Abstract: A universal roof rack mounting system includes small, nearly imperceptible, permanently attached pads and removable cross bar towers. The pads extend only about one quarter inch from an automobile roof and may be painted to match the color of the roof. The cross bar towers may be quickly and easily attached and detached from the pads, and the cross bar towers include a passage which accepts known roof rack cross bars including, both round and rectangular cross bars. An adjustable latching action between the pads and the cross bar towers allows a range of cross bar tower lean angles, thereby allowing the mounting system to adapt to any vehicle roof. The cross bar towers include locking release covers, and the cross bar towers are easily removed, with or without cross bars attached, by unlocking and lifting the tower covers, and the rack system can be lifted off as a unit.

Abstract: A roof rack system that is a platform for any roof mounted products. Examples of such products include bikes, skis, snow boards, kayaks, canoes, or storage compartments or baskets. This system will fit any vehicle, any make, any model, any year, with a single stock keeping unit (SKU). It is also an attractive rack, even if it does not carry any products.

Abstract: A truck bed extender is attached to a tail gate by mounting brackets. The mounting brackets attach to the tail gate only, and require absolutely no alterations to the truck bed. The truck bed extender may be easily removed by removing two pins or may be folded against the tail gate for minimum intrusion into the truck bed when the tail gate is closed. A telescoping back section may be adjusted for various truck bed widths. Corners of the truck bed extender are squared off to maximize use of the extended truck bed.

Abstract: A new construction method for a ladder for use on recreational vehicles and boats is disclosed. The ladder comprises two parallel metal tubular rails and a plurality of extruded aluminum steps, including step end caps. The steps are a unique triple-void hollow extrusion, fastened to the ladder rails with a spring pin that goes through two walls of the step extrusion and both walls of the rail tubing, anchoring in a third wall of the step extrusion. This provides a solid, close-coupled assembly that avoids the stresses caused by traditional cantilevered screw fastening methods. Plastic end caps molded with interference fingers, permitting assembly without mechanical fasteners, fit in the ends of the steps, providing protection and an attractive finish to the steps.