Abstract: A watercraft carrier includes a base, a hub, an upright, and an actuator. The base includes an outboard end, a distal end, and an upper surface. The hub is disposed at the distal end of the base. The upright is coupled to the hub and configured to rotate with respect to the base. The actuator is configured to release the upright from a locked configuration such that the upright can rotate from a first position to a second position. Displacing the actuator in an outboard direction releases the upright from the locked configuration.

Abstract: A carrier system for a vehicle having a pair of vacuum devices shaped and sized to mate and secure to a recreational article. Each vacuum device includes a pad shaped and sized to detachably seat with a vehicle to form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum device includes a plunger attached to the pad and in fluid communication with the vacuum cavity, and an indicator positioned on the plunger to indicate the level of vacuum pressure within the vacuum cavity.

Abstract: A method for determining a route for a drone to deliver a package from an origin to a destination using vehicles that are not actively participating in a delivery of a package; a method for delivering the package from the origin to the destination using the drone in accordance with the route; a method for determining a route for delivering a package from an origin to a destination using drones and vehicles that are not actively participating in a delivery of the package; a method for delivering the package from the origin to the destination using the drones and vehicles in accordance with the route; a vehicle-associated package repository, for retaining packages deposited and collect by a drone, to be transported by a vehicle; and a vehicle-transported container including the vehicle-associated package repository.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor assembly can comprise an optics assembly that includes a LIDAR sensor and a set of dovetail joint inserts. The LIDAR sensor assembly can further include a frame comprising a set of dovetail joint septums coupled to the set of dovetail joint inserts of the optics assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a watercraft carrier includes activating a handle at an outboard end of a base of the watercraft carrier. The activating the handle releases a locking mechanism of an upright. The locking mechanism is disposed at a distal end of the base. The method further includes rotating the upright from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A ski carrier is disclosed herein. The ski carrier includes a housing having a cylindrical shape with rounded ends. The housing further includes a latch located along a center portion that opens to reveal a mounting assembly located within the housing. The mounting assembly includes two rotatable cylinders that are connected through a central rod. The cylinders include clips that receive ski poles to be mounted and stored within the housing. The housing further includes a first compartment and a second compartment that is movable to reveal additional storage for skiing accessories such as gloves, boots, and googles. Additionally, the housing may be mounted on to the top of a vehicle for easy transport.

Abstract: A mounting specification adjustable front fork mount for mounting on a bike rack on a car roof to cooperate with a quick release for securing a bicycle front fork is disclosed to include a holder having a shaft tube with a protruding portion at each of two opposite ends of the shaft tube, and two mounting tubes each having a first coupling recess and a second coupling recess so designed that the bottom of the first coupling recess and the bottom of the second coupling recess are respectively spaced from the distal end of the mounting tube by a different distance. The protruding portion at each end of the shaft tube can be selectively engaged into the first coupling recess or the second coupling recess according to the specification of the bicycle front fork.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling system for coupling an accessory to a mount. Included is a mount comprising a mount end for mounting on a mounting surface and a coupling end comprising a first coupling arrangement, and an accessory coupleable to mount. The accessory comprising a second coupling arrangement disposed on a surface. The first and second coupling arrangement comprising coupling elements configured to guide accessory into a coupling orientation relative to mount maintain coupling orientation through a coupling/decoupling operation and to couple accessory to mount in a coupled configuration. First set of coupling elements comprise formations disposed on one of first and second coupling arrangements and complementary formations disposed on the other of first and second coupling arrangements.

Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.

Abstract: A removable roof rack system includes a first roof rail having a first guide track, a second roof rail having a second guide track and a crossbar having a first end and a second end. The removable roof rack system also includes a first slide received in the first guide track, a second slide received in the second guide track and a first releasable latch assembly connecting the first end to the first slide and a second releasable latch assembly connecting the second end to the second slide.

Abstract: A cross bar for mounting a vehicle topper to a roof of a vehicle has a center section with a substantially rectangular cross section. Tapered sections are attached at a proximal end to each side of the center section. Outer plates are located on the distal end of each respective tapered section. The tapered sections increase in cross sectional area from their distal end to their proximal end.

Abstract: A roof-rack for a vehicle and method of operation where the siderails and the crossbars are both automatically movable via a control circuit to clear snow from a vehicle roof.

Abstract: A jaw member (11) for a support assembly (10) for securing a bicycle (1) to a load carrier (2) for a vehicle (8), The jaw member (13, 14) comprises a frame work structure formed by at least one support element and at least one rib (31, 32, 35, 36), The frame work structure is specifically adapted to enable the jaw member to withstand a relative high amount of tensile stress while still being relatively light weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supporting structure for a roof mounted bike carrier having a wheel tray. The supporting structure includes a first attachment part and a second attachment part which is separable from the first attachment part. The supporting structure includes a bike supporting device having a coupling section coupled to the first attachment part and adapted to support a bike with a supporting section thereof. The first attachment part and the second attachment part are structured so as to be invertedly couplable for providing respective reversed positions of the bike supporting device with respect to the second attachment part.

Abstract: A high voltage interlock (HVIL) plug assembly includes a main body having an outer surface and an inner surface configured to be disposed against a cover of an electrical device, wherein removal of the cover enables access to components in the electrical device electrically connected to the high voltage interlock circuit, a jumper coupled to the main body and configured to extend through a receiving aperture in the cover to couple to the connector and establish circuit continuity when the main body is coupled to the cover, and a flange extending from the main body. When the main body is coupled to the cover, the flange covers and prevents access to a fastener that couples the cover to a housing of the electrical device such that the main body must be uncoupled and removed from the cover in order to remove the fastener and enable removal of the cover.

Abstract: A system for securely locking a storage box in a bed for a pickup truck, includes a storage box housing, a storage box lid and a lock for the lid. A plurality of wheels align with dips in the bottom of the truck bed. Guide pins align with a dip to keep the storage box housing centered. Horizontal locking pins are positioned inside the housing having both a retracted position and a locking position, in which each locking pin is partly into the nearest side wall. At least one vertical locking pin is positioned inside the housing having both a retracted position and a locking position partly within a hole in the ridge of the bottom wall. Once locking pins are engaged, they can only be disengaged from inside the housing when the lid for the storage box is open. Various holes are reinforced.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a bicycle to a vehicle having first and second fork prongs. The assembly includes an elongated skewer for mounting the first and second fork prongs of the bicycle thereon and has an end portion. A lever rotatably couples to the end portion of the elongated skewer and has a cam portion. A cam follower movably couples to the elongated skewer and engages the cam portion of the lever such that the cam follower moves along the elongated skewer as the lever rotates. The assembly also includes a lock assembly, separate from the lever and the cam follower, that locks the lever at a closed position and couples to the end portion of the elongated skewer such that the lock assembly is disposed around the end portion of the elongated skewer.

Abstract: A truck rack system for transporting an elongated object in a vehicle includes a vehicle that has a cab and a bed. A rack is positioned on the cab. A pad is coupled to the rack and the pad may support an object. Thus, the vehicle may carry the object. A fastener is coupled to the rack. The fastener engages the roof such that the rack is removably retained on the roof.

Abstract: A ski carrier clamp mountable on a cross bar of a vehicle roof carrier is provided. The ski carrier clamp includes an elongate base part carrying a first flexible clamp member extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongate base part, and an elongate top part having a second flexible clamp member extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongate top part. The elongate top part is movably coupled to the elongate base part so that the second flexible clamp member is movable with respect to the first flexible clamp member. The first flexible clamp member and the second flexible clamp member are arranged such that at least portions thereof are able to laterally pass each other upon moving the elongate base part and the elongate top part towards each other.

Abstract: A device for securing ladders to a vehicle having telescoping cross bar having pivotal arms pivotally attached at each end of the telescoping cross bar, respectively, the telescoping crossbar having a receiving portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion and receiving portion sized such that there is a close fit when inserting the insertion portion into the receiving portion, each pivotable arm has an arm body that includes a pivot arm aperture, at each distal end of the insertion portion and receiving portion are at least one pivot tang, also located at each distal end of the insertion portion and receiving portion is a ladder insertion tang, the ladder insertion tangs are attached to projecting tabs on the distal ends and are inwardly directed, and the receiving portion includes a movement limiting mechanism.

Abstract: A surfboard carrier for securing one or more surfing devices for transport upon a carrying vehicle and including an elongate base having a sliding base slidingly coupled to the main base and having a locking portion. A displacement hinge having a first end and a second end can be coupled to the elongate base at the first end of the displacement hinge. A middle arm can be coupled to the second end of the displacement hinge. A strap having a first end and a second end can have the first end of the strap coupled to the bottom displacement. A lock coupled to the locking portion can be configured to lock the strap to the locking portion in the event the second end of the strap is inserted into the locking portion of the sliding base.

Abstract: Utility rack attachments for rack systems used with automobiles, trailers, or stationary objects are used to conveniently transport or store the same. The invented rack system is basically comprised of an easily mountable and slidable assembly unit designed for quick locking to a rail mounted to a vehicle or trailer that is in tow by a vehicle. In a typical setup a quick locking and unlocking assembly unit is mounted to each of two rails that are separated by a distance that is spanned by the load it is carrying or by a platform which carries the load. The slidable and fixable nature of a complete assembly enables a person to quickly mount and dismount it to a rail and position and reposition a load at any location along the rail thus making it very versatile to accommodate a range of objects to be transported.

Abstract: A cargo box is configured for mounting on crossbars on top of a vehicle. The cargo box includes a control assembly for operating a latch assembly on one side of the cargo box. The control assembly includes a toggle switch which may be enabled or disabled by operation of a lock device.

Abstract: A kayak holder configurable between an open, load-receiving configuration and a closed, stored configuration can include an elongate support arm and a base. The base can be releasably mountable upon a load bar of a carrying vehicle. The elongate support arm can be anchored to a hub having an axle rotatably coupled to the base. The base can comprise a keyway assembly that releasably receives a mating key assembly on the axle. The elongate support arm can have a locked position where the key assembly is interference-engaged in the keyway assembly and an unlocked position where the key assembly axially displaced from the locked position out of interference-engagement with the keyway assembly. The key assembly can include a key adapted to be located in a keyway of the keyway assembly in the locked position, thereby blocking rotation of the arm relative to the base.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: A power lock assembly for a roof rack of a vehicle for releasably securing a valuable to the roof rack includes a lock mechanism and a shackle. The lock mechanism is fixedly connected to the roof rack, and is operable in a locked state and an unlocked state. The shackle is adapted to be releasably secured to the lock mechanism, and engages the valuable on the roof rack. The lock mechanism is electrically connected with a vehicle locking system for locking and unlocking a vehicle door, whereby locking the vehicle door places the lock mechanism in the locked state and unlocking the vehicle door places the lock mechanism in the unlocked state.

Abstract: Carrier, such as a cargo box, for a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the cargo box may comprise a bottom portion mountable to a vehicle, and a lid portion that fits together with the bottom portion to form a container for cargo. The container may have a pair of lateral sides opposite each other. The cargo box also may comprise a plurality of hinge-latch members to connect the lid portion to the bottom portion adjacent each lateral side. At least one hinge-latch member adjacent each lateral side may include a hinge, a first latch, and a second latch. The first and second latches may be adjustable individually to connect the lid portion to the bottom portion via the hinge. In another exemplary embodiment, the carrier may comprise a clamp device having a force indicator.

Abstract: A cargo carrier adapted to be removably mounted to a roof of a vehicle includes a body portion and an interior space defined by the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes a lid portion that provides access to the interior space. The lid portion is releasably attachable to the body portion by relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes at least one mechanical fastening assembly slidingly engageable with a complementary fastening assembly, wherein the mechanical fastening assembly prevents relative motion between the lid portion and the body portion. Another embodiment of the cargo carrier includes a lid cover constructed to coact with a space defined by the lid portion and the body portion. The lid cover creates mechanical interference to prevent relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device by means of which, in use, an object is attached to a roof rack which is or at least can be connected to roof rails of a car, comprising a housing, at least two movable jaws extending to outside the housing, which jaws engage round a roof rack in use, and actuating means provided with an operating element for moving said at least two jaws together, wherein the actuating means are designed to translate the jaws and comprise at least one rack, which rack is engaged when the operating element is operated. The invention further relates to a combination of a roof rack and such an attachment device and to a combination of an object to be attached to a roof rack and such an attachment device.

Abstract: A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a light bar and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the light bar remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the light bar remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle rack for carrying a bicycle wheel, a wheel carrier mountable on a load supporting bar of a vehicle rack, and methods of using a vehicle rack and/or wheel carrier to hold a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel carrier may include a base, a pair of arms connected to the base and defining slots for receiving an axle of a bicycle wheel, and a strap securable to the base over a rim of the bicycle wheel to restrict removal of the wheel from the arms.

Abstract: A device for attaching accessories to a vehicle roof bar, the device comprising, a threaded control rod, two threaded nuts threaded onto the control rod, two guide bodies, wherein each of the guide bodies has one of the threaded nuts positioned within the guide body, a C-shaped rail, wherein each of the guide bodies and each of the threaded nuts are positioned within the C-shaped rail; two jaws, each of the jaws being attached to one of the guide bodies and a first portion of each jaw being located outside the C-shaped rail, whereby rotation of the control rod in a first direction causes the guide bodies to move towards each other thereby allowing a second portion of the jaws to contact the vehicle roof bar, and where further rotation of the control rod in the first direction locks the guide body within the C-shaped rail.

Abstract: A storage device attachable to a vehicle roof rack having a removable boat. The storage device comprises a base with a container. The boat is securely releasably attached in an inverted position to cover the container. A shape of the base conforms to a gunwale of the boat. The base has a flange and rim to engage a first side gunwale when the other side of the boat is lifted from the storage device. The boat is securely fastened to the base, such that the boat fits completely over the container to create a water-tight volume from the container base to the inside bottom of the boat. When the boat is released, securing means remain attached to the storage device, and the boat is easily lifted off of the storage device.

Abstract: The transport device for an instrument (2) for photo, video, audio recording or the like comprises a body (10), connection means (3) accommodated in the body (10) and intended for fixing the instrument (2) to the device (1), supporting means (4) fixed to the body (10) and intended for anchoring the device (1) to the user's body, and a sustaining element (5) one extremity of which is restrained to the body (10).

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus for supporting articles above an outer body surface of a vehicle that has a pair of support rails fixedly secured to the outer body surface. Each support rail may have at least one structural feature in a wall portion thereof. At least one cross bar having a pair of end supports may be supported on the support rails. At least one of the end supports may have a pivotally mounted locking lever and a pivotally mounted locking member operatively coupled together. The locking member may have an element adapted to engage the at least one structural feature in the support rail. Structure associated with each of the locking lever, a housing of the end support, and the locking member cooperate to prevent the locking lever from being moved into a seated position in a recess of the housing if the end support is not aligned with the structural feature in the support rail.

Abstract: A power lock assembly for a roof rack of a vehicle for releasably securing a valuable to the roof rack includes a lock mechanism and a shackle. The lock mechanism is fixedly connected to the roof rack, and is operable in a locked state and an unlocked state. The shackle is adapted to be releasably secured to the lock mechanism, and engages the valuable on the roof rack. The lock mechanism is electrically connected with a vehicle locking system for locking and unlocking a vehicle door, whereby locking the vehicle door places the lock mechanism in the locked state and unlocking the vehicle door places the lock mechanism in the unlocked state.

Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.

Abstract: A roof rack device includes a base with a first through hole disposed on a car roof and two carrier members with a second through hole disposed on the base. The base is provided with pin and control members. The control member has a first buckle portion and a cam which pushes the pin member into the first and second through holes or out of the second through hole. The outer end of each carrier member has a lock seat with a second buckle portion. When the first and second buckle portions are engaged, the cam keeps the pin member in the first and second through holes and the carrier members are retracted. When the first and second buckle portions are disengaged, the cam acts on the pin member to disengage from the second through hole and the carrier members can be extended for dismounting the articles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar of a roof carrier for vehicles. The cross bar may include a cross bar body. First and second brackets are provided on both ends of the cross bar body. First and second locking pins are provided, respectively, on the first and second brackets to be elastically ejected. A link is positioned in the first bracket and hinged to the first locking pin. A release lever includes a coupling part hinged to the link and installed via a rotating shaft, and a grip part exposed to the outside, so that when the release lever rotates, the link and the first locking pin are pulled into the cross bar body. A wire couples the coupling part of the release lever with the second locking pin. According to the present invention, the release lever is mounted to only one side and only one wire is used, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system that may have a pair of support rails and at least one cross bar. The cross bar may have an end support at each opposing end thereof. Each of the support rails may include an elongated recess extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof, where the elongated recess may be shaped generally in accordance with the cross bar, for receiving the cross bar when the cross bar is placed in a stowed orientation. Each of the support rails may further have at least one primary locking bar for supporting said cross bar in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and at least a pair of secondary locking bars for supporting the cross bar in said elongated recess when the cross bar is placed in the stowed orientation in one of the support rails.

Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle roof is disclosed. The load carrier includes at least one load profile which, in use, extends along the vehicle roof. The load profile has a first part and a second part which are movable relative to each other in their longitudinal direction. The first part that in use is positioned next to the vehicle roof having at the top an undercut groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first part and in which engages, in a longitudinally displaceable manner, at least one slideway belonging to the second part and having a shape matching the undercut groove.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted to be mounted to an outer body surface of a motor vehicle. The carrier has a pair of cross bars that can each be stowed on corresponding pairs of support elements when the cross are not needed for use without the need to completely detach either of the cross bars from their associated support elements. A rear one of the cross bars has a single sided release feature that enables both end supports at opposite ends of the rear cross bar to be simultaneously unlocked or locked from a rear pair of support elements from either end support. The rear cross bar can also be slidably positioned along the rear pair of support elements to better configure the cross bars to support variously sized articles thereon.

Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.

Abstract: A bike rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle includes an elongate body for supporting a bicycle, and a fork mount for securing the front fork of the bicycle. A fork mount includes a skewer assembly having a shaft and a keyed member being freed to slide axially along the shaft, but not permitted to rotate around the shaft. A handle device is provided for rotation around the shaft causing adjustment of the effective length of the shaft. A lock device is configured to couple the handle device to the keyed member and prevent rotation of the handle around the shaft.

Abstract: A roof-rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having a first support member extending along a length thereof. A second support member is spaced apart from the first support member and extends along a length of the roof. At least one cross-member extends between and is attached to the first support member and the second support member and is movable between a use position and a stowed position relative to the roof. The at least one cross-member extends away from a surface of the roof in the use position and is received generally within the roof in the stowed position.

Abstract: A load carrier has a flat tray-like body that attaches to a vehicle by load bars. Multiple components may be installed on the tray body in many locations on the tray body, for containing and/or supporting cargo. One component is a cargo container that is captured and locked in one of several possible positions on the tray body. Other components are cargo posts that include one or more upending towers for supporting cargo by capturing generally vertical portions of the cargo between the towers, wherein the cargo posts may be non-pivotal, pivotal, slidable and/or adjustable. Another component is a hooked or curved depending assembly that suspends cargo from the edges of the tray body.

Abstract: A method and a device for tying-down a cargo closure hinged to a body of a vehicle and having a hinged edge and a locking edge. A first portion of a strap is attached to the vehicle body and a second portion of the strap is attached to the hinged edge. The strap is tightened, in particular from outside the cargo area and outside the cargo closure, to hold down the cargo closure. A hook, in particular an S-hook, may be used for attaching the first portion of the strap to the vehicle body and a flat hook may be used for attaching the second portion of the strap to the hinged edge. A cam lock, ratchet tightening mechanism or other device disposed on the strap is used to tighten the strap. The cargo closure may be a trunk lid, a tail gate, a door or doors.

Abstract: A support assembly to support a bar (11) of a roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base (12) to which the bar (11) is attached. The bar (11) includes a longitudinal cavity (46) that provides for the attachment of articles to the bar (11). The support assembly further includes a cover (24) that is captively attached to the base (12) but movable relative thereto between a lock position preventing access to a threaded shaft (18) that is used to secure the support assembly to the vehicle and the cavity (46), and a displaced position providing access to the cavity (46) and threaded shaft (18).

Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.