Joints and connections – Articulated members – Lockable at fixed position
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-03
2001-11-27
Kim, Harry C. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Articulated members
Lockable at fixed position
C403S093000, C224S324000, C024S0680CD
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322279
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for attaching accessories to frame structures, and more particularly to devices for attaching accessories, such as a bicycle, ski or cargo rack, to the frame of a roof rack on an automobile.
BACKGROUND
It is often desirable to attach an accessory, such as a bicycle, ski or cargo carrier or rack, to a roof rack of an automobile. Generally, roof racks include two or more cross bars to which such accessories may be attached, and may have a number of different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross bars may have a round, square, rectangular or oval shape, depending upon the design and/or manufacturer of the roof rack.
The carrier or rack being attached to the roof rack often includes a support frame or support members which must be securely attached to the cross bars. To provide this attachment, brackets or wraparound straps may be used. Because of the variety of cross bar configurations that may be encountered, however, custom brackets may be required to securely attach to each particularly shaped cross bar. Straps alone may accommodate a variety of cross bar shapes, but may not secure the accessory to the cross bar as effectively as desired.
Accordingly, there is a need for a universal attachment device that may facilitate attachment between an accessory and a variety of differently configured frame members, such as the cross bars on an automobile roof rack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an adjustable attachment device which may be used to mount an accessory, such as a bicycle rack, a ski carrier, or a cargo rack, to a frame member, such as a roof rack of an automobile. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an adjustable attachment device is provided that includes a housing having an aperture therein. An elongate pin is rotatably mounted across the aperture to which a first end of a flexible strap may be attached. The pin has a shaft terminating in a head, and defines an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the flexible strap around the shaft within the aperture.
A collar is rotatably mounted to the housing coextensive with the axis of rotation defined by the pin. The collar has a head engaging portion for engaging the head of the pin to couple pin and collar rotation, and has a ratcheted perimeter. A locking mechanism is provided having one or more teeth for engaging the ratcheted perimeter of the collar to prevent collar rotation. Either the collar or the locking mechanism is adjustable between first and second positions for engaging and disengaging the ratcheted perimeter and the teeth, respectively.
In a preferred form, the locking mechanism is a capsule attachable to the housing having a cavity therein for receiving the collar, and including an internal perimeter having the teeth therein. The collar is preferably rotatable within the cavity and axially translatable between the first and second positions within the cavity, and a spring is preferably provided within the cavity of the capsule for biasing the collar towards the first position.
The capsule may include an opening communicating with the cavity for receiving a tool therethrough for directing the collar from the first position to the second position. The collar also may include a tool engaging portion aligned with the opening for engaging the tool received through the opening for rotating the collar with the tool. Thus, the collar may be directed to the second position to allow rotation of the collar, and consequently, the pin, but may automatically return to the first position to substantially secure the pin to prevent inadvertent unwinding.
The pin may include an elongate slot extending along the shaft, the elongate slot having a fixed length formed in the shaft or the elongate slot may extend the entire length of the shaft, similar to a cotter pin. The first end of a flexible strap may be attached to the pin through the elongate slot, and the housing preferably includes an anchoring slot for receiving a second end of the flexible strap.
The housing may include a lower surface proximate the aperture having one or more recesses therein for engaging a frame member having a shape at least partially defined by the recesses. The recesses may define a portion of an ellipse, a circle or a rectangle, i.e., may have shape similar to at least a portion of the frame member to which the attachment member is attached. The flexible strap preferably has a sufficient length for allowing the flexible strap to be wrapped around the frame member engaging the recesses in the housing and the second end to be subsequently received in an anchoring slot in the housing. A support flange may extend from the housing for engaging an accessory being attached to the frame member.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an adjustable attachment device is provided that includes a housing having an aperture therein, and a lower surface proximate the aperture having one or more recesses therein for engaging a frame member having a shape at least partially defined by the recesses. A support flange extends from the housing for engaging an accessory being attached to the frame member. An elongate pin is rotatably mounted across the aperture to which a first end of a flexible strap may be attached. The pin has a shaft terminating in a head, and defines an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the flexible strap around the shaft within the aperture. A winding mechanism is attached to the housing and coupled to the head of the pin, the winding mechanism having a shaped portion for engaging a working end of a tool for rotating the pin to wind and unwind the flexible strap around the shaft.
In one form, the head of the pin includes a worm gear, and the winding mechanism is a worm engaging the worm gear and rotatably mounted to the housing. In another form, the winding mechanism is a cooperating ratchet wheel and pawl, the ratchet wheel being attached to the head of the pin and the pawl being attached to the housing.
The housing may include an anchoring slot for receiving a second end of a flexible strap attached to the pin, preferably having a shape corresponding to a cross pin attached to the second end of the strap. The flexible strap preferably has a sufficient length for allowing the flexible strap to be wrapped around the frame member engaging the recesses in the housing and the second end to be received in the anchoring slot.
Thus, the housing may be seated on a variety of frame members, having round, oval or rectangular shapes, such as a roof rack on an automobile. The strap may be wrapped around the frame member, and the second end of the strap received in the anchoring slot. The winding mechanism may be used to wind the excess strap around the shaft of the pin until the strap is substantially tightened around the frame member. An accessory, such as a bicycle rack, a ski rack, a cargo rack or a cargo container, may then be attached to the flange extending from the housing, thereby substantially securely mounting the accessory to the frame member using a single standard attachment device.
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Haug Louis
Yamamoto Mayjue A.
Kim Harry C.
Lyon & Lyon LLP
Sports Carriers, Inc.
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