Patent Application
20080272165
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a load carrier designed for attachment to off-road vehicles, in particular snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The load carrier accepts detachable article-carrying devices, designed to transport longer, odd shaped items including snowboards, skis, shovels, and rifle cases.
2. Related Art
Improvements in the design and performance of off-road vehicles over the years, in particular snowmobiles and ATVs, have enabled people greater access into remote areas to pursue outdoor recreation and occupational activities. Snowmobile and ATV users, including snowboarders, skiers, ice climbers and hunters, routinely transport a variety of cargo items to effectively support their backcountry activities and travel. A snowmobile or ATV operator can attach a gear-sled or cart in tow. These cargo sleds or carts are typically made of aluminum or Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight (UHMW) plastic. Towing a cargo sled or cart behind a snowmobile or ATV enables bulk loading and transport of heavy cargo items, but can also inhibit the operator's access, maneuverability and fuel efficiency.
There are many situations in which cargo loads are preferred, or need, to be attached directly to a snowmobile or ATV. This can be when transporting skis, snowboards, rifles, supplemental fuel cans, water jugs, sleeping and duffle bags, tents, toolboxes, clothing, food containers, and safety gear including shovels, bound rope, medical supplies and search and rescue equipment.
Mechanical and environmental challenges for off-road vehicle cargo-carrying products include the weight of the load carrier relative to its strength and rigidity, its load balance capabilities and cargo configuration limitations, and potential damage to a user's vehicle, from the stress of carrying cargo under normal operating conditions. There is also the risk of cargo items becoming detached as riders navigate, often at high speeds, uneven terrain, including waterways, forests, culverts and mountains.
A number of snowmobile cargo baskets and article carriers have been created over the years. Some are open containers formed of rod, tube or wire pieces joined or welded together. This type of load carrier typically has four sides and a floor section, so that the load carrier may be described as a basket-style carrier. These carriers may require brackets, clamps or other mounting hardware to hold cargo items within the recessed cargo area of the carrier or basket. These baskets are typically detachable, and mounted to the rear portion of a vehicle chassis, tunnel, cargo platform or hull, using hardware such as bolts or clamps, or other restraint device. Basket mounting and cargo securing hardware can include straps, bolts, buckles, brackets, and also custom molded plastic and metal pieces. These basket-style load carriers are typically designed to fit on the flat, rear cargo platform located behind the seat of the snowmobile. Longer items such as skis, snowboards, and rifle cases can be positioned upright in the basket. Bulk cargo items typically transported inside these baskets include clothing, boots, water jugs, toolboxes and fuel cans. Some snowmobiles and ATVs are designed with customized cargo holds integrated as part of their design infrastructures, typically at the vehicle front or rear.
Another popular load carrier for snowmobiles and ATVs is the cargo rack-frame assembly, relatively lightweight in comparison to basket-style racks. Rack-frame assemblies are typically flat, short pieces of metal or plastic, joined together to form cross-member or upright-member, substantially-vertical, scaffold-style support systems. The racks/frames of such systems are substantially open, with significant spaces between cross-members and/or upright-members. Cargo articles carried by these types of load carriers are typically snowboards and skis. In many cases, the rider assembles the rack-frame before mounting it to a particular snowmobile. Straps, brackets, buckles or custom-molded hardware commonly accompany rack-frame assemblies.
Rack-frame assemblies are designed for removable attachment to various locations on the tunnel, body or chassis of the snowmobile or ATV. These stress points suffer wear and damage under normal operating conditions.
The demanding operational forces exerted upon these cargo carrying products, and the value of items being carried, and that of the vehicles themselves, are such that many riders today seek better solutions to their cargo-carrying problems. The load carriers described above have certain limitations, and a different type of load carrying system is needed to meet the needs of many off-road vehicle users, in particularly snowmobile and ATV users.
The invention comprises a load carrier for an off-road vehicle, such as an ATV or snowmobile, wherein the load carrier comprises a generally horizontal platform for connection to said off-road vehicle, and moveable article-mounts that may be adjustably fixed in position underneath and/or on top of said platform to receive various cargo articles, objects, or items (hereafter called “items” for simplicity) for transport. Said article-mounts may be specially adapted to receive and anchor elongated objects such as snowboards, skis, and rifle cases, preferably in a horizontal or generally horizontal orientation parallel or generally parallel to the length of the vehicle. Preferably, a substantial portion of the platform upper surface is on a single, substantially horizontal plane and is available for multiple of said article-mounts, while another portion is recessed for receiving smaller, shorter, or more regularly-shaped objects.
A first group of embodiments comprises a plurality of moveable article-mounts that may be mounted underneath the platform (also called, “below-platform” article-mounts), for example, by connection of a rail or other mounting portion of the article-mount to the underside and/or side edge of the platform. One preferred below-platform article-mount is a generally vertical cradle extending downward relative to the platform, wherein the cradle clamps objects such as a snowboard to the load carrier. Another preferred below-platform article-mount is a bracket that also extends downward relative to the platform and that comprises a generally horizontal slot for receiving skis or other elongated objects.
Each of the below-platform article-mounts may be moved to, and locked in, various locations along the underside and/or side edge of the platform, and, hence, in various locations preferably underneath the platform at or near side edges of the platform. The below-platform article-mounts are preferably adapted so that elongated cargo items held in the below-platform article-mounts are parallel, or generally parallel, to the length of the vehicle. This way, also, the elongated cargo items may be situated close to the vehicle in such a way that said cargo items do not extend transversely out beyond the outermost side extremity of the vehicle. Thus positioned, the cargo items are unlikely to catch on any terrain, trees, fences or other structure by which the vehicle is traveling, and load-balance and maneuverability are enhanced.
A second group of embodiments may comprise, in addition to or instead of below-platform article-mounts, one or more movable article-mounts connected to the upper surface of the platform (also called, “above-platform” article-mounts). The preferred above-platform article-mounts may be of the type called “post” or “paddle” systems that each comprise at least one upending arm, pole, post, panel, or other upwardly-protruding members. In preferred embodiments of the above-platform article-mounts, a set of generally vertical arms upends from a rotatable/swivelable plate, wherein the arms receive cargo items, optionally with the assistance of latches and/or a clamping feature to hold the cargo item between the arms.
The preferred above-platform, upwardly-extending article-mounts may be moved to, swiveled, and locked in, various locations and positions on or near the upper surface of the platform, with said locations and positions being provided so that the elongated cargo items extend parallel or generally parallel to the length of the vehicle, and close to the vehicle, in such a way that said cargo items do not extend transversely out beyond the outermost side extremity of the vehicle. While elongated cargo in these above-platform article-mounts may not be exactly parallel to the length of the vehicle, in order to avoid the driver and the driver's seat, the cargo preferably will be substantially parallel, for example, at, or less than, 45 degrees from parallel to said length. This way, the cargo items are unlikely to catch on any terrain, trees, fences or other structure by which the vehicle is traveling, and load-balance and maneuverability are enhanced.
The load carrier may be rectangular or generally rectangular, so that the side edges may be straight and parallel/generally-parallel to the length of the vehicle. Alternative load carriers may be non-rectangular and/or may not have straight side edges; for example, such alternative load carriers may be oval, egg-shaped, other shapes that do not have straight side edges, or shapes that have both straight and curved side edges. Generally oval or other non-straight-edge platforms may have the advantage of being strong and resistant to bending under extreme force, for example, when the user uses the load carrier as a hand-hold when pulling the rear of the vehicle out of a snow-bank. Both rectangular and non-rectangular load carriers may have side edges or side edge portions, or other structure underneath the upper platform, to which below-platform article-mounts may be connected, preferably with the cargo being parallel or generally parallel to the vehicle length so that it is less likely to catch on terrain, trees, fences or other structure by which the vehicle is traveling.
The load carrier may be bolted or otherwise fastened to various structures on the vehicle, for example, to the vehicle frame or “tunnel” behind the rider's seat. Downwardly-depending struts may be used, for example, extending downward from at or near the rear of the load carrier for being strapped or otherwise fastened to a rear portion of the vehicle, for example, a rear bumper or grab bar of the vehicle.
The preferred load carrier is not a frame structure in that it is not a set of horizontal or vertical bars or wires, wherein spaces between said bars or wires are large relative to the width of the bars or wires. Rather, the main body of the preferred load carrier is a generally horizontal platform that may have cutouts and holes, but is more solid and continuous than it is open, to provide strength, durability, and sure and deliberate placement and locking of article-mounts for holding cargo. Said cutouts and holes in said platform provide drainage, lighten the load carrier, and/or provide apertures for bolts or other fasteners to connect the load carrier to the vehicle, to connect the article-mounts to the platform or to rails/channels or other apparatus formed or provided underneath the platform, and/or to receive hooks or ties for tying the cargo to the platform and/or to the article-mounts.
Referring to the Figures, there are shown multiple, but not the only, embodiments of the invented load carrier for off-road vehicles. The load carrier preferably may be connected to a vehicle as an after-market/retrofit accessory, but, alternatively, may be provided as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) feature of the vehicle.
While various baskets and frames have been designed for carrying cargo on snowmobiles or ATVs, such baskets and frames share the common feature of consisting essentially of substantially vertical, upward-extending basket walls or frames/scaffolds. The invented load carrier, on the other hand, features a main body with a generally and substantially horizontal and flat platform surface, with cargo clamped to said main body by use of various embodiments of article-mounts, also called “article-carriers.” The main body may also have a recess to contain smaller objects.
Bolts or other fasteners may be used to join the load carrier to the vehicle rear tunnel surface, or cargo plate, providing secure and flush attachment of the load carrier to the motor vehicle. For example, in the case of a snowmobile, the load carrier may be mounted behind the vehicle operator on the rear, flat cargo area of the tunnel or frame of the vehicle. Bolts may extend through corners of a floor panel of a recessed portion of the load carrier platform and into said rear tunnel surface.
Threaded inserts that accept bolts can be mounted to the motor vehicle tunnel, frame, chassis or underside, if desired, to facilitate ready attachment and removal of the load carrier to and from the motor vehicle. Mounting the inserts to the vehicle enables one-handed operation, because the user need not manipulate loose/unattached nuts for said bolts. Hex cap bolts and cooperating mounted, threaded inserts, comprise one type of preferred mounting hardware. Care must be taken when drilling holes into any vehicle during accessory product mounting applications.
The load carrier preferably further includes at least one rear strut assembly, preferably detachable and of adjustable height, which fastens the rear, underside portion of the load carrier platform to the vehicle rear bumper, or ‘grab bar’, as in the case of snowmobiles and ATVs. A hose clamp or similar mechanism is used to fasten the rear strut foot of the rear strut assembly to the vehicle bumper or ‘grab bar’.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention routinely and safely support the weight, mass, and stress of long, awkward, relatively heavy cargo items routinely transported upon off-road vehicles. The load carrier and inter-fitting article mounting/carrying devices are easy to use, enabling operators to balance, position, and secure cargo loads to their particular vehicles, based upon their cargo carrying needs and imminent driving conditions. The load carrying system of the present invention can carry multiple combinations of cargo items at one time, or remain low profile when empty.
Cargo items, including skis, snowboards, rifle cases, and shovels, can be suspended below the platform of the load carrier and/or carried upon the load carrier top surface. Both the below-platform and above-platform article/item carriers or “article-mounts” may be used to suspend or support, respectively, heavy, awkward cargo items; the above-platform article-mounts have a particular advantage in that they reside on/above the relatively large, broad platform upper surface.
In the preferred below-platform article-mounts, as will be fully understood by viewing the embodiments described later in this document, a solid and secure attachment of cargo items is achieved by cradling and suspending the cargo items below and preferably beside the platform. Such below-platform article-mounts may comprise latched hooks, brackets, or other cradling devices in which the cargo is captured in ways that prevent twisting or swinging of the cargo relative to the platform and the vehicle.
In the preferred above-platform article-mounts, as also will be fully understand by the embodiments described later in this document, a solid and secure attachment of the cargo items is achieved by binding the cargo items to a single post or paddle, or between multiple posts or paddles. Said cargo post(s)- and/or paddles(s)-based article-mounts may comprise, or consist of, a base plate and two upright parallel members, which may be called “towers,” “posts,” “paddles,” “arms,” or other names. The arms may be generally fin-shaped and have flat, relatively broad surfaces facing inward, to accept cargo items within the space created between the two arms. The base plate may include rigid tabs, or threaded passages, or smooth holes or passages, drilled or otherwise formed to accept separate pins, bolts, knobs, or a combination of these devices. Preferably, the base plate is mounted flush to the top surface of the load carrier platform and secured or locked underneath the floor panel using one or more pins, bolts, knobs, or padlocks, or combination of locking mechanisms and fasteners. Once a post- or paddle-type article-mount is mounted in place on the load carrier body, the user may secure or lock various cargo items to the arms, and/or the load carrier body directly using cinching and locking straps or other attachment devices. Securement or locking of cargo in the post or paddle article-mounts, as more fully described below, may be done utilizing latch and/or clamping features of the post- or paddle-type article-mounts.
Two or more post or paddle article-mounts may be aligned if necessary to secure longer items to the load carrier. The opposing arms may be manufactured to be fixed in relation to one another, or manufactured to be adjustable in proximity to one another, enabling the user to secure different sized cargo items firmly between the arms. For example, a track system on the base plate may allow for sliding and securing one or both arms closer to, or farther from, one another, similar to a vise system, to allow secure positioned of cargo items of various widths between the opposing arms.
The posts or paddles may include passages/holes of various sizes, lengths, and orientation, to serve as receiving holes for pins, bolts, or other latches, and/or as attachment sites for bungee hooks, straps, ropes, or other attachment devices, such as cinching cables. Alternatively, depending on the effectiveness of the latching and/or clamping features, bungee cords, straps, ropes and cables may not be necessary. The preferred clamping process is aided by the flexion properties of light metal or UHMW plastic and the use of mounting hardware, bolts and rubber-coated knobs to squeeze the slightly flexible and resilient arms together. Neoprene or rubber inserts, molded or cut into fitted pieces, insulates the interior areas of the posts and paddles, providing a snug fit of cargo items, and a protective buffer from sharp ski, pole or snowboard edges during transport. The boots and bindings of skis and snowboards also serve to prevent these items' lateral movement within their respective article-mounts. Examples of the preferred, but not the only, above-platform article-mounts, as well as the below-platform article-mounts, are described in more detail below.
A first embodiment of the invention is shown in
One may understand from the drawings that the upper surface 16 is preferably a planar, flat, horizontal surface that may comprises one or more recesses for receiving objects that have a base that fits into the recess. For example, a gas or supply bag or a grouping of smaller pieces of equipment may be set in a rectangular recess 20. Elongated objects such as snowboards, snowshoes, or skis are preferably attached by embodiments of the invented article-mounts, as will be further detailed below.
The recess 20 preferably has a bottom wall 22 and four portions of sidewall 24, with the recess 20 being about 4-8 inches deep. Holes 26 are provided to allow drainage of rain and snow, and connection points for bungee cords, cables, or other ties, bolts, or other fasteners.
An outer edge rim 40 may be provided as a portion of the side edge 42, to strengthen the platform and/or to serve as a portion of a rail or channel on the underside of the platform 12. The rim 40 may be formed by affixing or welding a ribbon of metal approximately one half to two inches in width, at preferably an angle of 90 degrees, to the perimeter of a metal platform, or may be molded at preferably 90 degrees to a plastic platform, for example. The rim 40, which increases rigidity of the load carrier platform 12, may be fitted with rubber trim, for example, reinforced by metal inserts, to prevent the edge of cutting skin, cables, ties or other objects.
The side edge 42 may comprises multiple portions and be various shapes, for example, in the embodiment portrayed in
Optionally, the load carrier may comprise additional reinforcement structure, such as hat channels, or bracing beams, welded or otherwise mounted alone or in series underneath the platform 12, for example the beams 41 shown to best advantage in
The rim 40, or other supplemental side edge structure is beneficial for connection and stabilization of below-platform cargo-mounts. For example, rail-mount-type article-mounts may comprise top rails that abut against, and/or connect to, the rim 40 or other supplemental structure. Alternatively, the rim 40 or other supplemental side edge structure may form an outer perimeter wall defining a channel, underneath the platform and inward from said outer perimeter wall, into which the top rail of the cargo-mount may be inserted and connected.
One embodiment of snowboard mount is article-mount 50, which may be removeably connected to the platform 12, underneath a right portion of the side edge 42 of the platform 12 at any one of various locations along the length of said side edge 42. Each of the side edge 42 of the platform and the top rail 44 of the snowboard article-mount 50 has a row of multiple holes 46, 48 for receiving a fastener 51 with an easily-operated knob handle 52, or other fasteners, to connect the top rail to the side edge of the platform.
The article-mount 50 may be formed from a generally flat panel of aluminum or UHMW plastic, bent at about its transverse mid-line, creating a cradle or support for the snowboard being carried. Preferably, the panel is bent to form an acute angle of about 120-150 degrees, and more preferably about 135 degrees, as shown to best advantage in FIGS. 10 and 11. The article-mount 50 receives the snowboard S, so that the opposing snowboard edges rest in, and are captured between, a lower hook 54 and the top corner 55 of other surface of top hook 56. By unfastening the article-mount 50 from the platform 12, sliding the top rail 44 longitudinally (parallel to the length of top rail 44), and refastening the article-mount 50 to the platform 12 by means of the fastener/knob 51/52 in the holes 46, 48 of the rows of holes, the article-mount 50 may be adjusted to many positions along, and parallel to, the side edge 42. Thus, one may describe the mounting of article-mount 50 to platform 12 as a rail-mount. Further, for additional stability and security, an additional fastener with knob 52′ may extend through the sidewall 24 of the recess 20 to connect to the article-mount 50. The rows of multiples holes 46, 48 may be called “rail cutouts”, made, for example, by drilling ¼ to ½ inch holes along the load carrier top surface near the rim 40. One may note that there are many such rail cutouts all around the platform, reducing the weight of the load carrier, but adding to the versatility of the load carrier by providing many locations for rail-mounting of various article-mounts.
Other methods and apparatus for mounting bellow-platform article-mounts may be used. For example, it may be noted that the top rail 44 of article-mount 50 abuts against the bottom surface 43 of portions of the rim 40, because the top rail 44 is longer than the portion of the side edge 42 to which it is mounted and, therefore, because the top rail 44 extends past said portions of the rim 40/side edge 42. If, instead, the top rail 44 were shorter than the rim 40/side edge 42 portions to which it is mounted, said top rail 44 might fit in the recess/channel underneath the platform 12 just inward relative to the rim 40. Thus, the top rail 44 could be placed and locked in a recess/channel just inside the rim 40 of the platform, wherein the rim 40 would form the outer perimeter wall of the channel.
One embodiment of a rail-mounted ski article-mount, that is article-mount 70, has a bracket-shape more accommodating to secure skis, shovels, and rifle cases. Each rail-mounted ski article-mount 70 includes a suspension bracket forming a generally U-shaped cradle end 74 and a top rail end 76. The suspension bracket may be formed from a single plate or strip of metal, for example, that is bent right angles to form the cradle end 74 and the top rail end 76.
The top rail end 76 is shaped and sized to fit underneath the platform side edge 42, in the space/channel at the corner formed by the intersection of rim 40 with the platform 12. Thus, article-mount 70 connects to the load carrier underneath the platform and within the channel 78 using screws 81 or other fasteners through one or more top rail edge cutouts. As in the snowboard article-mount 50, a row of holes/cutouts is provided in each of the side edge 42 of the platform 12 and the top rail end 76 of the article-mount 70. This way, the user may slide and lock the article-mount 70 at several locations along the side edge 42 (that is, along the channel 78 underneath side edge 42), and the article-mount 70 may describe the device as “rail-mounted.” Preferably, two of the ski article-mounts 70 are used, so that the skis SK are held at two places along their lengths.
The suspension bracket cradle end 74 has a flat bottom wall upon which the skis SK rest, and a ring 75 or other latch, strap, clamp, cord, or restraint may be used to restrain the skis SK from bouncing up out of the cradle end 74. The ring 75 or other restraint may be adjustably locked in place over the skis SK, for example, by bolt 86 or another fastener, to lash, bind or otherwise secure the skis SK into place once they are positioned upon the cradle end 74 of the suspension bracket of the article-mount 70.
Rail-mounted article/item carriers/mounts, such as below-platform article-mounts 50 and 70, may be useful for snowboards and skis, as discussed above, as they “tuck” them generally out of the way underneath the platform 12, close to the vehicle and generally parallel to the length of the vehicle. Also, rail-mounted below-platform article-mount 50, 70 may be especially useful to haul shorter, lighter items, notably shovels (see
In addition to, or instead of, rail-mounted, below-platform article-mounts 50, 70, the load carrier may comprise above-platform article-mounts. While such above-platform article-mounts are not shown in
As in the load carrier 10 of
The platform 112 of the load carrier 110, 110′, 110″ includes holes and cutouts throughout its body that provide drainage and lighten the weight of the load carrier, in addition to serving as fastener holes for rail-mounted, below-platform article-mounts and/or for above-platform article-mounts. At least some of the cutouts are designed and positioned to accept above-platform cargo article-mounts, for example, ski and snowboard article-mounts that offer one-handed adjustable binding of cargo items within the article-mounts.
As will be understood by one of skill in the art in view of the discussion of rail-mounting for the load carrier 10, various styles of below-platform article-mounts may be effectively rail-mounted underneath the platform 112. In
The side edge of load carrier 110 is particularly conducive to receiving two bracket-style article-mounts 70, as the top rails of article-mounts 70 are shorter than the respective portions of the side edge and therefore may fit in the channel/space underneath the platform 112 just inward relative to the rim 140. However, it should be understood that load carrier 110 may also receive longer below-platform article-mounts, such as a snow-board article-mount 50 (see
Above-platform article-mounts 80 and 90, which may also be called “top-mounted” article-mounts, may be designed to swivel or rotate atop the load carrier platform, for example, by means a preferably flat, disc-shaped base plate 82, 92 that is rotatable on top of the platform 112 and lockable by hand-turnable bolts 83, 93. The user mounts the plates 82, 92 to the load carrier platform upper surface 116 in a location of choice, rotating the plates, which carry with them their respective arms or brackets, into the desired position, and then securing the plates with a rubber knob and bolt assembly, preferably comprising bolts 83, 93 and nuts 85, 95. Bolts 83, 93 extend through any of many holes (arranged in arcs) in plates 82, 92 to threadably connect to threaded nuts 85, 95. To facilitate one-handed mounting of the plates 82, 92 to the load carrier, the nuts 85, 95 are inserts that are welded or otherwise affixed to, or integral with, the load carrier platform underside to easily receive the bolts 83, 93 without manipulation of the nuts/inserts by the user. The nuts/inserts are preferably coarse-threaded metal fittings that easily accept a fastening bolt (bolts 83, 93) inserted from the load carrier topside and through the plates 82, 92 to secure the top-mounted article-carrier to the load carrier platform.
In one type of above-platform article-mount, for example, for top-mounting of snowboards, the top-mounted article-mount plate supports at least one, but preferably two, paddle-shaped uprights that are welded or otherwise fastened to the plate. Cargo items are placed alongside, or preferably between the opposing paddles, and secured into place by various mechanisms. A preferred embodiment of this type of article-mount is article-mount 80, wherein vertical paddles 84 upend from the plate 82 to receive cargo items between them, wherein a lockable pin 86 or other latch retains the cargo item in the paddles 84. The preferred threaded pin 86 is insertable through any of several sets of aligned holes in both paddles 84 and lockable by being screwed into the corresponding nuts 87. Nuts 87 are examples of threaded inserts fixed to an outer surface of one of the paddles 84, making installation of pin 86 a one-handed operation. The paddles 84 are slightly flexible, and so, by screwing-in the pin 86 until the paddles are pulled tightly together on each side of the cargo item, one may secure the cargo in said article-mount 80. Such tightening of the paddles 84 results in clamping of the cargo object by the paddles 84.
In another type of above-platform article-mount, for top-mounting skis, for example, at least one, and preferably two, opposing, upending posts are juxtaposed near each other to receive and secure the skis or other cargo. The preferred embodiment of this type is article-mount 90, which is mounted in a similar manner as article-mount 80, and so is also swivelable on or near the upper surface 116 of platform 112. Article-mount 90 comprises a generally U-shaped bracket 94, comprising two generally vertical arms serving as the upending posts, upending from the plate 92 to receive cargo objects between them. While the arms of bracket 94 are not as large as the paddles 84, the arms inner surfaces are preferably flat and planar.
A lockable pin 96 or other latch may be used to retain the cargo object between the arms of bracket 94. Lockable pin 96 may be inserted through both arms of bracket 94, through sleeve 96′ between the arms, and screwed into hand-turnable bolt 97. Sleeve 96′ may be used to prevent inward movement of the arms, and so allow the pin 96 and nut 97 combination to be tightened without squeezing the arms together. Alternatively, the sleeve 96′ may be removed or eliminated, and, then, tightening of the pin 96 and nut 97 combination may squeeze the arms together to clamp the cargo object between them. Sleeve 96′ and the pin 96 (or pin 96 only, if sleeve 96′ is eliminated) extend between the arms to close the top end of the bracket 94.
In each of article-mounts 80 and 90, the paddles 84, or arm of bracket 94, are spaced apart at their bottom ends a predetermined amount that is preferably not changeable or adjustable. Thus, while their top ends may be squeezable/tightenable in an inward direction, the bottom ends are typically not moveable relative to their respective plates 82, 92.
Preferably, the latches used to close and/or tighten the above-platform article-mounts 80, 90 are adjustable to varying heights on the arms 84 and bracket 94. This is done, in the preferred embodiments, by providing several sets of holes and nuts at various heights on the arms 84 and bracket 94, wherein the user selects which holes and nuts to use for a particular piece of cargo.
As alternatives to the paddles 84 and bracket 94 arms, other upending bars, posts, or panels may be used. Also, other plates and attachment methods may be used to connect the bars, posts or panels to the platform 112. Other latches and other latch height-adjustment methods may be used.
Thus it may be understood that the above-platform, upwardly-extending article-mounts may be moved to, swiveled, and locked in, various locations and positions on or near the upper surface of the platform. Said locations and positions are preferably provided so that the elongated cargo objects extend parallel or generally parallel to the length of the vehicle, and close to the vehicle, in such a way that said cargo objects do not extend transversely out beyond the outermost side extremity of the vehicle. Such article-mounts enable the user to position longer cargo items, such as snowboards or skis, clear of riders' bodies during operation, and in positions wherein the cargo items will not unbalance the vehicle. Long items can thus be positioned or aligned against or near the sides of the snowmobile or ATV, an advantageous feature when navigating uneven, brushy or wooded terrain because the cargo will not tend to catch on said brush, wood, or on other items or terrain being passed.
As shown in
Post or paddle embodiments, such as article-mounts 80, 90, may also include design features to use these article-carrier components as improvised tools. For example, a paddle design can incorporate a detachable handle and fitted nosepiece, to use the paddle as a snow shovel. With two paddles detachable from their supporting base plate/disc, the paddles can incorporate lightweight snowshoe bindings into their flat, rigid body composition, with design features that make them suitable for use when walking on snow. Such a paddle design preferably includes a waffle pattern composition. In such an embodiment, a set of paddles could assist the off-road vehicle operator when traveling on foot.
As in the load carrier of
The preferred load carriers 10, 110, 110′, 110″ are made of sheet aluminum or mild steel, wherein the plate or panel members are of about 1/16 to ⅛ inch in thickness. However, the load carriers may instead be cast-molded from plastic, or made by other methods and from other materials or combinations of materials.
The load carrier is also susceptible to modification by the user for more specific applications. For example, the flat, planar properties of the load carrier upper surface provide an ideal platform for fastening cameras or tripod mounts, an appealing feature for photographers or videographers using a snowmobile on backcountry assignments.
Accompanying hardware for the present load carrier and its inter-fitting article carriers/mounts includes commonly available fasteners, such as rubber-coated knobs, bolts, stop nuts and threaded inserts, which are easily replaceable or improvised by the user if lost or damaged. The size, height, weight and capacity of the cargo platform, support struts, and recessed portion (if included), and article-mounts, can typically vary among different off-road vehicles, and are also determined by the cargo carrying needs of the operator.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to one of skill in the art after reading this disclosure and viewing the drawings. Although this invention is described herein and in the drawings with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/622,353, filed Jan. 11, 2007 and entitled “Load Carrying System For Motor Vehicles,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11622353 | Jan 2007 | US |
| Child | 12174610 | US |
