Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.

Abstract: A crossbar clamp actuator of a crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a horizontally traveling wedge block having a ramped, downward-facing first slide surface, and a wedge follower having a second slide surface in frictional contact with the first slide surface of the traveling wedge block. Substantially horizontal repositioning of the traveling wedge block may cause the ramped first slide surface to urge the wedge follower downward, thereby actuating a crossbar clamp.

Abstract: A crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include one or more locking pins operatively connected to a pivoting cover, such that moving the cover from an open to a closed position causes the locking pins to engage corresponding recesses in a base portion fixed to a vehicle rooftop. The coupler may include a selectable pitch interface for adjusting the pitch angle of the crossbar with respect to the coupler and/or a vehicle on which the coupler is mounted. An actuator of the coupler may convert motion of a tightening screw oriented parallel to the crossbar axis into a clamp tightening force oriented orthogonal to the crossbar axis. The tightening screw may be inaccessible when the cover of the coupler is in the closed position.

Abstract: A crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include an intra-coupler toe adjustment mechanism. The toe adjustment mechanism may include a pair of structural frames connected at a pivot joint. In some examples, the frames may be secured by a securement mechanism and/or limited in rotation by a mechanical stop. In some examples, an outer housing of the coupler may be fixed to only one of the two frames. A detent mechanism may be provided, including the outer housing and one of the two frames.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body including a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar. The crossbar may have a long axis oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base portion configured to abut a roof of the vehicle and a clip retention and adjustment assembly. The clip retention and adjustment assembly may include (a) a carriage pivotally mounted to the coupler body and configured to rotate around a rotation axis oriented parallel to the direction of vehicle travel, the carriage having a slot for receiving a clip along a translation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis, (b) a catch configured to releasably engage an aperture in the clip, (c) a first actuator configured to rotate the carriage around the rotation axis, and (d) a second actuator configured to move the catch and the clip relative to the coupler body along the translation axis.

Abstract: Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for transporting cargo using a swing-away hitch adapter that mounts to a hitch of a vehicle and provides a movable hitch receiver for a cargo carrier, such as a rack for carrying bicycles. In some embodiments, the hitch adapter may comprise a fixed beam and a movable beam. The movable beam may be pivotally connected to the fixed beam at a first end and associated with a movable hitch receiver at a second end. A latch mechanism of the adapter may be configured to automatically lock the movable beam in an open position orthogonal to the fixed beam, to provide access to a rear of the vehicle, when the movable beam is pivoted about a pivot axis to the open position from a closed position parallel to the fixed beam.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed, including a tongue portion configured for connection to a tow hitch of a vehicle, and a spine portion connected to the tongue portion. The trailer further includes a frame structure with a plurality of lower crossbar members transversely connected to the spine portion. The lower crossbar members define a first cargo support level. A plurality of upper crossbar structures are connected to the frame structure above the first cargo support level, and define a second cargo support level elevated above the first cargo support level.

Abstract: An adjustable truck bed extender is disclosed, including a hitch mount configured for attachment to a vehicle, and a mast structure having a first end pivotally coupled to the hitch mount. The truck bed extender further includes a crossbar member coupled to a second end of the mast structure, perpendicular to the mast structure. A length of the mast structure and an angle of the mast structure relative to the hitch mount are separately adjustable.

Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle that may include a crossbar and a pair of coupler assemblies for connecting opposing ends of the crossbar to raised rails on top of the vehicle. Each coupler assembly may include a body, a securing assembly to secure the body to the raised roof rail, and a crossbar clamp, where the securing assembly and the crossbar clamp are independently adjustable.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for securing a bicycle on top of a vehicle is disclosed, including a fork mount and a tail mount. The fork mount is configured to clamp a first crossbar of the vehicle, while the tail mount is configured to clamp a second crossbar of the vehicle. The fork mount includes a passage and a pair of inserts configured to be secured at opposing ends of the passage. A skewer is configured to protrude through apertures in a front fork of a bicycle, through the pair of inserts, and through the passage to secure the front fork to the fork mount.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body. The coupler body may include a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar, the crossbar oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base connected to the coupler body configured to sit on a flush rail of a vehicle roof. The flush rail may be oriented generally parallel to the direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a clip retention and adjustment mechanism connected to the coupler body with the clip retention and adjustment mechanism having an adjustment member. The clip retention and adjustment mechanism may be configured to interchangeably receive an inner clip and interchangeably receive an outer clip.

Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.

Abstract: A crossbar clamp actuator of a crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a horizontally traveling wedge block having a ramped, downward-facing first slide surface, and a wedge follower having a second slide surface in frictional contact with the first slide surface of the traveling wedge block. Substantially horizontal repositioning of the traveling wedge block may cause the ramped first slide surface to urge the wedge follower downward, thereby actuating a crossbar clamp.

Abstract: A rack for securing cargo on top of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a front partial frame structure removably coupled to a rear partial frame structure. Each partial frame structure includes a perimetral rail portion with parallel raised side portions, and a transverse crossbar member that is mounted on the raised side portions and generally orthogonal to the raised side portions.

Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a pair of longitudinal support assemblies. Each support assembly is configured for mounting on a crossbar secured across the roof of a vehicle, and includes a stationary base and an extendable rail. Each rail is moveable between a first position in which the rail is substantially coextensive with the base, a second position in which the rail extends significantly beyond the end of the base, and a third position in which the rail pivots downward adjacent a side of the vehicle. Each rail also has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with a loading arm pivotably connected to the distal end portion. The loading arm is moveable between a collapsed position parallel the rail and an extended loading position.

Abstract: A hitch mounted rack for carrying a bicycle is disclosed. The rack includes a tongue portion configured for attachment to a hitch receiver behind a vehicle, and a beam structure connected to the tongue portion. A bike mount is secured to the first beam structure by a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly having an open and a closed position. In the closed position the clamp assembly fixes the bike mount to the beam structure. In the open position the clamp assembly permits movement of the bike mount in a first direction and a second orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A fork mount upright bicycle carrier may include an elongate base having a pair of parallel rails and a fork mount device. A rear wheel receiver may be adjustably coupled in sliding engagement with a first slot in each of the rails, and a rear crossbar clamp may be adjustably coupled in a second slot in each of the rails, such that the receiver and the clamp are capable of overlapping adjustment ranges. The fork mount device may include a fixed jaw and a pivoting jaw for clamping onto a transverse member of a bicycle fork.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a platform to a vehicle rooftop is disclosed. The assembly includes a rail mounted on a bottom side of the platform, having a linear track. A clamp assembly is slidably mounted in the linear track, and is configured to grip a crossbar. The clamp assembly includes a fixation device configured to stop movement of the clamp assembly in a selected position along the track.