Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing folding utility rack suitable for carrying elongated or oversized objects in the extended position comprises a horizontal rail or plate, a forward transverse rack member fixed to the horizontal rail, a moveable rear transverse rack member and a pivotal connection means which connects the rear transverse rack member to the horizontal rail and allows the rear transverse rack member to be moved quickly and easily from an open extended position to a closed position. In the closed position the rack has the general appearance of a roll bar.

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: 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: A detachable car rack for carrying items such as sailboards, bicycles, surfboards, skis, or the like, particularly for cars with convertible tops, regardless of whether the convertible top is "up" or "down." The invention includes a front support attached to the windshield or surrounding supports, hood, or surfaces of the vehicle's body, a rear support attached to the trunk lid or aft bumper or surfaces of the vehicle's body, and an elevated, horizontal, longitudinal assembly anchored to the front and rear supports which is used to carry the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof luggage carrier for motor vehicles with roof railing having transverse girders (2) and a removable clamping assembly (3). The clamping assembly (3) includes supporting jaws (5) that can be inserted in a lower longitudinal slot (11) on the transverse girder (2), and of clamping jaws (6). The clamping assembly (3) is actuated by means of a clamping screw bolt (8) which extends inside the transverse girder (2) in its longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to achieve simple assembly and easy handling. In another preferred embodiment the longitudinal edges of longitudinal slot (11) are provided with longitudinal edges (12, 13) which are surrounded by longitudinal grooves in the supporting jaws (5) and clamping jaws 6, so that widening of the longitudinal slot (11) when tilting stresses occur is prevented.

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: The preferred embodiment consists of a rack comprising two separate parts, a nose piece and a tail piece, mounted in the pockets of either side wall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The nose piece consists of an adjustable, substantially horizontal, support plate with a protruding stud and nut for receiving and securing in place the nose of a personal watercraft. The plate of the nose piece is attached to the end of an extendable shaft mounted in the front pocket of the side wall of the truck, so that the height of the plate can be adjusted to fit the size and profile of the watercraft being carried. The tail piece consists of a similar shaft, mounted in the rear pocket of the same side wall, incorporating a cross member at its top end having a cradle-like concave upper face, preferably shaped like the underside of the watercraft, so as to provide a conforming support bracket for the watercraft.

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 slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The slats extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. At least one of the bracket members includes means to cooperate with the a portion on the outer surface of the side rails for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar upon the slats.

Abstract: A self-centering roof rack system for transporting bicycles and other sporting goods on a motor vehicle. The rack includes a transverse bar mounted on the roof and supported by upright members at each end. The upright members are simultaneously moveable by rotation of a knob at one end of the rack by means of rotation of a threaded shaft which has right hand threads on one end and left hand threads on the other. The upright members are provided with either a pivoting or sliding mechanism that causes a floating hook adapted to grip a motor vehicle root edge, the hook being caused to move upwardly and outwardly to firmly engage the roof as the uprights are moved toward each other.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier is adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

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: 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: The present invention is an article carrier for a vehicle including a plurality of slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior vehicle body surface. The plurality of slats extend generally longitudinally of the vehicle. A pair of brackets are disposed upon the slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the pair of brackets. The slats include a channel for permitting sliding movement of at least one of the brackets along the length thereof and one or more apertures located within the channel. A locking structure on at least one of the brackets cooperates with the one or more apertures of the slats for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar and bracket at predetermined positions along the slats.

Abstract: A mount or stand-off device is disclosed herein constituting load carriers interposed between a load carrying rack and the longitudinal slats affixed to the roof of a motor vehicle. Two pairs of mounts are securely bolted to the longitudinal slats which conform to the vehicle and determine the load carrier's crossbar position. The existing vehicle roof slats that are utilized extend generally longitudinally on the vehicle and are of an integral part of the vehicle's horizontal surface.

Abstract: A heavy duty bicycle rack which has angle adjustable support legs, wherein adjustment of the support arms does not require simultaneous adjustment of the legs which support the carrier on the vehicle. The rack includes a heavy duty positive locking mechanism in which locking pin ends are biased into a locking position, thereby selecting the angular position for the bicycle support arms relative to the legs. The locking pins are the ends of handles which can be pulled or withdrawn slightly to release the pins from the locking apertures to afford rotary movement of the support arms. The handles with the locking pin ends are supported in clam shell or cup shaped shells, these shells having apertures which permit relative movement of the handles and pin ends. Springs which bias the handles toward the locking position are confined in the cup shaped shells. A bolt secures each pair of shells, one support arm and brackets on each of the support frames together in assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for a vehicle including a plurality of slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior vehicle body surface. The plurality of slats extend generally longitudinally of the vehicle. A pair of brackets are disposed upon selected slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the pair of brackets. The slats include a channel member for permitting sliding movement of at least one of the brackets along the length thereof. A locking structure on the brackets cooperates with the channel member of each of the selected slats for simultaneously engaging and disengaging the channel members for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar and brackets at predetermined positions along the slats.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for attaching a ski-box to a roof-rack. The apparatus includes at least one longitudinal adjustment rail which is attached to the bottom of the ski-box. The rail includes at least one load carrier clamp which is displaceable along the longitudinal adjustment rail to secure the longitudinal adjustment rail and ski-box attached thereto to a load carrier member of roof-rack.

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 cooperate with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

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 slot extending lengthwise thereof. One or more cross members extending between the rails have stanchions at the ends slidably engageable in the slots. The slots open at an angle slanting away from the vehicle roof and toward one another to resist forces tending to separate the stanchions from the side rails. Each stanchion has a flange which hooks over a slot-defining flange of a rail to provide additional resistance to separation. The stanchions are releasably locked to the rails by locking pins engageable in apertures in the rails.

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 permanently 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: 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 crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A spring member on each of the bracket members cooperates with notches in a channel member of the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the crossbar upon the side rails.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bike carrier with rotary mounting means to adjust the angle of the support arms. A wide base with diverging frame portions provides support for heavy mountaineer bikes. Soft sleeves on the support arms have recesses to position several bikes in spaced relationship. In one embodiment rigid tubular arms fasten the rack to the gap between the roof and door of a van or wagon.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The slats extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. At least one of the bracket members includes means to cooperate with the a portion on the outer surface of the side rails for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar upon the slats.

Abstract: A sleeve for a support arm for a bike rack is formed of a soft rubber or plastic and has recesses to position bike frames. A longitudinal groove in the top of the sleeve positions a shock cord in a storage mode. A knob on the end of the shock cord interfits in an end piece which holds the sleeve on the support arm.

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: An improved article carrying system for a vehicle having a pair of generally flat rails directly mounted to the vehicle surface, each rail being characterized by an upstanding wall with a sidewardly facing track formed therein and a ridge spaced from and parallel to the wall. A slider for mounting article support and securing members has a pedestal which rests on the flat surface of the rail and is captured in the track between the wall and the ridge. A grip bar having a plurality of spaced-apart locking tabs is swingably mounted to the slider whereby when the grip bar overlies the rail, the locking tabs on the grip bar lockingly engage the protrusions on the rail, and when the grip bar is swung cross-wise to the rail, the locking tabs clear the protrusions to allow the slider to be moved along the rail.

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 a slat for a vehicle article carrier adapted to be mounted in a longitudinally extending recess in a generally horizontal extending exterior vehicle body surface. The slat includes a channel member adapted to be disposed in the recess. The channel member has an upper surface adapted to be disposed substantially flush with the vehicle body 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 cooperate with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting for an article restraining cross bar of an automobile luggage rack is provided to interconnect the cross bar to a pair of stanchion members mounted for longitudinal movement along a pair of parallel side rails so that one stanchion may be longitudinally adjusted relative to the other stanchion. A pivot plug is provided which is secured to each end of the cross bar and includes an extending tongue portion having a slot therein. The stanchions each contain a socket adapted to receive the tongue portion of the pivot plug and a fastening screw extends through the socket and tongue slot to secure the plug within the socket while permitting limited inward and outward movement of the tongue within the socket and limited pivotal movement of the plug around the fastening screw disposed in the slot.

Abstract: A roof rack comprises a pair of interconnected side rails overlying and at their ends connected to a vehicle roof, and elongated caps of a flexible material overlying and enclosing a portion of each rail and interlocked therewith. Each rail is an elongated extrusion including a pair of parallel top bends along its length with spaced strips depending from the beads defining undercut corners. Out-turned flanges extend from the strips and terminate in upturned marginal ledges. The cap has a top wall that overlies the beads and a pair of side walls terminating in a pair of opposed internal supports respectively overlying the out-turned flanges and retained and interposed between the strips and marginal ledges. A pair of opposed internal anchor flanges on the side walls interlockingly engage the shoulders to secure then cap along its length to the rail.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier adapted for use on the rear portion of a motor vehicle has an outer frame member, an inner frame member and two support arms. The frame members and support arms depend radially from hub assemblies. The angular relationship of the frame members and support arms may be adjusted by small increments and locked at various angular relationships.

Abstract: An automobile mountable bicycle carrier that is mounted to the trunk portion of an automobile. The carrier has rearwardly extending arms which have bicycle frame attachment brackets engaged thereto. Two brackets are disposed to hold each bicycle frame, one bracket holding the top tube and the other bracket holding the seat tube. The bracket which holds the seat tube preferably also holds the top tube.

Abstract: A luggage rack is provided for mounting on the roof of a vehicle. The luggage rack includes a pair of elongated side rails securable to the roof. A slot is provided in each slide rail to receive the tongue of a stanchion. A detachable cross member extends between stanchions provided on each side rail. The stanchions permit slidable adjustment of the cross member along the length of the side rails. The tongues of the stanchions and the slots in the side rails are angled outwardly to prevent removal of the stanchions and cross member after they are mounted.

Abstract: A luggage rack is provided for mounting on the roof of a vehicle. The luggage rack includes a pair of elongated side rails securable to the roof. A slot is provided in each slide rail to receive the tongue of a stanchion. A detachable cross member extends between stanchions provided on each side rail. The stanchions permit slidable adjustment of the cross member along the length of the side rails. A spring urged locking pin is provided in each stanchion. The pins project out of the stanchions into pockets provided in the side rails to lock the stanchions in an adjusted position. The locking pins are retractable to permit sliding of the stanchions to different adjusted positions.

Abstract: A chain saw carrier mounts to the upright sidewalls of a truck and includes an angularly adjustable frame for carrying one or more saws above the bed of the truck. The carrier includes a frame suspended over the truck bed. A slotted blade receiver plate receives the saw blades, and a saw dog receiving bar above the plate secures and supports the saws by engagement between adjacent saw dog points on the engine compartments. The weight of the saws bear against the saw dog receiving bar which holds the saws elevationally in position. The carrier may include a cover member, selectively securable over the saw engine compartments. A locking device employs a flexible locking member that may be secured through the handle enclosures of saws mounted to the device, to secure the saw or saws to the carrier frame. The preferred carrier also includes a number of lockable tool compartments for receiving accessories, as well as hooks for suspending items such as tool belts.

Abstract: A rack for a motor-vehicle roof comprises a pair of bridges (10) each having a cross member (12), a pair of box-shaped feet (14) for bearing on the roof (T) and a connector for hooking and fixing each foot on to the edge (B) of the roof, such as the drainage channel or the upper edge of a door opening. Each cross member (12) is slidably inserted in respective transverse passages formed in the upper parts of the feet (14) and pressure members are associated with each transverse passage, respectively, for clamping the cross member (12) in an adjusted position. The hooking and fixing connector for each bridge (10) is comprised of an inextensible strap (18) which passes through each foot (14), through an opening in an outer wall of the foot and which is provided, outside this outer wall, with a rigid, shaped hook (20), which is replaceable by other similar hooks of different shapes, for hooking on the edge (B) of the roof (T). At least one of the two feet (14) incorporates a device for tensioning the strap (18).

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 load support assembly (2) for a pickup truck (6) includes side support 8 mounted to the sides (10) of the cab (14) and elongate load support (16), having a flat top surface (18), pivotally mounted at its ends (26) to the side supports. When not in use the load support is oriented in a generally horizontal position to minimize wind drag. When in use, the load support is pivoted rearwardly so the top surface of the load support is aligned with the angle of the load. Stiff elastomeric support stops (32) are mounted to the bottom (20) of the load support to rest against the top (34) of the cab during use. Lateral movement of the load on the load support may be limited by load stops (42) extending upwardly from the top surface of the load support. The load stops are preferably pivotally mounted to the load support to pivot between a first, stowed position, lying adjacent the top surface of the load support, and a second, use position extending upwardly from the top surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two slats fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The slats extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the slats and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. At least one of the bracket members includes means to cooperate with the a portion on the outer surface of the side rails for detachably securing and allowing longitudinal adjustment of the crossbar upon the slats.

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 truck rack mounted over the cab allows for front loading. A ramp lowers down to allow for easy loading. A winch and pulley can be provided for easing the actual lifting of the load along the ramp. The ramp lifts back up to hold the load in place above the cab.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load platform translatable along rails mounted to the exterior of a vehicle, the platform being tiltably mounted upon an axle extending between the rails. Supported on the axle is a manually releasable locking mechanism in which the axle rotates, the locking mechanism acting to maintain the axle and platform in a given translational position along the rails.

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: 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: 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 extends above the upper surface of the 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 permanently 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: The invention contemplates, as an article of manufacture, an article-retaining adapter unit which, without requiring tooling of any kind is securely and removably attachable to an installed rack bar on an automobile roof. The adapter unit may be one of several different adapter units, each of which is dedicated to a different specific purpose, for example, one adapter unit for carrying skis, and another for carrying a sailboard. In each case, the adapter unit comprises an elongate base bar, equipped with hook structure at one end for skewed inserting engagement to an existing rack bar, the skew being such that once the inserting engagement has been made, the elongate base bar can be manipulated to non-removable retention when brought into close parallel relation with the existing rack bar. And when thus oriented parallel to the existing rack bar, clamp structure at the other end of the base bar is firmly securable to the rack bar, to complete the mounting.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier adapted for use on the rear portion of a motor vehicle has an outer frame member, an inner frame member and two support arms. The frame members and support arms depend radially from hub assemblies. The angular relationship of the frame members and support arms may be adjusted by small increments and locked at virtually any angular relationship.