Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a load carrier for vehicles, which load carrier is intended for roof-mounting. The load carrier comprises support members intended to rest against the upper face of the vehicle roof close to the edge thereof, a sheet-metal gripping member disposed in the support member to grip the edge portion of the vehicle roof, and a means arranged to lock the support member and the gripping member in a position, in which said means grippingly engages the associated roof edge portion. The gripping member is divided, in a portion of articulation, into at least two parts as seen in the lengthwise extension of the member, said two parts being hingedly interconnected in said portion of articulation in overlapping fashion while being separated by means of a spacer element.

Abstract: This invention discloses a heavy duty vehicle rack capable of carrying heavy loads and that utilizes fasteners, to attach to the rack to the vehicle's gutter or drip rails. The heavy duty rack of the present invention has specially shaped cooperating end and clamp portions so that the rack can be attached to a variety of vans made by different manufacturers with different style and shapes gutter/drip rails.

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: The invention relates to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a load carrier bar which extends over the exterior of a vehicle, and support members which extend between the load carrier bay and the vehicle and which are releasably mountable on the vehicle and the load carrier bar with the aid of clamping devices which extend from each support member for engagement with the load carrier bar.

Abstract: A trunk-mountable equipment rack includes a frame having a cross member and a plurality of legs. The legs have straps attached that are capable of extending to couple the legs to the trunk of a vehicle. These straps allow the equipment rack to be placed on and secured to different sizes and shapes of trunks of vehicles. The invention also includes support bars for securing equipment to the equipment rack for transportation on a vehicle.

Abstract: An anchor assembly adapted for securing a cargo carrier body to a short roof-line transporting vehicle. The anchor assembly includes a pair of spaced apart connecting members, each of which are adapted to be attached to a cargo carrier body. At least one of the connecting members is adapted to accommodate fixation of a spanning member between the pair of spaced apart connecting members. A spanning member is adapted to be connected between the pair of spaced apart connecting members and the spanning member is configured to accept a securement member thereupon by a slip connection. A moveable securement member is slidingly engaged upon the spanning member and has one end distally positionable away from the spanning member which is adapted to be secured to a transporting vehicle. Such fixation is normally accomplished using an anchor clip. The anchor clip is typically adapted to catch in a gap space on the transporting vehicle established between the door frame(s) and a roof's surface of the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A bag for storing, carrying or holding on top of a vehicle a surfboard, wakeboard or snowboard that protects, stores, displays and travels all in one comprehensive product. The bag can be carried by handle or by an attachable shoulder strap. The bag can be displayed/stored on a wall, ceiling or garage rafters in both parallel or vertical positions using just two or all four straps. Due to its features, the bag is also capable of being strapped to the top of a vehicle (or in the bed of a truck) without any soft or hard racks being required on the vehicle or truck.

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

Abstract: For securing an object carrying device to a vehicle of type having a pair of opposed supports and a carrier bar extending therebetween, there are proposed a series of brackets and clip mechanisms which are mounted to each support of the object carrying device and which can be firmly attached to various types of gutters found on the roofs of different vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus or bracket for securing a load carrier strut that extends transversely over a vehicle roof on railings disposed along opposing side edge regions of the vehicle roof in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The apparatus includes two clamping jaws reciprocally movable in relation to one another under the action of a clamping device in a clamping direction substantially corresponding or parallel to a longitudinal centerline of a load carrier strut with which the two clamping jaws are adapted to be engaged. The clamping device is arranged to lock the two clamping jaws in variable, different or optional positions along a load carrier strut and the two clamping jaws each having a clamping surface for engagement with a railing.

Abstract: A device for laterally translating the force vector between a load carrier foot and the upper surface of a vehicle roof according to the slope of the contour of the vehicle roof at the location of the foot upon the vehicle roof. The device includes a load carrier foot for attachment of a load carrier to the vehicle roof and the load carrier foot has a first foot support portion and a second foot support portion. A foot plate for engaging the upper surface of the vehicle roof is provided that is pivotally attached to the load carrier foot and has a first foot plate support portion adjacent the first foot support portion to form an inner support pair and a second foot plate support portion adjacent the second foot support portion to form an outer support pair.

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 carrier bar for a motor-vehicle roof is provided at each of its ends with a supporting leg (6) having a head (5) slidably mounted within a guide rail (3) of the bar (1). The head (5) is axially movable along with a threaded stem (7) which is screwed in a threaded channel (4) of the bar (1) and can be rotated to cause a movement of the supporting leg (6) along the bar (1). The bar has a bolt (13) with an enlarged head (14) which engages a slot (15) of a hook member (12) having a hook (17) adapted to engage the side edge of a motor-vehicle roof.

Abstract: A device for fastening onto a vehicle a load carrier of the type provided with a strut extending transversely across the vehicle roof, support feet disposed at the ends of the strut and abutting against the vehicle roof, and clamping units which, for fastening the load carrier to the vehicle roof, are movable in clamping directions substantially transversely of the direction of travel of the vehicle. The device includes securement means having engagement members which are designed for interconnection with corresponding engagement members on the clamping units. The securement means have narrow neck portions which extend behind decoration or sealing strips on the vehicle. The securement means are provided with anchorage portions which are anchored on the vehicle.

Abstract: A utility rack provided for carrying loads on vehicles, such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, watersport equipment, lumber, etc., comprises an elongated carrier bar, legs at each end of the carrier bar and adapted to take support on the vehicle, strap and hook assemblies for removably securing the utility rack to the vehicle, a rack-and-pinion ratchet adjustment and locking mechanism in the carrier bar for selectively withdrawing the straps towards the legs and into the carrier bar such as to tighten the hooks to the vehicle until the utility rack is in a firmly mounted position thereof on the vehicle, and for locking the straps in place thereby retaining the utility rack in its mounted position. The thin hooks are made of high strength tempered steel and are PVC coated. The carrier bar defines accessory receiving channels. The legs are provided with swivel feet. A lockable lever actuates the ratchet adjustment and locking mechanism. The straps are angled at about 30.degree. to 40.degree.

Abstract: A two piece attachment clip for attaching a roof-mounted rack system to a vehicle. The attachment clip comprises a bottom portion that is attached to the weld seam flange of the vehicle, and a top portion that detachably locks into the bottom portion and engages a strap that holds the rack system onto the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ski carrier for alternatively transporting skis by manually carrying, by a vehicle mounting the ski carrier therein, or by a common carrier. The ski carrier has a case having a cover portion and a holder portion, and an end cap positionable over an opening in a first end of the case when the cover and holder portions thereof are closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a carrying platform to a vehicle in which a carrier bar is grasped and pressed by a pressing section against a stay which is connected to the vehicle, with this pressure applied by a hook latched to the vehicle via a hook-holding member; and when the pressing section is shifted by a load applied to the carrier bar, the hook-holding member is also shifted so as to increase the tightening force of the hook; thus preventing the hook from being loosened by the astride phenomenon which would occur when a load is applied to the carrier bar.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier for transporting a bicycle on the rear or front bumper of a vehicle, which consists primarily of three soft, flexible straps with buckles holding the bicycle under tension at an angle away from the vehicle while the tires rest in the internal angle formed by the junction of the exterior wall of the trunk or hood and the top surface of the bumper. Two upper straps of the carrier are at a first end looped through themselves to the handle bar stem and to the seat post of the bicycle. The two upper straps are then crossed near their mid-point to form an X and at a second end looped to the upper corners of the trunk or hood lid. A third strap of the carrier is at a first end looped through itself to the seat post of the bicycle and at a second end vertically attached to the underside of the bumper of the vehicle by way of a hook. The straps are adjusted and tightened by way of locking adjustable buckles.

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

Abstract: The carriers described herein employ an adjustable locking member to secure the carrier to the rear of a vehicle. A locking channel incorporates a cam lever used to adjust and lock the carrier and renders the mechanism inaccessible when locked. Apparatus for supporting and stabilizing a bicycle protrudes rearwardly from the base member.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly is disclosed for on a passenger car, particularly a convertible. The roof rack assembly includes two lateral frame parts extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and front and rear transversely extending carrying elements fastened on the lateral frame parts. The two lateral frame parts are detachably held in position on the adjacent body of the passenger car. The lateral frame parts are formed as large-surface cast metal parts and each frame part has a molded-on forward and a rearward supporting section on which the transversely extending carrying elements rest and are fastened.

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

Abstract: A collapsible, lightweight bicycle carrier for a vehicle that can be installed and removed easily by one person. When removed from the vehicle, the hollow and capped tube, that serves as the anchor for the front looped straps, is utilized to store the strapping components of the carrier. The capped tube is dimensioned to fit in a standard water bottle carrier supplied with the bicycle. The bicycle is attached to the vehicle using two looped straps dimensioned to fit over the storage tube. The tube is anchored through a vehicle opening. The bicycle is furnished with protective pads that fasten to the bicycle frame and handlebars. The bicycle is inverted and attached to the trailing ends of the looped straps that extend through the gap of the vehicle opening. The posterior of the bicycle is then fastened to the vehicle using two straps with adjusting buckles. A rear support structure may also be secured to the seat post of the bicycle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a load-carrier for vehicles of the kind comprising a load-carrying tubular rail extending across the vehicle roof in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and a foot member at each lateral edge of the vehicle roof, said foot member resting on the upper vehicle roof face and serving as a load-carrying rail support. The purpose of the invention is to provide a load-carrier which is safely anchored to the vehicle roof also when the latter is not formed with safe support against outwardly directed forces, i.e. drip-mouldings, previously commonly provided on vehicle roofs.

Abstract: A device for fastening a load carrier (3) preferably a so-called roof railing, on a vehicle roof (1) comprises a hollow housing portion (5) which, with its one end, connects to the vehicle body and, with its other end, carries the load carrier (3). An adapter (4) is secured on the vehicle roof (1) and has, on its upper side, an abutment (6) which is accommodated by the opening portion of the housing portion (5). The adapter (4) has a catch (7) in which engages a loop of wire (8) which is anchored in a nut (10) interiorly in the housing portion (5). A screw (9) engages in the nut (10) and, with its head (16), abuts against a support surface (17) at the end of the housing portion (15) facing towards the load carrier (3). The head (16) of the screw is accessible for tightening via an opening in the wall of the load carrier (3) whereby the loop (8) is drawn up into the housing portion (5) and this securely to the adapter (4).

Abstract: A device for carrying articles, in particular bicycles, on the rear portion of a motor-vehicle, has three structures having respective hubs mounted on a splined shaft, so that each structure may be easily separated from the splined portion of the shaft and mounted again in a different angular position relative to the shaft.

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 method and apparatus for carrying one or more bicycles on a motor vehicle and a securing system for securing the carrier to the motor vehicle. The securing system includes a stretchable and contractible resilient web whose ends are attached to form a loop. A buckle is held within the loop and a strap is threaded through the buckle. The web, which is stretched by tightening the strap, maintains tension in the securing system. When tightened, adjacent surfaces of the loop and the web are in close juxtaposition. Separation between adjacent surfaces of the resilient web and the portion of the strap that forms the loop, provides a visual indication of the degree of tension in the securing system.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof rack that has an elongate frame fastened at each end to a support base, a joint is provided between each support base and the frame so that the base can be moved laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the frame.

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 roof 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 detachable carrier for mounting articles such as bicycles to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The carrier disclosed includes a frame with laterally spaced side portions and a lower offset portion that rests on a surface of the carrying vehicle. This surface is either a horizontal surface or a horizontal and vertical surface provided by the bumper either at the front or the rear of a motor vehicle. The lower end portions of the offset portions form a fulcrum with the support surface of the vehicle about which the frame will turn in a lever action. A lower pair of laterally spaced fastening straps with appropriate end fasteners secure a lower portion of the frame to the vehicle and an upper pair of laterally spaced fastening straps with appropriate end fasteners secure an upper part of the frame to the vehicle. An article support on a pivotal hub assembly extends out from the sides of the frame in an extended position and is folded to a down position between the side portions of the frame when not in use.

Abstract: A cargo storage apparatus that is secured to the side walls of a pick-up flatbed truck. A netting is attached to a hanger rod via a series of rings. Affixed onto the hanger are a set of hooks. Alternatively, handles may be sewn directly into the netting with hooks fastened to extensions of the netting. A set of clamps are secured to the overhang portion of a truck's sidewalls. Each clamp has an aperture which corresponds with a hook on the hanger rods or a hook connected to an extension of the netting. Once assembled, a large cargo storage area is provided. A divider member may be used to separate the storage area into sub-compartments. The apparatus can be quickly and easily installed without damage to the side walls of the truck and may be collapsed for compact storage. The use of handles enables easy removal and transport of the apparatus while containing cargo therein.

Abstract: A device for supporting the crossbar of a vehicle roof rack and for clamping to the vehicle roof is constructed of a pedestal with a curved ramp, a follower which engages the curved ramp and is mounted to the pedestal in a movable manner, a clip (clamping element) pivotally mounted to the pedestal through the follower, and a manually operated lever arm pivotally mounted to the clamping element. The curved ramp permits the pedestal and clip combination to apply a force with substantially equal vertical and horizontal components to the vehicle, and to maintain these components at a 1:1 ratio throughout the range of motion of the lever arm which tightens the clip and pedestal down onto the vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes first and second mounting members and a pair of bicycle support arms, all interconnected by a pair of housings. The first mounting member is rotatable to a selected position of adjustment and is locked in that position by means of a locking engagement with the bicycle support arms. The bicycle support arms can be rotated to unlocking positions to enable the first mounting member to be adjusted to a different position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying one or more bicycles on a motor vehicle and a strap for securing the carrier to the motor vehicle. The strap includes a stretchable and contractible resilient web that is connected intermediate the ends of the strap. A loop is formed in the strap when the strap is not tightened. The web is stretched by tightening and serves to maintain tension in the strap. When tightened, adjacent surfaces of that portion of the strap forming the loop and the web are in close juxtaposition. Separation between adjacent surfaces of the resilient web and the portion of the strap that forms the loop, provides a visual indication of the degree of strap tension.

Abstract: The tensioning structure for carryall bars on motor vehicles having no driprail, has supporting brackets for a carryall bar which can be mutually connected by means of a metallic cable having terminals at its ends. The terminals can be engaged in accommodation seats defined in the brackets. An end of the cable may be threaded for screw thread engagement with the terminal, whereby to adjust the length of the cable.

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: Mounting brackets for securing overhead car carriers and racks to the roof of automotive vehicles which include a first contoured end cooperatively engaging an inner door frame of the vehicle, an intermediate strap portion configured to extend from the contoured end and between the door and frame to a point adjacent the vehicle roof, and an attachment end to which the carrier or rack may be selectively secured. In one embodiment, the intermediate strap is formed as a flexible member.

Abstract: A pair of like rails are secured to a vehicle roof regardless the curvature of the roof surface at the rails to the plane of the roof between the rails. Two pairs of stanchions to which a corresponding crossbar is secured are slidably secured to the rails and slid into the desired position along the rails. The stanchions have a groove and surface defining a space in which a rail tongue having a circular end surface and an opposing rail circular surface are located to form a pivot arrangement forming a stanchion-rail pivot axis. The stanchion is formed of two members which are pivotally secured about an axis spaced from the rail pivot axis with a clamping knob located between the spaced pivot axes. The knob urges the members together and to the rail to form a tight clamping action to preclude the stanchions from sliding along the rails in response to wind and cargo loads.

Abstract: A detachable car rack for carrying items such as sailboards, bicycles, surfboards, skis, or the like, particularly for cars with convertible tops, regardless of whether the convertible top is "up" or "down." The invention includes a front support attached to the windshield or surrounding supports, hood, or surfaces of the vehicle's body, a rear support attached to the trunk lid or aft bumper or surfaces of the vehicle's body, and an elevated, horizontal, longitudinal assembly anchored to the front and rear supports which is used to carry the load.

Abstract: A car-top-transportable baggage carrier is particularly suited for use on aerodynamically streamlined cars which have no rain gutters. The carrier is made from a single continuous piece of material so that no seams or joinings in the material are produced in the face of the enclosure or the top and bottom surfaces. Weight distribution paneling within a load bearing floor pad inserted at the bottom of the carrier serve to distribute the weight of articles emplaced within the carrier, yet permit the carrier to be accordion folded for storage when not in use. Straps affixed to the top of the carrier are employed to secure the carrier in position on top of an automobile. The straps are equipped with innovative door head liner hooks which secure the carrier to the interior of the automobile adjacent the top of the car door. Releasable couplings permit rapid removal and replacement of the distal ends of the strapping as desired.

Abstract: A vehicle rack for securement over the roof of a vehicle is described. The rack comprises a support rail having opposed supporting brackets for maintaining the rail elevated transversely over a vehicle roof. The brackets are removably connected to a respective one of a pair of connecting bases. Each of the connecting bases is attached to a restraining portion of a vehicle adjacent the roof thereof with the connecting bases positioned on a respective side of the roof. The connecting bases are interconnected by a flexible connecting strap which extends therebetween. A tension force is applied between the attachments of the pair of connecting bases to rigidly connect the bases on the roof. One of the connecting bases is a locking base provided with a latch engageable element. One of the supporting brackets is a locking bracket having a latch mechanism actuable by a lever arm for engaging the latch engageable element of the locking base to immovably secure the brackets to the connecting bases.

Abstract: An anchor for detachably securing utility racks to vehicles is provided. A plate made of a strong and flexible material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or synthetic aromatic polyamide is slotted on one end or otherwise provided with means for attachment to the utility rack. A substantial part of the plate is surrounded by fiberglass cloth sheeting contained within a cushioning neoprene envelope and an intermediate polyethylene resin barrier. A thin cushioning layer of neoprene rubber envelops the plate, fiberglass cloth sheeting and polyethylene barrier. Activated resin is introduced into the fiberglass cloth sheeting or a hardening material already in the fiberglass sheeting is activated. The activated resin in the anchor is allowed to harden while the anchor is in a configuration which conforms to an anchor site between a door and a jamb of the vehicle, or at some other location on the vehicle. A permanent, hardened, custom-fitted, and cushioned anchor is provided.

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 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 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: Disclosed herein is a bike carrier with rotary mounting means to adjust the angle of the support arms. A wide base with diverging frame portions provides support for heavy mountaineer bikes. Soft sleeves on the support arms have recesses to position several bikes in spaced relationship. In one embodiment rigid tubular arms fasten the rack to the gap between the roof and door of a van or wagon.