Abstract: This fishing pole holder is designed to be quickly and easily attached to the roof of automobiles or trucks. Primarily, it consists of a plastic rack, which includes springs and eyes to hold fishing poles safely and securely, without damage to the poles or the car. It also includes a strap for fastening the device to the car, and the windows of the car may be closed on the strap without rain or snow coming into the car.

Abstract: An article carrier system for supporting and securing articles on a generally horizontally extending exterior body surface of an automobile comprising at least two elongated slats fixedly secured to the surface, extending in positions substantially parallel to one another, and having article supporting surfaces on the upper sides thereof, at least one elongated cross member extending transversely of the slats and having end portions slideable along the lengths of the slats and removably mounted on the slats, and at least one tie down and/or positioning member slideably and adjustably disposed on the cross member or one of the slats, including a mechanism for clampingly engaging the tie down and/or positioning member in selected positions along the length of the cross member or slat.

Abstract: An aerodynamic wind deflector for a scissors-type ski rack is disclosed. The wind deflector comprises a parabolic contoured deflector surface attached to a locking member having a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration which is clamped by a scissor clamp of the ski rack. The deflector may be inexpensively manufactured, reduces wind noise and improves the appearance of the ski rack.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrying device including a primary load carrying structure for carrying general type loads such as luggage and the like, above a vehicle surface, such as a hood or roof, and a bicycle carrier which can be removably assembled with the primay load carrying structure to facilitate the transport of bicycles in an upright position above said surface. The primary load carrying structure includes a set of laterally spaced longitudinal rails and a pair of transverse utility bar assemblies which are longitudinally positionable along and removably securable to a pair of the rails for supporting loads. The bicycle carrier includes a brace member which is removably assembled between one utility bar assembly and the frame of a bicycle to secure the bicycle against lateral movement relative to said surface, and a wheel fixing structure which receives the bicycle wheels, locates them in planar alignment, and secures the wheels and the bicycle against longitudinal movement.

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 carrier for luggage or the like is mounted on a vehicle body. The carrier consists of separate load supporting slats each of which has an upwardly facing groove running lengthwise thereof. The slats are made from roll formed sheet steel and their grooves provide means for securing adjustable tie-down members or other article securing devices on the slats. Decorative and protective plastic strips are also fitted in the slat grooves.

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 luggage carrier is disclosed which includes a plurality of four stanchion members located one at each of the four corners of the luggage carrier; each of the stanchion members comprises upper and lower stanchion parts which may be fabricated of the same or different materials and which are secured to the associated vehicle roof by fastening elements which extend generally vertically downwardly through the stanchion parts into the roof surface. A utility bar may be associated with laterally aligned pairs of stanchion members and be secured to the rack by means of the same fastening elements securing the upper and lower stanchion parts to the vehicle surface.

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

Abstract: Two pairs of resilient body blocks are provided with each pair of blocks interconnected by an elongated, flexible, stretchable and elastic tether member extending and connected therebetween. The blocks include adjacent sides having grooves formed therein opening laterally outwardly of the blocks toward each other. The grooves parallel each other and are open ended and embracingly receive opposite longitudinal side edges of a sail or surf board therein with the pairs of blocks spaced longitudinally of the board and the tether members thereof functioning to clamp the board between the pairs of blocks. The side edges of the grooves are spaced inwardly of the corresponding side surfaces of the blocks and the board, with the blocks supported therefrom, may be disposed in horizontal position atop a vehicle with the undersides of the blocks engaging the vehicle top and the blocks supporting the board in spaced relation relative to the vehicle top.

Abstract: A carrying rack (10) is especially adapted to carry skis (12), poles (14) or other large items on a vehicle and includes an elongate cord (18) extending across the vehicle and hook members (20) for attaching ends of cord (18) to the vehicle. At least one bolster (22) is slidably engaged on cord (18). Each bolster (22) includes a vehicle engaging base (40) and a carrying platform surface (52) spaced above the base (40) to support skis (12). An abutment wall (56) extends upwardly from platform surface (52) to laterally support skis (12). Each bolster (22) also includes a hook section (64) and a ledge portion (63) for supporting poles (14). A clamping line (24) is formed as a continuous loop to extend around anchor line (18), up through hole (54) formed in platform surface (52), and over the top of skis (12) and poles (14) to latch with hook section (64). Clamping line (24) tightly grips anchor cord (18) to prevent bolster (22) from sliding along the length of anchor line (18).

Abstract: A ladder rack for a vehicle roof comprises a sub-frame having clamps for releasable attachment to the roof of a vehicle. The sub-frame carries front and rear ladder support assemblies each comprising transverse rollers for engaging the stringers of a ladder spanning the two assemblies. Each support assembly further comprises a respective ladder-retaining member manually pivotable about a transverse axis from a lowered inoperative position to a raised rung-engaging position. The front and rear ladder-retaining members are operated by a handle or handles pivoted at one side of the rear support assembly, either independently or simultaneously. Furthermore, the rollers of the front support assembly are mounted to be manually raised and lowered. A ladder spanning the assemblies may be brought into a downwardly and rearwardly inclined orientation for off-loading from the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided which has improved luggage and rack assembly. Upon a flat surface of the vehicle, such as a trunk lid or roof, is mounted a luggage retainer sub assembly. The sub assembly includes a spaced parallel pair of substantially horizontal rails secured to and running across the upper surface of the vehicle top or trunk lid, and a first end plate disposed between and hinged to one end of the pair of rails and movable between a collapsed storage position between the rails and an operative about vertical luggage support position. The sub assembly also includes a second end plate hinged to the opposite end of the rails, comprising two hinged sections and movable between a collapsed position between the rails and an operative position in which one section is above vertical and the other section is parallel to and above the rails. Thus, a luggage space is defined into which male inserts from the two plates project.

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

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

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack having two separate members which are securable on the roof. Each support member has a reel with belt secured thereto. A plurality of belt engaging pegs extend horizontally from a side of each support member for the belt to pass under a peg and over the load to secure the load thereto.

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: A vehicle luggage carrier is disclosed which includes a plurality of four stanchion members located one at each of the four corners of the luggage carrier; each of the stanchion members comprises upper and lower stanchion parts which may be fabricated of the same or different materials and which are secured to the associated vehicle roof by fastening elements which extend generally vertically downwardly through the stanchion parts into the roof surface. A utility bar may be associated with laterally aligned pairs of stanchion members and be secured to the rack by means of the same fastening elements securing the upper and lower stanchion parts to the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A carrier clamp for fire ladders of the folding type, is adapted to be mounted upon a fire truck or the like. A pair of the clamps, when so mounted, accommodate a folding ladder of the type in which the side rails are collapsed into longitudinally contacting engagement. The clamp includes a body having a ladder-receiving recess which may open either upwardly or laterally, depending upon which of two permitted mounting arrangements is selected. The ladder-receiving recess is normally closed by a spring-biased handle, which can be swiftly grasped and pivoted to an out-of-the-way position, to permit swift removal and setting up of the ladder under emergency conditions.The clamp device incorporates removable spacers, to adjust the sides of the ladder-receiving recess to folded ladders of differing widths. In each case, the spacer block includes a cam surface adapted to bear against the ladder when the ladder is forced against the spacer block by the spring biased handle, to hold the ladder securely.

Abstract: A carrier has a pair of bodies mounted on a vehicle roof in spaced longitudinal relation. Each of the bodies is mounted on the roof by a strap extending through a transverse passage in the body and having a pair of gutter hooks, one fixed on the strap and the other adjustable on the strap, for engaging gutters on opposite sides of the vehicle. The upper wall of each of the bodies has a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal passages to support skis therein. Each of the bodies has a plate disposed thereabove and resting on the skis disposed in the longitudinal passages with the plate having a slot in each end to receive opposite ends of the strap. Ski poles may be supported on the upper surface of each of the plates and retained by the strap when the ends of the strap are clamped to each other.

Abstract: A luggage carrier assembly is disclosed herein which is of the type adapted to be detachably secured to the roof or similar horizontally extending surface of an automotive vehicle or the like, the carrier assembly comprises a pair of spaced parallel article constraining members, such as crossrails or utility bars, and a pair of stanchion elements are associated with each end of each of the members; each of the stanchion elements is adapted to be secured to the roof of the associated vehicle by means of a generally vertically extending stud-like member having a lower end portion which is adapted for detachable engagement with a mounting device on the surface of the vehicle, with the upper ends of the stud-like members being cooperative with annular wheel-like members which may be manually grasped to move the stud-like member between engaged and disengaged relationship with the mounting devices on the vehicle, whereby the carrier may be selectively secured upon the vehicle surface and be conveniently removed th

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

Abstract: A luggage carrier assembly is disclosed herein which is of the type adapted to be detachably secured to the roof or similar horizontally extending surface of an automotive vehicle or the like, the carrier assembly comprises a pair of spaced parallel article constraining members, such as crossrails or utility bars, and a pair of stanchion elements are associated with each end of each of the members; each of the stanchion elements is adapted to be secured to the roof of the associated vehicle by means of a generally vertically extending stud-like member having a lower end portion which is adapted for detachable engagement with a mounting device on the surface of the vehicle, with the upper ends of the stud-like members being cooperative with annular wheel-like members which may be manually grasped to move the stud-like member between engaged and disengaged relationship with the mounting devices on the vehicle, whereby the carrier may be selectively secured upon the vehicle surface and be conveniently removed th

Abstract: A luggage carrier mounted on the exterior surface of an automobile body surface is particularly adapted for the removable attachment thereto of conventional pieces of personal luggage which in turn have been modified so that they may be readily and dependently secured on the carrier but may be easily removed for their customary use as personal pieces of luggage. Further, the construction and arrangement of the luggage are such that personal luggage of different sizes may be accommodated with equal security for all luggage.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having spaced side members and spaced cross members in which the carrier is supported at the front and rear corners on stanchions and in which the stanchions form part of the carrier and are firmly secured to the roof of an automobile and including illuminating means provided in certain or all of the stanchions to illuminate the area of the carrier and facilitate its use in the dark. Such illumination, either direct or reflective, would be highly visable to oncoming traffic and would contribute to the safe loading or unloading of the carrier in the dark.

Abstract: A ski accessory transportation and storage system (10) for transportation and storage of skis (12) and various ski parephernalia. The ski accessory transportation and storage system (10) includes a housing formed of a central frame member (20) extending in a vertical direction (22). An upper support member (24) and a lower support member (38) extending in a transverse direction (26) are coupled in fixed relation to the central frame member (20). A ski capturing mechanism (48) is mounted both on the upper support member (24) and the central frame member (20) and includes a plurality of U-shaped channels or ski bracket members (50) within which skis (12) are vertically inserted. The ski capturing mechanism (48) further includes a ski locking mechanism rotationally coupled to the central frame member (20) and lockingly engageable with both the upper support member (24) and the lower support member (38).

Abstract: An article carrier mounted on a generally flat exterior surface of an automotive vehicle and consisting of a plurality of spaced parallel slat assemblies which are fabricated, for example, of roll-formed sheet metal and are provided with fastening elements, such as tie-down members, having a body that is located at least in part within the interior of the slats; the slats being formed with openings which provide access to the fastening elements in order that containers, ropes, straps, or similar article securing devices may be cooperable with the elements in securing articles to the article carrier.

Abstract: A bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier is adapted for sliding adjustment or positioning in a carrier track. The bracket includes a ratcheted disc for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track. The ratcheted disc prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the track. The bracket also includes suitable projections for detachably mounting a cross-strap thereto for supporting skis, bicycles, and other articles.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack comprises a rack frame and a releasable clamping device for releasably clamping a ladder thereto. The clamping device includes a clamp arm which is pivoted to a rigid support and operated by a crank mechanism by moving across a dead-center position to clamp the ladder in place. Clamping members are resiliently supported on the clamp arm to engage the ladder and exert a clamping pressure on it.

Abstract: A bracket which is transversely positionable along a cross-rail is disclosed. The bracket surrounds the cross-rail in a slidable manner and has an opening integral therewith to threadingly receive a tie-down strap. The positionable bracket is releasably lockable to the cross-rail for securing articles such as luggage straps to the cross-rail.

Abstract: A bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier is adapted for sliding adjustment or positioning in a carrier track. The bracket includes a coin or screwdriver operated locking mechanism for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track wherein unauthorized adjustment of the bracket is prevented. The bracket may include suitable openings which receive tie-down straps or the like. The bracket is, also, contemplated as including suitable projections for detachably mounting a cross-strap thereto, to serve as a vehicle associated luggage rack, ski rack, or article carrier.

Abstract: A tie down assembly for use in a luggage carrier system having two or more slats which are fixedly secured to an exterior horizontal surface of a vehicle and which are permanently attached thereto and adapted to have ancillary article constraining members removably and adjustably secured thereto, comprising a slat, having a channel formed by its interior surfaces, a rotatable integral tie down element comprising a loop portion, an annular portion, and a threaded bolt, and a slidable plate operably fitting within said channel and detachably engageable with said a threaded bolt to detachably secure and immobilize said tie down element to said slat.

Abstract: Ski holding apparatus is disclosed which comprises a rack for supporting a plurality of skis in a substantially common plane. The rack features pairs of holders arranged across the rack with the holders of each pair spaced apart along the rack so as to support at least one ski, or preferably a pair of skis at two spaced apart locations.The holders are adapted to support the skis in inclined positions in which the mean transverse plane of the skis is arranged at angle of 30.degree. to 60.degree. to said common plane.In this way the skis on the rack require less space. The rack can either be used on vehicle roofs, in ski rooms, or in storage spaces within vehicles. Each holder is conveniently closed by a closure member to retain the skis.Various types of closure are described in which the individual closures for each holder may be either resilient or rigid and may also be supported from a common clamping arm.

Abstract: A carrier for luggage or the like which is mounted upon a generally planar portion of a vehicle body. The carrier comprises a plurality of separate load supporting slat assemblies which have upwardly facing grooves running lengthwise thereof. Disposed within selected of the grooves are retaining elements which cooperate with the grooves in securing article constraining members upon the upper surface of the slats. The retaining members are designed such that they may be inserted in a first position or orientation relative to the axis of the grooves and be rotated to a second position once they are disposed within the grooves to effect a locking of the load constraining members to the slat assemblies.

Abstract: A plurality of pairs of tubular members are secured at their lower ends in spaced relation on the roof or trunk lid of an automobile by conventional suction cups. One member of each pair has a socket in its upper end for receiving and supporting the goose neck portion of an inverted bicycle frame, and the other member of the pair has a cylindrical projection on its upper end adapted to slide snugly into the bore of the tubular seat post of a bicycle frame after the bicycle seat has been removed. Threaded rods extend between and adjustably separate the two support members of each pair; and the pairs of members are held in laterally spaced relation by a plurality of spacer bars which extend between adjacent pairs of support members. At least one of the spacer bars is a flexible torsion bar which permits at least one support member of a pair to be pivoted about its lower end slightly to adjust the space between the upper ends of the pair so that bike frames of different sizes can be held on the rack.

Abstract: The carrier is for supporting a fine harness or pleasure sulky from the tail gate of a horse trailer and comprises a pair of support members each of which may be of the same construction and disposed vertically and spaced from each other along the tail gate. Each support member includes a main support brace having an interlocking bracket disposed therealong and fitting over the top edge of the tail gate to provide the main support for the brace. The bottom end of the support brace is preferably removably secured in a bracket on the bottom of the tail gate. Depending on the type of buggy being carried, one or more U-shaped arcuate wheel holders extend from the support brace for accommodating a wheel of the buggy. The buggy is also preferably strapped into the carrier.

Abstract: A ladder rack mounted on top of a vehicle includes upstanding guide stops at one end only of the rack on each side frame member for holding one end of a ladder while the other end is being pivoted onto the rack. An upstanding stop on an end cross-frame member engages a rung of the ladder adjacent one end and a coil spring mounted on a cross-frame member at the other end of the rack includes a perpendicular finger end portion adapted to be pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position in engagement with an adjacent rung of the ladder to apply pressure downward and towards the stop on the other cross-frame member.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a variable position wind deflector assembly adapted to be attached to a luggage rack or other portion of a motor vehicle including locking means for releasably securing the deflector in selected positions. The wind deflector assembly of the present invention includes a pair of spaced frame members having a deflector member extending therebetween. The frame members are each hingedly secured to support members and are provided with locking means for securing the deflector and associated frame members in one or more predetermined positions relative to the support means.

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