Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roof rack for mounting to a vehicle. The roof rack includes a rail secured between first and second stanchions. The first stanchion includes a cover and a base. The cover is releasably secured to the base by a plurality of fastener assemblies. One of the fastener assemblies is formed by a tongue of the base being disposed in a loop of the cover.

Abstract: System providing a securing arrangement for securing a load to a vehicle-mounted rack. The system includes clamp members adapted to secure the load-carrying member to a crossbar of the vehicle-mounted rack. The system includes an opposable clamp member and may include dimensionally different first and second opposing clamp members. The opposable clamp member may be configured to alternatively attach to the first and second opposing clamp members. The system may include an adjustable mounting mechanism configured to adjust an angle of the load-carrying member relative to the opposable clamp member. The opposable clamp member may include a plurality of alternative coupling sections configured to attach to the first and second opposing clamp members.

Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.

Abstract: A transport rack is shown for mounting a tandem bicycle on the rear of a vehicle. A junction bar is provided which engages the trailer hitch of the vehicle and is used to mount a cross bar on the vehicle. The cross bar supports the bicycle for transportation by having a fixed bicycle fork support yoke at one extent thereof and having both a slidably adjustable support yoke and slidably adjustable tire well at an opposite extent thereof. Wheel carriers located on the cross arm receive either one or both of the bicycle wheels when the wheels are removed for transport. A pivot mechanism connects the cross bar and junction bar and can be used to pivot the cross bar between an upright position, used for transport, in which the bicycle frame is generally perpendicular to a surrounding support surface and an extended position used for accessing to the vehicle's rear doors.

Abstract: A trailer and fuel tank assembly are disclosed. The fuel tank preferably forms the body of the trailer. The fuel tank may include a recess in the top surface for receiving the motor and/or pump, which may lower the pump closer to the ground to increase the suction performance of the pump. The bottom surface of the fuel tank may be bowed upward. This may cause any contaminants in the fuel tank to collect along the edges of the tank. Drain ports, positioned near the edges of the tank, can then be used to drain the contaminants from the tank. To easily attach accessories to the trailer, one or more track bars may be mounted to the trailer body. The track bars preferably include an elongate channel and an elongate slot. By placing an insert inside of the channel and bolting the accessory to the insert through the longitudinally extending slot, the accessories can be easily attached to the trailer.

Abstract: In an object carrier for supporting apparatus such as a minicomputer, a navigation apparatus or cell phones, which carrier comprises a foot adapted to be attached to a support surface, a top part for supporting an apparatus holder or directly an apparatus, and a flexible arm extending between the foot and the top part, the flexible arm is releasably connectible at least to the foot by a plug-in connection consisting of a receptacle part formed at least in the foot for receiving an end of the flexible arm in a rotationally fixed relationship and the plug-in connection further includes locking means for firmly retaining, and releasably locking, the end of the flexible arm in the foot and respectively, top part.

Abstract: The cargo system of the preferred embodiment includes a container, a first mount coupled to the container, and a second mount coupled to the container for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cargo system is preferably attachable and securable to a roof rack of a vehicle having a first bar and a second bar.

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: The present invention relates to a vehicle roof rack assembly with an adjustable cross rail in which a guide groove is formed in both side surfaces of a side rail in a longitudinal direction and is installed on a side rail in a state that it is supported by a mounting member in which a cross rail is position-adjustable along a guide rail. The mounting member includes a locking part being locked with an inner surface of a guide groove, and an engaging part engaged with the cross rail and is supported on an upper surface of a side rail and in a guide groove of both lateral surfaces. Therefore, wind noise is significantly decreased, and an outer visual appearance is enhanced. An engaging and disengaging operation of the cross rail is easily achieved.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a cross bar which makes use of a pair of end supports for securing the cross bar to a pair of side rails. Each of the end supports includes an actuating member which is pivotally mounted to a housing of its associated end support. An inverted V-shaped biasing member is disposed within the housing and its outermost ends are captured within a first recess in the housing and a second recess formed in an internal wall of the actuating member. An over center action is employed to assist in biasing the actuating member into its unlocked and locked positions. The actuating member includes a locking post portion for engaging with one of a plurality of apertures formed along the length of its associated side rail. The end support can be constructed with a reduced number of independent component parts, thereby simplifying its construction and reducing its overall cost.

Abstract: An integrally designed roof rack and roof panel attached to a vehicle may be formed using quick plastic forming (QPF) and superplastic forming processing (SPF). A number of vehicle accessories such as luggage containers, fuel tanks, consoles, door attachments, truck beds and table trays may be formed using QPF processes. The items may be installed and movable onto and off the vehicle. A variety of QPF processes may be employed, enabling the vehicle accessory to meet required strength, dimensional, and shape considerations. Additionally, component integration is enabled by using QPF processes.

Abstract: An equipment carrier, such as a bicycle rack, is adapted for removable mounting to a vehicle and includes a first frame and a second frame interconnected by one or more hubs. The first frame is engaged with the hubs so as to be axially movable relative to the lower frame and the hubs. The first frame defines a forward engagement area adapted for engagement with the rear of the vehicle, and the second frame defines an outer engagement area adapted to engage the vehicle at a location vertically spaced from the forward engagement area. The second frame is pivotably mounted to the hubs for movement between an operative extended position and an inoperative collapsed position. A variable position engagement arrangement is interposed between the hubs and the first frame, for selectively fixing the axial position of the first frame relative to the hubs.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of cross bars that can be positioned in a stowed, position, resting on or adjacent to a corresponding pair of siderails, or moved into an operative position with the cross bars extending perpendicularly between the siderails. The cross bars are completely removable from each of the side rails. When the cross bars are in the stowed position, the apparatus presents a significantly more aerodynamic structure that helps to reduce wind noise when the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is being driven. The cross bars can be quickly moved into the operative position via latching mechanisms disposed at end that can be released from a securing structure at a forward portion and a rearward portion of each siderail and re-attached to a securing portion of the other siderail.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of cross bars that can be positioned in a stowed, position, resting on or adjacent to a corresponding pair of side rails, or moved into an operative position with the cross bars extending perpendicularly between the side rails. When the cross bars are in the stowed position, the apparatus presents a significantly more aerodynamic structure that helps to reduce wind noise when the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is being driven. The cross bars can be quickly moved into the operative position via a latching mechanism disposed at end that can be released from a securing portion of one side rail and re-attached to a securing portion of the other side rail. Various embodiments are presented with different latching and pivoting mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier incorporating a single sided releasable cross bar. The cross bar has an end support secured at each outermost end thereof. Each end support lockably engages with an associated side rail. Each end support includes an actuating member which cammingly urges a locking member into and out of engagement with interior wall surfaces of its associated side rail when the actuating member is moved between locked and unlocked positions. A biasing member in the form of a leaf spring is used to bias the locking member into a normally locked position. A pair of small diameter rods coupled to each actuating member of the cross bar allow the locking members of the two end supports to be simultaneously locked and unlocked by movement of either one of the actuating members.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, to facilitate loading a boat onto a vehicle. The systems include a load assist device mounted on a vehicle load carrier. The load assist device includes a support member that is stored substantially within a crossbar of the load carrier and telescopes outwardly from the crossbar to a deployed position. The support member may be returned to its stored position in the crossbar after the boat has been loaded onto the carrier.

Abstract: A telescoping roof basket assembly (10) for attachment to a roof (12) of a vehicle (14) is provided. The basket assembly (10) includes a pair of rails (18) fixedly coupled to the roof (12) of the vehicle (14). Each rail (18) defines a primary channel (22) and a secondary channel (24). Furthermore, each primary channel (22) has an extension bar (26) slidably positioned therein for telescopically fitting the extension bar (26) to the rail (18). The extension bars (26) are capable of extending rearwardly from the rails (18). Moreover, these extension bars (26) are pivotally coupled to a front end portion of a moveable basket member (30). This moveable basket member (30) has a rear end portion with a pair of tabs (44) extending therefrom. These tabs (44) are intended for insertion into the secondary channels (24) and securing the moveable basket member (30) to the rails (18). The telescoping roof basket assembly (10) is moveable between a roof mounted position and a back end mounted position.

Abstract: A stanchion for an article carrier system comprises a main body member having a cavity extending inwardly of the main body member from a plate. A floor of said cavity includes a first plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. The stanchion further includes an arm having an end sized to rotate within the cavity. The cavity includes a bottom edge that includes a second plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. A post is also included in the stanchion and has a first end positioned within the cavity and secured to the arm. The post also has a second end that includes a cleat. The first plurality of ramps and the second plurality of ramps are configured to cooperate to raise and lower the cleat in relation to the main body member when the arm is rotated about the main body member.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of cross bars that can be positioned in a stowed, position, resting on or adjacent to a corresponding pair of siderails, or moved into an operative position with the cross bars extending perpendicularly between the siderails. When the cross bars are in the stowed position, the apparatus presents a significantly more aerodynamic structure that helps to reduce wind noise when the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is being driven. The cross bars can be quickly moved into the operative position via a latching mechanism disposed at end that can be released from a securing portion of one siderail and re-attached to a securing portion of the other siderail. Various embodiments are presented with different latching and pivoting mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus adapted to be disposed on an outer body surface of a vehicle for supporting articles. The apparatus includes support rails secured to the outer body, a cross bar spanning the support rails, and bracket assemblies secured to the cross bar. The bracket assemblies are coupled to the support rails and include a lower locking clamp pivotally secured to the housing. The lower locking clamp rotates between an open position and a closed position and secures the bracket assembly to the support rail when in the closed position. The open position is approximately 180° from the closed position. A detail within the housing contacts a first face of the lower locking clamp in the open position and a second face of the lower locking clamp in the closed position, thus preventing the lower locking clamp from rotating more than 180° between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a ladder to a vehicle mounted carrier. The apparatus includes a platform assembly to which a ladder is mounted. The platform assembly includes a plurality of v-notch shaped clips that are positioned to grasp rungs of the ladder. The clips are curved in a similar shape to the claw end of a hammer and biased in a direction to hold the ladder firmly on the vehicle carrier.

Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.

Abstract: A vehicular utility rack apparatus having at least two frame members mounted on a vehicle to form a frame assembly. The at least two support arms are used for supporting a transported item. The two support arms also having a retainer assembly coupled to form a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly coupled to a rotational shaft for pivoting the carriage assembly. The rotational shaft coupled to an anti-friction assembly capable of reducing the amount of torque required to pivot the support arms from a position above the vehicle to a position adjacent the vehicle side.

Abstract: A vehicle roof panel includes a roof portion and roof rack portion with an integrally embossed portion defined by longitudinally extending spaced apart side portions. A side rail is attached to each of the side portions. A cross member has connectors for selectively and slidably interconnecting to the side rail thereby retaining the cross member elevated above the planar surface of the roof panel.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roof rack for mounting to a vehicle. The roof rack includes a rail secured between first and second stanchions. The first stanchion includes a cover and a base. The cover is releasably secured to the base by a plurality of fastener assemblies. One of the fastener assemblies is formed by a tongue of the base being disposed in a loop of the cover.

Abstract: An article carrier is described. The article carrier comprises a pair of side rails, an extendable article carrier, and at least one cross rail. The pair of side rails are affixed to a vehicle roof The extendable article carrier is adjustably positioned between the pair of side rails from a stowed position on a vehicle roof, to an extended position from the vehicle roof, and to a deployed position about a rear hatch. The extendable article carrier includes a first and a second pair of slider rail sections that are intermediately connected by a first pair of hinges, respectively. The extendable article carrier includes a third pair of slider rail sections. The second pair of slider rails and the third pair of slider rail sections are intermediately connected by a second pair of hinges. The first, second, and third pair of slider rail sections slide about a channel that is integrally formed in each of the side rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof-rack bar for automobile vehicles comprising a transverse bar and two fastening feet mounted at the ends of the transverse bar. The feet operate in conjunction with side rails mounted on an automobile vehicle, wherein the feet can slide along the side rails during adjustment. The angle between the transverse bar and each of the side rails remains substantially constant when the bar is displaced. At least one of the feet includes a housing in which one end of the transverse bar can slide between two extreme positions in order to adapt to a variable distance between non-parallel side rails. This housing includes a first locking and reinforcement means capable of operating in conjunction with a second locking and reinforcement means fitted on the transverse bar to immobilize or authorize the displacement of the end of the transverse bar in the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier includes a pair of laterally spaced apart siderails. A pair of crossbars are removeably coupled to the siderails. Each crossbar is operable in a first or stowed mode axially aligned with a siderail and in a second or carrying mode laterally spanning the space between the side rails.

Abstract: Each of the CCD cameras 10A, 10B for making a film of a vehicle forward road environment is mounted on the both ends of a chassis 16 with a high stiffness. A mounting seat member 17 is formed at a center of the chassis 16. The CCD cameras 10A, 10B are mounted onto a vehicle body through fixing the mounting seat member 17 onto the vehicle body. Portions other than the mounting seat member 17 of the chassis 16 are disposed apart from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A telescoping roof basket assembly (10) for attachment to a roof (12) of a vehicle (14) is provided. The basket assembly (10) includes a pair of rails (18) fixedly coupled to the roof (12) of the vehicle (14). Each rail (18) defines a primary channel (22) and a secondary channel (24). Furthermore, each primary channel (22) has an extension bar (26) slidably positioned therein for telescopically fitting the extension bar (26) to the rail (18). The extension bars (26) are capable of extending rearwardly from the rails (18). Moreover, these extension bars (26) are pivotally coupled to a front end portion of a moveable basket member (30). This moveable basket member (30) has a rear end portion with a pair of tabs (44) extending therefrom. These tabs (44) are intended for insertion into the secondary channels (24) and securing the moveable basket member (30) to the rails (11). The telescoping roof basket assembly (10) is moveable between a roof mounted position and a back end mounted position.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus adapted to be disposed on an outer body surface of a vehicle for supporting articles. The apparatus includes support rails secured to the outer body, a cross bar spanning the support rails, and bracket assemblies secured to the cross bar. The bracket assemblies are coupled to the support rails and include a lower locking clamp pivotally secured to the housing. The lower locking clamp rotates between an open position and a closed position and secures the bracket assembly to the support rail when in the closed position. The open position is approximately 180° from the closed position. A detail within the housing contacts a first face of the lower locking clamp in the open position and a second face of the lower locking clamp in the closed position, thus preventing the lower locking clamp from rotating more than 180° between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A method of separating colouring agents, particularly printing ink, from recycled fibre material, in which method the recycled fibre material is defibered using a liquid, so that colouring agent is separated from the recycled fibre during the defibration. In the method, the pre-kneaded recycled fibre is applied to a double-action impact mill, where it is subjected to successive impacts, so that the treatment time is at most some seconds.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus having bracket assemblies that include a locking mechanism requiring no independent springs or biasing elements. The bracket assemblies are secured to opposite ends of a cross bar member and each of the bracket assemblies are coupled to a respective support rail secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. Each bracket assembly generally includes an actuating lever and a locking clamp that are each pivotable between closed and open positions. When the actuating lever is placed in the closed position, interaction between the actuating lever and the locking clamp forces the locking clamp closed and maintains the locking clamp in the closed position. When the actuating lever is moved from the closed position to the open position, the interaction between the actuating lever and the locking clamp permits the locking clamp to open and disengage the support rail.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a rack component, such as a crossbar, to a vehicle rack, and apparatus that include the coupling device. The coupling device includes a first portion for attachment to the rack component and a second portion for coupling to the vehicle rack. A fastener member moves along an axis to couple the second portion to the vehicle rack. The coupling device also includes a security mechanism. The security mechanism may be implemented volitionally and/or irreversibly. The security mechanism prohibits movement of the fastener member that would uncouple the second portion from the vehicle rack but allows limited movement of the fastener member along the axis. The limited movement adjusts the second portion between fixed and movable conditions on the vehicle rack, allowing the rack component to be re-positioned on the vehicle rack but not removed.

Abstract: A configurable roof rack apparatus includes storage surfaces movable between a first position that is generally coincident with a roof of a vehicle and a second position that is generally coincident with a side of a vehicle. The roof rack is formed with pivotally movable side rails that can be positioned in an upright position or in an inwardly collapsed position. The front and rear transverse rails are also pivotally positionable in a collapsed position to provide a substantially flat profile on the vehicle roof when the components are moved into the collapsed position and a basket-like structure when the components are moved into an upright position. Trim pieces are provided for interconnection between adjacent front and rear side rails to form the basket-like structure. A retractable trim piece is housed in one of the side rails and can be extended to engage the adjacent side rail.

Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle having a cross bar with a pair of end supports at each end, where each end support can be simultaneously locked or unlocked by lifting an actuating member of either end support. A principal advantage of the construction of the end supports is that the actuating member thereof can be urged between its locked and unlocked positions without protruding significantly from the end support, and therefore without requiring a significant degree of clearance between the end support and the outer body surface of the vehicle. Thus, the cross bar can be placed closer to the outer body surface of the vehicle while still allowing the actuating member of each end support to be articulated between its locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo rack is provided with a carrier member and a carrier positioning device for positioning the carrier member. The carrier member is positionable in at least a deployed position and a stored position.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of cross bars that can be positioned in a stowed, position, resting on or adjacent to a corresponding pair of side rails, or moved into an operative position with the cross bars extending perpendicularly between the side rails. When the cross bars are in the stowed position, the apparatus presents a significantly more aerodynamic structure that helps to reduce wind noise when the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is being driven. The cross bars can be quickly moved into the operative position via a latching mechanism disposed at end that can be released from a securing portion of one side rail and re-attached to a securing portion of the other side rail. Various embodiments are presented with different latching and pivoting mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of cross bars that can be positioned in a stowed, position, resting on or adjacent to a corresponding pair of siderails, or moved into an operative position with the cross bars extending perpendicularly between the siderails. When the cross bars are in the stowed position, the apparatus presents a significantly more aerodynamic structure that helps to reduce wind noise when the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is being driven. The cross bars can be quickly moved into the operative position via a latching mechanism disposed at end that can be released from a securing portion of one siderail and re-attached to a securing portion of the other siderail. Various embodiments are presented with different latching and pivoting mechanisms.

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: 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 apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.

Abstract: A load carrier foot arrangement comprising a load carrier foot (3) which is mounted on a rail profile (2) which exhibits a mounting opening (12), wherein the load carrier foot is secured to the rail profile by means of a locking device having a locking spindle (21) which actuates a locking plate (27) and locks the foot to the rail profile, and wherein a retaining catch (32) is eccentrically and rotatably disposed on the locking spindle, which retaining catch interacts with notches (13) in the rail profile to prevent unwanted movement of the load carrier foot along the rail profile when the locking device is in locked position, the retaining catch having for this purpose a stop face (38) and a sensing element (39), that the retaining catch is prestressed by a tensioning element (37) to a position such that the stop face interferes obstructively with an edge region (41) of the load carrier foot (3) when the sensing element is not actuated, and that the mounting opening (12) is of such a size that the sensing el

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: A vehicle article carrier specifically adapted for use on a roof of a cab of a pickup truck. The vehicle article carrier includes a slidably extendable article carrier sub-system which allows the overall length of the vehicle article carrier to be effectively increased to better support elongated items such as bicycles, kayaks, canoes and virtually any other item having a length such that would make it awkward to support on an otherwise conventional article carrier assembly having a longitudinal length short enough to be secured to the roof of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus having bracket assemblies that include a locking mechanism requiring no independent springs or biasing elements. The bracket assemblies are secured to opposite ends of a cross bar member and each of the bracket assemblies are coupled to a respective support rail secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. Each bracket assembly generally includes an actuating lever and a locking clamp that are each pivotable between closed and open positions. When the actuating lever is placed in the closed position, interaction between the actuating lever and the locking clamp forces the locking clamp closed and maintains the locking clamp in the closed position. When the actuating lever is moved from the closed position to the open position, the interaction between the actuating lever and the locking clamp permits the locking clamp to open and disengage the support rail.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted for use with outer body surfaces of a vehicle that are curved or non-parallel to one another. The article carrier includes a pair of non-linear slats that are secured in spaced apart relation to one another on the outer body surfaces. A cross bar supporting assembly has a pair of connecting members that support a cross bar at its outermost ends. The connecting members are secured to slider members, and the slider members are adapted to be secured to the slats. The connecting members are secured to the outermost ends of the cross bar and each have bores that enable the outermost ends to be gradually received therewithin as the cross bar is moved along portions of the slats where the distance between the slats decreases, thus effectively shortening the cross bar. Conversely, this coupling enables the length of the cross bar to be effectively lengthened to accommodate increases in the distance between the slats.

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 article carrier includes a pair of supports which are fixedly secured to the roof of the vehicle. A cargo supporting structure having a pair of upper coupling links is pivotally and releasably coupled to the supports. The cargo supporting structure includes a pair of main support members which each include a pair of pivot assemblies. The cargo supporting structure is detachably and pivotally secured to a pair of anchor assemblies attached to the liftgate of the vehicle or the bumper of the vehicle. The three pivot points along each side of the cargo supporting structure enable it to be pivoted with the liftgate when the liftgate is lifted and closed such that the article carrier does not interfere with operation of the liftgate. The entire article carrier can be quickly and easily detached from the vehicle for storage when it is not needed.