Abstract: A luggage carrier for a vehicle having a frame which is adjustable between an elevated position spaced apart from the vehicle surface and a stored position substantially flush with the vehicle surface. The carrier frame can be moved to the stored position when not in use thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving the aesthetics of the vehicle. The frame is connected to a series of pivotable stanchions extending from base members mounted to the vehicle surface. The support stanchions incorporate locking assemblies which locks the frame in either position. As the support stanchions are pivoted into their respective base members, the frame will pivot downwardly until flush with the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A luggage carrier for a vehicle having a frame which is adjustable between an elevated position spaced apart from the vehicle surface and a stored position substantially flush with the vehicle surface. The carrier frame can be moved to the stored position when not in use thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving the aesthetics of the vehicle. The frame is connected to a series of pivotable stanchions extending from base members mounted to the vehicle surface. The support stanchions incorporate locking assemblies which locks the frame in either position. As the support stanchions are pivoted into their respective base members, the frame will pivot downwardly until flush with the vehicle surface.

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 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 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: An aerodynamic spoiler construction for a vehicle in which substantially all of the fasteners are hidden from exterior view. The spoiler includes base members secured to the vehicle, supports mounted to the base members and secured to the spoiler cross wing. End fins are received within the ends of the cross wing. The base members are mounted to the vehicle and the supports are attached to the wing by fasteners hidden within the supports. Additional fasteners secure the supports to their respective base members.

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.