Abstract: A luggage rack for an automobile having a horizontally disposed exterior body surface comprising a pair of elevated side members, at least one stanchion disposed at one end of each of the side members and associated with the side members, the stanchions each having an aperture into which an end support member of a cross member is disposed wherein a fastener secures the cross member to the stanchion via the end support. A cover conceals the fastener and may also conceal the fasteners that secure the stanchion to the automobile.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a tie down device for securing an object carried on a rack. The device includes a braided rope having a length sufficient to loop the rope about the first end of the rack so two adjacent portions of the rope pass over the object and both ends of the rope are below the second end of the rack. There is an apparatus for securing the two ends of the rope below the second end of the rack and a telescopic twisting handle with two ends. The twisting handle is fitted between the adjacent portions of the rope and rotated end over end to twist the portions of the rope about each other to tighten the rope over the object. Also provided is a method for securing an object employing the device.

Abstract: A vehicle rack having frame members and a clamping device for securing a ladder to the frame members. The clamping device comprises a first clamp rigidly connected to one frame member to receive one of the rungs of the ladder, and a second clamp for engaging another rung of the ladder. The second clamp is rigidly connected to a rotatable rod to which a handle as connected. A link is provided for interconnecting the rod and a spring, the arrangement of the link and the member being such that the second clamp is biased alternatively in the engaged and disengaged positions so that moving the handle in one direction will cause the second clamp to engage a rung of the ladder, the second clamp being urged in the engaged position by the spring. While moving the handle in the other direction will cause the second clamp to disengage, the spring then urging the second clamp in the disengaged position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for covering a vehicle having a front, a trunk, an outer surface, and an underside. A cover has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the vehicle and also has an inside surface, a front, two opposite sides, and a rear. A connecting member is attached to the inside surface at the rear of the cover while a ring member is fixed inside of the trunk of the vehicle. A string fixes the connecting member to the ring member. Hooks are attached to the underside of the vehicle along the two opposite sides of the vehicle while holes, made along edges of the two opposite sides of the cover, secure the cover to the hooks attached to the underside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pair of two piece clamps are removably attached to a roll bar located towards the rear of a convertible jeep-type vehicle and to a rigid cross bar over the roll bar which in turn has connecting bars attaching the rear cross bar to a front cross bar which in turn is attached to the frame of the windshield. The fabric convertible top is secured between the clamp sections. This provides an overhead carrier with a canvas or fabric covering top in place.

Abstract: A sectional boat, which also serves as a luggage carrier on an automobile roof or trailer, which comprises a bow section and a stern section which nest together when the two sections are placed with their open sides in a face-to-face relationship, and a waterproof sealing strip between adjacent surfaces of the nesting sections to make a water-tight luggage carrier; the two boat sections being assembleable into a boat by clamping together two boat sections, with a clamping T-shaped seat.

Abstract: An external cargo carrier for a vehicle and which carrier includes a mechanism allowing longitudinal adjustment of a cross rail relative to a pair of transversely spaced side rails and which mechanism also permits the cross rail to be quickly and easily removed from the side rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive cargo carrier utilizing interlocking vertically offset tubular perimeter members and multiple intersecting tension members providing for a substantially rigid, yet resilient structure, and a system for cargo carriage utilizing various interchangeable elements.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle support device including an elongated channel for receiving the wheels of a bicycle, a mounting bracket attached to the channel, an elongated bicycle support member swingably mounted on the bracket for movement between a folded position alongside the channel and a raised bicycle support position. A latch releasably holds the bicycle support member in its raised position and the support member has a clamp at its upper end for engaging the frame of the bicycle to support the bicycle in the longitudinal medial plane of the channel.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having a plurality of preferably for mounting receptacles permanently attached to the roof of the automobile to which other different types of primary luggage carriers may be selectively attached. For example, heavy-load utility bar assemblies may be attached to carry heavy loads, such as a boat, crate or large box; or standard luggage carrier assemblies, including slats or stanchions supporting elevated side rails, may be attached to carry lighter and less bulky loads, such as travel cases, smaller boxes and the like.

Abstract: A folding carrier for carrying objects on an automobile or the like has a frame to which a carrying member and a supporting member are pivotally mounted for movement between collapsed and extended positions. The carrier is designed so that the carrying member is held in its extended position for carrying objects and the supporting member is held in its extended position for mounting the carrier on the automobile. When the carrying member is moved from its collapsed position to its extended position a portion of the carrying member contacts the frame and the carrying member is braced against the frame.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing objects in a trunk of a power vehicle has a wall element arranged at an inner surface of a trunk cover and movable relative to the latter between a closed position in which it forms a closed compartment and an open position in which the compartment is opened, and mounting elements for movably mounting the wall element at one side of the inner surface of the trunk cover so that the wall element pivots between the closed and open positions. The arrangement may have a cover for the compartment formed by the trunk cover or a separate element mounted thereon.

Abstract: A demountable carrier rack for a pickup truck, the rack including a primary structural framework for securing to the front sides of the truck bed. A removeable secondary framework is provided for securing to the tail end of the truck bed with the two frameworks being interconnected by a pair of longitudinally extending running bars and a transversly extending adjustable load bar. The primary frame work and the inside of the truck bed are provided with collecting devices for storing the secondary framework, the running bars and the adjustable load bar.

Abstract: A load carrier 12 for a motor load vehicle 10 has a rectangular frame 13, four legs 14 depending pivotally from the frame, and feet 16 at the lower ends of the legs. The legs are pivotal about longitudinal axes to allow adjustment in the transverse spacing of the feet 16 so as to fit vehicles having load carrying portion of differing widths.The frame has longitudinal members 40.1, 40.2 and 40.3. Each longitudinal member is in two parts which are adjustably interconnected by a sleeve 42 to adjust the length of the member, thereby to render the carrier 12 adjustable in length to fit vehicles having load carrying portions of differing lengths.A rear transverse member 43 can be removed or pivoted out of the way to facilitate loading and offloading from the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rack is disclosed which is adapted to be installed in combination with a shell in the bed of a pickup truck. The rack comprises two opposed sets of upright posts. Each set of posts is adapted to extend in a plane generally parallel to the sidewall of the truck and outside of the sidewall. The upper portion of the rack is completed by a pair of horizontal side members extending along the top of the posts and a plurality of horizontal cross members extending between the side members. Each set of posts is supported by a base plate which is disposed horizontally along the bottom of the posts and extends inwardly from the plane of the posts to the sidewall of the truck bed. The inward portion of the base plate is fastened to the top of one of the sidewalls. The rack provides a clearance so that a shell may be mounted over the truck bed within the rack, and the rack is supported entirely by the sidewalls of the truck bed.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for fastening a carrier to a roof of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a support member which extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is disposed at respective side edges thereof. The fastening arrangement includes a carrier bracket which is adapted to be mounted near a side edge of the motor vehicle. The carrier bracket includes a threaded bore for accommodating a threaded portion of a carrier holder of the carrier. A cap cover is detachably insertable into the threaded bore so as to seal the bore when the carrier holder is not accommodated therein. The carrier bracket may be completely disposed beneath the surface of the roof or include a portion which projects beyond the upper surface of the roof. The carrier bracket may be provided with an annular flange that is applied with a seal and with pretensioning to the roof surface with a lower portion of the bracket being swagged so as to fix the bracket to the roof surface.

Abstract: An add-on roof assembly for use in converting a van into a camper is adapted to be installed as a unit and has a mounting base for fitting snugly over the rim of the van top and a pop-up top which nests with the base when in lowered position. This top is of two-ply construction, providing ventilation between the two plies.

Abstract: A two-part stanchion for a vehicle article carrier wherein one part includes an integral base, wall means extending upwardly from not more than half the base periphery and a second part including wall means coacting with the first part to enclose the base.

Abstract: A foldable support rack for carrying bicycles on a vehicle, comprising a pair of vertical support members joined at their upper ends by a cross member, provided with horizontally projecting carrying members and supported on the vehicle bumper as an upright rectangular array. Interconnections between support members, cross member, and carrying members allow rack to be easily folded to minimum volume for storage, and extended and locked into open configuration for use. Means are provided for attachment to a variety of vehicle configurations without use of tools.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle carrier for carrying bicycles and the like on automobiles and other vehicles is disclosed. The subject carrier is characterized by a unitary hanger member to which is movably attached a pair of legs. A locking mechanism serves to rotably attach each of the legs to the hanger member such that the subject carrier is able to be folded flat to have both the legs and the hanger member be in a single plane when the carrier is not in use. The locking mechanism also serves to lock each of the legs when the carrier is in an extended operative configuration to prevent accidental collapse or folding.

Abstract: A carrier for a motor vehicle including a planar, curved supporting member which is substantially the same size of the roof of the motor vehicle, a plurality of ribs formed integrally on the undersurface of the supporting member for reinforcing the supporting member and for spacing the supporting member from the roof of the motor vehicle, means for coupling the supporting member to the motor vehicle and a visor movable between an up-position and a down-position. When the visor is on the up-position, wind flow is allowed to pass through the space between the carrier and the roof of the motor vehicle and when the visor is on the down-position, wind flow will be shut-off. Thus, wind flow can be controllable based upon the weather condition.

Abstract: An article carrier that is attachable to a closure of a land vehicle is provided. The article carrier has a body and a lid that form an interior compartment when brought together. The body is attached to the inside wall of the closure. The lid is rotatably attached to the body near the end of the body that is at the bottom of the closure. The lid has flanges at the top corners thereof that extend outwardly from the lid such that the flanges are received between the closure and the sidewalls of the vehicle when the closure is shut. The article carrier can have permanent and temporary dividers therein to compartmentalize the inside of the article carrier.

Abstract: A luggage carrier is adapted to be removably secured to the trunk lid of an automotive vehicle. The carrier includes a frame section, carried on the outside surface of the trunk lid and having a plurality of leg members that extend through aligned apertures in the trunk lid into engagement with fastening devices that are carried on the inside surface of the trunk lid. The fastening devices releasably secure the luggage carrier to the trunk lid. Covers are provided to enclose the apertures to provide a pleasing appearance when the luggage carrier is removed from the trunk lid.

Abstract: A stanchion assembly for an automobile luggage rack is defined by a stanchion and a locking pad providing for hidden features. The stanchion is mounted to a surface of the automobile by the fasteners which are secured thereto through apertures provided in the stanchion.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having a plurality, preferably for mounting receptacles permanently attached to the roof of the automobile to which other different types of primary luggage carriers may be selectively attached. For example, heavy-load utility bar assemblies may be attached to carry heavy loads, such as a boat, crate or large box; or standard luggage carrier assemblies may be attached to carry lighter and less bulky loads, such as travel cases, smaller boxes and the like.

Abstract: A station wagon vehicle or the like having a rear cargo space is provided with a rectangular opening on the rear roof portion thereof. The rectangular opening forms a part of the opening provided when the rear door of the vehicle is opened to gain access to its cargo space. A roof panel which normally covers the rectangular opening is mounted to enable it to be moved forwardly to provide a vertical clearance in the cargo space for objects being hauled therein.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having spaced side members and spaced cross members in which the carrier is supported at the front and rear corners on stanchions and in which the stanchions form part of the carrier and are firmly secured to the roof of an automobile and including illuminating means provided in certain or all of the stanchions to illuminate the area of the carrier and facilitate its use in the dark. Such illumination, either direct or reflective, would be highly visable to oncoming traffic and would contribute to the safe loading or unloading of the carrier in the dark.

Abstract: A multi purpose carrier for vehicles is disclosed. The carrier of the present invention comprises a pair of opposed spaced apart telescoping end pieces having ends curving arcuately to meet a vehicle surface. A plurality of resilient end pieces snugly surround the ends and are interposed between the ends and the vehicle surface. A pair of telescoping spaced apart transverse members interconnect the end pieces to adjustably space the end pieces. The height, length, and width of the multi-purpose carrier is adjustable to accommodate varying vehicle surfaces and a variety of articles to be mounted thereon.

Abstract: An improved two-wheeled vehicle carrier detachably connectable to a vehicle having a tow-bar is disclosed and comprises a carry-bar detachably connecting to the tow-bar in a substantially horizontal manner and connectors to detachably connect the carry-bar to the tow-bar. A pair of pivoting wheel cradles are adjustably mounted to the carry-bar to retain the wheels of the two-wheeled vehicle. Mountings adjustably connect the pair of pivoting wheel cradles to the carry-bar.

Abstract: A vehicle attached carrier for bicycles comprising spaced U-shaped side frames each formed with an arcuate intermediate portion and two straight leg portions extending from the ends of the arcuate intermediate portion, the side frames having a plurality of openings spaced apart along the arcuate intermediate portion in non-linear relation, and bicycle support frame including relatively parallel support arms having spaced openings adapted to register with different selected pairs of openings in the arcuate intermediate portion of the side frames to receive bolts for securing the arms to the side frames in different selected positions extending generally chordwise of the arcuate intermediate portion of the side frames.

Abstract: An opening formed in an automobile deck is closeable by a closure pivotedly mounted on the deck for forwardly pivotal movement into a closed position and for rearwardly pivotal movement into an open position in which it forms a seat back for a rumble seat which also includes a collapsible seat section which is hung from the closure or from the deck. Means are provided to fold the seat section against the undersurface of the closure when the latter is closed or open and to limit rearward pivotal movement of the closure. Additionally, means are provided to enable the closure, when in its open position, to be used as a bicycle rack.The described rumble seat structure may be utilized in combination with an existing trunk lid or a deck not incorporating a trunk lid.

Abstract: An automobile luggage rack having spaced side members and spaced cross members is supported at the front and rear corners on stanchions which form part of the rack and which are firmly secured to the roof of an automobile. The cross members are of tear-drop cross section and may be angularly adjusted to minimize wind noise by interchanging retaining members located adjacent the ends of the cross rails. The stanchions, retainer members and side rails are secured together by a single threaded fastening element located at each of the four corners of the rack, whereby to minimize assembly time.

Abstract: A car top carrier comprises spaced pairs of stanchions and a side rail between the stanchions. Each stanchion has a laterally extending opening therein and an insert projecting into said opening. A screw locks the insert in angularly adjustable position with respect to the stanchion. A cross rail and the inserts have telescoping portions forming a connection therebetween. The cross rail has the major portion thereof of non-circular cross section so that the angular position of said cross section with respect to said stanchions can be adjusted by adjusting the angular position of each insert with respect to each pair of stanchions.

Abstract: A collapsible camper includes a base having a floor and enclosing wall panels as well as a rigid roof member capable of being raised and lowered relative to the base. The base is mounted upon a wheel and axle assembly. The roof member is constructed so as to have a storage compartment therewithin for the storage of at least one bed member such as a bed board. Cooperable elements are carried by the bed member or members and by walls of the roof member for guiding the bed members into the storage compartment, for retaining the bed members therein and to facilitate removal of the bed members from the compartment.