Abstract: A ratcheting strap-down system for use with a crossbar to securely transport any variety of objects. The ratcheting strap-down assembly includes a ratcheting receiver and a cam clamp receiver. The ratcheting receiver includes a ratcheting assembly and a locking mechanism and is adapted to engage a second end of a flexible strap. The flexible strap is preferably made from reinforced steel cog belt, making the system and the objects it's securing less susceptible to theft. The ratcheting strap-down system is particularly useful for securing one or more surfboards to the crossbars of an after-market roof rack assembly.

Abstract: A storage rack assembly in kit form is particularly adapted for use on a vehicle and includes a small number of different types of components to simplify shipping, assembly and installation by a purchaser. The storage rack includes side, front and back generally flat panels connected together to form a generally rectangular structure. Opposed side panels are connected to opposed ends of plural elongated cross members which are arranged in a spaced manner along the length of the rectangular structure and are aligned in a common plane to form a flat support bed in the storage rack. Plural telescoping support/mounting members are each connected to a respective cross member to allow for varying the storage rack's width depending on vehicle size and are adapted for secure attachment to the vehicle. Incorporating additional interfitting side panels and cross members allows for increasing the storage rack's length.

Abstract: A gear mounting assembly for mounting gear within a vehicle rooftop cargo box. The mounting assembly includes a support platform for mounting gear, and which is configured to fit within a vehicle cargo box. The mounting assembly also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the support platform to the cargo box, configured to allow rotation of the support platform between a stowed position and a rotated position in which gear is “presented” to a user.

Abstract: A rack for carrying a boat on top of the vehicle is configured for clamping on a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar has a pair of saddle mounts facing each other on opposite sides of a cradle axis being defined perpendicular to the crossbar and equidistant from each saddle mount. Each saddle mount has a pliable upper platform which is conformable to different boat hull shapes.

Abstract: A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a light bar and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the light bar remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the light bar remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.

Abstract: A roof rack for a jeep type vehicle having a removable canopy. The roof rack having a rack member suspended overtop of the canopy by mounting members which are connected to support brackets positioned inside the canopy. Portions of side surfaces of the canopy are positioned between the connection of the mounting members and the support brackets. The support brackets transfer loads from the rack member to the vehicle without requiring mounting to bumpers or a windshield frame of the jeep type vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack having movable cross bars that have a low profile when aligned with the side bars, but are raised when generally perpendicular to the side bars. The height variation is achieved using ribs that are provided on a bottom side of the cross bars. When the cross bars are aligned with the side bars, the ribs fit into slots that are provided in the side bars. As a result, each cross bar has a very low profile with respect to the roof of the vehicle. When each cross bar is rotated to a position generally perpendicular to the side bars, the ribs within the cross bar are no longer aligned with the slots in the side bar. Instead, the ribs rest on an upper surface of the side bar, and thus, provide a significant gap between the cross bar and vehicle roof.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system having at least one single side releasable cross bar. The cross bar includes end support assemblies at opposite ends thereof. Each end support assembly includes a pivotally mounted locking member which can be locked and unlocked relative to an associated side rail. Both of the locking members can be locked and unlocked by a user manually engaging one of the locking members and pivotally moving it into an unlocked position. This causes simultaneous pivoting movement of the locking member at the opposite end of the cross bar so that both the locking members are simultaneously locked and unlocked from their respective side rails. When in the unlocked position, the cross bar can be lifted directly off of the side rails, thus eliminating the need for any disassembly of the side rails when the user desires to remove the cross bar entirely from the side rails.

Abstract: Carrier racks including an elongate base member, a pivot mechanism mounted to the base member and configured to rotate relative to the base member, and a frame coupled to the pivot mechanism for supporting cargo, wherein the pivot mechanism is configured to pivot the frame between a loading position and a stowed position for transport, a first support member of the frame being oriented substantially horizontal in the stowed position.

Abstract: A storage device for a vehicle roof top cargo carrier includes a frame, and a rod assembly is carried by the frame. A pair of spaced apart attachment points is carried by the frame. A forward hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. A rear hanger is to be secured to the cargo carrier and includes a hooked end and an attachment end. The forward and rear hangers are to be hooked onto the rod assembly using the hooked ends, and the attachment ends are to be held in place by the pair of attachment points.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a device to an exterior of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of rail members spaced apart and substantially parallel each other, each rail member has two ends; a first and second pair of mounting brackets configured to be fixedly or detachably attached to a portion of the vehicle, wherein two rail members are in communication with the mounting brackets; a first and second transverse member having two ends, and the ends of the transverse members are in communication with the mounting brackets; a wagon member, having two ends, and the ends, of the wagon member are in communication with the rail members; the wagon member is moveable, and further comprises a cradle; a restraining member having two ends, and the restraining member is in communication with the rail members; the restraining member is stationary, rotatable, and comprises a restraining arm, which contacts the device to prevent movement.

Abstract: A weather-tight storage device and carrier for a single or multiple fishing rods and reels releasably mounted to a vehicular roof carrier rack. When not mounted on a vehicle, the storage device and carrier is manageable enough to be hand-carried and may also serve as a stand for the rods and reels. The storage device and carrier includes a carrier box housing the fishing reels and a portion of the associated fishing rods and an anchor portion for securing the distal ends of the associated fishing rods to the vehicular roof rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof rack (1) for a vehicle having at least one tubular rail (2) extending essentially at a distance from the roof of the vehicle and at least two supports (5) at the ends of the rail to attach the roof rack (1) to the vehicle roof, where the rail (2) is shaped in its end areas (3) to have a curve (4) and in the area of each curve (4) is held from below by the support (5) which can be attached to the rail (2), the underside (11) of said support—when viewed in cross-section—forming a flat supporting surface (12) for a matching surface (13) on the rail (2).

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system that may have a pair of support rails and at least one cross bar. The cross bar may have an end support at each opposing end thereof. Each of the support rails may include an elongated recess extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof, where the elongated recess may be shaped generally in accordance with the cross bar, for receiving the cross bar when the cross bar is placed in a stowed orientation. Each of the support rails may further have at least one primary locking bar for supporting said cross bar in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and at least a pair of secondary locking bars for supporting the cross bar in said elongated recess when the cross bar is placed in the stowed orientation in one of the support rails.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system is adapted to be secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system may include a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface and at least one cross bar. The cross bar may have end supports that are able to pivot. The end supports may be secured to the support rails to place the cross bars in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and elevationally above the support rails. The end supports may also enable the cross bar to be placed in a stowed position along the slats where each of the end supports lay generally co-linear with a central portion its respective cross bar.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly is provided for a motor vehicle roof. The roof rack assembly includes a support member adapted to be fixedly secured to the roof. The support member includes first and second flanges extending out therefrom. A crossrail is releasably coupled to the support member for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The crossrail is engageable with the first flange when in the stowed position and engageable with the second flange when in the deployed position.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a vehicle article carrier having a single side release crossbar assembly. The crossbar assembly includes a trigger style, horizontally arranged actuating lever that simultaneously locks and unlocks a pair of locking pins at opposite ends of the crossbar assembly from their respective support rails. The support rails are fixedly secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle such that the crossbar assembly is supported above the outer body surface. The single side release feature eliminates the need for the operator to walk back and forth to both sides of the vehicle to unlock and lock the crossbar assembly when the crossbar assembly needs to be repositioned on the support rails.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus and method incorporating a single side releasable crossbar assembly. In one embodiment the crossbar assembly includes a pair of end supports that each includes an actuating member. In one embodiment the actuating member is formed by a pivotally mounted actuating lever. In another embodiment the actuating member is formed by a rotationally mounted, trigger style actuating member. In either embodiment, the actuating member is movable between locked and unlocked positions. Each end support also includes a locking pin having a pivot wheel carried thereon. A cable is entrained around the pulley wheel of each locking pin, and the ends of the cable are coupled to the actuating members. Either actuating member can be used to simultaneously lock and unlock the locking pins of both end supports from a pair of support rails on which the cross bar assembly is supported.

Abstract: A load carrying basket for attachment to a vehicle roof is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position facilitates entry of the vehicle into garages, parking lots and the like, having limited overhead clearance. The load carrier includes a plurality of pivotally mounted support members which are pivotally attached to an upper frame and a lower frame. At least one of the support members is a clamping member to clamp the carrier in the deployed position. Advantageously, the clamping member also clamps the load carrier in the stowed position.

Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) includes an elongate load carrying member (13) selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (20). A crossbar portion (15) of the elongate load carrying member (13) is wider than it is thick and is orientated such that the width of the crossbar portion (15) is vertically arranged when the roof bar (10) is in the deployed position so as to increase the resistance to vertical bending of the crossbar portion (15).

Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) has an elongate load carrying member (213) and a single elongate stay (214) which are hingedly connected to a roof (5) of the motor vehicle (1) by a pair of base plates (211). The elongate load carrying member (213) is selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (222, 255) which latches a castellated edge of the elongate load carrying member (213) to a castellated edge of the single elongate stay (214) along a significant portion of the interface between the two components (213, 214) so as to provide a strong support for any loads carried by the roof bar (10). The components (211, 213, 214) forming the roof bar (10) are all relatively thin and the elongate load carrying member (213) and the single elongate stay (214) are arranged to fold flat on the roof (5) of the motor vehicle (1) so as to minimize any change in vehicle height when the roof bar (10) is stowed.

Abstract: A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) is disclosed in which an elongate load carrying member (313) is selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (320). The latch mechanism (320) interacts directly with the elongate load carrying member (313) and no separate stay is required to hold the elongate load carrying member (313) in the deployed position. The components (311, 315, 316) forming the roof bar (10) are all relatively thin when the roof bar (10) is in the stowed state, so as to minimize any change in vehicle height.

Abstract: A carrier for elongated cargos, especially recreational cargos such as canoes, kayaks, long wind resistant loads, surf or paddle boards, etc. suitable for use on automobiles having a trunk-mounted, adjustable height support for supporting the rear portion of the elongated cargo in cooperation with a traditional roof mounted cargo rack on the top of the automobile. The trunk-mounted support may be height adjustable to ensure universal compatibility with different automobiles and with various roof-top carriers. The height adjustability feature also helps position the elongated cargo at an angle to control aerodynamic effects to help ensure the stability of the elongated cargo on the support system, even at highway speeds. The trunk-mounted support design eliminates the need for a bumper or trailer hitch attachment, such bumper attachments being impossible on many modern automobiles. The trunk-mounted support is both easy to install and to adjust.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar locking device of a roof carrier for a vehicle. The cross bar locking device includes a link, which is movably provided in the cross bar and has protrusion pins, and locking members, which are coupled to respective ends of the link so as to be axially movable. The locking member has a locking protrusion, to be locked to the corresponding locking hole of the associated side rail, and a plurality of protrusion pins. The cross bar locking device further includes levers, which are rotatably coupled to respective ends of the cross bar by a hinge. An operating slot is formed in each lever so that the protrusion pins of the corresponding locking member and the link are inserted into the operating slot. Movement guide slots are formed in the lever and communicate with the operating slot.

Abstract: A device for fastening a roof rack system contains, as a supporting element, a base plate with two supporting arms which can be respectively pivoted about an axis into an operative position and inoperative position. In the operative position, the supporting arms are vertically oriented in parallel and spaced apart from each other and, in the inoperative position, the supporting arms are folded up into a roof slot facing each other in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A fishing rod fixing device includes a base that is supported by two suction cups for easy and efficient attachment of the device to a smooth fixture surface. A seat is rotatably mounted on the base and is releasably set any desired horizontal direction by an adjustment knob. The seat includes a tubular bar on which at least one retainer is mounted and rotatable about the bar for setting the retainer at any desired inclination angle. An angle locking member is provided to releasably secure the retainer at the desired inclination angle. The retainer has a base support mounted to the tubular bar and a top wall member spaced from the base support to define a passage therebetween for receiving a fishing rod. A locking member is provided on the top wall and is manually movable to releasably and selectively secure the fishing rod to the base support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar of a roof carrier for vehicles. The cross bar may include a cross bar body. First and second brackets are provided on both ends of the cross bar body. First and second locking pins are provided, respectively, on the first and second brackets to be elastically ejected. A link is positioned in the first bracket and hinged to the first locking pin. A release lever includes a coupling part hinged to the link and installed via a rotating shaft, and a grip part exposed to the outside, so that when the release lever rotates, the link and the first locking pin are pulled into the cross bar body. A wire couples the coupling part of the release lever with the second locking pin. According to the present invention, the release lever is mounted to only one side and only one wire is used, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof protection system includes a pair of magnetically attachable elongated roof standoffs to carry cargo above a car (or any motor vehicle) roof. One elongated roof standoffs may be positioned near a forward end of the car roof and another elongated roof standoffs may be positioned near a rearward end of the car roof. Magnets are embodied within the elongated roof standoffs to resist movement on the roof surface, with a layer of material under the magnets to protect the roof finish. The elongated roof standoffs have sloped tops, and the roof standoffs are positioned with the slopes facing forward to produce downward force on the roof standoffs, and thereby secure the roof standoffs with fewer magnets than otherwise required. The tops include a textured portion for contact with cargo. The cargo may be held against the elongated roof standoffs using straps, ropes, or any suitable fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle rack for holding hockey sticks including a rack with a base. A lower cushion bar is attached to an upper surface of the base. A clamping arm is pivotally coupled to a lock bracket extending upwardly from the base. An upper cushion bar is attached to a lower surface of the clamping arm. The clamping arm is pivotably moveable between an open position to receive one or more hockey sticks and a closed position for clamping the received hockey sticks between the lower cushion bar and the upper cushion bar. A latch downwardly extends from an end of the clamping arm in the closed position. The latch aligns with the base. The locking bracket and the latch can have a similar shape in order to maintain the lower cushion bar and upper cushion bar in a parallel relationship to one another in the closed position. The rack can be attached to the roof of a vehicle with one or more magnets attached to the base.

Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a first side rail an a second side rail to be located extending generally parallel to one another and spaced laterally from one another with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A first cross-rail and a second cross-rail are independently movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position of the first and second cross-rails are axially aligned with a corresponding side rail, and the deployed position of the first and second cross-rail are laterally extending between the first and second side rails. The cross rails can be gas assist, injection molded cross rails. A manually hand/finger rotated fastener attaches each end of the first and second cross-rails to the first and second side rails in the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Overhead cargo rack apparatus for pickup trucks is described and includes an electromechanical actuator jack mounted onto a tiltable cargo platform and the electromechanical actuator jack actuated by a reversible switch connected to a circuit breaker connected to the pickup truck battery to tilt the tiltable cargo platform, and cargo mounted on the cargo platform and the cargo platform with cargo mounted thereon balanced on a fulcrum and the tilting raising the front end of the cargo platform and cargo mounted thereon to then lower the rear of the cargo platform and cargo mounted thereon to be in a loading or unloading mode and as an alternate the tilting action can be done manually by pulling downward the rear end of the tiltable cargo platform with cargo mounted thereon, and the electromechanical actuator jack in disconnect mode, when the tiltable cargo platform with cargo loaded thereon is balanced on the fulcrum mount.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar of a roof carrier for vehicles, provided between side bars of a roof so as to load cargo, and having no wire, thus reducing a manufacturing cost. The cross bar includes first and second brackets provided on opposite ends of a cross-bar body. A first locking pin is provided on one end of the cross-bar body in such a way as to be retracted into and ejected from the first bracket. A second locking pin is connected to the other end of the cross-bar body via a power transmission unit, and moves in a direction opposite the moving direction of the cross-bar body to be retracted into and ejected out from the second bracket. A lever is provided on the first bracket. A body elastic part is provided between the cross-bar body and the second bracket, and provides restoring force to the cross-bar body.

Abstract: Roof rack features enabled by active materials are described. A concealment assembly for concealing a roof rack comprises a member configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the roof rack and the second form is configured to expose the roof rack; and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is capable of undergoing a change in a property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in the property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.

Abstract: A driver's cab of a commercial vehicle includes at least one rail mounted to the exterior of the cab. The rail has an attachment structure extending along the rail enabling releasable attachment of designated accessories at optional positions along the attachment structure. A commercial vehicle cab accessory mounting system and use of such a system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof.

Abstract: Load carrier (1) for transporting a bicycle (2) and which is designed for being mounted to a vehicle roof (4) by means of mounting devices (3). The load carrier includes a longitudinal rail section (5) provided with connecting devices (14,15) for connection to the mounting devices and securing devices (6) for securing the wheels (7,8) of the loaded bicycle, a retaining arm (16) pivotable arranged relative to the rail and provided with a claw grip (17) having a first and a second jaw (18 and 19 respectively) which jaws are lateral (T) to the longitudinal direction of the rail section (L) and arranged so as to form a gap (51) facing the side (S) of the longitudinal rail section from which side the bicycle is loaded.

Abstract: The crossbar assembly includes a crossbar spanned between two side rails spaced apart from each other and sliding means fixed to both ends of the crossbar for slideably engaging the crossbar with the side rails. The sliding means including a rotatable lever, a lower clamp operative in conjunction with the rotatable lever, and a pad on which the side rail sits. The side rails disposed at the left side and right side of the roof panel of a vehicle have different bottom surfaces. Moreover, the pads of the sliding means, which directly contact the bottom surfaces of the side rails, have different sitting surfaces in order to tightly contact with the side rails. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the crossbar from being installed to the side rails in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted to be mounted to an outer body surface of a motor vehicle. The carrier has a pair of cross bars that can each be stowed on corresponding pairs of support elements when the cross are not needed for use without the need to completely detach either of the cross bars from their associated support elements. A rear one of the cross bars has a single sided release feature that enables both end supports at opposite ends of the rear cross bar to be simultaneously unlocked or locked from a rear pair of support elements from either end support. The rear cross bar can also be slidably positioned along the rear pair of support elements to better configure the cross bars to support variously sized articles thereon.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly for attachment to a vehicle roof panel comprises two siderails and at least one cross-rail releasably stowed on one of the siderails. Attachment of the cross-rail to the siderails is carried out with the use of latching mechanisms. The mechanism is composed of a stanchion mounted on the cross-rail, with a lever pivotally placed therein, and of a lock plate assembly slidably attached to the siderail. For deployment of the assembly, the stanchion is put on the lock plate assembly which becomes engaged therewith upon turning the lever. The structure of the mechanism contributes to preventing the roof panel from being damaged upon the deployment.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier apparatus includes a pair of side-rails adapted to be secured in fixed position to the outer top surface of the vehicle in a spaced apart relation to one another and generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle; at least one cross-member spanning generally transversely between the side-rails, the at least one cross-member having opposing ends; and a bracket assembly at the end of each cross member and being slidably connected to the side rails and including a plurality of pivotally connected components configured so that the cross-member has a first lowered position, and the cross-member is moved to a second position that is elevated from outer top surface of the vehicle above the first position, by pivoting about greater than four generally transversely oriented pivotal axes. Methods of use of the article carrier are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of cross bars that can be positioned in a stowed, position, resting on or adjacent to a corresponding pair of siderails, or moved into an operative position with the cross bars extending perpendicularly between the siderails. The cross bars are completely removable from each of the side rails. When the cross bars are in the stowed position, the apparatus presents a significantly more aerodynamic structure that helps to reduce wind noise when the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is being driven. The cross bars can be quickly moved into the operative position via latching mechanisms disposed at end that can be released from a securing structure at a forward portion and a rearward portion of each siderail and re-attached to a securing portion of the other siderail.

Abstract: A roof-rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having a first support member extending along a length thereof. A second support member is spaced apart from the first support member and extends along a length of the roof. At least one cross-member extends between and is attached to the first support member and the second support member and is movable between a use position and a stowed position relative to the roof. The at least one cross-member extends away from a surface of the roof in the use position and is received generally within the roof in the stowed position.

Abstract: An article rack assembly is disclosed, including at least two siderails generally parallel to one another that are adapted to be secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. At least one crossbar is generally perpendicular to the siderails having a length sufficient to span between the siderails. The crossbar has opposing ends that may each include a support assembly member. The support assembly member may include an actuating lever having a grip portion for facilitating engagement of the actuating lever and a locking portion. A rod member is disposed within the crossbar, and may be staked to each actuating lever such that pivoting of one the actuating levers from the locked to the unlocked position causes a generally simultaneous movement of a locking pin assembly at the opposite support assembly, thereby disengaging both locking pin assemblies from their respective siderails generally simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicular roof rack system has a cross bar that employs a base member, a top member that is retractable to a position within the base member, a spring for biasing the top member away from the base member, and a spring case encompassing the spring to limit spring extension and thus protraction of the top member. The spring case is a two-piece case within which the spring biases against the base member when the top member is in its stowed position to place the top member in its protracted position. The top member and the base member fit together in the retracted position to form an aerodynamic part to permit the cross bar to reduce drag and wind noise when moved through a medium. When protracted, the top member and the bottom member define a gap therebetween so that cargo to be secured can be tied to the top member.

Abstract: A roof rack includes a pair of roof rails extended in parallel each other and connected to a roof of a vehicle, a cross rail extended perpendicular to the roof rail for connecting the roof rails, and a stopper mechanism including a handle operable for fixing the cross rail to the roof rails. The cross rail is movable relative to the roof rail when the handle is at a first position and the cross rail is immovable relative to the roof rail when then handle is at a second position.

Abstract: A load carrier that includes a load carrier bar with a load carrier foot at each end of the load carrier bar. Each load carrier foot has a fixed clamping jaw and a movable clamping jaw configured to be arranged on an upper side and an opposite lower side of the respective roof rails and to cooperate with a clamping device that is configured to move the movable clamping jaw towards the fixed clamping jaw. The movable clamping jaw is pivotally connected at the load carrier foot and in a first mounting position. The movable clamping jaw is firmly connected to at least one guiding protrusion, located on a distance from the movable clamping jaw and in a first mounting position is arranged so that the distance between the guiding protrusions, which are located at each end of the load carrier, is larger than the distance between the roof rails.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle is provided, including a side rail and a cross rail. The side rail includes a top surface that defines, at least in part, a maximum height of the side rail. The cross rail is operable to be secured to the side rail in a stowed position and a deployed position. The cross rail is located generally below the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the stowed position, and the cross rail is above the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the deployed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus, having a simple structure, for locking a cross bar to side bars of a roof carrier. In the present invention, the side bars are provided at opposite sides on a roof panel of a vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A plurality of locking holes is formed in the inner surface of each side bar at regular intervals. The cross bar is coupled at opposite ends thereof to respective side bars in a lateral direction of the vehicle so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the side bars. The locking apparatus includes a pair of locking members, which are removably inserted into the locking holes of the respective side bars, a wire, which is provided in the cross bar to couple the locking members to each other, and a spacing device, which bends the wire and thus removes the locking members from the side bars. As such, the present invention has a simple structure using the wire, thus reducing production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle is provided, including a side rail and a cross rail. The side rail includes a top surface that defines, at least in part, a maximum height of the side rail. The cross rail is operable to be secured to the side rail in a stowed position and a deployed position. The cross rail is located generally below the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the stowed position, and the cross rail is above the maximum height of the side rail when the cross rail is in the deployed position.