JP3479608B2 - Vehicle article carrier - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle article carrier, and more particularly to a vehicle article carrier having a pair of the support members, each of which is a rotatable actuating member. A cam member disposed inside so as to lock or unlock each support member with respect to a pair of slats arranged on the outer body surface of the automobile through the operation of the rotating actuating member; Prepare for each,
The present invention relates to a vehicle article carrier.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vehicle article carriers are used in a wide variety of applications to secure articles above the outer body surface of automobiles. Such vehicle article carriers often incorporate a pair of support members secured to opposite ends of the cross bar. The support member is typically attached to a pair of slats. In some examples, the support member is releasably engageable with the slat to allow the cross bar and the pair of support members to be repositioned along the slat if desired.

Many forms of locking arrangements have been developed for use in the support members of vehicle article carriers, but such locking arrangements often incorporated a relatively large number of components. Moreover, previously developed locking arrangements have also been found to be expensive to fabricate and / or complicated to assemble. Furthermore, it has been found that previously developed locking arrangements are susceptible to ice and various other factors that can interfere with the operation of such locking mechanisms.

[0004] Many previously developed article carrier systems have further drawbacks when the means for limiting the torque applied by the user via the actuating members of the vehicle article carrier is lacking. Typically, the actuating member is associated with a support means, such as a strut or support member, located on one of the paired slats of the vehicle article carrier. This actuating member is typically used to allow the user to lock the support member in a desired position along the slat, thus adjusting the cross bar along the slat as needed. Was possible.
The actuating member can take many forms, but in one aspect it has included a rotatable member that is rotated by the user to set the support member in the locked position. The operation of releasing the locking of the support member includes the operation of rotating the member in the opposite rotation direction. However, in some instances, the user may improperly overtighten the actuating member, which makes it difficult to loosen the actuating member later, and other internal components of the support member. There was a risk of damage or unnecessary stress on the.

Therefore, in order to adjust the torque required to firmly lock the support member to the slats associated with the member, a form of torque using a dial-like actuating member that limits the rotational force that can be applied by the user is used. It would be most preferable to incorporate the limiting mechanism into the actuating member.

[0006]

Accordingly, a locking mechanism for a support member of a vehicular article carrier that can be easily set by an operator in a locking position and a locking release position with respect to a slat that supports the supporting member. It is a main object of the present invention to provide Furthermore, it consists of a limited number of components, is easier to assemble, allows the user to quickly and easily release the support members to their respective slats, and reposition the crossbars quickly and easily when needed. There is a need for such a vehicle article carrier that allows it to be done.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for a support member of a vehicle article carrier that provides a torque limiting function to prevent an actuating member of the vehicle article carrier from being unintentionally too tightly tightened by the user. It is a further purpose.

[0008]

The above and other objects are provided by a vehicle article carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle article carrier of the present invention comprises a pair of slats configured to be secured to the outer body of a vehicle. A pair of support members are slidably disposed on the slats. The cross bar is connected to the support member at its two outer ends so that the cross bar is supported above the outer body surface of the vehicle by the support member.

In the preferred embodiment described above, each support member comprises a cam member and a locking member operatively associated with the cam member. The actuating member is also operatively associated with the cam member such that rotational movement of the actuating member causes the cam member to move within the housing. In particular, when the actuating member rotates in the first direction of rotation, the cam member pushes the locking member and the support member engages and locks with the associated slat of the slats disposed thereon. It moves so that it is in a state where it does. In the locked position, the support member cannot move with respect to the slats. When the actuating member moves in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the cam member moves the locking member away from its locking engagement with its associated slat. The support member can then be slidably moved along the slats and repositioned when needed.

In a preferred embodiment, the cam member comprises a one-block material having a threaded hole extending at least partially through the member. The actuating member has an elongated threaded shaft screwable into the threaded hole. Thus, the rotational movement of the actuating member causes the cam member to move within the housing.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the vehicular article carrier comprises an actuating member configured to perform a torque limiting function. The actuating member comprises a dial-like manually operable member and a disc-like member rotatably mounted on the dial-like member and fixed to the elongated threaded shaft. The elongated threaded shaft is threadedly engaged with a hole in the cam member to allow movement of the cam member as the dial actuating member rotates in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

The torque limiting function includes a plurality of peripherally spaced teeth formed on the inner surface of the dial-like manually operable member and a plurality of flexible arm portions formed on the planar surface of the disk-shaped member. And are provided with the means. Each flexible arm has a tooth formed at the end of the arm. Each tooth of the dial-shaped member and each tooth at the end of each flexible arm is such that at least one tooth associated with the dial-shaped member is flexible when the dial-shaped member rotates in one direction. It is formed so that it can be engaged with one tooth of the arm portion to rotate the threaded shaft. This is so formed regardless of the amount of rotation torque applied in the first rotation direction. The engagement teeth also allow the elongated threaded shaft to rotate in the second rotational direction when the dial-shaped member rotates in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. This is true up to the point where a predetermined maximum rotational torque is reached when trying to rotate the dial-shaped member in the second direction of rotation, and when the maximum torque is exceeded, the shape of the elongated teeth causes the dial-shaped member to rotate. The member is pulled away from the disc-shaped member and allows the dial-shaped member to be rotated independently of the disc-shaped member without applying additional rotational torque to the disc-shaped member.
Thus, the disk-shaped member, and particularly the elongated threaded shaft of the member, applies a torque to the locking member that can cause over-tightening of the locking member or damage the slats or other parts of the vehicle article carrier. Can't do it.

Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is
Allows the support member to be configured such that the support member has a relatively small number of independent components. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the support member and simplifies its assembly. Since the cam member and the major part of the locking member are located within the housing, they are susceptible to factors that may affect other forms of locking mechanism exposed to ice, rain, etc. Disappear. Further, the actuating member allows the user to quickly and easily position the support member in the locked and unlocked positions with minimal manual effort.

Various advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the claims and the following detailed description, and by referring to the drawings.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a vehicle article carrier 10 mounted on an outer body surface 12 of a vehicle 14 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This vehicle article carrier 10 includes an outer body surface 1
It comprises a pair of elongated slats 16 rigidly fixed to 2, a support member 18, and cross bars 20,22. However, both cross bars 20 and 22 have slats 16
It will be appreciated that while it may be positionable along it, it is also readily possible for one or the other of the cross bars 20, 22 to be rigidly fixed to the slats 16 such that they are immovable. See. For some applications this may be the preferred configuration.

With further reference to FIG. 1, a vehicle article carrier 10 is provided on the outer body surface 12 to further aid in ensuring that articles placed on the cross bars 20 and 22 do not contact the outer body surface 12. Optionally, a plurality of rigidly fixed intermediate slats 24 may be provided. Each of the crossbars 20 and 22 is slidable along the slat when both its associated support members 18 are in the unlocked position, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2, each support member 18
The main housing part 28 and the inner housing part 3
It can be seen that there is a housing 26 containing 0 and. Housing parts 26 and 3 when assembled together
0 is capable of forming the cavity 32 in the housing 26. The two housing parts 26 and 30
It is also possible to form an opening 34 that communicates with the cavity 32. The base portion 36 of the housing portion 28 includes an opening 38 that is also generally aligned with the opening 34 and is also formed in the base portion.

Still referring to FIG. 2, a cam member 40 is disposed in the cavity 32. This cam member is also shown in FIG. With particular reference to FIG. 5, the cam member is generally constructed from a solid rectangular solid rectangular block through which a threaded hole 42 is formed.
Has been extended. The hole 42 extends at an angle to the bottom wall 44 of the cam member such that the hole is non-parallel to or offset from the bottom wall 44. This cam member 4
The 0 may be injection molded from suitable high strength plastic, or it may be molded from other suitable materials, such as powdered metal.

Still referring to FIG. 2, a locking member 46 extends through the opening 34 and through the opening 38 in the base portion 36 of the housing 26 into the cavity 32. The locking member 46 is also shown in FIG. 4 and is formed by a T-shaped member having a clamp portion 48 and a neck portion 50. The clamp portion 48 includes a bent end 52 configured to engage an interior surface portion of a ledge 54 of the slats 16 (shown clearly in FIG. 2). Neck 5
0 has an opening 56 formed in the neck which is appropriately dimensioned to allow the cam member 40 to extend into the opening 56 during assembly of the device 10. ing. Locking member 46 is preferably formed of a single ferrous piece or other suitably strong material.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the support member 18 is
Furthermore, a manually operable dial-like member 60 and an opening 6 in the housing part 28 which is rigidly fixed to the member 60.
5 and an elongated threaded member 62 extending therethrough. The threaded member 62 preferably threads into the threaded hole 42 of the cam member 40 during assembly and extends through the opening 64 in the inner housing portion 30. The threaded member 60 is secured to the housing 26 by a snap ring 66 or any other suitable means to prevent the actuation member 58 from being inadvertently pulled outside the housing 26. When the support member 18 is assembled and in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 2, the bottom wall 44 of the cam member 40 rests on or closely adjoins the floor 68 of the cavity 32. There is. The clamp portion 48 is provided within the channel 70 of the slat 16 but is not in contact with the inner surface of the channel 70 so that the support member 18 can slide freely along the slat 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, the clamp portion 46 is moved to the locking position shown in FIG. 3 by manually operating the dial member 60 and rotating the member. As a result, the cam member 40 moves. That is, the cam member moves in the cavity 32 not only horizontally but also vertically. In FIG. 3, the cam member 40 moves upward and leftward when the dial member 60 is rotated in the first direction, that is, the locking direction. The upward movement of the cam member 40 causes the locking member 46 to engage the clamp portion 48 with the ledge 54 of the slat 16.
Lift up. By rotating the dial-shaped member 60 in the rotation direction opposite to the second direction, that is, the first direction,
The cam member 40 moves downward to the unlocking position shown in FIG. Therefore, by simply operating the dial member 60 and rotating the member in one rotation direction or the other rotation direction, the supporting member 18 can be quickly and easily placed in the locking position and the unlocking position, respectively. . Because the cam member 40 and threaded shaft 62 are located within the housing 26, they are protected from the ice, rain, etc. that can affect their operation over time.

With further reference to FIG. 3, first, the locking member 46.
The neck portion 50 of the main housing 28 to the base portion 36 of the main housing 28.
Assembly of support member 18 is accomplished by insertion through opening 38 in. Next, the operating member 5
The eight threaded shaft 62 is inserted through the opening 65 and the opening 56 of the locking member 46. The threaded shaft 62 is then engaged by the cam member 40 until the cam member 40 is in the position shown in FIG. 2 and extends through the opening 56 and the opening 64 in the inner housing portion 30. We proceed while screwing through. In this regard, the inner housing portion 30 is secured to the threaded member 62 via a snap ring 66 or other means.

Thus, the support member 18 of the device 10 includes a limited number of components, which can be quickly and easily brought into the locked and unlocked positions, respectively, with minimal manual effort by the operator. Can be placed.
The major components are located primarily within the housing 26 of the support member 18 and are therefore immune to ice, rain, snow and other elements that may interfere with their operation over time.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the actuating member 10
0 alternative embodiments are shown. The actuating member 100 includes a dial-shaped member 102 engageable with a disc-shaped member 104. This dial-shaped member 102
Forms a cap having an inner surface 106,
The surface has a plurality of teeth 108 projecting therefrom and spaced along the outer circumference and a plurality of shoulders 107 that overhang. The disc 104 includes an elongated threaded shaft 110 that is securely fixed to the body 112. The body portion 112 has a flat surface 114 and an outer peripheral portion 116. The flat surface 114 includes a plurality of flexible arm portions 118 that are spaced around the outer edge of the flat surface 114.

A more detailed understanding of the dial-like member 102 can be obtained with reference to FIGS. With particular reference to FIG. 9, each tooth 108 includes a ramp 108a and a rear portion 108b. The function of each of these parts will be explained shortly.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13,
The disc 104 can be understood in greater detail.
With particular reference to FIG. 13, each arm 118 includes a tooth 120 formed at the end of the arm.
Each tooth 120 has an inclined side 120a and a rear side 120a.
b. The disc member 104 is preferably made of a reasonably high strength plastic that provides some degree of flexibility to the arms 118. Furthermore,
The teeth 120 of each arm portion 118 are formed such that the inclined side portions 120 a face each tooth 120 when rotating in the locking direction. As a result, the rear portion 120b of at least one tooth will be initially faced when moving in the opposite rotational direction.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the assembled actuating member 100 can be understood. The elongated threaded shaft 110 can be used in various ways to provide the disc member 1
04, but is preferably insert molded so that it is stationary and fixed to the body 120. The overhanging shoulder 108 is the disk member 10.
4 engages with the edge portion 116a of the outer peripheral portion 116 so as to be inseparable from the dial member 102. When assembled, the dial member 102 is rotatable with respect to the disc member 104 if a predetermined upper torque limit is exceeded.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the actuating member 1
00 operation has been described. First, dial member 1
When 02 is rotated in the locking direction, the sloping surface 108a of the at least one tooth 108 contacts the sloping portion 120a of the at least one arm 118, as indicated by the directional arrow 121. Unless the rotational torque applied by the user exceeds a predetermined maximum torque, the rotational movement of the dial member 102 cooperates with the disc member 104 to perform the rotational movement. This is an elongated threaded shaft 110
(FIG. 12) is moved in the locking direction to move the cam member 40 to the position shown in FIG.
In the figure, it is possible to push it upwards and to the left, which makes it possible to pull the locking member 46 into the locked state in which it engages the shelves of the slats 16.

When the user applies an excessive torque to the dial member 102 in the locking direction and the torque exceeds a predetermined maximum allowable rotation torque, the arm portion 118 causes the teeth to move, as shown in FIG. Bend to allow 108 to ride over teeth 120. Thus, once the predetermined maximum torque is achieved, the dial member 10
Even if a rotational torque is further applied to 2 in the locking direction, the disk member 104 is not further rotated, and the dial member is simply rotated. With a different configuration, the dial member 102 enters an overrunning mode, otherwise it assumes a configuration that allows the dial member 102 to rotate freely independent of the disc member 104.

Referring now to FIG. 15, as the dial member 102 rotates in the unlocking direction, the rear portion 108 of one tooth 108, as indicated by arrow 122.
b contacts one tooth 120 rear 120b to allow the total torque applied by the user to the dial member 104 to be applied to the disk member 104. As a result, the disk member 104 rotates according to the dial member 102 that rotates in the unlocking direction of the arrow 122. This causes the elongated threaded member 110 to rotate in the unlocking direction, causing the cam member 40 to move downward and to the right in the view of FIG. 2, pulling the locking member 46 away from the slats 16.

Thus, the actuating member 100 of the present invention allows the support member 18 associated therewith to be over-tightened to the extent that it can damage internal components of the support member, and thus the slats 16 with which it is associated. Be prevented from passing. The predetermined maximum torque that can be exerted on the dial member 102 depends on the size of the arm portion 118, the disc member 1
04 specific material, ramp 120 on each tooth 120
a, and the angled portion 108a of each tooth 108
Is determined by several factors including the angle of. This angle can vary over a considerable range, but in the preferred embodiment it is preferably in the range of about 30 ° to 60 °, more preferably about 45 °.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms based on the above description. Thus, although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, other modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the drawings, the detailed description of the specification and the claims. The true range of is not limited to the examples above.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an automobile incorporating a vehicle article carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a side cross-sectional view of one support member and a portion of the slat associated therewith taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing the support member in an unlocked position.

3 is a view of the support member of FIG. 2 showing the support member in a locked position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locking member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cam member.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an actuation member of a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention with the actuation member incorporating a torque limiting structure.

7 is a plan view of the inner surface of the dial member shown in FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the dial member taken along section line 8-8 of FIG.

9 is a side cross-sectional view of one tooth of the dial member taken according to section line 9-9 of FIG. 7. FIG.

10 is a plan view of the disc-shaped member shown in FIG.

11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the disk-shaped member taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a disc-shaped member fixed to the dial-shaped member.

13 is a cutting line 13- of FIG. 12 showing a state in which the respective teeth of the disk-shaped member and the dial-shaped member are engaged when the dial-shaped member rotates in the locking direction but does not exceed a predetermined torque upper limit 13 is a cross-sectional view taken according to FIG.

FIG. 14 shows the respective teeth of the disc-shaped member and the dial-shaped member in the direction in which they are imposed when excessive torque is applied to the dial-shaped member by the user.

FIG. 15 is a view showing directions of teeth of the disc-shaped member and the dial-shaped member when the dial-shaped member rotates in the unlocking direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Vehicle article carrier 12 outer body surface 14 cars 16 slats 18 Support members 20, 22 Cross bar 24 Intermediate slats 26 Housing 28 Main housing parts Housing part inside 30 32 cavity 34 opening 36 Base 38 openings 40 Cam member 42 threaded hole 44 bottom wall 46 Locking member 48 Clamp part 50 neck 52 Edge 54 shelves 56 openings 58 Actuating member 60 dial-shaped member 62 Threading member 65 openings 66 snap ring 68 floor 70 channels 100 Actuating member (alternative embodiment) 102 dial-shaped member 104 Disc-shaped member 106 Inner surface 107 Shoulder 108 teeth 108a tooth slope 108b back of teeth 110 elongated threaded shaft 112 Body 114 flat surface 116 outer periphery 118 flexible arm 120 Teeth formed at the end of the flexible arm 120a Slanted side of flexible arm tooth 120b Rear side of teeth of flexible arm

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Arthur Kay Luck, Michigan, USA 48309, Rochester Hills, Breton Drive 1635 (72) Inventor Jeffrey M. Afternas, Michigan, USA 48310, Starling Heights, Karin Drive 33120, Apartment 206 (72) Inventor Donald Earl Potter Michigan, USA 48348, Clarkston, Morning Mist Drive 8767 (56) References Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-53072 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60R 9/058

Claims (13)

(57) [Claims] 1. A vehicle article carrier device for supporting an article on an outer body surface of a vehicle, the vehicle article carrier device comprising a pair of slats adapted to be fixed to the outer body surface. At least one cross bar, and a pair of support members for supporting the cross bar on the slats fixed on the outer body surface, the support members at a desired longitudinal position along the slats. A pair of support members slidably supported on the slats so as to be fixed to the slats, each of the support members includes a housing, and a locking member disposed in the housing. A locking member having a part engageable with the slat for releasably fixing the housing to the slat linked to the locking member; An operating member operatively linked to a member and rotatable by a manual operation, wherein the locking member is freely moved along the linked slat with respect to the linked slat. From a possible unlocked position to a locking position in which the associated support member is fixedly secured to the associated slat, is rotatable in a first direction and Rotating the actuating member in the first direction, the actuating member being rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction to set the locking member in the unlocked position; When letting you
It is possible to transmit the torque that the Z applies to the locking member.
Angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the actuating member
With a first transmission surface matingly mating with each other.
A torque limiting assembly having a pair of first torques
The transmission surface has a predetermined upper limit torque when the torque is applied.
Slidably engaged with each other until
And a torque limiting assembly configured to disengage when a torque limit is exceeded . Wherein said torque limiting assembly, the actuating
A torque operatively associated with both the member and the locking member.
And a torque limiting member,
Both are said first torque transmitting surface and the circumferential direction of said surface.
A second torque transmitting surface formed on the opposite side, and
Eteori, first torque transmission surface of said torque limiting member, so that the rotation torque applied to the operation member is transmitted to the locking member, when said actuating member is rotated, a predetermined upper limit torque The first torque transmission of the actuating member until reached
The first torque transmission surface is slidably engaged with the reach surface at the inclined angle, and when the upper limit torque is exceeded.
Thus, the torque limiting member causes the actuating member to move to the first position without further applying torque to the locking member.
A second torque transmitting surface of the torque limiting member , the second torque transmitting surface of the torque limiting member being configured to rotate when the actuating member rotates in the second direction.
Is prevented from sliding with the second torque transmitting surface of the
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device engages at an included angle thereby transmitting rotational torque to the locking member regardless of the magnitude of the torque applied to the actuating member in the second direction. 3. The actuating member includes a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other along an outer circumference thereof, and the torque limiting member has a plurality of flexible arm portions spaced apart from each other along an outer circumference thereof. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of these arms has teeth formed at its ends. 4. Each of the support members includes a hollow portion and a cam member , the cam member rotating the operating member.
Slides in the cavity by the
The actuating member and the locking portion so as to move the stop member.
Operatively connected to both of the members, the cam member
When the actuating member rotates in the second direction, the locking
The member will come out of engagement with the linked slats.
Slide in the direction in which the locking member is moved by the cam action,
The locking when the actuating member rotates in the first direction
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cam member that slides in a direction that moves the member to the locked position . 5. The cam member has a threaded hole extending therethrough for moving the cam member within the cavity when the actuating member rotates. 5. The device of claim 4, including an elongated threaded shaft adapted to thread into the threaded hole. 6. The locking member is a T-shaped locking member having a clamp portion and a neck portion, the neck portion having an opening formed in the neck portion, and the supporting member. Each further comprises a cavity formed in the housing, and a cam member slidable within the cavity, the opening in the neck adapted to receive the cam member. The device of claim 1, wherein 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking member further comprises a pair of bent ends for engaging portions of the associated slats. 8. The device of claim 5 , wherein the threaded hole in the cam member is formed to extend at an angle that is not parallel to the bottom wall of the cam member. 9. A vehicle article carrier device for supporting articles high on an outer body surface of a vehicle, the vehicle article carrier device comprising a pair of vehicle body carrier devices fixed to the outer body surface. Slats, crossbars, disposed at opposite ends of the crossbars for supporting the crossbars on the slats fixed on the outer body surface, and slidably supported on the slats. A pair of support members; each of the support members includes a housing having a cavity, a cam member having a threaded hole extending through the member, and operatively linked to the cam member. The locking member engages with the linked one of the pair of slats when the locking member is in the locking position, and the locking member is in the unlocking position. When Of the pair of slats, the locking member is provided so as to be disengaged from the contact with one of the linked slats, and the locking member and the housing operably so as to be manually operated by an operator. A rotatable actuating member associated with the cam, wherein the actuating member is operable to move the cam member within the cavity when the actuating member rotates in first and second directions. The threaded hole and screw of the member
An elongated member that is mated and connected to the actuating member, the actuating member, when rotating in the first direction,
When the clamp portion of the locking member engages with the one of the pair of slats that is linked, and when the clamp portion rotates in the second direction, the clutch member of the locking member is locked.
The actuating member for moving the cam member so that the pump part is disengaged from the interlocking slat, and the actuating member by the user when the actuating member rotates in the first direction. A torque limiting device operatively associated with the actuating member for limiting rotational torque that may be applied to the device. 10. The elongated member of the actuating member is the cover.
10. The device of claim 9 , comprising a threaded shaft that threadably engages a threaded hole in the diaphragm member . 11. The threaded hole in the cam member is formed when the actuating member rotates in the first and second directions.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cam member extends in a direction that is not parallel to the bottom wall of the cam member for lateral and vertical displacement within the cavity. 12. The torque limiting device has a torque limiting member operatively associated with the actuating member, the torque limiting member having a plurality of flexible arm portions formed on a flat surface of the member. However, each of the flexible arms has a tooth formed at an end thereof, and an inner surface of the actuating member is provided with the actuating member.
Actuating member for transmitting torque when rotating in the direction
Of the torque limiting member at an angle inclined with respect to the rotation axis of
Along the perimeter that is arranged in pairs to engage the teeth.
The teeth of the actuating member and the teeth of the actuating member.
The teeth of the torque limiting member are the same as the teeth when the torque is applied.
Slidable with respect to each other until the upper torque limit of
Engaged and disengaged when the upper limit torque is exceeded
9. The device of claim 8 , which is: 13. A vehicle article carrier apparatus for supporting articles high on an outer body surface of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a pair of slats adapted to be secured to the outer body surface. A slat, each of which has a channel formed therein, a slat, a cross bar disposed above the outer body surface for supporting an article thereon, and on the outer body surface. A pair of support members disposed at opposite ends of the cross bar for supporting the cross bar on the fixed slat and slidably supported on the slat; A housing having a main housing portion, an inner housing portion, and a cavity formed between the portions; and the cavity of the housing. A cam member further disposed in the cavity, the cam member further comprising a threaded hole extending at least partially therethrough, a neck projecting into the cavity, and the one channel of the one of the slat's associated links. A locking member having a clamp portion extending to the outside of the housing, the neck portion having an opening formed therein for receiving the cam member; An actuating member having an elongated threaded member screwed into the threaded hole of the cam member; and the actuating member being manually operated to rotate in a first direction.
With the threaded hole of the elongated threaded member by
Through which the cam member is vertically and laterally displaced within the cavity, thereby enabling the locking member to move in a locking engagement with the channel of the associated slat, Further, the actuating member has a second direction opposite to the first direction.
Of the elongated threaded member by rotating in the direction of
The cam member is vertically and laterally displaced within the cavity through threading engagement with the threaded hole , thereby disengaging the locking member from locking engagement with the channel of the associated slat. To move to
Possible and then, the operation member is provided with a more inner surfaces and the disk-shaped member which is independent from the surface, the disc-shaped member is fixed to the not move to the elongated threaded member,
A plurality of flexible arms that are formed so as to be spaced apart from each other along the outer circumference of the member and that have tooth portions at their ends, and the inner surface is a plurality that is spaced apart along the outer circumference. A plurality of teeth, the plurality of teeth are configured to operate when the actuating member rotates in a first direction to cause rotation of the elongated threaded shaft within the predetermined upper torque limit.
Said flexible arm at an angle inclined to the axis of rotation of the member
When a torque that exceeds the predetermined upper limit torque is applied, the front portion is slidably engaged with the tooth portions of the front portion.
The apparatus configured to disengage a plurality of teeth from the teeth, thus preventing further torque from being transmitted to the elongated shaft.