Abstract: Heavy materials such as ladders, pipes and the like are often carried on a roof rack secured to the roof of service trucks, vans and the like and of course are difficult to place on the rack and remove therefrom. The present device includes a carrier which can be extended and retracted relative to the rack and is hinged so that it drops down adjacent the sides of the truck when extended, to facilitate loading and unloading of the material carried by the rack. When hinged upwardly to approximately the horizontal position, it may be pushed towards the longitudinal center of the roof so that it telescopes inwardly thus supporting the material upon the rack. Automatic latches are included to detachably lock the carrier in the retracted position and snubbers are provided to space the carrier from the side walls of the van or truck when in the extended, substantially vertical position.

Abstract: Several parallel slats are fixed to a vehicle deck. Flanges along both sides of each slat serve as a track for a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket has an internal clamp for securing it along its slat. The sliding bracket has either (1) a ring for attachment of a tiedown strap to the slat, plus a threaded hole for attachment of a temporary crossbar, or (2) a tilt-up stop to restrain luggage from sliding along the slats. On at least one end of each slat is a separate member, fixed to the vehicle and the slat, that also has a loop for attachment of a tiedown strap. This separate tiedown member matches the slat height and cross-section (taking into account not only the flanged track but also a trim strip in a top groove of the slat, and a formed gasket below the slat); consequently the sliding bracket can be moved on or off the end of the slat, unimpeded by the separate tiedown member.

Abstract: Slats fixed to a vehicle deck have external-flange tracks along their opposite edges. Brackets engage these tracks--by a lip that projects inwardly from the side wall of each bracket to capture the flange. The brackets can be slid by a user along the tracks and locked at any point along the slats by clamping plates inside the brackets. The clamping plates are forced against the slats as by screws in the tops of the brackets. One type of bracket carries an arch-shaped tie-down member and is also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete points along the slats. Each tie-down member is fixed to its tie-down bracket below the inwardly projecting lip, or in any event at a point in the side wall, of the bracket. This configuration preserves clamping force when a strap or cord is tightly cinched from the bracket over luggage, resulting in very strong upward force on the tie-down member.

Abstract: Slats fixed to a vehicle deck have external-flange tracks along their opposite edges. Brackets engage these tracks--by a lip that projects inwardly from the side wall of each bracket to capture the flange. The brackets can be slid by a user along the tracks and locked at any point along the slats by clamping plates inside the brackets. The clamping plates are forced against the slats as by screws in the tops of the brackets. One type of bracket carries an arch-shaped tie-down member and is also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete points along the slats. Each tie-down member is fixed to its tie-down bracket below the inwardly projecting lip, or in any event at a point in the side wall, of the bracket. This configuration preserves clamping force when a strap or cord is tightly cinched from the bracket over luggage, resulting in very strong upward force on the tie-down member.

Abstract: An adjustable support rail for a luggage carrier adapted to be mounted on exterior surface of a vehicle. The system includes a pair of spaced parallel tracks fixedly secured to the exterior surface of the vehicle and having a slot extending substantially the length of the track. A support stanchion is slidably mounted to each of the tracks with a rail extending between the stanchions. The stanchion includes a tensioning member which lockingly engages the stanchion onto the track once it is properly positioned by clampingly engaging the track against the stanchion. The stanchion may be selectively locked and released using a threaded member which engages and draws the tensioning member towards a wall of the stanchion and against the track. In addition, the end of the track is closed off by an end cap which includes a pivotable door covering an access opening through which the stanchion is mounted to the track.

Abstract: A cross rail for forming a load-bearing rack of a luggage carrier which is detachably secured to the side members that form the fixed frame of the carrier. The frame is supported above the surface of the vehicle and the load-bearing surface is suspended between the frame and the body of the vehicle. The individual cross members include an elongated cross rail member with T-shaped end caps secured to each end of the member to which individual clamps are pivotaly secured. Each clamp includes an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member received by the upper clamp member, and a bolt which connects the two clamp members in adjustable relation to each other. The two clamp members form a substantially C-shaped clamping channel which is adjustable by rotating the bolt accordingly. Thus, the cross member is capable of being utilized with different frame sizes simply by adjusting the clamping channel.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle support device including first and second cross frame members and first and second bicycle wheel receiving channels extending crosswise of the cross frame members. First and second bicycle support members are pivotally mounted by hinge brackets to the same cross frame member for swinging movement about an axis paralleling the cross frame member, and the first and second bicycle support brackets each have a portion that converges toward a medial plane between the wheel support brackets and laterally extending upper portions that extend transverse to the plane for engaging and supporting a bicycle frame. The converging portions of the bicycle support brackets are rigidly interconnected so that the first and second support brackets form a laterally stable assembly that is movable as a unit between a lower and a raised position.

Abstract: A load and lift carrier assembly and reassembly comprised of detachable legs and a header carried by mounting brackets secured to a vehicle body trunk lid or door by an anchor block captured within the body, the assembled condition being characterized by rigid attachment of the legs and header, the reassembled condition being characterized by insertion of the legs into the header, and featuring a reversible sack attached to the header and used one side out to transport articles and used the other side out to store the legs and header and related parts.

Abstract: A universal folding carrier for carrying objects on tailgates of pickup trucks and trunk lids of automobiles or the like has a frame to which a carrying member and a supporting member are pivotally mounted for movement between collapsed and extended positions. The carrying member is held by a pair of braces in its extended position for carrying objects and the supporting member is held in its extended position by bearing against the frame. The carrying member is a substantially U-shaped member having a bent forward end defining a clamping member and a pair of rearwardly extending carrying arms. The supporting member is a substantially U-shaped member having a forward foot bar and a pair of forwardly extending legs. When the carrier is in its operative extended position, the clamping member is clamped to the tailgate of a pickup truck or it rests against the trunk lid of an automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle top carrier having guide members rigidly mounted on top of the vehicle, a load carrying frame mounted on the guide members for movement from a generally horizontal position atop the vehicle to an inclined loading and unloading position displaced from the vehicle, and a support arm assembly pivotally mounted at each end respectively to one end of the carrier frame and a vertical surface on the vehicle. The support arm assembly includes a pair of pivotally joined segments releasably secured in a rigid and generally linear relationship to each other. After the carrier frame has been slidably displaced to a partially inclined position, the support arm segments are released from their locked engagement with each other and are allowed to pivot about their adjoining ends, resulting in further inclination of the carrier frame to a more accessible loading and unloading position.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage rack with parallel slats secured in mounting strips to a surface has a cross member made up of two sculptured stanchions and a cross rail that can be adjusted between several predetermined positions but not readily removed. One-piece fastener and tether means hold the stanchions in place, and also hold tie downs in place on at least the outside slats.

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.

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

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier of spaced side members and spaced cross members in which the carrier is supported at the front and rear corners on stanchions and in which the stanchions form part of the carrier and are firmly secured to the roof of an automobile and including an illuminating mechanism provided in certain or all of the stanchions to illuminate the area of the carrier and facilitate its use in the dark. Such illumination, either direct or reflective, would be highly visible to oncoming traffic and would contribute to the safe loading or unloading of the carrier in the dark. In an alternative embodiment, a deck mounted luggage carrier comprising a plurality of slat elements and at least one cross member supported by stanchions is integrated with an illuminating mechanism, such as the vehicle brake light, and/or tail light, and/or back-up light, which is operatively integrated with at least one of the stanchions and/or slat elements and/or cross member of the luggage carrier.

Abstract: A folding carrier for carrying objects on an automobile or the like has a frame to which a carrying member and a supporting member are pivotally mounted for movement between collapsed and extended positions. The carrying member is held by a pair of braces in its extended position for carrying objects and the supporting member is held in its extended position by bearing against the frame. The carrying member is a substantially U-shaped member having a front foot bar and a pair of extending arms and the supporting member is a substantially U-shaped member having a rear foot bar and a pair of extending legs. When the carrier is in its operative extended position, the weight of an object being carried is distributed on feet mounted on the foot bars of each carrying and supporting members.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier for the horizontal body surface of an automotive vehicle comprising a cross member adjustably secured by clamping means and an article restraining member adjustably and removably mounted to the cross member and cooperable with the cross member to restrain articles disposed on the carrier. The article restraining member may also have additional article securing elements incorporated into its construction. A lock mechanism may also be readily incorporated into the carrier.

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

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two slat assemblies fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. Each slat assembly has at least one longitudinal rib. At least two pairs of brackets are provided, two brackets being removably and slidably fastened to the rib of each of the slat assemblies. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat assembly by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. One rail is supported by each pair of brackets to extend transversely therebetween above the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load holder adapted to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle and having a rod-shaped carrying element which at its ends latchably is engaged in support legs which with the aid of tensioning hooks are adapted to be mounted at the drip moulding of the vehicle, said tensioning hooks are adapted to be operated with the aid of an operating member working according to the principle of eccentricity. According to the invention a clamping yoke (5) is provided to latch the carrying element, said clamping yoke with the aid of a stud (6) being shiftably journalled in an oblong guiding groove (7) in a protrusion (8), the operating arm (14) for operating the tensioning hook (11) also being hingedly supported on the stud (6) causing the clamping yoke (5) being shifted simultaneously with the operation of the tensioning hook (11).

Abstract: A clamping device for locking articles onto the bar of a car top carrier, wherein the clamping device has a base member, a lever arm and a pair of links. The links are pivotally attached at opposite ends thereof respectively to the base and lever arm with the pivots spaced apart from one another and arranged so as to lock in an over-center article clamp down position. An article engaging member is secured to one of the link arms and projects therefrom beyond the lever arm adjacent one end of the same and a finger operable lever lock means is pivotally attached to the lever arm at the other end thereof and engageable with the other link for locking the lever arm in an article securing position. The base member and lever arm are channel-shaped members internested one within the other in an article locking position and have aligned apertures in such position for receiving a padlock to make the unit burglar proof.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage rack is provided which includes the following components: a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel frame members, each having a first and a second end and being adapted to be fixed to a vehicle; a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel slide members, each of which is slidably mounted to and aligned with one of the longitudinal frame members adjacent the first end thereof; at least one longitudinally extending guide rail disposed parallel to the longitudinal members and being adapted to be fixed to the vehicle; a transverse rail extending between the longitudinal slide members to form a slide/transverse rail assembly, the transverse rail being slidably mounted to the guide rail so that the slide/transverse rail assembly is longitudinally slidable with respect to the longitudinal frame members and the guide rail; and apparatus for releasably fixing the position of the slide/transverse rail assembly with respect to the longitudinal frame members.

Abstract: An external cargo carrier for a vehicle and which carrier includes a mechanism allowing longitudinal adjustment of a cross rail relative to a pair of transversely spaced side rails and which mechanism also permits the cross rail to be quickly and easily removed from the side rails.

Abstract: A luggage or 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 slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width substantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substantially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforcement of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, wit

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two slat assemblies fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. Each slat assembly has at least one longitudinal rib. At least two pairs of brackets are provided, two brackets being removably and slidably fastened to the rib of each of the slat assemblies. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat assembly by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. One rail is supported by each pair of brackets to extend transversely therebetween above the surface.

Abstract: An article carrier system for supporting and securing articles on a generally horizontally extending exterior body surface of an automobile comprising at least two elongated slats fixedly secured to the surface, extending in positions substantially parallel to one another, and having article supporting surfaces on the upper sides thereof, at least one elongated cross member extending transversely of the slats and having end portions slideable along the lengths of the slats and removably mounted on the slats, and at least one tie down and/or positioning member slideably and adjustably disposed on the cross member or one of the slats, including a mechanism for clampingly engaging the tie down and/or positioning member in selected positions along the length of the cross member or slat.

Abstract: A carrier for paraphernalia from a motor vehicle comprising a pair of interconnected vertical side frames of inverted V-shape each terminating at its upper end in an apical structure which is provided with an adjusting connection for supporting a vertically tiltable hanger assembly or elongated carrier frame, each side frame having unequal length legs so that it may be mounted on one side with the shorter legs seated on the generally horizontal panels of the vehicle, such as a trunk lid, and at its other side against a vertical lid portion, the hanger assembly having a cross-bar extending through the adjusting connections, and quick-release straps are looped about the cross-bar, the straps being provided with hooks which may be engaged with appropriate portions of the vehicle such as the front and rear edges of the trunk lid. The carrier is so constructed as to be mountable on the roof, sides, trunk lid or hood of the vehicle without bolting.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having a plurality of preferably for mounting receptacles permanently attached to the roof of the automobile to which other different types of primary luggage carriers may be selectively attached. For example, heavy-load utility bar assemblies may be attached to carry heavy loads, such as a boat, crate or large box; or standard luggage carrier assemblies, including slats or stanchions supporting elevated side rails, may be attached to carry lighter and less bulky loads, such as travel cases, smaller boxes and the like.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two parallel slats fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart and parallel relationship. Each slat has at least one longitudinal rib. At least one pair of brackets is provided, one of the brackets being fastened to the rib of each of the slats. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. At least one transverse rail is provided, each end of the transverse rail being fastened to one of the brackets.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrying device including a primary load carrying structure for carrying general type loads such as luggage and the like, above a vehicle surface, such as a hood or roof, and a bicycle carrier which can be removably assembled with the primay load carrying structure to facilitate the transport of bicycles in an upright position above said surface. The primary load carrying structure includes a set of laterally spaced longitudinal rails and a pair of transverse utility bar assemblies which are longitudinally positionable along and removably securable to a pair of the rails for supporting loads. The bicycle carrier includes a brace member which is removably assembled between one utility bar assembly and the frame of a bicycle to secure the bicycle against lateral movement relative to said surface, and a wheel fixing structure which receives the bicycle wheels, locates them in planar alignment, and secures the wheels and the bicycle against longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying loads, e.g., bicycles, external to a vehicle is described. It comprises: an inverted U-shaped frame which is usually disposed in an upright position when in use; a set of flexible straps which attach to the lower end of the frame and to an anchor point within a vehicle cavity, e.g., a trunk; a cam attached to each leg of the frame to distribute load forces over the straps, to aid in tensioning the straps to enhance their function of supporting the frame and the load, and to space the carrier from a vehicle; and an adjustable belt connecting the upper end of the frame to the vehicle so that adjustment of the belt permits the frame to pivot about the cams so that it can be rotated downwardly to engage a load which, when attached to the frame, can be raised by appropriate adjustment of the belt to obviate the need to lift the load up to the upright carrier.The carrier can be readily removed from a vehicle by disconnecting the straps at their anchor points.

Abstract: An enclosure mountable upon and cooperable with an article carrier having adjustable and/or removeable means for securing articles to said carrier wherein the enclosure may protect articles on the article carrier from damage from adverse weather conditions or debris thrown against the enclosure, such as from a passing vehicle. Support and securement devices may be located within the enclosure which comprise removeable and/or adjustable components of a luggage carrier system optimizing securement tie down points and offering a tremendous degree of flexibility as an article carrier, along with permitting a number of accessories to be mounted to the luggage carrier with or without the enclosure.

Abstract: A carrier for luggage or the like is mounted on a vehicle body. The carrier consists of separate load supporting slats each of which has an upwardly facing groove running lengthwise thereof. The slats are made from roll formed sheet steel and their grooves provide means for securing adjustable tie-down members or other article securing devices on the slats. Decorative and protective plastic strips are also fitted in the slat grooves.

Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle and a bracket for the article carrier. The article carrier has two slats secured to the surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. One bracket is removably fastened to each of the slats. A movable fastening member depending from each bracket selectively secures the bracket in a fixed position along the corresponding slat. The article carrier also includes a transverse rail fastened at each of its end to one of the brackets.

Abstract: A luggage rack which is mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle and has two longitudinally extending parallel rod-shaped carriers and several traverses separably connected to and extending at right angles to the carriers. Each traverse has an elongated outer section and an elongated inner section which is telescoped into and is movable lengthwise and/or at right angles to the outer section. The sections of each traverse have intersecting sockets in the form of elongated open-ended slots receiving parts of the carriers so that the surface bounding the slots contact the respective carrier parts. Screws which extend through the outer sections and mate with nuts on or in the inner sections bias the sections of each traverse against each other and against the respective parts of the carriers to thereby fixedly hold the traverses in selected positions.

Abstract: The device for securing the hull of a watercraft and/or a sailboat mast comprises a locking bar the lower end of which has a hook, an annular eyelet or a crosshead by means of which the locking arm can be secured on a portion of the roof carrier which supports the hull of the watercraft and is secured to the roof of an automotive vehicle or on the sailboat mast which can be inserted between the roof and the roof carrier during transport. The upper end of the locking bar has a thread onto which can be screwed a flange or nut by means of which the hull of the watercraft or the sailboat mast can be securely clamped. The threadedly connectable flange or nut acts either upon the hull of the watercraft, e.g., a surfboard, or upon a portion of the roof carrier when the sailboat mast is secured by the locking bar. If this safety device is to be used in connection with the hull of a watercraft, it is necessary that the hull be provided with a through opening, for example, a daggerboard opening.

Abstract: A bracket which is transversely positionable along a cross-rail is disclosed. The bracket surrounds the cross-rail in a slidable manner and has an opening integral therewith to threadingly receive a tie-down strap. The positionable bracket is releasably lockable to the cross-rail for securing articles such as luggage straps to the cross-rail.

Abstract: A luggage or 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 slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width substantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substantially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforcement of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, wit

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle carrier for carrying bicycles and the like on automobiles and other vehicles is disclosed. The subject carrier is characterized by a unitary hanger member to which is movably attached a pair of legs. A locking mechanism serves to rotably attach each of the legs to the hanger member such that the subject carrier is able to be folded flat to have both the legs and the hanger member be in a single plane when the carrier is not in use. The locking mechanism also serves to lock each of the legs when the carrier is in an extended operative configuration to prevent accidental collapse or folding.

Abstract: A luggage carrier assembly is disclosed herein which is of the type adapted to be detachably secured to the roof or similar horizontally extending surface of an automotive vehicle or the like, the carrier assembly comprises a pair of spaced parallel article constraining members, such as crossrails or utility bars, and a pair of stanchion elements are associated with each end of each of the members; each of the stanchion elements is adapted to be secured to the roof of the associated vehicle by means of a generally vertically extending stud-like member having a lower end portion which is adapted for detachable engagement with a mounting device on the surface of the vehicle, with the upper ends of the stud-like members being cooperative with annular wheel-like members which may be manually grasped to move the stud-like member between engaged and disengaged relationship with the mounting devices on the vehicle, whereby the carrier may be selectively secured upon the vehicle surface and be conveniently removed th

Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: A slotted side rail and cross-rail receiving bracket assembly for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is disclosed. A slidable cross-rail is supported between a pair of cross-rail receiving brackets and is movable with the brackets along the slotted side rail. Each bracket includes a rail engaging lock for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the slotted side rail. The lock prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the side rail.

Abstract: A foldable carrier for carrying objects on an automobile includes a pair of side members, a pair of carrying members and a pair of brackets. One of each pair of side members and one of each pair of carrying members is mounted to one of each pair of brackets for relative movement between a flat collapsed position and an erect extended position, the brackets being held apart by a cross member. Each side member is constrained for biaxial movement relative to each carrying member. Attaching hardware is provided for fastening the carrier to an automobile and for locking the carrier in the extended position.

Abstract: A roof carrier for use on motor vehicles for supporting surfing boards or the like on the roof includes a supporting structure consisting of a plurality of interconnected transversely and longitudinally extending elements, at least one holder assemblable with the supporting structure and a sliding member mounted on one of the elements for displacement between a withdrawn and an engaging position and so acting on the holder in its engaging position as to maintain the holder in engagement with the one element. The sliding member is provided with a lug which secures the sliding member in its engaging position. The one element and the sliding member are provided with a slot-shaped apertures with register with one another in the withdrawn position to let an enlarged end portion of the holder to pass therethrough and the common cross section of which in the engaging position is smaller than the transverse dimension of the enlarged end portion to prevent extraction of the latter.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having a plurality, preferably for mounting receptacles permanently attached to the roof of the automobile to which other different types of primary luggage carriers may be selectively attached. For example, heavy-load utility bar assemblies may be attached to carry heavy loads, such as a boat, crate or large box; or standard luggage carrier assemblies may be attached to carry lighter and less bulky loads, such as travel cases, smaller boxes and the like.

Abstract: An automotive luggage rack has a pair of side rails extending parallel to one another and supported above the vehicle roof in stanchions at opposite ends of the side rails. One or more cross rails is provided between the side rails and cross rail end fittings have portions to encircle the side rails so that the cross rail can be moved longitudinally of the side rails. Clamping devices are provided in the end fittings for securing the cross rails in desired locations relative to the side rails. Each side rail is C-shaped with an elongated insert to close the open side of the C, and a flat underside to be engaged by the clamping device.

Abstract: A bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier is adapted for sliding adjustment or positioning in a carrier track. The bracket includes a tool-operated locking mechanism for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track wherein unauthorized adjustment of the bracket is prevented. The bracket may include suitable openings which receive tie-down straps or the like. The bracket is, also, contemplated as including suitable projections for detachably mounting a cross-strap thereto.

Abstract: A load bearing cross-slat for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is adapted to extend transversely across a vehicle roof between a pair of carrier tracks. The cross-slat is anchored to the tracks at its ends and is cambered upward toward the center of the vehicle. The camber of the slat spaces the slat above the vehicle roof, and allows the weight of an article placed thereon to be supported at the ends of the slat and, thus, by the tracks.

Abstract: A bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier is adapted for sliding adjustment or positioning in a carrier track. The bracket includes a ratcheted disc for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track. The ratcheted disc prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the track. The bracket also includes suitable projections for detachably mounting a cross-strap thereto for supporting skis, bicycles, and other articles.