Devices and methods for securing skis, snowboards, etc. to crossbars of vehicle roof racks

A device suitable for use in securing snowboard to a vehicle roof rack having one or more crossbars, the device comprising:

• a frame member including at least two hook components positioned such that the at least two hooks are generally parallel with each other to contain the snowboard between the at least two hooks so to apply an opposing force or at least resistance perpendicular to hook tensioning, the at least two hook components having lower curved portions configured to be hooked under a crossbar of a vehicle roof rack;
• a clamping apparatus including a threaded rod coupled to the frame member having a footpad at one end and a handle at another end, whereby rotation of the threaded rod via the handle moves the threaded rod relative to the frame member thus allowing the footpad to be lowered into contact with the snowboard to thereby create a clamping force between the footpad and the crossbar sufficient for securing the device and snowboard to the crossbar;
• wherein:
• the device is configured for securing the snowboard to the crossbar of the vehicle roof rack with only the footpad and the crossbars contacting the snowboard;
• the at least two hook components are spaced apart so as to inhibit side to side movement of the snowboard;
• the at least two hook components are connected to each other by a center span;
• and
• the frame member has a single piece, monolithic construction.

A device suitable for use in securing a snowboard to a vehicle roof rack having one or more crossbars, the device comprising:

• a frame member including at least two hook components positioned such that the at least two hooks are generally parallel with each other to contain the snowboard between the at least two hooks so to apply an opposing force or at least resistance perpendicular to hook tensioning, the at least two hook components having lower curved portions configured to be hooked under a crossbar of a vehicle roof rack;
• a clamping apparatus including a threaded rod coupled to the frame member having a footpad at one end and a handle at another end, whereby rotation of the threaded rod via the handle moves the threaded rod relative to the frame member thus allowing the footpad to be lowered into contact with the snowboard to thereby create a clamping force between the footpad and the crossbar sufficient for securing the device and the snowboard to the crossbar;
• and
• wherein:
• the device is configured such that rotation of the single handle tensions each of the at least two hooks when their lower curved portions are hooked under the crossbar via the lowering of the footpad into contact with the snowboard and a clamping force created thereby between the footpad and the crossbar;
• the device is configured for securing the snowboard to the crossbar of the vehicle roof rack with only the footpad and the crossbars contacting the snowboard;
• the at least two hook components are spaced apart so as to inhibit side to side movement of the snowboard;
• the at least two hook components are connected to each other by a center span;
• and
• the device is configured as a single device capable of engaging and containing the snowboard even though the snowboard does not have holes for hardware to pass through.