Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible side panel structure of a roof panel, set upon the outermost rod of the roof panel and includes at least one first base unit; at least one second base unit; a fastener; and a side panel. With the implementation of the present invention, the side panel can be raised and fixed securely to contain and protect small objects or luggage, or the side panel can be set flat on the roof panel and fixed securely to contain larger or wider objects. Together with the invention of the axis deviation between the rotation axis of the side panel and the axis of the first and second through holes, the side panel can be really set flat on or set vertically standing on the roof panel.

Abstract: A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided herein is a security mounting bracket device that can be used to securely connect a crossbar to a mounted object. The device is shaped to form a contoured fit with the crossbar and adapted for use with a security nut and bolt rendering both nut and bolt unexposed outside of the device and inaccessible to tools that may be used to forcibly remove the mounted object. The security mounting bracket device can be used as an antitheft device as a security socket is required to remove the nut from the security mounting bracket. The contoured fit reduces the movement of the crossbar within the security mounting bracket device therefore reducing vibrationally induced failure of the mount and loss of mounted object. The security mounting bracket device smooth edges and unexposed nut and bolt also make it a safer bracket for the user in assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack includes four frames: a front frame, a back frame, a left frame and a right frame. Both the front frame and the back frame are main frames, and an upper end of each of the main frames is connected with a guard bar unit; a plurality of main connecting blocks are connected between the front frame and the back frame or the plurality of main connecting blocks are connected between the left frame and the right frame; a middle portion of an upper end of the each of the main frames is provided with an upper clamping groove, and two ends of the guard bar unit are connected with fixing seats respectively; each of the fixing seats includes a connecting lug, the connecting lug is provided with a connecting hole, the connecting hole is connected with a fixing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses multipurpose roof panel structures formed by strong material. One roof panel includes a base panel and two movable barrier rods fixed on the base panel, said movable barrier rods are fixed on the two opposite sides of the base panel and can be inclined raised above or set flat adjacent to the base panel. The other roof panel includes a base panel, two movable barrier rods and plural fixing planks, wherein each movable barrier rod, being fixed on the two opposite sides of the base panel, is being inclined raised above the base panel and secured by at least a fixing plank, or being set flat resting adjacent to the base panel and secured. With the implementation of the present invention, the movable barrier rods are either raised to securely contain and protect objects or luggage, or set flat to have more space to contain and protect larger or longer objects such as ski board or surfboard, and thus make the roof panel structures multipurpose roof panel structures.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a support system for mounting a load to a removable vehicle canopy on a vehicle, comprising a pair of support frames configured to be installed on opposing internal side walls of the removable vehicle canopy, a pair of support feet configured to be installed on an internal surface of the removable vehicle canopy, and a plurality of mounting elements on an external surface of the canopy and arranged for mounting the load thereto, each of the support frames and support feet having one of the plurality of mounting elements affixed thereto by a mechanical fastener extending through a hole in the canopy, wherein the support system is configured to be installable onto the removable vehicle canopy while the canopy is mounted to the vehicle, such that when the canopy having the support system installed is mounted to the vehicle, the support system substantially distributes the mounted load into the vehicle and substantially inhibits distribution into or through the

Abstract: A vehicle roof rail assembly may have a rail with an upper channel, a first channel below the upper channel and a second channel below the first channel. The assembly may also have a mounting portion with a channel portion adapted to be selectively located at least partially within the second channel and for selective sliding movement within the second channel. The mounting portion may also have a foot portion connected to the channel portion. A base portion of the foot portion may be adapted to selectively pivot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a roof rack assembly for use with a vehicle and related methods. The roof rack assembly can include a plurality of attachment assemblies with gutter inserts configured to extend within rain gutters of a vehicle. The attachment assemblies can also include clamps that are configured to at least partially wrap around a frame of the vehicle. The roof rack assembly can be attached to a vehicle without drilling and can be adjustable such that it is compatible with various vehicles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cross bar for a vehicle article carrier that may be releasably secured to a support rail. The cross bar has an end support at each end thereof for securing the cross bar to the support rail. Each end support has a main body configured to engage with a portion of the support rail, an opening in the main body, and a latching element moveably supported from the main body. A threaded member is used for controlling engagement of the latching member with the support rail. The threaded member has a head portion which engages with portions of a spring clip secured in the opening. This helps prevent loosening of the threaded member after it has been tightened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof rack system (1) for a vehicle, specifically for a passenger car, having at least one roof rail (2), which is configured in one piece and can be located on the vehicle body with an attaching device (13), wherein the roof rail (2) has a contact surface (27) extending over the length of the roof rail (2) which can be placed substantially continuously over its full length on the vehicle body (13) and is conformed to the vehicle body contour, and the attaching device has a retaining element (58) which is located in a cavity (60) of the roof rail (2) in the manner of a slot nut.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cross bar locking device of a roof carrier for a vehicle. The cross bar locking device includes a link, which is movably provided in the cross bar and has protrusion pins, and locking members, which are coupled to respective ends of the link so as to be axially movable. The locking member has a locking protrusion, to be locked to the corresponding locking hole of the associated side rail, and a plurality of protrusion pins. The cross bar locking device further includes levers, which are rotatably coupled to respective ends of the cross bar by a hinge. An operating slot is formed in each lever so that the protrusion pins of the corresponding locking member and the link are inserted into the operating slot. Movement guide slots are formed in the lever and communicate with the operating slot.

Abstract: A fixing device for fastening a roof box to crossbars fastened to a vehicle roof includes two-armed clamping jaws that extend through the bottom of the roof box and can be braced, the clamping jaws being mounted on a support base fixed in the interior of the roof box in a manner so as to pivot about a stationary swivel axis and interior end sections of the clamping jaws rest against a stop element which is vertically displaced by rotating an actuating element in order to move the clamping jaws between a locked and an unlocked position by a pure swivel motion.

Abstract: An article carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a first side rail an a second side rail to be located extending generally parallel to one another and spaced laterally from one another with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. A first cross-rail and a second cross-rail are independently movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position of the first and second cross-rails are axially aligned with a corresponding side rail, and the deployed position of the first and second cross-rail are laterally extending between the first and second side rails. The cross rails can be gas assist, injection molded cross rails. A manually hand/finger rotated fastener attaches each end of the first and second cross-rails to the first and second side rails in the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A modular utility cargo tray is provided comprising a floor and a wall extending from the floor, the wall and the floor enabled for storage of items placed therein. The wall comprises at least a first pair of divider receiving members, oppositely disposed along the wall. The at least a first pair of divider receiving members comprises: a first level portion enabled to receive a divider generally disposed along the floor; and a second level portion enabled to receive and support a divider generally distal from the floor without interference from a divider received in the first level portion. the modular utility cargo tray is insertable into the cargo area of a vehicle, or converted to a cargo roof box by mating it with a second utility cargo tray.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier adapted to be mounted to an outer body surface of a motor vehicle. The carrier has a pair of cross bars that can each be stowed on corresponding pairs of support elements when the cross are not needed for use without the need to completely detach either of the cross bars from their associated support elements. A rear one of the cross bars has a single sided release feature that enables both end supports at opposite ends of the rear cross bar to be simultaneously unlocked or locked from a rear pair of support elements from either end support. The rear cross bar can also be slidably positioned along the rear pair of support elements to better configure the cross bars to support variously sized articles thereon.

Abstract: A roof rack includes a basket which is assembled by a top portion and a bottom portion which is connected to an underside of the top portion so as to form the basket with tapered sidewalls. The tapered sidewalls securely engage a storage box with tapered outer profile so that the storage box can be engaged with the basket without using ropes. The basket can be assembled by multiple sub-top portions and sub-bottom portions.

Abstract: A roof rack includes a pair of roof rails extended in parallel each other and connected to a roof of a vehicle, a cross rail extended perpendicular to the roof rail for connecting the roof rails, and a stopper mechanism including a handle operable for fixing the cross rail to the roof rails. The cross rail is movable relative to the roof rail when the handle is at a first position and the cross rail is immovable relative to the roof rail when then handle is at a second position.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly (50) including a pair of clamp assemblies (11) that secure a roof rack bar (10) to the rails (12) of a vehicle having a roof over which the bar (10) is extend. Each clamp assembly (11) includes a pivotally mounted jaw member (26) that co-operates with a jaw (16) to engage the vehicle rail (12).

Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.

Abstract: A rear-mounted, removable vehicle storage device for storing and/or transporting items with a vehicle. The vehicle storage device includes a material shell defining a storage space therein. The material shell may be self-supporting or supported by an interior frame structure. The vehicle storage device may be mounted on a vehicle ladder, equalizer hitch, tire mount, or bumper. In addition, a recreational equipment carrier may be incorporated with the vehicle storage device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof-rack bar for automobile vehicles comprising a transverse bar and two fastening feet mounted at the ends of the transverse bar. The feet operate in conjunction with side rails mounted on an automobile vehicle, wherein the feet can slide along the side rails during adjustment. The angle between the transverse bar and each of the side rails remains substantially constant when the bar is displaced. At least one of the feet includes a housing in which one end of the transverse bar can slide between two extreme positions in order to adapt to a variable distance between non-parallel side rails. This housing includes a first locking and reinforcement means capable of operating in conjunction with a second locking and reinforcement means fitted on the transverse bar to immobilize or authorize the displacement of the end of the transverse bar in the housing.

Abstract: A hinged utility rack disposed on and external to a vehicle having a temporary top or roof. The utility rack has a bed that supports objects especially for transportation. First and second support bars are attached to the vehicle and support the bed. The second support bar is releasably connected to the bed, supporting the bed when connected. A hinge pivotally connects the first support bar to the bed, enabling the bed to pivot about the first support bar. The bed pivots between (a) a closed position in which the bed covers the vehicle top and the second support bar is connected to the bed, and (b) an open position in which the second support bar is disconnected from the bed and the bed is disposed away from the second support bar thereby rendering the top accessible for removal or retraction.

Abstract: A load carrier foot arrangement comprising a load carrier foot (3) which is mounted on a rail profile (2) which exhibits a mounting opening (12), wherein the load carrier foot is secured to the rail profile by means of a locking device having a locking spindle (21) which actuates a locking plate (27) and locks the foot to the rail profile, and wherein a retaining catch (32) is eccentrically and rotatably disposed on the locking spindle, which retaining catch interacts with notches (13) in the rail profile to prevent unwanted movement of the load carrier foot along the rail profile when the locking device is in locked position, the retaining catch having for this purpose a stop face (38) and a sensing element (39), that the retaining catch is prestressed by a tensioning element (37) to a position such that the stop face interferes obstructively with an edge region (41) of the load carrier foot (3) when the sensing element is not actuated, and that the mounting opening (12) is of such a size that the sensing el

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a rack component, such as a crossbar, to a vehicle rack, and apparatus that include the coupling device. The coupling device includes a first portion for attachment to the rack component and a second portion for coupling to the vehicle rack. A fastener member moves along an axis to couple the second portion to the vehicle rack. The coupling device also includes a security mechanism. The security mechanism may be implemented volitionally and/or irreversibly. The security mechanism prohibits movement of the fastener member that would uncouple the second portion from the vehicle rack but allows limited movement of the fastener member along the axis. The limited movement adjusts the second portion between fixed and movable conditions on the vehicle rack, allowing the rack component to be re-positioned on the vehicle rack but not removed.

Abstract: A load-bearing frame assembly for coupling to a roof of a vehicle is provided. The load-bearing frame assembly comprises a front frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the front of the vehicle roof, a rear frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the rear of the vehicle roof, and a frame extension section adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front frame section and the rear frame section. The front frame section includes a first connector and a first load bar for supporting a sports equipment mount. The rear frame section includes a second connector complementary to the first connector so that the rear frame section is joinable to the front frame section to form a first, smaller load bearing frame. The frame extension section is adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front and the rear frame section to form a second, larger load-bearing frame.

Abstract: A device for fastening an item to a vehicle comprising a strap having a first end, a middle portion, and a second end, and a cross-piece comprising a first end, a middle portion, and a second end. The middle portion of a the cross-piece is attached to the second end of the scrap. The first and second ends of the cross-piece include hook and loop portions respectively, for fastening one end of the cross-piece to the other. When in use, the second of the scrap is wrapped around a portion of a vehicle. Fastening components such as male and female buckle portions are used to secure the item to the vehicle. Excess material on the second end of the strap is rolled upon itself, leaving the first and second ends of the cross-piece exposed. The first and second ends of the cross-piece are then fastened to each other around at least a portion of the role material leaving no excess material exposed to when the vehicle is in motion.

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: 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 utility rack is provided for attachment to a vehicle luggage carrier. The utility rack includes a utility rail with first and second stanchions secured to the rail. Each stanchion includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket pivotally secured with respect to each other by a pivot joint. Each lower bracket includes a clamp for attachment to a crossbar of the luggage carrier. Each pivot joint includes an adjuster, preferably, a gear tooth interlock between the upper and lower brackets, in order to secure the upper and lower brackets at desired pivotal positions with respect to each other to facilitate attachment to sloping luggage carrier crossbars. Preferably, the utility rail extends laterally beyond the side rails of the luggage carrier to facilitate carrying larger or bulkier loads.

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 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: The invention relates to a roof luggage carrier for motor vehicles with roof railing having transverse girders (2) and a removable clamping assembly (3). The clamping assembly (3) includes supporting jaws (5) that can be inserted in a lower longitudinal slot (11) on the transverse girder (2), and of clamping jaws (6). The clamping assembly (3) is actuated by means of a clamping screw bolt (8) which extends inside the transverse girder (2) in its longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to achieve simple assembly and easy handling. In another preferred embodiment the longitudinal edges of longitudinal slot (11) are provided with longitudinal edges (12, 13) which are surrounded by longitudinal grooves in the supporting jaws (5) and clamping jaws 6, so that widening of the longitudinal slot (11) when tilting stresses occur is prevented.

Abstract: A compact carrier for transporting bicycles or lightweight motorcycles on the rear or front bumper of a vehicle, which consists primarily of a set of straps with buckles holding the bicycle or motorcycle under tension while being supported by and resting on the bumper. One embodiment of the carrier utlizes a single strap, secured to an automobile at one end to the trunk or hood and the other end to the bumper by L-shaped buckles. The body of the bicycle is secured in the desired position by a loop on the main strap which wraps around the bicycle crossbar. This strap is adjustable to fit almost any size bicycle by a buckle in the middle thereof. A second embodiment of bicycle carrier uses a pair of V-straps secured by L-shaped buckles to either the trunk or hood and to the bumper which extend in an open V-shape to attach to the handle bar stem and the seat post of the bicycle. Another third embodiment provides in combination a telescoping rod and straps to hold the bicycle body in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment arrangement (32,33) for a cycle which is capable of attachment in an upright attitude to a cycle supporting bar (4) capable of being connected to a vehicle-mounted load carrier (2). The attachment arrangement includes a U-shaped attachment element which straddles the side and top surface of the supporting bar. The U-shaped element includes a flexible wire which surrounds a wheel of the cycle while the wheel is received in the U-shaped recess. The flexible wire is in turn connected to a clasp and both elements are connected to the U-shaped element in an over-center arrangement.

Abstract: An article carrier for a motor vehicle comprising a pair of side rails adapted to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle in spaced apart relationship and extend longitudinally of the length of the vehicle. The side rails define a guideway therein, further defined by upper and lower surfaces. First and second pairs of stanchions are provided supporting a cross rail therebetween generally perpendicular to the side rails. Each of the stanchions have a bottom wall with engaging members integral therewith extending therefrom and received in the guideways and slidable therein. The guideways capture the engaging members therein and permit only sliding movements of the engaging members therein. A recess is defined in the bottom all of the stanchions and a clamping member is received in the recess. The clamping member is rotatable in the recess and has a camming portion extending into the guideway.

Abstract: The device for securing the hull of a watercraft and/or a sailboat mast comprises a locking bar the lower end of which has a hook, an annular eyelet or a crosshead by means of which the locking arm can be secured on a portion of the roof carrier which supports the hull of the watercraft and is secured to the roof of an automotive vehicle or on the sailboat mast which can be inserted between the roof and the roof carrier during transport. The upper end of the locking bar has a thread onto which can be screwed a flange or nut by means of which the hull of the watercraft or the sailboat mast can be securely clamped. The threadedly connectable flange or nut acts either upon the hull of the watercraft, e.g., a surfboard, or upon a portion of the roof carrier when the sailboat mast is secured by the locking bar. If this safety device is to be used in connection with the hull of a watercraft, it is necessary that the hull be provided with a through opening, for example, a daggerboard opening.

Abstract: A roof carrier for use on motor vehicles for supporting surfing boards or the like on the roof includes a supporting structure consisting of a plurality of interconnected transversely and longitudinally extending elements, at least one holder assemblable with the supporting structure and a sliding member mounted on one of the elements for displacement between a withdrawn and an engaging position and so acting on the holder in its engaging position as to maintain the holder in engagement with the one element. The sliding member is provided with a lug which secures the sliding member in its engaging position. The one element and the sliding member are provided with a slot-shaped apertures with register with one another in the withdrawn position to let an enlarged end portion of the holder to pass therethrough and the common cross section of which in the engaging position is smaller than the transverse dimension of the enlarged end portion to prevent extraction of the latter.