VEHICLE ARTICLE CARRIER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LOADING ARTICLE ON VEHICLE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an articulated vehicle article carrier device usable with various vehicles and capable of assuming a plurality of positions. SOLUTION: The article carrier device 10 includes a pair of side rails 14 secured to the roof section 12a of a vehicle 12. A cargo support structure 20 is positioned on the lift gate 12b of the vehicle by means of a pair of articulation mechanisms 18 and fixed to the latch assembly 32 of the rear bumper 34 of the vehicle 12. The articulation mechanisms 18 fix the cargo support structure 20 in place when the cargo support structure is located below the lift gate 12b. When the cargo support structure 20 is lifted to a mid position, the articulation mechanisms 18 are automatically released and the entire cargo support structure 20 can be pushed in onto the roof of the vehicle.