Abstract: A roof rail includes a gasket that is formed of a liquid gasket material that is applied in a liquid state and cured to define a gasket. The liquid gasket material may be applied robotically. The liquid gasket material may be applied either before or after the roof rail is attached to a corresponding vehicle structure. The gasket may be recessed, flush, or proud relative to a lower surface of the roof rail. The liquid gasket material may be applied during the molding process of the roof rail. The roof rail may be formed of a plateable resin material, and the liquid gasket material may be non-platable and bonded bond to the plateable resin material. The roof rail having the gasket may be plated, with the plating material bonding to the areas of the roof rail that are not covered by the gasket.

Abstract: An arrangement for fastening first and second components with automatic compensation in spacing between the components has a base element with first and second axial ends and a holding structure for holding the base element in an opening of the first component. An adjusting unit screwable into the base element has a driver unit. A fastening screw is connectable to the adjusting unit via the driver unit, such that, when the fastening screw is rotated, the adjusting unit can be rotated conjointly and moved into contact with the second component. The holding structure has a holding segment arranged such that, by the holding segment, an angle between the first and second component can be compensated such that, when the adjusting unit makes contact with the second component, a longitudinal axis of the fastening arrangement runs perpendicular to a plane of the second component.

Abstract: A crossmember assembly is provided for a motor vehicle having a roof with first and second rails. Each rail has a width within a range of widths, with the first and second rails being spaced from one another by distance within a range of distances. The assembly includes a crossbar having first and second ends and movable along the rails. The assembly further includes a first clamp mechanism engaged with the first end for securing the crossbar to the first rail and a second clamp mechanism engaged with the second end for securing the crossbar to the first rail. Each of the first and second clamp mechanisms includes a stanchion attached to the crossbar and having a first rail gripping surface. Each of the first and second clamp mechanisms further includes a scotch yoke, which has a second rail gripping surface and is movable between clamped and unclamped states.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article securing system for a motor vehicle. The system has a linear track having a generally C-shaped configuration which is secured to the vehicle. The track has a pair of inwardly projecting flanges which are spaced apart to form a linear slot, and a pair of interstitial spaces adjacent the flanges. The spacing between the flanges forms a first dimension. A load restraining component is included which has a base portion with a neck portion extending therefrom. The neck portion has a second dimension slightly less than the first dimension such that minimal play exists between the neck portion and the flanges of the track. A T-shaped clamping element is included which has a neck portion configured to engage with the base portion, and a pair of spaced apart teeth configured to fit within the interstitial spaces of the track.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for holding and transporting an elongated article, such as a fish rod. The apparatus comprises a telescoping member having a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of caps coupled to the proximal end and the distal end of the telescoping member; a first mounting member releasably coupled to the telescoping member; a second mounting member releasably coupled to the first mounting member, the second mounting member is configured to receive and hold an elongated article; a pair of hook and loop fastener straps each of which is coupled to each of the pair of caps; and a pair of wall mounting brackets.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle cargo rack system for use on a vehicle Roof mounts are attached to the roof. A cargo bar is provided. The cargo bar has a first end, an opposite second end, and a midsection. The cargo bar is supported above the roof by the roof mounts. When a load is attached to the vehicle, the load is placed atop the cargo bar, wherein the weight of the load is borne by the cargo bar. A plurality of support legs extends from the midsection of the cargo bar to the roof. The support legs contact the roof and transfer the forces across the roof.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a vehicle roof bar including: a long roof bar which is disposed horizontally at an interval from a vehicle roof; two buffer members which are in close contact with both window frames of the vehicle, respectively, each have an L-shaped cross section and are each made of an elastic material; two hooks which are fixed to the window frames of the vehicle, respectively, with the buffer members interposed therebetween; two brackets through which both ends of the roof bar protrude by penetrating the two brackets; two stands which are supported on the vehicle roof; and two half-moon-shaped head bolts which each have a half-moon-shaped heads having a half-moon-shaped cross section and fitted into the groove of each of the stands.

Abstract: A support pad for a vehicle roof load support system is disclosed where the support pad includes a base layer, a contact layer for contacting a load disposed on the support pad, and ribs extending between the base layer and the contact layer such that the contact layer is spaced from the base layer. The support pad is configured to flex in multiple directions to support the load disposed on the support pad.

Abstract: A load carrier foot of clamping type includes a tensioning arrangement. The tensioning arrangement includes a cam member and a separate lever. The lever can be operated to pivot the cam member to impart a clamping force to retain the load carrier foot. The lever or a separate release member can be used pivot back the cam member to detach the load carrier foot.

Abstract: A torque limiting device (30) connectable to a load carrier, such as a load carrier foot (10), and adapted for indicating a torque imparted by a user, the torque limiting device (30) comprising a torque limiter (50), a connection member (31) adapted to be connected to the load carrier foot (10) and a head portion (40) arranged on the connection member (31), the head portion (40) comprising a first and a second member (41, 42). The disclosure also relates to a load carrier foot (10) comprising the torque limiting device (30). The torque limiting device (30) is specifically adapted to be user friendly and has a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A roof bar for a motor vehicle, includes a support structure for a roof bar element with an fastening claw which engages at a first end on a side wall rail of a vehicle body and is connected in an articulated fashion to a clamping lever. The fastening claw is guided in a guide in the support structure and a leaf spring is provided which, on one side, engages on the clamping lever-in the region of its free end and, on the other side, is supported on the support structure, wherein when the clamping lever is pressed down towards the attachment claw the-fastening claw is clamped on the side wall rail by the spring force.

Abstract: A crossbar assembly is provided for a cargo rack configured for mounting on top of a vehicle. A crossbar assembly may include a pair of brackets, each bracket having a crossbar housing, for receiving and engaging one end of a crossbar. The housing may also include a pair of jaws adapted to clamp a rail on top of a vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack attachment assembly for a vehicle is provided along with a method of assembling a vehicle having a roof panel capable of receiving a roof rack attachment at a predetermined attachment point is provided. The vehicle may include a roof panel defining a plurality of elongated grooves. The assembly may include a groove applique disposed within and along the length of each of the elongated grooves. The groove applique may be secured within each of the elongated grooves with a plurality of securing components placed along the length of the elongated groove. A plurality of attachment features may be coupled to the groove applique at predetermined locations, defining a predetermined attachment point for a vehicle roof rack. The roof rack assembly allows a roof rack of any style to be added, removed, or replaced at the each of the predetermined attachment points throughout the life of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening element with a tolerance-compensation function for fastening add-on elements, in particular roof rails. To this end, a threaded bolt is provided which has a threaded region, a fastening region and a projection. A positioning and assistance element is supported on the protection, and an adjustment element is arranged in the threaded region. An add-on element is arranged on the fastening region. A space between a first and a second component can be compensated for with the aid of the positioning and assistance element in cooperation with the adjustment element. Furthermore, a fastening means is arranged on the threaded region, with the result that the second component is arranged between the adjustment element and the fastening means. The add-on element is fixedly connected to the second component by means of the fastening element in this way.

Abstract: An infill device may include a lower portion pressing against a floor portion of a cavity of a slotted crossbar of a vehicle rack, and an upper portion pressing upward on first and second opposing lips of a longitudinal opening to the cavity. The infill is operable between a flush position corresponding to the upper portion substantially filling the opening, and a compressed position corresponding to the upper portion moving away from the opposing lips and closer to the floor portion to allow a retention device of a cargo-specific rack accessory to enter the channel and clamp the opposing lips.

Abstract: A load carrier foot, and a load carrying roof rack for a vehicle having at least one such load carrier foot. The load carrier foot has a lock arrangement for locking a load carrying bar to the load carrier foot comprising a wedge member, a tensioning member. The wedge member is adapted to cooperate with the tensioning member so that upon operation of the tensioning member. A clamping member is further arranged in working cooperation with the tensioning member. The present invention provides for a load carrying foot having a lock arrangement which requires little space inside of the load carrying bar to lock the load carrying bar to the load carrying foot, it permits the load carrier foot to be attached to the load carrying bar in a plurality of positions and it enables the load carrying bar to be attached to the load carrying foot while at the same time attach to the vehicle using the same tensioning member.

Abstract: The present invention is a roof rack having stowable, non-adjustable cross-bars. The roof rack also includes a plurality of mounts attached to a vehicle in an arrangement to provide a singular stowed position and a singular deployed position. The present invention also includes at least one cross-bar attached between the stowed position or the deployed position. The cross-bar is completely detached from the plurality of mounts to move the cross-bar from the stowed position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A positioning device of vehicle roof rack of the present invention includes a base, a positioning element, a buckle element, and a fixing element. The base forms a plurality of positioning slots and a connecting slot connecting the positioning slots. The positioning element is disposed slidably on the connecting slot and is able to be received in one of the positioning slots alternatively. An end of the buckle element is fixed to the positioning element by the fixing element, and the other end of the buckle element is to be buckled to a perimeter edge of a vehicle. Thereby, the position the buckle element being buckled to the perimeter edge can be adjusted by moving the positioning element. Thus, the positioning device of vehicle roof rack can be employed on vehicles in different sizes.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly comprises a pair of rails defining retention channels therein. A locking slot is disposed on an inboard surface of the rails and is in communication with the retention channels. The rook rack assembly further comprises a crossbar having a rotatable locking cam with retention tabs. The locking cam is designed to frictionally engage the locking slot during rotation and the retention tabs are adapted to extend into the retention channels, thereby securing the crossbar to the rails.

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

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

Abstract: A support assembly to support a bar (11) of a roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base (12) to which the bar (11) is attached. The bar (11) includes a longitudinal cavity (46) that provides for the attachment of articles to the bar (11). The support assembly further includes a cover (24) that is captively attached to the base (12) but movable relative thereto between a lock position preventing access to a threaded shaft (18) that is used to secure the support assembly to the vehicle and the cavity (46), and a displaced position providing access to the cavity (46) and threaded shaft (18).

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

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system incorporating at least one single sided release cross bar assembly. The cross bar assembly includes first and second end support assemblies. Detachment or adjustable positioning of the cross bar assembly is made by a user engaging a locking element in a first one of the end support assemblies and moving a cross bar of the cross bar assembly linearly, telescopically slidably into a second one of the end support assemblies. This causes a release of tension provided by a biasing element in the second end support assembly, thus enabling the entire cross bar assembly to be removed from the side rails. The single biasing element in the second cross bar assembly provides a constant tension on latching elements mounted in each of the first and second end support assemblies, which maintain each of the assemblies in locking engagement with the side rails.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.

Abstract: A universal roof rack mounting system includes small, nearly imperceptible, permanently attached pads and removable cross bar towers. The pads extend only about one quarter inch from an automobile roof and may be painted to match the color of the roof. The cross bar towers may be quickly and easily attached and detached from the pads, and the cross bar towers include a passage which accepts known roof rack cross bars including, both round and rectangular cross bars. An adjustable latching action between the pads and the cross bar towers allows a range of cross bar tower lean angles, thereby allowing the mounting system to adapt to any vehicle roof. The cross bar towers include locking release covers, and the cross bar towers are easily removed, with or without cross bars attached, by unlocking and lifting the tower covers, and the rack system can be lifted off as a unit.

Abstract: Linkage devices for connecting vehicle rack support members to preexisting attachment points on vehicle upper surfaces are disclosed. The linkage devices may include a body, a resilient pad, and an anchoring member. The body may include an interface, configured to engage and retain the support member, and a substantially hollow lower portion having a lower edge that defines a circumference of an opening. The resilient pad may be disposed on the lower edge and extend around at least a first substantial portion of the circumference of the opening. The opening may extend through the resilient pad and into the substantially hollow lower portion. The anchoring member may be configured to extend through the substantially hollow lower portion and through the opening, engage the attachment point, and selectively urge the body against the resilient pad and the upper surface of the vehicle.

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

Abstract: System providing a securing arrangement for securing a load to a vehicle-mounted rack. The system includes clamp members adapted to secure the load-carrying member to a crossbar of the vehicle-mounted rack. The system includes an opposable clamp member and may include dimensionally different first and second opposing clamp members. The opposable clamp member may be configured to alternatively attach to the first and second opposing clamp members. The system may include an adjustable mounting mechanism configured to adjust an angle of the load-carrying member relative to the opposable clamp member. The opposable clamp member may include a plurality of alternative coupling sections configured to attach to the first and second opposing clamp members.

Abstract: A roof railing assembly (20) includes a rail (22), a bracket attachment (28) disposed on the rail (22), and a fastener (44, 46, 48) on the bracket attachment (28), wherein the bracket attachment (28) is a defined by a structural layer of material (40) which defines a plurality of small voids (42). A flange (54) is disposed about the fastener (44, 46, 48) for restricting axial movement. An insulating layer (56) is disposed about the supported end (50) of the fastener (44, 46, 48) for absorbing force. The outer diameter of the flange (54) is greater than the outer diameter of the insulating layer (56) to further restrict axial movement. A torque limiter (58) is disposed about the fastener (44, 46, 48) for disconnecting the fastener (44, 46, 48) from the vehicle roof to avoid excessive loading on the fastener (44, 46, 48).

Abstract: A roof rack system that is a platform for any roof mounted products. Examples of such products include bikes, skis, snow boards, kayaks, canoes, or storage compartments or baskets. This system will fit any vehicle, any make, any model, any year, with a single stock keeping unit (SKU). It is also an attractive rack, even if it does not carry any products.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier incorporating a single sided releasable cross bar. The cross bar has an end support secured at each outermost end thereof. Each end support lockably engages with an associated side rail. Each end support includes an actuating member which cammingly urges a locking member into and out of engagement with interior wall surfaces of its associated side rail when the actuating member is moved between locked and unlocked positions. A biasing member in the form of a leaf spring is used to bias the locking member into a normally locked position. A pair of small diameter rods coupled to each actuating member of the cross bar allow the locking members of the two end supports to be simultaneously locked and unlocked by movement of either one of the actuating members.

Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.

Abstract: The generally rectangular support platform of a mounting foot primary component includes laterally extending tabs configured for reception in respective of longitudinally extending slots defined by an elongated strength member of the light bar. Diagonally opposite corners of the support platform are rounded off so that the primary component is installable by insertion toward the elongated member at an angular orientation and rotation to engage the tabs in the slots. The support platform defines a recessed channel for carrying a metal retaining bar. Fasteners passing through threaded openings in the retaining bar force the retaining bar and primary component away from the elongated member, placing the support platform tabs and lateral ends of the retaining bar in frictional engagement with the lips of the elongated member. A blocking bar is fixed against an end face of the primary component to block counter rotation of the mounting foot relative to the elongated member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof-rack bar for automobile vehicles comprising a transverse bar and two fastening feet mounted at the ends of the transverse bar. The feet operate in conjunction with side rails mounted on an automobile vehicle, wherein the feet can slide along the side rails during adjustment. The angle between the transverse bar and each of the side rails remains substantially constant when the bar is displaced. At least one of the feet includes a housing in which one end of the transverse bar can slide between two extreme positions in order to adapt to a variable distance between non-parallel side rails. This housing includes a first locking and reinforcement means capable of operating in conjunction with a second locking and reinforcement means fitted on the transverse bar to immobilize or authorize the displacement of the end of the transverse bar in the housing.

Abstract: A load carrier foot arrangement comprising a load carrier foot (3) which is mounted on a rail profile (2) which exhibits a mounting opening (12), wherein the load carrier foot is secured to the rail profile by means of a locking device having a locking spindle (21) which actuates a locking plate (27) and locks the foot to the rail profile, and wherein a retaining catch (32) is eccentrically and rotatably disposed on the locking spindle, which retaining catch interacts with notches (13) in the rail profile to prevent unwanted movement of the load carrier foot along the rail profile when the locking device is in locked position, the retaining catch having for this purpose a stop face (38) and a sensing element (39), that the retaining catch is prestressed by a tensioning element (37) to a position such that the stop face interferes obstructively with an edge region (41) of the load carrier foot (3) when the sensing element is not actuated, and that the mounting opening (12) is of such a size that the sensing el

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a load carrier to a transporting vehicle that includes an anchor mechanism adapted for securement to a transporting vehicle and for releasable engagement with a carrier foot. The carrier foot has a latching mechanism for releasable engagement with the anchor mechanism. The latching mechanism is adapted for latching engagement to, and disengagement from the anchor mechanism by movement of the carrier foot in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the carrier foot. An example of such movement is vertical movement substantially of an up and down nature. The latching mechanism has a latching and an unlatching configuration and the latching mechanism is urged toward the latching configuration by a resilient biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A loader for mounting an elongated load onto the roof an automobile includes an axle, a pair of wheels mounted on the ends of the axle, an elongated stabilizer bar, a pair of tie-down straps and a pair of vacuum cups. The stabilizer bar is centrally mounted on the axle and the tie-down straps are mounted on the axle between the stabilizer bar and the wheels. During use, the vacuum cups are attached to the rear windshield of an automobile, the end of the stabilizer bar bears against the rear windshield and the tie-down straps are attached to a convenient portion of the automobile. The front portion of the load is placed on the wheels and the back of the load is lifted and the load is rolled onto the roof of the automobile.

Abstract: A roof and rack assembly (10) for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel (12) received from polymeric organic material that has a top surface (14) and edges (16), (18) extending between a first or front (20) and a second or rear (22) ends of the roof panel (12). The roof panel (12) includes retaining elements (30) that are integrally formed and extend upwardly from the top surface (14) of the roof panel (12). The roof and rack assembly (10) further includes a track (24) for receiving a roof rack (26) and slidably adjusting the position of the roof rack (26) along the track (24), and a mounting member (28) for securing the track (24) to the retaining elements (30). The roof and rack assembly (10) provides an effective and a quick way of fastening the roof rack (26) to the roof panel (12) and is efficient, not time consuming and easy way to install the roof rack (26).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a load carrier for vehicles, which load carrier is intended for roof-mounting. The load carrier comprises support members intended to rest against the upper face of the vehicle roof close to the edge thereof, a sheet-metal gripping member disposed in the support member to grip the edge portion of the vehicle roof, and a means arranged to lock the support member and the gripping member in a position, in which said means grippingly engages the associated roof edge portion. The gripping member is divided, in a portion of articulation, into at least two parts as seen in the lengthwise extension of the member, said two parts being hingedly interconnected in said portion of articulation in overlapping fashion while being separated by means of a spacer element.

Abstract: A top rack assembly includes two rails (100) connected on a top of a vehicle and two transverse bars (10) having two clamp devices (20) which are movably connected to the two rails. Each of the clamp devices has a casing (21) with a passage through which one of the two ends of each of the transverse bars movably extends. An L-shaped first part (221) is pivotally engaged with the passage and mounted on a top and a side of the rail. A second part (222) is pivotally connected to the first part and a bolt (23) extends through a vertical portion of the casing and contacts the second part to clamp the rail.