Abstract: An article carrier adapted to hold cargo and other articles adjacent a liftgate of a vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle, a station wagon, or minivan. The vehicle article carrier includes a liftgate striker connectable to the liftgate of the vehicle and a bumper striker connectable to the bumper of the vehicle. A first link is pivotally connected to the roof support structure of the motor vehicle and a second link is pivotally coupled to the first link. A locking assembly is coupled to the second link and is operable in a closed position to couple the second link to the bumper striker. In an opened position, the locking assembly releases the bumper striker in response to contact from the liftgate striker to enable the quick and convenient raising of the liftgate without the need to first unlatch the article carrier from the bumper.

Abstract: A fork mount or clamping assembly for securement to the prongs of a bicycle fork, such as is incorporated into a bicycle carrier. The clamping assembly includes a pair of inner clamping surfaces, and an axial skewer member extends outwardly from the inner clamping surfaces for receiving the fork prongs. A fixed front clamping member is engaged with one end of the skewer and is located outwardly of one of the inner clamping surfaces. A movable second clamping member is located outwardly of the other inner clamping surface. An adjustable position actuator arrangement is engaged with the skewer outwardly of the second outer clamping member, and is operable to selectively move the outer clamping members toward and away from each other. The actuator arrangement includes a threaded sleeve engaged with threads formed at one end of the skewer member, in combination with a pivotable cam-type actuator member which is pivotably mounted to the sleeve.

Abstract: On a roof rack fixedly connected with the vehicle roof, a so-called loading aid is arranged which, in a loading position, can be swung out inclinedly on the sides of the vehicle, so that bicycles or the like can be placed on this loading aid by means of corresponding transport fixtures and, after being fitted with the bicycles, the loading aid can be pushed back into a transport position onto the roof.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a crossbar to a rail of a rack system for a vehicle includes a housing having a first end including a first jaw and a second end including a track. A crossbar plate is slidable along the track such that a distance between the crossbar plate and the first jaw varies as the crossbar plate slides along the track. A hook is pivotally coupled to the housing and includes a second jaw disposed opposite the first jaw, thereby defining an aperture for receiving a rail therebetween. A lever is pivotally coupled to the housing, the lever securing the crossbar plate relative to the track in a closed position and releasing the crossbar plate to move freely along the track in an open position. In the closed position, the lever moves the second jaw towards the first jaw to secure the rail therebetween.

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: In a vehicle roof rack kit a plurality of releasable identical carrier assemblies adapted for securing an object there within and further comprising releasable attaching means for attaching each assembly to the mounting members of a vehicle roof rack. The assemblies comprise a channel-shaped carrier. The sides of the carrier have opposing apertures for receiving a rod for holding an object within the carrier. The rod may be locked into place. Alternatively, a shackle and locking body combination may be used to lock the object within the carrier.

Abstract: A object storing case of a motorcycle includes a connecting part disposed in a recess of a rear side of a holding body thereo, a fixing plate pivoted to the connecting part at the middle, a locking member and an operating member. The locking member is pivoted to the connecting part, and the fixing plate is pivoted to the locking member at a lower end such that the locking member can be turned for moving the fixing plate between an engaging position and a disengaging one in relation to a cover of the case. The locking member is equipped with a combination lock, and has a sloping slot extending from the lower edge, through which a spindle of the operating member is passed. The operating member further has a commoving pole associated with a stopping plate capable of being locked with the combination lock.

Abstract: A drawer assembly securable against a ceiling surface to conceal a recessed interior. A drawer is dimensioned to be received within the recessed interior of a cover housing secured to the ceiling. The base and sides of the drawer define a cavity arrayed in opposing fashion to the recessed interior of the cover housing. Cylinders secure the drawer to the housing in combination with a pair of slide mechanisms in pivoting fashion along one end thereof. A counterbalance provides smooth and effortless balancing of the combined weight of the drawer and its interiorly held contents. A release mechanism actuates the cylinders, counterbalance axle and slide mechanisms in successive fashion to actuate the drawer to its fully extended position in which the object supportable and open cavity is fully exposed.

Abstract: A clamp for use with a cross bar of an existing vehicle article carrier to allow accessory vehicle article carrier components to be secured to the cross bar. The clamp includes a base portion and a clamp element hingedly coupled to the base portion. A locking assembly allows the clamp element to be secured to the base portion without any external tools. The locking assembly includes an over-center locking lever which can be pretightened before being moved from an unlatched into a latched position to thus allow a pre-tightening force to be applied to the clamp element. The clamp element also includes a C-shaped channel for receiving a tap plate or other similar component associated with an accessory article carrier component.

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 hinged utility rack disposed on and external to a vehicle having a temporary top or roof. The utility rack has a bed that supports objects especially for transportation. First and second support bars are attached to the vehicle and support the bed. The second support bar is releasably connected to the bed, supporting the bed when connected. A hinge pivotally connects the first support bar to the bed, enabling the bed to pivot about the first support bar. The bed pivots between (a) a closed position in which the bed covers the vehicle top and the second support bar is connected to the bed, and (b) an open position in which the second support bar is disconnected from the bed and the bed is disposed away from the second support bar thereby rendering the top accessible for removal or retraction.

Abstract: A proximal end portion of a longitudinal base member is affixed to a vehicle trailer hitch sleeve. A distal end portion of the longitudinal base member is connected to an upright support member via a pair of brackets. The brackets pivot rearward to provide access to a vehicle trunk. The bicycle handlebars are mounted in an L-shaped tray integral with a rear edge of the pair of brackets. A padding covers a top portion of the upright support member. The padded upright member has a row of transverse bores. A U-shaped bolt adheres the frame of the bicycle to the padded upright member as the legs of the U-shaped bolt are passed through the bores and locked in place. A lock pin retains the upright member in a fixed position when it is pushed forward.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transporting a bicycle in a substantially upright orientation. The method includes positioning a bicycle in a carrier so that a wheel of the bicycle is located in a trap space of the carrier. The trap space is configured to maintain the bicycle in a substantially upright orientation when the wheel is located therein and the carrier is in a released configuration. This permits the operator to use both hands to secure the bicycle in the carrier. The wheel of the bicycle, and typically the front wheel, is fixed in the carrier by applying a squeeze force upon the wheel and thereby establishing a securing configuration of the carrier. Preferably, the squeeze force is imposed across a perimeter of the wheel and the actuators for imposing the squeeze force are positioned low enough to be within the typical user's reach, also referred to as the reach zone, when the carrier is mounted on the roof-top of a carrying vehicle.

Abstract: Securement arrangement for mounting articles upon a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes a pair of substantially rigid body members. At least one of the pair of body members has a receiver configured to accept the installation of a fitting member therein. A plurality of resilient fitting members are utilized. Each fitting member is adapted to be installed in the receiver in a plurality of orientations. At least one of the fitting members is configured to present a variable buffering thickness between the rigid body member and a receiving member of a carrying vehicle upon which the securement arrangement shall be installed. The variable buffering thickness is dependent upon an installed orientation of the fitting member in the receiver.

Abstract: A rotatable ladder rack assembly for use on motor vehicles incorporates an improved lever mechanism for transferring a ladder load from the roof of the vehicle to a location alongside the vehicle and which allows the ladder rack assembly to be used on hi bay vans. A rotatable coupler is journaled for rotation about the ladder rack's connector rod and includes a slot of a predetermined arc length into which fits a pin passing diametrically through the connector rod. A lever of the first class is designed to pivot about a fulcrum and the shorter lever arm is linked to the rotatable coupler for applying a torque to the connector rod via the pin.

Abstract: A rotatable ladder rack assembly for use on motor vehicles incorporates an improved lever mechanism for transferring a ladder load from the roof of the vehicle to a location alongside the vehicle and which allows the ladder rack assembly to be used on hi bay vans. A rotatable coupler is journaled for rotation about the ladder rack's connector rod and includes a slot of a predetermined arc length into which fits a pin passing diametrically through the connector rod. A lever of the first class is designed to pivot about a fulcrum and the shorter lever arm is linked to the rotatable coupler for applying a torque to the connector rod via the pin.

Abstract: A vehicle mountable article carrier for use by law enforcement personnel to safely and securely store and transport weapons, contraband, evidence gathered from a crime scene, or the personal property of a person taken into custody. The vehicle mountable article carrier is a briefcase like device with an upper and lower cover. A plurality of individual lockable compartments are located within the lower cover. A plurality of vehicle attachment device having a bolt and a pivotal cap are used to secure the vehicle mountable article carrier to the trunk of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement in a load carrier for securing a load carrier cross bar to a transporting vehicle including a top portion of a load carrier foot adapted to releasably engage a load carrier cross bar. The load carrier cross bar has an elongate slot through a lower surface thereof. The elongate slot provides access to an interior space of the load carrier cross bar. An upper surface of the top portion of the load carrier foot is configured to abuttingly engage the lower surface of the load carrier cross bar. An insertible member is provided for interconnecting the load carrier cross bar to the load carrier foot. The insertible member has a neck portion and an expanded portion. The neck portion is configured to extend through the elongate slot and the expanded portion is configured to reside in the interior space of the load carrier cross bar in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A service vehicle ladder lock for fastening a step or extension ladder to a conventional ladder rack running either along a side of the roof of the vehicle or across the top thereof. This ladder lock forms a rectangular framework for placement about the ladder and the ladder rack in close proximity to inhibit movement in any direction upon rapid starting or stopping. In the preferred configuration the ladder lock comprises three portions of narrow bent flat metal stock fastened together wherein the first and second portions are attached by a hinge to allow opening and closing; and the second and third portions are attached to each other. The free end of the first portion has a strike plate thereon for receiving the latch of a tension latch/lock assembly integrally mated to the free end of the third portion. This ladder lock optionally includes means for adjusting the frame width and/or height to insure a close fit around the ladder and the ladder frame to insure safety and security thereof.

Abstract: A hinged device that is attached to an existing roof rack, which keeps ladders locked in place without any movement in any direction. It can be attached to the existing roof rack by either pop rivets, screws or welding. Once the lockdown device is attached to the existing rack, it is hinged over the ladder rungs as well as over the bottom cross bar of the roof rack supporting the ladder, and then locked in place with a long shackled padlock. Any existing roof rack will work if the sides of the rack are as high as the top of the ladder it supports so that the hinge will fold over the ladder. The rack lockdown is made to only secure one ladder and not multiple stacks of ladders. This devise allows two ladders to be secured, one to either side of an existing roof rack. What makes this device unique, with only one moving part, is the ease in securing a ladder to a vehicle rack.

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: A roof rack includes longitudinal members mounted on longitudinal sides of a roof of a vehicle body and is disposed in receiving devices such that the longitudinal members can be moved from a lowered position into an operative position and vice versa. End pieces of the longitudinal members, which rest in spaced receiving devices of the roof, are swivelled, for setting the operative position or the lowered position, outside the receiving devices and about an axis of rotation extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The end pieces are then inserted again in the receiving devices. Each of the end pieces is releasably connected with a respective longitudinal member.

Abstract: A luggage box has a rigid bottom shell (2) that can be secured on transverse supporting posts (4) and a top shell (4) that can be swivelled open (4c), removed from the bottom shell and used as a boat. The luggage is secured by a covering canvas or shell (3) which can be entirely or partially removed from the bottom shell (2) or is provided with closable openings. The bottom shell (2) has at its bottom side a separately accessible storage space (2) whose flap (2h) further allows access to a lateral storage space (2c) and to a possible actuating element for the hooking system (7, 8, 9, 10) between the bottom shell (2) and the boat (4).

Abstract: A scabbard for mounting a long gun, includes: a one-piece, rigid cover having an enclosed bottom end, an open top end, and two generally parallel sides separated by a back; a padded, protective lining attached to the rigid cover; an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the scabbard; a detachable strap attached to a top open end of the device for closely holding the gun barrel, and a barrier across an open front of the scabbard for holding in the gun butt. The scabbard preferably has a padlock for locking down the gun barrel. The scabbard may have a locking hinged lid mechanism instead of a strap and barrier. The scabbard can be mounted vertically, horizontally or diagonally, preferably in or on a vehicle. A method for making the scabbard is also included.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack including spaced stationary supports carries cargo which may be loaded or unloaded from either side of the vehicle merely by unlocking a single lock and longitudinally sliding upper elongated cargo supports respectively connected to each of the stationary supports laterally toward and away from a desired side of the vehicle so that the elongated cargo support can also be moved and pivoted in parallel vertical planes to load or unload cargo from the chosen side of the vehicle. An single ink and two guide saddles connect and guide each cargo support relative to the associated stationary support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which incorporates a relatively simple mechanism for locking and unlocking the cross rail assembly from one side of the vehicle. One aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly having a manually turnable knob and a pair of linking members each connecting the knob with associated locking structure. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which has locking structures and rail supporting structures on opposing ends thereof.

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 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 roof rack mountable to a vehicle to secure a load over a surface expanse of the vehicle. The rack includes at least one crossbar adapted to extend substantially across the surface expanse. Each end of the crossbar is secured to the vehicle by a tower assembly. Each tower assembly includes a base adapted to be independently locked in place on the vehicle in a position generally adjacent an edge of the surface expanse. A tower body is adapted to be disposed near an end of the crossbar and includes an upper portion configured to secure the tower body to the crossbar and a lower end adapted to be attached to and removed from the base while the base remains locked in place on the vehicle. The base thereby pre-establishes the position of the tower body on the vehicle. A quick release mechanism is adapted to selectively extend between and interconnect the base and tower body when the tower body is attached to the base to allow a user to selectively lock and release the tower body in place on the base.

Abstract: A ski rack for a vehicle having a rear door, such as a sports utility automobile, or a van in which the rack holds several pairs of skis in tubes on a mounting board. The mounting board has an assembly for permitting lateral pivotal movement of the ski rack from a vertical position blocking the vehicle's rear door to a horizontal position adjacent to the rear bumper where the rear door of the vehicle is not obstructed.

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 vehicle article carrier having a rotatable cross bar which simultaneously causes bracket members at each end of the cross bar to be locked and unlocked in accordance with rotational movement of the cross bar. A cross bar supporting member is disposed at each end of the cross bar and includes a camming portion. The camming portion of each supporting member simultaneously causes a clamping member to be moved between locked and unlocked positions when a user engages an actuating member associated with one of the bracket members and concurrently rotates the cross bar. Thus, there is no need for cables or other members to extend through the cross bar to accomplish the simultaneous locking and unlocking of both of the bracket members.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting to a vehicle body panel is formed by a crossbar connecting longitudinal rails. The crossbar is made of a cross rail and stanchions which support the cross rail for displacement along and locking engagement with the longitudinal rails. The split stanchions are formed of first and second jaw members, and one of the jaw members is carried by a shelf on the other jaw member and displaced along the shelf by a retainer. The retainer is manipulated by an actuator, preferably in the form of a rotary knob which is selectively engageable with a nut. The nut is threadably engaged on a threaded shaft that is engaged in an insert in the one of jaw parts and extending through the other jaw part. At least one of the jaw parts includes an engagement surface for locking the stanchion to the rail when the retainer has moved the jaws to the closed position.

Abstract: An arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for fixedly retaining a bicycle on a vehicle roof (1) comprises a carrier device fastened to the vehicle roof and having a longitudinally extending support member for the wheels of the bicycle and an upwardly extending arm with a gripping device (8) for gripping a frame tube of the bicycle. The gripping device has two clamping jaws pivotable towards and away from one another and interconnected via a cog arrangement. One of the clamping jaws is connected to a draw bar having its lower and connected to an operating member at the lower end of arm.

Abstract: A hardtop roof assembly for a passenger vehicle. The roof assembly includes a hard cover over the passenger cockpit. The cockpit cover is completely removable from the remainder of the roof assembly and vehicle and can be selectively secured over the opening above the passenger cockpit or to a rear storage rack for transport with the vehicle. Because it is completely removable, the cockpit cover can also be stored inside the vehicle or left at home if desired. The cockpit cover uses common securing members to selectively secure it over the opening above the passengers or to the rear storage rack. The cockpit cover and storage rack also have corresponding shapes that assume a neat, strong, and compact mating relationship when secured to each other. Additionally, the side edge portions of the cover and storage rack have vertically extending surfaces that abut and substantially mate with each other to add lateral stability and prevent any side-to-side movement of the cover when it is secured to the storage rack.

Abstract: The carriers described herein employ an adjustable locking member to secure the carrier to the rear of a vehicle. A locking channel incorporates a cam lever used to adjust and lock the carrier and renders the mechanism inaccessible when locked. Apparatus for supporting and stabilizing a bicycle protrudes rearwardly from the base member.

Abstract: A vehicle rooftop storage unit includes a rack portion which is permanently installed to the roof of the passenger vehicle at manufacture, or which may be installed as an aftermarket article after vehicle manufacture. A separate container portion is removably securable within the rack portion. The rack portion includes a generally rectangular rail, with the front and side members being fixed in position, and the rear member being hinged to the rear end of one of the side members. The rear member may be locked to the opposite side member to close the rail structure, and thereby capture the container portion within the rack rails. The rack portion captures the container portion by a tongue formed along the inner face of the rail, which engages a mating peripheral groove in the container portion; the tongue and groove configuration may be reversed between container and rack rail, if desired.

Abstract: In a multipurpose object holder for skis, surfboards or the like an elastic device including a horizontal plate and two curved lateral tongues is inserted in a vertical guide fastened to a base. The radius of curvature of one tongue is greater than that of the other tongue, allowing for the definition of lateral transport compartments of different thickness. A further elastic tongue is attached to a mobile clamp. The objects to be transported can also be placed between the plate and the further elastic tongue. In a second version of the object holder the elastic device is fastened to a mobile clamp and has an X-shape cross-section that includes two V-shape lateral reinforcing members such that two ranges of pressure forces are defined.

Abstract: A ski rack having a pair of integrally formed hook portions and a pair of integrally formed channels which are adapted to help enable the ski rack to be secured to a cross bar or other like support member of an existing vehicle article carrier. The ski rack includes a pair of independent securing members also having a pair of hook portions which slidably engage within the pair of integrally formed channels and cooperate with the integrally formed hook portions to clamp the ski rack to an associated cross bar of the existing vehicle article carrier. The independent securing members of the ski rack are further adjustable to accommodate cross bars of varying cross-sectional widths and do not require any disassembly of the cross bar or any other component part of the vehicle article carrier before the ski rack is to be secured to the cross bar.

Abstract: A safety box is adapted for use at any suitable location; however, it is designed especially for use in an automotive vehicle, and more specifically in a rented auto. An anchor member (perhaps a massive nylon block) is bolted to the floor of the vehicle or to another suitable stationary structure. The bottom of the box has a cavity which slips over and captures the anchor member, thus securing the box to the automotive vehicle floor or the like. A sliding door panel is located on the top of the box. In the back of the box, a sliding latch bar is completely enclosed within a vertical bore through the box wall. A spring biases the latch bar to a raised position where its lower end is outside the cavity. A closing of the lid pushes the latch bar downwardly and into the cavity, which traps the anchor member within the cavity to prevent a theft of the box. The closed lid, and therefore the trapped anchor member, is locked with a single key.

Abstract: A security device is described that is simple and reliable. It includes a base member which is adhesively attached to the surface of a large object such as a motor vehicle. A protective knife-edged boss surrounds and protects the adhesive to defeat attempts to pry the base member off the vehicle. Housed within the base member is a steel tube, and a locking cable extends through the tube to secure personal property. A cavity is provided for easy installation of the tube within the base member, and a flange is attached to the tube for preventing extraction of the tube from the base member, as well as defeating removal of the base member from the vehicle. A three-way system of adhesion is employed which provides superior results.

Abstract: A fixing board, for an attraction-fastening type freight carrying device to be mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle, has been improved. The fixing board is composed of a magnetic attraction force contact plate, a film-like suction-cup, and a releasing handle. The magnetic attraction force contact plate has a three-layer structure comprising a soft magnet plate, an iron plate and smooth thin-film sheet coated on the iron plate. The iron plate has a plurality of grooves radially extending, which are elongated dead-end grooves. Further, the magnetic attraction force contact plate has a through-hole into which a substantially cylindrical seal lip extending from the suction film is inserted so as to make an air value. This air hole takes on a closed state when the freight carrying device is installed on the vehicle roof, and takes on an open state when being removed therefrom. The film-like suction-cup is formed throughout the circumference of the magnetic attraction force contact plate.

Abstract: A latch for removably securing one of a plurality of different accessories to an automobile is described. The latch includes a mounting structure which is permanently installed on the vehicle in a manner which assures that the static and dynamic loading expected by reason of the differing accessories are supported by the vehicle. The latch also provides electrical feed-through for accessories that might need the same, and remote and/or locking securance.

Abstract: A ride-ready bicycle carrier system designed to be removably attached to an existing vehicle roof rack system. The carrier system comprises a support arm assembly attached to a support arm pivot. The support arm assembly has a support arm, an upper hook, a lower hook and a ball lock. One end of the support arm is adapted to receive the upper hook and the other end of the support arm is connected to the support arm pivot. One end of the upper hook is shaped to engage the upper lateral bar of a bicycle frame and the other end of the upper hook is adapted to engage the ball lock and inserts into the ball lock and then into the upper end of the support arm. The ball lock is adapted to receive the upper hook. The ball lock secures the upper hook in a fixed position when the upper hook is engaged to the upper lateral bar of a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A security device is described that is simple and reliable. It includes a base member which is adhesively attached to the surface of a large object such as a motor vehicle. A protective knife-edged boss surrounds and protects the adhesive fastener to defeat attempts to pry the base member off the vehicle. Housed within the base member is a steel tube or band, and a locking cable extends through the tube or band to secure personal property. A cavity is provided for easy installation of the tube or band within the base member, and one or more flanges are attached to the tube or band for preventing extraction of the tube from the base member, as well as defeating removal of the base member from the vehicle. The band and flanges may be formed from a single stamping. A three-way system of adhesion is employed which provides superior results.

Abstract: An article-carrying rack with a lockable mount for securing the rack to a vehicle is described. The lockable mount includes a first half and a second half connected to the first half for movement relative thereto between an opened and a closed position. A lock-carrying member is mounted on the first half and includes a first and second end. A lock is mounted adjacent the first end of the lock-carrying member and is movable along the lock-carrying member for varying the distance between the lock and the first half. The lock-carrying member may be locked to restrict such movement. The lock-carrying member also includes an engagement member mounted adjacent the second end for selectively engaging the first and second halves when the second half is in the closed position and confining the second half in such position when the lock is locked.

Abstract: An article carrier includes spaced longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails having an upper arm coupled by a hinge to a lower arm. A crossbar having an end portion adapted to be entrained between the upper and lower arm portions includes a conformingly shaped mating surface to one of the members of the longitudinal rail. Preferably, both ends of each crossbar include conforming surfaces that mate with corresponding configurations on the rail to fixedly position the crossbar along the longitudinal rail. The position of the crossbar is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by displacement about the hinge, and the hinge axis may be transversely, longitudinally or vertically aligned as desired. Preferably, two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail, hinged at opposite ends of the longitudinal rails, and include overlapping portions retained by a single latch mechanism.

Abstract: The roof rack is equipped with two parallel tracks having a roof section and a pivotal auxiliary section. For loading or unloading articles, the auxiliary sections are positioned to extend outward and downward from the ends of the roof sections for forming a continuous, rigid track. Sleighs can be displaced along these tracks. The sleighs are guided such that they are not tilted but retain their orientation during displacement. The roof rack is easy to construct and also suitable for heavy and high articles.