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 roof rack can be made by insert molding so that the outside is coated with synthetic resin. The support bracket cores can be manufactured easily, shape and dimensional precision can be easily controlled, and reinforcing ribs can be provided while avoiding appearance defects and supplying resin to the mold from a gate on only one side. The core used for insert molding includes the rail core member of the roof rack and the core of the support bracket for mounting the roof rack to the vehicle. The support bracket core is synthetic resin, manufactured as an integral molding having pilot holes through which screws are passed for attaching the support bracket core to the rail core, and mounting bolts for mounting the support brackets and roof rack to the vehicle.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a roof carrier structure capable of reducing the amount of movement of a roof carrier for a vehicle during the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. In order to achieve this object, there is provided a roof carrier mounting structure for mounting a roof carrier on a member to which a roof carrier is mounted of a vehicle, comprising a roof carrier; and an inclined portion formed on the roof carrier and inclined to gradually approach or move away from a member to which a roof carrier is mounted in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle for converting inertia force acting on the vehicle in the longitudinal direction into a fastening force for fastening the roof carrier to the member to which a roof carrier is mounted.

Abstract: An adaptor for securing a slat of a vehicle article carrier to an outer body surface of a vehicle without the need for drilling holes through the outer body surface. The adaptor comprises a main body portion having a channel formed along the entire length thereof. The channel has a cross-sectional shape which is designed to match the shape of an upwardly protruding lip portion formed within a roof ditch of the vehicle, such that the adaptor can be slid over the upwardly extending metal lip portion and thus attached thereto. At least one threaded bore is provided in the adaptor for enabling a slat to be secured thereto by an external threaded fastening element. A second threaded bore is included for enabling a set screw to be used to secure the adaptor to the metal lip portion so as to prevent sliding movement of the adaptor within the roof ditch. The adaptor thus allows a slat to be secured over a roof ditch without the need for drilling any holes in the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a load carrier to a transporting vehicle that includes an anchor mechanism adapted for securement to a transporting vehicle and for releasable engagement with a carrier foot. The carrier foot has a latching mechanism for releasable engagement with the anchor mechanism. The latching mechanism is adapted for latching engagement to, and disengagement from the anchor mechanism by movement of the carrier foot in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the carrier foot. An example of such movement is vertical movement substantially of an up and down nature. The latching mechanism has a latching and an unlatching configuration and the latching mechanism is urged toward the latching configuration by a resilient biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A roof rail in which a rail portion and a plurality of leg portions are integrally molded by use of a mold having a fixed or movable dam provided in a mold cavity, and which is formed of a polyamide resin composition containing a polyamide resin having a crystallization temperature of not higher than 210° C. and a glass transition temperature of not higher than 70° C. and glass fiber, wherein the difference in surface gloss between the surface of the rail portion and the surface of the leg portion is not higher than 5, and the difference in surface roughness between the surface of the rail portion and the surface of the leg portion is not larger than 0.5 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier which enables a degree of adjustable spacing of the support members used to support a cross bar while preventing the generation of wind noise which might be otherwise caused by wind entering through openings in the support members while the vehicle is moving. The vehicle article carrier includes front and rear cross bar assemblies which are mounted on a pair of slats. The slats may be disposed such that they converge slightly. At least one bracket member of one of the cross bar assemblies includes an elongated slot formed therein and a neck portion of the support member. The neck portion receives one end of one of the cross bars and enables the cross bar to move inwardly or outwardly of the neck as needed, such as when the cross bar is repositioned on a pair of slats which are mounted on a vehicle such that they converge slightly.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a load carrier to a transporting vehicle that includes an anchor mechanism adapted for securement to a transporting vehicle and for releasable engagement with a carrier foot. The carrier foot has a latching mechanism for releasable engagement with the anchor mechanism. The latching mechanism is adapted for latching engagement to, and disengagement from the anchor mechanism by movement of the carrier foot in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the carrier foot. An example of such movement is vertical movement substantially of an up and down nature. The latching mechanism has a latching and an unlatching configuration and the latching mechanism is urged toward the latching configuration by a resilient biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A roof rail (10), which consists of a side rail (5) and support legs (7, 8). The support legs (6, 7) engage a roof channel (2), which is otherwise closed off by a cover strip (3). The support legs are connected to adaptors (8) at the bottom surface. The connection between the adaptors (8) and the vehicle roof (1) is established by means of threaded bolts (12) which are fastened to the adaptors (8) by means of a threaded portion (14) and to the vehicle roof (1) by means of a second threaded portion (16) with the use of threaded nuts. Each support leg (6, 7) is connected to each respective adaptor in such a manner that it can be loosened, while a bolt (17) with its threaded shaft (21) is screwed into the support leg (6, 7). Here, the bolt head (18) is seated in the adaptor (8) and includes a circular groove (23), one end of which is engaged by a threaded bolt (22) for the purpose of securing it in an axial direction, and where the bolt (22) is extended transversely to the bolt (17).

Abstract: A roof rail for vehicles with a tubular gallery rod (1) and a pair of rail feet (2) which are arranged at its ends, are supported on a vehicle's roof (4). The rail feet (2) are each formed from the same length of material as the gallery rod (1) and consist of bent and flared end sections of the gallery rod (1). The gallery rod (1) has a continuously increasing cross section proceeding from the transition region of one rail foot (2) up to the transition region into the other rail foot (2). A manufacturing process for the roof rail is also disclosed in which a length of extruded material having an expansion fold is formed with arcing end portions. The length of material is then placed in a molding tool and pressurized to expand the material such that it forms a roof rail.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having at least one lateral cross rail selectively positionable along longitudinally extending side rails. Stanchions are connected to opposite ends of the cross rail and slidably engage longitudinally formed interior cavities in the side rails. A latch is coupled between each stanchion and each side rail to releasably latch each stanchion and the cross rail in a selected, fixed position along the side rails. An actuator controls the latch. In one embodiment, the actuator is formed by a movable lateral fit between the stanchion and the interior cavity in the side rails permitting lateral movement of each stanchion in each side rail upon push or pull of either stanchion. In another embodiment, the actuator includes a movable operator connected by cables to at least one latch pin carried by a stanchion which is releasably engagable with one of a plurality of spaced apertures formed longitudinally along a side rail.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of side rails each including a channel, and an adjustable cross bar disposed between the side rails, wherein the cross bar includes structure for eliminating binding of the cross bar when same is moved along the side rails. The cross bar includes a pair of guide wheel assemblies disposed at opposite ends of a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly is secured to one outermost end of the cross bar. The guide wheel assemblies reside within the channel of the side rail and prevent binding of the structure of the bracket assembly that resides within the channel of the side rail as the cross bar is moved along the side rails and becomes non-perpendicular to the side rails. The guide wheels are disposed generally horizontally and do not perform any load bearing function, but rather enable the bracket assemblies to be moved easily along the side rails without binding.

Abstract: An arrangement for receiving a suitcase on a vehicle hood, particularly a rear opening hood of a motor vehicle, comprises at least three fastening elements arranged on a hood surface which are connected by way of fastening devices with support parts of the rear opening hood. Two of the fastening elements are arranged in a transverse plane and—relative to the driving direction—close to a forward hood edge, and another fastening element is arranged close to a rearward hood edge in a longitudinal center plane of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack including spaced stationary supports carries cargo which may be loaded or unloaded from either side of the vehicle merely by unlocking a single lock and longitudinally sliding upper elongated cargo supports respectively connected to each of the stationary supports laterally toward and away from a desired side of the vehicle so that the elongated cargo support can also be moved and pivoted in parallel vertical planes to load or unload cargo from the chosen side of the vehicle. An single ink and two guide saddles connect and guide each cargo support relative to the associated stationary support.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of generally parallel disposed side rails and a plurality of mounting support members for securing the side rails fixedly to an outer body surface, wherein each outermost end of each side rail is secured to its associated mounting support member without any fastening element being visible at the areas where each outermost end of the side rail attaches to the mounting support members. A mounting plate is disposed in one tubular end of the side rail such that the ends of the mounting plate engage opposing slots formed in an outermost end of the side rail. A fastening element is inserted through an opening of an internal boss formed within the mounting support member and engages a threaded opening in the mounting plate. The fastener secures the mounting plate, and therefore the outermost end of the side rail, to the mounting support member without the fastening member or mounting plate being visible once these two components are secured together.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier assembly for mounting on an exterior surface of a motor vehicle The article carrier includes a pair of elongated side rails constructed and arranged to be mounted on an exterior surface of the motor vehicle. The side rails extend generally parallel to one another in a spaced apart relation. An elongated cross rail assembly is constructed and arranged to be mounted transversely between and releaseably lockable along the side rails in a range of operating positions. The cross rail assembly has rail locking structures mounted on opposite ends thereof. A rotatable rod gangs the rail locking structures together for cooperative movement thereof between locked positions wherein the rail locking structures engage the side rails to lock the cross rail assembly in one of the operating positions and disengage positions permitting longitudinal travel of the cross rail assembly along the side rails.

Abstract: An illuminated roof/luggage rack for automobiles and other vehicles incorporates turn indicators and/or side lights to enhance noticeability and safety. Preferably, the turn indicators are provided on all four corners of the rack structure, and the side lights run the entire length of the side members. Rear-facing braking lights may also be provided, all of which are operated in conjunction with the vehicle's electrical system. In one alternative embodiment, rows of lights on either side alternate ON and OFF to attract additional attention by appearing to flicker up and down or to simulate wave sequences. A somewhat different alternative embodiment includes illuminated side lettering or decorations. Such indicia, which may be permanent or changeable, may be used to exhibit commercial or personal messages, for example for HELP or for other announcements.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a cross bar which may be locked and unlocked from a pair of side rails from a single side of the cross bar, and which may also be quickly and easily removed from the side rails without disassembly of the cross bar or the side rails. The vehicle article carrier comprises a pair of side rails and at least one adjustably positionable cross bar. The cross bar includes independent first and second components which are disposed at least partially within a sleeve of the cross bar. A single actuating lever having a camming boss extends through portions of each of the first and second components and simultaneously causes the first and second components to be retracted out of locking engagement with their respective side rails, thereby permitting the cross bar to be locked and unlocked relative to the side rails from one side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier including a cross bar having a pair of bracket assemblies at each end, where each bracket assembly includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw which may be cooperatively clamped around a side rail of the article carrier system. The fixed jaw incorporates a keyed recess and the movable jaw incorporates a key. The construction of the keyed recess and the key enable the movable jaw to be pre-positioned so as to not interfere with placement of the cross bar onto the side rails during assembly. Clamping of each bracket assembly to its associated side rail is accomplished simply by turning a threaded fastener engaged with both jaw portions. The movable jaw is rotated automatically into alignment with the fixed jaw and its associated side rail. Further tightening of the fastening member automatically draws the movable jaw into clamping engagement with its associated side rail.

Abstract: An article carrier includes a cross member rollingly engaging a pair of longitudinally extending side rails. The cross member has rollers that engage the side rails for reducing the amount of effort required to move the cross member along the side rails. A cross member lock mechanism is also disclosed having three distinct modes of operation: automatically re-locking, manually re-locking, and locked.

Abstract: A roof rack has a pair of laterally spaced apart rails. A pair of channels in a roof panel of an automotive vehicle are spaced apart the same distance as the rails. Operating mechanism is provided for moving the rails from a raised position of use projecting above the roof panel to a retracted position within the channels. The rails when retracted are substantially flush with the top surface of the roof panel.

Abstract: A roof rack mountable to a vehicle to secure a load over a surface expanse of the vehicle. The rack includes at least one crossbar adapted to extend substantially across the surface expanse. Each end of the crossbar is secured to the vehicle by a tower assembly. Each tower assembly includes a base adapted to be independently locked in place on the vehicle in a position generally adjacent an edge of the surface expanse. A tower body is adapted to be disposed near an end of the crossbar and includes an upper portion configured to secure the tower body to the crossbar and a lower end adapted to be attached to and removed from the base while the base remains locked in place on the vehicle. The base thereby pre-establishes the position of the tower body on the vehicle. A quick release mechanism is adapted to selectively extend between and interconnect the base and tower body when the tower body is attached to the base to allow a user to selectively lock and release the tower body in place on the base.

Abstract: Roof channels which extend in the longitudinal direction are constructed in laterally exterior regions on a vehicle roof of passenger cars. Fastening elements for fastening end-side carrier feet of roof racks are provided locally on the roof channels. A simple fastening for roof racks is provided on relatively narrow roof channels which allows high roof loads to be carried. Each roof rack has carrier feet which are constructed in one piece and are connected on the end side with transverse supports. The carrier feet have hollow lower end regions which are placed on projecting receiving regions of receiving adapters premounted on the roof channel and are connected therewith.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus adapted to be disposed within a channel formed in an outer body surface of a vehicle, wherein the channel includes a permanently disposed hook portion, for securing a slat to the hook portion without the use of conventional riv-nut fasteners and without requiring holes to be drilled in the outer body surface. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket having a base portion and a pair of offset arm portions. The base portion is adapted to slide under a lip of the permanently secured hook portion so as to be disposed substantially completely within the channel formed in the outer body surface of a vehicle. The arm portions include threaded openings which allow conventional fastening elements to be used to secure the slat to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be used with or without a conventional resilient mounting pad.

Abstract: A mounting device for roof racks on motor vehicles, especially automobiles, includes mounting elements located in longitudinal roof channels in which the endwise supporting parts of the roof racks can be secured. Each mounting element is formed by a base plate that rests on the bottom of the roof channel and is fastened thereto, on which plate at least one threaded section is formed for screwing in a mounting bolt for the supporting part. In order for high roof loads to be carried by the mounting device and readily conducted into the fixed body, on the underside of an upright rib of the supporting part, at least one supporting surface is provided that forms a sloping plane relative to the screwing direction in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The supporting surface abuts a corresponding supporting surface of the base plate that extends in the same direction and projects upward.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier 10 forming a low, aerodynamic profile when secured to an outer body surface of the vehicle. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of slats each having channel portions which are adapted to reside at least partially within channels formed in the outer body surface of the vehicle during manufacture of the vehicle. The low profile of the slats serves to reduce the degree to which a pair of bracket members and at least one cross bar secured to the bracket members projects above the outer body surface, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle article carrier. In preferred embodiments each slat includes a plurality of tie-down loops integrally formed therewith. The bracket members each incorporate a manually movable locking member adapted to lockably engage with the slat to hold the bracket member at a desired position along the slat.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of bracket members which are disposed on a pair of slats, and where each bracket member includes a rotatable actuating member incorporating a camming mechanism for allowing each bracket member to be quickly and easily placed in locked and unlocked positions relative to its associated slat. Each bracket member includes a camming member which is threadably engaged with a threaded shaft of the actuating member. A locking member is also operably engaged with the camming member and is moved between locked and unlocked positions by movement of the camming member when an operator rotates the actuating member. The apparatus incorporates a limited number of independent component parts and the majority of the component parts are disposed within a housing of the bracket member so as not to be exposed to rain, ice, snow, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of side rails, at least one cross bar and a pair of bracket members secured at opposite ends of the cross bar for adjustably supporting articles thereon along said side rails. In one embodiment each bracket member includes a rotator having a circumferential camming surface which urges a locking member out of engagement with portions of the side rails to permit the cross bar to be adjustably positioned along the side rails. In another embodiment each bracket member includes a lever member which has a circumferential camming surface used for urging the locking member out of locking engagement with its associated side rail. In yet another embodiment each bracket member includes a slide member having a longitudinal camming surface. The slide member is moved longitudinally to urge the locking member into an open position to allow the bracket member to be adjustably positioned along the side rails.

Abstract: A roof railing for motor vehicles which has a tubular rail extending spaced from and substantially parallel to the roof surface along a lateral roof frame. Two supports on the ends of the rail attach the roof railing to the roof of the vehicle. The rail is developed with a bend at each of its end regions. It also has free ends which extend parallel to the surface of the roof and rest on the roof. In the region of each bend, there extends below the rail a support which is fastened to the rail. On its top side, the support has a groove which surrounds a part of the circumference of the rail. Each support is fastened to the roof of the vehicle.

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 vehicle article carrier for securing cargo and other like items elevationally above the roof of a vehicle. The vehicle article carrier includes pair of support members fixed to the roof of the vehicle, a bracket member disposed on each of the support members and a cross bar extending between the bracket members. Each of the bracket members is slidably positionable along its associated support member. Each support member further includes a main channel having a depending lip portion which includes an aperture or notch formed therein. The aperture or notch is adapted to positively engage with a hook of the associated bracket member to even more positively secure the bracket member to the support member.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of one-piece, integrally formed side rail members. Each side rail member has a side rail portion and a pair of end supports integrally formed with terminal ends of the side rail portion. The side rail portion includes a hollow area formed therein and extending along the entire length of the side rail portion. Each end support further includes an inaccessible hollow portion in communication with the hollow portion formed in the side rail portion. Each side rail member forms a lightweight yet rigid member which does not require molding lines, seams or other markings on any portion of the outer surface which is clearly visible to an observer once the side rail members are mounted on an outer body surface of a vehicle. The cost of manufacture is also reduced because the number of molding tools needed to manufacture the side rail member is reduced, as is the complexity and time to assemble the side rail members to an outer body surface of a vehicle.

Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle comprises a stanchion latch operator for a stanchion that supports the end of a crossbar on a side rail of the luggage carrier. The stanchion latch operator comprises a stanchion body having a side rail jaw a crossbar holder and latch chamber. The latch body fits within the latch chamber and includes a button flange as well as a lever with a hooked end. A pivot mount supports the latch body in the latch chamber about a pivot axis and is biased toward a latched position by a spring. The latch body includes a cam surface meeting with a shoulder on an upper chamber to displace the hooked end perpendicular to the pivot axis as the button flange is pivoted about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An adjustable article carrier track mount system that compensates for the cross-line radius or fall-away slope of a vehicle roof and easily and effectively locks the adjustable article carrier in place, has an elongated track, an end support operably connected to the track and adapted to slidably receive a crossbar, to slide longitudinally along the track, and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the track. To facilitate locking the adjustable article carrier in place, the track mount system includes a locking mechanism that is slidably received in the track and operably connected to the end support. The locking mechanism includes opposed wedges and a device adapted to force one of the wedges against another wedge to lock the locking mechanism within the track and thus the end support at a desired position along the track.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of bracket members lockably engageable with a pair of slats, wherein each of the bracket members has a rotatable thumb wheel, a locking member and a spreader block disposed within the locking member. The locking member is threadably engaged with a threaded shaft fixedly secured to the thumb wheel such that rotational movement of the thumb wheel in a locking direction linearly displaces the locking member. A spreader block having a pair of tapered walls causes a pair of arm portions of the locking member to be cammingly spread apart as the locking member is linearly displaced such that the arm portions engage within a channel of the slat to cause the bracket member to be clampingly engaged with the slat. The spreader block allows the arm portions to be retracted when the thumb wheel is rotated in an unlocking direction such that the entire bracket member can be removed from the slat without any disassembly.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting to a vehicle body panel is formed by a crossbar connecting longitudinal rails. The crossbar is made of a cross rail and stanchions which support the cross rail for displacement along and locking engagement with the longitudinal rails. The split stanchions are formed of first and second jaw members, and one of the jaw members is carried by a shelf on the other jaw member and displaced along the shelf by a retainer. The retainer is manipulated by an actuator, preferably in the form of a rotary knob which is selectively engageable with a nut. The nut is threadably engaged on a threaded shaft that is engaged in an insert in the one of jaw parts and extending through the other jaw part. At least one of the jaw parts includes an engagement surface for locking the stanchion to the rail when the retainer has moved the jaws to the closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of side rails, at least one cross bar and a pair of bracket members secured at opposite ends of the cross bar for adjustably supporting articles thereon along said side rails. In one embodiment each bracket member includes a rotator having a circumferential camming surface which urges a locking member out of engagement with portions of the side rails to permit the cross bar to be adjustably positioned along the side rails. In another embodiment each bracket member includes a lever member which has a circumferential camming surface used for urging the locking member out of locking engagement with its associated side rail. In yet another embodiment each bracket member includes a slide member having a longitudinal camming surface. The slide member is moved longitudinally to urge the locking member into an open position to allow the bracket member to be adjustably positioned along the side rails.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly is partially recessed into a recessed roof panel joint channel. The article carrier assembly side rail is attachable to the vehicle roof panel, and includes a track and an outboard corner portion. A retainer includes a foot portion slidably disposed within the track for supporting the retainer on the side rails. A latch comprises a lever pivotally connected to the retainer for indexing the retainer at discrete positions along the side rail. A trim rail pad is secured with respect to the side rail, and extends from the outboard corner portion into the joint channel in a manner to substantially hide the side rail therebehind when viewed from a position alongside the vehicle. Alternative embodiments for the trim rail pad and latch are provided.

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: A vehicle article carrier having a pair of one-piece, integrally formed side rail members. Each side rail member has a side rail portion and a pair of end supports integrally formed with terminal ends of the side rail portion. The side rail portion includes a hollow area formed therein and extending along the entire length of the side rail portion. Each end support further includes an inaccessible hollow portion in communication with the hollow portion formed in the side rail portion. Each side rail member forms a lightweight yet rigid member which does not require molding lines, seams or other markings on any portion of the outer surface which is clearly visible to an observer once the side rail members are mounted on an outer body surface of a vehicle. The cost of manufacture is also reduced because the number of molding tools needed to manufacture the side rail member is reduced, as is the complexity and time to assemble the side rail members to an outer body surface of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier 10 forming a low, aerodynamic profile when secured to an outer body surface of the vehicle. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of slats each having channel portions which are adapted to reside at least partially within channels formed in the outer body surface of the vehicle during manufacture of the vehicle. The low profile of the slats serves to reduce the degree to which a pair of bracket members and at least one cross bar secured to the bracket members projects above the outer body surface, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle article carrier. In preferred embodiments each slat includes a plurality of tie-down loops integrally formed therewith. The bracket members each incorporate a manually movable locking member adapted to lockably engage with the slat to hold the bracket member at a desired position along the slat.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having at least one lateral cross rail selectively positionable along a pair of longitudinally extending side rails. A threaded rotatable shaft is mounted in each side rail. First and second shuttle cleats are connected to opposite ends of the cross rail. Each shuttle cleat is slidably mounted in one side rail and threadingly coupled to the rotatable shaft in each side rail. An output shaft of each of a pair of electric drive motors is coupled to the rotatable shaft in each side rail for linearly adjusting the position the movable cross rail along the side rails upon rotation of the rotatable shafts.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having a locking mechanism disposed within a bracket member. The locking mechanism includes an actuating member having first and second camming surfaces, a locking pin and a clamping member. As the actuating member is moved to an unlocked position, the first camming surface cooperates with the locking pin to urge the locking pin out of engagement with an aperture in a channel of a support member of the vehicle article carrier. Simultaneously, the second camming surface causes the clamping member to be moved out of clamping engagement with shoulder portions of the channel member. When the actuating member is moved from the unlocked to the locked position, the first camming surface allows a first spring to urge the locking pin back into engagement with the aperture in the channel member.

Abstract: A hardtop roof assembly for a passenger vehicle. The roof assembly includes a hard cover over the passenger cockpit. The cockpit cover is completely removable from the remainder of the roof assembly and vehicle and can be selectively secured over the opening above the passenger cockpit or to a rear storage rack for transport with the vehicle. Because it is completely removable, the cockpit cover can also be stored inside the vehicle or left at home if desired. The cockpit cover uses common securing members to selectively secure it over the opening above the passengers or to the rear storage rack. The cockpit cover and storage rack also have corresponding shapes that assume a neat, strong, and compact mating relationship when secured to each other. Additionally, the side edge portions of the cover and storage rack have vertically extending surfaces that abut and substantially mate with each other to add lateral stability and prevent any side-to-side movement of the cover when it is secured to the storage rack.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the problem of changing the design of the roof rails, which have hitherto been of a multipart design, in such a way that they can be manufactured in a simple manner and at a lower cost. This is achieved according to the present invention by the spar and the feet including one component, which is preferably formed by a deformed hollow chamber section. To achieve this, the hollow chamber section is deformed downward in a gentle arch at its end. The deformed bent section is cut off on the underside obliquely to the curved longitudinal axis of the section. The bottom of the hollow chamber section is then pressed in from below, so that an omega-shaped cross section is formed. The roof rail thus prepared has a consistently elegant shape, which does not reveal how it was made.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having at least one lateral cross rail selectively positionable along longitudinally extending side rails. Stanchions are connected to opposite ends of the cross rail and slidably engage longitudinally formed interior cavities in the side rails. A latch is coupled between each stanchion and each side rail to releasably latch each stanchion and the cross rail in a selected, fixed position along the side rails. An actuator controls the latch. In one embodiment, the actuator is formed by a movable lateral fit between the stanchion and the interior cavity in the side rails permitting lateral movement of each stanchion in each side rail upon push or pull of either stanchion. In another embodiment, the actuator includes a movable operator connected by cables to at least one latch pin carried by a stanchion which is releasably engageable with one of a plurality of spaced apertures formed longitudinally along a side rail.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly for retaining a roof rack to the roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plurality of spanners which span a pair of spaced round holes through the roof of the vehicle at preselected locations. Each spanner includes a main body portion having spaced integral downwardly extending insert portions or apertured bosses which extend into the spaced round holes. These apertured bosses are self tapping for receiving screws therein. Thus, the rack, having holes at each end aligned with the apertured bosses, receives a self tapping screw in each apertured boss securing the rack to the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus for securing the slats, or outer rail end or center supports, of a vehicle article carrier to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The adapter apparatus has a plurality of groups of openings for enabling attachment of a slat having previously formed openings to a variety of vehicles having different spacings of holes drilled therein, which would otherwise normally require additional drilling of holes in the slat or additional drilling of holes in the outer body surface to enable direct alignment of the holes in the slat with the holes in the outer body surface of the vehicle. The adapter apparatus, through its plurality of groups of openings, enables the adapter apparatus to be secured to vehicles having openings in their outer body surfaces which differ in spacing, and which otherwise would require additional drilling of holes in either the slats or the outer body surface to secure the slats thereto.

Abstract: A method for forming one-piece end support for a vehicle article carrier.