Abstract: The invention contemplates, as an article of manufacture, an article-retaining adapter unit which, without requiring tooling of any kind is securely and removably attachable to an installed rack bar on an automobile roof. The adapter unit may be one of several different adapter units, each of which is dedicated to a different specific purpose, for example, one adapter unit for carrying skis, and another for carrying a sailboard. In each case, the adapter unit comprises an elongate base bar, equipped with hook structure at one end for skewed inserting engagement to an existing rack bar, the skew being such that once the inserting engagement has been made, the elongate base bar can be manipulated to non-removable retention when brought into close parallel relation with the existing rack bar. And when thus oriented parallel to the existing rack bar, clamp structure at the other end of the base bar is firmly securable to the rack bar, to complete the mounting.

Abstract: Cycle pedalling apparatus is disclosed having a latch element that projects from a pedal, the latch element having latch members which are resiliently deflectable. A socket element on the sole of a rider's foot releasably and replaceably couples with the latch element for pedalling action, and releases from the latch element under non-pedalling loads.

Abstract: Anti-theft cable-locked security is provided for articles mounted to a roof rack and for the roof rack itself, by providing a set or kit of two flexible-cable subassemblies, each of which has a closed-door stop block at one end of its cable, and each of which also has a headed slide which is engageable to an elongate slide-track channel formation on the underside of a roof rack. Certain commercially available roof racks already have such a slide-track slide formation, but for those not thus equipped, an additional channel element can be provided for permanent incorporation in an existing rack. A first one of the subassemblies has a relatively short length of cable, and the headed slide is adjustably clamped to the cable via a knurled nut which is manually set before assembly to the slide track of the rack; once in the slide track, further manual adjustment or tampering is foreclosed.

Abstract: The invention contemplates roof-rack structure comprising (a) an elongate bar of constant external section profile, and (b) two pad-mounted pedestal supports having provision for inserted through-reception of the respective ends of the bar. Each pedestal support includes its own selectively available one-way-engaging clutch action whereby end-inserted displacement of the bar is freely accommodated, and whereby inserted-bar retraction is foreclosed. Each pedestal support also includes its own jack-actuated clamp for secure lateral anchorage to a roof or window edge. Further, a single manual control serves to operate both the clutch action and the lateral clamp, and the manual control is key-lockable when the conditions of bar-clutched engagement and lateral-clamp setting have both been established. The single manual control is subsequently operable, once unlocked, to release both the lateral clamp and the clutched engagement, thus permitting easy and fast disassembly.