Abstract: A carrier includes a fixing member having a fixing plate and a rubber magnet plate attached underneath the fixing plate, a carrier main body having ski mounting recesses and a shaft insertion hole, and a vacuum adhesion member having a shaft for lifting the vacuum adhesion member. The shaft of the vacuum adhesion member is protruded through the shaft insertion hole of the carrier main body, and a lever for lifting the shaft is installed at a top of the shaft of the vacuum adhesion member protruding through the shaft insertion hole. A ski fixing plate and inner cover having side cover lips for confining the lever of the vacuum adhesion member and an outer cover having a pressing member are rotatably connected to the carrier main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 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: In a quick release mechanism, a prong is retained around a skewer, the skewer extending from a fork block, between a bearing surface on the fork block and a bearing surface on a movable member. The movable member is mounted on the skewer and is axially movable thereon. The movable member is moved toward the fork block through a predetermined distance by a moving device which is mounted on the skewer and is axially movable relative thereto. The range of movement of the moving device is adjusted by an adjusting knob which is positioned at various axial positions on the skewer.

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 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: Bicycle carrier apparatus includes an H-shaped support frame bearing a pair of opposed threaded clamping members for rigidly gripping the bicycle pedal crank arm mounting bolts on opposite ends of the central crank arm shaft. A further support for the front wheel is provided in which the front wheel tire is frictionally engaged in a secure clamping device. A pair of individual bicycle carriers are affixed to a longitudinal support member which attaches to the receiver portion of a standard vehicle-mounted trailer hitch. An additional pair of bicycle carriers in a similar configuration may be connected to the first carrier apparatus by means of a simple connector assembly. A cartop rack is also disclosed as well as a variant which also mounts to a trailer hitch receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrying assembly for supporting at least one bicycle in an upward standing position on the upper surface of a vehicle for transport by the vehicle includes first and second laterally spaced and longitudinally extending rail members affixed to the roof, and an elongated member adapted to retain the at least one bicycle for pivotally movement between a first position and a second position about an axis. The axis is substantially coincident with the elongated member. A first end portion of the elongated member is adapted to be attached to one of the rail members and a second end portion of the elongated member is adapted to be attached to the other of the rail members. In the preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a permanently spoiler attached to the deck lid. The spoiler integrally includes a longitudinally extending member including a channel adapted to receive the rear wheel of the at least one bicycle.

Abstract: A mast holder for a roof rack is described. Such mast holder includes three flexible straps which interact to provide reliable securance to a rack cross bar. It also includes a cradle having a rest of a configuration which conforms to the exterior shape of a mast. The cradle is of a material which is sufficiently pliable to provide such conformation. The cradle is also formed with support structure for the rest by coextrusion. The support structure is configured to interact with the rest to provide the necessary structural support that it needs.

Abstract: A pair of spaced rigid support members each has a pair of depending walls defining an upwardly opening slot therebetween. A first flexible strap is permanently connected at one end to a first rigid member, and a second flexible strap is permanently connected at one end to a second rigid member. The opposite ends of the straps are adjustably connected to one another by a buckle. Each rigid member has opposite edges each of which has an opening therein defining a recess which is complementary to and receives the lower end of one of the walls of a support member. The rigid members are inserted through the slot in a support member and then turned ninety degrees so that the lower ends of the walls of the support member engage the recesses in the rigid members when the straps are tightened to lock the rigid members to the support member.

Abstract: A clamp for supporting elongated articles such as a pair of skis on a motor vehicle includes a support base attachable to a load bar mounted transversely above a motor vehicle. A retaining element is pivotally attached at one end to the support base and is pivotable from an open position in which elongated articles can be inserted in or removed from said clamp to a closed position wherein it can be locked. The retaining element, together with its associated lock, further is pivotable about a second axis from a first position located to the rear of the rearward surface of the support base to a raised position spaced above the top surface of the support base wherein elongated articles can be clamped between the retaining element and the top of the support base. The retaining element is provided with a soft elastomeric surface for engagement with the top of the skis, while the top of the support base is provided with a layer of hard polymeric material to engage the bottom of the skis.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle rack is described having a wing joint which holds the wing open, i.e., away from its associated cross bar, to facilitate loading/unloading of skis or other elongated articles. An obstruction is included as part of the joint, which obstruction is configured and positioned to hinder the pivoting selectively and hold the wing away from its closed position.

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 ride-ready bike carrier system has a support arm and handle assembly attached to a rear wheel holder via an extension arm, such that the handle assembly can engage a bike frame and wheel axle combination to further secure and stabilize a bike upon the system. The support arm and handle assembly, as well as the rear wheel holder, can be positioned such that the system can secure and stabilize bikes having wheels of differing size. Furthermore, since the handle assembly engages a portion of the bicycle which, for the most part, is consistent in size and design from one manufacturer to another, design incompatibilities are minimized.

Abstract: A load cover for use in association with a vehicle roof-rack or other load-carrying area has a housing in which is located a spring-loaded roller, a substantially inextensible web being wound on the roller and having a bar attached to the free end of the web. Folds are formed along the length of the web, to provide a central region, two outer wings extending along the edge regions of the web, and folded-back intermediate zones, the wings being connected together by elastic strips. Once the web has been pulled out of the housing to extend over a carried load, the bar is made fast, and then the wings are pulled down to cover the sides of the load and are tied in place. After use, and on releasing the web, it returns into the housing, by being wound on the roller, until required for use again.

Abstract: A ski carrier combined with a rubber magnet plate and a vacuum sucking adhering plate to be mounted on a roof of an automobile. A fixing member comprises a fixing plate body and a rubber magnet plate attached to a bottom surface of a fixing plate body and is formed with the vacuum sucking adhering plate inserting portion at the center. A carrier main body for fastening the ski is fixed on a fixing member and is pierced with the shaft inserting hole. A vacuum sucking adhering plate is provided between the vacuum sucking adhering plate inserting portion and the shaft inserting hole, and a cover for covering the ski is connected by a hinge to a carrier main body and it covers on a lever of the vacuum sucking adhering plate.

Abstract: A roof rack for use with vehicles. The roof rack includes a frame attachable to the roof of a car and an arm movable relative to the frame between a first position wherein a portion of the arm is positioned below the roof along the side of the car and a second position wherein a portion of the arm is positioned above the roof of the car. The device also comprises a lock for locking the arm in its second position. The roof rack includes a stop mechanism for stopping the movement of the arm at its first position and selecting the first position such that the arm, or the object mounted thereto, does not touch the side of the car. The device is well suited to mounting bicycles onto the roofs of cars.

Abstract: A load carrier for vehicles has two longitudinal carrier profiles (4) fixed on the roof of the vehicle, the carrier profiles being of cross sections which are open in a direction towards one another and which are curved so as to be adapted to the curvature of the vehicle roof. The carrier profiles (4) are provided with covering profiles (5) on their open sides, these profiles being curved in a manner corresponding to that of the carrier profiles (4). The covering profiles (5) may be opened by pivoting by means of elastic and/or resiliently yieldable connecting devices (10) which, with short lengths, are distributed along the length of the carrier profiles. The carrier profiles (4) and the covering profiles (5) are provided, along their edges facing away from the connecting devices (10), with snap fasteners (7, 9) for fixedly retaining the covering strips in the closed position.

Abstract: A load carrier intended for vehicular use is provided with a strut fixed over the vehicle roof, on which at least one holder, such as a ski holder, is secured. The ski holder has a retainer stirrup which, in a closed position, encloses the strut and secures the ski holder thereon and which, in an open position, permits removal of the ski holder. The ski holder is further provided with a locking unit which, in the locked position, prevents removal of the skis. In order to permit simple mounting and dismounting of the ski holder on the strut, the retainer stirrup, itself, or with a first catch member secured thereon, extends, in the closed position of the retainer stirrup, into locking engagement with the locking unit or a second catch member secured thereon.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus for an automotive luggage rack includes a holder located inside the outer rails of the luggage rack. The holder consists of a upper section with an aperture; two resilient retaining rails; and two stay rods. The assembly process consists of placing a washer inside the holder and then inserting the combination inside the channel of a luggage rack's outer rails. The tie down stud then can be easily inserted into the apertures of the upper portion and washer. The completed assembly can then be translated to an appropriate location along the outer rail.

Abstract: A carrier system for carrying elongate articles, such as skis and poles, on the exterior of an automobile includes a pair of separate, compact base members. Each base member includes three suction cups arranged in a triangular, three-point configuration for engaging the exterior of the automobile and further includes a flexible strap extending from side to side between the rain gutters of the vehicle. Each strap includes a cam-like tensioning member that, when rotated, significantly increases the tension in each strap. The base members are mounted one ahead of the other on the roof of the vehicle. A plurality of clips or other article-engaging members are detatchably mounted to the base members for engaging the articles to be carried. Different types of article engaging members are provided for carrying different types of loads. In one embodiment, each base member includes a pair of built-in load stops for carrying loads therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier structure is disclosed as including a rear supporting bumper having two upright members attached thereto and extending above the supporting bumper to a predetermined height, that is for most types of vehicles, in excess of the roof height of the vehicle. A connecting member is disposed between a first end of each of the upright members that is opposite to where each upright member is attached to the supporting bumper and is attached thereto. A pair of upper support members are included wherein a first end of each is attached to the first end of each of the upright members. A front connecting member is attached to each of the upper support members at a second end of each and is disposed parallel with the connecting member and is separated therefrom by the length of the upper support members. The connecting member, the front connecting member, and the two upper support members define in general a rectangular area that is disposed substantially on the same plane.

Abstract: An automobile roof carrier of the invention is mainly composed of a magnetic base portion, a gripping portion for removal, a covering member and a loading article holding portion. The covering member is integrally jointed over the magnetic base portion while the magnetic base portion is covered by the covering member except in the attractive surface of the magnetic base portion and the gripping portion for removal. Combined integrally in the upper part of the covering member is a loading article holding portion which is able to be opened and closed. A supplementary cover which is able to be opened and closed is attached to the covering member so that the gripping portion for removal may be hidden and exposed. There is provided a first locking mechanism for maintaining the closed state of the supplementary cover, whereas there is provided a second locking mechanism for maintaining the closed state of the loading article holding portion.

Abstract: In a quick release mechanism, a prong is retained around a skewer, the skewer extending from a fork block, between a bearing surface on the fork block and a bearing surface on a movable member. The movable member is mounted on the skewer and is axially movable thereon. The movable member is moved toward the fork block through a predetermined distance by a moving device which is mounted on the skewer and is axially movable relative thereto. The range of movement of the moving device is adjusted by an adjusting knob which is positioned at various axial positions on the skewer.

Abstract: A pair of rigid supports each have an upper slot and a lower slot. Strap brackets are adjustably mounted in the upper slots and support members are adjustably mounted in the lower slots. Straps extend around luggage and engage the brackets to retain the luggage in place. Stop members depend from the luggage and engage the supports. Spacer means is connected between the supports. Collapsible luggage includes a rigid bottom supporting U-shaped spring wire struts connected to one another by a connecting bar. A cloth shell is stretched over the bottom and the struts. Dividers are provided within the luggage. A rain cover includes overlapping waterproof portions. A one piece molded nose cone has a tapered forward surface to reduce wind resistance and includes a channel in its forward surface for receiving a strap. Flexible straps include a pair of strap portions each having one end connected to a rigid member and the opposite ends of the strap portions are connected to one another by a buckle.

Abstract: A rack assembly mountable to trucks for transporting sheet material and the like comprising a pair of generally vertically extending support rails positionable adjacent to one side of a truck and adapted to be coupled to the truck through components on the inboard side thereof. A lower support rail extends outboardly from each vertical rail and has an upper support surface for sheet material to be transported, each outboard end having an upturned end cap with the outboard lower edge of each vertical rail constituting an inboard end cap. Also provided is a pair of generally horizontal upper support rails coupled to the upper ends of the vertical rails and angled outwardly and downwardly from the truck, each upper support rail having an outboard end cap and an inboard end cap, the upper surfaces of the upper rails constituting support surfaces for ladders and the like.

Abstract: A utility rack is provided that may be swiftly and easily attached to the exteriors of vehicles of various sizes. The utility rack has a carrier bar containing a hollow compartment. A rubber band or a spring inside the hollow compartment is attached at either end to a non-elastic strap which extends from the hollow compartment and outside the carrier bar to hooks or other anchors detachably affixed to anchor points on the vehicle. Locking mechanisms are mounted on the carrier bar to lock the non-elastic straps to the carrier bar by a pawl mechanism or by a pin. The utility rack is placed on the vehicle by pulling on the non-elastic straps and placing their respective anchors on the anchor points of the vehicle and then locking the non-elastic straps to the carrier bar by means of the pawl and ratchet mechanisms or pin-perforated strap locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for elongate objects, primarily so-called snow-boards or monoskis, is provided with a load strut which extends transversely across a vehicle roof and is secured in the side edges thereof. The load strut has a holder device with at least one accommodation space for objects, with the longitudinal direction of the space in the direction of travel of the vehicle and with the lateral direction of the space inclining in relation to the vertical. In order to provide reliable retention and superior transport capacity without the risk of projecting parts of the objects coming into contact with the vehicle roof, the holder device is provided with a rigid anchorage arrangement which, with a lower portion, straddles and is secured on the strut. The holder device is further provided with three fingers inclining in relation to the vertical and obliquely upwardly directed, the fingers being provided with soft gripping members which define the accommodation spaces.

Abstract: A magnetically-attachable roof rack, in particular a ski rack, comprises on the one hand a flexible plate which is made of magnetic material and can be fitted on a vehicle roof, and a flexible base plate attached to the magnetic plate, and on the other hand a rack unit supported by the base plate, with vibration-damping means interposed. The vibration-damping means constitute a semi-articulated flexible coupling connected to the base plate in an area around its center. The flexible coupling preferably comprises a resiliently flexible intermediate plate and vibration-damping supports which connect the intermediate plate securely to the base plate on the one hand and to the rack unit on the other hand.

Abstract: A combination bicycle/ski carrier has a carrier frame attachable to an automobile, supports for one or more cycles, and ski carriers which are retractable when not in use to avoid damage to cycles on the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: A locking member for releasably securing a bicycle to a carrier on a motor vehicle. The locking member can be quickly and easily slid onto a support arm of the carrier, adjustably positioned along the length of the support arm, and releasably secured to the arm by a simple rotational movement of an eccentric locking sleeve. The device includes an upper channel surface, surrounding the locking sleeve, on which the top tube of the bicycle frame rests and a second rigid pivotal member with a releasable strap engaging either the seat or down tube of the bicycle frame. The pivotal attachment of the first and second rigid members allows virtually any angular relationship between the members so as to securely engage the respective tubes of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment consists of a rack comprising two separate parts, a nose piece and a tail piece, mounted in the pockets of either side wall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The nose piece consists of an adjustable, substantially horizontal, support plate with a protruding stud and nut for receiving and securing in place the nose of a personal watercraft. The plate of the nose piece is attached to the end of an extendable shaft mounted in the front pocket of the side wall of the truck, so that the height of the plate can be adjusted to fit the size and profile of the watercraft being carried. The tail piece consists of a similar shaft, mounted in the rear pocket of the same side wall, incorporating a cross member at its top end having a cradle-like concave upper face, preferably shaped like the underside of the watercraft, so as to provide a conforming support bracket for the watercraft.

Abstract: A portable ladder rack is formed of a pultrusion composite and is used to support a ladder on a vehicle truck body. The ladder includes a horizontal support frame and spaced apart leg structures. A hold down device effectively holds the ladder on the ladder rack against movement in any direction but the hold down device is shiftable to a release position to permit loading from the side or rear.

Abstract: The present invention is a slat assembly adapted to be mounted to a surface portion of a vehicle. The slat assembly includes a channel member extending longitudinally and fixedly secured on the surface portion of the vehicle. The channel member includes one or more apertures formed along the channel member. The assembly also includes one or more tie-down members for cooperating with one or more apertures and extending inwardly from the channel member.

Abstract: A self-centering roof rack system for transporting bicycles and other sporting goods on a motor vehicle. The rack includes a transverse bar mounted on the roof and supported by upright members at each end. The upright members are simultaneously moveable by rotation of a knob at one end of the rack by means of rotation of a threaded shaft which has right hand threads on one end and left hand threads on the other. The upright members are provided with either a pivoting or sliding mechanism that causes a floating hook adapted to grip a motor vehicle root edge, the hook being caused to move upwardly and outwardly to firmly engage the roof as the uprights are moved toward each other.

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 cycle bracket for transport of a cycle on a vehicle roof is provided with an anchorage strut secured to the vehicle roof and provided with two clamps which are adjustable to one another and which, by means of gripping members manufactured of a semi-rigid material, grasp about a frame tube in the cycle. The form of the gripping members is adjustable to the frame tube. In order to achieve simple and reliable adaptation of the gripping members, these include a jaw which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the clamp and which, together with an abutment fixedly disposed at the free end of the clamp, defines an accommodation space variable in both size and shape for the frame tube. Furthermore, the abutment portion is of one-piece manufacture with a flexible form-adapting member which is located between concave surfaces on the jaw and the frame tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering cap assembly (1) for a transverse girder (2) of a roof luggage rack designed so that a profiled forward end of the girder can be covered and locked. According to the invention the assembly is held together by a hinge (6) and consists of a covering cap (3) with a lock (4) and a bearing element (5). The bearing element (5) is inserted into a longitudinal slot at the underside (14) of the transverse girder (2) and is positioned and held in place interlockingly in the transverse profile. Retention in the longitudinal slot is provided by a locking element (21) and a rivet (24). In this way a simple construction of a cover cap assembly is had that is inexpensive in manufacture and assembly and is reliable in its functions and easy to handle.

Abstract: A heavy duty bicycle rack which has angle adjustable support legs, wherein adjustment of the support arms does not require simultaneous adjustment of the legs which support the carrier on the vehicle. The rack includes a heavy duty positive locking mechanism in which locking pin ends are biased into a locking position, thereby selecting the angular position for the bicycle support arms relative to the legs. The locking pins are the ends of handles which can be pulled or withdrawn slightly to release the pins from the locking apertures to afford rotary movement of the support arms. The handles with the locking pin ends are supported in clam shell or cup shaped shells, these shells having apertures which permit relative movement of the handles and pin ends. Springs which bias the handles toward the locking position are confined in the cup shaped shells. A bolt secures each pair of shells, one support arm and brackets on each of the support frames together in assembly.

Abstract: A holder device for fixedly securing a load (4, 5), for example a bicycle, on a vehicle roof is provided with a support channel (1) in which the wheel (4) of the cycle rests. The holder device is further provided with a retaining stirrup (6, 7) pivotal to an operative position for engagement with the frame tube (5) of the cycle. The retaining stirrup is connected by the intermediary of joints (8) to the support channel (1), which is, in its turn, secured with a releasable, U-shaped yoke (10) in the region of the connection between the retaining stirrup (6, 7) and the support channel (1), on a strut (3) disposed transversely across the vehicle roof.

Abstract: A utility rack is provided that may be swiftly and easily attached to the exteriors of vehicles of various sizes. The utility rack has a carrier bar containing a hollow compartment. A rubber band or a spring inside the hollow compartment is attached at either end to a non-elastic strap which extends from the hollow compartment and outside the carrier bar to hooks or other anchors detachably affixed to anchor points on the vehicle. Locking mechanisms are mounted on the carrier bar to lock the non-elastic straps to the carrier bar by a pawl mechanism or by a pin. The utility rack is placed on the vehicle by pulling on the non-elastic straps and placing their respective anchors on the anchor points of the vehicle and then locking the non-elastic straps to the carrier bar by means of the pawl and ratchet mechanisms or pin-perforated strap locking mechanims.

Abstract: A closure for the two hinged bars of a vehicle roof-mounted ski mount is formed from a rotatable catch or pawl secured to one of the bars and a toothed harpoon extending from the other. Engagement and disengagement of the pawl with the teeth on the harpoon is governed by a manually operated button, the pawl being spring-biased toward engagement with the harpoon. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the pawl and button are part of a removable insert which fits into an end cap on the upper bar of the ski mount, and the spring is a spring clip which holds the insert in place in the end cap while permitting it to rotate to engage or disengage the pawl with the harpoon which is on the lower bar, the spring clip also urging the pawl into engagement with the harpoon as well as immobilizing the harpoon once it has been engaged by the pawl.

Abstract: A sleeve for a support arm for a bike rack is formed of a soft rubber or plastic and has recesses to position bike frames. A longitudinal groove in the top of the sleeve positions a shock cord in a storage mode. A knob on the end of the shock cord interfits in an end piece which holds the sleeve on the support arm.

Abstract: A ski rack comprising a support base member having one or more adjustable ski retention posts secured thereto and extending vertically thereabove. One or more abutment members extend vertically from the base member and disposed in spaced aligned relationship with a respective one of the retention posts. The retention posts each have flexible biasing fingers which project toward the abutment members in a ski receiving space defined between the posts and the abutment members for applying clamping pressure against a pair of skis supported on the base member in the ski receiving space. A bridge member extends above and across the abutment members and the retention posts. Attachment elements are disposed adjacent opposed ends of the ski rack for securing same to a vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying skis on a vehicle having a rear mounted wheel assembly. The wheel assembly projects further away from the rear of the vehicle than the skis held by the apparatus project away from the rear of the vehicle so that the wheel assembly will protect the skis against rear end collision impact.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: A cargo rack mountable on the roof of a car or the bed of a pickup truck. The rack has a frame that includes a support base for carrying cargo between a pair of spaced apart upstanding members. A restraining strap on the frame extends between the upstanding members. Elastic cords extending from the upstanding members suspend the strap over the support base to provide clearance for the cargo. A ratchet mechanism urges the strap toward the cargo to hold it on the support base.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a guard for racks that are used on cars and the like which comprise one or more elongated members comprised of a dense protective material such as styrofoam or foam rubber of a suitable thickness to ensure that the object to be placed on the rack will be protected. Each of the substantially elongated members comprises an upper outer surface with a recessed substantially concave inner surface capable of receiving and covering the horizontal bars of the guard. Attached to each end of the elongated member are attachment means for fastening the elongated member to the rack and which are also used to fasten one or more objects to the rack. Alternatively, objects may be attached to the guard through specifically configured straps for items such as skis, surfboards and the like.

Abstract: A bicycle rack assembly for carrying up to four bicycles comprising a fork support with a simulated wheel axle attached to a tubular bar having four legs. The rack is specifically designed to be utilized on vans or similar vehicles. The assembly is secured to the rear of a van by an upper pair of adjustable straps attached to the lip or edge of the van door or hatch and a lower pair of adjustable straps which are attached to either the lower edge of the door or the bumper. To use, the front wheel of the bicycle is removed; and its front fork is attached to the simulated wheel axle. The bicycle is held vertically with its rear wheel resting against the rear bumper of the van. In this position, the bicycle is out of the air stream of the vehicle. Moreover, since the rear wheel is close to the ground, the bicycle can be easily mounted on the rack or removed from it. For additional security, a safety strap is also provided to be fitted around each bicycle and attached to the rack.

Abstract: A portable device for securing loads, including a plurality of articles, in motor vehicles, which device comprises a platform means having hook-like mesh engaging elements provided along one edge thereof, and net means secured along the opposite edge of said platform means so that meshes of said net are engaged by said hook-like elements when said net is pulled taut over articles placed on said platform means.