Abstract: A roof rack for a motor vehicle including two roof strips which extend longitudinally along the roof, are parallel to each other and are spaced apart. A respective support strip on each roof strip is swingable from a position in a recess on the roof strip to a position across to the other roof strip. Each support strip is swingable about a mount at a respective vertical axis. The mount includes a set screw settable to determine the amount to which the support strip may be upraised from the vehicle roof and a spring which urges the support strip upward, establishing thereby the upper and lower positions of the support strip with respect to the vehicle roof. The support strip may be locked in the lowered or upraised vertical positions.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack article carrier having a protective rubber insert strip secured in a channel formed in each cross rail of the roof rack. A leading edge portion is formed on the insert strip so as to curve downwardly along an arcuate upper front portion of the cross bar, terminating in a down-turned rounded edge, to thereby provide a virtually wind noise resistant roof rack.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having an adjustable cross rail. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of side rails positioned longitudinally along an outer body surface of a vehicle such as a roof. The side rails each include a side rail member and a pair of brackets secured fixedly to the side rail member at opposite ends of the side rail member. The brackets are further fixedly secured to the outer body surface. Each of the side rail members and a selected pair of the brackets include channels formed therein in communication with each other. A cross rail is positioned perpendicularly between the channels and is movable slidably between an operative position between the side rail members, elevationally above the outer body surface, and a stored position between the selected pair of brackets closely adjacent the outer body surface. In the stored position the cross rail offers minimal wind resistance and generates minimal wind noise even when the vehicle is traveling at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: A clamp for supporting elongated articles such as a pair of skis on a motor vehicle includes a support base attachable to a load bar mounted transversely above a motor vehicle. A retaining element is pivotally attached at one end to the support base and is pivotable from an open position in which elongated articles can be inserted in or removed from said clamp to a closed position wherein it can be locked. The retaining element, together with its associated lock, further is pivotable about a second axis from a first position located to the rear of the rearward surface of the support base to a raised position spaced above the top surface of the support base wherein elongated articles can be clamped between the retaining element and the top of the support base. The retaining element is provided with a soft elastomeric surface for engagement with the top of the skis, while the top of the support base is provided with a layer of hard polymeric material to engage the bottom of the skis.

Abstract: A load carrier for vehicles has two longitudinal carrier profiles (4) fixed on the roof of the vehicle, the carrier profiles being of cross sections which are open in a direction towards one another and which are curved so as to be adapted to the curvature of the vehicle roof. The carrier profiles (4) are provided with covering profiles (5) on their open sides, these profiles being curved in a manner corresponding to that of the carrier profiles (4). The covering profiles (5) may be opened by pivoting by means of elastic and/or resiliently yieldable connecting devices (10) which, with short lengths, are distributed along the length of the carrier profiles. The carrier profiles (4) and the covering profiles (5) are provided, along their edges facing away from the connecting devices (10), with snap fasteners (7, 9) for fixedly retaining the covering strips in the closed position.

Abstract: Carrier apparatus for the transport of articles on the roof of a motor vehicle, particularly an all-purpose carrier, a ski-carrier or the like, including a support structure having feet which bear on the side edge portions of the roof and at least one associated magnetic plate which can be applied to the roof to retain the apparatus thereon substantially without transmitting the load of the articles carried by the support structure to the roof, the transmission of the load being entrusted substantially only to the resting feet.

Abstract: A pair of rigid supports each have an upper slot and a lower slot. Strap brackets are adjustably mounted in the upper slots and support members are adjustably mounted in the lower slots. Straps extend around luggage and engage the brackets to retain the luggage in place. Stop members depend from the luggage and engage the supports. Spacer means is connected between the supports. Collapsible luggage includes a rigid bottom supporting U-shaped spring wire struts connected to one another by a connecting bar. A cloth shell is stretched over the bottom and the struts. Dividers are provided within the luggage. A rain cover includes overlapping waterproof portions. A one piece molded nose cone has a tapered forward surface to reduce wind resistance and includes a channel in its forward surface for receiving a strap. Flexible straps include a pair of strap portions each having one end connected to a rigid member and the opposite ends of the strap portions are connected to one another by a buckle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cross-sectional configuration of a transverse girder (1) on a roof luggage carrier of a vehicle. According to the invention, the outer surfaces are symmetric in relation to a vertical longitudinal plane (2) of the transverse girder. The underside (3) is substantially a flat, horizontal lower surface (b) facing towards the vehicle roof. The upper width (a) of the transverse girder (1) is smaller than (b). The upper side (4) and the underside (3) are connected via convexly curved and rounded lateral surfaces (5, 6). Relationships and ratios of width and curvatures provide improved aerodynamic characteristics and a reduction of the noise level caused by wind according to the invention.

Abstract: A luggage rack (14) of the type suitable for installation on the roof (12) of an automotive vehicle (10) is improved through the addition of a mechanism for reducing the noise generated by wind passing over cross members (16,18) of the luggage rack (14). The mechanism is a strip (34) having irregular outer surfaces (40,42) secured to outer surfaces of at least one of the cross members (16,18). The irregular surfaces (40,42) operate to vary the cross section of the cross member (16,18) as it extends transversely of the vehicle (10), and the strip (34) may be formed as a tape having an adhesive layer (36) for securement to the luggage rack (14).

Abstract: An airstream deflector apparatus including an elongated body formed of a rigid material and having a parting shape, that is a shape in which a forward facing edge is formed by symmetrical planes to present a streamlined shape which will divert the oncoming airstream to each side. In one form, the body is provided with a pivotable coupling attachment which attaches to a forward portion of the bicycle rack in front of the bicycle itself. When there is no bicycle on the rack, the pivotable coupling between the deflector body and the bicycle rack permits the body to be pivoted downward toward the rear of the vehicle into a stored position.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having an adjustable cross rail. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of side rails positioned longitudinally along an outer body surface of a vehicle such as a roof. The side rails each include a side rail member and a pair of brackets secured fixedly to the side rail member at opposite ends of the side rail member. The brackets are further fixedly secured to the outer body surface. Each of the side rail members and selected pair of the brackets include channels formed therein in communication with each other. A cross rail is positioned perpendicularly between the channels and is movable slidably between an operative position between the side rial members, elevationally above the outer body surface, and a stored position between the selected pair of brackets closely adjacent the outer body surface. In the stored position the cross rail offers minimal wind resistance and generates minimal wind noise even when the vehicle is traveling at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fairing for a bicycle of the type having a front wheel, a forked steering column and a pair of handle bars, the fairing comprising a shroud, the shroud having a leading edge and a pair of walls extending rearwardly and outwardly on respective sides of the leading edge, the leading edge extending from a region near the handle bars to a region near the lowermost edge of the front wheel, the shroud having a sufficient height to shield the head of a rider in `one` position and a lower edge that is sufficiently low to shield the front wheel, thereby reducing the aerodynamic friction encountered by the bicycle.

Abstract: A luggage carrier for a vehicle having a frame which is adjustable between an elevated position spaced apart from the vehicle surface and a stored position substantially flush with the vehicle surface. The carrier frame can be moved to the stored position when not in use thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving the aesthetics of the vehicle. The frame is connected to a series of pivotable stanchions extending from base members mounted to the vehicle surface. The support stanchions incorporate locking assemblies which locks the frame in either position. As the support stanchions are pivoted into their respective base members, the frame will pivot downwardly until flush with the vehicle surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: The present invention is an article securing assembly for receiving a device to secure an object on a plurality of elongated slats mounted on an exterior horizontal surface of an automobile. The assembly includes a cavity in at least one of the slats. A tie-down member is disposed within the cavity for pivotal movement between a closed position in which the upper surface of the tie-down member does not extend above the upper surface of the slat and an open position such that a portion of the tie-down member extnds above the upper surface of the slat.

Abstract: A luggage carrier for a vehicle having a frame which is adjustable between an elevated position spaced apart from the vehicle surface and a stored position substantially flush with the vehicle surface. The carrier frame can be moved to the stored position when not in use thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving the aesthetics of the vehicle. The frame is connected to a series of pivotable stanchions extending from base members mounted to the vehicle surface. The support stanchions incorporate locking assemblies which locks the frame in either position. As the support stanchions are pivoted into their respective base members, the frame will pivot downwardly until flush with the vehicle surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a bicycle shield device adapted to be removably connected to a bicycle attached to a carrier for transportation by a highway vehicle so that the shield device is interposed in the airstream immediately ahead of the bicycle, in order to shield the bicycle from impact by foreign objects during such transportation. The device of the invention generally comprises an elongate narrow body to shield the bicycle frame and frame-mounted components, and a pair of opposed arms extending outwardly from the body in generally perpendicular relation to shield the bicycle handlebars and handlebar-mounted components. Various embodiments and adaptations for accommodation of different bicycle-to-carrier attachment systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A boat loading and storage apparatus comprising a load support frame having forward and rearward end for supporting a boat or similar load above a vehicle. The load support structure includes a pair of spaced apart adjacent telescoping beams adapted to be vertically pivotable, and horizontally rotatable, about a main support frame connected to a middle portion of a vehicle. A vertical support post is pivotally attached to the load supports forward end, and includes a lower end that is pivotally attached to a forward portion of the vehicle. During loading and unloading, the telescoping beams extend forwardly as the vertical support rotates downwardly toward a horizontal position. A pair of axillary supports have a ground contacting end and another end supporting the telescoping beams for supporting the latter. An attachment member is mounted for movement along a support member which in turn is mounted for movement along the telescoping beams. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the main support frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield device designed to be mounted on a vehicle mounted bicycle rack and bicycle to reduce wind resistance and to protect the bicycle from stones or other debris while said bicycle is being transported.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage carrier having at least one adjustable cross rail mounted to longitudinal side rails. The cross rail is discretely adjustable with respect to a plurlaity of spaced apart openings extending substantially the length of the side rails. A rear cross rail may be similarly adjustable or can form an extension of the side rails and therefore fixed as a rear spoiler. The cross rails are constructed so that they may be nested together to form a single spoiler. A cam locking mechanism extending through an opening in the side rail secures the cross rail in position.

Abstract: A cover is provided to protect a bicycle from exposure to environmental conditions during transport on a roof-top rack of automobile. Fasteners are used to secure the cover about bicycle. An aperture is located at the rear of the cover, i.e., the aperture opens in a direction opposite the forward motion of automobile as represented by arrow. As a result of a difference in air pressures between the interior and exterior of the cover, a pressure drop occurs at aperture which in turn creates a suctioning effect to inhibit undesirable buffeting and possible tearing of the cover.

Abstract: A vehicle roof top carrier having a base which is secured removably to the roof rack of a vehicle. A hard, aerodynamically shaped cover closes over the base, thereby protecting the contents of the carrier from the elements. The base has a plurality of downwardly opened channels to enable the base to fit over the vehicle roof rack and in close proximity to the vehicle roof. Removable fastening devices, protectably disposed within the carrier, secure elements of the rack within the channels to hold the carrier securely and removably in place over the rack. Thus, when the cover, which can be locked to the base, is in its closed position, the means of attachment of the base to the vehicle roof rack is protected from access by unauthorized persons.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails or selected slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar or restraining bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: A device for the protection of a transported bicycle, tricycle or motorcycle from debris is disclosed. The device is a rigid arcuate shield coextensive with the height of the cycle frame, and having hangers secured to the upper portion and brackets secured to the lower portion. The shield is installed substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel by engaging the hangers with the cross member portion of the cycle handlebars and by engaging the brackets with the cycle front axle or with the front quick-release mechanism of a cycle rack. The width of the shield and the outer angle of the shield's convex surface are selected so as to achieve the desired field of aerodynamic deflection.

Abstract: The ski case is a slim depth rectangular container designed to store, transport, and act as an overall ski equipment handling device. The case has two relatively asymmetrical major components--the top being the closure component of a ski equipment storage device as well as a sled to enable the transport of skis, boots, poles, and other miscellaneous ski-related material from the vehicle parking lot to the base lodge or elsewhere without the inconvenience and difficulty associated with carrying such items on one's person. The lower half of the case acts as the support and pivot for the top half as well as the mechanism for carrying the ski case on a motor vehicle roof or trunk. The lower half has a quick disconnect male-female dovetail system for easy and rapid removal from the auto roof top. The two components are lined with a velcro attached foam rubber which acts as the frictional support and restraint of the ski case contents.

Abstract: A ski carrier is in the form of a generally rigid tube of arcuate cross-sectional shape. The tube is divided into a plurality of compartments so that the skis as well as other equipment such as the ski poles may be stored in individual compartments. The skis are mounted in their compartments in contact with the inner surface of the tube to assure that the bindings of the skis are spaced from the walls of the tubes. One end of the tube is openable for insertion and removal of the skis and other equipment.

Abstract: A car-top carrier (1) with supporting elements (3) which can be connected to the top of a car and at least one supporting member (2) connected to the car top by the supporting elements, on which at least one holding member (6) for the objects to be transported is disposed, is designed in such a way that the influences of wind-resistance can be diminished in case no object is transported in the car-top carrier. A joint (8) is disposed between the supporting member (2) and the holding member (6), with a swiveling axis (10) of the joint extending transversely to the direction of travel (7), and the holding member (6) can be swiveled between a use position and nonuse position about the axis (10).

Abstract: A storage box adapted for mounting behind the wheel wells and the tailgate in a pick-up truck bed includes a planar base extending between bottom edges of a pair of generally vertical side walls. Each of the side walls have intersecting obliquely inclined top edge portions. A front wall of the storage box is formed by a rectangular planar panel extending in an obliquely inclined orientation between the top edge portions of the vertical side walls. A cover is formed by a planar rectangular panel which is pivotally secured to an upper edge of the front wall and is dimensioned to abut the top edge portions of the vertical side walls when in a closed position. A rear end opening of the storage box is defined by the planar base, the vertical side walls and the cover. The rear end opening is dimensioned to be opened and closed by the existing vehicle tailgate.

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: An article carrier for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier includes at least one generally horizontally arranged article supporting slat. The slat includes at one end a tie down mechanism. A wind deflection mechanism is positioned and secured onto the vehicle surface generally perpendicular to the slat. A second tie down mechanism is coupled with the wind deflection mechanism. The second tie down mechanism pivots from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second tie down mechanism, is positioned within the wind deflection mechanism and has a surface substantially flush with the wind deflection mechanism. In the second position, the second tie down means projects from the wind deflection mechanism to enable ropes, hooked bungee cords, or the like to secure to the second tie down mechanism.

Abstract: A rod-like protrusion of a vehicle body such as an antenna is provided with a projection at an outer peripheral portion intermediate the opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A cross rail for a luggage carrier system having a cross-section having a leading edge to diminish wind resistance and a longitudinally extending channel formed by the interior surfaces of the cross rail. The cross rail can be roll formed of two different materials, an outer skin of a more aesthetically pleasing material and an inner section of a relatively less expensive material. The cross rail is substantially hollow and includes a support for maintaining the cross rail from being crushed by normal loads incident to use with a luggage carrier system.

Abstract: An aerodynamic wind deflector for a scissors-type ski rack is disclosed. The wind deflector comprises a parabolic contoured deflector surface attached to a locking member having a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration which is clamped by a scissor clamp of the ski rack. The deflector may be inexpensively manufactured, reduces wind noise and improves the appearance of the ski rack.

Abstract: A streamlining apparatus is provided designed particularly toward the needs of shipping containers. The body of the unit is inflatable, and it is removably attached to the front of a container by a pair of holes which engage in loading poles in the upper front corners of the container, the poles remaining with the container as part of the mounting frame when it is being hauled. The poles permit mounting the streamlining body from the ground so that a lone driver can mount it unassisted without climbing up on the cab or the container.

Abstract: Mounting means for an airfoil member for mounting the member above the roof of the cab of a tractor in order to reduce the air-drag on the trailer unit, the inclination of the airfoil member being adjustable by clampable pivot means provided in support arms. At the right hand clampable pivot point, a pair of grip washers having undulations are welded to the support arm and tube bracket and urged into light clamping contact by means of a spring washer and nut and bolt. At the left hand clampable pivot point, a pair of grip washers having undulations are likewise welded to the support arm and tube bracket, and rigidly held in engagement by means of a head having an internally threaded portion engaging with the threaded shank of a bolt, a detachable handle being provided for quick clamping, and release to thus enable the driver to release the clamping mechanism and reset the inclination of the airfoil member in minimum time and effort.

Abstract: An automobile wind deflector assembly comprising a blade mounted on an automobile body by a pair of mounting brackets. The blade has at least one pair of alignment flanges and a pair of attachment flanges. Each mounting bracket has at least one flange cooperable with one of said blade alignment flanges and a mounting flange cooperable with one of said blade mounting flanges. The fasteners securing the brackets to the vehicle and the blade to the brackets are all obscured from view, providing the wind deflector blade with a smooth contoured outer surface uninterrupted by fasteners or the like while also providing a construction wherein the brackets can be mounted on the vehicle and then the blade mounted to the brackets. A pad may also be set between the bracket and the vehicle surface, which may have further alignment flanges to align said blade in cooperation with additional alignment flanges extending from the blade. The blade attachment flanges may comprise one set of the additional alignment flanges.

Abstract: A rooftop carrier has features that allow it to carry fishing rods. The carrier in one embodiment has a wind deflector blade at the rear for deflecting wind down over the rear window of the vehicle to clean the window. The blade is hinged to the carrier and has a lock for locking the blade in the lower position. A number of tubes are mounted to the carrier, each having an open end set forward of the blade. These tubes are adapted to carry fishing rods. The blade prevents access to the grips of the fishing rods when it is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the carrier has an open top, serving also for carrying luggage. The tubes are clipped into the carrier and can be removed. In another embodiment, the carrier has a closed top that may be opened to provide access to the tubes. A rear wall opens for access to the ends of the rods. Holes in the forward end of the housing allow the rods to protrude out of the tubes.

Abstract: An enclosed luggage carrier mountable on the roof of a motor vehicle. The carrier may be streamlined thereby providing less drag during travelling than with other roof carriers known to the applicant.

Abstract: A carrier for a motor vehicle including a planar, curved supporting member which is substantially the same size of the roof of the motor vehicle, a plurality of ribs formed integrally on the undersurface of the supporting member for reinforcing the supporting member and for spacing the supporting member from the roof of the motor vehicle, means for coupling the supporting member to the motor vehicle and a visor movable between an up-position and a down-position. When the visor is on the up-position, wind flow is allowed to pass through the space between the carrier and the roof of the motor vehicle and when the visor is on the down-position, wind flow will be shut-off. Thus, wind flow can be controllable based upon the weather condition.

Abstract: A stanchion for mounting a luggage rack or the like to a surface of a vehicle is disclosed. The stanchion is mounted to a surface of the vehicle and supports along its upper surface a side rail extending forward and a deflector blade support rail which extends rearwardly therefrom. The deflector blade support mounts a transverse deflector blade which may be fixedly attached or pivotally attached thereto.

Abstract: An automobile luggage rack having spaced side members and spaced cross members is supported at the front and rear corners on stanchions which form part of the rack and which are firmly secured to the roof of an automobile. The cross members are of tear-drop cross section and may be angularly adjusted to minimize wind noise by interchanging retaining members located adjacent the ends of the cross rails. The stanchions, retainer members and side rails are secured together by a single threaded fastening element located at each of the four corners of the rack, whereby to minimize assembly time.