Abstract: A vehicular ladder rack comprising a stationary mounting frame including a pair of transverse frame members affixed to the roof of a vehicle, a positioning assembly including a pair of positioning members affixed to opposite end portions of an elongated longitudinal positioning element rotatable between a first and second position coupled to the pair of transverse frame member and a ladder support frame including a pair of ladder support members movable between a first and second position to support a ladder thereon operatively coupled between the pair of transverse frame member and the corresponding positioning member such that a ladder is supported over the roof of the vehicle for storage and transportation when the elongated longitudinal positioning element and ladder support frame are in the first position and the ladder support frame is moved from the first to second position when the elongated longitudinal positioning element is rotated from the first to second position to move the ladder support frame

Abstract: A collapsible carrier adapted for use on the rear portion of a motor vehicle has an outer frame member, an inner frame member and two support arms. The frame members and support arms depend radially from hub assemblies. The angular relationship of the frame members and support arms may be adjusted by small increments and locked at various angular relationships.

Abstract: An automobile mountable bicycle carrier that is mounted to the trunk portion of an automobile. The carrier has rearwardly extending arms which have bicycle frame attachment brackets engaged thereto. Two brackets are disposed to hold each bicycle frame, one bracket holding the top tube and the other bracket holding the seat tube. The bracket which holds the seat tube preferably also holds the top tube.

Abstract: A vehicle ski carrier system carries a plurality of skis oriented in a position inclined from the vertical. The ski carrier system includes hinged lower and upper arms, and ski carrier inserts attached to each arm. The ski carrier inserts have opposed, alternating flat holding members and curvilinear compression members. When the arms are opened, a pair of skis can be placed against a holding member on the lower arm, and when the arms are closed, an opposing holding member on the upper arm closes on the opposite side of the skis and the opposed holding members are then urged tightly together by the compression members. The ski carrier inserts are of a modular construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment arrangement (32,33) for a cycle which is capable of attachment in an upright attitude to a cycle supporting bar (4) capable of being connected to a vehicle-mounted load carrier (2). The attachment arrangement includes a U-shaped attachment element which straddles the side and top surface of the supporting bar. The U-shaped element includes a flexible wire which surrounds a wheel of the cycle while the wheel is received in the U-shaped recess. The flexible wire is in turn connected to a clasp and both elements are connected to the U-shaped element in an over-center arrangement.

Abstract: A bicycle rack consisting of a strap (10) that is anchored on opposite walls of the truck bed (70a, 70b) at the top lips of the walls (80a, 80) by claws (20a, 20b). The bicycle is held in place by a clasping member (15) which enables the rack to accommodate various diameters of bicycle top tubes (90). The rack can hold as many bicycles as it has clasping members (15) The strap (10) length is adjustable to fit various truck bed widths by use of buckles (30a, 30b). The reack can be easily removed by loosening the strap (10) at the buckles (30a, 30b). It can then be stored in as small a place as a glove compartment.

Abstract: A retainer assembly can be clamped to a support crossbasr, such as is provided by a vehicle roof rack, and is able to retain an elongated member, such as an extension ladder, on the roof rack without the use of tools, clamps, tie-downs, etc. Each retainer assembly has a vertically-extending body, a transversely-extending part and a downwardly-extending retainer portion forming a retainer hook, the transversely-extending part being enclosed in a resilient sleeve. The ladder edge is inserted under the retainer hook while in an elevated attitude and then rotated downwards so that the edge rises up in the hook and compresses the sleeve, whereupon the ladder is held securely by the compressed sleeve between the retainer hooks and the cross-bars. The procedure is reversed to remove the object. The transversely extending part is adjustable vertically along the body, and the retainer portion is adjustable horizontally to accommodate ladders, etc. of different cross-sectional sizes.

Abstract: A chain saw carrier mounts to the upright sidewalls of a truck and includes an angularly adjustable frame for carrying one or more saws above the bed of the truck. The carrier includes a frame suspended over the truck bed. A slotted blade receiver plate receives the saw blades, and a saw dog receiving bar above the plate secures and supports the saws by engagement between adjacent saw dog points on the engine compartments. The weight of the saws bear against the saw dog receiving bar which holds the saws elevationally in position. The carrier may include a cover member, selectively securable over the saw engine compartments. A locking device employs a flexible locking member that may be secured through the handle enclosures of saws mounted to the device, to secure the saw or saws to the carrier frame. The preferred carrier also includes a number of lockable tool compartments for receiving accessories, as well as hooks for suspending items such as tool belts.

Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle comprising a pair of side rails adapted to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle in spaced apart relationship and extend longitudinally of the length of the vehicle. The side rails define a guideway therein, further defined by upper and lower surfaces. First and second pairs of stanchions are provided supporting a cross rail therebetween generally perpendicular to the side rails. Each of the stanchions have a bottom wall with engaging members integral therewith extending therefrom and received in the guideways and slidable therein. The guideways capture the engaging members therein and permit only sliding movements of the engaging members therein. A recess is defined in the bottom all of the stanchions and a clamping member is received in the recess. The clamping member is rotatable in the recess and has a camming portion extending into the guideway.

Abstract: A carrier rack designed for mounting to the rear of a motor vehicle is described. for the mounting of bicycles, brackets on the rack provide a four-point support attaching to the wheels of the bicycle, one above and one below the center of each of the front and rear wheels, without contacting any finished surfaces of the bicycle other than the wheel rims. The brackets are pivotally mounted to the frame so that they extend outward perpendicular to the frame when in use and are rotatable into the plane of the frame when not in use. Manually operated locking features secure the support arms in either of the two positions. Also disclosed is a carrier rack frame which engages the rear bumper of the vehicle and has straps to secure the frame under tension to such features as the top edge of a hatchback window and tow loops beneath the chassis. Unique methods of securement to these features are disclosed.

Abstract: A container with an opening and having two flexible stretchable cords attached to the upper edges of the container. The central areas of the cords may be releasably attached together over the opening by means of a fastener. When the cords are not attached together, each cord may be stretched over a corner holding means located at or near the corner of the container that is between the ends of that cord.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails or selected slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar or restraining bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the strapping of a load on a roof-mounted luggage rack which comprises a clamp attachable to one of the beams of the rack with a boom projecting in an upward slant toward an opposite side of the rack. The boom carries a strap which attaches at one end to the clamping mechanism of the boom and has the opposite end dangling past the end of the boom where it can be grabbed and tied to the rack, thus securing the load and at the same time securely clamping the device on the beam of the luggage rack.

Abstract: The ski case is a slim depth rectangular container designed to store, transport, and act as an overall ski equipment handling device. The case has two relatively asymmetrical major components--the top being the closure component of a ski equipment storage device as well as a sled to enable the transport of skis, boots, poles, and other miscellaneous ski-related material from the vehicle parking lot to the base lodge or elsewhere without the inconvenience and difficulty associated with carrying such items on one's person. The lower half of the case acts as the support and pivot for the top half as well as the mechanism for carrying the ski case on a motor vehicle roof or trunk. The lower half has a quick disconnect male-female dovetail system for easy and rapid removal from the auto roof top. The two components are lined with a velcro attached foam rubber which acts as the frictional support and restraint of the ski case contents.

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: This fisherman's basket is designed to be supported on a bicycle rack of an automobile, so as to store bait, fish, meat and other articles that may be odorous and not desired in the interior of the automobile. Primarily, it consists of a frame with wire mesh openings that provide for ventilation of the interior of the basket. A ventilated cover is also provided that can be locked, and apertures are provided through the frame of the basket for receiving the bicycle support arms of the bicycle rack mounted on the automobile.

Abstract: An adjustable cross rail for a luggage carrier which utilizes a self-storing lever to release the rail stanchions. The stanchions cooperate with a longitudinal track which receives an adjustable slide bar threadably connected to the release lever. The track is clampingly engaged between the slide bar and the bottom of the stanchion to prevent movement of the stanchion. The clamping and unclamping of the slide bar can be controlled by either a camming lever or a wrench lever, both of which store within the stanchion body.

Abstract: The present invention is an article securing assembly for receiving a device to secure an object on a plurality of elongated slats mounted on an exterior horizontal surface of an automobile. The assembly includes a cavity in at least one of the slats. A tie-down member is disposed within the cavity for pivotal movement between a closed position in which the upper surface of the tie-down member does not extend above the upper surface of the slat and an open position such that a portion of the tie-down member extends above the upper surface of the slat.

Abstract: An article supporting slat is adapted to be mounted in contiguous relationship to a surface portion of a vehicle and includes a longitudinally extending upwardly facing article supporting surface having an upwardly presenting groove. A one-piece end cap member is interfitted with one end of the slat and includes a tongue adapted to be received within the groove. A mounting pad is disposed between the end cap member and the vehicle surface portion. The mounting pad includes resilient fingers for releasably retaining the mounting pad and the slat together as an integral unit.

Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier includes at least one generally horizontally arranged article supporting slat. The slat includes at one end a tie down mechanism. A wind deflection mechanism is positioned and secured onto the vehicle surface generally perpendicular to the slat. A second tie down mechanism is coupled with the wind deflection mechanism. The second tie down mechanism pivots from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second tie down mechanism, is positioned within the wind deflection mechanism and has a surface substantially flush with the wind deflection mechanism. In the second position, the second tie down means projects from the wind deflection mechanism to enable ropes, hooked bungee cords, or the like to secure to the second tie down mechanism.

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: A roof rack mounting system for vehicle having concealed drip moldings in mounting plates are riveted to the roof return of a vehicle, on opposite sides of the vehicle underneath a vehicle upper door lip. Each mounting plate has two pins which fit into cups or slots formed on a foot plate. A leg section connects each foot plate to a hollow transverse beam. One leg section is movable and has a screw extending through the leg section and engaging a nut secured to the inside of the transverse beam.

Abstract: A removable car accessory container including a container, which is substantially rectangular and has four walls and a top and bottom, a zipper attached to one of the walls, one handle attached to one of the walls, suction cups on the bottom of the container, and tie-downs holding the container to the car.

Abstract: A cargo-fastening unit for the roof-carrier is that in a roof-carrier having a horizontal bar being fixed on the roof top of a vehicle and also having a pivotal clamping bar being in parallel to the horizontal bar and being arranged to freely pivot so as to clamp and carry cargo between the bars, the horizontal bar and the clamping bar are respectively sectionalized into two parts at a suitable position to be joined by means of a detachable coupling bar, thereby providing a mechanism of simple construction but being able to change the length of the horizontal bar and the clamping bar in the lateral direction of the cargo as required according to the the width of the cargo so as to keep the cargo from loosening or injuring the cargo or falling off the vehicle due to severe vibrations or impacts applied on to the vehicle in operation.

Abstract: Slats fixed to a vehicle deck have external-flange tracks along their opposite edges. Brackets engage these tracks--by a lip that projects inwardly from the side wall of each bracket to capture the flange. The brackets can be slid by a user along the tracks and locked at any point along the slats by clamping plates inside the brackets. The clamping plates are forced against the slats as by screws in the tops of the brackets. One type of bracket carries an arch-shaped tie-down member and is also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete points along the slats. Each tie-down member is fixed to its tie-down bracket below the inwardly projecting lip, or in any event at a point in the side wall, of the bracket. This configuration preserves clamping force when a strap or cord is tightly cinched from the bracket over luggage, resulting in very strong upward force on the tie-down member.

Abstract: A vehicle ladder rack is for storage of a ladder upon the roof of a vehicle. The rack comprises a horizontal frame, at one end of which a hooked clamping bar engages a ladder rung. The clamping bar is manually operable, pivoting about a horizontal axis from a lower release position through an upper intermediate position and sliding downwardly to a clamped position. Manually operable means comprises several levers and rotating shafts providing a resilient clamping of the ladder rung, and latching in the clamped position.

Abstract: Slats fixed to a vehicle deck have external-flange tracks along their opposite edges. Brackets engage these tracks--by a lip that projects inwardly from the side wall of each bracket to capture the flange. The brackets can be slid by a user along the tracks and locked at any point along the slats by clamping plates inside the brackets. The clamping plates are forced against the slats as by screws in the tops of the brackets. One type of bracket carries an arch-shaped tie-down member and is also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete points along the slats. Each tie-down member is fixed to its tie-down bracket below the inwardly projecting lip, or in any event at a point in the side wall, of the bracket. This configuration preserves clamping force when a strap or cord is tightly cinched from the bracket over luggage, resulting in very strong upward force on the tie-down member.

Abstract: A wheeled crossmember assembly (12) and an unwheeled crossmember assembly (16) of a carrier system (10) are detachably clamped in spaced apart locations to the mast of a sailboard. The sailboard and associated components are straped to the crossmember assemblies. Ground engaging wheels (14) are detachably attached to crossmember assembly (12). The end of the mast adjacent crossmember assembly (16) is lifted and either pulled or pushed to transport the sailboard, with the mast acting as the tongue of the carrier system. A pair of rail assemblies (20) are mountable on a standard vehicle top rack for sliding reception of crossmember assemblies (12,16) thereby to transport the carrier system (10) together with the sailboard on the top of a vehicle.

Abstract: A luggage rack mountable to the top or back hood of an automobile for traorting luggage. The rack includes a substantially rectangular frame which is secured to the vehicle roof but elevated therefrom by corner stanchions. The cross-members of the frame are provided with slots positioned generally at their outboard ends. The slots are adapted to receive spring clips attached to a load bearing rack that is suspended below the frame in close proximity to the rooftop of the vehicle when connected to the frame. The rack includes a series of parallel load bearing members and upwardly extending support arms. The spring clips are secured to the upper end of the support arms. The suspended rack is fixed in place by the interlocking action of the spring clips within the corresponding frame slots.

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: The present invention involves a removable ski rack for motor vehicles which includes a pair of vehicle mounting devices and a pair of ski holder devices along with a plurality of ski holders. The pair of vehicle mounting devices each includes a first strap which is long enough to cross over the width of a motor vehicle roof with roof fasteners attached to each end of that strap so that both ends can be secured to the vehicle. In addition, this first strap has a first set of VELCRO.RTM.-type filamentary fastening members located on at least a portion of its top. The pair of ski holder mounting devices each includes a second strap which has a second and opposite set of the VELCRO.RTM.-type filamentary type fastening members located on at least a portion of the bottom and situated so as to correspond to the VELCRO.RTM.-type filamentary fastening members that are located on the top of the first strap.

Abstract: A bicycle support device including a channel for receiving the wheels of a bicycle and a bicycle frame engaging structure for supporting a bicycle in a plane generally bisecting the channel with the wheels resting in the channel. A toggle type wheel engaging clamp is mounted on the channel and arranged to engage a bicycle wheel at a location above the channel and is movable to a clamp position in which it draws the wheel in a direction having one component toward the channel to firmly press the wheel in the channel and a second component lengthwise of the channel to aid in retaining the bicycle against movement longitudinally of the channel. The wheel engaging clamp is adjustable along the channel to accommodate different bicycles.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle carrier defined by framework selectively secured to the rear end of a carrying vehicle, such as a conventional automobile, in an overlying relationship with respect to the trunk of the latter. The carrier is positively placed, largely due to the gravitational weight of the three-wheeled vehicle on the rear portion of the framework, where additional positioning straps, as around the front axle of the three-wheeled vehicle and around the pedals/pedal axles of the latter serve further auxiliary placement purposes. The carrier affords a convenience not available heretofore in three-wheeled vehicle transporting, i.e. obviates the necessity of using either a separate and/or specialized wheeled carrying unit/vehicle.

Abstract: An article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated support members or slats which have a configuration which flows conformably and aerodynamically into the surface of the vehicle and which are permanently secured to the vehicle. The support members have longitudinally extending channels for supporting adjustable and/or removable components of the system, including tie downs and cross members which components are also provided with aerodynamic designs compatible with the remainder of the system. Provision is also made for association of components of the system, such as cross members, to be fixedly located on the support members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive cargo carrier utilizing interlocking vertically offset tubular perimeter members and multiple intersecting tension members providing for a substantially rigid, yet resilient structure, and a system for cargo carriage utilizing various interchangeable elements. The load support member was designed for use in conjunction with tubing members and has a universality of application in supporting the tubing members for load carrying purposes and can itself be so positioned when multiple units are positioned upon the tubing members so as to itself contribute to load carrying and retention.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a tie down device for securing an object carried on a rack. The device includes a braided rope having a length sufficient to loop the rope about the first end of the rack so two adjacent portions of the rope pass over the object and both ends of the rope are below the second end of the rack. There is an apparatus for securing the two ends of the rope below the second end of the rack and a telescopic twisting handle with two ends. The twisting handle is fitted between the adjacent portions of the rope and rotated end over end to twist the portions of the rope about each other to tighten the rope over the object. Also provided is a method for securing an object employing the device.

Abstract: A device for loading and transporting elongate objects on vehicle roof-tops. A lower tubular member connected to a vehicle in an upright position and further stabilized by a support disposed between the vehicle and the lower tubular member rotatably receives an upper vertical member so that these members are aligned coaxially. A horizontal load bearing member attached substantially at its midpoint to the upper end of the upper vertical member includes rollers which allow elongate objects to be rolled onto the horizontal load bearing member. A supporting pin is placed through the lower tubular member in one pair of a plurality of pairs of holes located at 180-degree spacing for supporting the upper vertical member and allowing height adjustment of the device. Eyebolts are secured at each end of the horizontal load bearing member in one pair of a plurality of pairs of holes to provide adjustable tie down points for the elongate objects.

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 rack having frame members and a clamping device for securing a ladder to the frame members. The clamping device comprises a first clamp rigidly connected to one frame member to receive one of the rungs of the ladder, and a second clamp for engaging another rung of the ladder. The second clamp is rigidly connected to a rotatable rod to which a handle as connected. A link is provided for interconnecting the rod and a spring, the arrangement of the link and the member being such that the second clamp is biased alternatively in the engaged and disengaged positions so that moving the handle in one direction will cause the second clamp to engage a rung of the ladder, the second clamp being urged in the engaged position by the spring. While moving the handle in the other direction will cause the second clamp to disengage, the spring then urging the second clamp in the disengaged position.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention is a carrier rack for mounting on an exterior surface of a vehicle to enable luggage or other goods to be carried thereupon. More specifically, the invention relates to a rack including outer rail portions supported above the vehicle surface by stanchion members at least some of which include tie-down features which enable flexible load restraining elements such as ropes, cables or the like to be secured to the stanchion and thereafter be extended across the luggage or other loads to contain the same within the rack and upon the vehicle surface.

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.

Abstract: An elongated generally horizontal support member is provided and a pair of oppositely downwardly and outwardly inclined horizontally spaced apart legs are supported from the opposite ends of the support member with the legs disposed in an upstanding plane containing the support member. The upper ends of the legs and the opposite end portions of the support member include coacting structure mounting the upper ends of the legs from the opposite end portions of the support member for adjustable shifting along the latter while maintaining a predetermined angular relationship between the support member and each of the legs. The coacting structure is also operative to releasably anchor each of the legs in adjusted shifted position relative to the corresponding support member end portion.

Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: A vehicle roof carrier includes at least one elongated carrier member transversely mounted on the roof of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the carrier member defines a slit longitudinally extending between the opposing ends of the carrier member and has at least one enlarged area in communication with the slit. Plural mounting members each of which define an aerodynamically-sound forward surface are retained in the carrier member by a retaining clip. The retaining clip is generally U-shaped in configuration and includes terminal legs having engagement members which are registrable with the enlarged area. Furthermore, the mounting members define recessed surfaces so that when the retaining clip is positioned in the slit of the carrier member, the horizontal leg of the retaining clip will be seated in the recessed surface of each mounting member to thereby retain them in a predetermined position on the carrier member.

Abstract: An ammunition rack in a vehicle ammunition compartment helps protect the nds from injury due to road shocks and propagation of an explosion, i.e., fratricide. The rack comprises a warhead block-mount fixture and parallel thereto, and spaced therefrom, a base block-mount fixture; both fixtures being of a resilient and flexible polymeric material and both having a set of holes therethrough; the holes in the two fixtures being aligned. Metal tubular sleeves are held within each pair of aligned fixture holes, the sleeves spanning the space between the fixtures. The ammunition rounds are removably inserted in the sleeves and held therein preferably by latch mechanisms.

Abstract: A luggage or article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width substantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substantially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforcement of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, wit

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 article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.