# US 2022/0032853 A1 · Crossbar clamp actuator

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- Number: US 2022/0032853 A1
- Document ID: US20220032853A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 17/371,007
- Filed: 2021-07-08
- Published: 2022-02-03
- Earliest claimed: 2015-06-09
- Assignees: Yakima Products, Inc.
- Applicants: Yakima Products, Inc.
- Inventors: Scott A. McFadden; Charles Kraeuter; John Mark Elliott; Gian-Marco D'Angelo
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20220032853A1

## CPC

- B60R 9/058: characterised by releasable attaching means between carrier and roof
- B60R 9/05: Carriers characterised by wind deflecting means (wind deflectors for open roofs B60J7/22)
- B60R 9/052: Carriers comprising elongate members extending only transversely of vehicle (B60R9/08 takes precedence)
- B60R 2011/0059: {using clips, clamps, straps or the like}
- B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

## Abstract

A crossbar clamp actuator of a crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a horizontally traveling wedge block having a ramped, downward-facing first slide surface, and a wedge follower having a second slide surface in frictional contact with the first slide surface of the traveling wedge block. Substantially horizontal repositioning of the traveling wedge block may cause the ramped first slide surface to urge the wedge follower downward, thereby actuating a crossbar clamp.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A vehicle rack for carrying cargo, comprising:
a clamp having a seat and a connector movable relative to the seat; and
a clamp actuator including a threaded member engaging a traveling wedge block, and a wedge follower contacting a surface of the wedge block, wherein rotation of the threaded member causes movement of the wedge block and the wedge follower in relatively different directions.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The vehicle rack of claim 1, wherein the traveling wedge block has a ramped, downward-facing first slide surface, and
the wedge follower is coupled to and movable with the crossbar connector, the wedge follower having a second slide surface in frictional contact with the first slide surface of the traveling wedge block, such that substantially horizontal repositioning of the traveling wedge block causes the ramped first slide surface to urge the wedge follower downward, moving the crossbar connector downward relative to the crossbar seat.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The vehicle rack of claim 2, wherein the first slide surface of the traveling wedge block is a substantially planar surface.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The vehicle rack of claim 3, wherein the ramped first slide surface defines a first ramp angle, and the second slide surface is ramped at a second ramp angle complementary to the first ramp angle.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The vehicle rack of claim 2, wherein the threaded member is inserted into an end of the traveling wedge block, such that rotation of the threaded member is configured to cause the horizontal repositioning of the traveling wedge block.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The vehicle rack of claim 2, wherein the traveling wedge block is horizontally repositionable parallel to a long axis of a crossbar.