Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an acoustical diffuser panel within a structure. A preferred apparatus includes a rigid support member fabricated from an acoustically absorptive material. The support member has a bottom and upstanding side walls that define a well that is sized to receive a diffuser panel therein. The diffuser panel may comprise a plurality of column members that are integrally formed with a planar bottom surface and extend therefrom. At least one column member is longer than at least one other column member. Another diffuser panel that can be successfully used has a series of elongated columns that extend for the width or length of the panel. At least one column member extends a distance above the bottom of the support member that differs from the distance that another column extends above the support member when the panel is received therein. A method for installing at least one acoustical diffuser assembly into a wall structure and an acoustical wall structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A escape ladder assembly for permitting a user to escape through a window of an upper story of a building. The escape ladder assembly includes a ladder having a spaced apart pair of elongate flexible members and a plurality of steps extending between the flexible members of the ladder. Each of the flexible members has opposite upper and lower ends. A storage box is provided having an opening therein and a lid substantially covering the opening of the storage box. The lid is detachably coupled to the storage box. The ladder is disposed in the storage box. The upper ends of the flexible member of the ladder are coupled to the storage box and the bottom ends of the flexible member are coupled to the lid.

Abstract: A pump jack hoisting apparatus includes a safety railing for protecting workers from accidental falling. The apparatus includes a pair of laterally spaced pump jack poles each of which is associated with a respective pump jack. Each pump jack includes inner and outer support extensions for supporting thereon inner and outer walking platforms. A pair of generally L-shaped support frames is removably secured to the outer support extension of the respective pump jack. Each support frame includes a vertically extending arm and a horizontally extending brace. The brace includes a mounting member for engaging the outer arm of the respective pump jack. A plurality of generally L-shaped rail brackets are vertically spaced on the arms and include a top-open recess. A safety rail is removably positioned in the recess and extends between the pair of support frames.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a transmission fluid pan drain provides upper and lower deformation plates attachable to opposed sides of the transmission fluid pan by a threaded stud. The upper and lower deformation plates are sized and shaped so that when torque is applied to nuts carried on the threaded stud the plates are forced together, thereby deforming the transmission fluid pan, causing a depression or dimple in the fluid pan. After removing the deformation plates and stud, a hollow bolt is attachable in a fluid-tight manner to the transmission fluid pan in a manner wherein an upper end is carried above the pan and a lower threaded end is carried below the pan. An end cap is attachable to the threaded lower end of the hollow bolt, allowing transmission fluid to be drained by removing the end cap.

Abstract: A vibration damper with variable damping force, including a cylinder, a piston and a piston rod arranged in the cylinder so as to be axially movable, an adjustable damping valve connected between the piston rod and the cylinder, and controlled as a function of a spring deflection path, a device for controlling the adjustable damping valve, and additional damping valves arranged to have a damping effect on the piston independent of the controlling device.

Abstract: An actuating drive for actuating a friction clutch and an automated shift transmission, having valve units which enable a switching operation, on the one hand, of the friction clutch, and on the other hand, of the shift transmission. It is possible for a change to the switching state at the friction clutch to be triggered by a gear selection device. The valve unit that is assigned to the friction clutch is assigned a switching device which has a link between the actuating cylinder for the slot selection and the hydraulic circuit that is connected to the actuating cylinder for actuating the friction clutch and enables the driving, as required, of one or the other actuating cylinder.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (20, 120) includes a driving rotary member (22, 122), a driven rotary member (24, 124), and a clutch (26, 126) operatively coupled between the driving member and the driven member and responsive to rotation of the driving member to automatically engage and rotate the driven member after a given amount of rotation of the driving member. The clutch is self-actuated in response to rotation of the driving member. A brake (36, 136) has a braking condition stopping rotation of the driven member, and a released condition permitting rotation of the driven member. Axial movement of the clutch face (34, 134) from its released position to its driving position also actuates the brake from its braking condition to its released condition. The drive is bidirectional, and is particularly useful in a nutational washing machine.

Abstract: A dynamic damper 70 is employed in a coupling mechanism 91 for coupling a crankshaft 90 of an engine and an input shaft 9 of a transmission. The dynamic damper 70 is designed to reduce a force applied in the rotating direction to components of a sub-clutch. Thus, the dynamic damper 70 reduces the cost and the size of the sub-clutch of the dynamic damper. The dynamic damper 70 is adapted to be coupled to the input shaft 9 to rotate therewith. The dynamic damper 70 basically includes a mass member 71, a sub-clutch 73 and an annular rubber member 72. The mass member 71 can rotate in accordance with rotation of the input shaft 9. The sub-clutch 73 reduces a torque transmitted between the input shaft 9 and the mass member 71 when a main clutch 3 disengages the crankshaft 90 and the input shaft 9 from each other. The annular rubber member 72 elastically couples the input shaft 9 and the mass member 71 in the rotating direction when they are in the interlocked state.

Abstract: A warp beam coupling for weaving looms is used for the detachable connection and for the transmission of a rotating movement between a warp beam drive and a warp beam tube. The warp beam coupling includes a bearing bell which is driven in a rotating manner by a warp beam drive and is disposed in a warp beam bearing which has a coupling flange which can be connected with a coupling flange provided on the warp beam tube of a warp beam. In order to achieve a playfree and highly loadable connection between the warp beam drive and the warp beam, the coupling flanges are each provided with a serration, and the bearing bell has devices for its axial displacement so that the serrations can be engaged and disengaged. The bearing bell and thus the coupling flange are braced by way of tensioning devices.

Abstract: A clutch pad assembly 10 includes a first friction portion 31, a second friction portion 32 and a cushioning plate 35. The first friction portion 31 has a first core plate 34 and a first friction member 35 fixed to the first core plate 34. The second friction portion 32 has a second core plate 36 spaced in the disk axial direction from the first core plate 34, and a second friction member 37 fixed to the second core plate 36. The cushioning plate 35 has a cushioning portion 40 disposed between the first and second core plates 34 and 36. The second core plate 36 has an engagement portion 47 engaged with the cushioning portion 40. In an alternate embodiment, a clutch pad assembly 10 includes a pair of annular friction members 131 and 132, cushioning plate 133 and a pair of core plates 134 and 136. The cushioning plate 133 has a plurality of cushioning portions 141, 142 arranged between the paired friction members 131 and 132.

Abstract: An electrical shift control device for a bicycle includes a brake lever adapted to move relative to a handlebar and a first electrical shift control switch supported to the brake lever. A second electrical shift control switch may be disposed in proximity to the brake lever, wherein the first electrical shift control switch may be used to operate the shifting mechanism to move in the upshifting direction, and wherein the second electrical shift control switch may be used to operate the shifting mechanism to move in the downshifting direction.

Abstract: A coin identification apparatus includes a pair of spaced series connected elongated, planar coils driven by an oscillator. Maximum frequency and amplitude values of the oscillator output generated by the passage of a coin between the pair of coils are compared with prestored frequency and amplitude values of acceptable coins. A processor, upon detecting a match between the detected and pre-stored frequency and amplitude values, activates a motor to rotate a coin receptacle to a position discharging coins into a storage receptacle and simultaneously causing a door latch pin to separate from a door latch allowing opening of the door to permit vending of an article from the enclosure in which the coin identification apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a handrail of a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of electrical conductors extending through the handrail, a device for inducing a current within the conductors, and a device for monitoring the induced current. In a particular embodiment, tension carriers within the handrail are electrically spliced together to form the electrical conductors. The level of current detected within the handrail is compared to an acceptable range and, if the monitored level is not acceptable, the passage conveyor is stopped.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method operative to selectively discharge articles, such as parcels, from a tilted, gated conveyor to a desired output destination is disclosed. A powered roller is mounted along the top of the gates so that when a gate is lowered to discharge a parcel, the parcel engages the powered roller and is drawn off the conveyor. The gate can be raised before the parcel has completely left the conveyor. The conveyor can be constructed having a width narrower than the parcels.

Abstract: A device for transferring objects, especially hollow bodies, such as cans, tubes and the like, from an arriving conveying device to an exiting conveying device. At least one rotatingly driven rotor is provided. At least one holding device, for the objects, is provided which is articulated with the rotor for common drive. At least one control device is provided connected to the holding device and is restrictedly guided along a cam to generate a nonuniform conveying velocity of the holding device. The holding device is mounted on the rotor pivotably around a pivot axis located at a spaced location from a rotor axis.

Abstract: A rechargeable device that stores and discharges hydrogen is described. The device stores hydrogen in a solid form and supplies hydrogen as a gas when needed. The solid storage medium may be metal hydride in a ground particle form that avoids the need for compaction or other treatment. Dividers partition a container into separate chambers, each provided with a matrix, formed from an appropriate material like a thermally-conductive aluminum foam, which forms a number of cells. For proper chamber size, the ratio of chamber length to container diameter should be between about 0.5 and 2. Metal hydride particles (or other hydrogen storage medium) may be placed within the cells, which help prevent excessive particle settling. The container is provided with a hydrogen transfer port through which hydrogen gas passes upon either discharging from or charging of the metal hydride particles. A filter may be placed within the port to allow hydrogen to flow but prevent particles from escaping.

Abstract: A folder package for surgical sutures. The package has a base panel, a foldably connected cover panel, a foldably connected closure panel, a foldably connected end panel, and a ramp structure. The package also has at least one ramp structure mounted to the base panel. The ramp structure allows sutures to pass over the park without getting hung-up on or in the park.

Abstract: A display package for a bottle is presented having a relatively short base section and a folded wrap-around section. The base section has a top with a hole adapted for receiving the bottom of the bottle. The wrap-around section extends from the back of the base section over the top of the bottle and down to the front of the base. The top of the wrap-around section is shorter in length than the largest diameter of the bottle displayed in the packaging. A window in the front of the wrap-around section allows the upper-front portion of the bottle to extend through the window. In addition, the wrap-around section leaves majority of the bottle exposed through the open sides of the tent-like structure formed by the wrap-around section.

Abstract: This invention relates to paperboard materials for carrying static cling vinyl products for transport to end users. Such structures of this type, generally, provide good adhesion for the static cling vinyl product, but allow the vinyl product to be peeled off easily.

Abstract: A package for containing hygienic articles. The package has a dispensing aperture covered by a refastenably closable flap. The flap overlaps the dispensing aperture, to minimize external contamination. The aperture is made by a cut-out, leaving an opening in the material used to form the package. A separate retaining band is added to decrease the size of the opening so that the desired overlap can be maintained independent of the cut-out used to form the opening or the flap. The package is intact as presented to the user, and may completely enclose the hygienic articles after the first use of a hygienic article.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a receptacle including a body having a first and second surfaces and a pin. The first surface includes a first opening from a first slot in the body, the first slot being obliquely disposed relative to the first surface. The second surface includes a second opening from a second slot in the body, the second slot being obliquely disposed relative the second surface in parallel relation to the first slot, the first and second openings being vertically aligned The pin is reciprocable within the second slot.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning system with separate inflatable cushioning chambers and a common air inlet. The inflatable cushioning chambers each have an inflation port. The common air inlet is in fluid communication with each of the inflatable cushioning chambers. During inflation, pressurized air is inserted into the common air inlet. The pressurized air then enters the individual cushioning chambers through the inflation ports.

Abstract: A gas current classifier which comprises a classifying chamber, a material feed nozzle for introducing a material powder into the classification zone of the classifying chamber, and a Coanda block for classifying the material powder thus introduced by the Coanda effect to separate the powder into at least a fraction of fine powder and a fraction of coarse powder, wherein the material feed nozzle has a material receiving opening for introducing the material powder into the material feed nozzle the material powder is introduced into the classification zone from an orifice of the material feed nozzle while its flow is accelerated by the gas stream within the material feed nozzle and the Coanda block is provided at a position higher than the orifice of the material feed nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the grading of fish into various size categories, utilizing a series of panels with progressively smaller spaces between grading bars on the panels. The panels are attached to a panel box that may be raised or lowered within a holding vat. Water constantly flows through the holding vat, up through the panel box, and out over a spillway at the top front of the holding vat. By raising the panel box, the largest fish are forced out of the holding vat and down the spillway by the grading bars on the panels inside the panel box. Smaller fish swim through the grading bars on the panels with wider spaces between grading bars, and are not forced out of the holding vat until a lower panel with narrower spaces between grading bars is raised to the edge of the spillway. The constant flow of water up and toward the spillway causes the fish to instinctively swim downward and align themselves parallel to the grading bars and keeps the fish oxygenated during the grading process.

Abstract: A modular storage system utilizes pluralities of mutually orthogonal members removably coupled to one another through cooperative male and female connectors to form a lattice structure with a plurality of receptacles for storing articles such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes and the like. First members include female connectors having at least one aperture through which are coupled a pair of coaxially-oriented second members extending orthogonal thereto. One of the second members includes a pin which is hollowed out to define an aperture suited for receiving the pin of the other second member such that both second members are coupled to one another as well as to the first member. In addition, the female connectors in the first members include a pair of apertures, with male connectors of the second members including pairs of pins suitable for engaging the apertures in the first members.

Abstract: A shelf assembly comprising a shelf having a front frame member and a rear frame member and a plurality of substantially parallel dividers extending between the front frame member and the rear frame member. The dividers are arranged in pairs defining a plurality of tracks for supporting a plurality of products arranged in columns between the pairs of dividers. At least one pusher is located within each track for urging a column of products forwardly along the track. Each pusher comprises a sheet of flexible material having a memory characteristic which biases the sheet toward a flat planar orientation. Each pusher is forced into an upwardly bowed inverted U-shaped configuration between the rear frame member of the shelf and a rearwardmost product in a column of products in a track so as to urge the column of products forwardly toward the front frame member when a forwardmost product is removed.

Abstract: A shelving system is provided which includes a polygonal shelf assembly, shelf supporting assemblies and post. The polygonal shelf assembly includes at least three bracket receiving sections. At least three shelf supporting assemblies are provided for supporting the polygonal shelf assembly. At least three posts are provided for releasably coupling to the at least three shelf supporting assemblies for supporting a polygonal shelf assembly. Each of the shelf supporting assemblies includes a collar and a support bracket. The support brackets have a shelf receiving section. When assembled, each of the collars are frictionally coupled to the at least three posts and each of the support brackets are frictionally engaged to the collars. The at least three bracket receiving sections of the polygonal shelf assemblies are then releasably coupled to the shelf receiving sections of the support brackets to form a shelving system that may be easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: An all-plastic shelf unit module has a sliding drawer supported below its underside. The module has four pieces: a drawer, a shelf piece, and two slide supports that support the drawer beneath the shelf piece. The slide supports have intromittent plugs that plug into sockets located on the bottom surface of the shelf piece. The plugs have a "lock in place" feature that locks them in place once they have been fully inserted, and such insertion is accomplished by horizontal motion.

Abstract: The invention provides container closure assemblies, especially for carbonated beverage containers, having substantially helical second thread segment (20) with a profiled lower thread surface (24). The profiled lower thread surface (24) includes a first, lower region (28) with a low pitch and a second region (30) with a steep pitch. The thread (20) may also include a step feature (32) to block unscrewing of the closure at an intermediate position where gas venting can take place, and a third region (34) of the said lower surface having a low pitch adjacent to the step. The closures are easy to apply and remove, and do not blow off unpredictably or uncontrollably under pressure.

Abstract: A freight container in the form of a tractor-trailer or intermodal container which is convertible for selectively carrying solid freight or bulk liquid freight including a housing, a plurality of collapsible tanks in the housing, liquid outlets in the tanks and conduits in communication with the liquid outlets located entirely within the housing and an opening in the housing proximate the outlets of the conduits. A liquid washing assembly is permanently mounted on the tanks both in the expanded and collapsed conditions of the tanks. Guide structure is provided in association with the frame of the collapsible tanks for guiding the frame in a perfectly vertical direction both when the tanks are being expanded and being collapsed. Also, the bases of the tanks include pipe structure which permits the bases to be of relatively small depth.

Abstract: A collapsible container orientable between assembled and collapsed positions having a base, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The base has a pair of opposing upstanding end flanges integral thereto defining a corner line at each end and a side face member perpendicular. A pair of opposing side edges lie in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from an adjacent co-planar pair of side face members and extending therebetween. Opposing side walls are pivotably attached to one of the opposing side edges, forming an extension of the base when the container is in assembled. Each side wall has a latch member at each lateral edge having upper and lower curved surfaces and a tooth at its distal end. Each end wall has a pair of flanges with an opening sized to slidingly receive a latching member in the assembled state and is securely held by a living hinge. The container is adapted to being nestable when in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A container (1) for storage or transport of liquids comprises a flexible body (2) which is collapsible and erectable, the body having a base (18) and side walls (7, 8, 11, 12), with pockets (4) therein, and stiffining means (3) in the pockets to stiffen the flexible body (2), wherein a transverse gusset (6) is provided at each corner between adjacent side walls (7, 12, 8, 11), and a reinforcer (5) extends from the corner to the gusset, the reinforcer (5) being provided with stiffening means therein. A liner (not shown) conforms to the octogonal interior configuration of the container body. Two opposite side walls (7, 8) each have two center pockets (4c), and a central joint line (9) between the two center pockets (4c) provides a hinge line for folding of the container. Each side wall (7, 8, 11, 12), reinforcer (5) and gusset (6) may be formed of a single piece of fabric.

Abstract: A container which can be held and opened by one hand has a dome-shaped cap formed by a series of adjacent, contiguous and ogee-shaped segments resiliently held together by an elastic ring. When the cap is forced down over the opening rim of the vessel, the ogee-shaped segment separate to expose the vessel opening.

Abstract: A pull top type can with a seal is provided, which is sanitary, can prevent injury of the user, can prevent spattering of the contents and can be re-used. The seal (5, 5A) is attached to the pull top type can (1, 1A) such as to cover the tap.

Abstract: A dual aperture beverage container is disclosed, consisting of a beverage container of traditional cylindrical shape, with a traditional pouring aperture assembly on the top of the container, such as a scored section and a tab. Located along the container side wall is a second scored portion. A venting aperture opener is included which hooks onto the top container rim and opens the venting scored portion to reveal a venting aperture. The venting aperture container can be used to provide additional air to the pouring aperture, or can itself be used as a pouring aperture. Also disclosed is a venting scored portion and venting tab, located on the container bottom, serving the same purpose as the venting aperture located on the container side wall.

Abstract: A dual function overcap for a cylindrical container, having a bead about the top edge and generally used for snack foods, includes a substantially planar covering portion and a downwardly extending lip. The dual function overcap fits over the container with a bead by engaging the downwardly extending lip or can fit a shortened form of the same container without a bead, or the same, or similar, container without a bead. In one form of the invention, the overcap must be flipped over to attach the overcap to the edge of the shortened container. In the preferred form of the invention, a raised channel within the covering portion, receives and retains the edge of the shortened container.

Abstract: A resealable can end is provided including a neck member and hat member which can be sealed onto and removed from the neck member of the end, and is capable of containing product under pressure if desired. This end can be added, as by a conventional seam, to a metal container body to obtain resealing containment of partial contents retained in the container, and to provide an improved mouth construction (or pour opening) for better pouring and for comfortable direct drinking from the container. Also disclosed are improved methods of and apparatus for making such a resealable hat and neck type of container end.

Abstract: A trash can vent system that is securable to a trash can and that includes a vent channel positionable along the interior sidewall of the trash can to prevent the trash can liner from forming a vacuum seal with the interior trash can sidewalls. The vent channel member preferably has a number of vent openings formed therethrough in connection between a vent channel and the trash can liner facing side of the vent channel member and is adjustable in length.

Abstract: A portable closable container has individually closable cells under a main lid. The container has a base with which the main lid defines an internal space. The internal space is partially filled by a plurality of side-by-side, top-to-bottom individual cells. Each of the cells is fitted with a removable cover which is hingedly mounted to the cell. The removable cover of the cell includes a tab for manipulation by the user's finger. A space is provided for a label on the cover of the cell. The components of the container are preferably composed of a polymerized material, such as polypropylene. There are two slots on the main lid which match the two feet on the base. These slots and the feet allow one container of the same kind to be stacked on the top of another without one shifting with respect to the other away from each other.

Abstract: A compact storage system for fluids is provided by multitudes of closely spaced parallel planes of adsorptive material (88) that is contained within a substantially impervious barrier layer (2). In normal pressure-containing embodiments, reinforcement (4) is wrapped upon the impervious barrier layer (2) to increase the burst strength of the assembly that results. In higher pressure containing embodiments, material (88) provides reinforcement of barrier layer (2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for supplying a liquid to a plurality of apparatuses which apply the liquid to substrates to process the substrates. The device comprises a tank containing the liquid, a supply passage for supplying the liquid from the tank to the apparatuses, branch passages connected to the supply passage, for supplying the liquid to liquid-applying members provided in the apparatuses, and valves provided on the branch passages, respectively. The valves are controlled each other, for opening and closing the branch passages such that the liquid-applying member of one apparatus applies the liquid to a substrate while the liquid-applying member of any other apparatus remains to apply the liquid to a substrate.

Abstract: The bottle top dispenser has a valve housing and a piston-cylinder unit, which can be releasably affixed to the housing, the piston and cylinder of which can be activated in an axial stroke movement relative to one another, in order to draw liquid from a bottle on which the dispenser is set, and eject it. The intake process takes place in a spring-activated extension movement, and the ejection process takes place in a manually activated compression movement of the piston-cylinder unit. The dispenser has an activation unit, where a releasable activation connection can be produced between the former and the piston-cylinder unit. The activation unit is provided with the spring element for the intake process, and preferably designed for the manual action for ejection.

Abstract: A system for handling high purity liquid chemicals has an outer container with a mouth. A closure holding a key code ring is coupled to the mouth. The system also has a connector for coupling with the closure. The connector has a key pattern configured to mate with the key code ring in the closure. The connector is connected to a manufacturing process and coupled to the closure such that liquid chemicals can be dispensed from the container to the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A hand operated garment folding table for processing knit upper garments comprises an adjustable width bed and a pair of fixed arms. Offset hinges couple the arms to the bed.

Abstract: A portable bow making machine with three clutches controlling the size, arc generation and a no-back clutch assuring that the belt driving the impaler assembly doesn't go into reverse The user requiring no particular skill, merely threads the ribbon in a channel under the reciprocal carriage and the two stroke operation automatically makes one of the loops of the bow. Stroking continues until the bow is complete and a stapler automatically retracts the needles of the impaler and the staple is forced against an anvil to secure the bow. The stapler is configured to hold a removable self-gluing card that is concomitantly attached to the bow. The forward stroke carries a carriage and clapper along the carriage slides, The clapper reaches a predetermined point and drops onto the impaler to secure each of the loops to the bow. The return stroke repositions the carriage for the next forward stroke.

Abstract: A storage system in which a base is preferably blow-molded of a lightweight polymeric material and includes a peripheral raised edge including integral sockets for receiving pivoted front and rear walls, as well as end walls and dividers. The end walls of the preferred embodiment are made of a foldable material, such that they collapse integrally with the front and rear walls, while the dividers snap-fit into the base and interlock with the front and rear walls for use. Each of the front, rear and end walls, as well as the dividers, can be folded flat for compact storage of the divider unit.

Abstract: A combination collapsible backpack and lined compartment includes a backpack formed of a back section, a front section any bottom section attached to the front section and back section. The backpack further includes a pair of shoulder straps attached to the back section. The backpack may be collapsed onto the bottom section of the backpack. An upper lid is attached to the backpack, and the lid attachment attaches the bottom section of the backpack and the upper lid when the backpack is collapsed onto the bottom section of the backpack, so that the collapsed backpack is between the bottom section of the backpack and the lid. A carrying compartment has side walls and a bottom wall. A compartment attachment attaches the side walls of the carrying compartment to the bottom section of the backpack so that the bottom section of the backpack forms a top section of the carrying compartment.

Abstract: A safety utility belt that includes a number of retaining rings each provided with a safety cover flap securable over the retaining ring to prevent snagging of the retaining ring. The safety utility belt includes a heavy duty webbing back belt, a reflective center belt strip, a buckle assembly, a belt strip end that is coupleable to the buckle assembly to secure the back belt about the waist of a user, a horizontally pivoting tool retaining ring, a no-snag tool retaining ring safety cover flap securable over the tool retaining ring to prevent snagging of the tool retaining ring, a vertically pivoting attached D-ring, and a no-snag D-ring safety cover flap securable over the D-ring to prevent snagging of the D-ring.

Abstract: A roof rack for a vehicle including a support member which is removably secured to the roof thereof and a telescoping member slidably attached within the support member for movement between a transport position and a loading position. The telescoping member includes a first segment hinged to a second segment which rotates about its axis when in the loading position. A brace, which is fixed to the support member, braces the second segment when in the loading position and limits the extent of its rotation, ultimately preventing the telescoping member from contacting the vehicle's side panels. Articles are loaded onto an L-shaped bracket which extends upwardly from the outer ends of the telescoping member and parallel thereto to space the load above the vehicle's roof when in the transport position.

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.