Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle comprising at least one generally horizontally arranged molded plastic article supporting slat capable of being fixedly secured to the vehicle and having an end cap mechanism and/or a bracket for supporting a cross rail or the like integrally formed into the slat. The end cap mechanism may include a tie down for securing articles to be supported by the slat. The slat may have a channel and an insert may be placed in the channel for resilient but sturdy support of articles placed on the slat. The slat and the article carrier may be of various forms.

Abstract: A vehicle ladder rack is for storage of a ladder upon the roof of a vehicle. The rack comprises a horizontal frame, at one end of which a hooked clamping bar engages a ladder rung. The clamping bar is manually operable, pivoting about a horizontal axis from a lower release position through an upper intermediate position and sliding downwardly to a clamped position. Manually operable means comprises several levers and rotating shafts providing a resilient clamping of the ladder rung, and latching in the clamped position.

Abstract: Slats fixed to a vehicle deck have external-flange tracks along their opposite edges. Brackets engage these tracks--by a lip that projects inwardly from the side wall of each bracket to capture the flange. The brackets can be slid by a user along the tracks and locked at any point along the slats by clamping plates inside the brackets. The clamping plates are forced against the slats as by screws in the tops of the brackets. One type of bracket carries an arch-shaped tie-down member and is also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete points along the slats. Each tie-down member is fixed to its tie-down bracket below the inwardly projecting lip, or in any event at a point in the side wall, of the bracket. This configuration preserves clamping force when a strap or cord is tightly cinched from the bracket over luggage, resulting in very strong upward force on the tie-down member.

Abstract: An adjustable support rail for a luggage carrier adapted to be mounted on exterior surface of a vehicle. The system includes a pair of spaced parallel tracks fixedly secured to the exterior surface of the vehicle and having a slot extending substantially the length of the track. A support stanchion is slidably mounted to each of the tracks with a rail extending between the stanchions. The stanchion includes a tensioning member which lockingly engages the stanchion onto the track once it is properly positioned by clampingly engaging the track against the stanchion. The stanchion may be selectively locked and released using a threaded member which engages and draws the tensioning member towards a wall of the stanchion and against the track. In addition, the end of the track is closed off by an end cap which includes a pivotable door covering an access opening through which the stanchion is mounted to the track.

Abstract: A slat assembly for vehicle luggage racks is disclosed with a snap-in end cap. The end cap has a shank portion which is telescoped inside the end of the channel-shaped slat and a head portion is disposed exteriorly of the slat. A detent element in the form of a tang in the base of the slat coacts with a detent element in the form of a ramp surface on the bottom of the shank of the end cap to interlock the end cap and slat. A stud is molded into the end cap for mounting the slat assembly on a vehicle body panel.

Abstract: A luggage carrier has several spaced parallel slat assemblies, and end caps for all of the slats. The outermost slat assemblies are also fitted with tie-down cleats that do not require screw fasteners to anchor them to the slats. These tie-down cleats are trapped between the end cap and a load bearing rail in the slat's center groove.

Abstract: A collapsible rack for use with skis or other elongated articles, comprising a pair of units adapted to be mounted spaced apart, such as on the roof of a car, each unit having a hinged assembly which when vertically upright, allows the skis to be positioned therein, and which when pivoted toward a horizontal position wedges against the skis to secure them therein.

Abstract: A cross rail for forming a load-bearing rack of a luggage carrier which is detachably secured to the side members that form the fixed frame of the carrier. The frame is supported above the surface of the vehicle and the load-bearing surface is suspended between the frame and the body of the vehicle. The individual cross members include an elongated cross rail member with T-shaped end caps secured to each end of the member to which individual clamps are pivotaly secured. Each clamp includes an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member received by the upper clamp member, and a bolt which connects the two clamp members in adjustable relation to each other. The two clamp members form a substantially C-shaped clamping channel which is adjustable by rotating the bolt accordingly. Thus, the cross member is capable of being utilized with different frame sizes simply by adjusting the clamping channel.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle support device including first and second cross frame members and first and second bicycle wheel receiving channels extending crosswise of the cross frame members. First and second bicycle support members are pivotally mounted by hinge brackets to the same cross frame member for swinging movement about an axis paralleling the cross frame member, and the first and second bicycle support brackets each have a portion that converges toward a medial plane between the wheel support brackets and laterally extending upper portions that extend transverse to the plane for engaging and supporting a bicycle frame. The converging portions of the bicycle support brackets are rigidly interconnected so that the first and second support brackets form a laterally stable assembly that is movable as a unit between a lower and a raised position.

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.

Abstract: A cross rail for a luggage carrier system having a cross-section having a leading edge to diminish wind resistance and a longitudinally extending channel formed by the interior surfaces of the cross rail. The cross rail can be roll formed of two different materials, an outer skin of a more aesthetically pleasing material and an inner section of a relatively less expensive material. The cross rail is substantially hollow and includes a support for maintaining the cross rail from being crushed by normal loads incident to use with a luggage carrier system.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier for the horizontal body surface of an automotive vehicle comprising a cross member adjustably secured by clamping means and an article restraining member adjustably and removably mounted to the cross member and cooperable with the cross member to restrain articles disposed on the carrier. The article restraining member may also have additional article securing elements incorporated into its construction. A lock mechanism may also be readily incorporated into the carrier.

Abstract: A rack for use with a truck having a body. The rack includes upright legs each having a lower end constructed to be mounted to the truck body to define longitudinally spaced pairs of upright legs at transversely opposite sides of the truck. Each leg has an upper end portion. A pair of elongated side members is provided, one side member being clamped to the legs at one side of the truck and the other side member being clamped to the legs at the other side of the truck at longitudinally spaced portions of the side members. Transverse rack members are provided having ends carried on the upper ends of the upright legs. The ends of the transverse members are received in sockets secured to the upper leg ends. A portion of the clamp structure is fixed to the upper leg ends.

Abstract: A cross rail for a luggage carrier system having a cross-section having a leading edge to diminish wind resistance and a longitudinally extending channel formed by the interior surfaces of the cross rail. The cross rail can be roll formed of two different materials, an outer skin of a more aesthetically pleasing material and an inner section of a relatively less expensive material. The cross rail is substantially hollow and includes a support for maintaining the cross rail from being crushed by normal loads incident to use with a luggage carrier system.

Abstract: An ammunition rack in a vehicle ammunition compartment helps protect the nds from injury due to road shocks and propagation of an explosion, i.e., fratricide. The rack comprises a warhead block-mount fixture and parallel thereto, and spaced therefrom, a base block-mount fixture; both fixtures being of a resilient and flexible polymeric material and both having a set of holes therethrough; the holes in the two fixtures being aligned. Metal tubular sleeves are held within each pair of aligned fixture holes, the sleeves spanning the space between the fixtures. The ammunition rounds are removably inserted in the sleeves and held therein preferably by latch mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive cargo carrier utilizing interlocking vertically offset tubular perimeter members and multiple intersecting tension members providing for a substantially rigid, yet resilient structure, and a system for cargo carriage utilizing various interchangeable elements.

Abstract: A luggage or article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width substantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substantially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforcement of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, wit

Abstract: An article carrier system for supporting and securing articles on a generally horizontally extending exterior body surface of an automobile comprising at least two elongated slats fixedly secured to the surface, extending in positions substantially parallel to one another, and having article supporting surfaces on the upper sides thereof, at least one elongated cross member extending transversely of the slats and having end portions slideable along the lengths of the slats and removably mounted on the slats, and at least one tie down and/or positioning member slideably and adjustably disposed on the cross member or one of the slats, including a mechanism for clampingly engaging the tie down and/or positioning member in selected positions along the length of the cross member or slat.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having a plurality of preferably for mounting receptacles permanently attached to the roof of the automobile to which other different types of primary luggage carriers may be selectively attached. For example, heavy-load utility bar assemblies may be attached to carry heavy loads, such as a boat, crate or large box; or standard luggage carrier assemblies, including slats or stanchions supporting elevated side rails, may be attached to carry lighter and less bulky loads, such as travel cases, smaller boxes and the like.

Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage carrier is disclosed which includes a plurality of four stanchion members located one at each of the four corners of the luggage carrier; each of the stanchion members comprises upper and lower stanchion parts which may be fabricated of the same or different materials and which are secured to the associated vehicle roof by fastening elements which extend generally vertically downwardly through the stanchion parts into the roof surface. A utility bar may be associated with laterally aligned pairs of stanchion members and be secured to the rack by means of the same fastening elements securing the upper and lower stanchion parts to the vehicle surface.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having spaced side members and spaced cross members in which the carrier is supported at the front and rear corners on stanchions and in which the stanchions form part of the carrier and are firmly secured to the roof of an automobile and including illuminating means provided in certain or all of the stanchions to illuminate the area of the carrier and facilitate its use in the dark. Such illumination, either direct or reflective, would be highly visable to oncoming traffic and would contribute to the safe loading or unloading of the carrier in the dark.

Abstract: Improvements are provided in a vehicle having a luggage carrier connected to a luggage supporting surface. The improvements comprise a luggage rack assembly having a spaced parallel pair of horizontally attending raised side rails slideably disposed in parallel rail tracks secured to the luggage supporting surface. The assembly also has a spaced parallel pair of horizontally extending rack sub assemblies disposed between the side rails. Each sub assembly has an elongated horizontal rack track and an elongated horizontal luggage retainer keyed to the track and moveable between a flat, collapsed horizontal storage position and an operative raised luggage engirdling position spaced above the track.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle and a bracket for the article carrier. The article carrier has two slats secured to the surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. One bracket is removably fastened to each of the slats. A movable fastening member depending from each bracket selectively secures the bracket in a fixed position along the corresponding slat. The article carrier also includes a transverse rail fastened at each of its end to one of the brackets.

Abstract: Two pairs of resilient body blocks are provided with each pair of blocks interconnected by an elongated, flexible, stretchable and elastic tether member extending and connected therebetween. The blocks include adjacent sides having grooves formed therein opening laterally outwardly of the blocks toward each other. The grooves parallel each other and are open ended and embracingly receive opposite longitudinal side edges of a sail or surf board therein with the pairs of blocks spaced longitudinally of the board and the tether members thereof functioning to clamp the board between the pairs of blocks. The side edges of the grooves are spaced inwardly of the corresponding side surfaces of the blocks and the board, with the blocks supported therefrom, may be disposed in horizontal position atop a vehicle with the undersides of the blocks engaging the vehicle top and the blocks supporting the board in spaced relation relative to the vehicle top.

Abstract: A carrying rack (10) is especially adapted to carry skis (12), poles (14) or other large items on a vehicle and includes an elongate cord (18) extending across the vehicle and hook members (20) for attaching ends of cord (18) to the vehicle. At least one bolster (22) is slidably engaged on cord (18). Each bolster (22) includes a vehicle engaging base (40) and a carrying platform surface (52) spaced above the base (40) to support skis (12). An abutment wall (56) extends upwardly from platform surface (52) to laterally support skis (12). Each bolster (22) also includes a hook section (64) and a ledge portion (63) for supporting poles (14). A clamping line (24) is formed as a continuous loop to extend around anchor line (18), up through hole (54) formed in platform surface (52), and over the top of skis (12) and poles (14) to latch with hook section (64). Clamping line (24) tightly grips anchor cord (18) to prevent bolster (22) from sliding along the length of anchor line (18).

Abstract: A vehicle is provided which has improved luggage and rack assembly. Upon a flat surface of the vehicle, such as a trunk lid or roof, is mounted a luggage retainer sub assembly. The sub assembly includes a spaced parallel pair of substantially horizontal rails secured to and running across the upper surface of the vehicle top or trunk lid, and a first end plate disposed between and hinged to one end of the pair of rails and movable between a collapsed storage position between the rails and an operative about vertical luggage support position. The sub assembly also includes a second end plate hinged to the opposite end of the rails, comprising two hinged sections and movable between a collapsed position between the rails and an operative position in which one section is above vertical and the other section is parallel to and above the rails. Thus, a luggage space is defined into which male inserts from the two plates project.

Abstract: A luggage rack which is mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle and has two longitudinally extending parallel rod-shaped carriers and several traverses separably connected to and extending at right angles to the carriers. Each traverse has an elongated outer section and an elongated inner section which is telescoped into and is movable lengthwise and/or at right angles to the outer section. The sections of each traverse have intersecting sockets in the form of elongated open-ended slots receiving parts of the carriers so that the surface bounding the slots contact the respective carrier parts. Screws which extend through the outer sections and mate with nuts on or in the inner sections bias the sections of each traverse against each other and against the respective parts of the carriers to thereby fixedly hold the traverses in selected positions.

Abstract: A bracket which is transversely positionable along a cross-rail is disclosed. The bracket surrounds the cross-rail in a slidable manner and has an opening integral therewith to threadingly receive a tie-down strap. The positionable bracket is releasably lockable to the cross-rail for securing articles such as luggage straps to the cross-rail.

Abstract: A luggage or article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated slats on the surface in respective positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, the slats being permanently secured to the body and being substantially rectangular in the vertical cross section with a width substantially greater than the height and presenting a low profile on the vehicle, the tops of the slats being substantially flat and parallel to the horizontal surface and providing longitudinally extending channels by which a pair of laterally extending cross slats may be secured their opposite ends to the longitudinally extending slats, the cross slats being adapted to underlie articles supported on the carrier so as to obviate the need for supplemental reinforcement of the vehicle trunk lid or roof, wit

Abstract: Four roll-formed slats attached to a vehicle top or rear deck have external tracks formed along their opposite edges. Two brackets slidably engage the external tracks of each slat, and lock at any point along the slat by means of an intermediate clamping plate. The clamping plates are shaped to permit application of clamping force without marring a plastic trim strip which is along the center of the slat. The brackets on the inboard slats carry retractable luggage stops, and those on the outboard slats carry tie-down loops. The outboard brackets are also adapted for attachment of crossbars, spanning the outboard slats, but only at certain discrete positions along the slats. Crossbar accessories facilitate securing bicycles, skis or other special articles to the vehicle.

Abstract: A universal car top carrier is supported upon a pair of spaced apart full length resilient mounting pads. The mounting pads are internally supported by a spring bar to accommodate flexing and produce an even distribution of pressure along the length of the mounting pad. The mounting pads are triangular in cross-section to define three elongated faces each face being differently contoured and selectable to obtain a mating conformance with the supporting roof line or corner. Different width roofs are accommodated by a pair of width adjustable telescoping tubing/support attached to the mounting pads through castings. A cam lock buckle at each casting releasably secures the strap of a gutter hook to lock the car top carrier to the car roof.

Abstract: This mast and boom carrier combination consists primarily of a bow member and a stern member, having a multiple number of openings, for receiving different sizes of masts and booms, and it is designed for wheeled carrier use in transporting a sailing vessel.

Abstract: A luggage rack assembly for automobile deck lids and the like having a pair of identical rear corner supports with a tubular rear rail extending between and received over opposed first tongues of the rear supports. Each rear corner support further has a pair of second tongues projecting respectively forwardly and rearwardly on a line beneath the first tongues. A tubular front rail extends between and is received over opposed third tongues one protruding from each of a pair of identical front corner supports, each of which also has a pair of fourth tongues projecting forwardly and rearwardly on a line coplanar with said third tongues. Tubular side rails extend between and are received over opposed ones of said second and fourth tongues in a plane with said front rail beneath said rear rail. The front and rear corner supports are fixedly mounted to the deck lid by four identical base members each receiving a one of the corner supports by snap fit.

Abstract: A slotted side rail and cross-rail receiving bracket assembly for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is disclosed. A slidable cross-rail is supported between a pair of cross-rail receiving brackets and is movable with the brackets along the slotted side rail. Each bracket includes a rail engaging lock for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the slotted side rail. The lock prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the side rail.

Abstract: A luggage carrier is adapted to be removably secured to the trunk lid of an automotive vehicle. The carrier includes a frame section, carried on the outside surface of the trunk lid and having a plurality of leg members that extend through aligned apertures in the trunk lid into engagement with fastening devices that are carried on the inside surface of the trunk lid. The fastening devices releasably secure the luggage carrier to the trunk lid. Covers are provided to enclose the apertures to provide a pleasing appearance when the luggage carrier is removed from the trunk lid.

Abstract: Set out herein are two bracket structures attachable to the roof rack of an automobile, where the bracket structures each include forked brackets conformed to receive both the skiis and the poles between the tines thereof. The brackets are adapted for sliding engagement into slotted clamps which are mounted on the roof rack. When engaged in the clamps, each of the brackets may be secured by a lock for secure transport. When removed from the clamps, each of the brackets forms an integral carrying assembly rendering the manipulation of the skiis and the poles convenient. Each of the brackets, furthermore, is conformed as a fork pivoted by one exterior tine and engaging by the other exterior tine to a base plate. This alignment of the forks can only be made upon the removal of the bracket assembly from the clamps, thus assuring a secure attachment which can only be released upon the release of a lock.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having a plurality, preferably for mounting receptacles permanently attached to the roof of the automobile to which other different types of primary luggage carriers may be selectively attached. For example, heavy-load utility bar assemblies may be attached to carry heavy loads, such as a boat, crate or large box; or standard luggage carrier assemblies may be attached to carry lighter and less bulky loads, such as travel cases, smaller boxes and the like.

Abstract: A load bearing cross-slat for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is adapted to extend transversely across a vehicle roof between a pair of carrier tracks. The cross-slat is anchored to the tracks at its ends and is cambered upward toward the center of the vehicle. The camber of the slat spaces the slat above the vehicle roof, and allows the weight of an article placed thereon to be supported at the ends of the slat and, thus, by the tracks.

Abstract: An automobile luggage carrier having spaced side members and spaced cross members in which the carrier is supported at the front and rear corners on stanchions and in which the stanchions form part of the carrier and are firmly secured to the roof of an automobile and including illuminating means provided in certain or all of the stanchions to illuminate the area of the carrier and facilitate its use in the dark. Such illumination, either direct or reflective, would be highly visable to oncoming traffic and would contribute to the safe loading or unloading of the carrier in the dark.

Abstract: A bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier is adapted for sliding adjustment or positioning in a carrier track. The bracket includes a ratcheted disc for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track. The ratcheted disc prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the track. The bracket also includes suitable projections for detachably mounting a cross-strap thereto for supporting skis, bicycles, and other articles.

Abstract: A bracket which is transversely positionable along a cross-rail is disclosed. The bracket surrounds the cross-rail in a slidable manner and has an opening integral therewith to threadingly receive a tie-down strap. The positionable bracket is releasably lockable to the cross-rail for securing articles such as luggage straps to the cross-rail.

Abstract: A tie down assembly for use in a luggage carrier system having two or more slats which are fixedly secured to an exterior horizontal surface of a vehicle and which are permanently attached thereto and adapted to have ancillary article constraining members removably and adjustably secured thereto, comprising a slat, having a channel formed by its interior surfaces, a rotatable integral tie down element comprising a loop portion, an annular portion, and a threaded bolt, and a slidable plate operably fitting within said channel and detachably engageable with said a threaded bolt to detachably secure and immobilize said tie down element to said slat.

Abstract: A slotted side rail and cross-rail receiving bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is disclosed. A slidable cross-rail is supported between a pair of cross-rail receiving brackets and is movable with the brackets. Each bracket includes a disc for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of an associated side rail. The disc prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the side rail.

Abstract: Ski holding apparatus is disclosed which comprises a rack for supporting a plurality of skis in a substantially common plane. The rack features pairs of holders arranged across the rack with the holders of each pair spaced apart along the rack so as to support at least one ski, or preferably a pair of skis at two spaced apart locations.The holders are adapted to support the skis in inclined positions in which the mean transverse plane of the skis is arranged at angle of 30.degree. to 60.degree. to said common plane.In this way the skis on the rack require less space. The rack can either be used on vehicle roofs, in ski rooms, or in storage spaces within vehicles. Each holder is conveniently closed by a closure member to retain the skis.Various types of closure are described in which the individual closures for each holder may be either resilient or rigid and may also be supported from a common clamping arm.

Abstract: A luggage rack for carrying luggage or the like on an automotive vehicle. The luggage rack is mounted on the trunk lid of the vehicle and comprises a pair of spaced, multi-sided, load carrying cross rails and a pair of side rails and a plurality of center rails therebetween extending front to rear between the cross rails. Locking members located at the opposite ends of the side and center rails are cooperably connected to the cross rails and are engaged by a cover member slidably carried by the side rails so as to secure the side and center rails to the cross rails. The luggage rack includes a plurality of stanchion members for supporting each end of the cross rails. Each stanchion member has a lower end portion adapted to be fixedly secured to the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable rack assembly for pick-up trucks and the like is readily adaptable to differing cab and bed configurations. The assembly includes a plurality of vertical posts, transverse rail members, longitudinal bars, and an overcab rack adjustably and releasably secured together.

Abstract: An article carrier mounted on a generally flat exterior surface of an automotive vehicle and consisting of a plurality of spaced parallel slat assemblies which are fabricated, for example, of roll-formed sheet metal and are provided with fastening elements having a body that is located at least in part within the interior of the slats; the slats being formed with openings which provide access to the fastening elements in order that containers, tranvserve slats, or other article securing devices may be cooperable with the elements in securing articles to the article carrier. Additionally, removable cover members may be provided which are adapted to be inserted in the slat openings to close off either the entire opening such as when the article carrier is not in use or only unused portions of the opening.

Abstract: An article carrier is mounted on an exterior automobile body surface. The carrier utilizes special decorative slats for supporting the weight of luggage or the like and also as a means for mounting cross bars, ski racks or tie-down members and similar article securing devices on the automobile body. The devices mounted on the slats are easily removed, interchanged or adjusted in position on the slats in accordance with the needs of the user.