WO2006004853A1

WO2006004853A1 - Carrying case

Info

Publication number: WO2006004853A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/023146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen G. Galloway; Dan D. Stubbs; Wade Wolf
Original assignee: Nest Egg Software, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-06-29
Filing date: 2005-06-29
Publication date: 2006-01-12

Abstract

A top rail mountable carrier for use with a vehicle (16) having vehicle top rails (48) for transporting items comprising an openable shell (200) for storing items, angle rails (210) attached to the vehicle top rails, rollers (260) rotatably connected to the angle rails for positioning the shell on the angle rails, one or more posts (250) attached to the shell and one or more fasteners (240) attached to the angle rails for engaging the posts and securing the shell to the top rails of the vehicle, the shell being capable of articulating from a first position in which it is secured to the angle rails above the vehicle to a second position in which the rearward portion of the shell is in contact with the ground and shell is connected to one or more of the angle rails so that the shell is not in contact with the side of the vehicle.

Description

CARRYING CASE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of co-pending United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/583,737, filed June 29, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a carrying apparatus for carrying fishing rods and reels, firearms such as shotguns and rifles and other items on the top of a car, bus, or other vehicle.

2. Background of the Invention In the past, items such as fishing rods have been stored for transport in tubes. However, fishing rods and other items carried in this manner are subjected to substantial vibration and jostling particularly during automobile trips and manual handling of the tubes. This can and has resulted at times in physical damage to the transported item and/or its finish. Racks for carrying fishing rods and other items on the top of a vehicle have been utilized, but have not been easily removable from the vehicle. Such racks are typically limited to two (2) to four (4) fishing and/or fly rods but do not accommodate spinning gear or casting gear and other gear. Other racks which have been utilized in the past protect only the reel and a small portion of the rod and other items. These racks are also not easily removable from the vehicle, and the height of the vehicle's roof makes it difficult for a user to secure the rods and other items within the holder on top of the vehicle. Additionally, many vehicle mounted carriers have not been aerodynamically designed to improve the traction and stability of the vehicle and to reduce the added aerodynamic drag caused by the presence of the carrier. The prior art includes carriers for use with vehicles including: U.S. Patent No. 2,318,971 , issued to Roumage et al. for "Ski Back For Motor Vehicles"; U.S. Patent No. 2,812,992, issued to Lysen for "Luggage Carriers for Automobiles"; U.S. Patent No. 2,937,774, issued to Roberts for "Car Top Wardrobe Carrier"; U.S. Patent No. 3,113,819, issued to Bessette for "Car Top Carrier"; U.S. Patent No. 4,335,840, issued to Williams for "Motor Vehicle Fishing Rod and Luggage Carrier"; U.S. Patent No. 4,523,704, issued to Washington for "Car Top Rod and Reel Carrier Apparatus"; U.S. Patent No. 4,572,416, issued to Upham for "Enclosing-Type Fishing Pole Carrier"; U.S. Patent No. 4,858,366, issued to Rushton for "Fishing Rod Holder and Carrier"; U.S. Patent No. 3,155,299, issued to Home et al. for "Racks for Fishing Rods"; U.S. Patent No. 3,580,439, issued to Jewett for "Vehicle Luggage Carrier"; U.S. Patent No. 3,662,933, issued to Michal for "Carrier for Fishing Poles and Reels Ready to Use"; U.S. Patent No.4,170,801, issued to Ward for "Fishing Rod and Reel Box"; U.S. Patent No. 5,348,207, issued to Frank for "Vehicle Top Carrier"; U.S. Patent No. 5,884,824, issued to Spring, Jr. for "Equipment Transport Rack for Vehicles Providing Improved Loading Accessibility"; U.S. Patent No. 6,015,074, issued to Snavely et al. for "Roof Rack for a Vehicle"; U.S. Patent No. 6,428,263, issued to Schellens for "Vehicular Rooftop Load Elevating Device". Each of the above patents suffers from one or more of the above noted limitations. Accordingly, what is needed is a vehicle mounted carrier for transporting items such as fishing rods, associated reels, firearms such as rifles and shotguns and other items, which does not suffer from the above noted limitations.

Summary of the Invention The invention herein is a vehicle top-rail mountable carrier for transporting fishing rods, reels, firearms and other items that permits the storage and transportation of fully assembled, ready-to-use rods, reels, firearms and additional gear within convenient reach of the user by (depending on the embodiment) either: (1) sliding out a ladder rack from within the carrier shell until fully extended, and then articulating the rack down to the ground, where it will rest, positioned at an angle to the vehicle, one-end still attached to the end of the carrier rails, or (2) releasing a lock lever, and pulling the entire carrier shell until fully extended, articulating the shell down to the ground, where it will rest, positioned at an angle to the vehicle, with one end releasably attached to the carrier roof rails. Additional details will be appreciated from the following detailed description of the invention, of which the drawings are a part.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following figures are in part schematic in form and are not necessarily to scale. Figs. Ia, Ib, Ic, and Id consist of a front elevational, side elevational and 2 perspective views, respectively, of a first embodiment of the invention attached to a vehicle in the travel position; Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c consist of a side elevational and two perspective views, respectively, of a first embodiment of the invention on the vehicle with the ladder rack portion pulled out and in the unloaded position; Figs. 3a, 3b, and 3c consist of multiple views of a human carrying the ladder rack of a first embodiment with rods and reels secured by scissor arms; Figs. 4a, 4b, and 4c consist of multiple perspective views of a first embodiment of the invention wherein fig. 4a is a perspective view of a first embodiment in the travel position with the door locked, and figs. 4b and 4c are views of a first embodiment in the half out position; figs. 4d and 4e are enlarged detail views as noted; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ladder rack of a first embodiment of the invention; Figs. 6a, 6b, and 6c consist of multiple perspective views of the ladder rack tip protector assembly of a first embodiment of the invention and Fig. 6d is an enlarged view as noted; Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c consist of multiple perspective views of the ladder rack rod retaining scissor clamp assembly of a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7d is an enlarged view as noted; Figs. 8a and 8b consist of top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the ladder rack reel holder assembly of a first embodiment. Figs. 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d consist of two perspective views and rear and side elevational views, respectively, of a first embodiment of the invention and vehicle wherein the first embodiment of the invention is in the travel position; Fig. 9e is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention and vehicle in the unlocked position; Fig. 9f is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention and vehicle in the unlocked and half unloaded position; Fig. 9g is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention and vehicle in the unlocked, unloaded, and open position; Figs. 10a and 10b are enlarged views of the case-to-rack rear-latching mechanism as noted in Figs. 9d and 9e wherein Fig. 10a is of the latching mechanism in the locked position, and Fig. 10b is of the latching mechanism in the unlocked position; Figs. 11a, lib and 1 Ic consist of a side elevational and 2 perspective views, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of the invention on a vehicle in the unloaded and open position; Fig 11 d is an enlarged view as noted; Figs. 12a, 12b and 12c consist of a side elevational and two perspective views, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of the invention on a vehicle in the unloaded and scissor-open position; Fig. 12d is an enlarged view as noted; Figs. 13a, 13b and 13c consist of front elevational, top plan and bottom views, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of the invention; Figs 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d consist of multiple views of an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein fig. 14a is a front plan view of the alternate embodiment in the closed position, fig. 14b is a top plan view, fig. 14c is a side elevational view and fig. 14d is a bottom view; Fig. 14e is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention in the open position; Fig. 14f is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention in the open position; Figs. 15a and 15b are enlarged views as noted in figs. 14e and 14c, respectively; Figs. 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e are two perspective views, a top plan view, a front side elevational view and a side elevational view of the roof rack in the unlocked position; Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of the roof rack in the locked position; Fig. 18a is a perspective view of the roof rack; Fig. 18b is an enlarged view of the clamp assembly of the roof rack as noted; Figs. 19a, 19b, 19c, and 19d are two perspective views, a front elevational view, and a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention mounted to a vehicle; Figs. 19e and 19f are perspective views of another embodiment of the invention in the open position; Figs. 20a, 20b, and 20c are perspective views of another embodiment of the invention in the mounted position and are two views of the partially unmounted and open positions, respectively; Fig. 21 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the • invention in the mounted position; Fig. 22 is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the mounted position; Fig. 23 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the mounted position; Fig. 24 is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the partially unmounted position; Fig. 25 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the partially unmounted position; Fig. 26 is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the unmounted position; Fig. 27 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the unmounted position; Fig 28 is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the unmounted and open position; Figs. 29 and 30 are rear perspective views of yet another embodiment of the invention in the unmounted and open position; Fig. 31 is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the completely unattached, closed and locked position; Fig. 32 is an enlarged view of the key lockable push latch as noted in fig. 31; Figs. 33, 34, and 35 are rear perspective views of yet another embodiment of the invention in the completely unattached and open position; Fig. 36a is a bottom perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the completely unattached and closed and locked configuration; Figs. 36b and 36c are enlarged views of the rear rack bar as noted in - Fig. 36a; Fig. 37 is a side section view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the closed and locked configuration with the front bars hooked on the rack unlocked and extended; Fig. 38 is a side section view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the closed and locked configuration half way off the rack extended and locked configuration; Fig. 39 is a side section view of yet another embodiment of the invention closed and locked and fully engaged for travel; Fig. 40 is a side section view of yet another embodiment of the invention closed and locked, with the front and rear bars hooked with the rack unlocked and in the partially extendable position; Fig. 41 is a side section view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the closed and locked configuration with the front shell hooked on the rack unlocked and extended in the partially unmounted position; Figs. 42a and 42b are enlarged views as noted in fig. 41 of the hinges for the lid and section divider and the rear cross support hook of the rack and carrier roller, respectively; Fig. 43 is a section view of still another embodiment of the invention in the mounted position and a winch attached; Fig. 44 is an enlarged view as noted in Fig. 43 of the winch, cable and hook; Fig. 45 is a section view of still another embodiment the invention in the halfway off position with the winch attached; Fig. 46 is a section view of still another embodiment of the invention in the unmounted position with the winch attached; Fig. 47a is a rear prospective view of still another embodiment of the roof rack in the extended configuration; Fig. 47b is a rear prospective view of another embodiment of the roof rack in the collapsed and locked configuration with the front hooks in the loaded position; Fig. 48 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of the roof rack in the extended configuration; Fig. 49 is a left side view of still another embodiment of the roof rack in the extended configuration; Fig. 50 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of the roof rack in the collapsed and locked configuration with the front hooks in the loaded position. Fig. 51 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of the roof rack in the collapsed and locked configuration with the front hooks in the loaded position; Fig. 52 is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of the roof rack; Fig. 53 is a rear elevational view of still another embodiment of the roof rack; Fig. 54 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the roof rack locking mechanism (in partial section) in the extended locked configuration; Fig 55 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the roof rack locking mechanism (in partial section) in the extended unlocked configuration;

Fig. 56 is a top plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the roof rack locking mechanism (in partial section) in the collapsed and locked configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible to modifications and alternative constructions, illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein below. It should be understood, however, that it is not the intention to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed; but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalences and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. Referring initially to figs. Ia₅ Ib, Ic, Id₅ 2a, 2b, 2c₅ 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d₅ 4e, 5, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a and 8b generally, there is depicted therein a first embodiment of the invention 10 comprising a car top carrier 12, in the form of a hard exterior shell 14 which is rigidly attached to the top of a vehicle 16, and a ladder rack assembly 18, enclosed within the shell 14. The shell 14 contains a removable ladder rack structure 18 capable of holding various items, such as eight 8 fully assembled, ready-to-use fly rods 20. A plurality of universal reel holders 64 attached to the rack structure 18 which also accommodates spinning and casting reels 24 at a somewhat reduced capacity due to the width of these types of reels. The rack structure 18 slides out of the exterior shell 14 and articulates downward when fully extended from the shell 14. This design provides close and convenient access to the items, such as rods and reels, for both removal and storage placement. Rods and reels are secured with a combination of universal reel holders 64 and rod-holding scissor clamps 28. If desired, the rack structure 18 may be easily separated from the exterior shell 14 by lifting up on the attached end. Once separated, the user can easily carry the rack structure 18 by gripping the tube frame 30 on either side. (See figs. 3a, 3b and 3c). The first embodiment of the carrier 12 comprises an exterior shell 14 which is rigidly attached to the top of a vehicle 16. Inside of the exterior shell is a ladder rack structure 18 that retains the rods 20 and reels 24 in a fully assembled and ready-to-use condition, preventing damage and unwanted movement within the exterior shell 14. The exterior shell 14 comprises a main hollow shell 40 that completely encases the rods and reels, and an outer shell door 44, connected to the main hollow shell 40 by means of hinge 45 to allow the door to open and close for the purpose of gaining access to the rods and reels. The ladder rack structure 18 includes ladder rack wheel rollers 42 for permitting the easy storage and removal of the ladder rack structure 18 within the exterior shell 14. The exterior shell 40 may comprise either a single unitary shell or a plurality of shell portions joined together by means of glue, epoxy, spot welding or other means well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. To ensure that the door 44 remains closed during storage of items, such as rods and reels, the door 44 contains a key lockable slam latch 46. In order to attach the shell 14 to the vehicle 16; a plurality of vehicle-to- shell clamps 47 and fasteners such as screws 49 are utilized. It will be noted that in a preferred embodiment, 4 vehicle-to-shell clamps 47 are utilized but a different number may be utilized depending on the size and weight of the carrier and its contents. Each clamp 47 has a plurality of clamp holes for receiving and securing fasteners. The clamp holes are in complementary alignment with the securing holes in the exterior shell 14. Prior to attaching the shell, clamps 47 are preferably unscrewed and detached from the shell 14. Once removed, the user places the shell on the top of the vehicle 16 and aligns the front and rear roof rack cross-members 48 between the respective front and rear sets of screw holes of the shell 14. Once aligned, the user places a clamp 47 under the roof rack cross-member 48 so that the roof rack cross member 44 is between the clamp and the surface of the exterior shell 14. The screws 49 are then inserted through the holes in the clamps 47and tightened to the shell 14. This process is repeated for the three additional attachment locations consisting of a clamp 47 and a set of screws 49. The ladder rack assembly 18 is a removable assembly that comprises four separate subassemblies that serve the purpose of securing the fully assembled rods and reels such that the rods and reels may be removed from the outer shell and carried by a person away from the vehicle to a desired location while at the same time keeping the rods and reels together and protected from outside influences. The ladder rack assembly 18 comprises a tube frame assembly 56, a rod holder assembly 58, a scissor latch assembly 60, and a tip protector assembly 62. The tube frame assembly 56 allows for the mounting and adjustability of the rod holder, scissors latch and tip protector assemblies 58, 60, 62, respectively. The tube frame assembly 56 provides the user with multiple places for the user to grasp and/or carry the ladder rack assembly 18. The tube frame assembly may be disassembled for storage. The rod holder, scissors latch and tip protector assemblies 58, 60, 62 remain attached or can be removed when the tube frame assembly 56 is disassembled, at the option^' of the user. The rod holder assembly 58 engages the reels and maintains them in place, in a preferred orientation determined by the type of reel being transported. The universal reel holders 64 are attached to the reel holder cross support 66 with the use of the hand adjustable knob and screw combination (not shown), well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. This knob allows the end user to adjust the lateral position of the rod and reel, as is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are a maximum of eight (8) rod holders attached to the rod holder assembly 58. The reels may be held in place through the use of elastic straps, bungee cord, Velcro, or another material that can be used to hold the reels in the universal reel holder 64. The reel holder cross-support 66 is secured to the tube frame assembly 56 by means of top and bottom clamping couplers 70, 72. The top and bottom clamping couplers 70, 72 are positioned and attached to the tube frame in registry at desired locations to secure the reel holder cross-supports 66 using screws 74. The reel holder cross-supports 66 are positioned and coupled to the two coupler halves 70, 72. The rod holder assemblies 58 are each positioned in the location desired by the user, and the screws are tightened to retain the reel holder cross-supports 66 and rod holder assemblies in the desired positions. The rod holder assembly may be disassembled for storage. The scissor latch assemblies 60 hold the rods in place during transport. The number of these assemblies utilized is determined by the user. Each of the scissor latch assemblies 60 attaches to the tube frame assembly 56 by means of clamping couplers 57 in a manner similar to the reel holder cross- support assembly 66. The scissors latch assembly operates by clamping the rod 20 between an over-molded scissor arm 74 and a cross-support foam 75. This is accomplished by means of a slam latch pin 76 and complementary latch used to retain the scissors arm 74 and support foam in an engaged position. The latch pin assembly also releases the scissor arm 74 allowing it to pivot upward on the shoulder bolt 78. When the scissor arm 74 is rotated upward in the ladder rack assembly 18, the rods may be placed on the cross support foam 75. The scissor arm is then rotated into the engaged position, and the slam latch pin 76 engages and locks into place, securing the rod. The tip protector assembly 62 comprises a tip protector foam support assembly 81, overmolded scissor arm 83, shoulder bolt 85, latch pin 87, latch pin retainer 89 and clamping couplers 91 (similar to clamping couplers 57). The tip protector assembly 62 protects the tips of the rods 20 from damage. The tip protector assembly 62 is secured in the same manner as the previous assemblies. The ladder rack wheel rollers 42 are rotatably affixed to the clamping couplers and allow for the smooth installation and removal of the ladder rack 18 into and out of the shell 14. The shell 14 has tracks incorporated into its inner surface to allow for a guided installation of the ladder rack. Such tracks are located complementary to the wheel rollers 42 so that the ladder rack 18 may be easily guided into and out of the shell 14. Next referring generally to figs. 9a₅ 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 10a, 10b, 11a, l ib, Hc₅ l id, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 13a₅ 13b, 13c, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 17, 18a and 18b, there is depicted therein a second preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a car top rod and reel carrier 100 in which the entire exterior shell 102 may be locked to or released from a set of guide rails 104 rigidly attached to the top of a car 106. When released from its locked traveling position, the shell 102 will travel along the guide rails 104 via rollers 108 toward the rear of the car 106 until it reaches the rearward end of the rails 104. The shell 102 then articulates downward to the ground, resting at an angle between the end of the carrier rails 104 and the ground. This preferred embodiment of the carrier comprises a roof rack 120 that is securely mounted to the top of a vehicle with an internally padded and compartmentalized shell 102 capable of holding fully assembled fishing rods and other items. The shell 102 may be locked to the roof or removed and carried by a person with the fishing rods and other items safely protected inside. The shell comprises a top portion 112 and bottom portion 114, both of which are lined with soft cushioning contoured for storing and securing fly fishing rods and reels, spinning fishing rods and reels and castings rods and reels, and other items. The exterior shell can be structured in different preferred embodiments. The roof rack 120 comprises two main angle rails 122 that provide an interface between the car 106 and shell 102 and, at the same time, act as the main structure to mount the shell latching mechanism 124 and the vehicle rack-to-shell roof rack clamps 126. Each roof rack clamp 126 is a two-piece bracket that is bolted together in the same manner as the previous embodiment. The clamp 126 also requires the use of a vehicle roof rack that is either provided by the vehicle's manufacturer or by another supplier or an aftermarket rack. Once the roof rack 120 is attached to the top of the vehicle 106, the shell can be loaded onto the vehicle. The shell 102 is mounted to a vehicle in the following manner. The shell 102 is placed on the rack 120 such that the shell hooks on the forward wheel rollers 108 on the support arm 130. Once the shell is hooked in place the support arm 130 is lowered under the weight of the shell to the unlocked position (see Figs. 16e and 10b). The shell is then pushed up on top of the vehicle (see Fig. 9f), using the main wheel rollers 132 to guide and support the weight of the shell as it moves to the locked position (see Figs. 9d and 10a). As the shell reaches the locked position with the support arm in the down and unlocked position (See Figs. 9a and 10b), latch 134 is in the unlocked position. The shell is pushed forward until it stops. When the shell stops, the latch pin 136 will push the latch 134 into the locked position (see fig. 10a). The support arm 130 will then spring up into the locked position. The shell 102 and rack 120 are now engaged in the locked position. Unloading the shell is accomplished by pulling down on the support arm 130 to the unlocked position. At that point the shell can be pulled back until the support arm hooks on the shell (see fig. 12d). At this point, the shell can be opened (see figs, lie and 12 c) to remove the fishing rods safely stored inside, or the shell can be removed from the vehicle and carried away from the vehicle to a desired location. The shell may be structured in additional alternative preferred embodiments. Referring specifically to figs. 12a, 12b, 12c and 14f, the top half 140 and bottom half 143 of the shell 100 opens up in a scissor motion with the hinge 141 at the front of the shell. The top half 140 is then held open with the use of gas springs 142. Next specifically referring to figs. 1 Ia, 1 Ib, 1 Ic and 14e, in an alternative preferred embodiment the top half 144 of the shell is opened with the hinge 145 at the side of the shell. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the shell top has no hinge point (not shown). The top is free to be completely removed. Next referring to figs. 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, 19e and 19f, another alternative preferred embodiment is depicted. In this embodiment, the top part 150 of the shell 102 is formed in such a way as to provide compartments 152, 154 for gear to be transported. The compartments 152, 154 are separated and divided by a divider wall 156 covered on both sides by a soft padding material 158. The top shell portion 150 may either be hinged to the front or side, or be removed and carried separately. In another alternative embodiment, the shell 102 opens in a scissor type motion. (See figs. 20a, 20b, 20c). In this. embodiment, the top half 160 of the shell encloses a relatively deep compartment 161 and the top can open to provide storage for gear. The compartment 161 may be divided into a plurality of chambers through the use of divider wall 163. In all of the aforementioned and following embodiments, when the shell is in the closed position, there are one or more lockable slam latches along the side of the base shell. Inside the shell is a soft padding with adjustable compartments to securely accommodate rods and reels and other items in multiple configurations which the user desires. The top shell section also has padding that captures the rods and reels and other items when closed, so they are safely secured during transport. In the embodiments, there may be provided one or more handles 162, 164 located on the side and the end of the base shell. A transport handle 162 may also be provided in all embodiments for assisting the user to manually carry the closed shell unit with rods and other items inside. The load/unload handle 164 may be utilized for assisting in the loading and unloading of the closed shell unit on to the roof rack, and may also be .provided in all embodiments.

Next referring generally to figs. 21-56, inclusive, yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted comprising a removable shell 200 and a roof rack assembly 210. The roof rack assembly 210 comprises main rails 244, front sliding hooks 240, two extension springs 246, a middle cross brace 300, roof rack brackets 126, sliding extension arms 228, rear hooks 256, rear hook rollers 260, rear slider rollers 305, rear cross hook support 310, a ■ handle 232, a lock activating bar 230, lock cables 315 and spring loaded locking pin housings 320. The locking cable comprises a sliding wire 325 located within the sleeve of the lock cable 315. Located within each of the pin housings 320 is. a locking pin 236 having one end thereof fastened to an end of a sliding wire 325. The other end of the locking cable 236 is attached to the lock activating bar 230. The locking pin is biased by locking spring 325, such that a force is exerted on the locking pin 236 urging it toward the main rail 244. When the lock activating bar 230 and handle 325 is operated, the sliding wire 325 is pulled within the sleeve of each of the lock cables 315. This pull of the sliding wire 325 causes the locking pin 236 to compress the locking spring 325. The forward end of the locking pin is accordingly moved further into the pin housing 320. In the locked position the housing pin 236 is engaged with locking opening 237 in the main rail 244. In the unlocked position, the locking pin 236 is completely withdrawn from the locking opening 237. As above, the roof rack assembly 210 is attached to the top 220 of the vehicle 222 roof rack by means of the originally installed roof rack or aftermarket roof rack 48 via the vehicle rack-to-shell roof rack brackets 126. This preferred embodiment comprises a set of sliding arms 228 that are lockable in the collapsed position (see fig. 47b) as well as in the extended position (see fig. 48). The locking of the sliding arms 228 is accomplished by squeezing the lock activating bar 230 and the handle 232. This action pulls on the locking cable 234 which pulls on the locking pin 236 which unlocks the locking pin and allows for the sliding arms to move from the extended position (see fig. 54) to the collapsed position (see fig. 56). In this preferred embodiment, the shell may be affixed onto the rack in a manner different from that described above. In this preferred embodiment, the shell is secured to the rack through the use of two sets of hooks 240, 242. The front hooks 240 are free to slide on the main rails 244. An extension spring 246 exerts a force on the front hooks 240. The extension springs are oriented such that they apply a force that pulls the front sliding hooks 240 toward the rear of the rack, i.e. toward the lock activating bar 230. When the shell is in the locked position, the hook bars 250 are seated within the receiving channels of the forward hooks 240. The hook bars are maintained in engagement with the forward hooks 240 by the force exerted by the springs 246. The shell in the locked position is prevented from moving rearward by the force exerted on the rear hook bars 252 by the rear hooks 256. In an alternative embodiment, one or more storage compartments for equipment may be located within the shell 200 located below the fishing pole compartment. The top of the shell is angled upward for style and aerodynamics (see figs. 21-23). Additionally, front and rear hook bars 250, 252 located on the bottom of the shell are utilized to engaged with the front and rear hooks 240, 256 for mating the shell 200 to the roof rack assembly 210. To unload the shell from the loaded and locked position (figs. 21 , 22, 39) with the rack locked and collapsed (see also figs. 47b, 50, 51), the front and rear hook bars 250, 252 are hooked. The latch pin 236 is then unlocked and the spring 246 forces the shell rearward and the rack is locked in the extended configuration (see figs. 45 and 47). The shell is then lifted forward and up until the rear bar is free of the rear hook. The spring then assists in pushing the shell back towards the user (figs. 24 and 37). The shell front hook bar 250 is then pulled free of the front hook 240 by pulling directly back. The shell is then supported by the rear hook rollers 260 and as it is ^' pulled further back it is also supported by the rear slider rollers 262. The shell is then pulled back until the shell is hooked on the rear cross support hook 264. The rear of the case is then placed on the ground such that the roller wheels 266 are in contact with the ground. The shell- can either be opened in this configuration to access the fishing poles or the storage compartment or the shell can be unhooked from the rack and pulled to any location with the use of the wheels. Loading the shell requires the user to repeat the above steps in reverse order. Now specifically referring to figs. 42a and 42b there is depicted therein yet another preferred embodiment of the invention incorporating a winch 300, winch cable 310 and winch hook 315. The winch 300 may be electrically or mechanically operated and extends and retracts the winch cable 310, which has attached thereto a winch hook 315. In a preferred embodiment, the winch hook 315 is coupled to one of the forward hook bars 250. It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the winch hook 315 may be attached to another projection extending from the forward portion of the shell. In use the winch 300 through the winch cable and winch hook exerts a force on the forward hook bar 250 to assist the user in mounting and locking and unlocking and lowering the shell from the rails. As disclosed above, the shell is lockable through the use of one or more slam latches. (See figs. 31 and 32). In yet another preferred embodiment, the interior of the shell is segmented by a divider wall 325, which operates to form two main compartments in the shell. The upper portion 330 is hingedly connected to ^' the lower portion 335 by top hinge 340. The divider wall is also hingedly connected by divider hinge 345 (see fig. 42a) and the divider wall 325 is able to articulate between the upper portion 330 and lower portion 335. When the upper and lower portions are in the mated position, the divider wall 325 is securely positioned between the upper and lower portions 330, 335. It will be understood that in a preferred embodiment the shell length exceeds the distance from the ground to the roof rack so that in the unloaded position, the shell is attached to the rails and the rearward portion rests on the ground without damage to the vehicle (see, for example, figs. 9g, l ie, 12c, 20c, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30). This presents the shell in a convenient loading and unloading position. In the embodiment utilizing a ladder rack structure 18, the preferred length of the ladder assembly 18 is sufficient so that the rearward portion of the ladder rack structure may rest on the ground in the unloaded position while the forward portion of the ladder rack structure 18 remains in contact with the shell 14 without damage to the vehicle 16 as in figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c. The invention is not to be taken as limited to the details described herein as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Clearly what has been shown is a carrying case which is simply constructed and inexpensive to manufacture and which is capable of being conveniently used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a great variety of materials can be used in practicing the invention, including metals, plastic, composite materials and the like. It will be recognized that numerous other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description. As previously stated, it is not the intention to limit the scope of the invention to the structure and details described with respect to the preferred embodiments. Rather, it is intended that the invention be defined solely by the claims appended hereto, and that these claims be interpreted as broadly as permitted.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mounting to the top rails of a vehicle, the vehicle

having a top, a forward end and a rear end, comprising:

an outer shell having a forward and rear portion, a forward and rear

surface and an enclosure therein for storing items;

at least one front post attached to the forward portion of the outer shell

for securing the outer shell;

a plurality of angle rails secured to the top rails of the vehicle, the angle

rails positioned traverse to and above the vehicle's top rails;

at least one rearward guide wheel rotatably attached to the rearward

portion of a front angle rail for guiding the outer shell onto at least one angle

rail, the rotational axis of the forward guide wheel being perpendicular to the

longitudinal axis of at least one angle rail;

a retainer attached to at least one angle rail, the retainer capable of

being operably connected to the shell for securing the outer shell to at least

one of the angle rails;

wherein the distance from the rear surface of the outer shell to the front

post exceeds the distance from the ground to at least one of the angle rails so

that the rear portion of the shell carrier is capable of being in contact with the ground at the same time that at least one front post is attached to an angle rail

without damage to the vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises a top

portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being hingedly connected to the

bottom portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, including a second rearward guide wheel

attached to the rearward portion of a second angle rail capable of rolling

abutment with at the outer shell, the rotational axis of the second rearward

guide wheel being parallel to the rotational axis of the first rearward guide

wheel.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, including a divider wall positioned between

the top and bottom portions of the outer shell, the divider wall being hingedly

connected to the top and bottom portions of the outer shell.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises a hook

attached to one of the angle rails for engaging the post for securing the outer

shell to at least one of the angle rails.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is capable of being

articulated from a first position in which the rear portion of the outer shell is

in contact with the ground and the post is connected to one of the angle rails

to a second position in which the outer shell is substantially above the vehicle and the outer shell is engaged with the retainer so that the outer shell is

secured to at least one of the angle rails.

7. The invention of claim 1, wherein the front post is integral with the

outer shell.

8. The invention of claim I₅ including a second rearward guide wheel

having a rotational axis parallel to the rotational axis of the first rearward

guide wheel and rotatably connected to a second guide rail and the front post

and retainer are capable of engagement for securing the outer shell to at least

one of the angle rails, and wherein the second rearward guide wheel is

capable of rotational contact with the outer shell.

9. The invention of claim I₅ including a ladder rack assembly capable of

being fully enclosed in the outer shell and releasable attached thereto, the

ladder rack assembly comprising a multiplicity of fasteners for releasably

retaining items.