Abstract: A roof rail for a vehicle is provided that is made of only one piece and is solid across its length. The roof rail may be made using a co-injection molding process, a two-shot injection molding process or an extrusion molding process.

Abstract: A vehicle roof system and a method of controlling the vehicle roof system are provided. The vehicle roof system includes an opening-closing module that is provided on a roof of a vehicle and a loading module that is provided on the top of the opening-closing module. A locking mechanism is also provided within the loading module. The opening-closing module is slid in one direction or in the opposite direction to open or close the roof. The loading module has a loading space that is separated from an indoor space in the vehicle, with the opening-closing module disposed in between. The locking mechanism supports a weight of a load when in operation for locking and no longer supports the weight of the load when in operation for unlocking.

Abstract: A track assembly includes a track and/or a support assembly. The support assembly may be configured for connection with the track. The support assembly may include a housing, a support member, an actuator, a rod, a latch, and/or an engagement portion. The engagement portion may extend from the latch. The engagement portion may be configured to selectively engage an inner surface of the track. The housing may include a longitudinal axis and/or the actuator may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The latch may include a first position, a second position, and/or a third position. When the latch is in the third position, the engagement portion may be configured not to engage the track. The engagement portion may be configured to contact the track when the latch is in the first position.

Abstract: The roof rack foot for a roof rack for a vehicle as disclosed herein comprises a body and a cross bar coupling member. The body comprises a support surface. The cross bar coupling member has a length extending in a longitudinal direction, and a height extending in a height direction. The cross bar coupling member comprises a length adjustment member. The length adjustment member extends in the longitudinal direction and has an elongated body portion and an axially aligned first end portion. The cross bar coupling member is configured to engage with the first end portion of the length adjustment member and to enable the length adjustment member to be fully or partly inserted into a cross bar end cavity when the cross bar coupling member is received in a roof rack cross bar in a retained position.

Abstract: A roof rack foot for securing a cross bar to a roof of a vehicle, the cross bar having a bottom wall with a slot and a cavity for forming an abutment surface, the slot having a centerline, the roof rack foot having a supporting surface for supporting the bottom wall of the cross bar, a first and a second clamping portion for clamping the roof rack foot to the roof, the second clamping portion having an anchoring arm and configured to extend through the slot into the cavity and lock the cross bar to the supporting surface by engagement of the anchoring arm with the abutment surface. When the cross bar is locked to the roof rack foot, the anchoring arm stands upright on the abutment surface and at least partially extends away from the centerline of the cross bar at an extension angle.

Abstract: A crossbar assembly for a motor vehicle having a detachable roof and a roll bar includes a stanchion having a first connection portion configured to connect in a first configuration the stanchion to the roof when the roof is attached to the roll bar, the stanchion having a second connection portion configured to connect in a second configuration to the roll bar when the roof is removed from the roll bar. A crossbar is connected to the stanchion.

Abstract: Assemblies for supporting a load relative to a roof of a vehicle, and vehicle roof tray assemblies are disclosed. Disclosed assemblies include an elongate member and an engaging mechanism. The elongate member defines a support surface for supporting the load, and has a pair of opposed, diverging retention surfaces extending away from the support surface. The engaging mechanism is configured to abut the retention surfaces to engage the elongate member. A slat for a vehicle roof tray is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rail assembly includes a roof rail and a bracket. The roof rail is fixedly attached to the roof of a vehicle. The roof rail has a recessed portion with fastener receiving portions located therein. The bracket has an attachment flange and an accessory supporting flange rigidly fixedly attached to the attachment flange. The attachment flange is removably attached to the roof rail via first fastener members that are removably fixed to the fastener receiving portions. The attachment flange overlays a section of the recessed portion the roof rail. The accessory supporting flange has an opening defined therein for attachment of roof accessory retaining elements.

Abstract: A rack assembly configured to mount to sidewalls of a truck bed of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the rack assembly comprises a pair of side rails configured to secure to the sidewalls of the truck bed, a pair of tracks, and a plurality of mounting brackets configured to mount the pair of tracks to sidewalls of the truck bed and above the side rails so as to transfer vertical load from the tracks to the sidewalls of truck bed.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrier includes a load carrying bar. The load carrying bar has a height, a width, and a length and includes a channel having a width, a height, and a length. The channel has a channel floor portion, first and second channel walls, an opening, and a cover arranged to seal a portion of said opening. The channel further includes a first entrance for introducing a fastening member of a load carrying bar accessory. The vehicle load carrier further includes a first end piece arranged to seal said first entrance of said channel. The vehicle load carrier has a tapered lead-in portion at said first entrance to facilitate entry of said fastening member into said channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roof bar assembly (1) comprising a bar, several feet (2) for attaching the bar (6) to the roof of a vehicle and several screws (90) for attaching the bar (6) to each corresponding foot (2). The bar (6) can be attached in a longitudinal position in which the bar (6) is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle or in a transverse position in which the bar (6) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The roof bar assembly (1) comprises spacer means positioned between each foot (2) and the bar (6) configured such that, in the transverse position, the distance between an attachment plate (21) of the foot (2) intended to be attached to the roof and the bar (6) is greater than the distance between the attachment plate of the foot (2) and the bar (6) in the longitudinal position.

Abstract: A roof mounted vehicle topper includes an electronic display, a housing for said electronic display, and a cross bar. The housing is mounted to the cross bar which is configured for mounting to the roof of a vehicle. At least a portion of the cross bar is hollow. A power source for said electronic display is located outside of said housing. Electrical wiring extends from said power source, through the hollow portion of said cross bar, to the electronic display.

Abstract: A stowable roof rack for a roof of a motor vehicle includes a first roof rail connected to the roof of the motor vehicle, the first roof rail having a first exterior side facing outwardly relative to the motor vehicle and a first interior side facing inwardly relative to the motor vehicle, a second roof rail connected to the roof of the motor vehicle spaced apart from substantially parallel the first roof rail, the second roof rail having a second exterior side facing outwardly relative to the motor vehicle and a second interior side facing inwardly relative to the motor vehicle, and a crossbar moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein when in the stowed position the crossbar is connected at a first end to the interior surface of the first roof rail and at a second end to the interior surface of the first roof rail, and wherein when in the deployed position the crossbar is connected at the first end to the interior surface of the first roof rail and at the second end to the interior

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack structure includes a first clamp assembly, a second clamp assembly and a driving member. The first clamp assembly has a first positioning member. The second clamp assembly, aside to the first clamp assembly, has a second positioning member with a second-clamp-assembly bevel surface. The driving member for driving the second clamp assembly includes a screw bar, a driving block and a vehicle-roof bar. The screw bar engages the first and the second positioning members. The driving block, engaging the screw bar, has a driving-block bevel surface to contact the second-clamp-assembly bevel surface. The vehicle-roof bar has an end to mount the first and the second clamp assemblies. When the screw bar rotates, the screw bar drives the driving block to drive the first and the second clamp assemblies to clamp or release the vehicle-roof mounting rack in between.

Abstract: A support foot for a luggage carrier, for a vehicle, said support foot including a main part, a first clamping part, a second clamping part wherein at least one of said clamping parts are movable and a clamping mechanism, said clamping mechanism including an attachment lever, arranged to secure a load bar to a mounting rail or similar device, wherein said attachment lever is arranged at one side of said main part and is arranged to operate in a horizontal plane between a closed and an open position.

Abstract: A roof box for carrying cargo affixed to the roof rack rails of a vehicle is described. The attachment mechanism operates without the need to access the interior of the roof box itself and without disrupting the continuity of the floor board in the roof box. The user may deploy the engagement system from a single control point, and the individual attachment mechanisms include safety mechanisms to guard against an unexpected failure of other system components.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an energy attenuating mounting foot comprising a load beam having a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner track interface lobe, and an outer track interface lobe, the inner track interface lobe and the outer track interface lobe extending laterally from the load beam, and a channel along the longitudinal axis having a depth extending from the load beam bottom surface toward the top surface. In various embodiments, the inner track interface lobe has a first length extending in a direction from the bottom surface towards the top surface and the outer track interface lobe has a second length extending in a direction from the bottom surface towards the top surface, the first length being less than the second length.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a vehicle rack includes detecting a crash status of a vehicle; detecting an occupancy status of the vehicle; illuminating a light source positioned within a groove of the vehicle rack in a first illumination state; and altering the illumination of the light source to a second illumination state based on a change in the occupancy status of the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a platform to a vehicle rooftop is disclosed. The assembly includes a rail mounted on a bottom side of the platform, having a linear track. A clamp assembly is slidably mounted in the linear track, and is configured to grip a crossbar. The clamp assembly includes a fixation device configured to stop movement of the clamp assembly in a selected position along the track.

Abstract: A platform and a kit therefor. The platform and the kit comprises quad-chord trusses attachable end-to-end and having connector members intermediate thereof, and further comprising beams attachable at their ends to the connector members so that a beam attaches two parallel trusses. A truss comprises first and second pairs of chords which are foldable for storage and transport and unfoldable to use for erection of the platform. A track lies between the upper chords to allow movement of bolts along the track into position to attach for insertion into decking apertures for attachment of the decking. The kit also includes a sturdy and reliable and easy to use tie-up mechanism and railing along the platform perimeter which is quickly and easily attachable and reliable.

Abstract: A selectable pitch crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a crossbar clamp having a first mating surface that is selectively receivable on a second mating surface of the coupler in a plurality of discrete orientations. Each of the discrete orientations may correspond to a respective angle of the crossbar relative to the coupler. The angle may be a pitch angle.

Abstract: A vehicle camera includes an image sensor and a variable lens. The variable lens includes a liquid crystal layer that includes liquid crystal molecules having an arrangement that depends on a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer. The variable lens is configured to, based on the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, alter light that is introduced into the image sensor.

Abstract: A crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include one or more locking pins operatively connected to a pivoting cover, such that moving the cover from an open to a closed position causes the locking pins to engage corresponding recesses in a base portion fixed to a vehicle rooftop. The coupler may include a selectable pitch interface for adjusting the pitch angle of the crossbar with respect to the coupler and/or a vehicle on which the coupler is mounted. An actuator of the coupler may convert motion of a tightening screw oriented parallel to the crossbar axis into a clamp tightening force oriented orthogonal to the crossbar axis. The tightening screw may be inaccessible when the cover of the coupler is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle article carrier apparatus for securing articles above an outer body surface of a vehicle. The apparatus may make use of a pair of low profile support rails fixedly secured generally parallel to one another on the outer body surface. A pair of cross bars may be configured to be coupled to the support rails in a stowed orientation extending parallel to the support rails, so as to be generally not visible from a side of the vehicle, and an operative orientation extending perpendicularly between the support rails and elevationally above the support rails for supporting articles thereon.

Abstract: Roof rack assemblies and securing mechanisms for roof rack assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a securing mechanism includes a track, the track including an upper lip, a lower lip, and at least one notch, a support portion that is configured to translate along the track, the support portion including a lower surface, a rib positioned on the lower surface, where the rib is configured to engage the at least one notch of the track, a release member, and a securing latch, where the securing latch is repositionable between a latched position, in which the securing latch is engaged with the upper lip of the track and the rib is engaged with the at least one notch, and a unlatched position, in which the securing latch is detached from the upper lip of the track and the rib is detached from the at least one notch.

Abstract: A universal accessory mount having bracket mounting portions and spacing segments that are configurable together to match the shape or curve of the vehicle exterior or other aftermarket vehicle accessory. Right-side and left-side and U-shaped brackets are each attachable to the bracket mounting portions to accommodate vehicle accessories of varying dimensions.

Abstract: A crossbar clamp actuator of a crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a horizontally traveling wedge block having a ramped, downward-facing first slide surface, and a wedge follower having a second slide surface in frictional contact with the first slide surface of the traveling wedge block. Substantially horizontal repositioning of the traveling wedge block may cause the ramped first slide surface to urge the wedge follower downward, thereby actuating a crossbar clamp.

Abstract: A roof rail retainer with an adapter component, has a fastening apparatus for mounting on a roof of a vehicle and a fastening device for mounting a roof rail of the vehicle. The fastening apparatus has a bolt element which is preferably provided with a thread and is surrounded by a compressible sealing ring. At least one supporting element is associated with the bolt element and on the one hand lies in contact with the adapter component or is connected to the adapter component, and on the other hand has at least one supporting surface which can be placed onto the roof of the vehicle. A thickness of the uncompressed sealing ring as viewed in an axial direction of the bolt element is greater than the supporting length of the supporting element.

Abstract: A stereo camera includes a base assembly capable of being commonly used regardless of type of vehicle, the base assembly including a first lens, a first image sensor for capturing a first image on the basis of incident light introduced through the first lens, a second lens, and a second image sensor for capturing a second image on the basis of incident light introduced through the second lens, a processor for processing the first image and the second image. A windshield bracket is provided including an attachment part adapted to windshields having different inclination angles and radii of curvature and attached thereto. A mount part holds the base assembly so as to enable the first image sensor and the second image sensor to capture forward images of a vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack system has a clamping system comprised of handles, a ratcheting mechanism, and a pair of jaws. The jaws provide a universal clamping system that will attach to most roof rack cross bars with an easy-on/easy-off, quick-release actuator, such as a ratcheting mechanism or lever system, that will integrate with a wide variety of accessories. The ratcheting mechanism provides compression of the attached accessory, securing it to a roof rack cross bar. This system is easier to use, more versatile, and less expensive than conventional roof rack accessory systems.

Abstract: A roof-mounted bicycle rack assembly for a motor vehicle includes a deployable bicycle carrier slidably attached to an underside of a roof panel of the motor vehicle. The bicycle carrier includes at least one bicycle support configured to deploy from and retract into a cooperating holder disposed on the roof panel underside. The bicycle support may include at least one tube or rail and the cooperating holder may include at least one sleeve or track configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one tube or rail therein.

Abstract: A load carrier foot includes a support body having a support surface configured to rest against a first surface of a vehicle, a first bracket configured to grip about a second surface of the vehicle, a second bracket configured to grip about a third surface of the vehicle, and a tensioning arrangement configured to impart a clamping force at between the support surface and the first and the second brackets to retain the load carrier foot to the vehicle. The first and the second brackets are pivotally connected to each other. A load carrying foot according to the present invention has relatively few components while still providing a rigid and strong connection to the vehicle.

Abstract: A universal accessory mount having bracket mounting portions and spacing segments that are configurable together to match the shape or curve of the vehicle exterior or other aftermarket vehicle accessory. Right-side and left-side and U-shaped brackets are each attachable to the bracket mounting portions to accommodate vehicle accessories of varying dimensions.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device covering structure comprises an in-vehicle device attached to a ceiling surface of a vehicle, a cover that covers the in-vehicle device from below, and a plate-shaped bracket attached to the ceiling surface and covered by the cover from below together with the in-vehicle device, the cover hanging from the bracket. The bracket has a first attachment surface attached to the ceiling surface on the vehicle rear side relative to the in-vehicle device, a second attachment surface attached to the cover and arranged overlapping at least a chassis of the in-vehicle device when viewed in a vehicle upper-lower direction and at a distance from the in-vehicle device, and a vertical wall connecting the first and second attachment surfaces, the vertical wall being arranged on the vehicle rear side relative to the in-vehicle device and at a distance from the in-vehicle device.

Abstract: A carrier basket for an automotive vehicle is disclosed which includes a base having at least one member for connecting to a roof of an automotive vehicle, a frame having two side rails oriented in a first direction and at least one transverse bar oriented cross to the side rails, wherein the side rails are connected to the at least one transverse bar, wherein the frame is attached upon the base as to form a box open to the top, wherein the at least one transverse bar includes a groove arranged for attachment of accessories and having a length, wherein the entire length of the groove is available for attaching accessories, and wherein the groove extends over a substantial portion of the distance between the two side rails.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system is disclosed for carrying articles above an outer body surface of a vehicle. At least one support rail is secured to the outer body surface. The support rail uses a support foot at each of its opposite ends, with each support foot being adapted to be secured to the outer body surface of the vehicle. A solar panel is used for collecting solar energy. A battery is used for storing electrical energy created using the collected solar energy. A light is powered by the battery, with the light forming an integral portion of the support rail.

Abstract: A hitch mounted rack system having a lower base unit that includes a hitch beam and a hitch beam vertical support extending from the hitch beam; a cantilevered upper base unit that includes a support beam and a support beam vertical support extending from the support beam, and wherein the support beam vertical support is at least partially received within the hitch beam vertical support; a center-point adjustable sleeve that is adjusted in relation to the hitch beam vertical support and the support beam vertical support; and one or more crossbar assemblies positioned along the support beam.

Abstract: Apparatuses and related methods for holding bags for transporting trash or holding displays on the exterior of a vehicle. The apparatuses include an adjustable-size rack comprising one or more detachable members which are attachable to the receiver segment of a base member. A base member has an engagement segment for mounting the apparatus on a vehicle. In a first apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of the shoulder bolts used for installing the license plate on a vehicle. In a second apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of an adapter which is installed over the license plate of a vehicle. In a third apparatus, two straps link the engagement segment on the exterior to a restraining bar configured inside the trunk of a vehicle. In a fourth apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on an external spare wheel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack system for use on a roof of a vehicle which may include a moonroof the roof rack system includes first and second side rail members adapted to be mounted to the roof of the vehicle, the first and second side rail members each including a first channel located proximal a bottom side, a second channel located proximal a top side, a third channel extending substantially perpendicularly between the first and second channels, and a fourth channel extending substantially angularly between the first and second channels and a plurality of crossbows extending between the side rails and movable between a use position and a storage position at a plurality of locations along the side rails and also movable to channels in the rails located proximal the rear of the vehicle for storage of the rails and to provide an unobstructed view out the moonroof.

Abstract: A coupling assembly can couple a beam to a loop of a tie-down assembly coupled to an inner sidewall of a pickup bed. The beam defines a channel, and the loop defines an aperture. The coupling assembly includes a coupling plate including a first plate body, a second plate body coupled to the first plate body, a first protrusion extending from the first plate body, a second protrusion extending from the first protrusion, a fastener, and a knob. The first protrusion is configured to be disposed through the aperture of the loop, and the second protrusion is configured to be disposed in the channel of the beam. The fastener includes a head and a threaded shaft coupled to the head. The head is configured to be disposed in the channel, and the threaded shaft extends through the second plate body. The knob is coupled to the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A connection arrangement (10) for connecting perpendicular first and second tubular members (12, 14). The arrangement (10) including coaxial circular and larger square openings (20, 22) provided on opposite faces of the tubular member (12). A circular opening (24) is provided in the second tubular member (14) alignable with the openings (26, 28) further openings are provided in the member 14 on either side of the opening to receive a face of the first member (12) when abutting against the second member (14). A nut (36) is trapped behind the opening (24), and a bolt (38) can extend through the two openings (20, 22) in the first member to engage with the bolt (38) to retain the members (12, 14) together.

Abstract: A fastening or mounting apparatus for releasably joining two objects is disclosed. The apparatus uses a cam portion opposite a hook portion in a structure of one of the objects to engage with flanges, protrusions or ends of the other object. In the case of flanges, one of the flanges deforms a resilient element in the hook portion during insertion, and the other flange snaps into the detent of the cam portion upon application of force. The apparatus may be adaptable from small scale applications to large-scale heavy duty applications.

Abstract: A roof rack attachment assembly for a vehicle is provided along with a method of assembling a vehicle having a roof panel capable of receiving a roof rack attachment at a predetermined attachment point is provided. The vehicle may include a roof panel defining a plurality of elongated grooves. The assembly may include a groove applique disposed within and along the length of each of the elongated grooves. The groove applique may be secured within each of the elongated grooves with a plurality of securing components placed along the length of the elongated groove. A plurality of attachment features may be coupled to the groove applique at predetermined locations, defining a predetermined attachment point for a vehicle roof rack. The roof rack assembly allows a roof rack of any style to be added, removed, or replaced at the each of the predetermined attachment points throughout the life of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the storage of equipment such as ladders in the upper area, but particularly in the upper area on the outside of emergency vehicles such as trucks which includes a capability of moving the ladder to an extended lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen. An outer bracket is connected to an inner housing through a parallel linkage with the inner housing attached to the vehicle and the outer bracket attachable to the equipment. The outer bracket includes a downwardly extendable sliding carriage to facilitate positioning of the equipment at a lower level for aiding in retrieval thereof utilizing a flexible control arm.

Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) has an elongate load carrying member (213) and a single elongate stay (214) which are hingedly connected to a roof (5) of the motor vehicle (1) by a pair of base plates (211). The elongate load carrying member (213) is selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (222, 255) which latches a castellated edge of the elongate load carrying member (213) to a castellated edge of the single elongate stay (214) along a significant portion of the interface between the two components (213, 214) so as to provide a strong support for any loads carried by the roof bar (10). The components (211, 213, 214) forming the roof bar (10) are all relatively thin and the elongate load carrying member (213) and the single elongate stay (214) are arranged to fold flat on the roof (5) of the motor vehicle (1) so as to minimize any change in vehicle height when the roof bar (10) is stowed.

Abstract: A roof-rack mechanism includes one or more retaining devices attached to a track, and a lock device engaged with the track and the retaining device for detachably attaching the retaining device to the track. The retaining device includes a base member, and a bracket attached to the base member and mounted on the track. The bracket includes a recess formed between two legs for engaging with the track, and the lock device is engaged with the track and the legs of the bracket. The retaining device includes two flaps engaged onto the legs of the bracket and secured to the legs and the track with the lock device. The retaining device includes a cover pivotally attached to the base member with a coupler.

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: Cargo carrying systems for attaching to a vehicle's cargo area, including a number of cross supports, the adjacent edges of two cross supports creating a storage compartment in which various storage containers are suspended, each cross support having a first and a second leg, each leg being separated from one another by a central member coupled to the top of each leg with a coupler, the bottom of each leg having a mounting bracket for attaching to the vehicle, the legs of adjacent cross supports being joined by a connecting rod.

Abstract: The application relates to an adjustment mechanism for altering the position of roof box clamps and/or the roof box position on a vehicle. Adjustment of the roof box position relative to a vehicle may be completed without unclamping the roof box from the vehicle roof rack or racks. The clamp or clamps may also be positioned easily relative to roof rack positions prior to fitting.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.