Abstract: A roof rack system for a vehicle including a bracket base configured to be secured to a roof of the vehicle, the bracket base including at least one base opening disposed on an angled base side surface; a roof rail configured to be secured to the bracket base; a bracket stay secured to an underside of the roof rail, the bracket stay including at least one stay opening disposed on an angled stay side surface, the at least one stay opening being aligned with the at least one base opening; and a fastening mechanism configured to be coupled through the at least one stay opening in the bracket stay and the at least one base opening in the bracket base to thereby secure the roof rail onto the bracket base. Also, a method of installing a roof rail on a roof of a vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rail and an apparatus for attaching the roof rail to the roof of a vehicle are provided. The roof rail is elongated and includes a bottom portion for engaging the outer surface of the roof. The roof rail also includes inboard and outboard side portions extending between the bottom portion and a top portion. An access hole is provided in the roof rail on an inboard side portion or at a location that is lower than an uppermost point of the roof rail for providing access to a fastener such as a roof stud or bolt attaching the roof rail to the roof. The access hole is blocked from view from a laterally outer side of the roof rail.

Abstract: A truck bracket assembly including a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is provided to mount a sports bar to a side panel of a vehicle truck bed. The first bracket has a panel facing surface that faces the side panel. The second bracket has a first portion supported to the panel facing surface of the first bracket. The second bracket has a second portion that extends cantilevered with respect to the first portion.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a rack system for securing articles. The rack system can include a longitudinal elongate rail traversing a longitudinal direction, and a lateral rail adjustably mounted to the elongate rail. The lateral rail can be orthogonally oriented (or obliquely oriented) with respect to the longitudinal elongate rail. The lateral rail can be configured to be mounted at a plurality of longitudinal positions along the longitudinal rail. The rack can further include one or more upwardly extending brackets that are adjustably mounted to the lateral rail. The upwardly extending bracket(s) can be mounted at one or more lateral positions along the lateral rail. The lateral rail and the upwardly extending bracket(s) cooperate to form a concavity for at least partially surrounding a portion of an article to hold the article in position when mounted to the system.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior component includes: a main body having an elongated shape and attached to a vehicle body panel having vehicle body-side attachment portions; and attachment portions provided in the main body at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the main body. The attachment portions have attachment reference surfaces in contact with the vehicle body-side attachment portions at two or more combination positions each defined by a combination of one of lateral positions shifted from each other in a width direction of the main body and one of vertical positions shifted from each other in an attachment height direction of the main body to the vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a cabin covering a driver section, a receiver to receive positional information from a satellite, and a stay to support the receiver. The receiver is above a roof of the cabin and supported at a cabin framework of the cabin via the stay.

Abstract: A clamp includes a jaw assembly, and an actuator device for moving the jaw assembly between clamped and unclamped positions. The actuator device includes a handle, and a keyed shaft coupled to the handle via a spring biased releasable torque transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A roof rail and an apparatus for attaching the roof rail to the roof of a vehicle are provided. The roof rail is elongated and includes a bottom portion for engaging the outer surface of the roof. The roof rail also includes inboard and outboard side portions extending between the bottom portion and a top portion. An access hole is provided in the roof rail on an inboard side portion or at a location that is lower than an uppermost point of the roof rail for providing access to a fastener such as a roof stud or bolt attaching the roof rail to the roof. The access hole is blocked from view from a laterally outer side of the roof rail.

Abstract: A ladder transport system includes a cabin support member having an upper panel affixed to a rear panel, wherein the cabin support member can removably secure to a cabin of a vehicle. An aperture is disposed through the rear panel. A tailgate support member includes a front wall, a rear wall, and an upper wall extending therebetween defining an interior channel. The interior channel receives a tailgate of the vehicle therein, such that the tailgate support member is removably secured to the tailgate. A pair of support rods extend from the upper wall to engage a rung of a ladder.

Abstract: A vehicle including a passenger compartment having a roof support framework including a pair of roof rails, a header and at least one roof bow. A roof including several rigid removable roof panels is removably assembled to the roof support framework. Pins are removably assembled to the roof rails or to brackets attached to the roof rails that extend through the roof panels. A roof rack or cargo carrier is removably attached to upper ends of the pins and is spaced above the roof panels. A method of assembling a roof rack to a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roof rack mounted on a roof panel of a vehicle includes a main body including a rail that extends along a lengthwise direction and forms the main body and support parts provided on opposite longitudinal end portions of the rail in the lengthwise direction, a hollow profile that extends along the lengthwise direction of the rail and that is integrally formed inside the rail, caps mounted on opposite distal ends of the hollow profile and disposed inside the main body, and a pair of covers mounted on opposite side surfaces of each of the support parts.

Abstract: Vehicle sensor systems include modular sensor kits having one or more pods (e.g., sensor roof pods) and/or one or more bumpers (e.g., sensor bumpers). The sensor roof pods are configured to couple to a vehicle. A sensor roof pod may be positioned atop a vehicle proximate a front of the vehicle, proximate a back of the vehicle, or at any position along a top side of the vehicle being coupled, for example, using a mounting shim or a tripod. The sensor roof pods can include sensors (e.g., LIDAR sensors, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, etc.), processing units, control systems (e.g., temperature and/or environmental control systems), and communication devices (e.g., networking and/or wireless devices).

Abstract: A roof luggage rack, a roof luggage rack assembly, and a vehicle having a roof luggage rack are provided. The roof luggage rack includes a body portion, defining a receiving chamber, and an illuminator, arranged in the receiving chamber. According to present the roof luggage rack, a lighting effect is provided to illuminate a side of the vehicle. A driver can observe a traffic condition or check articles carried on the luggage rack at night. Further, the luggage rack may have a dazzling lighting effect, and the vehicle may have an aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A truck bed accessory frame is disclosed therein which allows for reconfiguration between an opened position and a closed position. In the open position, objects taller than the frame can loaded onto the truck bed. In the closed position, objects placed in the truck bed can be protected from the environmental elements (e.g. rain and UV rays from the sun).

Abstract: A bracket comprising: (a) a mating portion; (b) a channel secured to the mating portion; and (c) a tab extending from a terminal edge of the mating portion; wherein the mating portion abuts a top edge of a cargo box of a vehicle and the tab at least partially extends around a lip of the cargo box to secure the bracket to the top edge of the cargo box.

Abstract: A fully transparent luggage rack having a color illuminant includes a transparent longitudinal rod, an illuminant, a mounting base, a wire and a hollow bolt. The longitudinal rod is connected to the mounting base; the illuminant is arranged in the longitudinal rod; the mounting base is also fixed to a vehicle roof by means of the hollow bolt; and the wire penetrates the hollow bolt and is connected to the illuminant. A vehicle which is arranged with the fully transparent luggage rack having the color illuminant may be provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stretch/bent roof rail apparatus for use on an exterior body surface of a vehicle. The apparatus may have a roof rail having a body portion, with the body portion having an opening. A housing assembly is adapted to fit at least partially within the opening in the body portion and has a support cradle and a cap. The support cradle and the cap may be configured to be secured to one another. The housing assembly may further being configured to enable an electrically powered component to be arranged within the cap and provided with an unobstructed line of sight outwardly from the roof rail body portion. The support cradle may have a footprint generally in accordance with the roof rail and configured to fit substantially completely within the roof rail. This helps to support the electrically powered component such that the roof rail, the housing assembly, and the electrically powered component form a unitary assembly when assembled together.

Abstract: A battery tray for a battery powered vehicle includes a battery tray having a side wall. An impact absorbing structure is connected to the side wall. The impact absorbing structure includes at least one roll-formed member fixed to the side wall. The at least one roll-formed member is created from a single metal plate and includes a first plate portion roll-formed to create a first cavity and having a first flange created in a member central wall of the first plate portion. The first flange is fixed to the first plate portion. A second plate portion is roll-formed to create a second cavity and has a second flange at an end of the second plate portion fixed to the member central wall. A roll-formed U-shaped attachment member is fixed to the at least one roll-formed member.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to roof racks made substantially of cardboard or plastic, systems for carrying cargo onto a car's roof comprising such roof racks, kits for constructing such roof-rack systems and methods of installing such roof-racks onto a roof of a car.

Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, among other things, a roof structure, a bracket projecting from the roof structure, a roof panel configured to attach to the roof structure such that the bracket is beneath the roof panel, and an accessory configured to attach to the bracket. A method is also disclosed.

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 vehicle auxiliary storage compartment comprising a floor, a back wall that extends upward from the floor, and a front wall that extends upward from floor opposite the back wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls disposed at opposing ends of the front wall and the back wall. The front wall is defined by a back side of a seating structure of a vehicle in which the auxiliary storage compartment is disposed.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for attachment to a side rail of a vehicle includes a cross bar configured to extend from a portion of the side rail and a coupling assembly disposed at least partially in a stanchion that extends from an end of the cross bar proximate the side rail. The coupling assembly is configured to couple a portion of the cross bar to the side rail. The carrier assembly also includes a cover configured to engage at least a portion of the stanchion to enclose the coupling assembly and a fastener configured to extend through an aperture disposed on a side of the stanchion opposite the cover and to engage a boss extending from a side of the cover facing the stanchion.

Abstract: A sports bar in a truck is provided. The sports bar may comprise a base including a first member and a second member coupled to the first member via a pivot bracket, and a hoop pivotally connected to the pivot bracket to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position. A top of the hoop is adjacent to a cabin of the truck at the closed position and the top of the hoop is at a rear of a truck bed at the open position.

Abstract: A carrier system for a vehicle having a pair of vacuum devices shaped and sized to mate and secure to a recreational article. Each vacuum device includes a pad shaped and sized to detachably seat with a vehicle to form a vacuum cavity. The frame is configured to detachably attach to a mounting surface, is generally arcuate, and has a front frame pivotally connected to a rear frame member to pivot between operating and storage positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a vehicle roof rack, provided on a roof of a vehicle, includes a roof rack rail, a roof rack bolt fixed to the roof rack rail, a roof rack nut fastened to the roof rack bolt, a roof rack pad coupled to the roof rack rail, a spacer mounted to a roof panel of the vehicle, and an in-line nut for fixing the spacer.

Abstract: In order, in the case of a roof rail, which is to be fastened to a roof structure of a motor vehicle and which has a load-absorbing rail profile which is fastened to the motor vehicle via fastening means acting on a fastening leg, to make it possible, with a simultaneously simple manufacturing capability, to securely and permanently mount a decoration of very high-grade appearance, provision is made to connect a decorative profile to the rail profile via the fastening leg.

Abstract: A vehicle attachable shielding device for protecting a vehicle control assembly from moisture damage includes a shell that defines an interior space. A first penetration is positioned in a bottom of the shell and defines a rim. The first penetration is configured to insert a control assembly of the vehicle into the interior space. A coupler is coupled to the rim and is configured to couple to an interior surface of a vehicle. A second penetration is positioned in a top of the shell. A panel, which is coupled to the shell, is positioned to selectively couple to the shell to close the second penetration. The shell and the panel are configured to protect the control assembly from moisture damage. The panel is positioned to selectively decouple from the shell so that the second penetration is configured to insert a hand of a user to manipulate the control assembly.

Abstract: A ladder rack which is removably mounted on the top edge of a pick-up bed for hauling ladders. The ladder rack can be quickly installed or removed from the pick-up bed without damaging the bed finish. Because the ladder rack is modular, the disassembled rack components can be folded into a space saving configuration for storage.

Abstract: A clamping member for a load carrier foot clamping mechanism includes a clamping mechanism and a discontinuous contact portion. The clamping mechanism is configured to couple a load carrier foot to a continuous supporting portion of a vehicle. The discontinuous contact portion has at least two contact sections arranged at an obtuse angle and configured to contact the supporting portion so that the clamping member is usable for supporting portions arranged at different angles.

Abstract: A building technique uses standard shipping containers as buttresses to support a truss system that may extend between the shipping containers to provide a roof. A sliding connector system attaches the trusses to the shipping containers to accommodate variations in separation of the shipping containers presenting a versatile framing system that is insensitive to site-related variations.

Abstract: A removable rack for holding and/or transporting kayaks with a vehicle such as a pick up, trailer, utility vehicle or flat bed truck. The rack comprises a frame which holds at least one kayaks in a pickup at a selected height and leaving storage room under rack frame. The rack also can be disassembled into a relatively small bundle of parts for easy storage and transport. The rack provides a dolly or hand truck including a frame with wheels and a handle means to maintain the desired spacing between the support surface and the kayak supported by the elevated platform. The hand truck assembly are configured to be easily moved onto an elevated platform, for example, the bed of a truck or an elevated floor such as a raised patio or deck floor. The transport device facilitates transportation of the kayak to a body of water.

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: The invention involves a cargo carrier for vehicles that facilitates loading and unloading of items onto an enclosure; the cargo carrier may be automated and self-loading via actuators and a motorized mechanism that may be remotely controlled. The actuators may be configured to tilt the enclosure and one or more motors may be configured to deploy a deployable tray housed within the enclosure, which minimizes user loading or unloading labor. Typically, on a front end of the enclosure, one or more actuators may couple the enclosure to a front portion of a vehicle support structure. On a rear end of the enclosure, one or more rear fittings may be configured to tiltably couple the enclosure to a rear portion of the vehicle support structure. The deployable tray may include a conveyor mechanism to further facilitate loading or unloading.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a low profile, highly aerodynamic swing-in-place style vehicle article carrier system for use on a wide variety of passenger cars and trucks. The system makes use of a pair of side rails that are used to support a pair of cross bars in stowed positions thereon where the cross bars are secured parallel to the side rails, or in operative positions where the cross bars are secured perpendicularly between the side rails. The side rails each incorporate a rotating end support subsystem which automatically elevates one end of its associated cross bar when the cross bar is moved pivotally into its operative position. This enables the cross bars to form a very low profile when in their stowed positions, but to be automatically raised a predetermined distance when moved into their operative positions, to thus provide additional clearance between the cross bars and an outer body surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A truck bed accessory frame is disclosed therein which allows for reconfiguration between an opened position and a closed position. In the open position, objects taller than the frame can loaded onto the truck bed. In the closed position, objects placed in the truck bed can be protected from the environmental elements (e.g. rain and UV rays from the sun).

Abstract: A drying rack designed to easily mount to a vehicle or other similar structure that is portable and collapsible. The drying rack includes a U-shaped bracket, a first support arm, a second support arm, a drying rod, a first locking hinge, and a second locking hinge. The first support arm and the second support make up the frame and are positioned parallel and offset to each other. The first support arm is terminally mounted to a first leg of the U-shaped bracket through the first locking hinge. Similarly, the second support arm is terminally mounted to a second leg of the U-shaped bracket through the second locking hinge. The drying rod is perpendicularly connected in between the first support arm and the second support arm. Additionally, the drying rod and the U-shaped bracket are positioned opposite to each other, across the first support arm and the second support arm.

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 vehicular roof rack mounting bracket configured to be secured onto load carrier bars of different dimensions is presented. The bracket can include a pair of elongate clamps configured to be coupled to a bicycle fork anchor of a bicycle carrier. Each clamp can have a bar engagement portion configured to abut an exterior of an elongate support bar of a vehicular roof rack in a secured configuration in which each clamp is fastened to the support bar, and each of the pair of clamps can have a lengthwise oriented longitudinal axis such that each longitudinal axis is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the other longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A magnetic umbrella swivel holder system comprising a swivel umbrella holder, further comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is a first tube with a diameter sized to hold an umbrella pole, the lower portion is a second tube. Preferably, the upper portion is connected to the lower portion with a pivot device. A magnet is preferably removably attached to the lower portion using a fastener that threadably attaches to a receptacle fitted within the lower portion such that the magnet forms a bottom surface.

Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor module having an external surface configured to receive a seal and defining a perimeter. The assembly includes a plurality of sensors supported by the sensor module. The assembly includes a lock movable between a locked state and an unlocked state and supported by the sensor module within the perimeter. A computer is supported by the sensor module and is programmed to actuate the lock.

Abstract: A vehicle roof panel attachment assembly includes a substructure, a fastening device, a roof panel, and a side panel. The fastening device is engaged to the substructure and projects through an opening in the substructure. The roof panel includes a top portion spaced above the substructure, a flange, and a bend feature disposed between the top portion and the flange. The flange projects, at least in-part, downward from the bend feature and is engaged to the fastening device. The side panel includes an outer segment and an inner segment projecting, at least in-part, downward from the outer segment. A seam is carried by and between the bend feature and the inner segment.

Abstract: A vacuum blocker for a movable roof panel is provided and moves between an open position and a closed position and between a seated position and a lifted position when in the closed position relative to an opening formed in a fixed roof panel of a vehicle. A seal member is supported by the fixed roof panel and forms a first seal at a junction of the fixed roof panel and the movable roof panel when the movable roof panel is in the seated position. A flap extends between the seal member and the movable roof panel and forms a second seal at a junction of the seal member and the movable roof panel when the movable roof panel is in the closed position and is moved from the seated position to the lifted position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a cargo area at least partially defined by the body. A tailgate assembly is adjustably connected to the body and movable relative to the body between a first position and at least one second position. The tailgate assembly includes a structure having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A cargo system is operatively connected to the tailgate assembly. The cargo system includes an extension member having a housing, a first arm extending from a first side of the housing securable to the first lateral edge of the tailgate structure and a second arm extending from a second side of the housing securable to the second lateral edge of the tailgate structure.

Abstract: A truck bed accessory frame is disclosed therein which allows for reconfiguration between an opened position and a closed position. In the open position, objects taller than the frame can loaded onto the truck bed. In the closed position, objects placed in the truck bed can be protected from the environmental elements (e.g. rain and UV rays from the sun).

Abstract: A collapsible container assembly includes a box that may be positioned in a bed of a vehicle. The box stores objects. A plurality of tabs is provided and each of the tabs is coupled to the box. Each of the tabs is tied to the vehicle thereby facilitating the box to be retained in the bed of the vehicle. A frame is positioned within the box. The frame is foldable such that the frame is selectively positioned between a deployed position and a folded position. The frame retains the box in a cubic shape when the frame is in the deployed position. The box is collapsed when the frame is positioned in the folded position.

Abstract: A material supporting system for a pick-up truck includes a platform with side members oriented parallel to one another; and cross-members interposed between the slide members. The system also includes support legs, first tracks, second tracks and roller assemblies. One of the roller assemblies is attached to a first end of one of the slide members. One of the support legs is attached to a second end, opposite the first end, of said slide member; and one of the roller assemblies is attached to said support leg.

Abstract: System and method for providing answers to questions based on any corpus of data implements a method that generates a number of candidate passages from the corpus that answer an input query, and finds the correct resulting answer by collecting supporting evidence from the multiple passages. By analyzing all retrieved passages and that passage's metadata in parallel, an output plurality of data structures is generated including candidate answers based upon the analyzing. Then, supporting passage retrieval operations are performed upon the set of candidate answers, and for each candidate answer, the data corpus is traversed to find those passages having candidate answer in addition to query terms. All candidate answers are automatically scored by a plurality of scoring modules, each producing a module score. The modules scores are processed to determine one or more query answers; and, a query response is generated based on the one or more query answers.

Abstract: Improvements on a portable pressurized solar shower which is mounted on the roof of a vehicle using roof rack mounting hardware. The vessel is an elongated elliptical shape (20), which is capped on both ends (32) with an endplate. It can be filled by removing a radiator cap (34) on top. Water can be sprayed out using an attached hose (60) and nozzle (70). The vessel is made from black painted or coated conductive metal which absorbs the sunlight and transfers the heat to the water on the inside. The vessel can be pressurized by an air pump via a valve stem (39) installed on the vessel. A mounting bolt slides within a T-slot which is integrated as part of the shower vessel.

Abstract: An interface system is provided for a truck box. An interface plate is attached to a recess formed in a sidewall of the truck box. A cleat is attached to an inverted T-shaped opening formed in the interface plate. A T-shaped base is inserted in the inverted T-shaped opening to hold the cleat to the sidewall of the truck box. A reinforcement plate is attached to an inside surface of the sidewall.