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 roof rack comprises a pair of interconnected side rails overlying and at their ends connected to a vehicle roof, and elongated caps of a flexible material overlying and enclosing a portion of each rail and interlocked therewith. Each rail is an elongated extrusion including a pair of parallel top bends along its length with spaced strips depending from the beads defining undercut corners. Out-turned flanges extend from the strips and terminate in upturned marginal ledges. The cap has a top wall that overlies the beads and a pair of side walls terminating in a pair of opposed internal supports respectively overlying the out-turned flanges and retained and interposed between the strips and marginal ledges. A pair of opposed internal anchor flanges on the side walls interlockingly engage the shoulders to secure then cap along its length to the rail.

Abstract: A support assembly for luggage racks, door handles and the like including an extruded one piece elongated tubular support member fabricated from a plastic material, the support member being disposed between attachment members at each end thereof for securing the support assembly to a mounting surface upon which the luggage rack, door handle and the like is mounted. An insert member can be disposed within the support member for additional strength thereof, where the insert member can be constructed in may different shapes for bearing against inner walls of the support member. In one embodiment, the support assembly is a rail member for a luggage rack, and includes the support member being disposed between end clips at each end thereof, the end clips being secured to the trunk lid of an automobile. In another embodiment, the support assembly is a door handle, where the support member is disposed between attachment members at each end thereof, the attachment members being secured to the door.

Abstract: An end piece of a support slat of a luggage carrier which facilitates attachment of the end piece to the slat body prior to mounting to the vehicle body. The end piece has a tongue which extends into the slat body. The tongue includes a snap-in ramp designed to cooperate with an opening formed in the floor of the slat body to prevent withdrawal of the end piece and a series of alignment flanges extending upwardly from the tongue to engage the rub strip retaining shoulders of the slat body. A separate fastener is used to secure the slat assembly to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A support stanchion for a vehicle luggage carrier which provides a sleek aerodynamic appearance while eliminating exposed support mounting fasteners. The stanchions are utilized to support the frame of the carrier in spaced apart relation to the vehicle surface and are secured to the surface by one or more fasteners. Each stanchion includes a support base mounted directly to the surface and a support cover which fits over the base to conceal the fasteners and the interior of the stanchion. The base includes a plurality of apertures adapted to receive tabs formed in the cover and an elongated groove to receive a lip on the cover. The rigid construction of the base and the pliable construction of the cover allows it to simply snap over the base. Once the cover is attached, the stanchion has a sleek integral appearance.

Abstract: A load-bearing slat for an article carrier having a spacer insert disposed between the load-bearing wall of the slat and the insulator for added support. The spacer is pre-attachable to the insulator to facilitate final assembly. The insulator includes spaced openings for receiving the insert which is locked into place whether by a snap fit or through rotation of the insert. The spacers have throughbores to permit the fasteners for the slat to pass through to the vehicle surface for attachment thereto.

Abstract: A luggage rack is provided for mounting on the roof of a vehicle. The luggage rack includes a pair of elongated side rails securable to the roof. A slot is provided in each slide rail to receive the tongue of a stanchion. A detachable cross member extends between stanchions provided on each side rail. The stanchions permit slidable adjustment of the cross member along the length of the side rails. The tongues of the stanchions and the slots in the side rails are angled outwardly to prevent removal of the stanchions and cross member after they are mounted.

Abstract: A luggage rack is provided for mounting on the roof of a vehicle. The luggage rack includes a pair of elongated side rails securable to the roof. A slot is provided in each slide rail to receive the tongue of a stanchion. A detachable cross member extends between stanchions provided on each side rail. The stanchions permit slidable adjustment of the cross member along the length of the side rails. A spring urged locking pin is provided in each stanchion. The pins project out of the stanchions into pockets provided in the side rails to lock the stanchions in an adjusted position. The locking pins are retractable to permit sliding of the stanchions to different adjusted positions.

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 vehicle luggage carrier having at least one adjustable cross rail mounted to longitudinal side rails. The cross rail is discretely adjustable with respect to a plurlaity of spaced apart openings extending substantially the length of the side rails. A rear cross rail may be similarly adjustable or can form an extension of the side rails and therefore fixed as a rear spoiler. The cross rails are constructed so that they may be nested together to form a single spoiler. A cam locking mechanism extending through an opening in the side rail secures the cross rail in position.

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 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: 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 present invention is a retaining assembly for retaining a cross bar to a bracket which is mounted on a slat of an automobile. The assembly includes a plurality of flanges extending outwardly from the cross bar toward the bracket. The assembly further includes means for cooperating with the flanges for retaining the cross bar to the bracket.

Abstract: A slat assembly for vehicle luggage racks is disclosed with a pre-assembled slat and end cap. The end cap includes a mounting member for insertion into the end of the slat. A hole through the mounting member receives a headed stud as a separate and separable part from the mounting member. When the mounting member is inserted into the slat, the stud is held captive by the overlying rub strip on the slat or the flanges of the slat.

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: A longitudinal slat for a luggage carrier which incorporates a chrome-metal slat body detachably mounted to a plastic insulator. In addition to separating the slab body from the vehicle surface, the insulator provides additional load-bearing support for the slat. Integrally formed with the insulator and extending the length of the slat is a substantially H-shaped center support which reinforces the horizontal load-bearing wall of the slat body. The entire structure is secured to the surface of the vehicle by a series of mounting screws.

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 chock for a small boat carried by a larger boat, to be used in the plural to carry the smaller boat on e.g., a deck and comprising a base for temporary attachment to the deck, a front short upright wall, a rear longer like wall spaced from the front wall, and a concave convex strength member between the tops of the walls. A strut extends from the juncture of the base and rear longer wall to the convex side of the concave member, the strut being in the form of a box beam of I section.

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: A rack arrangement for supporting a load, for example above the roof of a vehicle body, comprises a pair of substantially parallel elongate guide members 3 each having a lower upwardly extending portion 3a and an upper load supporting portion 3b. A load carrier member 4 is rockably connected to the guide members and is manually slidable from a lowered position upwardly along the lower guide member portions 3a onto the supporting portions 3b to a load storage position. Means is provided for releasably retaining the carrier member in the load storage position, for example a cup-like recess 17 which locates the base of a handle 12 for the carrier member.

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: A fishing rod holder for securing a plurality of fishing rods within a camper shell or cap mounted on a pickup truck includes a pair of supports. The supports are secured to cross roof braces of the camper shell in parallel spaced relation. A generally rectangular first support has a plurality of U-shaped notches for the reception of handle portions of a plurality of fishing rods. A pivotal clamp bar is mounted between pairs of adjacent notches and may be pivoted between opened and closed positions for securing a fishing rod handle within each notch. A plurality of spaced apertures are provided for the reception of threaded fasteners utilized to secure the first support to a roof cross brace of the camper shell. A generally rectangular second support has a series of spaced circular apertures for the reception of tip portions of a plurality of fishing rods.

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 longitudinal slat which forms the load-bearing surface of a vehicle mounted luggage carrier. The slat includes an elongated channel member which is fixedly secured to the surface of the vehicle and a rub strip mounted to the channel member which supports the cargo and prevents exposure to the channel member. The channel member includes a perpendicular retaining shoulder disposed inwardly from and forming an extension of the side walls of the channel member. These retaining shoulders cooperate with horizontal grooves formed in opposite sides of the rub strip to prevent vertical displacement of the rub strip relative to the top opening of the channel member. Thus, the rub strip is fixedly retained within the opening by the perpendicular shoulders.

Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle comprising at least one generally horizontally arranged molded plastic article supporting slat capable of being fixedly secured to the vehicle and having an end cap mechanism and/or a bracket for supporting a cross rail or the like integrally formed into the slat. The end cap mechanism may include a tie down for securing articles to be supported by the slat. The slat may have a channel and an insert may be placed in the channel for resilient but sturdy support of articles placed on the slat. The slat and the article carrier may be of various forms.

Abstract: Several parallel slats are fixed to a vehicle deck. Flanges along both sides of each slat serve as a track for a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket has an internal clamp for securing it along its slat. The sliding bracket has either (1) a ring for attachment of a tiedown strap to the slat, plus a threaded hole for attachment of a temporary crossbar, or (2) a tilt-up stop to restrain luggage from sliding along the slats. On at least one end of each slat is a separate member, fixed to the vehicle and the slat, that also has a loop for attachment of a tiedown strap. This separate tiedown member matches the slat height and cross-section (taking into account not only the flanged track but also a trim strip in a top groove of the slat, and a formed gasket below the slat); consequently the sliding bracket can be moved on or off the end of the slat, unimpeded by the separate tiedown member.

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: 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: An adjustable support rail for a luggage carrier adapted to be mounted on exterior surface of a vehicle. The system includes a pair of spaced parallel tracks fixedly secured to the exterior surface of the vehicle and having a slot extending substantially the length of the track. A support stanchion is slidably mounted to each of the tracks with a rail extending between the stanchions. The stanchion includes a tensioning member which lockingly engages the stanchion onto the track once it is properly positioned by clampingly engaging the track against the stanchion. The stanchion may be selectively locked and released using a threaded member which engages and draws the tensioning member towards a wall of the stanchion and against the track. In addition, the end of the track is closed off by an end cap which includes a pivotable door covering an access opening through which the stanchion is mounted to the track.

Abstract: An end cap and tie down for use with a hollow slat of the type including a base portion adapted to be mounted in contiguous relation to a surface portion of a vehicle and a longitudinally extending slot in the upper surface of the slat communicating with the hollow interior of the slat. The end cap includes a main body portion having a height exceeding the height of the slat and defining a generally vertical abutment surface positioned against a terminal end of the slat to close that end of the slat and position the upper surface of the main body portion above the upper surface of the slat, and an attachment portion projecting from the abutment surface of the main body portion and sized to be received in the hollow of the slat.

Abstract: A slat assembly for vehicle luggage racks is disclosed with a snap-in end cap. The end cap has a shank portion which is telescoped inside the end of the channel-shaped slat and a head portion is disposed exteriorly of the slat. A detent element in the form of a tang in the base of the slat coacts with a detent element in the form of a ramp surface on the bottom of the shank of the end cap to interlock the end cap and slat. A stud is molded into the end cap for mounting the slat assembly on a vehicle body panel.

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: A luggage carrier has several spaced parallel slat assemblies, and end caps for all of the slats. The outermost slat assemblies are also fitted with tie-down cleats that do not require screw fasteners to anchor them to the slats. These tie-down cleats are trapped between the end cap and a load bearing rail in the slat's center groove.

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 permenantly 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 bracket assembly for supporting detachable, roof-top automotive, carrying racks of the type usually secured to vehicle rain gutters is disclosed. The bracket assembly may be used on vehicles having no rain gutters and includes a bracket plate member having a generally planar portion and a flange portion which is formed to have a generally W-shaped cross section that extends away from the planar portion for releasable coupling of rack mounting assembly thereto. The shape of the flange allows the bracket assembly to be used to anchor a roof-top rack to either a side wall or the roof of a 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: A luggage rack for an automobile having a horizontally disposed exterior body surface comprising a pair of elevated side members, at least one stanchion disposed at one end of each of the side members and associated with the side members, the stanchions each having an aperture into which an end support member of a cross member is disposed wherein a fastener secures the cross member to the stanchion via the end support. A cover conceals the fastener and may also conceal the fasteners that secure the stanchion to the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage rack with parallel slats secured in mounting strips to a surface has a cross member made up of two sculptured stanchions and a cross rail that can be adjusted between several predetermined positions but not readily removed. One-piece fastener and tether means hold the stanchions in place, and also hold tie downs in place on at least the outside slats.

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: A cross rail for a luggage carrier system having a cross-section having a leading edge to diminish wind resistance and a longitudinally extending channel formed by the interior surfaces of the cross rail. The cross rail can be roll formed of two different materials, an outer skin of a more aesthetically pleasing material and an inner section of a relatively less expensive material. The cross rail is substantially hollow and includes a support for maintaining the cross rail from being crushed by normal loads incident to use with a luggage carrier system.

Abstract: This invention improves upon enclosing-type fishing pole carriers for holding and protecting fishing poles in their assembled conditions. The fishing pole carrier of the invention has a plurality of parallel spaced-apart tubular members having open-ended slots at their entry ends so as to slidably receive therein the posts for the reels of the respective fishing poles held in the tubular members so that all of the fishing poles are held firmly against movement, ready for immediate use. A water-proof flexible hood is provided for covering the upstanding reels and a closure cap is fitted over the entry end of each tubular member. An arrangement is provided for locking the closure caps to the tubular members to prevent unauthorized access to the fishing poles.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier of 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 an illuminating mechanism 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 visible to oncoming traffic and would contribute to the safe loading or unloading of the carrier in the dark. In an alternative embodiment, a deck mounted luggage carrier comprising a plurality of slat elements and at least one cross member supported by stanchions is integrated with an illuminating mechanism, such as the vehicle brake light, and/or tail light, and/or back-up light, which is operatively integrated with at least one of the stanchions and/or slat elements and/or cross member of the luggage carrier.

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 has two side rails with a stanchion connected to each rail. Between the two side rails and extending parallel thereto are a plurality of slat assemblies 18 and a support slat assembly 20. Each assembly 18 and 20 includes a slat member and an end cap member 21. The end cap member 21 is attached to the slat member via a first fastener 50. The end cap member is attached to a vehicle surface via a second fastener 52. The combination and support tie ring member of a support slat assembly has an upwardly extending section which abuts the underside of the cross rail.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two slat assemblies fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. Each slat assembly has at least one longitudinal rib. At least two pairs of brackets are provided, two brackets being removably and slidably fastened to the rib of each of the slat assemblies. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat assembly by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. One rail is supported by each pair of brackets to extend transversely therebetween above the surface.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage rack is provided which includes the following components: a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel frame members, each having a first and a second end and being adapted to be fixed to a vehicle; a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel slide members, each of which is slidably mounted to and aligned with one of the longitudinal frame members adjacent the first end thereof; at least one longitudinally extending guide rail disposed parallel to the longitudinal members and being adapted to be fixed to the vehicle; a transverse rail extending between the longitudinal slide members to form a slide/transverse rail assembly, the transverse rail being slidably mounted to the guide rail so that the slide/transverse rail assembly is longitudinally slidable with respect to the longitudinal frame members and the guide rail; and apparatus for releasably fixing the position of the slide/transverse rail assembly with respect to the longitudinal frame members.

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.