Extendable roof rack

Abstract

This invention relates to a flush bar roof rack comprising a pair of legs, each of which includes a housing for holding and supporting a crossbar. The roof rack also includes a crossbar, held and supported at each end by the crossbar housing of each leg, and further includes an extension means for adjusting the length of the roof rack between the legs.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A flush bar roof rack comprising:
 a pair of legs, each leg comprising a crossbar housing; and   a crossbar held and supported at each end by the crossbar housing of each leg;   wherein the roof rack comprises an extension means for adjusting the length of the roof rack between the legs;   wherein the extension means comprises an extension member having a support with an end face and a contact face; wherein at least one extension arm projects from the contact face of the support, the extension arm having a first surface and a second surface, and being adapted to fit within a cavity in the crossbar; and wherein the end face of the support has a profile that is the same shape and dimensions as the external profile of an end of the crossbar so that both the support and the crossbar can be held within the crossbar housing;   wherein the roof rack comprises a roof rack extension adjustment and locking mechanism to lock the roof rack in an extended position, the roof rack extension adjustment and locking mechanism including:
 an adjustment latch located within a latch housing in an extension arm; and 
 a plurality of latch engagement sockets or slots located on the crossbar and aligned to engage with the adjustment latch; and 
   wherein the latch housing comprises a first portion and a second portion, separated by a partition wall therebetween; the first portion of the latch housing being defined by a rear surface nearest the extension member support, a forward surface nearest the distal end of the extension arm, and two opposing side surfaces; and wherein the second portion of the housing comprises a pair of opposing bearings, and a link retaining means that projects at least partially across the second portion of the latch housing at or near the first surface of the extension arm; and wherein the partition wall terminates below the link retaining means to form a link supporting end.