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 fork mount for receiving and securing a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle type front bicycle wheel, but which is also temporarily adaptable for receiving a fork of a skewer type front bicycle wheel includes a fork mount body having a hollow for insertably receiving a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle front bicycle wheel. An adapter is received in the hollow and has a fork receiving skewer associated therewith that is configured for translational movement relative to the adapter. A biasing assembly is disposed between the adapter and the skewer and urges the skewer toward an ends-extended configuration in which a pair of fork receiving ends of the skewer are oppositely disposed beyond the lateral sides of the fork mount body and are configured for receiving and releasably securing the fork of a bicycle having a skewer type front wheel to the bicycle fork mount.

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 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: The lockdown soft roofrack provides a platform in particular a ‘roofrack’ that allows the carriage of sports boards on top of a variety of vehicle's roofs in a convenient and secure fashion. The invention contains three items, of which one item is a piece of webbing, the second item is a tightening mechanism and the third item is a detachable load hook. When the webbing is tightened via the single tightening mechanism it pulls through both ends of the detachable load hook thus tightening a loop of the webbing around the sports boards whilst simultaneously tightening the webbing around the vehicle's roof, thus pulling the sports boards securely down onto a vehicles roof.

Abstract: A wheel quick release system for a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle where the wheel can be easily removed by a manual operation on only one side of the wheel hub but is prevented from unexpected separation at all times while engaged with the wheel. A laterally moving skewer mounted concentrically inside a hollow axle is equipped with a “non-touch” nut on one end and is spring loaded toward a quick release cam on the other end thereby always urging the nut against the adjacent dropout. To remove the wheel, the quick release cam is operated and the quick release side assembly is pushed axially inward and a safety mechanism is operated and held in this position while the wheel is removed from the fork dropouts. When the wheel is again inserted into the wheel fork, the skewer automatically locks onto the dropouts, and subsequently if the quick release cam is inadvertently left open by the user, the wheel will be somewhat loose but will remain safely inserted in the wheel mounts.

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

Abstract: A cargo carrier integrated a vehicle roof such that the cargo carrier is deployable from a stowed position within the vehicle roof to a deployed position that extends from the vehicle roof. The cargo carrier includes a bottom panel disposed within a recess formed in the vehicle roof, and a pair of side panels disposed within and hingedly connected to the bottom panel. The side panels are actuatable between the stowed position and the developed position. A front panel and a top panel are hingedly connected to each other and attached to the bottom panel. To deploy the cargo carrier, a deployment system is connected to the side panels for actuating the side panels between the stowed position and the deployed position. Actuation of the side panels raises the top panel and the front panel to the deployed position.

Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.

Abstract: A car top bicycle frame for retaining at least one bicycle transversally and obliquely comprises at least one positioning rod; a retaining buckle set; and a track set. By the positioning rod to combine to the track by the pulleys, a bicycle can be installed upon a top of a car transversally and obliquely so as to be carried safely and conveniently. The bicycle can be fixed to the bicycle retaining frame on the ground before lifted to the car top. Then the bicycle and the frame are lifted to the entrance of the assisting guide track to enter into the track. The height for operation is reduced greatly so that no platform is needed. Only one people can lift the bicycle to the car top or descend the bicycle from the car top. More bicycles can be installed to the car top. The number of bicycles can be increased as the top of the car is prolonged.

Abstract: This invention provides a roof rack capable of realisably securing items to the exterior of a vehicle. The roof rack includes a frame for forming a partial enclosure, the frame being attachable to the vehicle; a retaining means pivotally movable within the frame from an open position, allowing access in and out of the frame to a closed position, where an item in the frame is retained, and an engaging and releasing means for releasably engaging the retaining means in the closed position. The advantages of the present invention include ease of use for releasably retaining at least one item to the roof of a vehicle; improved security of items to be retained, and improved safety of retaining items to the roof of a vehicle.

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

Abstract: A container for at least one surfboard is disclosed. The container includes a top shell having at least one hollow projection projecting outwardly from the outside surface and a bottom shell pivotally connected to the top shell with at least one hinge means. Each fin projection is adapted to receive at least one of the fins of each surfboard. The container is provided with at least one air inlet aperture and at least one air exhaust aperture. The bottom shell may further include a rack fixed to the inside surface to securely hold at least one wetsuit, towel, or other item. The invention further includes a vehicle attachment means adapted to secure the container to the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A load stop (1) for supporting a load being transported on a load carrier arranged on a vehicle. The load carrier includes at least one load carrying tube (2) with at least one groove (6) for fastening the load stop on the load carrying tube. The load stop includes an essentially rigid bracket (9) intended to be supportingly arranged adjacent the load. A fastening portion (11) is also provided for mounting the load stop to the load carrying tube. The bracket (9) is pivoted in at the fastening portion (11), wherein the load stop (1) is foldable between at least a raised working position and a folded transporting position.

Abstract: Coupling device (4) for connecting a load carrier bar (3) extending laterally across a vehicle roof to a roof rail (2), which rail extends in the longitudinal direction (L) of the incorporating vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.

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

Abstract: A load carrier foot for mounting a load carrier bar on a vehicle roof includes a foot part having an upper end attached to the load carrier bar, and a lower end mounted on a roof edge area. The foot part is secured to the roof by a clamping plate gripping a body fold. The clamping plate has a tightening mechanism and a pivot pin in pivotable engagement with the foot part. The foot part and the clamping plate are each provided with contact faces above and below the pivot pin, which interact in a locking manner to prevent the clamping plate from turning about the pivot pin and losing a grip on the body fold when the clamping plate is tightened against the foot part.

Abstract: A bike carrying rack for an automobile includes a base frame, a support rack, and a pivot mechanism pivotally mounted between the base frame and the support rack and including two first rotation disks each provided with a first engaging face, and two second rotation disks each provided with a second engaging face detachably engaged with the first engaging face of the respective first rotation disk. Thus, the angle between the base frame and the support rack can be adjusted by the elastic effect of the base frame without needing to provide a spring, thereby simplifying the construction of the bike carrying rack.

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

Abstract: A rotatable strap arrangement for a load carrier of a transporting vehicle. The load carrier includes an elongate tray with a rotation mechanism coupled thereto, the rotation mechanism permitting rotation relative to the elongate tray. The rotatable strap arrangement has a strap coupled to the rotation mechanism, the strap operable for securing an object to the elongate tray. The rotatable strap arrangement further includes a strap receiving mechanism coupled to the rotation mechanism, the strap receiving mechanism operable for receiving the strap.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle including a frame, a crossbar assembly, a wheel tray, and a swing arm pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly. The wheels of the bicycle are positioned in the tray and secured by a tray coupling to restrain lateral movement. Two trays may be secured to the crossbar assembly to each receive a wheel of the bicycle. The swing arm pivots on the crossbar assembly and includes a shoe which engages the bicycle wheel. A shoe coupling secures the bicycle wheel to the swing arm. Two swing arms could be pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly each to engage a bicycle wheel. The frame may include a drawbar for insertion into the receiver of a trailer hitch. Additional crossbar assemblies could be secured to the frame to accommodate multiple bicycles.

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: Cycle portage apparatus and/or systems employing at least one removable, tire receiving means for retaining a cycle having at least two tires. One series of embodiments is directed to frames adapted to removably receive a tire receiving structure while another series of embodiments is directed to a specific type of such structure, namely, one or more tire trays, and frames optimized to receive them. The preferred applications for embodiments of the invention include transit vehicles having bumper mounted portage frames extending from such bumpers where the frames may be rotated from a stowed position to a deployed position in order to receive at least one cycle, usually a bicycle. Tire tray embodiments according to the invention are constructed from a material having greater resiliency than structural components of the frame.

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 cargo system of the preferred embodiment includes a container, a first mount coupled to the container, and a second mount coupled to the container for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cargo system is preferably attachable and securable to a roof rack of a vehicle having a first bar and a second bar.

Abstract: A sports equipment carrier for a vehicle including a rack structure adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and an equipment securing portion. The equipment securing portion includes a clamping mechanism and an adjustment member, where the clamping mechanism includes a housing and is operable between open and closed configurations. Operation of the clamping mechanism shifts the adjustment member into and at least partially out of the housing so that the adjustment member is accessible to a user in the open configuration and inaccessible to a user in the closed configuration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing dual anti-theft locks protecting an elongate object stored on a load bar of a load carrier. A bracket is attached to a retainer using connecting fasteners secured by connecting knobs to firmly attach the apparatus to the load bar when the load bar lies between the bracket and the retainer. A lever extending from the retainer controls a first locking mechanism having a gripper cable for wrapping the elongate object tightly against the retainer. The lever also controls a second locking mechanism coupling the lever to at least one latch that prevents rotation of one or more connecting knobs to prevent removal of the apparatus from the load bar. A lock limits movement of the lever to prevent or allow release of the elongate object from the retainer and the apparatus from the load bar.

Abstract: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: An automobile roof top carrier for securing equipment to an automobile rooftop includes a body made from a resilient material having a plurality of protrusions disposed about a top surface. The protrusions define a support surface for holding the equipment and also define a first and second support channel disposed substantially transverse to the support surface. Optionally, the sides of the body include a third and fourth support channel. One fastener is disposed around part of the carrier through the support channels and over the equipment and secures the equipment to the carrier block. A second fastener is disposed through the first and second support channels and secures the carrier to the vehicle roof. The protrusions prevent the fasteners from sliding relative to the carrier block.

Abstract: A boat rack apparatus for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof rack includes a plurality of conformable support members. Each support member has an expanse that contacts a boat hull. The expanse is supported by a rib arrangement, including a spring rib and a load rib. The spring rib underlies a flexible portion of the expanse. The load rib provides vertical support to the expanse. The support member adapts to different boat hull shapes.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a wheel support arrangement and a stabilizer engageable with a bicycle wheel, for maintaining the bicycle upright. The stabilizer includes an inner section and an extendible and retractable outer section. The inner section is pivotable throughout a range of positions, including an operating position. A releasable engagement arrangement selectively maintains the outer section in a predetermined position relative to the inner section. The inner section includes an interlock, which prevents engagement of the releasable engagement arrangement other than when the stabilizer is in the operative position, to ensure that the stabilizer is engaged with the bicycle in a desired position relative to the bicycle. The interlock provides a sensory indication when the stabilizer is in the operative position, and includes a manual actuator disengaging the releasable engagement arrangement to move the stabilizer away from the operative position.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying cargo on a roof of a recreational vehicle which has a rooftop air conditioning unit is provided and has a space or well that is configured for receipt of the rooftop air conditioning unit therein. The cargo carrier may have cargo-receiving spaces in front of, in back of, and alongside the air conditioning unit. An upper frame member of the cargo carrier may provide a mounting area that is above or even with a top of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an anti-sway stabilizer (20) that is pivotally connected to a support arm (26) of a vehicle bike transportation rack, making available a convenient attachment of a bicycle top tube to the support arm for prevention of a bicycle held on the rack from swaying to and fro when subjected to over the road vehicle movement. The anti-sway stabilizer consists of a rubber bike separator cradle (22) that includes a bore (24) therethrougth that slides over the vehicle bike rack support arm and has a thru-hole (28) parallel with the bore. A pivoting stabilizer member (32) in the form of a yoke (36) is rotatably attached to the bike separator cradle with a screw (40) and nut (42). An attachment strap (48) secures a bicycle top tube to the bike separator cradle and a second attaching strap (48) secures a bicycle seat tube or down tube to the stabilizer member.

Abstract: A ladder storage rack uses a pair of spaced apart channels positioned with upper portions arranged in mutual parallel and with lower portions in mutual divergence so as to accept a ladder with upper leg portions in parallel positions and with lower leg portions in a divergent relationship. Plural feet extend from the channels and terminate with mounting plates enabling securement to a mounting deck; as, for instance, of a fire truck. A ladder restraining bar is engaged between the channels at a one end and near the other end of the channels, a means for clamping is positioned for engaging a ladder supported by the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a ladder to a vehicle mounted carrier. The apparatus includes a platform assembly to which a ladder is mounted. The platform assembly includes a plurality of v-notch shaped clips that are positioned to grasp rungs of the ladder. The clips are curved in a similar shape to the claw end of a hammer and biased in a direction to hold the ladder firmly on the vehicle carrier.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roof-mounted bicycle hodler for vehicles. The bicycle holder comprises profiled carrier (1) on which a bicycle (9) is intended to be positioned in an upright position, first and second fastening devices (2 and 3, respectively) on said profiled carrier (1) for securing said profiled carrier (1) on first and second load carrier rails (4 and 5, respectively), said rails being attached to said vehicle roof (6), and a holding arm (15) pivotally mounted on said profiled carrier (1) for pivotal movement essentially between a release position and a securing position in which said holding arm (15) is attachable to the frame of the bicycle (9).

Abstract: A bike mount for securing a bicycle to a vehicle rack. The bike mount includes arms that pivot apart to receive a bicycle wheel and pivot together to cooperatively hold the bicycle wheel. The bike mount may be configured to include a lever that pivots the arms together as the bicycle is positioned on the vehicle rack.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier adapted to be secured to an article carrier portion of an existing vehicle article carrier so as to carry the bicycle supported thereon in a vertical orientation over a liftgate of a vehicle, and normal to an outer surface of the liftgate. The bicycle carrier includes a wheel supporting member for engaging one wheel of a bicycle when the bicycle is placed in a vertical orientation. A frame supporting assembly engages a portion of the frame to hold the bicycle to the bicycle carrier. The bicycle carrier permits a single individual to load and unload a bicycle from the bicycle carrier without being required to lift the bicycle up onto the roof of a vehicle. Since the bicycle is supported at an angle generally normal to the liftgate, visibility through the rear window of the liftgate is also improved when a bicycle is being supported on the bicycle carrier.

Abstract: A vehicular utility rack apparatus having at least two frame members mounted on a vehicle to form a frame assembly. The at least two support arms are used for supporting a transported item. The two support arms also having a retainer assembly coupled to form a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly coupled to a rotational shaft for pivoting the carriage assembly. The rotational shaft coupled to an anti-friction assembly capable of reducing the amount of torque required to pivot the support arms from a position above the vehicle to a position adjacent the vehicle side.

Abstract: A sports equipment carrier for a vehicle including a rack structure adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and an equipment securing portion. The equipment securing portion includes a clamping mechanism and an adjustment member, where the clamping mechanism includes a housing and is operable between open and closed configurations. Operation of the clamping mechanism shifts the adjustment member into and at least partially out of the housing so that the adjustment member is accessible to a user in the open configuration and inaccessible to a user in the closed configuration.

Abstract: An aerodynamic container adapted for receipt around a front portion of a pair of skis or a front portion of a snowboard, when the equipment is mounted on a vehicle ski rack. The container provides improved aerodynamic airflow with reduced wind noise and buffeting. The container helps improve vehicle fuel efficiency substantially by reducing the incremental drag of a loaded ski rack by up to 50 percent, while protecting valuable alpine equipment form potential damage during transit. The container includes a hard plastic housing having a split first housing member and an identical split second housing member. A bottom portion of the first housing member is hinged to a bottom portion of the second housing member for opening to the inside of the housing members. Top portions of the two housing members are releasably attached using hand operated release latches. The latches are used for securing the two housing members around the skis or snowboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying cargo on a roof of a recreational vehicle which has a rooftop air conditioning unit is provided and has a space or well that is configured for receipt of the rooftop air conditioning unit therein. The cargo carrier may have cargo-receiving spaces in front of, in back of, and alongside the air conditioning unit. An upper frame member of the cargo carrier may provide a mounting area that is above or even with a top of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A fastening device for a vehicle area with at least one reception rail fixed to the vehicle is known.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier 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: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: A fork mount or clamping assembly for securement to the prongs of a bicycle fork, such as is incorporated into a bicycle carrier. The clamping assembly includes a pair of inner clamping surfaces, and an axial skewer member extends outwardly from the inner clamping surfaces for receiving the fork prongs. A fixed front clamping member is engaged with one end of the skewer and is located outwardly of one of the inner clamping surfaces. A movable second clamping member is located outwardly of the other inner clamping surface. An adjustable position actuator arrangement is engaged with the skewer outwardly of the second outer clamping member, and is operable to selectively move the outer clamping members toward and away from each other. The actuator arrangement includes a threaded sleeve engaged with threads formed at one end of the skewer member, in combination with a pivotable cam-type actuator member which is pivotably mounted to the sleeve.

Abstract: A car body part for a motor vehicle has an outer skin formed of an at least partially deformable material. An inner layer is formed of a foamed plastic. A mounting part which is placed in a recess of the outer skin and is anchored via an interlocking fit between the outer skin and a deformed portion of the mounting part. The interlocking fit may be created when the foamed plastic is expanded in a mold, which increases interior pressure within the mold and deforms the outer skin against the mounting part.