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 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: 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 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 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 cross bar used in roof luggage carriers for vehicles including a shaft having first and second threaded segments which are threaded in opposite directions relative to one another. A first pair of gripping jaws includes first gripping jaws which are threadedly engaged to the shaft. The first gripping jaw is threadedly engaged to the first threaded portion of the shaft and the second gripping jaw is threadedly engaged to the second threaded portion of the shaft. When the shaft is rotated, the first and second jaws move relative to one another thereby gripping or releasing a side rail placed there between. The gripping jaws are adapted to slide on the shaft thereby allowing them to float independent of a second pair of gripping jaws located along the same shaft. Thus, the cross bar of the present invention can be used to accommodate vehicles having non-parallel side rails.

Abstract: An adjustable cross rail for a luggage carrier which utilizes a self-storing lever to release the rail stanchions. The stanchions cooperate with a longitudinal track which receives an adjustable slide bar threadably connected to the release lever. The track is clampingly engaged between the slide bar and the bottom of the stanchion to prevent movement of the stanchion. The clamping and unclamping of the slide bar can be controlled by either a camming lever or a wrench lever, both of which store within the stanchion body.

Abstract: A longitudinal slat for a luggage carrier which incorporates a chrome-metal slat body detachably mounted to a plastic insulator. In addition to separating the slab body from the vehicle surface, the insulator provides additional load-bearing support for the slat. Integrally formed with the insulator and extending the length of the slat is a substantially H-shaped center support which reinforces the horizontal load-bearing wall of the slat body. The entire structure is secured to the surface of the vehicle by a series of mounting screws.

Abstract: A longitudinal slat which forms the load-bearing surface of a vehicle mounted luggage carrier. The slat includes an elongated channel member which is fixedly secured to the surface of the vehicle and a rub strip mounted to the channel member which supports the cargo and prevents exposure to the channel member. The channel member includes a perpendicular retaining shoulder disposed inwardly from and forming an extension of the side walls of the channel member. These retaining shoulders cooperate with horizontal grooves formed in opposite sides of the rub strip to prevent vertical displacement of the rub strip relative to the top opening of the channel member. Thus, the rub strip is fixedly retained within the opening by the perpendicular shoulders.

Abstract: An adjustable support rail for a luggage carrier adapted to be mounted on exterior surface of a vehicle. The system includes a pair of spaced parallel tracks fixedly secured to the exterior surface of the vehicle and having a slot extending substantially the length of the track. A support stanchion is slidably mounted to each of the tracks with a rail extending between the stanchions. The stanchion includes a tensioning member which lockingly engages the stanchion onto the track once it is properly positioned by clampingly engaging the track against the stanchion. The stanchion may be selectively locked and released using a threaded member which engages and draws the tensioning member towards a wall of the stanchion and against the track. In addition, the end of the track is closed off by an end cap which includes a pivotable door covering an access opening through which the stanchion is mounted to the track.