The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 13, 2002
Filed:
May. 17, 2000
Scott R. Allen, Fieldbrook, CA (US);
Stephen J. Cole, Arcata, CA (US);
Gregory A. Dean, McKinleyville, CA (US);
Duncan G. Robins, McKinleyville, CA (US);
Joseph J. Settelmayer, Fieldbrook, CA (US);
Yakima Products, Inc., Arcata, CA (US);
Abstract
A rack assembly for carrying recreational equipment on a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one mount attachable to the vehicle, and a load-carrying support member coupled to the mount and configured to support the recreational equipment adjacent the vehicle. At least one securing apparatus is associated with the load-carrying support member and configured to secure the equipment to the support member. The securing apparatus includes a strap adapted to extend at least partially around the recreational equipment, and a ratchet drive mechanism adapted to receive and grip one end of the strap. In one embodiment, the ratchet drive mechanism includes at least one drive actuator that is operable to grip successive portions of the strap and draw it tight around the recreational equipment.