Patent ID: 7441679

Claim:
An article rack assembly comprising: at least two siderails generally parallel to one another and in spaced relation to one another and selectively secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle; at least one support assembly member movably disposed along each of said siderails; an actuating member disposed in association with said support assembly and selectively rotatable about a pivot point between a locked and an unlocked position; a locking pin assembly disposed for movement within said support assembly member and urged between said locked and unlocked position by said actuating member; at least one crossbar assembly disposed between said siderails, said crossbar assembly having opposing ends with said support assembly member disposed at each of said opposing ends; and at least one rod disposed within said crossbar assembly, said at least one rod fixed to said actuating member for rotation therewith; wherein movement of one said actuating member between said locked and said unlocked positions rotates a first portion of said rod and a second portion of said rod, said second portion spaced away from said first portion, said first and second portions of said rod having a same pivot point as said pivot point of said actuating member, wherein a circumferential extent of rotational motion at said first portion of said rod is essentially duplicated at said second portion of said rod, wherein said rotation of said rod causes a generally simultaneous movement at the opposite said support assembly, thereby generally simultaneously disengaging both said locking pin assemblies from their respective said siderails.