Abstract: The present invention includes a railing and a plurality of collapsible stanchions having an upper end and a lower end. A hinge connected to each upper end for pivotally coupling with the railing. The lower end also has a hinge connected thereto for pivotally coupling with a roof of a vehicle. At least one of the hinges has a locking mechanism to preclude pivoting of the stanchions.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly for a vehicle body panel includes a pair of side rails adapted for attachment to the body panel, a pair of retainers engaging the side rails, and a cross rail extending between the retainers. Each of the pair of retainers includes a foot slidably disposed within the side rails, each foot forming a plurality of compression tubes therein for compressible engagement with the respective side rail to prevent rattles. The side rail assembly includes a roll-formed inner side rail for receiving the retainer and a roll-formed outer side rail secured to stand-off ribs extending from a side rail center support. An alternative side rail assembly provides a roll-formed side rail supported by a pad having an internal snap hook formed thereon, and an outer trim rail having a resilient snap tab for engagement with the snap hook for securing the trim rail to the pad in a manner to prevent rattles.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a locking mechanism disposed within a bracket member. The locking mechanism includes an actuating member having first and second camming surfaces, a locking pin and a clamping member. As the actuating member is moved to an unlocked position, the first camming surface cooperates with the locking pin to urge the locking pin out of engagement with an aperture in a channel of a support member of the vehicle article carrier. Simultaneously, the second camming surface causes the clamping member to be moved out of clamping engagement with shoulder portions of the channel member. When the actuating member is moved from the unlocked to the locked position, the first camming surface allows a first spring to urge the locking pin back into engagement with the aperture in the channel member.

Abstract: An article carrier including a pair of side rails, each of the side rails having a styled arm and a lip, also includes a crossbar having first and second ends for supporting the bar upon the lip of the side rails. The ends can be a manipulated retainer or a clamp assembly with a moveable jaw. At least one of the ends includes a clamp with a movable jaw and a fixed jaw, each jaw having a jaw surface engageable with the rail lip. Preferably, the crossbar clamp includes a threaded stem carried by the movable jaw and extending through an opening in the fixed jaw and one of the jaws has an extension protruding beyond the lip. The movable jaw is movable in a plane parallel to the rail lip and between a position in registration with the lip surface and a retracted position out of registration with the lip. The side rail includes support structure including ribs extending across the lip and the styled arm, and the support structure preferably receives the jaw extension beyond the lip.

Abstract: A tower assembly for detachably mounting a crossbar to the rail of a vehicle roof-mounted rack. The tower assembly includes a body having a first lever or lifter pivotally mounted to the body about an axis to clamp the crossbar to the body. A second lever is pivotally mounted to the body about the same axis but pivots in the opposite direction to clamp the rail to the body. An actuator is provided for forcing the lifter into engagement with the crossbar and for forcing the second lever into engagement with the rail.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having at least one lateral cross rail selectively positionable along longitudinally extending side rails. Stanchions are connected to opposite ends of the cross rail and slidably engage longitudinally formed interior cavities in the side rails. A latch is coupled between each stanchion and each side rail to releasably latch each stanchion and the cross rail in a selected, fixed position along the side rails. An actuator controls the latch. In one embodiment, the actuator is formed by a movable lateral fit between the stanchion and the interior cavity in the side rails permitting lateral movement of each stanchion in each side rail upon push or pull of either stanchion. In another embodiment, the actuator includes a movable operator connected by cables to at least one latch pin carried by a stanchion which is releasably engageable with one of a plurality of spaced apertures formed longitudinally along a side rail.

Abstract: A cargo container is provided for being removably mounted to a roof rack system of an automobile. The container includes a body portion having a bottom, a continuous sidewall having a peripheral edge and extending up from the bottom at the peripheral edge, an interior space defined by the continuous sidewall and the bottom, a top releasably engageable to the continuous sidewall for providing access to the interior space, and a lip along the body portion to interconnect the peripheral edge and the bottom. The lip is constructed to extend beyond the peripheral edge to coact with at least one strut member of the roof rack system so as to be releasably secured in the space between the strut and the automobile roof.

Abstract: A latch actuator assembly for use with an article carrier stanchion is attachable to a vehicle side rail, the stanchion having a latch chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a latching member carried by the stanchion for selective engagement with the side rail, and an actuating member carried in the latch chamber by the stanchion and manually movable along an actuating direction from a latched position to an unlatched position. The actuating member is operatively connected with respect to the latching member for disengaging the latching member. The stanchion forms an offset recess having a ledge which enables the actuating member to be displaced in a direction offset from the actuating direction for engaging the ledge when the actuating member is in the unlatched position to secure the actuating member in the unlatched position. A removable door is provided adjacent the latch chamber to facilitate installation of the latch assembly within the latch chamber.

Abstract: The present invention includes a railing and a plurality of collapsible stanchions having an upper end and a lower end. A hinge connected to each upper end for pivotally coupling with the railing. The lower end also has a hinge connected thereto for pivotally coupling with a roof of a vehicle. At least one of the hinges has a locking mechanism to preclude pivoting of the stanchions.

Abstract: A utility rack is provided for attachment to a vehicle luggage carrier. The utility rack includes a utility rail with first and second stanchions secured to the rail. Each stanchion includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket pivotally secured with respect to each other by a pivot joint. Each lower bracket includes a clamp for attachment to a crossbar of the luggage carrier. Each pivot joint includes an adjuster, preferably, a gear tooth interlock between the upper and lower brackets, in order to secure the upper and lower brackets at desired pivotal positions with respect to each other to facilitate attachment to sloping luggage carrier crossbars. Preferably, the utility rail extends laterally beyond the side rails of the luggage carrier to facilitate carrying larger or bulkier loads.

Abstract: A load carrier roof-mounted on a vehicle has longitudinal so-called railings (2) with elongate, undercut spaces for anchorage bodies (8) which have anchorages (12, 30) for struts or other accessories extending between the railings. The anchorage bodies (8) have upper (11) and lower (10) parts which are separately insertable in the undercut space transversely of the longitudinal direction thereof. The parts (10 and 11) are, interiorly in the undercut space, combinable to form the anchorage body (8). A screw (16) between the parts (10 and 11 ) tightens these to expansion in the undercut space.

Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to an automobile rooftop including a pair of luggage roof rails rhine to the rooftop, each roof rail having at least one detent disposed therein, an elongated crossbar having a first end and a second end, a pair of support members for slidably connecting the crossbar to the roof rails, one of the pair affixed to the first end of the crossbar and the other of the pair connected to the second end of the crossbar each support member including, a track follower on the support slidably engaging the track, a latch for releasably positioning the support member along the track at the at least one detent, the latch having a protrusion and a protrusion support that selectively positions the protrusion in a recessed position wherein the support member is freely slidable along the track, and a latched position wherein the protrusion is urged toward engagement with the at least one detent for securing the support at a fixed position along the track, means for resiliently urging the protru

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a locking mechanism disposed within a bracket member. The locking mechanism includes an actuating member having first and second camming surfaces, a locking pin and a clamping member. As the actuating member is moved to an unlocked position, the first camming surface cooperates with the locking pin to urge the locking pin out of engagement with an aperture in a channel of a support member of the vehicle article carrier. Simultaneously, the second camming surface causes the clamping member to be moved out of clamping engagement with shoulder portions of the channel member. When the actuating member is moved from the unlocked to the locked position, the first camming surface allows a first spring to urge the locking pin back into engagement with the aperture in the channel member.

Abstract: A crossbar and article carrier are provided, the crossbar having stanchions at each end thereof. Each stanchion has a first jaw member affixed thereto and a second jaw member pivotally coupled thereto. The second jaw member includes a thumbwheel and stem, the stem having a cam follower surface thereon. The stanchion includes a ramped surface with a detent for receiving and locking the cam when the thumbwheel is rotated. In this manner, the crossbar may be detachably mounted to the longitudinal side rails. The design and location of the jaws and thumbwheel provide for easy attachment and detachment of the crossbar rail. The design of the second jaw member further provides mechanical advantage for clamping the first and second jaw members over a lip protruding from the side rails.

Abstract: An article carrier includes spaced longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails having an upper arm coupled by a hinge to a lower arm. A crossbar having an end portion adapted to be entrained between the upper and lower arm portions includes a conformingly shaped mating surface to one of the members of the longitudinal rail. Preferably, both ends of each crossbar include conforming surfaces that mate with corresponding configurations on the rail to fixedly position the crossbar along the longitudinal rail. The position of the crossbar is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by displacement about the hinge, and the hinge axis may be transversely, longitudinally or vertically aligned as desired. Preferably, two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail, hinged at opposite ends of the longitudinal rails, and include overlapping portions retained by a single latch mechanism.

Abstract: The crossbar for an article carrier including a pair of side rails, each of the side rails having a lip, includes a bar having first and second ends for supporting the bar across the side rails. At least one of the ends includes a movable jaw and a fixed jaw, each jaw having a jaw surface engageable with the rail lip. The crossbar also includes a clamp for selectably urging the jaw surfaces against the rail, the clamp comprising a threaded stem carried by the movable jaw and extending through a slot in the fixed jaw. The movable jaw is movable in a plane parallel to the rail lip and between a position in registration with the lip surface and a retracted position out of registration with the lip. Preferably, an actuator wheel for the clamp is exposed for access and ease of manipulation but within the contour of adjacent luggage carrier surfaces.

Abstract: A fastening device with a rapid clamping mechanism for the fastening of transverse supports to railing bars of a vehicle roof rack. On the transverse support a housing of the fastening device can be fixed. The housing has a fixed clamping jaw which can rest from above on the railing bar. The housing also includes two housing walls which are directed vertically and are spaced from each other, between which a lever mechanism is arranged on pivot pins and on mounting pins which are fixed to the housing. By pivotal motion of a clamping lever of the lever mechanism, a lower clamping jaw of the lever mechanism is moved to enclose the railing bar relative to the fixed clamping jaw. Thus, the railing bar is clamped between the lower clamping jaw and the fixed clamping jaw.

Abstract: The luggage rack, which can be used on the roof of a motor vehicle, comprises two rails fixed flat to the roof and at least two crossmembers, the ends of which can slide on the rails and be locked thereto. The two crossmembers include faces opposite each other which can be applied directly against one another so as to constitute a wing.

Abstract: An adjustable article carrier track mount system that compensates for the cross-line radius or fall-away slope of a vehicle roof and easily and effectively locks the adjustable article carrier in place, has an elongated track, an end support operably connected to the track and adapted to slidably receive a crossbar, to slide longitudinally along the track, and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the track. To facilitate locking the adjustable article carrier in place, the track mount system includes a locking mechanism that is slidably received in the track and operably connected to the end support. The locking mechanism includes opposed wedges and a device adapted to force one of the wedges against another wedge to lock the locking mechanism within the track and thus the end support at a desired position along the track.

Abstract: A luggage rack for an automotive vehicle comprising a pair of side rails adapted to be mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle in laterally spaced apart relation. Each rail has an elongated channel extending lengthwise thereof. One or more cross members extend between the rails and have stanchions at the ends slidably engaged in the channels. A lock member is mounted in a recess in each stanchion. Each lock member has a locking pin engageable in any one of a line of apertures formed in the associated side rail. Each lock member is spring-pressed to a position in which the locking pin engages one of the apertures. Each lock member has a button accessible through an opening in the stanchion which may be pressed to withdraw the pin from an aperture and permit the cross member to be adjusted lengthwise of the rails.

Abstract: A standoff assembly, adapted to mount a sports rack crossbar onto a vehicle roof-rail having an inner groove extending substantially along the length thereof, includes a standoff having a base portion and a rack portion fixed in a spaced apart relationship by an intermediate portion disposed between a rack and the base portions, a fastener rotatably carried on the rack portion and retaining the standoff to the sports rack crossbar, and an anchor which is adapted to be adjustably receivable in one of a plurality of locations along the inner groove of the rail and which fixedly secures the standoff to the rail.

Abstract: The baggage-holder of the invention includes a frame which has lateral bars made from bent extruded U-section and transverse bars made from hollow tubes. The U-section has a longitudinal slot. Support members are provided which are separate from the members for attachment to the bodywork. The various members and the hollow tubes include immobilizing devices sliding in the slot. This enables fixing of the support members and fixing members anywhere along the lateral parts. The ends of the U-section slide inside the hollow tubes enabling adjustment of the width of the frame. The baggage-holder can also include a hoop mobile about a transverse axis.

Abstract: A support rack for carrying articles behind a vehicle is disclosed. The rack includes a base member, a forward beam, a rearward beam, a top member, and lock arms. The base member is securable to the rearward end of the vehicle. The forward and rearward beams are pivotally connected to the base member and project upwardly therefrom. The beams are parallel to each other and together form a parallelogram with the base member and the top member. The top member is pivotally connected to the forward and rearward beams. The lock arms are for releasably locking the forward beam and the rearward beam in upright positions above the base member. Support arms are also slidably coupled to the top member for securing bicycles thereon. A crank clamp attachment structure is also provided, which fits on top of the top member to hold extra bicycles. The crank clamp attachment structure includes crank clamps and wheel rails. A ski rack is also disclosed that may be pivotally coupled to the support rack.

Abstract: A load carrier for vehicles has two longitudinal load supports adapted to be fixed to a roof of a vehicle and transverse load supports which are movably disposed between the longitudinal supports. One end of a transverse load support is pivotally connected to a movable joint provided in each of the longitudinal load supports and a movable locking member is provided in the opposing longitudinal support. The transverse load supports may be folded into the longitudinal load supports when not in use, and pivoted to a load carrying position extending between longitudinal supports and secured by the locking member. The load carrying position of the transverse load supports along the longitudinal supports may be changed by moving the joint and locking members.

Abstract: An elegantly simple bicycle storage rack that can be mounted or demounted quickly and easily from the cargo area of pick-up trucks. The rack is comprised of a lower tubular base and an upper tubular member joined by a plurality of upright posts spaced by slots for bicycle wheels. The lower tubular base fits comfortably in the foremost corner of the cargo area of the pick-up truck. The upper tubular member is secured to the sides of the pick-up truck with straps, cords or wires. A bicycle is held securely in the rack by a c-shaped hook or clamp that fits around the steering neck, frame of bicycle frame mounting and is secured with a specially designed locknut. No additional, straps, nuts, locks or other devices are needed to securely hold the bicycle in the rack. The bicycle storage rack is also constructed to be easily mounted on a surface platform when not in use in the back of a pick-up truck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.

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: An article carrier comprises a crossbar to be detachably engaged with carrier rails secured to a motor vehicle body panel. The longitudinal rails may be aligned to correspond with style lines of the body panel and need not be aligned parallel to each other in order to receive the crossbar. The crossbar includes an elongated rail carrying at least one slider, the slider having an end removably engageable with the longitudinal rail. A guide carries the slider along an elongated rail of the crossbar while a latch fixedly locates the position of the slider along the elongated rail of the crossbar. In addition, a lock retains the latch in an engaged position to restrict manual operation of the latch. In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal rails include a track adapted to accommodate correspondingly conforming ends on the slider.

Abstract: A rack for supporting a bicycle on the roof of an auto is disclosed herein having two pairs of mounts secured at each end of spaced-apart tracks, two pairs of secured mounts or to roof mounted adaptor plates carried on the auto roof. Each mount includes a bottom support surface engageable with the track and yoke supporting a retainer member provided with an interchangeable open-ended passageway for insertably receiving the end of a bicycle support crossbar. The major length of the retainer member is angular with respect to its bottom support surface and the central longitudinal axis of the retainer member passageway is parallel to the bottom support surface. Thereby, the two pairs of mounts carried on the longitudinal tracks accommodate conformity of the retainer members and the crossbars with the curved auto roof.

Abstract: A device for carrying articles, in particular bicycles, on the rear portion of a motor-vehicle, has three structures having respective hubs mounted on a splined shaft, so that each structure may be easily separated from the splined portion of the shaft and mounted again in a different angular position relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A cross support for extending between the roof rails on a motor vehicle roof, and having a detachable clamping device for clamping to the railing tube. The clamping device includes a stationary resting jaw and a clamping jaw movable toward the resting jaw. The clamping jaw has a yoke for engaging the railing tube and has an attack surface on the opposite side of the pivot from the yoke. A swing lever is pivotably supported on the cross support and is swingable between positions where it locks the clamping jaw in the clamping position and where it releases the clamping jaw. The clamping jaw and the swing lever are on respective spaced apart pivots.

Abstract: An article carrier for an automotive vehicle includes a pair of elongated side members adapted to be mounted on an exterior body surface of the vehicle in spaced-apart parallel relation. At least one article securing member is adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement on each side member and a mechanism is provided for selectively locking the article securing members in position along the side members. Each side member includes a plurality of apertures therein and the locking mechanism includes a latching member spring biased into self-locking engagement with one of the apertures when the latching member is aligned therewith. A push button and a cam are operative for moving the latching member against the bias of the spring and out of engagement with the apertures.

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: The roof of an automotive vehicle is provided with a pair of rails each of which has an upwardly facing slot. A pair of roof rack bars are each provided with an upwardly facing slot and a downwardly facing slot. A pair of roof engaging foot brackets are connected to opposite ends of each bar. A pair of angle members are secured to each bar. A pair of threaded studs extends through clearance holes in each angle member. The lower ends of the studs have enlarged heads which are inserted in the upper slot in a rail and turned into locking position. The upper ends of the studs are provided with flats to indicate the position of the heads. First nuts are threaded on the upper ends of the studs and have spherical surfaces engaging spherical surfaces on the angle members. Cotter pins fit within slots in the first nuts and holes in the angle member. Second nuts are threaded on the lower ends of the studs to engage and hold rail engaging members in position.

Abstract: An automotive vehicular rack is described having an adjustable securing mechanism for securing cross slats between side rails. The securing mechanism includes a plunger which is normally urged by a coil spring to a protruding position in which it can register with a selected, corresponding aperture in a side rail. An actuator slide engages the pin defining the plunger to enable a user to slide the pin against the force of the spring as desired, for example, to disengage the cross slat from the side rail.

Abstract: A carrier for a bicycle or the like for interaction with an automobile rooftop rack is described. The carrier includes level adjusters which interact with a cross bar to assure that the bicycle or other load being carried is supported vertically.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof rack that has an elongate frame fastened at each end to a support base, a joint is provided between each support base and the frame so that the base can be moved laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the frame.

Abstract: A transverse beam for roof loads on a motor vehicle which is equipped with roof rails. A holding element on each end region of the transverse beam comprises two clamping jaws which can be drawn toward each other by a tightening member. The jaws are clamped to the spars of the roof rails in order to prevent shifting of the transverse beam along the spars upon strong acceleration or deceleration. A recess in at least one clamping jaw. At least one friction brake arranged in the recess, which is supported against the spar. The brake comprises a molded body, e.g. of hard rubber or of wear resistant tough plastic material. The bottom surface of the recess is obliquely inclined to cause the brake body to securely engage the spar as the beam and the vehicle accelerates in the direction of reduced height of the recess.

Abstract: A roof luggage carrier for an automotive vehicle includes a pair of rails running the length of the vehicle and at least one transverse carrier extending between the rails. A clamping device at each end of the carrier clamps the respective rail. The carrier is a hollow section with an open channel on its bottom. The clamping device includes a support jaw held stationary on the carrier and positioned on the side of the rack pipe toward the outer side of the vehicle. A swingable clamping jaw cooperates with the support jaw to clamp the pipe between them. The clamping jaw is positioned on the side of the pipe toward the middle of the vehicle. The clamping jaw is a double arm lever swingable around a pivot pin that is supported on the support jaw. The upper parts of both the support jaw and the clamping jaw extend through the longitudinal opening in the carrier and into the interior of the carrier.

Abstract: An article carrier includes spaced longitudinal rails, at least one of the rails having an upper arm coupled by a hinge to a lower arm. A crossbar having an end portion adapted to be entrained between the upper and lower arm portions includes a conformingly shaped mating surface to one of the members of the longitudinal rail. Preferably, both ends of each crossbar include conforming surfaces that mate with corresponding configurations on the rail to fixedly position the crossbar along the longitudinal rail. The position of the crossbar is easily adjusted by opening the upper member of the longitudinal rail by displacement about the hinge, and the hinge axis may be transversely, longitudinally or vertically aligned as desired. Preferably, two upper arms are provided on a longitudinal rail and supported by hinges located at opposite ends of the longitudinal rail. The opposite ends of the two upper arms include overlapping portions which can be retained by a single latch mechanism.

Abstract: A roof load carrier for a vehicle having a roof rail with an upper support surface and an inner channel which opens toward the top of the rail. The channel opening is formed by inwardly directed flanges. A transverse bar is arranged adjustably along the roof rail by a support foot. A fastening device for the foot includes a clamping plate disposed in the channel of the rail and a bolt in threaded engagement in the plate. Holes in the roof rail extend in a row parallel to the channel. The support foot has a securing pin which extends parallel to the threaded shank of the bolt, and the pin can be inserted into one of the holes in the rail to fix the location of the support foot and thus of the transverse bar along the rail.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a roof rack of a vehicle. The structure includes two rails. Each rail has a rod supported for being transversely pivotable at supports arranged at the ends thereof and connected with a roof holding device. Bases are pivotably and nondetachably connected to the ends of the rods. The bases are detachably fastenable to the roof holding device. The transverse supports may have any mutual distance for being adaptable to different roofs and/or roof load dimensions.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier including a spring loaded locking mechanism for lockably engaging a pair of bracket members of the carrier releasably to a pair of slats of the carrier. The locking mechanism of each bracket member generally includes a locking member disposed for rotational movement within its bracket member, a spring for biasing the locking member into a normally locked position relative to its associated slat, and an actuating member mounted for pivotal movement within its associated bracket member. The actuating member has a cam surface and an upper end portion of the locking member has a cam following surface. Movement of the actuating member from a closed position to an open position protruding outwardly of its bracket member causes the locking member to be rotated against the biasing force of the spring into an unlocked position relative to its slat. Movement of the actuating member into a closed position allows the spring to bias the locking member into locking engagement with its slat.

Abstract: An article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated support members or slats which have a configuration which flows conformably and aerodynamically into the surface of the vehicle and which are permenently secured to the vehicle. The support members have longitudinally extending channels for supporting adjustable and/or removable components of the system, including tie downs and cross members which components are also provided with aerodynamic designs compatible with the remainder of the system. Provision is also made for association of components of the system, such as cross members, to be fixedly located on the support members.

Abstract: A roof rack for vehicles having two rails and support feet bearing the rails. Each rail is developed as a hollow profile with a longitudinal channel which is open on the top and has undercuts. On each rail there is optionally arranged a profiled cover strip which can be detachably anchored in the longitudinal channel and extends over the length of the rail, or a profiled cover strip which extends over a first part of the length of the rail and a profiled support strip which extends over the second part of the length. The profiled support strips are anchored such that they can be swung into a position of use which connects the rails transversely to each other.

Abstract: An article carrier for an automotive vehicle or the like includes a pair of elongated side rails adapted to be mounted on an exterior body surface of the vehicle in spaced-apart parallel relation with the inboard sides thereof facing toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle. Each of the side rails is formed with a transverse cross-section having a height greater than its width and an upper surface including a substantial portion thereof sloping downwardly and outwardly with respect to the vehicle center line. At least one article securing member is adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement on each side rail and a mechanism is provided for selectively locking the article securing members in position along the side rails.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes first and second mounting members and a pair of bicycle support arms, all interconnected by a pair of housings. The first mounting member is rotatable to a selected position of adjustment and is locked in that position by means of a locking engagement with the bicycle support arms. The bicycle support arms can be rotated to unlocking positions to enable the first mounting member to be adjusted to a different position.

Abstract: The roof-rack device for a motor vehicle roof comprises at least two longitudinal elements coupled to the vehicle roof via respective pairs of end legs, with each longitudinal element being made up of at least three portions, namely: two end portions each extending between a corresponding end leg and an additional leg; and one central portion connected to the end portions by releasable link structure enabling said central portion to be installed either between the two end portions of the same longitudinal element, or else between two end portions of two different longitudinal elements, and situated at the same longitudinal position along the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: An article securing member for an automobile luggage rack is provided with a spring biased retractable lock pin which can selectively engage a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the side rail of the rack. A push button is provided for actuating a lever link which lifts the retractable lock pin against the spring bias when the button is depressed to disengage the lock pin from the apertures and permit sliding movement of the article securing member along the side rail.

Abstract: A pair of like rails are secured to a vehicle roof regardless the curvature of the roof surface at the rails to the plane of the roof between the rails. Two pairs of stanchions to which a corresponding crossbar is secured are slidably secured to the rails and slid into the desired position along the rails. The stanchions have a groove and surface defining a space in which a rail tongue having a circular end surface and an opposing rail circular surface are located to form a pivot arrangement forming a stanchion-rail pivot axis. The stanchion is formed of two members which are pivotally secured about an axis spaced from the rail pivot axis with a clamping knob located between the spaced pivot axes. The knob urges the members together and to the rail to form a tight clamping action to preclude the stanchions from sliding along the rails in response to wind and cargo loads.