landing platform for cargo vessel bottom surface  38 , ( FIG. 4 ) with said surface interface establishing the engagement height of embedded front retention rod  34  such that said rod will engage with and rotate latch fork  18  to the closed and locked position as retention rod  34  is pushed into rotary latch  10  by the user. Simultaneously occurring with cargo vessel movement toward locked travel position, vessel bottom channel  40  is guided by projecting shell halves  12  and  14  which combine to form a width suitable to center said rotary latch into said channel opening. 
         [0034]    Clamp bar  30 , ( FIG. 8 ) is one of several clamping bar configurations that can be used to sandwich vehicular crossbars between clamp bar  30  and base  32  thereby attaching the entire clamping invention assembly on the vehicle for use. Base  32  containing assembled shell halves in this horizontal configuration accepts four stainless truss head self-tapping screws that install flush with top surface of said base via through hole and counterbore, with said screw thread engagement into clamping bar via corresponding holes typified by hole  30   a.  As shown in  FIG. 12 , a typical original equipment manufacturer flat crossbar can be accommodated via matching width clamp bar channel. Other clamp bars incorporating round, square and diamond crossbar shapes may be attached to base  32 , corresponding to other aftermarket roof rack crossbar shapes via molded inserts or individually shaped clamp bars. In the preferred embodiment, said base and said clamp bar are formed using an ABS type plastic, however any other formable material that can be molded with sufficient strength to withstand operational stresses can be used. 
         [0035]    Companion rear static crossbar cradle clamp shown in  FIG. 9 , acts to align, cushion and retain rear retention rod(s) on a cargo vessel(s) loaded onto a vehicle roof rack in conjunction with said front mounted rotary latching unit. Base  32  ( FIG. 10 ) positioned on rear crossbar is aligned with front latching unit in the case of luggage attachment ( FIG. 12 ) or offset in pair&#39;s, equal distances from the centerline of a cargo vessel as shown in  FIG. 5 , with said static clamps mounted on rear crossbar  71  and a single corresponding said rotary clamping unit mounted on front crossbar  70 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , static shell half  55   a  houses a standard ⅜″ diameter stainless steel compression spring via spring recess  57   a  and blind hole recess  57   c  located on centerline of clamping block  59 . Said spring provides sufficient pressure to hold said clamping block throat opening  59 C securely against a cargo vessel or luggage rear retention rod effectively encasing said retention rod to prevent vertical carrier/luggage motion once engaged by spring loaded clamping block  59 . In the preferred embodiment said spring is formed of stainless steel material to prevent rusting, and said spring is long enough and of sufficient wire size to provide at least five pounds of force against clamping block  59  at rest. 
         [0037]    Static shell half  55   a  features slot guide  61   a  and matching slot guide  61   b  located in static shell half  55   b  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to guide clamping block  59  via boss projections on both sides of said clamping block as typified by boss  59   b.  Said clamping block  59  is restricted to linear movement parallel with slot guides when said static shell halves are assembled together, with said linear motion limited by the length of slots  61  a and  61   b  via the interface of said boss projections. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , alignment channels  44  and  42  containing rear retention rods  36   a  and  36   b  align on the centerline of clamping block  59  via enlarged projection  59   d  that acts to center the intended cargo vessel channel over clamping block  59 . Simultaneously with the positioning of the channel horizontally, said rear retention rods are positioned at the correct vertical height to engage clamping block throat  59   c  ( FIG. 10 ) via interface spacing created by said vessel bottom surface  38  resting on the cross bar cradle clamp base  32  when loading multi-channel cargo vessels, or in the case of luggage applications, rear retention rod  50  per  FIG. 11 . Located within static shell half  55   a  is assembly boss  65   b  containing centerline hole  63   b  that is sized to accept a stainless self-threading truss head screw. Static shell half  55   b  contains matching assembly boss  65   a  and through hole  63   a  that allows said truss head screw to pass through  63   a  without thread interference. Said truss head screw is flush relative to outside surface of  55   b  via counterbore  63   c  shown in  FIG. 9  when tightened to hold said static shell halves together. 
         [0039]    Static shell housing  55   a  features small alignment pins that are positioned around the outside mating surface that engage with corresponding holes in shell housing  55   b  to ensure correct alignment of the said housings when placed together, as commonly practiced in prior art molded plastic injection joints. Prior to the shell housing joining process stud  5   a  on clamping stud plate  26  is inserted into hole  69   a  inside of shell half  55   b  and as shell half  55   a  is aligned with  55   b,  stud  7   a  is guided into stud slot  69   b  in shell half  55   a.  Threaded studs  5   a  and  7   a  are used to align and permanently attach assembled static shell housings to base  32  using nuts and washers matching the thread requirements of said threaded studs. 
         [0040]    On bottom periphery of static shell half  55   a  is half drain hole  67   a  that allows any water to pass through the device. Corresponding half drain hole  67   b  is found on static shell half  55   b.    
         [0041]    In the preferred embodiment, said static shell housings are formed using an ABS type plastic, however static shell housings can consist of any other formable material that can be molded with sufficient strength to withstand operational stresses that occur from repeated loading and unloading of heavy cargo vessel attachments by the user. The preferred embodiment material for clamping block  59  is wear resistant nylon type plastic, but any moldable material that can be molded with sufficient strength to withstand operational stresses that occur from repeated loading and unloading of heavy cargo vessel attachments by the user. 
         [0042]      FIG. 11  details a luggage depiction of this invention that features accommodations for various standard separating distances between vehicular roof rack crossbars as shown with front retention rod  50  and rear retention rods spaced for short ( 52 A), medium ( 52 B), and long ( 52 C), spacing relative to said front retention rod location. Alignment channel  48  is used to guide said front rotary latch and static rear clamping of luggage on vehicle and surface  46  serves as the reference base interface as in said vehicular cargo vessel arrangement already discussed. Once user has removed the luggage from the vehicle said luggage can be easily moved using transport wheels  54 A and  54 B along with an industry standard telescoping handle used ubiquitously on luggage. 
         [0043]      FIG. 12  depicts a luggage carrier ready for transport while retained on vehicular crossbars utilizing said front rotary latching unit and said rear static clamping unit. 
       PART NUMBERING GLOSSARY 
       [0044]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Item No. 
                 Item 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                  3 
                 hole through 12 
               
               
                   
                  4 
                 hole through 12 
               
               
                   
                  5 
                 hole through 12 
               
               
                   
                  5a 
                 stud on 26 
               
               
                   
                  7 
                 hole through 14 
               
               
                   
                  7a 
                 stud on 26 
               
               
                   
                  9 
                 large flat sided hole through 12 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 rotary latch 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 shell housing 
               
               
                   
                 12a 
                 bellcrank boss 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 shell housing 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 release lever 
               
               
                   
                 16a 
                 release lever hole 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 latch fork 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 release rod 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 bellcrank 
               
               
                   
                 22a 
                 bellcrank pressure plate 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 release knob plate 
               
               
                   
                 24a 
                 actuation dowel pin 
               
               
                   
                 24b 
                 release knob 
               
               
                   
                 24c 
                 release knob mounting body nut 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 threaded stud plate 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 clamp bar 
               
               
                   
                 30a 
                 typical clamp bar starting screw hole 
               
               
                   
                   
                 location 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 crossbar cradle clamp base 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 front retention rod 
               
               
                   
                 36a 
                 left side rear retention rod 
               
               
                   
                 36b 
                 right side rear retention rod 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 bottom surface of cargo container 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 front alignment channel 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 left side rear alignment channel 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 right side rear alignment channel 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 luggage carrier bottom surface 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 luggage alignment channel 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 front retention rod-luggage 
               
               
                   
                 52a 
                 luggage retention rod-crossbar 
               
               
                   
                   
                 positioned short 
               
               
                   
                 52b 
                 luggage retention rod-crossbar 
               
               
                   
                   
                 positioned medium 
               
               
                   
                 52c 
                 luggage retention rod-crossbar 
               
               
                   
                   
                 positioned long 
               
               
                   
                 54a 
                 left luggage transport wheel 
               
               
                   
                 54b 
                 right luggage transport wheel 
               
               
                   
                 55a 
                 static shell half-left 
               
               
                   
                 55b 
                 static shell half-right 
               
               
                   
                 57a 
                 spring recess cup-left 
               
               
                   
                 57b 
                 spring recess cup-right 
               
               
                   
                 57c 
                 spring recess hole 
               
               
                   
                 59 
                 clamping block 
               
               
                   
                 59b 
                 left depiction of symmetrical 
               
               
                   
                   
                 clamping block boss projections 
               
               
                   
                 59c 
                 clamping block throat opening 
               
               
                   
                 59d 
                 clamping block guide projection 
               
               
                   
                 61a 
                 slot guide for static shell half-left 
               
               
                   
                   
                 side 
               
               
                   
                 61b 
                 slot guide for static shell half-right 
               
               
                   
                   
                 side 
               
               
                   
                 63a 
                 clearance hole for truss head screw 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in 55b and 65a 
               
               
                   
                 63b 
                 self-threaded screw starter hole 
               
               
                   
                 63c 
                 counterbore in 55b 
               
               
                   
                 65a 
                 assembly boss for 55b 
               
               
                   
                 65b 
                 assembly boss for 55a 
               
               
                   
                 67a 
                 left static shell half drain opening 
               
               
                   
                 67b 
                 right static shell half drain opening 
               
               
                   
                 69a 
                 threaded stud plate attachment hole 
               
               
                   
                 69b 
                 stud slot for 7a 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 front rooftop vehicle carrier crossbar 
               
               
                   
                 71 
                 rear rooftop vehicle carrier crossbar