Abstract: A car-top carrier (1) with supporting elements (3) which can be connected to the top of a car and at least one supporting member (2) connected to the car top by the supporting elements, on which at least one holding member (6) for the objects to be transported is disposed, is designed in such a way that the influences of wind-resistance can be diminished in case no object is transported in the car-top carrier. A joint (8) is disposed between the supporting member (2) and the holding member (6), with a swiveling axis (10) of the joint extending transversely to the direction of travel (7), and the holding member (6) can be swiveled between a use position and nonuse position about the axis (10).

Abstract: A ski-carrier attachment is provided on its lower clamping part with two claws that open in opposite directions. It also has a third claw and plate for securing one of the claws. Mounting the ski-carrier attachment on the carrier bar of an automobile roof carrier is done by placing the ski-carrier attachment on the carrier bar at right angles thereto, so that the carrier bar lies between the two first-mentioned claws. The ski-carrier attachment is then turned through 90.degree. and locked in this position by the plate.

Abstract: The invention contemplates, as an article of manufacture, an article-retaining adapter unit which, without requiring tooling of any kind is securely and removably attachable to an installed rack bar on an automobile roof. The adapter unit may be one of several different adapter units, each of which is dedicated to a different specific purpose, for example, one adapter unit for carrying skis, and another for carrying a sailboard. In each case, the adapter unit comprises an elongate base bar, equipped with hook structure at one end for skewed inserting engagement to an existing rack bar, the skew being such that once the inserting engagement has been made, the elongate base bar can be manipulated to non-removable retention when brought into close parallel relation with the existing rack bar. And when thus oriented parallel to the existing rack bar, clamp structure at the other end of the base bar is firmly securable to the rack bar, to complete the mounting.

Abstract: Carrier device for receiving burdens to be placed on the roof of a motor vehicle with carrier elements (10) spaced from each other. The carrier elements include C profile rails (22) nested in the longitudinal direction wherein maybe releasibly secured attachment elements such as ski carriers. To facilitate the mounting thereof, at least one end (24) of the C profile rails (22) is provided with a ramp-like push buttong (30) and lockable by means of a bolt actuatable by a lock mechanism.

Abstract: A lockable rotary attachment device including an axially threaded attachment member having an externally splined drive head and a flange defining oppositely facing annular shoulders, and a knob mounted for axial translation on the attachment member between first and second axial positions on the attachment member. The knob is freely rotatable relative to the attachment member in the first axial position and has an internally splined socket for non-rotatably receiving the drive head when in the second axial position. A lock is mounted on the knob for moving a latch member between a first latch position in which it is disposed outwardly of the flange on the attachment member to allow axial translation of the knob between the first and second axial positions, and a second latch position disposed radially inwardly of the flange for engagement with the first shoulder when the knob is in its first axial position and for engagement with the second shoulder when the knob is in its second axial position.

Abstract: Heavy materials such as ladders, pipes and the like are often carried on a roof rack secured to the roof of service trucks, vans and the like and of course are difficult to place on the rack and remove therefrom. The present device includes a carrier which can be extended and retracted relative to the rack and is hinged so that it drops down adjacent the sides of the truck when extended, to facilitate loading and unloading of the material carried by the rack. When hinged upwardly to approximately the horizontal position, it may be pushed towards the longitudinal center of the roof so that it telescopes inwardly thus supporting the material upon the rack. Automatic latches are included to detachably lock the carrier in the retracted position and snubbers are provided to space the carrier from the side walls of the van or truck when in the extended, substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A roof carrier including horizontal struts able to carry and fix in place baggage, a plurality of stands supporting the struts on an automobile, bolts provided in the stands for fixing the struts and stands in position, and a locking device covering the heads of the bolts provided detachably on the struts or stands.

Abstract: Anti-theft cable-locked security is provided for articles mounted to a roof rack and for the roof rack itself, by providing a set or kit of two flexible-cable subassemblies, each of which has a closed-door stop block at one end of its cable, and each of which also has a headed slide which is engageable to an elongate slide-track channel formation on the underside of a roof rack. Certain commercially available roof racks already have such a slide-track slide formation, but for those not thus equipped, an additional channel element can be provided for permanent incorporation in an existing rack. A first one of the subassemblies has a relatively short length of cable, and the headed slide is adjustably clamped to the cable via a knurled nut which is manually set before assembly to the slide track of the rack; once in the slide track, further manual adjustment or tampering is foreclosed.

Abstract: A lock unit of a roof carrier of a vehicle which includes a crossbar for placing an object to be carried thereon, a plurality of stands for supporting the crossbar on a vehicle roof, and a rotatable knob mounted on at least one of the stands, for fixing the stands at given positions, on the roof of the vehicle, wherein the knobs include a lock member for preventing rotation of the knobs, the locking member including a cam member, and wherein the knob includes a bottom plate, a rotating member mounted on the plate, a pin member, and a biasing member positioned between the rotating member and the cam member for biasing the pin member into engagement with the cam member.

Abstract: A lock unit for a roof carrier having a crossbar for securely placing a carried object hereon, and a plurality of stands for placing the crossbar on a vehicle roof, including a pivotal cover rod having a first end for supporting the carried object sandwiched between the pivotal rod and the crossbar and which is pivotally supported on a first side end of the crossbar and a hook-like bent portion is provided at a second end of the pivotal cover rod, a lock member provided at a second side end of the crossbar.

Abstract: An automobile roof carrier (10) includes an elongated carrier bar (12) transversely extending across the roof (18) of an automobile. The carrier bar (12) is supported at each end by a fastening device (14) which is attached to a generally trough-shaped rain gutter (20) on a lateral border of the roof (18). The fastening device (14) includes a supporting leg (22) having an upper portion (24) connected to the carrier bar (12). The supporting leg (22) also has a lower portion (26) connected to the rain gutter trough (20). The lower portion (26) is pivotally connected to the upper portion (24) so that the lower portion has two degrees of pivotal movement relative to the upper portion. An interchangeable article carrier (16) is mounted to the top of the carrier bar (12).

Abstract: In a roof-mounted luggage carrier which is to be attached to a flange of a channel disposed on the lateral portion of a vehicle roof, the support leg and the clamps are covered, as is known in the art, by a protective cap to prevent dirt and water from entering into the channel, with the lower edge of said cap being disposed in close proximity of the surface of the roof and being provided with a sealing which is adapted to bear upon the roof panel and/or the molding.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for holding a bicycle in an upright position and designed to be attached to the luggage carrier on a motor vehicle. The rack includes a frame bracket with a jaw with an upwardly facing jaw which receives the crank assembly housing of the bicycle. The jaw preferably includes a fixed member and a movable member which moves arcuately with respect to the fixed member from an open position, to permit the bicycle crank assembly housing to be placed therein to a closed position which secures the housing from removal. A lever can be provided for such a multi-member jaw to facilitate the opening and closing thereof, and a lock may be incorporated into this lever to make the rack resistant to the theft of a bicycle therefrom and to prevent the accidental opening of the jaw during the transportation of a bicycle.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier for the horizontal body surface of an automotive vehicle comprising a cross member adjustably secured by clamping means and an article restraining member adjustably and removably mounted to the cross member and cooperable with the cross member to restrain articles disposed on the carrier. The article restraining member may also have additional article securing elements incorporated into its construction. A lock mechanism may also be readily incorporated into the carrier.

Abstract: A carrier for mounting on the rear body portion of a vehicle including a frame having front and rear pairs of legs interconnected at their upper ends and with their distal ends spaced apart to engage the rear body portion of a vehicle at spaced locations. A rear vehicle engaging foot assembly is provided on each of the rear legs and includes a U-shaped bracket member pivotally mounted intermediate its ends to the distal end of the rear leg, and a pair of foot members pivotally mounted at the ends of the bracket member to enable the foot members to conform to different vehicle contours including convex and concave surfaces, independent of the angular position of the rear leg relative to the body surface. The carrier is provided with bicycle support arms and a lever is pivotally mounted on the outer end of one of the arms and arranged to be locked to the arm by a padlock to inhibit theft of the bicycles.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting automobile roof top surfboard carriers of the type that has a pair of roof spans in parallel relationship fastened in the rain gutters, into ski carriers. A conversion unit having a metal tube with crimped ends, with several apertures for pin mechanisms in those ends, is bolted to each roof span. The metal tube has a U-bolt fastened at its center. A strip of hot rolled mild steel is slideably attached to each leg of the U-bolt. The strip of steel has a plate depending from one end. There are several apertures for pin mechanisms in the plate. The strip of mild steel has lengthwise shallow bow which is about one and a half inches deep at its maximum depth. Between the plate and the U-bolt aperture, a strip of high density rubber depends from the bow. The operator spreads the skis over the metal tubes of the roof spans and under the bowed strip of steel. He presses down upon the plate. The bows flatten over the skis. They become partially embedded in rubber.

Abstract: A roof rack securable to the rain gutters of a motor-vehicle roof above the door openings has a leg subassembly with a support, a leg standing in the gutter above the respective door opening and carrying the support, and the leg is secured to the respective gutter. A holddown member is pivoted on the support and displaceable between a locking position close to same for securing an object to the support and a freeing position spaced from the support. A locking element extends into the respective door opening underneath the leg and is vertically displaceable relative thereto between an upper position relatively close underneath the respective gutter and a lower position spaced downward therefrom. Thus the locking element can only move into the respective lower position when the respective door is not closed in the respective door opening.

Abstract: An improved ski rack and carrier for transporting skis and ski poles. A vehicle roof rack is secured to the automobile and receives a removable carrier which supports and retains multiple sets of skis and ski poles. The ski carrier has two pairs of pivotal arms which pivot around a central frame member with the skis and ski poles retained between the pivotal members and the central frame member. There is a locking end member which secures the pivotal arms to each other and to the roof rack and is adaptable to lock the ski carrier separate and apart from the roof rack.

Abstract: Improvements are provided in a vehicle having a luggage carrier connected to a luggage supporting surface. The improvements comprise a luggage rack assembly having a spaced parallel pair of horizontally attending raised side rails slideably disposed in parallel rail tracks secured to the luggage supporting surface. The assembly also has a spaced parallel pair of horizontally extending rack sub assemblies disposed between the side rails. Each sub assembly has an elongated horizontal rack track and an elongated horizontal luggage retainer keyed to the track and moveable between a flat, collapsed horizontal storage position and an operative raised luggage engirdling position spaced above the track.

Abstract: In a fastening device for supporting brackets or luggage racks for automotive vehicles, the tensioning screw which biases the clamping claw against the supporting foot and the roof gutter is overlapped by a protecting cap which is non-separably connected with the clamping claw. The protecting cap has a mounting aperture through which the tensioning screw can be actuated with a tool. The mounting aperture can be closed by a locking device which can be actuated by a key and closes the mounting aperture only in the locking position.

Abstract: A luggage rack of the type having a tracked slat has a locking device associated therewith. The locking device is removably mounted to the end of the slat. The locking device includes a cylinder lock or similar locking member which urges a wedge member into a locking mode to prevent the locking device from being removed from the end of the slat. The locking device prevents unauthorized removal of article carriers from the slat.

Abstract: A cargo carrier system including a tray-shaped base and an inverted tray-shaped removable cover. Means are provided for mounting the base to the roof of a vehicle and for attaching the cover to the base. The cover and the base have continuous flanges extending outwardly in a horizontal direction with continuous resilient sealing means between the flanges for preventing the entry of dust or water into the space between the cover and the base. Resilient sealing means are also provided around the peripheral bottom of the base for a secure and protective mounting and to prevent the entry of air into the space between the bottom of the base and the roof of the vehicle for improved aerodynamics and noise reduction. In a preferred embodiment, the cargo carrier includes means for attaching the inverted cover to a utility trailer thereby allowing the cover to be towed behind a vehicle as a cargo carrier. In addition, either the cover or the base can be used separately on a vehicle roof.

Abstract: A car rack adapted to be secured on the top of a car for carrying articles. The car rack comprises: a support base having end shoes resting on the top of the car near lateral edges thereof, resiliant means provided inside the support base and adapted to removably but solidly secure the support base on the top of the car, and carrying elements removably connected to the support base for carrying articles.

Abstract: An anti-theft tether in the form of a steel cable with a novel clip on one or both ends which fits the edge of a car door or window, and cannot be readily removed when the door or window is closed. The outer part of the tether is run through or around an object to be carried on the top of the car, such as a sailboard, a surfboard, or skis. One form of clip is made of thin, hard sheet metal, such as steel, and fits over the edge of the window glass. Another form of clip is flexible, preferably in the form of a short length of flat steel wire braid with an enlargement on one end. This is inserted between the car door and the door jamb, and the door closed and locked.

Abstract: A rooftop carrier has features that allow it to carry fishing rods. The carrier in one embodiment has a wind deflector blade at the rear for deflecting wind down over the rear window of the vehicle to clean the window. The blade is hinged to the carrier and has a lock for locking the blade in the lower position. A number of tubes are mounted to the carrier, each having an open end set forward of the blade. These tubes are adapted to carry fishing rods. The blade prevents access to the grips of the fishing rods when it is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the carrier has an open top, serving also for carrying luggage. The tubes are clipped into the carrier and can be removed. In another embodiment, the carrier has a closed top that may be opened to provide access to the tubes. A rear wall opens for access to the ends of the rods. Holes in the forward end of the housing allow the rods to protrude out of the tubes.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof carrier for the affixation of skis and other ojbects to be transported, consisting of a carrier tube which is constituted by two pieces (1, 1') shiftable for width adjustment, and clamping parts (3, 6) shiftable relative to one another by means of a spindle (4) for the affixation of the roof carrier at the rain channels of the vehicle roof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automotive ski rack adapted to carry a multiplicity of pairs of skis. The apparatus is characterized by the provision of a frame adapted to be secured to an automobile roof, trunk deck or the like, a first pair of arms shiftable toward and away from the frame for clampingly supporting skis between the frame and said first set of arms, and a second set of arms pivotal toward and away from the first set of arms, whereby additional pairs of skis may be clamped between the sets of arms. The device, in accordance with a modification, is further characterized by the ability to remove the arms of the second pair where only small ski carrying capacity is desired, and by the provision of novel lock mechanism whereby a single locking device is adapted to retain the arms of both pairs in locked condition.

Abstract: A car top carrier support which is operable for use on the gutters of a car top as well as on a gutterless car top including ledges at its opposite sides. The carrier support comprises a H-shaped frame with one longitudinal main tube and at least a pair of cross tubes. A central operating mechanism is mounted in the main tube and connected by four Bowden cables with four claws which are movably guided in legs fastened at the cross tubes for clamping the carrier support at the car top. By swinging only one hand lever of the central operating mechanism between two positions the carrier support is free to be removed from the car top. A key-operated locking device co-operating with the central operating mechanism provides a theftproof arrangement. Wire cables fastened at securing pins can be turned around articles on the carrier support and the pins can be locked in a theftproof way by the same central operating mechanism.

Abstract: An improved, convertible ski carrier in which a retainer for the skis is utilized is disclosed. The retainer includes a shelf for ski poles and is hingeably mounted to the carrier. The carrier itself is provided with a transverse opening to enable more versatility in the mounting of the carrier on a vehicle. An additional shank has been added to a locking mechanism to improve stability and anti-theft properties and an auxiliary locking mechanism including a bracket plate similar to the bracket plate intended for use with a vehicle has been added. The bracket, e.g. the assembly intended to be affixed to a vehicle, has been modified to utilize only a single vertical plate from which two bracket plates extend at right angles in opposite directions from each other.

Abstract: A roof carrier for use on motor vehicles for supporting surfing boards or the like on the roof includes a supporting structure consisting of a plurality of interconnected transversely and longitudinally extending elements, at least one holder assemblable with the supporting structure and a sliding member mounted on one of the elements for displacement between a withdrawn and an engaging position and so acting on the holder in its engaging position as to maintain the holder in engagement with the one element. The sliding member is provided with a lug which secures the sliding member in its engaging position. The one element and the sliding member are provided with a slot-shaped apertures with register with one another in the withdrawn position to let an enlarged end portion of the holder to pass therethrough and the common cross section of which in the engaging position is smaller than the transverse dimension of the enlarged end portion to prevent extraction of the latter.

Abstract: Set out herein are two bracket structures attachable to the roof rack of an automobile, where the bracket structures each include forked brackets conformed to receive both the skiis and the poles between the tines thereof. The brackets are adapted for sliding engagement into slotted clamps which are mounted on the roof rack. When engaged in the clamps, each of the brackets may be secured by a lock for secure transport. When removed from the clamps, each of the brackets forms an integral carrying assembly rendering the manipulation of the skiis and the poles convenient. Each of the brackets, furthermore, is conformed as a fork pivoted by one exterior tine and engaging by the other exterior tine to a base plate. This alignment of the forks can only be made upon the removal of the bracket assembly from the clamps, thus assuring a secure attachment which can only be released upon the release of a lock.

Abstract: A luggage case has one or more grooves in its sidewall. First and second mutually spaced mounting apparatus are affixed to the same sidewall. A vehicle mounted rack includes parts of such geometry and dimensions as to enable fitting receipt within the luggage case groove. First retention apparatus has an open groove within which the first luggage case mounting apparatus is slidingly received. Second retention apparatus is located spaced from the first and has a spring-loaded member for resiliently receiving the luggage case second mounting apparatus.The spacing and location of the various parts on the case and rack are such as to enable them to be simultaneously cooperatively engaged. In this manner, the luggage case is secured to the rack and preventing its movement in any direction. A key operated lock insures against theft of the case from the rack.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable ski rack for association with an automotive vehicle carrier is adapted to be releasably attached to a bracket slidingly positioned in a carrier track. The ski rack includes a removable key-operated lock for lockingly detachably pivoting an end of the rack to enable insertion or removal of skis. The bracket includes a disc for releasably locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track. The disc is ratcheted in a preferred embodiment to prevent unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the track.

Abstract: A theftproof vehicle top container having a releasable fixture to attach to a vehicle top accessible for attachment or release only from within the container and adaptable to a wide variety of top configurations, the container being made of rigid materials with side and top hatch openings closable by hinged, lock covers.

Abstract: A ski rack for vehicles for transporting of skis where an improved ski retaining apparatus comprises:Structure including a transversely elongated base defining multiple leg openings, andA U-shaped ski retainer having legs projecting in two of said openings, andA keeper having a locking position in which the keeper cooperates with at least one of said legs to prevent withdrawal of said retainer relatively away from the base, the keeper movable relative to the base to allow said withdrawal of the retainer relatively away from the base,Whereby a portion of the ski projecting between the base and a cross-piece defined by the retainer may be retained therebetween when the keeper is in said locking position.