Abstract: A cargo space floor is provided for a motor vehicle and a ski rack is positioned on the cargo space floor that may be pivoted from a lower nonuse position around a first pivot axis into an upper usage position, in which a ski may be fastened to the ski rack. The ski rack has at least one first support strut and one second support strut that are spaced apart from one another and have openings aligned with one another for receiving a ski. A motor vehicle is also provided having such an advantageous cargo space floor.

Abstract: An automobile roof top carrier for securing equipment to an automobile rooftop includes a body made from a resilient material having a plurality of protrusions disposed about a top surface. The protrusions define a support surface for holding the equipment and also define a first and second support channel disposed substantially transverse to the support surface. Optionally, the sides of the body include a third and fourth support channel. One fastener is disposed around part of the carrier through the support channels and over the equipment and secures the equipment to the carrier block. A second fastener is disposed through the first and second support channels and secures the carrier to the vehicle roof. The protrusions prevent the fasteners from sliding relative to the carrier block.

Abstract: An equipment carrier adapted for mounting to a support member associated with a vehicle, includes a base engageable with the support member and a universal mounting arrangement for securing the base to the support member. The universal mounting arrangement includes a flexible retainer member, such as a retainer strap, that extends from and is engageable with a clamping member movably mounted to the base. The retainer strap defines a free end that extends from one side of the base, and which is adapted to be wrapped about the support member and engaged with a releasable engagement arrangement associated with the clamping member. The retainer strap and the releasable engagement arrangement define a variable effective length of the retainer strap when the retainer strap is initially wrapped about the support member. An actuator member, such as a rotatable threaded member, is engaged with the clamping member and with the base for moving the clamping member away from the base.

Abstract: A snowboard rack for snowmobiles to aid snowmobile operators in safely carrying and transporting snowboards, as attached to a snowmobile machine for recreation or other purposes. A frame attachment member is secured to an underside, typically the belly pan, of a front portion of a snowmobile, upon which a rack frame is removably attached. The rack frame includes at least two uprights, with a cradle formed into an upper portion of each upright, for secure placement of a snowboard. The snowboard is secured to the rack frame with a tie-down strap at each cradle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic container adapted for receipt around a front portion of a pair of skis or a front portion of a snowboard, when the equipment is mounted on a vehicle ski rack. The container provides improved aerodynamic airflow with reduced wind noise and buffeting. The container helps improve vehicle fuel efficiency substantially by reducing the incremental drag of a loaded ski rack by up to 50 percent, while protecting valuable alpine equipment form potential damage during transit. The container includes a hard plastic housing having a split first housing member and an identical split second housing member. A bottom portion of the first housing member is hinged to a bottom portion of the second housing member for opening to the inside of the housing members. Top portions of the two housing members are releasably attached using hand operated release latches. The latches are used for securing the two housing members around the skis or snowboard.

Abstract: A modular cargo carrier system comprising at least one pair of carrier modules and means for attaching said modules to a vehicle or to a support on a vehicle. The modules each have a top, a bottom, sides and ends, the attaching means being located on at least a bottom and one side whereby the modules may be mounted in different orientations on the vehicle top to carry different types of cargo. The modules further include longitudinal and transverse cargo grooves or contoured cargo contact surfaces on the top and on at least one side and/or end for supporting cargo in said grooves. Module connectors are provided for attaching the modules to each other in a variety of configurations.

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: An adjustable rack and clamping apparatus for removably retaining surfboards or the like to the roof of a vehicle, while preventing the theft thereof, includes a plurality of two types of mounting block assemblies that slideably attach to two transversely disposed mounting bars removably affixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A luggage rack on car roof mainly includes two long supports, a plurality of supporting suckers, and a plurality of ski holders. Each of the upper and the lower side of the long supports is provided with two longitudinally and parallelly extended channels. Each of the ski holders includes a U-shaped base and two bridge-type retainers. The U-shaped base includes two walls defining a space between them for holding a pair of skis. The two walls of the U-shaped base outward extend to provide two side extensions each having a stopper thereon. Each of the two bridge-type retainers straddles one side extension to locate between the stopper and the wall from which the side extension extends. The supporting suckers are movably connected at tops to the lower side of the long supports and attached at bottoms to the car roof through vacuum suction. The ski holders are removably connected to the upper side of the long supports.

Abstract: A device made of rubber or plastic adapted to be magnetically attached, or attached by suction cups, to a vehicle for the temporary stowage of skis and snowboards, in slots defined between adjacent fingers which extend parallel to a U-shaped member's two arms, the fingers being on the opposite side of the device from the magnet(s) or suction cup retainer.

Abstract: A vehicle receiver mounted cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles, skis and poles, canoes, canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed, at locations most suited for the specific cargo. Other structural components form anchor points for the cargo that also help to retain the cargo and act as theft deterrents. The carrier is designed to be free standing out of the vehicle receiver, and so may be used as a storage organizer for the cargo before, during and after transport. Prior to assembly, the components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional, so the carrier may be packaged, stocked and sold in compact, flat packaging. Alternative support struts offer additional methods of supporting the cargo.

Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.

Abstract: A canopy top for use with a vehicle having an open passenger compartment and carrying equipment. The canopy top has a frame adaptable for being secured to the vehicle and supported above the passenger compartment. A canopy overlies the frame. Means formed integral with the frame for securing equipment to the top is provided.