Patent ID: 7422130
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A roof rack comprising: a base member defining a recession; a top member that is retractable to a first position within the recession defined by the base member; and a spring, a first end of which is connected to and perpendicular to the base member and a second end of which is connected to and perpendicular to the top member, wherein the spring biases the top member away from the base member, the base member further including a rod cavity; the top member further including a latch cavity opening into the rod cavity and having a latching surface therein; a release rod positioned in the rod cavity for longitudinal movement therein; and a latching element coupled to the release rod and extending into the latch cavity, the latch element carrying a latch operative to engage the latching surface in a first longitudinal position of the release rod wherein the spring is compressed, and operative to clear the latching surface in a second longitudinal position of the release rod wherein the spring is extended.