Abstract:
A vehicle article carrier having a pair of cross bars that can be positioned in a stowed, position, resting on or adjacent to a corresponding pair of side rails, or moved into an operative position with the cross bars extending perpendicularly between the side rails. When the cross bars are in the stowed position, the apparatus presents a significantly more aerodynamic structure that helps to reduce wind noise when the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted is being driven. The cross bars can be quickly moved into the operative position via a latching mechanism disposed at end that can be released from a securing portion of one side rail and re-attached to a securing portion of the other side rail. Various embodiments are presented with different latching and pivoting mechanisms.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. Ser. No. 10/279,285, filed Oct. 24, 2002, and presently pending. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Technical Field  
           [0003]    The present invention generally relates to vehicle article carriers such as luggage racks and, more particularly, to a vehicle article carrier having crossbars operable in a first or stowed mode oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and in a second or article carrying mode oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.  
           [0004]    2. Discussion  
           [0005]    Modern automotive vehicles are commonly equipped with article carriers such as luggage racks for supporting various articles externally of the vehicle. Most vehicle article carriers include a pair of siderails laterally spaced apart on the vehicle roof (or trunk) and aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Most vehicle article carriers also include two or more crossbars laterally spanning the space between the siderails. The crossbars work in conjunction with the siderails to provide anchor points for securing articles to the carrier.  
           [0006]    While such vehicle article carriers perform excellently in terms of article support and the like, there is still room for improvement. For example, vehicle article carrier crossbars can sometimes contribute to wind noise audible to vehicle occupants. Inasmuch as wind noise is generally considered undesirable, minimizing wind noise caused by vehicle article carrier crossbars is an important goal.  
           [0007]    One attempt to reduce wind noise caused by vehicle article carrier crossbars has been to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the crossbars. While some of these attempts have proven helpful in reducing wind noise, even more effective wind noise reduction would be highly desirable. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a vehicle article carrier having an improved crossbar configuration which further minimizes wind noise audible within the vehicle occupant compartment.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The above and other objects are provided by a vehicle article carrier including a pair of laterally spaced apart siderails. A pair of crossbars are coupled to the siderails. Each crossbar is operable in a first or stowed mode axially aligned with a siderail and in a second or carrying mode laterally spanning the space between the side rails. In a first embodiment, an orientation assembly interengaging the siderails and crossbars ensures that the crossbars are only oriented in one of the first and second modes. That is, the crossbars are not pivotable through orientations between the spanning position and the stowed position. In a second embodiment, the crossbars are pivotable throughout the range of motion between the spanning position and the stowed position. A separate mechanism is also provided to enable the crossbars to be longitudinally repositioned along the siderail. In a third embodiment, the crossbars include a pivoting latch for securing the crossbar to the siderail. This eliminates a rotatable knob provided in the other embodiments. An actuating member helps facilitate the transition between the spanning and stowed modes. In a fourth embodiment, an alternate latch is employed and the crossbar is both horizontally pivotable and vertically rotatable relative to the siderails.  
           [0009]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    In order to appreciate the manner in which the advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings only depict preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle having a vehicle article carrier incorporating the teachings of the present invention mounted thereon;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a siderail and crossbar assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a stowed mode;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a top view of the locking member of the crossbar assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention in a locked mode;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a top view of the locking member of the crossbar assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention in an unlocked mode;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment siderail and crossbar assembly in a spanning mode;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a top view of a second embodiment vehicle article carrier in accordance with the present invention in a spanning mode;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a top view of the second embodiment vehicle article carrier in accordance with the present invention in a stowed mode;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a top view of the second embodiment vehicle article carrier in accordance with the present invention pivoting between the spanning and stowed modes;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a crossbar and a siderail of the second embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention in a spanning mode;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a crossbar and a siderail of the second embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention in a stowed mode;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a crossbar and a siderail of the second embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment vehicle article carrier in accordance with the present invention in a spanning mode;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is a top view of the third embodiment vehicle article carrier in accordance with the present invention in a stowed mode;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the third embodiment vehicle article carrier in accordance with the present invention pivoting between the spanning and stowed modes;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cross bar and siderail of the third embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention in a spanning mode;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a cross bar and siderail of the third embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a cross bar and siderail of the third embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention in an extended mode;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a cross bar and siderail of the third embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention in a retracted mode;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a cross bar and siderail of the third embodiment vehicle article carrier of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in accordance with the present invention in a spanning mode;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 21 is a top view of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in a stowed mode;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in a locked mode;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the securing mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in an unlocked mode;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the securing mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the securing mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in a locked mode;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the securing mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in an unlocked mode;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a rotating and pivoting mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating and pivoting mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in a non-rotated state;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating and pivoting mechanism of the fourth embodiment vehicle article carrier in a rotated state;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of still another alternative preferred end support for use with the article carrier of the present invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 31 is a view of a rear portion of the latching member shown in FIG. 30;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 32 is a side cross sectional view of the assembled end support of FIG. 30 showing the end support in the latched orientation relative to one of the side rails; and  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 33 is a view of the end support of FIG. 32 with the latching member moved into the unlatched position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]    The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0045]    The present invention is directed towards a vehicle article carrier such as a luggage rack. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of laterally spaced apart siderails. A pair of crossbars are coupled to the siderails and are operable in one of two modes. In a first mode, the crossbars are stowed in axial alignment with the siderails. In a second mode, the crossbars laterally span the space between the siderails.  
         [0046]    Turning now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an automotive vehicle in the form of a mini-van generally at  10 . A vehicle article carrier  12  is mounted to a roof of the vehicle  10 . The vehicle article carrier  12  includes a pair of laterally spaced apart, parallel siderail assemblies  14   a  and  14   b.  A pair of crossbar assemblies  16   a  and  16   b  are coupled to siderail assemblies  14   a  and  14   b.    
         [0047]    Each crossbar assembly  16   a,    16   b  is operable in a first or stowed mode nested within a recessed area  18   a,    18   b  of a siderail assembly  14   a,    14   b.  In the stowed mode, each crossbar assembly  16   a,    16   b  is axially aligned relative to a siderail assembly  14   a,    14   b.  The stowed mode is illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 1.  
         [0048]    Each crossbar assembly  16   a,    16   b  is also operable in a second or spanning mode projecting across the space between the siderail assemblies  14   a  and  14   b.  In the spanning mode, each crossbar assembly  16   a,    16   b  is laterally aligned relative to the siderail assemblies  14   a  and  14   b.  The spanning mode is illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1.  
         [0049]    To facilitate the transition of the crossbar assemblies  16   a  and  16   b  between the stowed mode position and the spanning mode position, gaps  20   a  and  20   b  are provided at opposite ends of each recessed area  18   a,    18   b.  The gaps  20   a  and  20   b  accommodate one end of a crossbar assembly  16   a  or  16   b  in a spanning mode position while the other crossbar assembly  16   a  or  16   b  remains in a stowed mode position. In this way, a user may disconnect a stowed crossbar assembly  16   a,    16   b  from one side of the vehicle  10  and reposition it cross-wise to the vehicle without having to walk to the opposite side of the vehicle. The gaps  20   a  and  20   b  provide a place for the far end of the crossbar assembly  16   a  or  16   b  to rest while the near end is being resecured to the near siderail assembly.  
         [0050]    Turning now to FIG. 2, a siderail assembly  14   a  and crossbar assembly  16   a  according to a first embodiment are illustrated. While only one end of the siderail assembly  14   a  and crossbar assembly  16   a  is illustrated, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the opposite ends thereof are preferably identically configured. Similarly, while only the siderail assembly  14   a  and crossbar assembly  16   a  are illustrated, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the other siderail assembly  14   b  and crossbar assembly  16   b  are preferably identically configured.  
         [0051]    The siderail assembly  14   a  is preferably formed as an elongated plastic member by a molding process which simultaneously forms the L-shaped recessed area  18   a.  An elongated metal slat  22  is disposed within a channel  24  formed in the bottom surface  26  of the recessed area  18   a.  The slat  22  includes an elongated opening in the form of a slot  28 . The slot  28  provides access to an interior volume of the slat  22  which is overhung by a pair of opposing lips  30  forming part of the slat  22 .  
         [0052]    Although the slat  22  may extend along the entire length of the recessed area  18   a,  it is presently preferred to limit the length or extension to only that amount which is reasonably necessary for mounting anticipated accessories to the siderail assembly  14   a.  For example, the slat length may be equivalent to five times the width of the end of the crossbar assembly  16   a.  Although other materials may be used, it is presently preferred to form the slat  22  from extruded aluminum or roll-formed metal.  
         [0053]    A pair of laterally spaced apart locating holes  32   a  and  32   b  are formed in the bottom surface  26  of the siderail assembly  14   a  offset from and on opposite sides of the slat  22 . The locating holes  32   a  and  32   b  are preferably molded in place when the siderail assembly  14   a  is formed such that an axis interconnecting the holes is essentially orthogonal to the slat  22 . If desired, the holes  32   a  and  32   b  may alternatively be bored or drilled in place as desired. Also, if desired, a strengthening sleeve, such as a metal cylinder, may be disposed in each locating hole  32   a  and  32   b  for added rigidity.  
         [0054]    The position of the locating holes  32   a  and  32   b  dictate the length of the gap  20   a  when the crossbar assembly  16   a  is in a stowed mode position. The gap  20   a  should be at least long enough to accommodate an end of a crossbar assembly oriented in a spanning mode position while the other crossbar assembly is oriented in a stowed mode position along the same siderail assembly.  
         [0055]    The crossbar assembly  16   a  is preferably formed by a molding process to include an elongated plastic crossbar body  34 . The crossbar assembly  16   a  also includes an end support  36  mounted to and end of the crossbar body  34 . The end support  36  is also preferably formed as a plastic member by a molding process.  
         [0056]    The end support  36  includes a pair of spaced apart locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  extending essentially orthogonally from a mounting surface side thereof. The locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  are preferably molded in place so as to be integral with the end support  36  but may alternatively be secured to the end support  36  as discrete members. The locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  are configured to complement the size, shape, spacing and angle of the locating holes  32   a  and  32   b.  As such, the locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  may be removeably inserted within the locating holes  32   a  and  32   b.  In this way, the locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  cooperate with the locating holes  32   a  and  32   b  to form part of an orientation assembly for orienting the crossbar assembly  16   a  in the first or stowed mode.  
         [0057]    A locking assembly  40  coupled to the crossbar assembly  16   a  includes a preferably plastic rotatable knob  42  coupled to a preferably metallic threaded member  44  which extends through an opening formed through the end support  36 . The threaded member  44  threadingly engages an auto-aligning locking member  46  in the form of a preferably metallic, e.g., aluminum, stamped tap plate or T-lug. As will be described in greater detail below, by rotating the rotatable knob  42  to tighten the threaded member  44  into the locking member  46 , the locking member  46  abuttingly engages the underside of the lips  30  of the slat  22  to lock the crossbar assembly  16   a  to the siderail assembly  14   a.  By rotating the rotatable knob  42  to loosen the threaded member  44  from the locking member  46 , the locking member  46  disengages the lips  30  of the slat  22  and aligns along the axis of the slot  28  to unlock the crossbar assembly  16   a  from the siderail assembly  14   a.    
         [0058]    The distal end  48  of the threaded member  44  includes an unsettled thread area  50  to prevent the threaded member  44  from disconnecting from the locking member  46 . That is, as relative rotation between the threaded member  44  and locking member  46  occurs, the locking member  46  may migrate toward the distal end  48  of the threaded member  44 . However, when the locking member  46  reaches the unsettled thread area  50 , the locking member  46  cannot migrate further or inadvertently be twisted off of the threaded member  44 .  
         [0059]    Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4 (and also with continued reference to FIG. 2), the operation of the locking assembly  40  will be described in greater detail. The locking member  46  includes a rectangular base portion  52  having an upstanding orientation portion or collar  54  extending therefrom. The base portion  52  has a width which is less than the width of the slot  28  between the lips  30  of the slat  22 . The base portion  52  has a length which is longer than the width of the slot  28 . In this way, the locking member  46  can be inserted within the slot  28  and then rotated 90° to underlie the lips  30  and lock in place.  
         [0060]    A plurality of conical members or teeth  56  upwardly projecting from the base portion  52  frictionally engage the lips  30  of the slat  22  to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The teeth  56  may be cast in place, machined, or formed by bending up the corners of the base portion  52 .  
         [0061]    The vertical position of the locking member  46  along the threaded member  44  is controlled such that the orientation portion  54  spans the depth of the slot  28 . That is, when the locking member  46  is disposed within the slat  22 , the lips  30  of the slat  22  remain adjacent the orientation portion  54 . In this way, the orientation portion  54  can interact with the slat  22  to control the orientation of the base portion  52 .  
         [0062]    More particularly, the orientation portion  54  includes two stops in the form of two oppositely disposed engagement corners  58   a  and  58   b.  The orientation portion  54  also includes two oppositely disposed rotation-enabling rounds  60   a  and  60   b.  The rounds  60   a  and  60   b  allow the locking member  46  to be rotated relative to the slat  22 . However, the corners  58   a  and  58   b  prevent the locking member  46  from rotating more than 90°. More particularly, during rotation of the threaded member  44 , the rounds  60   a  and  60   b  rotate relative to the lips  30  of the slat  22 . However, at the end of a 90° arc, the engagement corners  58   a  and  58   b  abuttingly engage the lips  30 . As such, further rotation of the locking member  46  is prevented.  
         [0063]    As can be appreciated from the forgoing, the locking member  46  may be easily rotated to a first or engagement position oriented orthogonally relative to the lips  30  or to a second or release position oriented parallel to the lips  30 . In the engagement position, the crossbar assembly  16   a  is locked to the siderail assembly  14   a.  In the release position, the crossbar assembly  16   a  is removable from the siderail assembly  14   a.  After the locking member  46  is released, the crossbar assembly  16   a  may be lifted from the siderail assembly  14   a  and repositioned relative thereto.  
         [0064]    Turning now to FIG. 5, the crossbar assembly  16   b  is illustrated in a second or spanning mode relative to the siderail assembly  14   a.  As illustrated, the end support  36  of the crossbar assembly  16   b  rests within the gap  20   a.  Of course, once the other cross bar assembly is removed from the siderail assembly  14   a,  the spanning crossbar assembly  16   b  can be positioned anywhere along the length of the slat  22 .  
         [0065]    In the second or spanning mode, the locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  are inserted within the slot  28  of the slat  22 . More particularly, the pegs  38   a  and  38   b  are removed from the locating holes  32   a  and  32   b  and reoriented 90° relative thereto. The abutting engagement of the pegs  38   a  and  38   b  with the lips  30  of the slat  22  maintain the angle of the crossbar assembly  16   b  relative to the siderail assembly  14   a.  In this way, the slat  22  cooperates with the locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  to form part of the orientation assembly for orienting the crossbar assembly  16   b  in the second or spanning mode.  
         [0066]    Although it should be clear from the foregoing description, the transition of the crossbar assembly  16   b  from a stowed mode to a spanning mode and vice versa will be described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 5 . In the stowed mode, the locking assemblies  40  will normally be locked to secure the crossbar assembly  16   b  to the siderail assembly  14   b.  The rotatable knob  42  is then rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the locking member  46  from the lips  30  of the slat  22 . Continued counter-clockwise rotation twists the locking member  46  90° from the locked position under the lips  30  to the unlocked position aligned with the slot  28 . Abutment of the engagement corners  58   a  and  58   b  of the orientation portion  54  with the lips  30  prevents over rotation of the locking member  46 .  
         [0067]    Once both locking assemblies  40  are unlocked, the crossbar assembly  16   b  may be lifted away from the siderail assembly  14   b  and reoriented cross-wise relative thereto. The far end of the crossbar assembly  16   b  may then be positioned within the gap  20   a  of the opposite siderail assembly  14   a.  Simultaneously or thereafter, the near end of the crossbar assembly  16   b  can be positioned such that the locking member  46  and locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  are inserted within the slot  28 . Slight repositioning of the locking member  46  may be performed by manipulation of the rotatable knob  42  if required.  
         [0068]    Once the locking member  46  and locating pegs  38   a  and  38   b  are properly positioned, the rotatable knob  42  is rotated in a clockwise direction to twist the locking member  46  to an engagement position as controlled by the interaction of engagement corners  58   a  and  58   b  with the lips  30 . Continued clockwise rotation of the rotatable knob  42  secures the locking member  46  under the lips  30  and locks the crossbar assembly  16   b  to the siderail assembly  14   b.    
         [0069]    A similar operation is performed to secure the opposite end of the crossbar assembly  16   b  to the opposite siderail assembly  14   a.  To return the crossbar assembly  16   b  to the stowed mode position, the opposite sequence is performed.  
         [0070]    Turning now to FIGS.  6 - 8 , a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle article carrier  100  includes two laterally spaced apart siderails  102   a  and  102   b.  A pair of crossbars  104   a  and  104   b  are coupled at opposite ends to the siderails  102   a  and  102   b.  The crossbars  104   a  and  104   b  are operable in a first or spanning mode, as illustrated in FIG. 6, extending across the space between the siderails  102   a  and  102   b,  and also in a second or stowed mode, as illustrated in FIG. 7, axially aligned with the siderails  102   a  and  102   b.    
         [0071]    As illustrated in FIG. 8, to facilitate the transition between the spanning mode and the stowed mode, the crossbars  104   a  and  104   b  are pivotally coupled at one end to the siderails  102   a  and  102   b.  More particularly, the crossbar  104   a  includes a pivot mechanism  106   a  pivotally coupled to the siderail  102   b.  Similarly, the crossbar  104   b  includes a pivot mechanism  106   b  pivotally coupled to the siderail  102   a.    
         [0072]    A securing mechanism  108   a  is provided at the opposite end of the crossbar  104   a  for securing the crossbar  104   a  to the siderail  102   b  in a stowed mode (see FIG. 7) and to the siderail  102   a  in a spanning mode (see FIG. 6). Similarly, a securing mechanism  108   b  is provided at the opposite end of the crossbar  104   b  for securing the crossbar  104   b  to the siderail  102   a  in a stowed mode (see FIG. 7) and to the siderail  102   b  in a spanning mode (see FIG. 6). An exemplary securing mechanism  108   a  is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS.  9 - 11 .  
         [0073]    As shown in FIGS.  9 - 11 , the securing mechanism  108   a  interconnects a shroud  110   a  of the crossbar  104   a  with a moveable mount  112   b  secured to the siderail  102   b.  The shroud  110   a  is secured to the crossbar  104   a  by at least one fixing member  111   a  preferably in the form of a screw. The shroud  110   a  includes a slotted opening  114   a  providing a pair of spaced apart shroud arms for sandwiching a tab  116   b  of the moveable mount  112   b  therebetween. A fastening member preferably in the form of a threaded shaft  118   a  passes through the shroud  110   a  and tab  116   b  to secure the two together. A retention member preferably in the form of a threaded nut  120   a  engages the threaded shaft  118   a  to fix the crossbar  104   a  to the siderail  102   b.  A knob  122   a  formed at an opposite end of the threaded shaft  118   a  relative to the nut  120   a  facilitates turning of the threaded shaft  118   a  to tighten or loosen the connection with the threaded nut  120   a.  Preferably, the nut  120   a  is fixedly secured to the shroud  110   a  so as to remain coupled to the shroud  110   a  even after the shaft  118   a  is disengaged. In this way, the shaft  118   a  can be easily engaged and disengaged from the nut  120   a  before and after pivoting the crossbar  104   a  between the stowed and spanning positions. Although not illustrated, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the securing mechanism  108   b  is preferably configured identically to the securing mechanism  108   a.    
         [0074]    The moveable mount  112   b  is preferably slideably secured to the siderail  102   b.  More particularly, a fixing member in the form of a threaded shaft  123   b  selectively secures the moveable mount  112   b  along the siderail  102   b.  An anchor in the form of a tapped plate  124   b  threadingly engages the threaded shaft  123   b  and frictionally engages an inner surface of a pair of opposed lips  125   b  defining an elongated slot  126   b  in the siderail  102   b.  A T-shaped lug  127   b  is preferably integrally provided along an edge of the moveable mount  112   b  to slidingly accommodate the lips  125   b  while residing within the slot  126   b.  An orifice  128   b  provided in the interior of the moveable mount  112   b  accommodates a knob  129   b  affixed to the threaded shaft  123   b  opposite the tapped plate  124   b.  By turning the knob  129   b,  the threaded shaft  123   b  releases the frictional engagement of the tapped plate  124   b  with the lips  125   b  thereby enabling sliding movement of the moveable mount  112   b  along the siderail  102   b.    
         [0075]    Another moveable mount  112   b′  is also slideably secured to the siderail  102   b.  The moveable mount  112   b′  is preferably configured identical to that of the moveable mount  112   b.  Similarly, as illustrated in FIGS.  6 - 8 , two moveable mounts  112   a  and  112   a′  are slideably secured to the siderail  102   a.  The moveable mounts  112   a  and  112   a′  are preferably configured identical to that of the moveable mounts  112   b  and  112   b′.  By providing the moveable mounts  112 , the crossbars  104   a  and  104   b  can be selectively positioned along the siderails  102   a  and  102   b  while in the spanning mode.  
         [0076]    A pivoting mechanism  106   a  interconnects a shroud  132   a  of the crossbar  104   a  with the moveable mount  112   b′  secured to the siderail  102   b.  The shroud  132   a  is secured to the crossbar  104   a  by at least one fixing member  134   a  in the form of a screw. The shroud  132   a  includes a slotted opening  136   a  providing a pair of shroud arms for sandwiching a tab  116   b′  of the moveable mount  112   b′  therein. A pivot member in the form of a partially threaded shaft  140   a  passes through the shroud  132   a  and tab  116   b′  to secure the two together. A threaded nut  142   a  engages the threaded shaft  140   a  to fix the two in place. Although not illustrated, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the pivoting mechanism  106   b  is preferably configured identically to the pivoting mechanism  106   a.    
         [0077]    Turning now to FIGS.  12 - 14  a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle article carrier  200  includes two laterally spaced apart siderails  202   a  and  202   b.  A pair of crossbars  204   a  and  204   b  are coupled at opposite ends to the siderails  202   a  and  202   b.  The crossbars  204   a  and  204   b  are operable in a first or spanning mode, as illustrated in FIG. 12, extending across the space between the siderails  202   a  and  202   b,  and also in a second or stowed mode, as illustrated in FIG. 13, axially aligned with the siderails  202   a  and  202   b.    
         [0078]    As illustrated in FIG. 14, to facilitate the transition between the spanning mode and the stowed mode, the crossbars  204   a  and  204   b  are pivotally coupled to the siderails  202   a  and  202   b.  More particularly, the crossbar  204   a  includes a pivoting latch mechanism  206   a  pivotally coupled to the siderail  202   b.  Similarly, the crossbar  204   b  includes a pivoting latch mechanism  206   b  pivotally coupled to the siderail  202   a.    
         [0079]    A securing mechanism  208   a  is provided at the opposite end of the crossbar  204   a  relative to the pivoting latch mechanism  206   a  for securing the crossbar  204   a  to the siderail  202   b  in a stowed mode (see FIG. 13) and to the siderail  202   a  in a spanning mode (see FIG. 12). Similarly, a securing mechanism  208   b  is provided at the opposite end of the crossbar  204   b  relative to the pivoting latch mechanism  206   b  for securing the crossbar  204   b  to the siderail  202   a  in a stowed mode (see FIG. 13) and to the siderail  202   b  in a spanning mode (see FIG. 12). An exemplary securing mechanism  208   b  is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS.  15 - 16   
         [0080]    As shown in FIGS.  15 - 18 , the securing mechanism  208   b  interconnects an end support shroud  210   b  of the crossbar  204   b  with a moveable mount  212   b  secured within a recess of the siderail  202   b.  The end support  210   b  is secured to the crossbar  204   b  in a telescoping manner by at least one fixing member  211   b  in the form of a screw. The fixing member  211   b  is fixed relative to the crossbar  204   b  but the end support  210   b  is moveable relative to both the fixing member  211   b  and the crossbar  204   b.  As such, the end support  210   b  can be translated between an extended or engaged mode, as illustrated in FIG. 17, and a retracted or disengaged mode, as illustrated in FIG. 18. A slot  213   b  formed in the end support  210   b  accommodates such movement.  
         [0081]    The end support  210   b  includes a slotted opening  214   b  for enveloping a mushroom-shaped nub  216   b  of the moveable mount  212   b  therein. A base  217   b  of the end support  210   b  slides under the top and on either side of the trunk of the mushroom-shaped nub  216   b  while the walls of the shroud adjacent the opening  214   b  abut the sides of the nub  216   b.  A fastening member in the form of a pivotable latch  218   b  privotally resides within the slotted opening  214   b  and is operable in a locked mode to engage the nub  216   b  and an unlocked mode to release the nub  216   b.  An axle  220   b  secures the latch  218   b  to the end support  210   b  and serves as a pivot for the latch  218   b.  A biasing member in the form of a spring clip  222   b  nests within the opening  214   b  and urges the latch  218   b  toward the locked mode. To disengage the latch  218   b  from the nub  216   b,  the bias of the spring  222   b  is overcome by depressing the inboard end of the latch which allows the outboard end of the latch to lift off and release the nub  216   b.  Once released from the nub  216   b,  the shroud may be translated away from the nub  216   b  to provide clearance for the cross bar  204   b  to pivot.  
         [0082]    One skilled in the art will appreciate that the securing mechanism  208   a  is preferably configured identically to the securing mechanism  208   b.  Similarly, The securing mechanisms  206   a  and  206   b  are preferably configured identically to the securing mechanisms  208   a  and  208   b  with the exception of the translatable end support. Referring to FIG. 19, the securing mechanism  206   b  is illustrated. The end support  210   b′  is fixedly secured to the crossbar  204   b  by at least one fixing member  211   b′  in the form of a screw. No slot is provided in the end support  210   b′.  In this way, the crossbar  204   b  is provided with one fixed end support  210   b′  and one translatable end support  210   b  (See FIGS. 17 and 18). Likewise, the crossbar  204   a  is provided with one fixed end support  210   a′  and one translatable end support  210   a  (see FIG. 12).  
         [0083]    Referring again to FIGS. 15 and 16, the moveable mount  212   b  is preferably slideably secured to the siderail  202   b.  More particularly, a fixing member in the form of a threaded shaft  223   b  selectively secures the moveable mount  212   b  along the siderail  202   b.  An anchor in the form of a tapped plate  224   b  threadingly engages the threaded shaft  223   b  and frictionally engages an inner surface of a pair of opposed lips  225   b  defining an elongated slot  226   b  in the siderail  202   b.  A t-shaped lug  227   b  is preferably integrally provided along an edge of the moveable mount  212   b  to slidingly accommodate the lips  225   b  while residing within the slot  226   b.  A knob  228   b  is provided on the threaded shaft  223   b  opposite the tapped plate  224   b.  By turning the knob  228   b,  the threaded shaft  223   b  releases the frictional engagement of the tapped plate  224   b  with the lips  225   b  thereby enabling sliding movement of the moveable mount  212   b  along the siderail  202   b.    
         [0084]    Referring again to FIGS.  12 - 14 , another moveable mount  212   b′  is also slideably secured to the siderail  202   b.  The moveable mount  212   b′  is preferably configured identically to the moveable mount  212   b.  Similarly, two moveable mounts  212   a  and  212   a′  are slideably secured to the siderail  202   a.  The moveable mounts  212   a  and  212   a′  are preferably configured identically to the moveable mounts  212   b  and  212   b′.  By providing the moveable mounts  212 , the crossbars  204   a  and  204   b  can be selectively positioned along the siderails  202   a  and  202   b  while in the spanning mode.  
         [0085]    Referring collectively to FIGS.  12 - 19 , to reposition the crossbars from a stowed mode to a spanning mode, one securing mechanism  208  of each crossbar is disengaged from a nub and each cross bar is pivoted towards the spanning position about the opposite securing mechanism  206 . Each crossbar  204  is also translated such that the end of each crossbar  204  is laterally offset from a nub  216  yet essentially perpendicular to the siderails  202 . To accommodate the translation movement, one end support  210  telescopically retracts onto each crossbar  204 . The securing mechanism  208  of each crossbar  204  is then positioned adjacent to a nub  216 , the crossbar is translated in an opposite direction to move the securing mechanism  208  over top of the nub  216 , and subsequently secured thereto with a latch  218   
         [0086]    Turning now to FIGS. 20 and 21, yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle article carrier  300  includes two laterally spaced apart support rails forming siderails  302   a  and  302   b.  A pair of crossbars  304   a  and  304   b  are coupled at opposite ends to the siderails  302   a  and  302   b.  The crossbars  304   a  and  304   b  are operable in a first or spanning mode, as illustrated in FIG. 20, extending across the space between the siderails  302   a  and  302   b,  and also in a second or stowed mode, as illustrated in FIG. 21, axially aligned with the siderails  302   a  and  302   b.    
         [0087]    To facilitate the transition between the spanning mode and the stowed mode, the crossbars  304   a  and  304   b  are rotatably and pivotally coupled to the siderails  302   a  and  302   b.  More particularly, the crossbar  304   a  includes a rotating and pivoting mechanism  306   a  pivotally coupled to the siderail  302   b.  Similarly, the crossbar  304   b  includes a rotating and pivoting mechanism  306   b  pivotally coupled to the siderail  302   a.    
         [0088]    A securing mechanism  308   a  is provided at the opposite end of the crossbar  304   a  relative to the pivoting mechanism  306   a  for securing the crossbar  304   a  to the siderail  302   b  in a stowed mode (see FIG. 21) and to the siderail  302   a  in a spanning mode (see FIG. 20). Similarly, a securing mechanism  308   b  is provided at the opposite end of the crossbar  304   b  relative to the pivoting mechanism  306   b  for securing the crossbar  304   b  to the siderail  302   a  in a stowed mode (see FIG. 21) and to the siderail  302   b  in a spanning mode (see FIG. 20). An exemplary securing mechanism  308   a  is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS.  22 - 26 .  
         [0089]    As shown in FIGS.  22 - 26 , the securing mechanism  308   a  interconnects an end support  310   a  of the crossbar  304   a  with a mounting portion  312   a  of the siderail  302   a.  The end support  310   a  is preferably formed integrally with a lower portion of the crossbar  304   a.  The end support  310   a  includes a recessor pocket  314   a  accommodating a complementary shaped latch  316   a  therein.  
         [0090]    The latch  316   a  is preferably pivotally mounted within the end support  310   a  by an axle  318   a  forming a pivot. The latch  316   a  is operable in a locked mode engaged with the siderail  302   a  (see FIGS. 22 and 25) and in an unlocked mode disengaged from the siderail  302   a  (see FIGS. 23 and 26). A handle  320   a  of the latch extends along an upper surface of the end support  310   a  and is oriented generally orthogonal to an arm  322   a  of the latch  316   a.  The handle  320   a  serves as a user operated lever to move the latch  316   a  between the locked and unlocked modes.  
         [0091]    The arm  322   a  extends through a partially slotted opening  324   a  formed through the end support  310   a.  The slotted opening  324   a  is sized to accommodate the desired range of motion during pivoting of the latch  316   a  about the axle  318   a.  The arm  322   a  includes a catch  326   a  for frictionally engaging a lip  328   a  of the mounting portion  312   a  of the siderail  302   a  when the latch  316   a  is in the locked mode.  
         [0092]    A biasing member in the form of a spring clip  330   a  is disposed in the slotted opening and one leg  331   a  is received in a notch  323   a  of the latch  316   a.  This helps to hold the spring clip  330   a  properly orientated within the slotted opening  324   a.  The other leg  331   b  of the spring clip  330   a  abuts a wall portion  325   a  of the end support  310   a.  The spring clip  330   a  urges the latch  316   a  towards the closed mode such that the catch  326   a  is biased to engage the lip  328   a.  To release the latch  316   a,  the bias of the spring clip  330   a  is overcome by lifting the handle  320   a,  the arm  322   a  pivots away from the lip  328   a,  and the catch  326   a  disengages therefrom. The crossbar  304   a  can then be lifted away from the mounting portion  312   a  and rotated relative to the siderail  302   a.  Although not illustrated, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the other securing mechanism  308   b  is preferably configured identically to the securing mechanism  308   a.    
         [0093]    Turning now to FIGS.  27 - 29 , the rotating and pivoting mechanism  306   a  will be described. The mechanism  306   a  includes an endpiece  340   a  preferably formed integrally with a lower portion of the crossbar  304   a.  A guide member in the form of a pin  342   a  is positioned within a opening  344   a  formed in the endpiece  340   a.  The opening  344   a  includes a lower portion  344   a,  that is preferably shaped as a triangular slot, or a slot of non-constant cross sectional area, to allow pivoting of the crossbar  304   a  relative to the siderail  302   b  and pin  342   a  while simultaneously preventing rotation of the crossbar  304   a  about its own longitudinal axis. The rotation of the crossbar  304   a  about its own longitudinal axis is accomplished by the abutting engagement of the pin  342   a  with the walls of the opening  344   a.    
         [0094]    The lower portion of the endpiece  340   a  is partially spherically shaped to provide a radiused surface  346   a.  The radiused surface  346   a  nests within a complimentary shaped dish  348   b  secured within a cavity  350   b  of the siderail  302   b.  An orifice  352   b  is provided through the dish  348   b  to accommodate the pin  342   a  therein. The radiused surface  346   a  and dish  348   b  cooperate to control the pivoting and rotating of the crossbar  304   a  relative to the siderail  302   b.    
         [0095]    While not illustrated, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the other rotating and pivoting mechanism  306   b  is preferably formed identically to the rotating and pivoting mechanism  306   a.    
         [0096]    Referring now to FIG. 30, an end support  400  in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The end support  400  forms a securing mechanism for latching a cross bar  402  to either mounting portion  312   a  or  312   b  of the support rails  302   a  and  302   b,  respectively (FIGS. 20 and 21). Cross bar  402  itself is otherwise identical in construction to cross bars  304   a  and  304   b  shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.  
         [0097]    The end support  400  includes an integrally formed housing  404  which is fixedly secured to an outermost end of the cross bar  400  in a conventional manner, such as by a threaded fastening element (not shown). Disposed on, or within, the housing  404  is an actuating member  406 , a latching member  408  and a resilient bumper member  410 . Biasing members  412  and  414  are also disposed within the housing  404 , and will be described in greater detail momentarily.  
         [0098]    Referring further to FIG. 30, the actuating member  406  forms a lever having a graspable portion  416  and a mounting structure  418 . The graspable portion  416  rests within a recessed portion  420  of an upper portion  422  of the housing  404 . The mounting structure  418  is pivotally secured to the housing  404  via a pivot pin  424  that extends through a pair of aligned openings  426  in the mounting structure  418 . As such, the actuating member  406  can pivot, relative to the housing  404 , between a closed position and an open position. The mounting structure  418  also includes a pair of arcuate guide surfaces  428 , the function of which will be discussed momentarily.  
         [0099]    A lower portion  430  of the housing  404  extends elevationally below an opening  432  in the upper portion  422  of the housing. Within the opening  432  is disposed the latching member  408 . The latching member  408  includes a pair of aligned openings  434  at an upper end  436 , a pair of arcuate surfaces  438  at the upper end  436 , and a hook or latch  440  at a lower end  442 . With brief reference to FIG. 31, the latching member  408  is shown to also include a slot  444  formed therein. The latching member  408  is also pivotally secured to the housing  404  via the pivot pin  424  and is able to pivot between latched and unlatched positions relative to the mounting portions  312   a  or  312   b.    
         [0100]    With reference again to FIG. 30, the resilient bumper member  410  can be seen to include a flange  446  which allows the bumper member  410  to be press fit through an opening  448  in the lower portion  430  of the housing  404 . The bumper member  410  prevents marring or scratching of the outer body surface of the vehicle in the event the user accidentally drops the housing  404  while moving the cross bar  402  between the stowed and operative positions. The bumper member  410  may be made from rubber or any other suitable material that will not scratch or mar a painted surface upon contact therewith.  
         [0101]    Referring to FIGS. 30 and 32, biasing member  412  forms a torsion spring that is placed with one leg  412   a  against an inner surface  450  of the actuating member  406  and the other leg  412   b  against a surface  452  of the actuating member  406 . The biasing member  412  thus helps to maintain the actuating member  406  within the recessed area  420  of the housing  404  when the actuating member is in its closed position. Biasing member  414  is placed within the lower portion  430  of the housing  404  with one leg  414   a  in the slot  444  of the latching member  408  and the other leg  414   b  against the wall surface  454  of the lower portion  430  of the housing  404 . The biasing member  414  serves to provide a constant biasing force which tends to bias the latching member  408  into engagement with the mounting portion  312   a  or  312   b  of one of the other support rails  302   a  or  302   b  when the housing  404  is latched to one of the mounting portions.  
         [0102]    Referring now to FIGS. 32 and 33, the housing  404  is shown in latched and unlatched positions, respectively. Referring specifically to FIG. 32, when in the latched position, the actuating member  406  is in the closed position with the graspable portion  416  resting within the recess  420  in the upper portion  422  of the housing  404 . The hook portion  440  of the latching member  408  is engaged with the mounting portion  312   a  of, in this example, support rail  302   a.    
         [0103]    In FIG. 33 the actuating member  406  has been moved to the open position. During this movement, an edge portion  456  of the actuating member  406  contacts an edge  458  of the latching member  408  and urges the latching member rotationally into an unlatched position relative to the mounting portion  312   a  of the support rail  302   a.  During this movement the curved surfaces  428  of the mounting portion  418  ride within the arcuate surfaces  438  of the latching member  408 . From FIG. 32 it can be seen that the actuating member  406  is able to rotate a slight degree (preferably about 15-25 degrees), before contacting edge  458  and beginning to unlatch the latching member  408 . Rotating the actuating member  406  after contacting edge  458  results in the actuating member beginning to unlatch the actuating member  408 , and the additional biasing force of biasing member  414  is overcome as the user rotates the actuating member fully into the position shown in FIG. 33.  
         [0104]    This pivotal securing of the actuating member  406  to the latching member  408  provides the benefit that the actuating member is able to be moved into a position perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the upper portion  422  of the housing  404 , providing the user with a more natural “feel” that the actuating member is in its fully open position. The biasing force provided by biasing member  412  provides a slight biasing force that causes the actuating member  406  to be immediately snapped back into the closed position once the operator releases the actuating member. It will also be appreciated that the arcuate surfaces  438  on the latching member  408  could be formed with short flat portions or protrusions that form detents to hold the actuating member in the open position of FIG. 33 once the user fully opens the actuating member  406 .  
         [0105]    Thus, a vehicle article carrier is provided which operates in two modes. In a first mode, the crossbars are stowed such that each lies parallel to a siderail. This mode reduces wind noise from the vehicle article carrier. In a second mode, the crossbars are oriented cross-wise to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to span the space between the siderails and provide a support structure for carrying desired loads.  
         [0106]    Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims.