Abstract: A vehicle roof rack can be made by insert molding so that the outside is coated with synthetic resin. The support bracket cores can be manufactured easily, shape and dimensional precision can be easily controlled, and reinforcing ribs can be provided while avoiding appearance defects and supplying resin to the mold from a gate on only one side. The core used for insert molding includes the rail core member of the roof rack and the core of the support bracket for mounting the roof rack to the vehicle. The support bracket core is synthetic resin, manufactured as an integral molding having pilot holes through which screws are passed for attaching the support bracket core to the rail core, and mounting bolts for mounting the support brackets and roof rack to the vehicle.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.

Abstract: A luggage rack on car roof mainly includes two long supports, a plurality of supporting suckers, and a plurality of ski holders. Each of the upper and the lower side of the long supports is provided with two longitudinally and parallelly extended channels. Each of the ski holders includes a U-shaped base and two bridge-type retainers. The U-shaped base includes two walls defining a space between them for holding a pair of skis. The two walls of the U-shaped base outward extend to provide two side extensions each having a stopper thereon. Each of the two bridge-type retainers straddles one side extension to locate between the stopper and the wall from which the side extension extends. The supporting suckers are movably connected at tops to the lower side of the long supports and attached at bottoms to the car roof through vacuum suction. The ski holders are removably connected to the upper side of the long supports.

Abstract: An adaptor for securing a slat of a vehicle article carrier to an outer body surface of a vehicle without the need for drilling holes through the outer body surface. The adaptor comprises a main body portion having a channel formed along the entire length thereof. The channel has a cross-sectional shape which is designed to match the shape of an upwardly protruding lip portion formed within a roof ditch of the vehicle, such that the adaptor can be slid over the upwardly extending metal lip portion and thus attached thereto. At least one threaded bore is provided in the adaptor for enabling a slat to be secured thereto by an external threaded fastening element. A second threaded bore is included for enabling a set screw to be used to secure the adaptor to the metal lip portion so as to prevent sliding movement of the adaptor within the roof ditch. The adaptor thus allows a slat to be secured over a roof ditch without the need for drilling any holes in the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly 10 for use in combination with a vehicle 12 of the type having a roof 14 and a rear or back portion or end 16 including a rear door or hatchback 18. Assembly 10 includes a pair of elongated support rails or members 20, 22, a movable rack or storage member 24 which is movably coupled to said rail members 20, 22, and several fasteners or fastening members 26, 28, 30 and 32. Rack member 24 is movable between a “roof-mounted” position in which rack member 24 is substantially parallel to roof 14 and a “back end-mounted” position in which said rack member is substantially parallel to back end 16.

Abstract: A more utilitarian folding boat, comprising two identical rigid halves that are held in a parallel position by a single longitudinal hinge fixed to opposing flanges, running from transom to bow, and braces placed on or otherwise affixed to the fore and aft flanges and seat mounts, that when assembled form a twin hull water craft. The hinge affixed to the hull sections allow the sections to be rotated around a centerline of the open boat to then mate at their flange in the same manner as a clam, to form a sealed container suitable for transport on the roof of an automobile. The interior of the closed boat is intended to be used to contain components of the boat and camping gear or other items to be transported by vehicle or stored by standing the closed container on its end like a locker.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a ladder to the roofrack of a vehicle. The locking assembly comprises a mounting bracket, a movable shaft slidably disposed in a channel defined in the mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a handle, a sheave attached to an end of the handle, and a bias spring connected between the mounting bracket and the handle, the spring biasing the handle so that the sheave extends through an elongated opening in the channel to engage the moveable shaft in order to prevent further sliding movement through the channel. The locking assembly can be adjusted to accommodate any size of ladder.

Abstract: A roof rail in which a rail portion and a plurality of leg portions are integrally molded by use of a mold having a fixed or movable dam provided in a mold cavity, and which is formed of a polyamide resin composition containing a polyamide resin having a crystallization temperature of not higher than 210° C. and a glass transition temperature of not higher than 70° C. and glass fiber, wherein the difference in surface gloss between the surface of the rail portion and the surface of the leg portion is not higher than 5, and the difference in surface roughness between the surface of the rail portion and the surface of the leg portion is not larger than 0.5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting upon load carrier feet that are disposed at opposing side edge regions of a vehicle roof, the arrangement including a load carrier strut that has a substantially streamlined outer cross-sectional configuration that is exteriorly defined, at least partially, by an outer contour line. Longitudinal slots are located at opposing end regions of the load carrier strut on an underside of the load carrier strut. The outer contour line of the streamlined outer cross-sectional configuration of the load carrier strut is being broken at the underside of the load carrier strut by a longitudinal projecting portion that has a forward defining surface, a rear defining surface and a bottom surface. The forward defining surface and the rear defining surface are approximately parallel and vertical. The bottom surface is substantially planar and transversely directed to the forward defining surface and the rear defining surface.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly includes a pair of longitudinally laterally spaced siderails, each attachable to a vehicle roof panel, including a track and outboard corner portion. A pair of stanchions are attached to the tracks for slidable movement through a plurality of positions. A first crossrail is pivotally secured to a forward end of one of the siderails, and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the recessed position, the first crossrail is recessed in the siderail to which the first crossrail is attached. In the deployed position, the first crossrail is supported on both siderails. A second crossrail is pivotally attached to one of the stanchions opposite the siderail to which the first crossrail is attached. The second crossrail is rotatable between a stowed position, and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the second crossrail is recessed in the siderail and in the deployed position, the second crossrail is supported on both stanchions.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a load carrier to a transporting vehicle that includes an anchor mechanism adapted for securement to a transporting vehicle and for releasable engagement with a carrier foot. The carrier foot has a latching mechanism for releasable engagement with the anchor mechanism. The latching mechanism is adapted for latching engagement to, and disengagement from the anchor mechanism by movement of the carrier foot in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the carrier foot. An example of such movement is vertical movement substantially of an up and down nature. The latching mechanism has a latching and an unlatching configuration and the latching mechanism is urged toward the latching configuration by a resilient biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A roof rail (10), which consists of a side rail (5) and support legs (7, 8). The support legs (6, 7) engage a roof channel (2), which is otherwise closed off by a cover strip (3). The support legs are connected to adaptors (8) at the bottom surface. The connection between the adaptors (8) and the vehicle roof (1) is established by means of threaded bolts (12) which are fastened to the adaptors (8) by means of a threaded portion (14) and to the vehicle roof (1) by means of a second threaded portion (16) with the use of threaded nuts. Each support leg (6, 7) is connected to each respective adaptor in such a manner that it can be loosened, while a bolt (17) with its threaded shaft (21) is screwed into the support leg (6, 7). Here, the bolt head (18) is seated in the adaptor (8) and includes a circular groove (23), one end of which is engaged by a threaded bolt (22) for the purpose of securing it in an axial direction, and where the bolt (22) is extended transversely to the bolt (17).

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a multipurpose frame for use with a top mounted vehicle rack wherein the frame telescopingly attaches to the rack. As such, the frame is laterally extensible from the side of the vehicle and may be used to support a canopy, shower or serve as a clothes line or rain catch. A canopy may be attached at the outside ends of a plurality of extensions attached to the frame. The extensions may be removably attachable at the mounting portions of the frame of the present invention. In this fashion the canopy is sturdily supported by the extensions and can provide shade and protection from the elements to one who remains beneath it. Side walls may be attached to the frame to provide additional protection as well.

Abstract: A canopy top for use with a vehicle having an open passenger compartment and carrying equipment. The canopy top has a frame adaptable for being secured to the vehicle and supported above the passenger compartment. A canopy overlies the frame. Means formed integral with the frame for securing equipment to the top is provided.

Abstract: A roller sunshade for mounting on a car roof mainly includes an automatic sunshade winding mechanism and a plurality of adjustable sucker sets. Each of the two adjustable sucker sets includes two adhering sucker mechanisms and a long metal member. The adhering sucker mechanism each includes from bottom to top a sucker main body, a supporting board that is rotatable by up to 360 degrees relative to the sucker main body, a locating block, a buffer washer, a ring member, and a bolt. These two adjustable sucker sets are symmetrically attached by vacuum suction to predetermined positions at two sides of the car roof. Thereafter, the automatic sunshade winding mechanism is connected to tops of the two adjustable sucker sets to provide a shady place for use outdoors.

Abstract: A seal covers a longitudinal groove forming a slide on the top of a roof bar which has in cross section, on its face that faces upward, two longitudinal lips projecting substantially toward each other to cover partly a longitudinal cavity of the bar and to define the groove between them. The seal has on each longitudinal lateral edge a conformation of substantially U-shaped cross section complementary to that of the corresponding longitudinal lip in order to interengage with the lip. The seal has two longitudinal cuts on its face facing toward the cavity, between the two longitudinal lateral conformations. The cuts extend from that face to the vicinity of a top surface of the seal to form a longitudinal central tongue between the cuts which is easily separated from the two longitudinal lateral parts of the seal.

Abstract: An arrangement for receiving a suitcase on a vehicle hood, particularly a rear opening hood of a motor vehicle, comprises at least three fastening elements arranged on a hood surface which are connected by way of fastening devices with support parts of the rear opening hood. Two of the fastening elements are arranged in a transverse plane and—relative to the driving direction—close to a forward hood edge, and another fastening element is arranged close to a rearward hood edge in a longitudinal center plane of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article carrier assembly for installation on a generally upwardly facing surface of a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises first and second elongated side rails each having locking member engaging portions. Preferably, the locking member engaging portions are spaced apart apertures, although the present invention is not intended to be limited in such a manner. The side rails mount on the generally upwardly facing surface of the motor vehicle in spaced apart, generally parallel relation. An adjustable cross rail assembly has an elongated cross rail for supporting articles of cargo, a fixed locking member fixedly mounted on one opposing end portion of the cross rail, and a selectively movable locking member movably mounted on the other opposing end portion of the cross rail. The movable locking member is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A roof rail for vehicles is described, having a strut (3), which is carried by at least two supporting feet (2), and having a fastening assembly, which is assigned to each supporting foot (2), for fastening it to a non-removable bearing structure (5) on the vehicle, such as a roof channel bottom (6), roof frame, bow or the like. The fastening assembly has a bolt (7) which is arranged on the supporting foot (2), and which is inserted through a hole (8) in the bearing structure (5) and is secured on the bearing structure (5) via a spring element of the fastening assembly. For the purpose of obtaining a simple installation having a snap lock, the bolt (7) to has a radial groove (9) and the spring element (10), which is arranged on the bearing structure (5) and which can be latched into the radial groove (9), to be provided as the fastening means.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier rack assembly for mounting upon the roof of the vehicle includes a cooperative clamping assembly for releasably mounting the carrier rack upon a vehicle roll bar. The rack assembly may further include at least one grommet assembly mounted at a hole formed in the vehicle roof and passing therethrough, in water-tight relationship, a portion of the cooperative, releasable engagement assembly for the vehicle rack. In other embodiments, the rack is hinged to pivot between a first position adjacent the vehicle roof and a second position spaced therefrom, e.g., to facilitate removal and replacement of the vehicle roof. A ladder may be mounted to the carrier rack at the rear of the vehicle to similar purpose.

Abstract: A load assist to a vehicle rack carrier that includes a brace bar coupleable to a vehicle rack carrier where the brace bar is positionable between extended and retracted configurations relative to the vehicle rack carrier when coupled thereto. A connector is adapted for coupling the brace bar to the vehicle rack carrier and includes a brace bar receiver adapted for accommodating reciprocating motion of the brace bar therein. A handle is coupled to an outer distal end of the brace bar and is adapted for preventing slippage of an object off of the distal end of the brace bar. The couplement of the handle to the outer distal end of the brace bar is by a threaded fastener that establishes a friction fit between the handle and the brace bar. The brace bar has an insert pin receiving aperture therein and there is also included a biased insert pin adapted for insertion into the insert pin receiving aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of generally parallel disposed side rails and a plurality of mounting support members for securing the side rails fixedly to an outer body surface, wherein each outermost end of each side rail is secured to its associated mounting support member without any fastening element being visible at the areas where each outermost end of the side rail attaches to the mounting support members. A mounting plate is disposed in one tubular end of the side rail such that the ends of the mounting plate engage opposing slots formed in an outermost end of the side rail. A fastening element is inserted through an opening of an internal boss formed within the mounting support member and engages a threaded opening in the mounting plate. The fastener secures the mounting plate, and therefore the outermost end of the side rail, to the mounting support member without the fastening member or mounting plate being visible once these two components are secured together.

Abstract: A canoe carrier system for allowing an individual to easily transport a canoe, kayak or other structure to a remote location with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The inventive device includes a pair of base members, a plurality of support members extending vertically from the base members, a pair of elongated members extending between the support members longitudinally, a pair of cross members attached between the support members traversely to the elongated members, and a plurality of fastener straps secured to the elongated members for surrounding a canoe or kayak. A pair of padding members are secured about cross members for protecting the canoe. A pair of fasteners and clamps are attached to each of the base members for attaching to the front rack and rear rack of the ATV.

Abstract: An overhead console which can be used to accommodate small objects and also to accommodate a remote controller of a garage opener. The overhead console has a latch mechanism for engaging a free end of the cover with the console body to prevent the free end of the cover from falling off when the cover is closed while allowing upward displacement of the cover by a given stroke from the engagement position, as well as a projection arranged in position on an inner surface of the cover. A switch of the remote controller detachable attached to a ceiling of an accommodation chamber can be operated by pushing the cover upward.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of bracket members at the outer ends of a cross bar, where both bracket members can be unlocked from a pair of slats simultaneously through a single actuating member associated with one of the bracket members. In one embodiment an elongated cable extends through the cross bar and couples an actuating member associated with a bracket member at a first end of the cross bar with a locking member associated with a second bracket member at the opposite end of the cross bar. The locking member is biased into a locked position via an independent biasing member which serves to lock both bracket members to their associated slats. Moving the actuating member into an unlocked position allows both bracket members to be placed in unlocked positions simultaneously. Releasing the actuating member allows the biasing member to return both bracket members into locking engagement with their respective slats.

Abstract: A side-loading and discharging rack for use with vehicles includes a base that is permanently secured to a conventional luggage rack. A pivot interface member is pivotally secured to an outboard end of the base, a transversely disposed elongate slide member is slideably engaged by the pivot interface member, and a handle is attached to the outboard end of the elongate slide member. The elongate slide member has a storage position where its inboard end is retained by a bracket mounted on an inboard end of the base. When in the storage position, a first bias member urges the elongate slide member to slide in an inboard-to-outboard direction, but that sliding motion is prevented by a lock member having an outboard end that abuts against an inboard end of a stop member. A second bias member urges the stop member into blocking relation to the lock member when the elongate slide member is in its storage position.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier incorporating at least one cross bar having a pair of bracket assemblies at each end. Each bracket assembly includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The fixed jaw includes a keyed recess having an internal shoulder portion and a secondary recess. The movable jaw includes a projecting key having a rib and an arm portion having an enlarged outer end. The projecting key engages within the keyed recess and the secondary recess is used to receive the enlarged outer end of the movable jaw to help locate the jaw in precisely the proper position such that the movable jaw is aligned with the fixed jaw during clamping of the bracket assembly to a side rail. Advantageously, the movable jaw can be rotated into a position to be clamped simply by turning a fastening element which secures the fixed and movable jaws together.

Abstract: A sustainer for a roof rail which can be placed on a vehicle will be described. The sustainer includes a hollow sustaining body (1) with a floor plate (3). The floor plate (3) is engaged by a base (6) which is fastened to the floor plate (3) by a fastener (14), whereby the fastener (14) locally lies on the floor plate (3) and locally engages the base (6). They are held together by a threaded bolt (16) pulling the fastener (14) onto the inner surface of the floor plate (3).

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of bracket members which are disposed on a pair of slats, and where each bracket member includes a rotatable actuating member incorporating a camming mechanism for allowing each bracket member to be quickly and easily placed in locked and unlocked positions relative to its associated slat. Each bracket member includes a camming member which is threadably engaged with a threaded shaft of the actuating member. A locking member is also operably engaged with the camming member and is moved between locked and unlocked positions by movement of the camming member when an operator rotates the actuating member. The apparatus incorporates a limited number of independent component parts and the majority of the component parts are disposed within a housing of the bracket member so as not to be exposed to rain, ice, snow, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle rack assembly for mounting on a vehicle having a rollbar, the assembly having a unitary rack member having sidewalls and a floor and bracket members for mounting the floor of the rack to a rollbar of a vehicle. For use with a convertible SUV having a roof, the assembly can further have grommet assemblies for mounting around holes formed in a roof of a vehicle for receiving therein a portion of the bracket members, wherein a roof of a vehicle passes between a rollbar of a vehicle and said unitary rack member.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support. The mechanism includes a bicycle fork anchor having a fork pinching assembly that has two bicycle fork prong receiving portions. A handle is operably coupled to, or associated with the fork pinching assembly for configuring the fork pinching assembly between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Also, the handle is located between the fork prong receiving portions. Supplementarily, an adjustable mounting may be included for permitting the bicycle fork anchor to be canted to a side within a substantially horizontal plane thereby turning the handle bars of a bicycle that is secured upon the bicycle fork anchor.

Abstract: A utility rack adapter bracket for use with a rail assembly installed on the top of a pickup truck bed. The bracket allows a rack, such as ones manufactured by Yakima.RTM. or Touly.RTM., to be attached above the truck bed when covered or uncovered. The bracket is intended for use with a rail assembly as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,152,574 and 5,261,719 (Tucker).

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier including a cross bar having a pair of bracket assemblies at each end, where each bracket assembly includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw which may be cooperatively clamped around a side rail of the article carrier system. The fixed jaw incorporates a keyed recess and the movable jaw incorporates a key. The construction of the keyed recess and the key enable the movable jaw to be pre-positioned so as to not interfere with placement of the cross bar onto the side rails during assembly. Clamping of each bracket assembly to its associated side rail is accomplished simply by turning a threaded fastener engaged with both jaw portions. The movable jaw is rotated automatically into alignment with the fixed jaw and its associated side rail. Further tightening of the fastening member automatically draws the movable jaw into clamping engagement with its associated side rail.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier assembly for mounting on an exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier comprise a pair of elongated side rails constructed and arranged to be mounted on an exterior surface of the motor vehicle. The side rails extend generally parallel to one another in a spaced apart relation. Each of the side rails has a longitudinally extending deformable gripping structure. An elongated adjustable cross rail assembly is constructed and arranged to be mounted transversely between and releasably lockable along the side rails in an infinite range of operating positions. The cross rail assembly has rail locking structures mounted on opposite ends thereof for selectively engaging the gripping structure.

Abstract: A roof rack has a pair of laterally spaced apart rails. A pair of channels in a roof panel of an automotive vehicle are spaced apart the same distance as the rails. Operating mechanism is provided for moving the rails from a raised position of use projecting above the roof panel to a retracted position within the channels. The rails when retracted are substantially flush with the top surface of the roof panel.

Abstract: A device for laterally translating the force vector between a load carrier foot and the upper surface of a vehicle roof according to the slope of the contour of the vehicle roof at the location of the foot upon the vehicle roof. The device includes a load carrier foot for attachment of a load carrier to the vehicle roof and the load carrier foot has a first foot support portion and a second foot support portion. A foot plate for engaging the upper surface of the vehicle roof is provided that is pivotally attached to the load carrier foot and has a first foot plate support portion adjacent the first foot support portion to form an inner support pair and a second foot plate support portion adjacent the second foot support portion to form an outer support pair.

Abstract: Roof channels which extend in the longitudinal direction are constructed in laterally exterior regions on a vehicle roof of passenger cars. Fastening elements for fastening end-side carrier feet of roof racks are provided locally on the roof channels. A simple fastening for roof racks is provided on relatively narrow roof channels which allows high roof loads to be carried. Each roof rack has carrier feet which are constructed in one piece and are connected on the end side with transverse supports. The carrier feet have hollow lower end regions which are placed on projecting receiving regions of receiving adapters premounted on the roof channel and are connected therewith.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus adapted to be disposed within a channel formed in an outer body surface of a vehicle, wherein the channel includes a permanently disposed hook portion, for securing a slat to the hook portion without the use of conventional riv-nut fasteners and without requiring holes to be drilled in the outer body surface. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket having a base portion and a pair of offset arm portions. The base portion is adapted to slide under a lip of the permanently secured hook portion so as to be disposed substantially completely within the channel formed in the outer body surface of a vehicle. The arm portions include threaded openings which allow conventional fastening elements to be used to secure the slat to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be used with or without a conventional resilient mounting pad.

Abstract: A new deer lifting device for all terrain vehicles for allowing a deer to be lifted in an easier manner. The inventive device includes a pair of clamps adapted for coupling with a cargo rack of an all terrain vehicle. A forward section extends rearwardly from the pair of clamps. A middle section extends rearwardly from the forward section. The middle section includes a pair of support posts extending upwardly therefrom. A back section extends downwardly from the middle section.

Abstract: A mounting device for roof racks on motor vehicles, especially automobiles, includes mounting elements located in longitudinal roof channels in which the endwise supporting parts of the roof racks can be secured. Each mounting element is formed by a base plate that rests on the bottom of the roof channel and is fastened thereto, on which plate at least one threaded section is formed for screwing in a mounting bolt for the supporting part. In order for high roof loads to be carried by the mounting device and readily conducted into the fixed body, on the underside of an upright rib of the supporting part, at least one supporting surface is provided that forms a sloping plane relative to the screwing direction in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The supporting surface abuts a corresponding supporting surface of the base plate that extends in the same direction and projects upward.

Abstract: A vehicle-top roof rack and boat mounting system for mounting a boat atop a roof of a car, the rack and mount is provided with a plurality of roof couplers attachable on the car roof, a plurality of crossbars attachable to the roof couplers, and a boat mounting system comprising a plurality of boat mounts. Each of the boat mounts include a crossbar grip coupled to the crossbar, a mounting frame coupled to the grip, a gimbal coupled to the mounting frame, and a roller support coupled to the gimbal. The gimbal allows the roller support to pivot with two degrees of freedom about a central gimbal point to adapt the mount to variously shaped boat hulls and to the varying curvature of each boat hull. The gimbal also adapts for the angle of loading in a one-person loading/unloading operation.

Abstract: A roof railing for motor vehicles which has a tubular rail extending spaced from and substantially parallel to the roof surface along a lateral roof frame. Two supports on the ends of the rail attach the roof railing to the roof of the vehicle. The rail is developed with a bend at each of its end regions. It also has free ends which extend parallel to the surface of the roof and rest on the roof. In the region of each bend, there extends below the rail a support which is fastened to the rail. On its top side, the support has a groove which surrounds a part of the circumference of the rail. Each support is fastened to the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: An equipment transport rack is mountable on the roof of a vehicle, and provides easy access for loading equipment thereon. The equipment payload is carried on a payload carrier mounted on a movable carriage assembly which has two operational positions. In the transport position, the payload is carried above the roof surface, thus avoiding interference with vehicle doors or windows and preventing safety hazards to passers by.In the loading position, the carriage assembly extends outwardly and pivots downwardly from the roof area to project the payload carrier at least partially below the height of the roof edge and roof surface. In the loading position, the equipment payload may be easily and conveniently loaded and unloaded from the rack by a user of average height standing next to the vehicle. When the loading or unloading is completed, the carriage assembly pivots upwardly and slides inwardly to be returned to the transport position, where it is latched in position prior to vehicle movement.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support such as a vehicular load carrier or a storage mount. The mechanism includes a pair of skewers (123) that are at least partially received within a bicycle fork anchor (100) and the skewers (123) are movable one skewer (125) relative to the other skewer (130). The pair of skewers (123) are configured for fixing a bicycle's fork to the anchor (100). Each skewer (125,130) of the pair (123) is operable between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Each skewer (125) of the skewer pair (123) is longitudinally aligned with the other skewer pair (130) and the skewers (125,130) are spaced apart from one another in at least one of the two positions. At least one handle (110) is coupled to the bicycle fork anchor (100) for operating at least one skewer (125,130) of the skewer pair (123) between the bicycle fork pre-pinched position and the bicycle fork pinch-secured position.

Abstract: A device for fastening onto a vehicle a load carrier of the type provided with a strut extending transversely across the vehicle roof, support feet disposed at the ends of the strut and abutting against the vehicle roof, and clamping units which, for fastening the load carrier to the vehicle roof, are movable in clamping directions substantially transversely of the direction of travel of the vehicle. The device includes securement means having engagement members which are designed for interconnection with corresponding engagement members on the clamping units. The securement means have narrow neck portions which extend behind decoration or sealing strips on the vehicle. The securement means are provided with anchorage portions which are anchored on the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cover for covering a cross-member of an automotive vehicle rack has a body and a hole. The body has a rounded leading edge and a tapered trailing edge. The hole extends longitudinally through the length of the body and is sized to receive a cross-member. In a further embodiment, the body also has a slit extending radially outwardly from the hole to an outer surface of the cover and extending longitudinally along the length of the body providing a passage through which a cross-member may slide into the hole.

Abstract: A rack for holding bicycles and other velocipeds by their tires only. For use as a carrier on motor vehicles, or for display racks and the like. Comprises an elongated U-channel track into which are set the bicycle wheels. An inverted U-shaped arm at each end of the track contacts the nearest tire of the bicycle above its axle level. At least one of the arms pivots, to clamp the tires between the two arms and between the arms and the track, restraining the bicycle in all directions by its tires, and to quickly release the bicycle with only one operation.

Abstract: A two piece attachment clip for attaching a roof-mounted rack system to a vehicle. The attachment clip comprises a bottom portion that is attached to the weld seam flange of the vehicle, and a top portion that detachably locks into the bottom portion and engages a strap that holds the rack system onto the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A standoff assembly, adapted to mount a sports rack crossbar onto a vehicle roof-rail having an inner groove extending substantially along the length thereof, includes a standoff having a base portion and a rack portion fixed in a spaced apart relationship by an intermediate portion disposed between a rack and the base portions, a fastener rotatably carried on the rack portion and retaining the standoff to the sports rack crossbar, and an anchor which is adapted to be adjustably receivable in one of a plurality of locations along the inner groove of the rail and which fixedly secures the standoff to the rail.