Abstract: A carrier for attachment to a motor home or vehicle for transporting small outboard motors and their associated gasoline tanks is described. The carrier has a generally rectangular base for releasable attachment to a motor vehicle. The base has an outboard motor support for supporting an outboard motor in a position to maintain the propeller lower than the engine casing and a gasoline tank securing means for securely transporting the gasoline tank for the outboard motor.

Abstract: The invention is a carrying device to be transported on top of vehicles. Specifically, it is a zippered enclosure used to transport baled Christmas trees. It is secured to the top of the vehicle using hooks and adjustable tensioning straps. One places the baled Christmas tree inside the enclosure and zippers it shut. The tote is then placed on top of the vehicle and held in place by tensioning straps with a ratcheting type buckle. The hooks attach to the straps and the roof rack of the vehicle or to the door jambs via special clips.

Abstract: A package carrier for carrying articles on the trunk lid of a passenger car or the tail gate of a utility vehicle comprising a soft, flat, flexible pad with a plurality of adjustable mounting straps terminating with hooks for attaching the carrier to the vehicle and a plurality of independent binding straps for holding the package in place. The package carrier is capable of conforming to the shape of the trunk lid so that it can be efficiently used with a wide range of vehicles, is quickly deployed and removed, and can be rolled up into a compact cylinder for storage.

Abstract: A scabbard for mounting a long gun, includes: a one-piece, rigid cover having an enclosed bottom end, an open top end, and two generally parallel sides separated by a back; a padded, protective lining attached to the rigid cover; an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the scabbard; a detachable strap attached to a top open end of the device for closely holding the gun barrel, and a barrier across an open front of the scabbard for holding in the gun butt. The scabbard preferably has a padlock for locking down the gun barrel. The scabbard may have a locking hinged lid mechanism instead of a strap and barrier. The scabbard can be mounted vertically, horizontally or diagonally, preferably in or on a vehicle. A method for making the scabbard is also included.

Abstract: A single-lock, multi-weeder rack for storing and securing weedeaters. The multi-weeder rack can be installed on a truck, a trailer, or in any suitable location. The multi-weeder rack has a rectangular frame with side brackets for each weedeater. The rectangular frame of the multi-weeder rack comprises an inner and outer frame made of welded steel. The inner and outer frames of the multi-weeder are slidably engaged, with the outer frame capable of vertical movement relative to the inner frame which is stationary.

Abstract: A boat rack apparatus for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof rack. The apparatus includes one or more mounts configured for attachment adjacent a vehicle. Each mount includes a support region having a support surface constructed to slidably receive and support a boat above a vehicle roof, and a gripping pad movable from a recessed position to a protruding position to restrain the boat from sliding across the support surface. A securing strap is positionable over at least a portion of the boat and configured to hold the boat against the support regions when the strap is tightened. The securing strap passes around the gripping pad to move the pad to the protruding position and press it into contact with the boat. One or more connectors are optionally provided to attach the mounts to roof rack or boat trailer. The securing strap includes a lever-actuated buckle to join opposite ends of the securing strap. A buckle protective housing is optionally provided to protect the boat from damage by the buckle.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle roof comprises two load carrying struts (4, 5) secured on the vehicle roof and each having an anchorage (6) for fixedly securing legs (8) on a yoke (8, 10). The yoke (8, 10) has, on its horizontal portion (10), anchorages (3, 15) for fixedly retaining the bicycle. The yoke (8, 10) is, via joints (9), pivotal about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between an upstanding transport position above the vehicle and a laterally outwardly pivoted loading and unloading position in which the anchorages (3, 15) are located laterally outside the side of the vehicle and flush with the load carrying struts (4, 5). At least the one anchorage (6) on the load carrying struts (4, 5) is provided with a spring (12) which facilitates upward pivoting of the yoke (8, 10) to the transport position.

Abstract: An equipment securing apparatus for securing equipment to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes first and second support members attached to the vehicle and an elongate shaft extending between the support members and projecting outwardly beyond the vehicle body panel. An engagement member is provided for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle and a latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. Optionally, the equipment securing apparatus may be used with an open vehicle in a matter similar to the manner used with an enclosed vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which incorporates a relatively simple mechanism for locking and unlocking the cross rail assembly from one side of the vehicle. One aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly having a manually turnable knob and a pair of linking members each connecting the knob with associated locking structure. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which has locking structures and rail supporting structures on opposing ends thereof.

Abstract: An anchorage device is intended for securing a load carrier on a load carrier strut which is disposed on a vehicle. The anchorage device includes an openable clamp (9) produced from a flexible material and a tensioning device (18). The tensioning device (18) extends through mutually overlapping end portions (10, 15) of the clamp (9). The clamp (9) is, in the open state, movable to a position surrounding the load carrier strut. On tightening of the tensioning device (18), the end portions (10, 15) are fixed against the load carrier. The one end portion (15) has a closed aperture through which the tensioning device (18) extends. The other end portion (10) has an open recess for accommodating the tensioning device (18). Each of the end portions have abuttable surfaces configured for abutting engagement.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support. The mechanism includes a bicycle fork anchor having a fork pinching assembly that has two bicycle fork prong receiving portions. A handle is operably coupled to, or associated with the fork pinching assembly for configuring the fork pinching assembly between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Also, the handle is located between the fork prong receiving portions. Supplementarily, an adjustable mounting may be included for permitting the bicycle fork anchor to be canted to a side within a substantially horizontal plane thereby turning the handle bars of a bicycle that is secured upon the bicycle fork anchor.

Abstract: An adapter device for transporting a bicycle having a through axle fork on a fork mount-type holding/transporting system. The adapter device has a hollow tubular cross member adapted to be received between the two spaced apart fork portions of the bike, the cross member being adapted to receive a rod, such as the through axle of the bike, and to be held onto the fork by fastening means. Projecting at about a right angle from the exterior of and near each end of the cross member is a clevis like side member, the free end of which has a U-shaped notch for receiving a transverse rod provided with threaded ends normally present on the mount-type bicycle holding/transporting system. The threaded ends are adapted to receive fastening means for securing the adapter device to the transporting system.

Abstract: A roof rack for a vehicle including a support member which is removably secured to the roof thereof and a telescoping member slidably attached within the support member for movement between a transport position and a loading position. The telescoping member includes a first segment hinged to a second segment which rotates about its axis when in the loading position. A brace, which is fixed to the support member, braces the second segment when in the loading position and limits the extent of its rotation, ultimately preventing the telescoping member from contacting the vehicle's side panels. Articles are loaded onto an L-shaped bracket which extends upwardly from the outer ends of the telescoping member and parallel thereto to space the load above the vehicle's roof when in the transport position.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder assembly for transporting at least one fishing rod upon an existing luggage carrier having at least two cross bars. The fishing rod holder assembly comprises a tubular housing member having a reel slot at one end, with a handle slot disposed in alignment with the reel slot on the opposing side of the tubular housing, and a clamping bar for releasably and adjustably securing the tubular housing member to a selected cross bar of the existing luggage carrier. A resilient support member has a vertical slot positioned in axial alignment with the tubular housing member. The resilient support member has a mounting bracket and a clamping bar for releasably and adjustably securing the resilient support member to another cross bar of the existing luggage carrier. The tubular housing member and the resilient support member may be mounted to the existing luggage carrier without the need for hand or power tools.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier and a vehicle mounted bicycle rack that carries bicycles vertically across the back of the vehicle, rather than horizontally out from the back of the vehicle as in conventional carriers. The bicycle carrier includes a cradle arm that cradles the front tire of the bicycle and one or both of a tray positioned at an angle of 45.degree. to 135.degree. with respect to the cradle arm and a bicycle frame holder that is configured to receive a frame member of the bicycle. The cradle arm extends out from the back of the vehicle when it is mounted to a rack at the rear of a vehicle. Most of the weight of the bicycle is supported by the cradle arm as the bicycle "hangs" from its front wheel. The bicycle rack of the present invention combines a vertical orientation bicycle carrier with a rear mounted swing out type vehicle equipment rack available commercially under the name REVA Rack.TM..

Abstract: A system which allows a person to easily access an automobile roof rack attachment for holding and carrying a bike or other object such as a canoe employing a telescoping mechanism for moving the carried object out beyond the roof line of the vehicle wherein the system also has a parallelogram mechanism allowing the user to also lower the system carrying the bike or other object parallel to the ground during its movement into a locked position beyond the roof line of the vehicle. By manually pulling downwardly on the parallelogram mechanism the system is lowered to a comfortable level. Once in this position the person attaches the bike or other equipment to the system, the system is unlocked, and the raises up manually to the rooftop level and then pushed inward toward the center of the automobile into its resting and locked position.

Abstract: A vehicle-top roof rack and boat mounting system for mounting a boat atop a roof of a car, the rack and mount is provided with a plurality of roof couplers attachable on the car roof, a plurality of crossbars attachable to the roof couplers, and a boat mounting system comprising a plurality of boat mounts. Each of the boat mounts include a crossbar grip coupled to the crossbar, a mounting frame coupled to the grip, a gimbal coupled to the mounting frame, and a roller support coupled to the gimbal. The gimbal allows the roller support to pivot with two degrees of freedom about a central gimbal point to adapt the mount to variously shaped boat hulls and to the varying curvature of each boat hull. The gimbal also adapts for the angle of loading in a one-person loading/unloading operation.

Abstract: An inflatable roof carrier comprises a flexible member (10) having a pair of inflatable tubular portions (11) arranged on opposite sides of a central strip (12). Straps (16, 17) are connected to flaps (14, 15) at opposite ends of the flexible member (10). The load carrier is placed on the vehicle roof, and the straps (16, 17) are drawn around the opposite sides of the roof and into the vehicle. The free ends of straps (16, 17) are provided with mating connectors (19, 20) enabling the straps to be joined under the roof within the vehicle. The flaps (14, 15) are captured between the car doors and the vehicle roof when the doors are closed. The inflatable load carrier can be furled into compact form and stowed in the glovebox when not in use.

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.

Abstract: A holding device for holding objects has a substantially cupshaped housing having an open side, an elastic element connected with the housing and closing the open side, at least one projection extending from the elastic element inwardly of the housing, a turning element extending through the projection and having a portion extending outwardly of the housing, the turnable element being turnable by a user who grasps the outer portion of the turning element between a first position in which it concave toward the diaphragm and the diaphragm is concavely displaced into the housing and a second position in which the turning element is convex toward the housing and the diaphragm convexly bulges out of the housing so as to press out air between the diaphragm and a surface in which the holding device is to be attached, and elements provided on the housing for retaining an object.

Abstract: A locking device used to secure a ladder to a ladder rack or roof rack on a vehicle while being transported. Its main purpose is to help protect a ladder from theft, cross-winds and accidents while being transported comprising a screw member (10) which is threaded at one end (12) and has a curvature at opposite end (14) whereby the screw member (10) is hooked under the ladder rack or roof rack and interlocked with crossbar (22) and handle(16) to secure ladder, the screw member (10) is of a predetermined diameter and length. The crossbar (22) having four equal sides and four right angles comprising a commercial form of rigid material, and having a plurality of holes for an interlocking method for securing the handle (16) to the crossbar (22) and screw member (10). The handle (16) comprising a predetermined diameter center hole (18) and an internal screw thread within the center hole (18) for receiving the screw member (10).

Abstract: An equipment transport rack is mountable on the roof of a vehicle, and provides easy access for loading equipment thereon. The equipment payload is carried on a payload carrier mounted on a movable carriage assembly which has two operational positions. In the transport position, the payload is carried above the roof surface, thus avoiding interference with vehicle doors or windows and preventing safety hazards to passers by.In the loading position, the carriage assembly extends outwardly and pivots downwardly from the roof area to project the payload carrier at least partially below the height of the roof edge and roof surface. In the loading position, the equipment payload may be easily and conveniently loaded and unloaded from the rack by a user of average height standing next to the vehicle. When the loading or unloading is completed, the carriage assembly pivots upwardly and slides inwardly to be returned to the transport position, where it is latched in position prior to vehicle movement.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support such as a vehicular load carrier or a storage mount. The mechanism includes a pair of skewers (123) that are at least partially received within a bicycle fork anchor (100) and the skewers (123) are movable one skewer (125) relative to the other skewer (130). The pair of skewers (123) are configured for fixing a bicycle's fork to the anchor (100). Each skewer (125,130) of the pair (123) is operable between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Each skewer (125) of the skewer pair (123) is longitudinally aligned with the other skewer pair (130) and the skewers (125,130) are spaced apart from one another in at least one of the two positions. At least one handle (110) is coupled to the bicycle fork anchor (100) for operating at least one skewer (125,130) of the skewer pair (123) between the bicycle fork pre-pinched position and the bicycle fork pinch-secured position.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack includes a track having an elongate tubular body with a thin wall which defines substantially the entire outer perimeter of the tubular body. The thin wall has a top wall section with an upwardly opening channel formed therein and a top wall section opposite the bottom wall section. The roof rack further includes a pair of support brackets for supporting the track in an elevated position above the roof of the vehicle. Each support bracket has a pair of fasteners for releasably attaching the support bracket to the track and a pair of hook elements for releasably attaching the support brackets to a gutter of the vehicle. At least one sliding fastening assembly is releasably attachable to the upwardly opening channel of the top wall section of the track.

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: A vehicle-mounted, bicycle carrier includes an elongate arm movably mounted on the carrier for movement between an engaged position in which a bicycle is fixed on the carrier, and a disengaged position in which the bicycle may be removed from the carrier. A locking mechanism mounted on the arm lockably receives a carried bicycle's pedal crank when the arm is moved to the engaged position thereby fixing the bicycle on the carrier.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a roof groove, which extends in the longitudinal direction along each side of its roof panel, and a roof rail attached to the roof groove, the number of components for attaching the roof rail can be reduced to facilitate the mounting operation for the rail.The roof rail (1) is formed integrally from a synthetic resin, comprising a rail body (2), front and rear end legs (3) protruding downward from the rail body, an intermediate leg (4), and a molding unit (5) connecting the respective lower end portions of the legs (3, 4) together. The molding unit (5) includes a cover section (5a) covering the top of the roof groove (8) and a ridge (5b) fitted in the groove (8). The respective heads of fixing bolts (9) are fixedly embedded in suitable positions in the bottom portion of the ridge (5b).

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a load to a motor vehicle comprises at least two load holders which can be fixed to the vehicle body and which each have load securing elements directed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for fixing a load extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A clamping device is provided for fixing the respective load holder to an intermediate carrier which is fixedly connected or can be fixedly connected to the bodywork. The clamping device has clamping jaws which embrace a part of the intermediate carrier. The clamping jaws have a clamping opening matched to the profile of the intermediate carrier for substantially embracing it in the clamping position. The axial direction of the clamping opening extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load securing elements.

Abstract: A support arm with a hinged clamp allowing it to be secured around a bicycle seat post such that a detached front wheel is carried on the bike on the seat post. The support arm has two fingers that attach to a bicycle's front wheel once it has been detached from the bicycle. The free end of the fingers are secured to the axle at the fitting where the fork had been attached. The quick-release fitting secures the fingers in place. The clamp has two c-channel clamping members that encircle the tubular seat post. The clamping members are secured together with a latching means.

Abstract: An arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.

Abstract: First and second elongate members each have an upper pad member of cushioning material, a first side bolster hinged to one side edge of the upper member and a second side bolster hinged to the opposite side edge of the upper member. Each side bolster has a core of cushioning material and extends along the entire length of the elongate member. The side bolsters are of rectangular cross-section and have opposing inner faces carrying interengageable fasteners for releasably securing the side bolsters together beneath the upper pad member. The two elongate members are secured on spaced crossbars of a vehicle roof rack by placing the upper pad member on top of a roof rack crossbar and engaging the side bolsters beneath the crossbar. At least one tie down strap is secured to one end of each elongate member for securing an elongate item on top of the upper pad member.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus for securing an independent article securing implement to a support bar of an existing vehicle article carrier without requiring any disassembly of the support bar from the vehicle article carrier. The clamp apparatus includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion includes a channel portion and a hook portion and the second body portion includes a base portion slidably engageable within the channel portion, and a hook portion. The first and second body portions are clamped over a support bar through the use of an elongated threaded fastener and fastening nut, which provides a significant degree of adjustability to accommodate support bars having varying cross-sectional widths. A pair of elongated, slot-like openings are formed in the first body portion and a pair of openings are also formed in the second body portion.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for fixedly retaining a bicycle on a vehicle roof (1) comprises a carrier device fastened to the vehicle roof and having a longitudinally extending support member for the wheels of the bicycle and an upwardly extending arm with a gripping device (8) for gripping a frame tube of the bicycle. The gripping device has two clamping jaws pivotable towards and away from one another and interconnected via a cog arrangement. One of the clamping jaws is connected to a draw bar having its lower and connected to an operating member at the lower end of arm.

Abstract: A rack for storing one or more pairs of water skis and wake boards including one or more pairs of forks having parallel prongs extending from and coplanar with a base plate section. The pairs of forks are mounted on a support bar extending through an opening in the base plate section and may be positioned axially along and orientationally around the bar then clamped in the selected position such that each fork is aligned with its pair member. Each pair of forks preferably has three prongs for stowing one pair of skis or two prongs for storing a wakeboard. A strap is provided for each neighboring pair of each fork having one end attached to an end of one of said neighboring pair of prongs and another end hookable to an end of the neighboring prong so that the strap may be stretched over a water ski or wakeboard nested between neighboring prongs thereby securing a pair of skis or wakeboards.

Abstract: A single roof rack system accommodates several outdoor sports equipment items simultaneously and provides expandable sizing to fit a variety of motor vehicles without requiring equipment-specific add-on mounting supports. The system includes shaped carrying pods which have built-in mounting surfaces and tie-downs for accommodating sports equipment items such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles, skis, snowboards, sailboards, and surfboards.

Abstract: The bicycle carrier apparatus of the invention has a commercially obtainable pneumatic or similar power lift device positioned longitudinally in and along an elongate bicycle lifting and supporting columnar standard whose lower end is pivotally mounted on a preferably rotatable turntable as part of a mounting base that is adapted for attachment, usually through longitudinal bars inserted in such base, to conventional transverse bars of the usual rooftop luggage rack of an automotive vehicle. The columnar standard includes a bicycle-securing lift bar having a height adjustable lift arm carrying a device that is attachable to the frame of a bicycle to be carried in upstanding position on the rooftop of the vehicle and that accommodates the pivotal swinging movement of such lift bar and of the columnar standard to which it is attached.

Abstract: A combination cargo carrier and ski carrier mounted on the roof rack of a vehicle. The ski carrier is comprised of two sections, each section having two generally vertical legs, one of which is attached to the vehicle roof rack and the other of which is attached to the cargo carrier. The two sections are cross braced.

Abstract: A ski rack having a pair of integrally formed hook portions and a pair of integrally formed channels which are adapted to help enable the ski rack to be secured to a cross bar or other like support member of an existing vehicle article carrier. The ski rack includes a pair of independent securing members also having a pair of hook portions which slidably engage within the pair of integrally formed channels and cooperate with the integrally formed hook portions to clamp the ski rack to an associated cross bar of the existing vehicle article carrier. The independent securing members of the ski rack are further adjustable to accommodate cross bars of varying cross-sectional widths and do not require any disassembly of the cross bar or any other component part of the vehicle article carrier before the ski rack is to be secured to the cross bar.

Abstract: In a multipurpose object holder for skis, surfboards or the like an elastic device including a horizontal plate and two curved lateral tongues is inserted in a vertical guide fastened to a base. The radius of curvature of one tongue is greater than that of the other tongue, allowing for the definition of lateral transport compartments of different thickness. A further elastic tongue is attached to a mobile clamp. The objects to be transported can also be placed between the plate and the further elastic tongue. In a second version of the object holder the elastic device is fastened to a mobile clamp and has an X-shape cross-section that includes two V-shape lateral reinforcing members such that two ranges of pressure forces are defined.

Abstract: A removable archery bow storage rack for vehicles includes a first frame half and a second frame half. A pair of tensioning adjustment straps secure the first frame half to the second frame half. Opposed hood anchor assemblies, in combination with the tensioning adjustment straps, secure the first and second frame halves to the hood of a vehicle without any modification or alteration of the vehicle. A plurality of leg rest assemblies are disposed between each of the frame halves and the top surface of the hood. The leg rest assemblies include a damping device to dampen vibrations and absorb shock imparted to the first and second frame halves during transit. Pairs of limb rest assemblies and string support assemblies on each frame half allow an archery bow to be secured to each of the frame halves in part by the draw weight of the particular bow.

Abstract: A fixing board, for an attraction-fastening type freight carrying device to be mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle, has been improved. The fixing board is composed of a magnetic attraction force contact plate, a film-like suction-cup, and a releasing handle. The magnetic attraction force contact plate has a three-layer structure comprising a soft magnet plate, an iron plate and smooth thin-film sheet coated on the iron plate. The iron plate has a plurality of grooves radially extending, which are elongated dead-end grooves. Further, the magnetic attraction force contact plate has a through-hole into which a substantially cylindrical seal lip extending from the suction film is inserted so as to make an air value. This air hole takes on a closed state when the freight carrying device is installed on the vehicle roof, and takes on an open state when being removed therefrom. The film-like suction-cup is formed throughout the circumference of the magnetic attraction force contact plate.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel holder having a body which includes a cylinder having openings at both ends of the cylinder for receiving rod handles. A J-shaped slot in the cylinder accepts a reel mount. An elastic tensile member, such as a shock cord, biases the reel mount against the tip of the curl of the J, thereby securing the rod and reel within the cylinder. A recess, approximately coaxial with the cylinder, and distal from the cylinder, supports the rod's shaft towards the front of the holder. Suction cups mount the body securely to a surface, such as a car top.

Abstract: A ride-ready bicycle carrier system designed to be removably attached to an existing vehicle roof rack system. The carrier system comprises a support arm assembly attached to a support arm pivot. The support arm assembly has a support arm, an upper hook, a lower hook and a ball lock. One end of the support arm is adapted to receive the upper hook and the other end of the support arm is connected to the support arm pivot. One end of the upper hook is shaped to engage the upper lateral bar of a bicycle frame and the other end of the upper hook is adapted to engage the ball lock and inserts into the ball lock and then into the upper end of the support arm. The ball lock is adapted to receive the upper hook. The ball lock secures the upper hook in a fixed position when the upper hook is engaged to the upper lateral bar of a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A carrier device for supporting and securing different objects to a luggage rack of a vehicle or directly to the roof of a vehicle which does not have a luggage rack. The device includes a carrier fabric on which one side is covered along its length with loops and one half with barbs. The fabric is formed with cushioned straps on one half opposite either the hooks or barbs. The fabric may be placed onto a luggage rack bar across the width of a vehicle, and skis, fishing poles or the like can be secured by the straps to the support carrier. Alternatively, the carrier device may be secured directly to a vehicle roof which does not have a luggage rack. To this end, the carrier device is wrapped around a filler member and end straps with hooks thereon are provided and designed to connect to a vehicle gutter or other part of the vehicle body such as the lip of the roof.

Abstract: A foldable carrier that is mountable upon a vehicle includes rotatably connected frame, carrying, and supporting members. The carrying member is constrained for limited rotational movement relative to the frame between a carrying position and a stored position. A locking element, including a latch means and an arm means, positively locks the carrying member in its extended operational position, thus preventing collapse of the carrier after it is in use. Bicycles and other items are secured to the carrier using a tie-down system including either strap securing elements positioned on the ends of the carrying members arms or a series of mounting elements slidably positioned on the arms of the carrying member.

Abstract: A tool and material restraining platform for pickup trucks, which utilizes steel extruded into convoluted channels as the bed of the platform. Self-locking hardware devices are inserted therein, to provide a secure base from where chain link is placed under tension to restrain tools and materials of simple or complex and difficult shapes. This results in more reliable restraining methods than strapping, stretch cords, and ropes and the like. Furthermore, the hardware devices, adapt easy to use add-on and take-off options such as a rigid conduit container. In addition, the sides of the platform are made of aluminum for displaying unique patterns, logos, and custom designs, to achieve an enhanced appearance for the truck, as custom wheels do. Also in addition, for models equipped for use with truck bed caps, tool and material cradles are installed in the interior of the cap, to the mounting bolts of the platform, to utilize normally wasted space directly adjacent to the ceiling of the cargo cap.

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.

Abstract: A channel adapted to receive the wheel of a bicycle or motor cycle. The walls are inclined toward the base of the channel to provide a firm grip on wheels of varying sizes. The walls of the channel contain in one case holes in an alternative embodiment slots which are connected by a pin or bar that secures the wheel in the channel. The pin and bar contain holes that will accept a lock and prevent its removal. A series of channels may be mounted on a plate or other structure to allow for the secure storage of a number of cycles simultaneously.

Abstract: A fishing rod carrier for use in a vehicle cab interior bounded in-part by a vehicle cab roof is provided for receiving a plurality of fishing rods having a handle at one end and a rod tip at the opposite end, and includes first and second carrier members. Each carrier member includes a first flexible non-elastomeric elongated strap having first and second ends. A second flexible elastomeric elongated strap is coupled to the first strap at selected locations but otherwise uncoupled to the first strap, and forms a plurality of elastomeric loops along the length of the first strap. Each loop defines a clearance of preselected dimensions between the first and second straps. A means is provided for releasably coupling the first and second ends of the first strap to the vehicle cab roof.

Abstract: A support rack for carrying articles behind a vehicle is disclosed. The rack includes a base member, a forward beam, a rearward beam, a top member, and lock arms. The base member is securable to the rearward end of the vehicle. The forward and rearward beams are pivotally connected to the base member and project upwardly therefrom. The beams are parallel to each other and together form a parallelogram with the base member and the top member. The top member is pivotally connected to the forward and rearward beams. The lock arms are for releasably locking the forward beam and the rearward beam in upright positions above the base member. Support arms are also slidably coupled to the top member for securing bicycles thereon. A crank clamp attachment structure is also provided, which fits on top of the top member to hold extra bicycles. The crank clamp attachment structure includes crank clamps and wheel rails. A ski rack is also disclosed that may be pivotally coupled to the support rack.