Abstract: A roof rack is constructed of two railing rods securable to a vehicle roof. Each railing rod is cut from tubular sectional stock. The rod ends are bent and flattened to form two mounting feet, one at each rod end and integral with the railing rod. A connector element such as a screw passes through the respective mounting foot. Each mounting foot is enclosed by at least one enclosure. Preferably the enclosure has two sections such as a shell and a cover. The sections are strengthened by ribs and the cover snaps onto or into the shell with a location fit. At least one enclosure section is made of synthetic material. The load is carried by the integral mounting feet, whereby the enclosures are substantially load free.

Abstract: A load carrier roof-mounted on a vehicle has longitudinal so-called railings (2) with elongate, undercut spaces for anchorage bodies (8) which have anchorages (12, 30) for struts or other accessories extending between the railings. The anchorage bodies (8) have upper (11) and lower (10) parts which are separately insertable in the undercut space transversely of the longitudinal direction thereof. The parts (10 and 11) are, interiorly in the undercut space, combinable to form the anchorage body (8). A screw (16) between the parts (10 and 11 ) tightens these to expansion in the undercut space.

Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to an automobile rooftop including a pair of luggage roof rails rhine to the rooftop, each roof rail having at least one detent disposed therein, an elongated crossbar having a first end and a second end, a pair of support members for slidably connecting the crossbar to the roof rails, one of the pair affixed to the first end of the crossbar and the other of the pair connected to the second end of the crossbar each support member including, a track follower on the support slidably engaging the track, a latch for releasably positioning the support member along the track at the at least one detent, the latch having a protrusion and a protrusion support that selectively positions the protrusion in a recessed position wherein the support member is freely slidable along the track, and a latched position wherein the protrusion is urged toward engagement with the at least one detent for securing the support at a fixed position along the track, means for resiliently urging the protru

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a locking mechanism disposed within a bracket member. The locking mechanism includes an actuating member having first and second camming surfaces, a locking pin and a clamping member. As the actuating member is moved to an unlocked position, the first camming surface cooperates with the locking pin to urge the locking pin out of engagement with an aperture in a channel of a support member of the vehicle article carrier. Simultaneously, the second camming surface causes the clamping member to be moved out of clamping engagement with shoulder portions of the channel member. When the actuating member is moved from the unlocked to the locked position, the first camming surface allows a first spring to urge the locking pin back into engagement with the aperture in the channel member.

Abstract: A crossbar and article carrier are provided, the crossbar having stanchions at each end thereof. Each stanchion has a first jaw member affixed thereto and a second jaw member pivotally coupled thereto. The second jaw member includes a thumbwheel and stem, the stem having a cam follower surface thereon. The stanchion includes a ramped surface with a detent for receiving and locking the cam when the thumbwheel is rotated. In this manner, the crossbar may be detachably mounted to the longitudinal side rails. The design and location of the jaws and thumbwheel provide for easy attachment and detachment of the crossbar rail. The design of the second jaw member further provides mechanical advantage for clamping the first and second jaw members over a lip protruding from the side rails.

Abstract: An article carrier includes spaced longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails having an upper arm coupled by a hinge to a lower arm. A crossbar having an end portion adapted to be entrained between the upper and lower arm portions includes a conformingly shaped mating surface to one of the members of the longitudinal rail. Preferably, both ends of each crossbar include conforming surfaces that mate with corresponding configurations on the rail to fixedly position the crossbar along the longitudinal rail. The position of the crossbar is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by displacement about the hinge, and the hinge axis may be transversely, longitudinally or vertically aligned as desired. Preferably, two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail, hinged at opposite ends of the longitudinal rails, and include overlapping portions retained by a single latch mechanism.

Abstract: A roof railing having a rail with opposite ends and a respective support foot on each end. The support foot is a tubular extruded profile shaped to have a downwardly descending curved part which leads into a flat support surface that is below and parallel to the rail. A flattened wall region of the extruded profile rests on the top of the support surface. A hole through the support surface and the flattened wall region receives a fastening element. A cover cap over the support foot includes a web over the top and side legs down from the web and the cover cap is clipped to the support foot and may be pivoted to be upraised with respect to the support foot.

Abstract: A fastening device with a rapid clamping mechanism for the fastening of transverse supports to railing bars of a vehicle roof rack. On the transverse support a housing of the fastening device can be fixed. The housing has a fixed clamping jaw which can rest from above on the railing bar. The housing also includes two housing walls which are directed vertically and are spaced from each other, between which a lever mechanism is arranged on pivot pins and on mounting pins which are fixed to the housing. By pivotal motion of a clamping lever of the lever mechanism, a lower clamping jaw of the lever mechanism is moved to enclose the railing bar relative to the fixed clamping jaw. Thus, the railing bar is clamped between the lower clamping jaw and the fixed clamping jaw.

Abstract: The luggage rack, which can be used on the roof of a motor vehicle, comprises two rails fixed flat to the roof and at least two crossmembers, the ends of which can slide on the rails and be locked thereto. The two crossmembers include faces opposite each other which can be applied directly against one another so as to constitute a wing.

Abstract: An adjustable article carrier track mount system that compensates for the cross-line radius or fall-away slope of a vehicle roof and easily and effectively locks the adjustable article carrier in place, has an elongated track, an end support operably connected to the track and adapted to slidably receive a crossbar, to slide longitudinally along the track, and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the track. To facilitate locking the adjustable article carrier in place, the track mount system includes a locking mechanism that is slidably received in the track and operably connected to the end support. The locking mechanism includes opposed wedges and a device adapted to force one of the wedges against another wedge to lock the locking mechanism within the track and thus the end support at a desired position along the track.

Abstract: A luggage rack for an automotive vehicle comprising a pair of side rails adapted to be mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle in laterally spaced apart relation. Each rail has an elongated channel extending lengthwise thereof. One or more cross members extend between the rails and have stanchions at the ends slidably engaged in the channels. A lock member is mounted in a recess in each stanchion. Each lock member has a locking pin engageable in any one of a line of apertures formed in the associated side rail. Each lock member is spring-pressed to a position in which the locking pin engages one of the apertures. Each lock member has a button accessible through an opening in the stanchion which may be pressed to withdraw the pin from an aperture and permit the cross member to be adjusted lengthwise of the rails.

Abstract: The roof rack is equipped with two parallel tracks having a roof section and a pivotal auxiliary section. For loading or unloading articles, the auxiliary sections are positioned to extend outward and downward from the ends of the roof sections for forming a continuous, rigid track. Sleighs can be displaced along these tracks. The sleighs are guided such that they are not tilted but retain their orientation during displacement. The roof rack is easy to construct and also suitable for heavy and high articles.

Abstract: A load carrier for vehicles has two longitudinal load supports adapted to be fixed to a roof of a vehicle and transverse load supports which are movably disposed between the longitudinal supports. One end of a transverse load support is pivotally connected to a movable joint provided in each of the longitudinal load supports and a movable locking member is provided in the opposing longitudinal support. The transverse load supports may be folded into the longitudinal load supports when not in use, and pivoted to a load carrying position extending between longitudinal supports and secured by the locking member. The load carrying position of the transverse load supports along the longitudinal supports may be changed by moving the joint and locking members.

Abstract: A support foot for supporting the end of a railing tube on the roof of a motor vehicle. The foot is fastened on the roof of the vehicle and rests on a resting surface. An insertion pin is vertically and laterally spaced from the resting surface and produces a plug connection with the railing tube. At least one opening extending transversely though the foot. Cover plates cover both sides of the foot and at least one opening which passes through the foot. The support foot is a section cut off from an extruded profiled strip cut transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: An article carrier comprises a crossbar to be detachably engaged with carrier rails secured to a motor vehicle body panel. The longitudinal rails may be aligned to correspond with style lines of the body panel and need not be aligned parallel to each other in order to receive the crossbar. The crossbar includes an elongated rail carrying at least one slider, the slider having an end removably engageable with the longitudinal rail. A guide carries the slider along an elongated rail of the crossbar while a latch fixedly locates the position of the slider along the elongated rail of the crossbar. In addition, a lock retains the latch in an engaged position to restrict manual operation of the latch. In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal rails include a track adapted to accommodate correspondingly conforming ends on the slider.

Abstract: A roof rack for a motor vehicle including two roof strips which extend longitudinally along the roof, are parallel to each other and are spaced apart. A respective support strip on each roof strip is swingable from a position in a recess on the roof strip to a position across to the other roof strip. Each support strip is swingable about a mount at a respective vertical axis. The mount includes a set screw settable to determine the amount to which the support strip may be upraised from the vehicle roof and a spring which urges the support strip upward, establishing thereby the upper and lower positions of the support strip with respect to the vehicle roof. The support strip may be locked in the lowered or upraised vertical positions.

Abstract: A rack for supporting a bicycle on the roof of an auto is disclosed herein having two pairs of mounts secured at each end of spaced-apart tracks, two pairs of secured mounts or to roof mounted adaptor plates carried on the auto roof. Each mount includes a bottom support surface engageable with the track and yoke supporting a retainer member provided with an interchangeable open-ended passageway for insertably receiving the end of a bicycle support crossbar. The major length of the retainer member is angular with respect to its bottom support surface and the central longitudinal axis of the retainer member passageway is parallel to the bottom support surface. Thereby, the two pairs of mounts carried on the longitudinal tracks accommodate conformity of the retainer members and the crossbars with the curved auto roof.

Abstract: A roof rack for a vehicle having two parallel rail tubes. Each rail tube is a hollow tube supported at its end regions by respective support feet fastenable to the roof surface. Each support foot includes a metal adapter with a plate on the vehicle roof and an upstanding adapter support to be fastened to the rail tube. A threaded plate is disposed in the tube at each adapter support for the adapter so that a fastening bolt can extend through the adapter, through a hole in the tube and into the fastening plate in the tube for securing the tube to the adapter. An additional resilient washer at the plate of the adapter at the roof of the vehicle. A third foot between the end regions of the rail tube may also be provided.

Abstract: A roof rack rail supported at each end of the rail on the roof of a vehicle by a support foot. The support foot has a fastening bolt at one end for attaching to the roof of the vehicle and an insertion bolt at the other end for connecting with the end of the rail. A sheet metal stamped reinforcing insert is received in slits in the ends of the bolts for connecting the bolts together. The ends of the bolts and the reinforcement insert are molded in plastic to define the roof rail foot. In an alternative design, the rail is in the form of a tubular sleeve and the insertion bolts for the feet are received in the sleeve. The entire assembly of the sleeve and the reinforcements for the feet is then molded over with plastic which forms the feet and covers over the rail end integrating them with the rail.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrying assembly for supporting at least one bicycle in an upward standing position on the upper surface of a vehicle for transport by the vehicle includes first and second laterally spaced and longitudinally extending rail members affixed to the roof, and an elongated member adapted to retain the at least one bicycle for pivotally movement between a first position and a second position about an axis. The axis is substantially coincident with the elongated member. A first end portion of the elongated member is adapted to be attached to one of the rail members and a second end portion of the elongated member is adapted to be attached to the other of the rail members. In the preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a permanently spoiler attached to the deck lid. The spoiler integrally includes a longitudinally extending member including a channel adapted to receive the rear wheel of the at least one bicycle.

Abstract: An article carrier for an automotive vehicle includes a pair of elongated side members adapted to be mounted on an exterior body surface of the vehicle in spaced-apart parallel relation. At least one article securing member is adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement on each side member and a mechanism is provided for selectively locking the article securing members in position along the side members. Each side member includes a plurality of apertures therein and the locking mechanism includes a latching member spring biased into self-locking engagement with one of the apertures when the latching member is aligned therewith. A push button and a cam are operative for moving the latching member against the bias of the spring and out of engagement with the apertures.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having an adjustable cross rail. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of side rails positioned longitudinally along an outer body surface of a vehicle such as a roof. The side rails each include a side rail member and a pair of brackets secured fixedly to the side rail member at opposite ends of the side rail member. The brackets are further fixedly secured to the outer body surface. Each of the side rail members and a selected pair of the brackets include channels formed therein in communication with each other. A cross rail is positioned perpendicularly between the channels and is movable slidably between an operative position between the side rail members, elevationally above the outer body surface, and a stored position between the selected pair of brackets closely adjacent the outer body surface. In the stored position the cross rail offers minimal wind resistance and generates minimal wind noise even when the vehicle is traveling at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof rack that has an elongate frame fastened at each end to a support base, a joint is provided between each support base and the frame so that the base can be moved laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the frame.

Abstract: A transverse beam for roof loads on a motor vehicle which is equipped with roof rails. A holding element on each end region of the transverse beam comprises two clamping jaws which can be drawn toward each other by a tightening member. The jaws are clamped to the spars of the roof rails in order to prevent shifting of the transverse beam along the spars upon strong acceleration or deceleration. A recess in at least one clamping jaw. At least one friction brake arranged in the recess, which is supported against the spar. The brake comprises a molded body, e.g. of hard rubber or of wear resistant tough plastic material. The bottom surface of the recess is obliquely inclined to cause the brake body to securely engage the spar as the beam and the vehicle accelerates in the direction of reduced height of the recess.

Abstract: A roof load carrier for a vehicle having a roof rail with an upper support surface and an inner channel which opens toward the top of the rail. The channel opening is formed by inwardly directed flanges. A transverse bar is arranged adjustably along the roof rail by a support foot. A fastening device for the foot includes a clamping plate disposed in the channel of the rail and a bolt in threaded engagement in the plate. Holes in the roof rail extend in a row parallel to the channel. The support foot has a securing pin which extends parallel to the threaded shank of the bolt, and the pin can be inserted into one of the holes in the rail to fix the location of the support foot and thus of the transverse bar along the rail.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus for an automotive luggage rack includes a holder located inside the outer rails of the luggage rack. The holder consists of a upper section with an aperture; two resilient retaining rails; and two stay rods. The assembly process consists of placing a washer inside the holder and then inserting the combination inside the channel of a luggage rack's outer rails. The tie down stud then can be easily inserted into the apertures of the upper portion and washer. The completed assembly can then be translated to an appropriate location along the outer rail.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier including a spring loaded locking mechanism for lockably engaging a pair of bracket members of the carrier releasably to a pair of slats of the carrier. The locking mechanism of each bracket member generally includes a locking member disposed for rotational movement within its bracket member, a spring for biasing the locking member into a normally locked position relative to its associated slat, and an actuating member mounted for pivotal movement within its associated bracket member. The actuating member has a cam surface and an upper end portion of the locking member has a cam following surface. Movement of the actuating member from a closed position to an open position protruding outwardly of its bracket member causes the locking member to be rotated against the biasing force of the spring into an unlocked position relative to its slat. Movement of the actuating member into a closed position allows the spring to bias the locking member into locking engagement with its slat.

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 permenently 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: An article carrier for an automotive vehicle or the like includes a pair of elongated side rails adapted to be mounted on an exterior body surface of the vehicle in spaced-apart parallel relation with the inboard sides thereof facing toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle. Each of the side rails is formed with a transverse cross-section having a height greater than its width and an upper surface including a substantial portion thereof sloping downwardly and outwardly with respect to the vehicle center line. At least one article securing member is adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement on each side rail and a mechanism is provided for selectively locking the article securing members in position along the side rails.

Abstract: An article securing member for an automobile luggage rack is provided with a spring biased retractable lock pin which can selectively engage a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the side rail of the rack. A push button is provided for actuating a lever link which lifts the retractable lock pin against the spring bias when the button is depressed to disengage the lock pin from the apertures and permit sliding movement of the article securing member along the side rail.

Abstract: A pair of like rails are secured to a vehicle roof regardless the curvature of the roof surface at the rails to the plane of the roof between the rails. Two pairs of stanchions to which a corresponding crossbar is secured are slidably secured to the rails and slid into the desired position along the rails. The stanchions have a groove and surface defining a space in which a rail tongue having a circular end surface and an opposing rail circular surface are located to form a pivot arrangement forming a stanchion-rail pivot axis. The stanchion is formed of two members which are pivotally secured about an axis spaced from the rail pivot axis with a clamping knob located between the spaced pivot axes. The knob urges the members together and to the rail to form a tight clamping action to preclude the stanchions from sliding along the rails in response to wind and cargo loads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cross-sectional configuration of a transverse girder (1) on a roof luggage carrier of a vehicle. According to the invention, the outer surfaces are symmetric in relation to a vertical longitudinal plane (2) of the transverse girder. The underside (3) is substantially a flat, horizontal lower surface (b) facing towards the vehicle roof. The upper width (a) of the transverse girder (1) is smaller than (b). The upper side (4) and the underside (3) are connected via convexly curved and rounded lateral surfaces (5, 6). Relationships and ratios of width and curvatures provide improved aerodynamic characteristics and a reduction of the noise level caused by wind according to the invention.

Abstract: A vehicle rack for securement over the roof of a vehicle is described. The rack comprises a support rail having opposed supporting brackets for maintaining the rail elevated transversely over a vehicle roof. The brackets are removably connected to a respective one of a pair of connecting bases. Each of the connecting bases is attached to a restraining portion of a vehicle adjacent the roof thereof with the connecting bases positioned on a respective side of the roof. The connecting bases are interconnected by a flexible connecting strap which extends therebetween. A tension force is applied between the attachments of the pair of connecting bases to rigidly connect the bases on the roof. One of the connecting bases is a locking base provided with a latch engageable element. One of the supporting brackets is a locking bracket having a latch mechanism actuable by a lever arm for engaging the latch engageable element of the locking base to immovably secure the brackets to the connecting bases.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having an adjustable cross rail. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of side rails positioned longitudinally along an outer body surface of a vehicle such as a roof. The side rails each include a side rail member and a pair of brackets secured fixedly to the side rail member at opposite ends of the side rail member. The brackets are further fixedly secured to the outer body surface. Each of the side rail members and selected pair of the brackets include channels formed therein in communication with each other. A cross rail is positioned perpendicularly between the channels and is movable slidably between an operative position between the side rial members, elevationally above the outer body surface, and a stored position between the selected pair of brackets closely adjacent the outer body surface. In the stored position the cross rail offers minimal wind resistance and generates minimal wind noise even when the vehicle is traveling at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The slats extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. At least one of the bracket members includes means to cooperate with the a portion on the outer surface of the side rails for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar upon the slats.

Abstract: The present invention is a slat assembly adapted to be mounted to a surface portion of a vehicle. The slat assembly includes a channel member extending longitudinally and fixedly secured on the surface portion of the vehicle. The channel member includes one or more apertures formed along the channel member. The assembly also includes one or more tie-down members for cooperating with one or more apertures and extending inwardly from the channel member.

Abstract: The present invention is a slat assembly adapted to be mounted to a surface portion of a vehicle. The slat assembly include inner and outer rail members extending generally longitudinally and adapted to be fixedly secured on the surface portion of the vehicle. The inner and outer rail members cooperate with each other in an overlapping manner to vary the transverse width of the slat assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails 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 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: An article securing member for an automobile luggage rack is provided with a spring biased retractable lock pin which can selectively engage a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the side rail of the rack. A push button is provided for actuating a lever link which lifts the retractable lock pin against the spring bias when the button is depressed to disengage the lock pin from the apertures and permit sliding movement of the article securing member along the side rail.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for a vehicle including a plurality of slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior vehicle body surface. The plurality of slats extend generally longitudinally of the vehicle. A pair of brackets are disposed upon the slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the pair of brackets. The slats include a channel for permitting sliding movement of at least one of the brackets along the length thereof and one or more apertures located within the channel. A locking structure on at least one of the brackets cooperates with the one or more apertures of the slats for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar and bracket at predetermined positions along the slats.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for a vehicle including a plurality of slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior vehicle body surface. The plurality of slats extend generally longitudinally of the vehicle. A pair of brackets are disposed upon selected slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the pair of brackets. The slats include a channel member for permitting sliding movement of at least one of the brackets along the length thereof. A locking structure on the brackets cooperates with the channel member of each of the selected slats for simultaneously engaging and disengaging the channel members for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar and brackets at predetermined positions along the slats.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails 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 extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperate with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: A luggage rack for an automotive vehicle comprising a pair of side rails adapted to be mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle in laterally spaced apart relation. Each rail has an elongated slot extending lengthwise thereof. One or more cross members extending between the rails have stanchions at the ends slidably engageable in the slots. The slots open at an angle slanting away from the vehicle roof and toward one another to resist forces tending to separate the stanchions from the side rails. Each stanchion has a flange which hooks over a slot-defining flange of a rail to provide additional resistance to separation. The stanchions are releasably locked to the rails by locking pins engageable in apertures in the rails.

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: A wheel chair transport assembly includes a remote winch-actuated carrier case having wheels mounted on a rear face thereof and rollable within tracks mounted to the vehicle for raising and lowering the carrier case to a storage position on the vehicle roof and an access position flush with the ground, respectively. A door provided forward of the carrier case enables an operator to insert and remove a wheel chair as necessary while conveniently seated as a driver within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails 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 crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A spring member on each of the bracket members cooperates with notches in a channel member of the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the crossbar upon the side rails.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The slats extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. At least one of the bracket members includes means to cooperate with the a portion on the outer surface of the side rails for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar upon the slats.

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 extnds above the upper surface of the slat.

Abstract: An improved article carrying system for a vehicle having a pair of generally flat rails directly mounted to the vehicle surface, each rail being characterized by an upstanding wall with a sidewardly facing track formed therein and a ridge spaced from and parallel to the wall. A slider for mounting article support and securing members has a pedestal which rests on the flat surface of the rail and is captured in the track between the wall and the ridge. A grip bar having a plurality of spaced-apart locking tabs is swingably mounted to the slider whereby when the grip bar overlies the rail, the locking tabs on the grip bar lockingly engage the protrusions on the rail, and when the grip bar is swung cross-wise to the rail, the locking tabs clear the protrusions to allow the slider to be moved along the rail.

Abstract: The present invention is a slat for a vehicle article carrier adapted to be mounted in a longitudinally extending recess in a generally horizontal extending exterior vehicle body surface. The slat includes a channel member adapted to be disposed in the recess. The channel member has an upper surface adapted to be disposed substantially flush with the vehicle body surface.