초록 ▼

In the loading position, the carriage assembly extends outwardly and pivots downwardly from the roof area to project the payload carrier at least partially below the height of the roof edge and roof surface. In the loading position, the equipment payload may be easily and conveniently loaded and unl

In the loading position, the carriage assembly extends outwardly and pivots downwardly from the roof area to project the payload carrier at least partially below the height of the roof edge and roof surface. In the loading position, the equipment payload may be easily and conveniently loaded and unloaded from the rack by a user of average height standing next to the vehicle. When the loading or unloading is completed, the carriage assembly pivots upwardly and slides inwardly to be returned to the transport position, where it is latched in position prior to vehicle movement. Various dedicated payload carriers may be interchangeably substituted on the carriage assembly or be integral with it. In a further embodiment, a single payload carrier accommodates multiple equipment types.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An equipment transport rack for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, said roof having a roof surface bounded by a roof edge, comprisinga support foot means for mounting in a fixed relation to the roof surface proximate the roof edge;carriage means mounted on the support foo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An equipment transport rack for mounting on the roof of a vehicle, said roof having a roof surface bounded by a roof edge, comprisinga support foot means for mounting in a fixed relation to the roof surface proximate the roof edge;carriage means mounted on the support foot means for pivoting from a horizontal position to a predetermined angled position with respect to the roof surface;the carriage means including a payload carrier means for temporarily attaching an equipment payload for transport thereon;the carriage means being linearly extendable from a compressed position to an extended position in which the payload carrier is at least partially beyond the roof edge;the equipment rack having a loading position for facilitating loading with the carriage means in said predetermined angled and extended positions so that the payload carrier is positioned at least partially below the level of the roof surface;the equipment rack having a transport position with the carriage means in horizontal and compressed positions so that the payload carrier is positioned above the level of the roof surface; andlatching means for removably securing the carriage in the transport position, wherein said latching means includes a latching block adjustably mounted on said support foot means, said latching block having means for engaging the corresponding top slide rail to prevent angular movement of the top slide rail when the equipment transport rack is in its transport position.