Crossbar attachment interface to substrate

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a crossbar attachment interface to a substrate. An attachment structure includes a crossbar body extending between a first end and a second end; a first mounting member, the first mounting member being coupled to the first end; and a second mounting member, the second mounting member being coupled to the second end. The first mounting member and the second mounting member each include at least one cleat selectively securable to a substrate including a plurality of mounting holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an attachment structure for securing a crossbar to a base panel in a cargo area. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles transport various types of cargo. Crossbars may be attached to the vehicle to support larger items, such as travel storage boxes, kayaks, bicycles, etc., for transportation purposes. The vehicle may also include a base plate with mounting holes configured to support various different types of cargo, such as tool boxes, storage containers, coolers, etc. Providing a quick and secure mounting of the crossbar to such a plate can be challenging. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment structure particularly includes: a cross bar body extending between a first end and a second end; a first mounting member connected to the first end; and a second mounting member connected to the second end, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member each include at least one clamping plate, and the at least one clamping plate can be selectively fixed to a base plate including a plurality of mounting holes.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned attachment structure, each end of the crossbar body includes an attachment opening, and wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member each include an end cap having a leg extension, and the leg extension is received in the attachment opening to secure the end cap to the crossbar body.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the first mount is adjustable and the second mount is fixed.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the first mount includes an actuator that rotates a shaft to move at least one cleat between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the first mount includes a lock movable between a blocking position preventing rotation of the actuator and a non-blocking position allowing rotation of the actuator.

[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the lock includes a locking pin biased to the blocking position.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the at least one clamping plate of the second mount is secured relative to the crossbar body using at least one clamping rod.

[0010] An attachment structure according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure particularly includes: a base plate having a plurality of mounting holes; a cross bar extending between a first end and a second end; a first mounting member connected to the first end, the first mounting member including a first clamping plate which can be received in a first mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; and a second mounting member connected to the second end, the second mounting member including a second clamping plate which can be received in a second mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes, wherein the first clamping plate can be selectively adjusted relative to the cross bar, and the second clamping plate is fixed relative to the cross bar.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the first mount includes an actuator that moves the first clamp plate between a locked position in which the crossbar is locked to the base plate and an unlocked position in which the crossbar is removable from the base plate.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the actuator includes a rotatable knob, and wherein the first mounting member includes a locking pin that is movable between a blocking position that prevents rotation of the knob and a non-blocking position that allows rotation of the knob.

[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing attachment structures, the locking pin is biased to the blocking position.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of any one of the aforementioned attachment structures, the first clamp includes a first mounting foot having a first protrusion, and wherein: when the first clamp is in the locked position, the first protrusion extends below the surface of the substrate surrounding the first mounting hole; and when the first clamp is in the unlocked position, the first protrusion is aligned with the first mounting hole so that the first clamp can be moved out of the first mounting hole.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned attachment structures, the second clamp includes a second mounting leg having a second protrusion, and wherein: when the actuator moves to one of the locked position and the unlocked position, the first protrusion is pulled toward the second protrusion, and wherein when the actuator moves to the other of the locked position and the unlocked position, the first protrusion is pushed away from the second protrusion.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned attachment structures, each of the first end and the second end of the cross bar includes an attachment opening, and wherein: the first mounting member includes a first end cap having a first leg extension, the first leg extension is received in the attachment opening to secure the first end cap to the cross bar, the first end cap is positioned between the actuator and the first end of the cross bar; and the second mounting member includes a second end cap having a second leg extension, the second leg extension is received in the attachment opening to secure the second end cap to the second end of the cross bar.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of attaching a crossbar to a substrate including a plurality of mounting holes, the crossbar extending from a first end including a first mounting member to a second end including a second mounting member, the method comprising: inserting a first clamping plate of the first mounting member into a first mounting hole of the plurality of mounting holes; inserting a second clamping plate of the second mounting member into a second mounting hole of the plurality of mounting holes; and selectively adjusting a position of the first clamping plate relative to the crossbar and the substrate to secure the crossbar to the substrate.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes coupling an actuator to the first clamping plate; selectively moving the actuator between a locked position in which the crossbar is locked to a base plate and an unlocked position in which the crossbar is removable from the base plate.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes rotating the actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein rotation of the actuator causes linear movement of the first clamping plate relative to the base plate.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes selectively moving a locking pin between a blocking position that prevents rotation of the actuator and a non-blocking position that allows rotation of the actuator.

[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes biasing the locking pin to the blocking position.

[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes securing the second cleat to the crossbar such that only the first cleat is adjustable relative to the crossbar.

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings attached to the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0025] Figure 1A A perspective view of a vehicle having a cargo bed equipped with a base plate to which a crossbar may be secured is shown according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1B A perspective view of a van having a cargo area equipped with a base plate to which a crossbar may be secured is shown according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1C A perspective view of a vehicle having a cargo bed equipped with a cross bar attached to a base plate is shown according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 is a side view of a crossbar having a first mounting member at one end and a second mounting member at an opposite end.

[0029] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the first mounting member is shown in FIG.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Assembly view of the first mounting piece.

[0031] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a first mounting member in a blocking position.

[0032] Figure 5B is similar to Figure 5A , but showing the locking pin moveable to a non-blocking position.

[0033] Figure 5C yes Figure 4 End view of the first mounting member with the knob removed.

[0034] Figure 6 Yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the second mounting member is shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Assembly view of the second mounting member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The subject disclosure provides an attachment structure for securing a crossbar to a base plate in a cargo area. The attachment structure includes mounting cleats on the ends of the crossbar, each of which is inserted into one of a plurality of mounting holes in the base plate. Accessories may then be secured to or supported by the crossbar. The base plate may be mounted to a floor structure or a wall structure. The attachment structure for the crossbar may be quickly and easily attached to / detached from the base plate without the use of tools.

[0037] In one example, an attachment system for an accessory is used on a vehicle. Figures 1A to 1C The vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 14 and a cargo area 16 located behind the passenger compartment 14. The cargo area 16 has a floor 18. Figure 1A In the example of FIG. 1 , the vehicle 10 is a pickup truck. However, in another example, the vehicle 10 may be another type of vehicle, such as a car, a van, a sport utility vehicle, etc. Figure 1B An example of a van is shown incorporating a base plate 20 that may be used with accessories 22 such as cross bars.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, one or more bases 20 are used to support one or more accessories and / or modules 22. In one example, the cargo bed 16 is formed by a pair of side walls 24 (shown in FIG. 1 for clarity). Figure 1A The vehicle 10 is defined by a rear wall 24, 26, and a tailgate (not shown). In one example, the base plate 20 is secured directly to the walls 24, 26 and / or floor 18 of the cargo area 16 at a first connection interface by fastening, welding, etc. The accessories and / or modules 22 may be secured to the vehicle 10 by engaging one or more of the base plates 20 via a second connection interface separate from the first connection interface.

[0039] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown in , the base plate 20 includes a plurality of mounting openings or holes 30. Figure 1C As shown in FIG, the example module 22 includes one or more crossbars 32 secured to the base plate 20 via a mechanical connection interface. Additional items 34 such as storage boxes, bicycles, kayaks, etc. can then be attached to the crossbars 32.

[0040] In one example, the substrate 20 also includes other openings or holes 36 ( Figure 1A to Figure 1B), and also includes an additional opening or locking hole 38 for facilitating locking of an item to the base plate 20. The power hole 36 and the locking hole 38 are spaced apart from each other and are separate from each other and from the mounting hole 30. In one example, the holes 30, 36, 38 can have different shapes and / or sizes from each other. These sets of holes 30, 36, 38 are provided at multiple locations on the base plate 20 and are formed on the base plate 20 in a desired pattern to allow the attachment structure associated with the crossbar 32 to be installed in a variety of different locations as desired. In one example, the mounting hole 30 is formed to have a diamond shape and is larger in size than the power hole 36 and the locking hole 38.

[0041] Figure 2 One example of a crossbar 32 extending between a first end 40 and a second end 42 is shown. A first mounting structure 44 is coupled to the first end 40, and a second mounting structure 46 is coupled to the second end 42. In one example, the first mounting structure 44 includes a first mounting foot or cleat 48 receivable within the first mounting hole 30, and the second mounting structure 46 includes a second mounting foot or cleat 50 receivable within the second mounting hole 30. The hole 30 is spaced upwardly from the floor 18 or sidewalls 24, 26 by an open gap so that the cleats 48, 50 can be easily inserted into the base plate 20.

[0042] In one example, the first clamping plate 48 is selectively adjustable relative to the crossbar 32, and the second clamping plate 50 is fixed relative to the crossbar 32. In one example, the first mounting structure 44 includes an actuator 52 that moves the first clamping plate 48 between a locked position in which the crossbar 32 is locked to the base plate 20 and an unlocked position in which the crossbar 32 can be removed from the base plate 20. In one example, the actuator 52 includes a rotatable knob 54. In one example, the first mounting structure 44 also includes a locking member 56 that is movable between a blocking position that prevents the knob 54 from rotating and a non-blocking position that allows the knob 54 to rotate.

[0043] Figure 3An example of the first mounting structure 44 is shown in more detail. In addition to the knob 54 and the locking member 56 of the actuator 52, the first mounting structure 44 includes a tower 58, one or more sliding rods 60, a collar 62, a collar retainer 64, a threaded shaft 66, and an end cap 68. In one example, the knob 54 includes a disc-shaped body having a central opening 70 that threadably engages one end 72 of the threaded shaft 66. The outer peripheral surface around the disc-shaped body includes a plurality of recesses 74 and protrusions 76 that alternate with each other. In one example, the recesses 74 and the protrusions 76 form a castellated structure. The opposite end 78 of the threaded shaft 66 is screwed into an opening 80 formed in the tower 58. The rotational movement of the knob 54 is converted into an axial movement of the tower 58 along the shaft 66 to move the first clamp 48 between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0044] In one example, the locking member 56 includes a locking pin 82 that moves between a blocking position that prevents the knob 54 from rotating and a non-blocking position that allows the knob 54 to rotate. The locking pin 82 extends outward from a cylindrical body 84, wherein an enlarged flange or collar portion 86 separates the locking pin 82 from the cylindrical body 84. In one example, the collar portion 86 has a larger outer diameter than the locking pin 82 and the cylindrical body 84. The cylindrical body 84 extends from the collar portion 86 to a distal end 88, which includes a support surface for one end of a resilient member 90. In one example, the resilient member 90 includes a coil spring. The resilient member 90 is received in an inner cavity 92 formed in the tower 58. One end of the resilient member 90 is supported against the distal end 88 of the cylindrical body 84, and the opposite end of the resilient member 90 is supported against an end wall 94 of the inner cavity 92 in the tower 58.

[0045] In the blocking position ( Figure 4 ), the locking pin 82 is received in one of the recesses 74 of the knob 54, and the collar portion 86 abuts against the rear face of the knob 54, which defines a stop for the blocking position. The resilient member 90 biases the locking pin 82 toward the blocking position. This prevents the knob 54 from rotating. To move the locking pin 82 to the non-blocking position, the locking pin 82 is manually pressed toward the tower 58 to overcome the biasing force of the resilient member 90. Once the locking pin 82 is out of the recess 74, the knob 54 can be rotated and the position of the first clamp 48 can be adjusted.

[0046] Optionally, an additional lock 96 may be included as part of the first mounting structure 44 .

[0047] In one example, the additional lock 96 comprises a padlock having a shackle 98 that is selectively coupled to a lock body 100 that includes an internal locking mechanism (not shown) that can be locked / unlocked via an input interface 102 that is interacted with via a key or code. In this example, the cylindrical body 84 includes a lock opening 104 through which the shackle 98 can be inserted and locked to the lock body 100 to provide a locked condition ( Figure 5A ). When in the locked condition, the locking pin 82 cannot move relative to the knob 54.

[0048] To unlock the knob 54, a key or code interacts with the input interface 102 to unlock the shackle 98 from the lock body 100. The shackle 98 is removed from the lock opening 104 ( Figure 5B ), and the locking pin 82 can be pushed out of engagement with the knob 54. Then, the knob 54 can be rotated to adjust the position of the first clamping plate 48.

[0049] The first mounting structure 44 may also include a travel stop to limit the travel of the locking member 56. In one example, the cylindrical body 84 includes a recess or slot 106 that opens into the outer surface of the cylindrical body 84. A travel pin 108 secured to the first clamp plate 48 extends upwardly into the slot 106. One end 110 of the slot 106 engages the travel pin 108 ( Figure 4 ) to provide a stop in the blocking direction. This also prevents the locking member 56 from sliding out of the cavity 92 and becoming separated from the tower 58. When moved to the unlocked position, the opposite end 112 of the slot 106 engages the travel pin 108 to define a stop.

[0050] In one example, the crossbar 32 includes a load bar body 114 that includes an upper slot 116 and a lower slot 118. A filler strip 120 is received within the upper slot 116. In one example, the tower 58 includes a key or connector 122 ( Figure 5C ). In one example, the connector 122 includes a T-shaped structure having opposing legs that are slidably received within the slot 118. An opening 80 for the threaded shaft 66 is located in the connector 122 between the opposing legs.

[0051] In one example, the neck portion 124 extends from the connector 122 to the upper body portion of the tower 58. The upper portion includes channels 126 on each side of the neck portion 124. Each channel 126 receives a slide bar 60. The slide bars 60 reduce friction and facilitate movement of the tower 58 when the first clamp 48 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position. In one example, the slide bars 60 are made of a material such as HPDE, Teflon, or other similar low friction material.

[0052] In one example, the collar 62 is secured to the threaded shaft 66 at the non-threaded portion 128 so that the collar 62 rotates with the shaft 66. A pin 130 extends through an associated opening 132 in the collar 62 and is received on the opposite side of the non-threaded portion 128. The collar 62 includes an opening 134 that aligns with an opening 136 of the collar retainer 64 to receive the shaft 66. The collar retainer 64 includes an enlarged lower body portion 138 having a recess 140 that receives the collar 62. The pin 142 secures the collar retainer 64 to an optional clutch 144 ( Figure 4 ) or secured to the end cap 68 via opening 158 (without clutch Figure 3 Embodiment). The clutch 144 will be used in certain configurations so that it is not over-tightened.

[0053] The first mounting structure 44 also includes an end cap 68. In one example, the load beam body 114 includes an internal cavity 146 between the upper slot 116 and the lower slot 118. In one example, the end cap 68 includes a leg extension 148 that is received within the internal cavity 146 to secure the end cap 68 to the load beam body 114. A plurality of fasteners 150 are inserted through the upper slot 116 and extend through openings 152 in the leg extension 148 to secure the end cap 68 to the load beam body 114. The end cap 68 includes a notch 154 in an outer periphery that is aligned with the upper slot 116. The end cap 68 is positioned between the knob 54 and the first end 40 of the load beam body 114 and includes an opening 156 that receives the shaft 66.

[0054] In one example, a retainer pin 160 is inserted through an opening 162 in the shaft 66. An opening 164 extends through the knob 54 and intersects the opening 70. The retainer pin 160 is received within the opening 164. When the first clamp 48 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position, the retainer pin 160 rotates with the knob 54 and the shaft 66 and prevents the shaft 66 from advancing.

[0055] In one example, the first clamping plate 48 includes a first mounting foot having a first protrusion 166, and wherein when the first clamping plate 48 is moved to the locked position, the first protrusion 166 extends below the surface of the base plate 20 surrounding the first mounting hole 30. When the first clamping plate 48 is moved to the unlocked position, the first protrusion 166 moves back to align with the first mounting hole 30 so that the first clamping plate 48 can be withdrawn from the mounting hole 30.

[0056] In one example, the tower 58 comprises a single molded attachment piece that is not formed with screws or other fasteners. In one example, the material is glass fiber reinforced nylon 6 / 6, or the tower 58 can be molded from a metal material. The mounting cleat 48 can be integrally formed with the tower, or can be attached separately with fasteners 170.

[0057] Figure 6 to Figure 7 One example of the second mounting structure 46 is shown in greater detail. The second mounting structure 46 includes a tower 172, a clamping bar 174, and an end cap 176. The tower 172 includes a single molded attachment, similar to the tower 58; however, the tower 172 is secured to the load bar body 114 such that the tower 172 is immovable relative to the crossbar 32. In one example, the clamping bar 174 is received within the lower slot 118 of the body 114, and the tower 172 is secured to the clamping bar 174 with a fastener 178 via an alignment opening 188 in the tower 172 and an opening 190 in the clamping bar 174.

[0058] In one example, an end cap 176 for the second mounting structure 46 is attached to the second end 42 of the crossbar 32. In one example, the end cap 176 includes a leg extension 180 that is received within the inner cavity 146 of the body 114 to secure the end cap 176 to the load beam body 114. A plurality of fasteners 182 are inserted through the upper slot 116 and extend through openings 184 in the leg extension 180 to secure the end cap 176 to the load beam body 114. The end cap 176 includes a notch 186 in the outer periphery that is aligned with the upper slot 116.

[0059] In one example, the second clamping plate 50 includes a second mounting foot having a second protruding portion 192 ( Figure 7 ). Figure 2 One example configuration of the first protrusion 166 of the first clamp 48 and the second protrusion 192 of the second clamp 50 is shown. In this example, the protrusions 166, 192 face inwardly toward each other. In another example, the protrusions 166, 192 face outwardly away from each other ( Figure 4 ).

[0060] In one example, when the knob 54 is moved to one of the locked position and the unlocked position, the first protrusion 166 is pulled toward the second protrusion 192, and when the knob 54 is moved to the other of the locked position and the unlocked position, the first protrusion 166 is pushed away from the second protrusion 192. As discussed above, when in the locked position, the first protrusion 166 is pulled under the edge of the corresponding mounting hole 30 in the base plate, which also causes the second protrusion 192 to be positioned under the edge of the corresponding mounting hole 30. In this position, the crossbar 32 cannot be removed from the base plate 20. When in the unlocked position, the protrusion 166 moves to align with the corresponding mounting hole 30, and the second protrusion 192 aligns with the corresponding mounting hole 30. In this position, the crossbar 32 can be removed from the base plate 20.

[0061] An example method of attaching a crossbar 32 to a base plate 20 having a plurality of mounting holes 30 includes inserting a first clamping plate 48 into the first mounting hole 30 ; inserting a second clamping plate 50 into the second mounting hole 30 ; and selectively adjusting a position of the first clamping plate 48 relative to the crossbar 32 and the base plate 20 to secure the crossbar 32 to the base plate 20 .

[0062] The example method may also include any of the following steps, alone or in any combination. For example, the method includes: coupling an actuator 52 to the first clamping plate 48; selectively moving the actuator 52 between a locked position in which the crossbar 32 is locked to the base plate 20 and an unlocked position in which the crossbar 32 can be removed from the base plate 20.

[0063] For example, the method includes rotating the actuator 52 between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein the rotation of the actuator 52 causes linear movement of the first clamping plate 48 relative to the base plate 20 .

[0064] For example, the method includes selectively moving the locking pin 82 between a blocking position that prevents the actuator 52 from rotating and a non-blocking position that allows the actuator 52 to rotate.

[0065] For example, the method includes biasing the locking pin 82 to a blocking position.

[0066] For example, the method includes securing the second cleat 50 to the crossbar 32 such that only the first cleat 48 is adjustable relative to the crossbar 32 .

[0067] The subject disclosure provides an attachment structure for a crossbar that can be quickly and easily attached to a base plate. In addition, the attachment structure has high strength and is reversible to accommodate easy attachment / removal depending on where other items are placed on the base plate. The crossbar can be quickly and easily attached to the mounting holes on the base plate without the need for tools or fasteners.

[0068] The foregoing description is illustrative and non-restrictive in nature. Changes and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the changes and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted to the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the attached claims.

[0069] According to the present invention, an attachment structure is provided, which comprises: a cross bar body extending between a first end and a second end; a first mounting member connected to the first end; and a second mounting member connected to the second end, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member each include at least one clamping plate, and the at least one clamping plate can be selectively fixed to a base plate including a plurality of mounting holes.

[0070] According to an embodiment, each end of the crossbar body includes an attachment opening, and wherein the first mount and the second mount each include an end cap having a leg extension, the leg extension being received within the attachment opening to secure the end cap to the crossbar body.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the first mounting member is adjustable and the second mounting member is fixed.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the first mount comprises an actuator which rotates a shaft to move the at least one clamping plate between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the first mounting comprises a lock movable between a blocking position preventing a rotation of the actuator and a non-blocking position allowing a rotation of the actuator.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the lock comprises a locking pin biased into the blocking position.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the at least one clamping plate of the second mounting element is fixed relative to the crossbar body by means of at least one clamping rod.

[0076] According to the present invention, an attachment system is provided, which comprises: a base plate having a plurality of mounting holes; a cross bar extending between a first end and a second end; a first mounting member connected to the first end, the first mounting member comprising a first clamping plate which can be received in a first mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; and a second mounting member connected to the second end, the second mounting member comprising a second clamping plate which can be received in a second mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes, wherein the first clamping plate can be selectively adjusted relative to the cross bar, and the second clamping plate is fixed relative to the cross bar.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the first mounting comprises an actuator for moving the first clamping plate between a locked position in which the crossbar is locked to the base plate and an unlocked position in which the crossbar is removable from the base plate.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the actuator comprises a rotatable knob, and wherein the first mounting member comprises a locking pin movable between a blocking position preventing rotation of the knob and a non-blocking position allowing rotation of the knob.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the locking pin is biased into the blocking position.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the first clamp includes a first mounting foot having a first protrusion, and wherein: when the first clamp is in the locked position, the first protrusion extends below the surface of the substrate surrounding the first mounting hole; and when the first clamp is in the unlocked position, the first protrusion is aligned with the first mounting hole so that the first clamp can be moved out of the first mounting hole.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the second clamp includes a second mounting foot having a second protrusion, and wherein: when the actuator moves to one of the locked position and the unlocked position, the first protrusion is pulled toward the second protrusion, and wherein when the actuator moves to the other of the locked position and the unlocked position, the first protrusion is pushed away from the second protrusion.

[0082] According to an embodiment, each of the first end and the second end of the cross bar includes an attachment opening, and wherein: the first mounting member includes a first end cap having a first leg extension, the first leg extension is received in the attachment opening to secure the first end cap to the cross bar, the first end cap is positioned between the actuator and the first end of the cross bar; and the second mounting member includes a second end cap having a second leg extension, the second leg extension is received in the attachment opening to secure the second end cap to the second end of the cross bar.

[0083] According to the present invention, a method for attaching a cross bar to a substrate including a plurality of mounting holes, wherein the cross bar extends from a first end including a first mounting member to a second end including a second mounting member, the method comprising: inserting a first clamping plate of the first mounting member into a first mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; inserting a second clamping plate of the second mounting member into a second mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; and selectively adjusting a position of the first clamping plate relative to the cross bar and the substrate to fix the cross bar to the substrate.

[0084] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes coupling an actuator to the first clamping plate; and selectively moving the actuator between a locked position in which the crossbar is locked to the base plate and an unlocked position in which the crossbar is removable from the base plate.

[0085] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes rotating the actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein rotation of the actuator causes linear movement of the first clamping plate relative to the base plate.

[0086] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes selectively moving a locking pin between a blocking position that prevents rotation of the actuator and a non-blocking position that allows rotation of the actuator.

[0087] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes biasing the locking pin to the blocking position.

[0088] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes securing the second cleat to the crossbar such that only the first cleat is adjustable relative to the crossbar.

Claims

1. An attachment structure comprising: a crossbar body extending between a first end and a second end; a first mounting member coupled to the first end; as well as A second mount is coupled to the second end, wherein the first mount and the second mount each include at least one clamping plate selectively securable to a base plate including a plurality of mounting holes.

2. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein each end of the crossbar body includes an attachment opening, and wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member each include an end cap having a leg extension, the leg extension being received within the attachment opening to secure the end cap to the crossbar body.

3. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member is adjustable and the second mounting member is fixed.

4. The attachment structure of claim 3, wherein the first mount includes an actuator that rotates a shaft to move the at least one cleat between the locked position and the unlocked position.

5. An attachment structure as described in claim 4, wherein the first mounting member includes a lock, which is movable between a blocking position that prevents the actuator from rotating and a non-blocking position that allows the actuator to rotate, and optionally, wherein the lock includes a locking pin biased to the blocking position.

6. An attachment system comprising: A base plate having a plurality of mounting holes; a crossbar extending between a first end and a second end; a first mounting member coupled to the first end, the first mounting member comprising a first clamping plate receivable within a first mounting hole of the plurality of mounting holes; as well as A second mounting member is coupled to the second end, the second mounting member including a second cleat receivable within a second mounting hole of the plurality of mounting holes, wherein the first cleat is selectively adjustable relative to the crossbar and the second cleat is fixed relative to the crossbar.

7. The attachment system of claim 6, wherein the first mount includes an actuator that moves the first clamp between a locked position in which the crossbar is locked to the base plate and an unlocked position in which the crossbar is removable from the base plate.

8. An attachment system as described in claim 7, wherein the actuator includes a rotatable knob, and wherein the first mounting member includes a locking pin, which is movable between a blocking position that prevents the knob from rotating and a non-blocking position that allows the knob to rotate, and optionally, wherein the locking pin is biased to the blocking position.

9. The attachment system of claim 7, wherein the first cleat includes a first mounting foot having a first protruding portion, and wherein: When the first clamp is in the locked position, the first protrusion extends below the surface of the base plate surrounding the first mounting hole; and When the first clamping plate is in the unlocked position, the first protrusion is aligned with the first mounting hole, so that the first clamping plate can be moved out of the first mounting hole.

10. The attachment system of claim 9, wherein the second cleat includes a second mounting foot having a second protruding portion, and wherein: When the actuator moves to one of the locked position and the unlocked position, the first protrusion is pulled toward the second protrusion, and Wherein when the actuator moves to the other of the locking position and the unlocking position, the first protruding portion is pushed away from the second protruding portion.

11. The attachment system of claim 7, wherein each of the first end and the second end of the crossbar includes an attachment opening, and wherein: the first mount including a first end cap having a first leg extension, the first leg extension being received within the attachment opening to secure the first end cap to the crossbar, the first end cap being positioned between the actuator and the first end of the crossbar; and The second mount includes a second end cap having a second leg extension received within the attachment opening to secure the second end cap to the second end of the crossbar.

12. A method of attaching a crossbar to a substrate including a plurality of mounting holes, the crossbar extending from a first end including a first mounting member to a second end including a second mounting member, the method comprising: inserting a first clamping plate of the first mounting member into a first mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; inserting the second clamping plate of the second mounting member into a second mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; as well as The position of the first clamp is selectively adjusted relative to the crossbar and the base plate to secure the crossbar to the base plate.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising: coupling an actuator to the first clamping plate; The actuator is selectively movable between a locked position in which the crossbar is locked to the base plate and an unlocked position in which the crossbar is removable from the base plate.

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising: The actuator is rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein rotation of the actuator causes linear movement of the first clamping plate relative to the base plate, and optionally, the second clamping plate is fixed to the crossbar so that only the first clamping plate is adjustable relative to the crossbar.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising: A locking pin is selectively movable between a blocking position that prevents rotation of the actuator and a non-blocking position that allows rotation of the actuator, and optionally, the locking pin is biased to the blocking position.

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