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US4099658A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Article carrier for automotive vehicles
Assignee: JAC Products Inc
•
Filing: 1976-11-22
•
Granted: 1978-07-11
•
Expires: 1996-11-22
Abstract
Abstract An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a device for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Bott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 05:43
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R9/00; B60R9/04; B60R9/045; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2661
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 88
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An article carrier for an automobile including more than two parallel slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontally extending exterior automobile body surface, said slats extending generally longitudinally of the automobile, certain of said slats having an upper article supporting surface, said supporting surfaces being located between said body surface and the lower side of articles on said carrier, each of said slats having major and minor transverse dimensions with said major dimensions being parallel to said body surface and said supporting surface, first fastening means associated with selected of said slats, a pair of article securing members disposed upon said selected slats and a restraining bar extending laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to said members, said restraining bar located above said automobile body surface and said slats, and second fastening means on each of said members and cooperable with said first fastening means for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting said members and said restraining bar upon said slats.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
An article carrier for an automobile including more than two parallel slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontally extending exterior automobile body surface, said slats extending generally longitudinally of the automobile, certain of said slats having an upper article supporting surface, said supporting surfaces being located between said body surface and the lower side of articles on said carrier, each of said slats having major and minor transverse dimensions with said major dimensions being parallel to said body surface and said supporting surface, first fastening means associated with selected of said slats, a pair of article securing members disposed upon said selected slats and a restraining bar extending laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to said members, said restraining bar located above said automobile body surface and said slats, and second fastening means on each of said members and cooperable with said first fastening means for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting said members and said restraining bar upon said slats.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein two of said slats comprise longitudinally extending channels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first fastening means includes means disposed at least in part within the associated of said channels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 3 which includes means defining a clamping surface within each of said channels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 4 wherein said second fastening means includes means for urging said means within said channels in an upwardly direction to apply an upwardly directed clamping force to said clamping surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 4 wherein said second fastening means includes means for urging said means within said channels in a downwardly direction to apply a downwardly directed clamping force to said clamping surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 4 wherein said channels are of a generally dove-shaped configuration in transverse section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said two slats comprise upper and lower clamping surfaces.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 8 wherein said two slats are formed with longitudinally extending channels and wherein at least one of said clamping surfaces is located within the associated of said channels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 9 wherein both of said clamping surfaces of each of said slats are located within the associated of said channels.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of said fastening means includes clamping means for detachably securing said members upon said slats.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 11 wherein said clamping means includes threaded means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 12 which includes manually engageable means for effecting rotation of said threaded means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 13 wherein said manually engageable means is disposed above the support surface of the associated of said slats.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 12 wherein said threaded means is rotatable about a generally vertical axis.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least selected of said slats are fabricated of an extruded material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least selected of said slats are fabricated of a roll-formed material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 4 which includes means for applying a vertically directed clamping force against at least one of said clamping surfaces of each of said two slats.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 1 which includes means for applying generally laterally directed clamping forces to selected of said slats.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said two slats are arranged on the laterally outer sides of said carrier.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said two slats include first and second clamping surfaces, at least one of said surfaces being located within the interior of the channel of the associated of said slats.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein access to one of said clamping surfaces of each of said slats is through the upper side of said slats.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein access to one of said clamping surfaces of each of said slats is from one lateral side of said slats.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein access to one of said clamping surfaces is from the underside of said slats.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 13 wherein said manually engageable means is located at least in part between said support surface and the upper side of said article securing members and is rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to said surface of said body.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 25 wherein said article securing members are at least partially recessed to receive portions of the associated of said manually engageable means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 13 wherein an outer peripheral portion of said manually engageable means is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions facilitating manual grasping of said means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein the laterally outermost of said slats are provided with said channels and said slats intermediate said laterally outermost slats do not provide channels.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 3 wherein said clamping means associated with each of said article supporting members is slidably disposed within a channel in the associated of said two slats.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 29 wherein said clamping means is actuable in response to rotation of an associated threaded means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 30 which includes manually engageable means for effecting rotation of said associated threaded means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 31 wherein said manually engageable means is disposed above the support surface of the associated of said slats.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 31 wherein said threaded means is rotatable about a generally vertical axis.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 33 wherein said clamping means moves upwardly in response to rotation of said manually engageable means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 33 wherein said clamping means moves downwardly in response to rotation of said manually engageable means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 31 wherein said clamping means is operable to apply a vertically directed clamping force against said clamping surface in response to rotation of said manually engageable means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 36 which includes means for applying a generally vertically directed clamping force to at least one associated clamping surface that is arranged generally parallel to the associated supporting surfaces.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
181 words
An article carrier for an automobile including a plurality of parallel slats each individually fixedly secured on a generally horizontally extending exterior body surface of the automobile and lying closely against said surface, supporting surfaces on the upper sides of said slats and clamping surfaces extending longitudinally within the interior of said slats, said supporting surfaces being located between said body surface and the lower side of articles on said carrier, each of said slats having major and minor transverse dimensions, with said major dimensions being parallel to said body surface and said supporting surface, an article supporting member mounted on at least one of said slats and projecting upwardly therefrom and extending laterally of said slats, and clamping means cooperable with said article supporting member and clampingly engageable with the clamping surface of selected of said slats for securing said member thereto, said clamping means being readily loosened for the movement of said member longitudinally of said slats and for the removal and reattachment of said supporting member for repositioning said member upon said selected or other of said slats.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
181 words
An article carrier for an automobile including a plurality of parallel slats each individually fixedly secured on a generally horizontally extending exterior body surface of the automobile and lying closely against said surface, supporting surfaces on the upper sides of said slats and clamping surfaces extending longitudinally within the interior of said slats, said supporting surfaces being located between said body surface and the lower side of articles on said carrier, each of said slats having major and minor transverse dimensions, with said major dimensions being parallel to said body surface and said supporting surface, an article supporting member mounted on at least one of said slats and projecting upwardly therefrom and extending laterally of said slats, and clamping means cooperable with said article supporting member and clampingly engageable with the clamping surface of selected of said slats for securing said member thereto, said clamping means being readily loosened for the movement of said member longitudinally of said slats and for the removal and reattachment of said supporting member for repositioning said member upon said selected or other of said slats.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 38 wherein said plurality of slats comprises at least two slats.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 39 wherein said two said slats comprise longitudinally extending channels.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 40 wherein said clamping surfaces are located at least in part within said channels.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 41 wherein said channels are upwardly opening.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 42 which includes means for urging said clamping means in an upwardly direction to apply an upwardly directed clamping force to the associated of said clamping surfaces.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 42 which includes means for urging said clamping means in a downwardly direction to apply a downwardly directed clamping force to the associated of said clamping surfaces.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 40 wherein said channels are of a generally dove-shaped configuration in transverse section.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 40 wherein each of said two slats comprise upper and lower clamping surfaces.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 46 wherein at least one of said clamping surfaces is located within the associated of said channels.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 47 wherein both of said clamping surfaces of each of said slats are located within channels.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 40 wherein said two slats are arranged on the laterally outer sides of said carrier.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
45 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 49 wherein said article supporting member comprises a first element extending transversely between said two slats and second and third laterally spaced mounting elements connected to said transversely extending element and slidably disposed on said two slats.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 50 wherein access to said clamping surfaces is through the upper side of said slats.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 50 wherein access to said clamping surfaces is from the lateral sides of said slats.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 50 wherein access to said clamping surfaces is from the underside of said slats.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
50 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 50 which includes manually engageable means located at least in part between said support surfaces of said slats and the upper sides of said transversely extending element and is rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to said support surfaces of two slats.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
60 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 54 wherein said mounting elements are at least partially recessed to receive a portion of the associated of said manually engageable means, and wherein said mounting elements have generally vertically disposed threaded members extending downwardly and adapted for cooperation with said clamping means in response to rotation of said manually engageable means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
44 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 55 wherein each of said manually engageable means is of enlarged diameter relative to said threaded members and is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced notched portions facilitating manual grasping of said manually engageable means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
178 words
An article carrier for an automobile including more than two parallel article supporting slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal exterior automobile body surface, selective of said slats having an upper article supporting surface, said supporting surfaces being located between said body surface and the lower side of articles on said carrier, each of said slats having major and minor dimensions, with said major dimensions being parallel to said body surface and said supporting surface, a pair of brackets mounted on said slats and secured to upwardly facing surfaces thereof and an article restraining bar extending laterally between and secured to said brackets and disposed above the level of said slats, and readily releasable clamping means extending between said brackets and said slats for longitudinally adjustably securing said brackets and said restraining bar upon said slats, and for selectively releasing said brackets and said restraining bar from said slats and permitting removal thereof from said slats during periods of non-use, and the reinstallation thereof upon either the same or other of said slats when use thereof is desired.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
178 words
An article carrier for an automobile including more than two parallel article supporting slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal exterior automobile body surface, selective of said slats having an upper article supporting surface, said supporting surfaces being located between said body surface and the lower side of articles on said carrier, each of said slats having major and minor dimensions, with said major dimensions being parallel to said body surface and said supporting surface, a pair of brackets mounted on said slats and secured to upwardly facing surfaces thereof and an article restraining bar extending laterally between and secured to said brackets and disposed above the level of said slats, and readily releasable clamping means extending between said brackets and said slats for longitudinally adjustably securing said brackets and said restraining bar upon said slats, and for selectively releasing said brackets and said restraining bar from said slats and permitting removal thereof from said slats during periods of non-use, and the reinstallation thereof upon either the same or other of said slats when use thereof is desired.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 57 wherein two of said slats comprise longitudinally extending channels.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 58 wherein said channels are upwardly opening.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 58 wherein said clamping surfaces are located within said channels.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 60 wherein said clamping means is movable in an upwardly direction to apply an upwardly directed clamping force to the associated of said clamping surfaces.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 61 wherein said clamping means is movable in a downwardly direction to apply a downwardly directed clamping force to the associated of said clamping surfaces.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 59 wherein said channels are of a generally dove-shaped configuration in transverse section.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 59 wherein said two slats comprise upper and lower clamping surfaces.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 64 wherein at least one of said clamping surfaces of each of said slats is located within the associated of said channels.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 65 wherein both of said clamping surfaces of each of said slats are located within the associated of said channels.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 57 wherein said selected slats are formed with longitudinally extending channels, and wherein said clamping surfaces are disposed within said channels.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 67 wherein said clamping means includes first and second threaded means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 68 which includes manually engageable means for effecting rotation of one of said threaded means.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 69 wherein said manually engageable means is disposed above the support surface of the associated of said slats.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 69 wherein said manually engageable means is rotatable about a generally vertical axis.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 57 wherein at least selected of said slats are fabricated of an extruded material.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 57 wherein at least selected of said slats are fabricated of a roll-formed material.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 57 which includes means for applying a generally vertically directed clamping force against said clamping surface.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 57 which includes means for applying a generally laterally directed clamping force to said clamping surfaces.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 58 wherein said two slats comprise the laterally outermost of said plurality thereof.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 76 wherein the slats intermediate said laterally outermost slats are solely for supporting articles on said surfaces thereof and are not adapted to have said brackets clampingly engaged therewith.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 68 wherein each of said two slats includes first and second clamping surfaces, one of said surfaces being located within a longitudinally extending channel.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 78 wherein access to said one clamping surface is through the upper side of the associated of said two slats.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 78 wherein access to said one clamping surface is from one lateral side of the associated of said slats.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 78 wherein access to said on clamping surface is from the underside of the associated of said slats.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
45 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 69 wherein said manually engageable means are located at least in part between said support surface and the upper side of said brackets and are rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to said surface of said body.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 82 wherein said brackets are at least partially recessed to receive portions of said manually engageable means.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 69 wherein outer peripheral portions of said manually engageable means are formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions facilitating manual grasping of said manually engageable means.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article carrier as set forth in claim 57 wherein the laterally outermost of said slats are provided with said clamping surfaces and said slats intermediate said laterally outermost slats do not provide said surfaces.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-07-10 | 1982-01-09 | 1982-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-10 | 1986-01-09 | 1986-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-10 | 1990-01-09 | 1990-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |