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: An external cargo carrier for a vehicle and which carrier includes a mechanism allowing longitudinal adjustment of a cross rail relative to a pair of transversely spaced side rails and which mechanism also permits the cross rail to be quickly and easily removed from the side rails.

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 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: An end piece and tie-down member for a low profile article-supporting slat wherein the member includes a depending portion which coacts with an opening in the base of the slat to prevent rotation or misalignment of the member relative to the slat.

Abstract: A two-part stanchion for a vehicle article carrier wherein one part includes an integral base, wall means extending upwardly from not more than half the base periphery and a second part including wall means coacting with the first part to enclose the base.

Abstract: A slotted side rail and cross-rail receiving bracket assembly for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is disclosed. A slidable cross-rail is supported between a pair of cross-rail receiving brackets and is movable with the brackets along the slotted side rail. Each bracket includes a rail engaging lock for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the slotted side rail. The lock prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the side rail.

Abstract: A luggage carrier is adapted to be removably secured to the trunk lid of an automotive vehicle. The carrier includes a frame section, carried on the outside surface of the trunk lid and having a plurality of leg members that extend through aligned apertures in the trunk lid into engagement with fastening devices that are carried on the inside surface of the trunk lid. The fastening devices releasably secure the luggage carrier to the trunk lid. Covers are provided to enclose the apertures to provide a pleasing appearance when the luggage carrier is removed from the trunk lid.

Abstract: A stanchion assembly for an automobile luggage rack is defined by a stanchion and a locking pad providing for hidden features. The stanchion is mounted to a surface of the automobile by the fasteners which are secured thereto through apertures provided in the stanchion.

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 tool-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.

Abstract: A load bearing cross-slat for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is adapted to extend transversely across a vehicle roof between a pair of carrier tracks. The cross-slat is anchored to the tracks at its ends and is cambered upward toward the center of the vehicle. The camber of the slat spaces the slat above the vehicle roof, and allows the weight of an article placed thereon to be supported at the ends of the slat and, thus, by the tracks.

Abstract: A slat assembly for automobile luggage racks comprises a slat and a mounting pad and is provided at each end with an endcap. The slat and mounting pad are configured to interengage securely. The slat comprises an extruded member forming an upper, partially dove-tailed central channel, and two parallel, downwardly open channels. The mounting pad is formed from a non-corroding material and is provided with mounting flanges for interengaging with the downwardly open channels of the slat. The slat assembly may further comprise a rub strip, contoured to nest securely within the central channel of the slat.

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.