Con J Nolan

US Patent:

54742170, Dec 12, 1995

Filed:

Apr 4, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/222168

Inventors:

Ralph J. Mandarino - Grosse Pointe Farms MI
Jon D. Sparham - Pontiac MI
Thomas C. Nanney - Warren MI
Robert C. Kogelschatz - Marine City MI
Con J. Nolan - Bloomfield Hills MI

Assignee:

MascoTech, Inc. - Taylor MI

International Classification:

B60R 900

US Classification:

224321

Abstract:

An article carrier for an automotive vehicle includes a pair of elongated side members adapted to be mounted on an exterior body surface of the vehicle in spaced-apart parallel relation. At least one article securing member is adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement on each side member and a mechanism is provided for selectively locking the article securing members in position along the side members. Each side member includes a plurality of apertures therein and the locking mechanism includes a latching member spring biased into self-locking engagement with one of the apertures when the latching member is aligned therewith. A push button and a cam are operative for moving the latching member against the bias of the spring and out of engagement with the apertures. The push button is movable laterally with respect to an outer surface of the article securing member and, in the preferred embodiment, an exposed manually engageable portion of the push button is disposed substantially flush with the outer surface when the latching member is engaged in one of the apertures.