Abstract: A lighting assembly for a vehicle includes an elongated base plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. The base plate includes at least one opening. The lighting assembly further includes at least one light source adapted to be mounted to the base plate at the opening. The base plate is configured to be mounted and to conform aerodynamically to an exterior surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle is provided, including a side rail and a cross rail. The side rail includes a top surface that defines, at least in part, a maximum height of the side rail. The cross rail is operable to be secured to the side rail in a stowed position and a deployed position. The cross rail is located generally below the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the stowed position, and the cross rail is above the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the deployed position.

Abstract: An article carrier apparatus for a vehicle includes a cross rail interconnected to an exterior surface of the vehicle, a heat sink positioned within the cross rail, and a light source positioned within the cross rail. The light source is thermally connected to the heat sink such that the heat sink will absorb at least a portion of the heat generated by operation of the light source. The cross rail will structurally support an article attached to the exterior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including a base plate and an arm having a first end, the first end extending from the base plate, the arm further including a retention member spaced away from the first end, and a fastener associated with the base plate and the first end for assembling accessories to an article carrier system.

Abstract: An adjustable tie-down assembly includes a pin having a first end and a second end. A lock plate is disposed proximate the second end and a sliding block is partially received within an opening of a rail. The block is adapted to receive the pin. A tie-down loop is disposed proximate the first end and at least one spring member is disposed proximate the sliding block. The spring member is adapted to bias the tie-down loop in a first direction away from the sliding block and the spring member is adapted to secure the lock plate to the rail.

Abstract: A securement mechanism includes a tie down cleat assembly for engagement with a mating component, the tie down cleat assembly including a pin, a lock plate adjacent one of the ends of the pin, and a housing with an aperture receiving the pin. An actuating member is operationally connected to the pin and causes selective movement of the pin and lock plate between a secured and unsecured orientation. The lock plate includes two dimensions, a first dimension permitting the lock plate to be inserted into a channel associated with the mating component and a second dimension permitting the securement of the mating component between the housing and locking plate. The pin and locking plate and preferably the housing all rotate as a single unit.

Abstract: A stanchion for an article carrier system comprises a main body member having a cavity extending inwardly of the main body member from a plate. A floor of said cavity includes a first plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. The stanchion further includes an arm having an end sized to rotate within the cavity. The cavity includes a bottom edge that includes a second plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. A post is also included in the stanchion and has a first end positioned within the cavity and secured to the arm. The post also has a second end that includes a cleat. The first plurality of ramps and the second plurality of ramps are configured to cooperate to raise and lower the cleat in relation to the main body member when the arm is rotated about the main body member.

Abstract: A securing device that permits an operator to know when a desired clamping load has been achieved. The device includes a knob portion and an actuator portion. The knob portion includes a plurality of knob lobes and a plurality of ribs defined by an angle. The actuator portion includes a plurality of deflection tabs, wherein each tab is defined by an angle dimensionally similar to the angle of the each rib, extending from a base portion on a vertical cylinder portion radially distanced from a nut sub-assembly. The securement device incorporates a torque control feature that produces an audible clicking noise when a specific torque has been achieved during hand tightening of the knob portion about the actuator portion.