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.

Abstract: An adjustable rack and clamping apparatus for removably retaining surfboards or the like to the roof of a vehicle, while preventing the theft thereof, includes a plurality of two types of mounting block assemblies that slideably attach to two transversely disposed mounting bars removably affixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack for vehicles to facilitate the transport and unloading of cargo from a roof of a vehicle. The roof rack includes a plate for supporting a load that is mountable to a roof of a vehicle and has a plurality of slots. A plurality of mounting brackets releasably attaches the plate to the vehicle. A pair of actuator assemblies is rotatably couplable to each of the mounting brackets. Each of the actuator assemblies comprises an elongate main member, a plurality of elongate arm members, and a plurality of elongate support members. A lever member for rotatably biasing the actuator assemblies is releasably attachable to a rear end of each of the main members of the actuator assemblies. A plurality of securing members selectively secures the cargo to the top side of the plate. An elongate storage member for storing articles is mounted on the bottom side of the plate. A plurality of extension members facilitates guiding the cargo to a ground surface.

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 modular cargo carrier system comprising at least one pair of carrier modules and means for attaching said modules to a vehicle or to a support on a vehicle. The modules each have a top, a bottom, sides and ends, the attaching means being located on at least a bottom and one side whereby the modules may be mounted in different orientations on the vehicle top to carry different types of cargo. The modules further include longitudinal and transverse cargo grooves or contoured cargo contact surfaces on the top and on at least one side and/or end for supporting cargo in said grooves. Module connectors are provided for attaching the modules to each other in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A rooftop rack for carrying bicycles, the rack comprising a base which is mounted on the vehicle roof, a pivotable arm connected to the base, the arm being moveable between a first upright storage position and a second outboard position, a first platform for carrying at least one bicycle, a winch mounted on the base, a cable extending from the winch to a distal end of the pivotable arm and to the first platform, the arrangement being such that when the pivotable arm is in the storage position, the platform is retained by the distal end of the pivotable arm while when the pivotable arm is in the second outboard position, the first platform can be released from the pivotable arm. The rack permits loading of the bicycles at ground level from where they can be moved by means of the winch to the stored position on the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A load carrier for a bicycle including a load carrier frame adapted to be mounted to a transport vehicle. A bicycle support is carried upon the load carrier frame and is configured for engaging a bicycle at a position proximate a rotatable connection of a bicycle pedal crank assembly to a frame of the bicycle. A securement mechanism is coupled to the load carrier frame and adapted for releasably-engaging the bicycle pedal crank assembly of the bicycle for securing the bicycle upon the load carrier frame. In one version of the load carrier, the securement mechanism is a substantially J-shaped hook securable about the bicycle pedal crank assembly. The J-shaped hook being of conventional design, it includes a hooked end portion and a straight end portion. A biasing member may be optionally associated with the J-shaped hook for urging the hooked end portion toward the load carrier when a bicycle is being transported upon the load carrier.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof rack kit a plurality of releasable identical carrier assemblies adapted for securing an object there within and further comprising releasable attaching means for attaching each assembly to the mounting members of a vehicle roof rack. The assemblies comprise a channel-shaped carrier. The sides of the carrier have opposing apertures for receiving a rod for holding an object within the carrier. The rod may be locked into place. Alternatively, a shackle and locking body combination may be used to lock the object within the carrier.

Abstract: A stabilizing support for engaging an article such as a bicycle with a vehicle-mounted carrier which includes a rearwardly extending support member. The support generally includes a first support section having a recess within which a portion of the bicycle frame is received. The support further includes a stabilizer section which is pivotably mounted relative to the first support section. The stabilizer section includes a pair of legs which are spaced apart from each other to define an open area therebetween. The stabilizer section can be moved in either direction to various positions so as to receive and engage portions of the bicycle frame or other parts of the bicycle within the open area. The stabilizer section engages the bicycle at a location vertically offset from the location at which the bicycle frame is engaged with the first support section, to stabilize the bicycle.

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: A roof-top cargo basket and integrated bicycle carrier system includes a basket configured to hold cargo that is mountable to cross-bars of a vehicle's roof rack system. Load carrier bars are mounted at a top of the basket and extend laterally outboard of the basket for positioning carried bicycles outside of an interior space of said basket. In addition, handles are formed on support members for the load carrier bars to accommodate inspection, loading and unloading of the basket's interior space. For retaining objects within the interior space of the basket, a squeeze bar is disposed at or near an end portion of the basket. The load carrier bars are configured to receive a rooftop bicycle carrier for attachment thereto at locations laterally outside the interior space of the basket.

Abstract: A rack assembly for carrying recreational equipment on a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one mount attachable to the vehicle, and a load-carrying support member coupled to the mount and configured to support the recreational equipment adjacent the vehicle. At least one securing apparatus is associated with the load-carrying support member and configured to secure the equipment to the support member. The securing apparatus includes a strap adapted to extend at least partially around the recreational equipment, and a ratchet drive mechanism adapted to receive and grip one end of the strap. In one embodiment, the ratchet drive mechanism includes at least one drive actuator that is operable to grip successive portions of the strap and draw it tight around the recreational equipment.

Abstract: A cargo carrier system includes at least one cargo carrier for use with a vehicle having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side and roof rack. The carrier includes a base adapted to be coupled to the roof rack and a cargo holder coupled to the base. In one exemplary embodiment, the base is pivotably coupled to the roof rack about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In one exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is coupled to the base by a first link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In another exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is also coupled to the base by a second link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side.

Abstract: A roof rack system for a motor vehicle, including side-rails, and including a wind deflector, a storage bin, and adjustable cross rails positioned from front to back along the side-rails. The side-rails have a tubular portion that extends along the vehicle, and a plurality of stanchions carrying the tubular portion elevated above the vehicle's roof. The crossbars have clamping members at either end, each having an upper flange and a lower flange that move, relative to each other, to clamp onto the side-rail directly at the end of the crossbar. The storage bin has a basket portion extending between the side-rails, and includes flanges conforming to the upper surface of the side-rails. The basket portion does not extend significantly above the height of the side-rails, and includes a net-like cover, drainage holes and ventilation holes.

Abstract: The current invention is related to a holding rack to be used in the vehicle's roof, hood, or curved, semi-flat or flat tarpaulin, the holding rack includes an inferior member placed adjacently to the vehicle's roof or flat surface, being removable attached directly to the vehicle's surface, where the inferior member allows easily to be installed/removed to and from the holding rack. A middle member placed adjacently and linked to the inferior member of the holding rack, such inferior member constitutes the basis where the superior and inferior members will be attached to fix the settings of the holding rack. A superior member is placed adjacently and linked to the middle member, where the superior member constitutes a number of transverse elements placed and fixed to the middle member, which combine with the middle member of the holding rack set a number of spaces used as rails or lanes to allow the insertion and locking of the multiple purposes box.

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 roof carrier has engagement portions at both sides of the intermediate portion of a bicycle receiver constituting a carrier main body portion. The one engagement portion is arranged in a manner that an erected arm is rotatable freely vertically and an engagement plate engages with the root portion of one of the pedals. The other engagement portion is arranged in a manner that the lower portion of a screw shaft is coupled to a buckle, and when a retainer hook provided at the tip end of the screw shaft is engaged with the root portion of the other pedal to fasten the buckle, the retainer hook engages-with the root portion of the pedal. A bicycle is strongly urged against the bicycle receiver by an engagement force between the engagement plate and the retainer hook.

Abstract: A utility holding device configured to be attached to a utility structure and to carry elongated objects includes a support base, a mounting stem supported by the support base, and a generally U-shaped holding member supported by the mounting stem. The U-shaped member has two upright arms which are open at the top so as to define a containment area configured to receive an elongate object. The U-shaped member further includes a plurality of alternating length gripping fins extending from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area to help hold items securely therein.

Abstract: A tool bracket for elongated tools. The tool bracket includes a mounting base having a mechanism for attaching to an external structure, a forked tool holder rotatably coupled to the mounting base and having pair of interconnected tines projecting from a neck portion, and a resilient biasing member coupled between the mounting base and the forked tool holder for urging relative rotation between the forked tool holder and the mounting base.

Abstract: A bicycle-carrier device comprises a supporting member to be mounted in cantilever fashion on the back of a motor vehicle, for supporting a bicycle in an upright position and in a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The supporting member comprises two cradles for supporting the wheels of the bicycle, and an auxiliary arm for clamping the bicycle in position.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a ladder to the roofrack of a vehicle. The locking assembly comprises a mounting bracket, a movable shaft slidably disposed in a channel defined in the mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a handle, a sheave attached to an end of the handle, and a bias spring connected between the mounting bracket and the handle, the spring biasing the handle so that the sheave extends through an elongated opening in the channel to engage the moveable shaft in order to prevent further sliding movement through the channel. The locking assembly can be adjusted to accommodate any size of ladder.

Abstract: A device for removably securing an article having a elongate section to a portable frame used for transporting the article on a vehicle. The device comprises an elongate structure with a floor and sidewalls extending above the floor to form an open channel with the sidewalls including at least one slot parallel to the longitudinal axis of the floor. Part of the device is a conformable strap, having a first side opposite a second side, an insertable end and an enlarged end separated from the insertable end by a length of flexible material, the conformable strap having a plurality of binding elements on the first side and a plurality of contact elements disposed on the second side of the strap at the insertable end.

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 adjustable rack and clamping apparatus for removably retaining surfboards or the like to the roof of a vehicle, while preventing the theft thereof, includes a plurality of two types of mounting block assemblies that slideably attach to two transversely disposed mounting bars removably affixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transporting a bicycle in a substantially upright orientation. The method includes positioning a bicycle in a carrier so that a wheel of the bicycle is located in a trap space of the carrier. The trap space is configured to maintain the bicycle in a substantially upright orientation when the wheel is located therein and the carrier is in a released configuration. This permits the operator to use both hands to secure the bicycle in the carrier. The wheel of the bicycle, and typically the front wheel, is fixed in the carrier by applying a squeeze force upon the wheel and thereby establishing a securing configuration of the carrier. Preferably, the squeeze force is imposed across a perimeter of the wheel and the actuators for imposing the squeeze force are positioned low enough to be within the typical user's reach, also referred to as the reach zone, when the carrier is mounted on the roof-top of a carrying vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transporting a bicycle in a substantially upright orientation. The method includes positioning a bicycle in a carrier so that a wheel of the bicycle is located in a trap space of the carrier. The trap space is configured to maintain the bicycle in a substantially upright orientation when the wheel is located therein and the carrier is in a released configuration. This permits the operator to use both hands to secure the bicycle in the carrier. The wheel of the bicycle, and typically the front wheel, is fixed in the carrier by applying a squeeze force upon the wheel and thereby establishing a securing configuration of the carrier. Preferably, the squeeze force is imposed across a perimeter of the wheel and the actuators for imposing the squeeze force are positioned low enough to be within the typical user's reach, also referred to as the reach zone, when the carrier is mounted on the roof-top of a carrying vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, to facilitate loading a boat onto a vehicle. The systems include a load assist device mounted on a vehicle load carrier. The load assist device includes a support member that is stored substantially within a crossbar of the load carrier and telescopes outwardly from the crossbar to a deployed position. The support member may be returned to its stored position in the crossbar after the boat has been loaded onto the carrier.

Abstract: Securement arrangement for mounting articles upon a carrying vehicle. The arrangement includes a pair of substantially rigid body members. At least one of the pair of body members has a receiver configured to accept the installation of a fitting member therein. A plurality of resilient fitting members are utilized. Each fitting member is adapted to be installed in the receiver in a plurality of orientations. At least one of the fitting members is configured to present a variable buffering thickness between the rigid body member and a receiving member of a carrying vehicle upon which the securement arrangement shall be installed. The variable buffering thickness is dependent upon an installed orientation of the fitting member in the receiver.

Abstract: A luggage rack on car roof mainly includes two long supports, a plurality of supporting suckers, and a plurality of ski holders. Each of the upper and the lower side of the long supports is provided with two longitudinally and parallelly extended channels. Each of the ski holders includes a U-shaped base and two bridge-type retainers. The U-shaped base includes two walls defining a space between them for holding a pair of skis. The two walls of the U-shaped base outward extend to provide two side extensions each having a stopper thereon. Each of the two bridge-type retainers straddles one side extension to locate between the stopper and the wall from which the side extension extends. The supporting suckers are movably connected at tops to the lower side of the long supports and attached at bottoms to the car roof through vacuum suction. The ski holders are removably connected to the upper side of the long supports.

Abstract: A cargo carrier system includes at least one cargo carrier for use with a vehicle having a front, a rear, a first side, a second side and roof rack. The carrier includes a base adapted to be coupled to the roof rack and a cargo holder coupled to the base. In one exemplary embodiment, the base is pivotably coupled to the roof rack about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In one exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is coupled to the base by a first link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side. In another exemplary embodiment, the cargo holder is also coupled to the base by a second link having a first end pivotably coupled to the base about an axis extending parallel to the first side and a second end pivotably coupled to the holder about an axis extending parallel to the first side.

Abstract: A soft shell camper top for use on pickup truck cargo compartments is disclosed. The invention consists of a space frame and a flexible outer covering. The frame is removably attachable to the pickup truck bed and includes provisions for the attachment of a roof rack. The outer covering includes front and rear curtains and side curtains. The curtains may be securely fixed to attachments on the frame to protect cargo from the elements or may be rolled up to facilitate easy access to the truck bed.

Abstract: A rack arm rotatably mounts to a cross bar of a rack system. Multiple cross sectional shape cross bars are accommodated, enabling use with different rack styles. The rack arm rotates into position to engage an item of gear placed in the rack for securing the gear item to the rack.

Abstract: A rack assembly for carrying recreational equipment on a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one mount attachable to the vehicle, and a load-carrying support member coupled to the mount and configured to support the recreational equipment adjacent the vehicle. At least one securing apparatus is associated with the load-carrying support member and configured to secure the equipment to the support member. The securing apparatus includes a strap adapted to extend at least partially around the recreational equipment, and a ratchet drive mechanism adapted to receive and grip one end of the strap. In one embodiment, the ratchet drive mechanism includes at least one drive actuator that is operable to grip successive portions of the strap and draw it tight around the recreational equipment.

Abstract: A load-bearing frame assembly for coupling to a roof of a vehicle is provided. The load-bearing frame assembly comprises a front frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the front of the vehicle roof, a rear frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the rear of the vehicle roof, and a frame extension section adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front frame section and the rear frame section. The front frame section includes a first connector and a first load bar for supporting a sports equipment mount. The rear frame section includes a second connector complementary to the first connector so that the rear frame section is joinable to the front frame section to form a first, smaller load bearing frame. The frame extension section is adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front and the rear frame section to form a second, larger load-bearing frame.

Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes a frame adapted to be secured to the vehicle and a securing structure mounted to the frame. The securing structure is adapted to receive and selectively secure and release a portion of the bicycle. The securing structure further includes generally symmetric adjustment mechanisms disposed on each side of a plane defined by the bicycle whereby the securing structure can be secured to or released from the portion of the bicycle from either side of the bicycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing recreational equipment to a vehicle-mounted rack. The apparatus includes a load-carrying member adapted to carry recreational equipment adjacent a vehicle, and a clamping member adapted to secure the load-carrying member to a crossbar of the vehicle rack. The clamping member is configured to clamp to at least two different styles of crossbars to prevent relative movement between the load-carrying member and the crossbar. Optionally, the clamping member may be configured to snap onto the crossbar.

Abstract: A rotatable ladder rack assembly for use on motor vehicles incorporates an improved lever mechanism for transferring a ladder load from the roof of the vehicle to a location alongside the vehicle and which allows the ladder rack assembly to be used on hi bay vans. A rotatable coupler is journaled for rotation about the ladder rack's connector rod and includes a slot of a predetermined arc length into which fits a pin passing diametrically through the connector rod. A lever of the first class is designed to pivot about a fulcrum and the shorter lever arm is linked to the rotatable coupler for applying a torque to the connector rod via the pin.

Abstract: A roof rack system 10 is provided, including at least one storage surface 20 movable between a first position 22 and a second position 24. The first position 22 is defined by the at least one storage surface 20 being generally coincident with a roof 14 of a vehicle 12. The second position 24 is defined by the at least one storage surface 20 being generally coincident with a side 16 of a vehicle 12.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier has a frame mountable to a vehicle and defining a pair of spaced apart support arms for supporting one or more bicycles. The support arms are provided with positioning guides, which may take the form of spaced circumferential ridges and troughs extending along the support arms. The ridges and troughs may be formed by a ribbed sleeve mounted on the support arms. At least one cradle is mounted on each support arm for receiving and releasable holding a selected tube or tubes of a bicycle frame. Each cradle has an opening through which the support arm extends and a tab projects partially into the opening. The tabs are configured to be received and to ride within selected ones of the troughs of the support arms for rotatably positioning the cradles at desired positions along their support arms. A channel extends along the support arms interrupting the ridges.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier which is detachably mounted to a roof rack of a motor vehicle. The carrier includes clamping assemblies which receive the cross members of the roof rack. The clamps include manipulable nuts for adjusting the clamping force with the cross members. The clamp assemblies are attached to cross bars which support wheel trays that nestingly receive the rear wheel of the bicycle and provide stability to the bike. A fork clamp is positioned at one end of the tray for lockingly receiving the front fork of the bicycle. The front wheel is stored in a rack mounted to the carrier frame.

Abstract: A removable tie down brace for a vehicle is disclosed. The brace consists of at least one L-shaped member that is disposed transversely across the roof or cab of the vehicle, resting on hard rubber legs or feet. Two sets of apertures extend through both of the planar surfaces described by the “L” perpendicular to one another, thus allowing the user to secure a wide variety of objects of all sizes and shapes. Various utility attachment means are provided to allow the user to position bungee cords, rope, or the like, in various ways.

Abstract: A roof extension for a motor vehicle has at least two roof members which are mounted by way of fastening devices on the vehicle roof. Guide rails are arranged approximately parallel to one another, along which a ladder can be displaced from a starting position into a transport position on the vehicle roof and can be fixed in its end position. For the sliding guidance at least on one end of the ladder, laterally projecting guiding devices are arranged, and the ladder, after the fixing is eliminated, can be displaced back into the starting position. The guide rails extend close to the fastening points of the roof members, the guiding devices being held by laterally projecting extension arms of the ladder.

Abstract: A roof-top cargo basket and integrated bicycle carrier system includes a basket configured to hold cargo that is mountable to cross-bars of a vehicle's roof rack system. Load carrier bars are mounted at a top of the basket and extend laterally outboard of the basket for positioning carried bicycles outside of an interior space of said basket. In addition, handles are formed on support members for the load carrier bars to accommodate inspection, loading and unloading of the basket's interior space. For retaining objects within the interior space of the basket, a squeeze bar is disposed at or near an end portion of the basket. The load carrier bars are configured to receive a rooftop bicycle carrier for attachment thereto at locations laterally outside the interior space of the basket.

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

Abstract: An adjustable attachment device for mounting an accessory, such as a bicycle, ski, or cargo rack, to a frame, such as an automobile roof rack. The device includes an elongate pin rotatably mounted across an aperture in a housing to which one end of a strap is attached, the pin having a shaft about which the strap is wound. A collar having a ratcheted perimeter is coupled to the pin. A capsule, having a cavity therein for receiving the collar, is attached to the housing, the capsule including teeth therein for engaging the ratcheted perimeter of the collar. A tool may be directed through an opening in the capsule into the cavity to direct the collar axially for disengaging the ratcheted perimeter from the teeth and to rotate the collar and pin.

Abstract: A luggage rack on car roof mainly includes two long supports, a plurality of supporting suckers, and a plurality of ski holders. Each of the upper and the lower side of the long supports is provided with two longitudinally and parallelly extended channels. Each of the ski holders includes a U-shaped base and two bridge-type retainers. The U-shaped base includes two walls defining a space between them for holding a pair of skis. The two walls of the U-shaped base outward extend to provide two side extensions each having a stopper thereon. Each of the two bridge-type retainers straddles one side extension to locate between the stopper and the wall from which the side extension extends. The supporting suckers are movably connected at tops to the lower side of the long supports and attached at bottoms to the car roof through vacuum suction. The ski holders are removably connected to the upper side of the long supports.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing a ladder to the roofrack of a vehicle. The locking assembly comprises a mounting bracket, a movable shaft slidably disposed in a channel defined in the mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a handle, a sheave attached to an end of the handle, and a bias spring connected between the mounting bracket and the handle, the spring biasing the handle so that the sheave extends through an elongated opening in the channel to engage the moveable shaft in order to prevent further sliding movement through the channel. The locking assembly can be adjusted to accommodate any size of ladder.

Abstract: A cycle carrier that includes a gripping device (6) which engages with and fixedly retains a portion of a cycle. Further, the cycle carrier includes an operating device (7) with which the gripping device (6) is maneuvered between its closed and its open position. The gripping device (6) is openable against a spring pretensioning which, when it is released, transfers the gripping device (6) to an abutment position against the cycle. The abutment position is determined by the thickness of the fixedly held portion of the cycle. The operating device (7) includes means (15) for transferring the gripping device (6) to a clamping position. In the clamping position, the gripped portion of the cycle is fixedly clamped in the gripping device (6).

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting upon load carrier feet that are disposed at opposing side edge regions of a vehicle roof, the arrangement including a load carrier strut that has a substantially streamlined outer cross-sectional configuration that is exteriorly defined, at least partially, by an outer contour line. Longitudinal slots are located at opposing end regions of the load carrier strut on an underside of the load carrier strut. The outer contour line of the streamlined outer cross-sectional configuration of the load carrier strut is being broken at the underside of the load carrier strut by a longitudinal projecting portion that has a forward defining surface, a rear defining surface and a bottom surface. The forward defining surface and the rear defining surface are approximately parallel and vertical. The bottom surface is substantially planar and transversely directed to the forward defining surface and the rear defining surface.

Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.