Multi-position, articulating vehicle article carrier apparatus and method

Abstract

A multi-position, articulating, vehicle article carrier apparatus for use with various types of vehicles such as sport utility vehicles, station wagons, minivans, etc. The apparatus includes a pair of side rails which are adapted to be fixedly secured to a roof portion of a vehicle. A pair of articulating mechanisms allow a cargo supporting structure coupled thereto to be disposed over a liftgate of the vehicle and secured to latching assemblies mounted in a rear bumper of the vehicle. The articulating mechanisms maintain the cargo supporting structure fixedly secured against movement when the cargo supporting structure is in a lowered position over the liftgate. When the cargo supporting structure is lifted into an intermediate position, each of the articulating mechanisms automatically unlock, thus allowing the entire cargo supporting structure to be urged into a position over the roof of the vehicle. Upper locking assemblies allow the cargo supporting structure to be secured fixedly on top of the vehicle. Unlocking of the cargo supporting structure from either the bumper or the upper locking assemblies is accomplished by a user grasping and rotating an actuator rod assembly which allows lower locking assemblies at opposite lower ends of the cargo supporting structure to be unlocked simultaneously. Cargo can be supported with the cargo supporting structure in the lowered position over the liftgate or on top of the roof of the vehicle.