Abstract:
A roof rack system includes structures for connecting item holders to crossbars which simplify the attachment the item holders. The structures include slots in the crossbars and extensions on the items holders to mate with the slots. One of the crossbars includes a locking mechanism for locking the item holders into the crossbar. The locking mechanism includes a rod within the crossbar which mates with the extension on the item holder to retain the extension within the crossbar.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/281,877 filed Nov. 23, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to rack systems for attaching items to the roof of a vehicle for transportation. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for easily attaching item supports to crossbars on a vehicle rack. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0005]    There are many designs for racks to attach items to the roof of a vehicle for transport. Many carrier racks are designed for mounting to the roof of vehicles such as automobiles to transport cargo, recreational equipment and the like. However, such racks have have many disadvantages. 
         [0006]    Racks available today have static crossbars, typically in the form of a square or round steel tube or an ovalized aluminum extrusion. The mechanisms for affixing attachments (e.g. bike carriers, ski carriers, cargo boxes, etc.) to those static crossbars are integrated into the attachments. This results in the repetition of securing each individual attachment to each of the crossbars. Further, the securing mechanisms themselves are awkward and require, at a minimum, several minutes to either affix or detach each individual attachment. In addition, there is no integration of the attachments to either the storage of the individual attachments nor the storage of the items that are typically transported on each attachment (e.g. bikes, skis, kayaks, etc.). 
         [0007]    Rack owners often leave many attachments on their crossbars because they are difficult to configure. Leaving the attachments on the roof rack increases aerodynamic drag. This creates increased wind noise and lowers gas mileage. Each vehicle used by the owner needs to have its own set of attachments, or the user must dedicate substantial time to moving the attachments from one vehicle to another. Leaving the attachments on the roof rack also causes unnecessary wear-and-tear on the attachments because they are frequently exposed to weather and the elements, even when not in use. 
         [0008]    Racks today have crossbars that are not aerodynamic in shape. The coefficients of drag on the typical square, round and oval shapes are much higher than airfoil shapes. This causes increased wind noise. The higher drag also negatively impacts gas mileage. 
         [0009]    Several attempts to simplify the configuration process have been proposed. For example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2008/0029563 to Malone proposes an adapter, which is to be mounted on an existing set of crossbars. This requires each adapter to be mounted separately to a set of crossbars. While this would allow a user to put one specific attachment onto a set of crossbars, it can only be configured for that one attachment. Further, it requires a separate “locking pin” and security lock be used for each adapter, which results in substantial repetition of motion. The invention makes no accommodation for integrated storage. 
         [0010]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,258 to Farrow et al., suggests a system to accommodate multiple sporting goods without the need for additional towers, crossbars or attachments. The system is not aerodynamic and is likely to create substantial wind noise and reduction in gas mileage while affixed to a vehicle. It also is permanent in its configuration, so it does not accommodate a user&#39;s ever-changing carrying needs. It also fails to preclude unauthorized removal of equipment or the system itself. There is no mention of integration of storage. 
         [0011]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,519 to Forrester, a method for using a dovetail type joint to quickly attached and remove a specific ski case attachment is described. This quick release system is inferior in that it requires the user to either clamp the guide to an existing rack or screw it permanently to a rooftop. This invention also requires its ski case to be constructed with an integrated dovetail so as to fit into the proposed guide, so it is not universal in its application. The invention is limiting because it can be only incrementally configured. It requires the ski case to be slid from the side onto the guide from only one side of the vehicle with a permanent stop on the alternate side of the vehicle. Consequently, any ski case that is mounted nearer the open side of the guide must be removed prior to any ski case mounted closer to the permanent stop. 
         [0012]    In U.S. Pat. No. 3,325,069 to Fulton, a dedicated ski carrier is described. This device is not capable of accommodating any equipment other than skis. It is not aerodynamic in its design and would result in substantial wind noise and reduced mileage when not in use. 
         [0013]    It is desirable to have a means of very quickly and easily securing attachments such as bike carriers, ski carriers and cargo boxes, to the roof rack and, ideally, of having such a means that will accommodate the shapes and sizes of various attachments from a variety of manufacturers. It is also desirable to have a means to very quickly and easily secure the associated equipment, such as bicycles and skis, along with each attachment. It is also desirable to have a means that will prevent unauthorized removal of the attachments and gear mounted on the roof rack. It is also desirable to have a means to store the attachments and their associated equipment together, out of the way and ready to quickly mount to the roof rack. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention substantially overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art roof rack systems by providing a locking mechanism integrated with a crossbar of the roof rack. The present invention allows for securing of all attachments to the crossbars in one easy step, with a single action that speeds the attachment affixing and/or removal process. 
         [0015]    The locking mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of slots within a crossbar. An actuator rod is positioned within the crossbar. The actuator operates to lock attachments to the crossbar. The attachments include extensions with fit within the slots of the crossbar and interact with the actuator rod. The use of the slots and extensions allow for easy and rapid repositioning of attachments. The relationship between the crossbar and attachments allows attachments to remain in a stable, hands-free status on the crossbar prior to securing in place, which aids in the positioning and re-positioning of attachments with or without their respective items attached. The present invention allows for rapid mounting, removal and storage of roof-top boxes, which provides users the ability to more readily access garages and parking ramps. The height of such roof-top boxes makes it impossible for some vehicles to fit through garage door openings or into parking ramps with the roof-top box in place. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the invention, a keyed lock is included within an end of the crossbar and attached to the actuator rod. A key is required to change the actuator rod from the locked position. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the invention, the extensions are symmetrical to facilitate simple and rapid front-to-back or back-to-front reversal of attachments. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the invention, a bracket can be attached to a wall. The bracket mates with the extensions on the attachments. This allows for seamless and rapid storage of either attachments (e.g. boxes or basket) or attachments along with affixed relevant equipment (e.g. bike attachment with affixed bicycle). 
         [0019]    Since the crossbar and attachments have a consistent arrangement, attachments are easily interchangeable between vehicles having the system installed. Because attachments can fit rapidly onto the system on every vehicle where it is installed, attachments can be easily and quickly moved from vehicle to vehicle. Additionally, the system has a reduced cost/investment because attachments can be transferred quickly and easily from vehicle to vehicle thereby requiring users only one attachment for each item (such as a bicycle holder). 
         [0020]    The attachments can be easily removed from the vehicle when not in use. This leads to reduced windage on vehicles, better gas mileage, the resulting cost savings and a lower CO2 footprint, which aids the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It also reduces wear-and-tear on attachments because they don&#39;t have to be out in the elements (sun and weather) all the time; only when they are being used. When they are not in use, attachments and/or their related equipment are conveniently stored out of the elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a rail. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a center actuator rod. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective of an integrated lock handle. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of an actuator rod block. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a top-left perspective view of a lock side cap. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a top-left perspective view of a lock insert. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a top-right perspective view of a plunger handle lock. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a top-left perspective view of a left end cap. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a top-left perspective view of a right end cap. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a universal rail adapter. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an adapter retention plate. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an adapter rectangular sleeve. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of an adapter circular sleeve. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a close out panel. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a slide mounting block. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a sliding plug block. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of a first embodiment of my invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    One embodiment of the sports rack system is illustrated in  FIG. 1-FIG .  18 , also referred to as a rail assembly  510  shown in the exploded view in  FIG. 18 . The sports rack system is comprised of two rails or crossbars  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The rail has a rail end bore  20  in the left end. The rail also includes a rod block receiver groove  30  and a close out panel receiver groove  40 . The rail also has a series of standard slider receiver openings  50  that are of a standardized size and are set at consistent center-to-center distances along the length of the rail  10 . Each standard slider receiver opening  50  incorporates standard sized insertion tabs  52  on either side. The rail  10  also incorporates a rail stiffener rod cavity  14  that runs transversely through the front section of the rail  10 . In some instances where it is desirable to stiffen the rail  10 , a rail stiffener rod  16  can be driven into the rail stiffener rod cavity  14 . 
         [0039]    One of the Rails contains a locking mechanism  55  comprised of a center actuator rod  60  shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 , an Integrated Lock Handle  190 , shown in  FIG. 3 , shown in more detail in  FIG. 3  and a roll pin  90 . According to a preferred embodiment, the second of the two rails in this embodiment does not include the locking mechanism. Of course, both rods could include a locking mechanism. 
         [0040]    The center actuator rod  60 , shown in  FIG. 2 , consists of a length of aluminum rod and includes a series of center actuator rod flat openings  70  at consistent center-to-center distances along the length of the center actuator rod  60 . The center-to-center distances along the length of the center actuator rod  60  are the same as the center-to-center distances of the standard slider receiver openings  50  in the rail 10 . The center actuator rod  60  also includes a lock ring groove  130 , which is designed to accommodate a lock ring  120 , which is installed to prevent the center actuator rod  60  from being removed out of a lock side cap  140 , shown in  FIG. 5 . The end of the center actuator rod  60  nearest the lock ring groove  130  is the center actuator rod threaded end  80 . 
         [0041]    The center actuator rod  60  is supported within the rail  10  by means of insertion through a series of actuator rod blocks  100 , shown in  FIG. 4 . The actuator rod block  100  is designed to snap into the rod block receiver groove  30  within the rail  10 . The rod block incorporates two rod block receiver groove tabs  110 , which fit firmly inside the rod block receiver groove  30  thereby holding the actuator rod block  100  in place. 
         [0042]    The rail  10  that incorporates the locking mechanism  55  has a lock side cap  140  fitted to the left end of the rail  10 . The lock side cap  140  has two guide features to properly align the lock side cap  140  onto the rail  10 . The first guide is a lock side cap rear alignment guide  142 , which is a circular protrusion that extends beyond the inside edge of a lock insert receiver hole  170 . The lock side cap rear alignment guide  142  fits securely inside the rail end bore  20 . The second guide is a lock side cap front alignment guide  144 , which fits securely inside a rail front cavity  12 . A lock side cap securing screw  150  is inserted into the lock insert receiver hole  170  and protrudes through an opening in the end of the lock insert receiver hole  170 . The lock side cap securing screw  150  is then fastened into a threaded lock side cap securing hole  146  to secure the lock side cap  140  to the rail  10 . After the lock side cap  140  is secured to the rail  10  with the lock side cap securing screw  150 , a lock insert  180 , shown in  FIG. 6 , is inserted into the lock insert receiver hole  170 . The lock insert  180  is of a slightly larger diameter than the lock insert receiver hole  170 . Consequently, a moderate amount of pressure is needed to push the lock insert  180  into the lock insert receiver hole  170  for a semi-permanent mounting of the lock insert  180 . 
         [0043]    Approximately in the center of the inside surface of the integrated lock handle  190  is a lock handle center actuator rod threaded hole  220 . The center actuator rod threaded end  80  is then screwed into the lock handle center actuator rod threaded hole  220 . Subsequently, a hole is drilled through both the center actuator rod  60  and the integrated lock handle  190  through which a roll pin  90  is inserted. The lock side cap  140  has an actuator rod receiver hole  160  through which the center actuator rod  60  is inserted, followed by the center actuator rod  60  being inserted through the actuator rod blocks  100  previously snapped into place in the rod block receiver groove  30  in the rail  10 . 
         [0044]    The integrated lock handle  190  incorporates a Lock Handle Plunger Lock Receiver Threaded Hole  200  that is horizontal to the primary plain of the integrated lock handle and is threaded to accept plunger handle lock threads  240  of a plunger handle lock  230 , shown in  FIG. 7 . The plunger handle lock includes a plunger handle lock dead bolt  250  and a plunger handle lock key receiver  260 . 
         [0045]    There are Lock Handle 90 Degree Turn Stops  210  protruding from the outside diameter of the inside edge of the lock handle center actuator rod threaded hole  220 . The lock handle 90 degree turn stops  210  allow the integrated lock handle  190  to turn through no more than 90 degrees, starting with the integrated lock handle  190  aligned with the lock side cap  140  and ending with the integrated lock handle  190  pointing straight up, oriented 90 degrees to the lock side cap  140 . 
         [0046]    This embodiment includes a right end cap  270 , shown in  FIG. 9 , and a left end cap  280 , shown in  FIG. 8 . The right end cap  270  and the left end cap  280  are mirror images of each other. Each end cap includes an end cap tab  282  that protrudes from the inside edge of the end cap  270  and  280  that is parallel to the main plain of the end cap  270  and  280 . Extending 90 degrees from each end cap tab  282  is an end cap expansion joint  290 . Between the end cap expansion joint  290  and the end cap tab  282  is an end cap square nut receiver cavity  300  that accommodates a square nut  310  that is inserted parallel to the main plane of the end cap  270  and  280 . Along the bottom surface of the end cap  270  and  280  is an end cap securing screw hole  284  through which is inserted an end cap securing screw  320 . The end cap  270  and  280  are affixed to the rail  10  by aligning the end cap tab  282  and the end cap expansion joint  290  into the rod block receiver groove  30  and pushing the end cap  270  and  280  into the rod block receiver groove  30 . Subsequently, the end cap securing screw  320  is turned into the square nut  310 , driving the end cap securing screw  320  into the end cap expansion joint  290 , which drives the sides of the end cap expansion joint  290  against the walls of the rod block receiver groove  30 , thereby wedging the end cap  270  and  280  into place. 
         [0047]    Both rails  10  of this embodiment have a right end cap  270  installed into the right end of the rail  10  as previously described. Only the rail  10  that does not include the locking mechanism  55  has a left end cap  280  installed into the left end of the rail  10 . This is because the rail  10  that includes the locking mechanism  55  instead uses the lock side cap  140  instead. 
         [0048]    Each rail  10  has a rail adapter assembly  330  installed to accommodate mounting the rail assembly  510  onto the vehicle. The rail adapter assembly  330  includes a universal rail adapter  332 , shown in  FIG. 10 , an adapter retention plate  340 , shown in  FIG. 11 , a set of adapter security screws  370  and either an adapter rectangular sleeve  400 , shown in  FIG. 12 , or an adapter circular sleeve  420 , shown in  FIG. 13 . The adapter retention plate  340  incorporates retention plate beveled shoulders  360  that allow the adapter retention plate  340  to slide into the rod block receiver groove  30 . The adapter retention plate  340  also incorporates two retention plate threaded holes  350 . 
         [0049]    After sliding the adapter retention plate  340  into the rod block receiver groove  30 , the universal rail adapter mounting holes  334  are aligned with the retention plate threaded holes with the flat bottom surface  336  of the universal rail adapter  332  placed along the bottom of the rail  10 , spanning either side of the rod block receiver groove  30 . The adapter security screws  370  are a variety of fasteners that require a specialized tool to allow them to be installed or removed, thereby preventing unauthorized removal of the rail adapter assembly  330 . Two adapter security screws  370  are then placed through the universal rail adapter mounting holes  334  and threaded into the retention plate threaded holes  350 , thereby securely mounting the universal rail adapter  332  to the rail  10 . 
         [0050]    The end of the universal rail adapter  332  opposite the universal rail adapter mounting holes  334  encompasses the adapter round extension  390 , which has a textured surface  380 . Subsequently, either an adapter rectangular sleeve  400  or an adapter circular sleeve  420  slides onto the adapter round extension  390  by fitting the adapter round extension  390  into the adapter round adjuster hole  410  that runs through the middle of either the adapter rectangular sleeve  400  or the adapter circular sleeve  420 . The adapter circular sleeve features several circular sleeve compression slots  430  cut transversely across the inside surface of the adapter circular sleeve to assist in securing it to the adapter round extension  390 . In addition, the adapter circular sleeve  420  features a circular sleeve fit slot  432  so that the adapter circular sleeve  420  can be expanded and more easily fit over the adapter round extension  390 . 
         [0051]    A close out panel  450 , shown in  FIG. 14 , is installed into the close out panel receiver groove  40 . The close out panel  450  is typically cut into three pieces, one to fit between the two universal rail adapters  332 , and two to feet between the outside of each universal rail adapter  332  and the end of each rail  10 . 
         [0052]    The embodiment also contemplates the use of a series of slide mounting blocks or locking members  460 , shown in  FIG. 15 . Each slide mounting block  460  incorporates a threaded connector hole  470  that runs from the center of the top through the center of the bottom of the slide mounting block  460 . At each end of the slide mounting block  460  is a securing notch  480 . Around the circumference of the slide mounting block  460  is an insertion groove  490  that mates with the insertion tabs  52  of the standard slider receiver opening  50 . Each slide mounting block is then symmetrical from front-to-back. A sliding plug block  500 , shown in  FIG. 16 , is an asymmetrical block that, when inserted into a standard slider receiver opening  50 , matches the curvature of the rail  10 , thereby filling in each standard slider receiver opening  50  and creating an unbroken surface. 
         [0053]    Upon mounting the front and rear rails  10  to a set of either round or square holed rooftop towers, the user utilizes the adapter round adjuster hole  410  by rotating each of the rails  10  such that the insertion tabs  52  within the standard slider receiver openings  50  are parallel and in the same plane. Once this has been accomplished, the user tightens the rooftop towers to compress either the adapter rectangular sleeve  400  or the adapter circular sleeve  420  onto the adapter round extension  390 . The textured surface  380  on the adapter round extension  390  provides mechanical grip to hold each rail  10  in this position. Further, in the case of the adapter circular sleeve  420 , the compression of the circular sleeve compression slots  430  aids in holding each rail  10  in position. The parallel orientation will facilitate the sliding on and off of attachments as described in the following step. 
         [0054]    Using a standard set of fasteners, a user affixes a set or sets of slide mounting blocks  460  to an attachment, such as a bike rack or a box. The slide mounting blocks  460  function as locking members to connect the attachment to the rails  10 . In the case of a narrow attachment such as a bike rack, two slide mounting blocks  460  are affixed to the attachment, one at the front of the attachment and one farther rearward on the attachment. 
         [0055]    In the case of a wider attachment such as a cargo box, a wire basket or a ski rack, two sets of slide mounting blocks  460  are required. The slide mounting blocks  460  would be configured two in the front and two farther rearward and would be affixed at a distance side-to-side equivalent to the consistent center-to-center distances of the rail standard slider receiver openings  50 . If the attachment does not accommodate the appropriate spacing, an adapter can be used to accommodate the spacing or additional holes can potentially be drilled in some attachments (e.g. boxes) to accommodate the spacing. 
         [0056]    The front and rear mounted slide mounting blocks  460  are affixed to the attachment to fit into the spacing defined by the distance between the front rail  10  and the rear rail  10  such that the front slide mounting blocks  460  will fit completely into one of the rail standard slider receiver openings  50  in the front rail  10  but may have a space between the front of the rearward mounted slide mounting block  460  and the end of the rail standard slider receiver openings  50  in the corresponding rear rail  10 . This positioning is sufficient as long as enough of the rearward mounted slide mounting block  460  is inserted such that at least approximately 25% of the rearward mounted slide mounting block  460  is inserted into the rail standard slider receiver opening  50  in the rear rail  10 . 
         [0057]    In order to secure an attachment onto the rails  10 , the user must first ensure that the center actuator rod flat openings  70  are facing directly up. In this way, the user effectively opens the front rail standard slider receiver openings  50  in the front rail  10 . The user accomplishes this by turning the integrated lock handle  190  clockwise 90 degrees, resulting in the integrated lock handle  190  being oriented perpendicular to the main plane of the front rail  10 . 
         [0058]    Next, a user will begin sliding the front slide mounting block or blocks  460  into one or a pair of the standard slider receiver openings  50  into the front rail  10 . Once the initial slide mounting block or blocks  460  start into the rail standard slider receiver opening or openings  50  in the front rail  10 , the user then guides the rearward mounted slide mounting block or blocks  460  in the rear rail standard slider receiver opening or openings  50  directly in line with the front rail standard slider receiver opening or openings  50 . 
         [0059]    Once the front slide mounting block or blocks  460  are fully inserted into the rail standard slider receiver opening or openings  50  in the front rail  10 , the user may then let go of the attachment and place additional attachments on the rails  10  until all desired attachments are positioned as the user wishes. Because the slide mounting blocks  460  are symmetrical, attachments can be reversed 180 degrees front-to-back or back-to-front and placed as desired. 
         [0060]    Once all attachments are placed to the satisfaction of the user, the user engages the securing mechanism  55  by grasping the integrated lock handle  190  and turning by 90 degrees the center actuator rod  60 . This action results in the round portions of the center actuator rod  60 , which are opposite and adjacent the center actuator bar flat openings  70 , securing into the securing notch  480  in each of the slide mounting blocks  460  attached to each of the desired attachments, which secures all of the attachments in place. 
         [0061]    To lock the attachments onto the rail  10 , and to prevent unauthorized tampering with the locking mechanism  55 , the user may engage the plunger handle lock  230  by simply pushing it in, thereby engaging the plunger handle lock dead bolt  250  into the lock insert  180 . This prevents the integrated lock handle  190  from rotating, so the slide mounting blocks  460  cannot be removed from the rail  10 . 
         [0062]    In order to remove attachments, the user inserts a key  252  into the Plunger Handle Lock Key Receiver  260  and turns the key  252  to disengage the plunger handle lock dead bolt  250  from the lock insert  180 . In this way, the integrated lock handle  190  can now be rotated. The remainder of the aforementioned processes are simply reversed. 
         [0063]    It is possible and often desirable to affix and remove various attachments with their related equipment (e.g. bikes, skis, kayaks) remaining affixed to the corresponding attachment. Once removed, each attachment with its related equipment remaining affixed can then be stored on a similar set of rails  10  that have been conveniently mounted in any number of locations the user desires. 
         [0064]    For example, the user may have a rail or rails  10  attached to a wall or ceiling in locations including her garage, storage room or any other location that may be convenient for her. Attachments such, as boxes or wire baskets, may be removed and easily stored in this way because these storage rails  10  will have identical standard slider receiver openings  50  and identical center-to-center distances of the rail standard slider receiver openings  50 . When the user is again ready to transport and/or use these items, they are easily removed from the storage rails  10  and placed on the vehicle rails assembly  510 . 
         [0065]    When a standard slider receiver opening  50  is not in use, the user may insert a sliding plug block  500  into the standard slider receiver opening  50 , which locks into place in the same manner as the slide mounting block outlined previously. The sliding plug block serves to further reduce wind noise and protect the internal rail  10  mechanisms from weather and debris. 
         [0066]    Accordingly, the reader will see that, according to one embodiment of the invention provides users with an easy to use roof-rack system allowing for easy-on and easy-off solutions with integrated storage of both attachments and related equipment. This also benefits users with lower wind noise, reduces wear-and-tear on components and improved gas mileage by easily removing unused attachments and equipment. 
         [0067]    While the above description contains many specific structures for the present invention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of various embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. 
         [0068]    For example, different materials may be used for each of the components of the invention (aluminum, plastic, stainless steel, brass, etc.) and may be post-consumer/recycled materials. 
         [0069]    The specific dimensions and shapes of each of the components may differ. The invention relates to the relationship between the rails and slide mounting blocks, as described, for easy attachment of the attachments to the rails. The design of each of the components may also be changed. For example, instead of fitting into a single slot, slide mounting blocks  460  may be configured to fit into multiple standard slider receiver openings  50  simultaneously. Similarly, the “male” and “female” aspects of the slide mounting blocks  460  and standard slider receiver openings  50  illustrated here may be reversed such that the slide mounting blocks  460  fit over a male tab. 
         [0070]    It may be possible to utilize a series of “tracks” and “cars” that may serve in place of the standard slider receiver openings  50  and slide mounting blocks  460  described herein. 
         [0071]    The locking mechanism  55  may be configured as a side-to-side lever or sliding mechanism that locks into the slide mounting blocks  460  as opposed to the 90 degree turn of the center actuator rod  60  embodied previously. The locking mechanism  55  may be configured to rotate either more or less than the 90 degree turn of the center actuator rod  60  embodied previously. 
         [0072]    The configuration of the standard slider receiver openings  50  may be reversed to face forward instead of backward. Configuration of the standard slider receiver openings  50  may be changed to be opposing with one facing forward and one facing backward or to be facing each other. 
         [0073]    According to another embodiment, a mechanism using a trigger may be used on the rail  10  that alternately opens and closes a set of pins that may be mounted on either the rail  10  or the slide mounting blocks  460  that would fit into a concomitant set of openings to secure and release the slide mounting blocks  460  into and out of the standard slider receiver openings  50 . 
         [0074]    The various bearing surfaces may utilize any number of bearings including, but not limited to, roller bearings, needle bearings or ball bearings. A strip or strips of material to reduce friction may be placed on the rail  10  to aid in the placement and removal of the slide mounting blocks  460  into the standard slider receiver openings  50 . 
         [0075]    The rail assembly  510  may utilize a series of ball plungers and/or spring plungers to aid in secure the slide mounting blocks  460  from moving or rattling once they are in place. 
         [0076]    Having disclosed at least one embodiment of the present invention, various adaptations, modifications, additions, and improvements will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such adaptations, modifications, additions and improvements are considered part of the invention which is only limited by the several claims attached hereto.