Abstract: Several parallel slats are fixed to a vehicle deck. Flanges along both sides of each slat serve as a track for a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket has an internal clamp for securing it along its slat. The sliding bracket has either (1) a ring for attachment of a tiedown strap to the slat, plus a threaded hole for attachment of a temporary crossbar, or (2) a tilt-up stop to restrain luggage from sliding along the slats. On at least one end of each slat is a separate member, fixed to the vehicle and the slat, that also has a loop for attachment of a tiedown strap. This separate tiedown member matches the slat height and cross-section (taking into account not only the flanged track but also a trim strip in a top groove of the slat, and a formed gasket below the slat); consequently the sliding bracket can be moved on or off the end of the slat, unimpeded by the separate tiedown member.

Abstract: Slats fixed to a vehicle deck have external-flange tracks along their opposite edges. Brackets engage these tracks--by a lip that projects inwardly from the side wall of each bracket to capture the flange. The brackets can be slid by a user along the tracks and locked at any point along the slats by clamping plates inside the brackets. The clamping plates are forced against the slats as by screws in the tops of the brackets. One type of bracket carries an arch-shaped tie-down member and is also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete points along the slats. Each tie-down member is fixed to its tie-down bracket below the inwardly projecting lip, or in any event at a point in the side wall, of the bracket. This configuration preserves clamping force when a strap or cord is tightly cinched from the bracket over luggage, resulting in very strong upward force on the tie-down member.

Abstract: Slats fixed to a vehicle deck have external-flange tracks along their opposite edges. Brackets engage these tracks--by a lip that projects inwardly from the side wall of each bracket to capture the flange. The brackets can be slid by a user along the tracks and locked at any point along the slats by clamping plates inside the brackets. The clamping plates are forced against the slats as by screws in the tops of the brackets. One type of bracket carries an arch-shaped tie-down member and is also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete points along the slats. Each tie-down member is fixed to its tie-down bracket below the inwardly projecting lip, or in any event at a point in the side wall, of the bracket. This configuration preserves clamping force when a strap or cord is tightly cinched from the bracket over luggage, resulting in very strong upward force on the tie-down member.

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.

Abstract: A low pressure valveless floating aeration system for providing oxygen and circulation to a water impoundment, utilizing one or more floating elongate members supporting a substantially uniform assemblage of air diffusers spaced above the bottom of the impoundment. Air at a comparatively low pressure is supplied to said elongate members and thence to said air diffusers, such that a large number of tiny bubbles will rise up from the air diffusers through the water of the impoundment, bringing about a desirable amount of circulation in the water. Because the air diffusers are suspended from members floating on the water surface, the depth at which the diffusers are located can be made uniform, or the diffusers can be suspended at gradually decreasing depths at locations remote from the air supply.

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.