Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a first side rail an a second side rail to be located extending generally parallel to one another and spaced laterally from one another with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A first cross-rail and a second cross-rail are independently movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position of the first and second cross-rails are axially aligned with a corresponding side rail, and the deployed position of the first and second cross-rail are laterally extending between the first and second side rails. The cross rails can be gas assist, injection molded cross rails. A manually hand/finger rotated fastener attaches each end of the first and second cross-rails to the first and second side rails in the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A roof rail for a motor vehicle roof includes an elongated main body portion having an open channel extending between opposing first and second ends. An end portion is integrally formed with the main body portion at each of the first and second ends thereof for attaching the roof rail to the motor vehicle roof.

Abstract: A support assembly for use with a vehicle article carrier comprises a one-piece support having a base portion and a rail portion, a first attachment mechanism associated with the support, and a cover. The cover has a second attachment mechanism engaging the first attachment mechanism to secure the cover to the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof rack that provides side rails which extend along the vehicle's roof panel. The roof rack has cross rails that extend between the side rails, but the cross rails can change positions so that when they are not in use they are at a lower height then when they are in use. The cross rails are connected to a stanchion which is then connected to the side rails by a connector. The stanchion pivots about this connection point in order to alter the height of the cross rails. The side rails have a stanchion stopper which is positioned adjacent to the stanchion in order to prevent over rotation of the stanchion.

Abstract: A cross rail system for a cargo rack system of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a cross rail member, wherein the cross rail member can include short and/or long glass fibers and a mesh material contained therein. A noise abatement system can be disposed on a surface of the cross rail member. A stanchion portion is integrally formed on at least one end of the cross rail member. A fastening system, such as cooperating fastening members and lock plates and/or clamp jaws, are operable to fasten the stanchion portion to a side rail member of the cargo rack system.

Abstract: Cargo rack systems for a motor vehicle are provided. The systems include cross rail members that are operable to be easily removed from and/or fastened to the side rail members and/or adjustable along the length of the side rail members. The side rail members are provided with channels formed on a top surface thereof that are operable to receive a locking mechanism that cooperates with the cross rail members. Stop members formed on the underside of a stanchion portion prevents undesired movement of the locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is manipulated in a first direction, the cross rail member is secured to the side rail member. When the locking mechanism is manipulated in a second opposite direction, the cross rail member can either be moved to a different position along the length of the side rail member, or if desired, can be completely disengaged from the side rail member.

Abstract: Cargo rack systems include a side rail that is attached to stanchions mounted on a vehicle's roof portion. The side rail includes a channel formed on a top surface thereof, wherein a fastening member secures the side rail to the stanchions, such that the fastening member is recessed in the channel. The cross rails are fastened to a stanchion that fits over the cross rail. Any number of different combinations of cargo rack systems may be attached to the vehicle's roof portion. The systems also include a side rail member, a stanchion member, a clamp member having a flange portion extending therefrom, and a side rail member, wherein the flange portion is operable to engage a portion of the side rail member, wherein the flange portion is substantially L-shaped, wherein a substantially D-shaped portion of the side rail member is operable to engage the L-shaped flange portion.

Abstract: Cargo rack systems are described. The systems include side rails that are easily attached to support members mounted on a vehicle's roof portion. The side rails include an opening such as a channel portion formed on a top surface thereof. One or more fastening members are then employed to secure the side rails to the stanchions. The cross rails are easily attached to the side rails in any number of configurations. The cross rails are fastened to a stanchion with one or more fastening members, wherein the stanchion fits over the cross rail, with the stanchion being fastened to the side rail with a clamp member that is fastened to the stanchion by one or more fastening members. In this manner, any number of different combinations and different types of cargo rack systems may be easily attached to the vehicle's roof portion.

Abstract: An article carrier is described. The article carrier comprises a pair of side rails, an extendable article carrier, and at least one cross rail. The pair of side rails are affixed to a vehicle roof The extendable article carrier is adjustably positioned between the pair of side rails from a stowed position on a vehicle roof, to an extended position from the vehicle roof, and to a deployed position about a rear hatch. The extendable article carrier includes a first and a second pair of slider rail sections that are intermediately connected by a first pair of hinges, respectively. The extendable article carrier includes a third pair of slider rail sections. The second pair of slider rails and the third pair of slider rail sections are intermediately connected by a second pair of hinges. The first, second, and third pair of slider rail sections slide about a channel that is integrally formed in each of the side rails.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly includes a pair of longitudinally laterally spaced siderails, each attachable to a vehicle roof panel, including a track and outboard corner portion. A pair of stanchions are attached to the tracks for slidable movement through a plurality of positions. A first crossrail is pivotally secured to a forward end of one of the siderails, and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the recessed position, the first crossrail is recessed in the siderail to which the first crossrail is attached. In the deployed position, the first crossrail is supported on both siderails. A second crossrail is pivotally attached to one of the stanchions opposite the siderail to which the first crossrail is attached. The second crossrail is rotatable between a stowed position, and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the second crossrail is recessed in the siderail and in the deployed position, the second crossrail is supported on both stanchions.

Abstract: A movable running board system which includes a running board which is supported by a movable under carriage. The movable under carriage is coupled to a motor wherein the motor is capable of moving the running board between a fully extended position and a retracted position. The motor is coupled to a motor controller which receives a signal from a door position switch. When the door position switch indicates that the vehicle door is opened, the motor controller commands the motor to manipulate the running board to a fully extended position. Once the vehicle door is closed the door position sensor sends the "closed door" signal to the motor controller which, then in turn, commands the motor to retract the running board into the retracted position.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle roof includes a pair of side rails adapted for attachment to the vehicle roof, each side rail forming an inboard edge portion or a series of indexing holes. In one embodiment, a latch on a stanchion includes tie loops for securing articles on one assembly with rope. The latch lever includes a distal end portion engageable with the inboard edge portion or with the indexing holes for securing the stanchion with respect to the side rail. The latch lever is pivotally secured to a foot portion of the stanchion which includes spring portions compressible against the side rails to prevent rattles. In another embodiment, a hook portion of the latch compressibly engages a resilient side rail portion to create a clamping action to immobilize the stanchion on a trim rail and reduce rattles.

Abstract: An article carrier includes a cross member rollingly engaging a pair of longitudinally extending side rails. The cross member has rollers that engage the side rails for reducing the amount of effort required to move the cross member along the side rails. A cross member lock mechanism is also disclosed having three distinct modes of operation: automatically re-locking, manually re-locking, and locked.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly is partially recessed into a recessed roof panel joint channel. The article carrier assembly side rail is attachable to the vehicle roof panel, and includes a track and an outboard corner portion. A retainer includes a foot portion slidably disposed within the track for supporting the retainer on the side rails. A latch comprises a lever pivotally connected to the retainer for indexing the retainer at discrete positions along the side rail. A trim rail pad is secured with respect to the side rail, and extends from the outboard corner portion into the joint channel in a manner to substantially hide the side rail therebehind when viewed from a position alongside the vehicle. Alternative embodiments for the trim rail pad and latch are provided.

Abstract: A utility bar assembly for attachment to a roof rack, including an elongated utility bar, at least two clamp assemblies detachably engageable with the roof rack, at least two fastening devices for connecting the clamp assemblies to the utility bar. Optional support blocks may also be provided for positioning and supporting the utility bar on the roof rack.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly is partially recessed into a recessed roof panel joint channel. The article carrier assembly side rail is attachable to the vehicle roof panel, and includes a track and an outboard corner portion. A retainer includes a foot portion slidably disposed within the track for supporting the retainer on the side rails. A latch comprises a lever pivotally connected to the retainer for indexing the retainer at discrete positions along the side rail. A trim rail pad is secured with respect to the side rail, and extends from the outboard corner portion into the joint channel in a manner to substantially hide the side rail therebehind when viewed from a position alongside the vehicle. Alternative embodiments for the trim rail pad and latch are provided.

Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle comprises a stanchion latch operator for a stanchion that supports the end of a crossbar on a side rail of the luggage carrier. The stanchion latch operator comprises a stanchion body having a side rail jaw a crossbar holder and latch chamber. The latch body fits within the latch chamber and includes a button flange as well as a lever with a hooked end. A pivot mount supports the latch body in the latch chamber about a pivot axis and is biased toward a latched position by a spring. The latch body includes a cam surface meeting with a shoulder on an upper chamber to displace the hooked end perpendicular to the pivot axis as the button flange is pivoted about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting to a vehicle body panel is formed by a crossbar connecting longitudinal rails. The crossbar is made of a cross rail and stanchions which support the cross rail for displacement along and locking engagement with the longitudinal rails. The split stanchions are formed of first and second jaw members, and one of the jaw members is carried by a shelf on the other jaw member and displaced along the shelf by a retainer. The retainer is manipulated by an actuator, preferably in the form of a rotary knob which is selectively engageable with a nut. The nut is threadably engaged on a threaded shaft that is engaged in an insert in the one of jaw parts and extending through the other jaw part. At least one of the jaw parts includes an engagement surface for locking the stanchion to the rail when the retainer has moved the jaws to the closed position.