Universal crossbar clamp

1. A mounting system for securing a load to a vehicle-mounted rack, comprising:

first and second opposing clamp members, wherein the first and second opposing clamp members are dimensionally different; and

an opposable clamp member configured to alternatively attach to the first and second opposing clamp members, wherein

the opposable clamp member and the first opposing clamp member define a first opening configured to receive and grip a first bar, and

the opposable clamp member and the second opposing clamp member define a second opening configured to receive and grip a second bar

a load-carrying member configured to attach to the vehicle-mounted rack to support the load; and

a mounting adjustment mechanism pivotally mounted to the opposable clamp member and configured to secure the load carrying member to the opposable clamp member, the mounting adjustment mechanism being further configured to adjust the orientation of the load-carrying member relative to the opposable clamp member.

2. The mounting system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a first insert configured to attach to at least one of the first opposing clamp member, the second opposing clamp member, and the opposable clamp member; and

a second insert configured to be interchangeable with the first insert, wherein the second insert is dimensionally different than the first insert.

3. The mounting system of claim 1 , wherein

the opposable clamp member includes a plurality of alternative coupling sections,

the first opposing clamp member is configured to alternatively attach to each coupling section in the plurality of alternative coupling sections, and

the second opposing clamp member is configured to alternatively attach to each coupling section in the plurality of alternative coupling sections.

4. The mounting system of claim 3 , further comprising a fastener configured to adjustably connect a distal portion of the opposable clamp member to a distal portion of one of the first and second opposing clamp members.

5. A mounting system for securing a load to a vehicle-mounted rack, the system comprising:

a load-carrying member adapted to at least partially secure the load to the vehicle-mounted rack;

a first clamp member;

a second clamp member configured to attach to the first clamp member to create an opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive and grip a crossbar of the vehicle-mounted rack; and

a mounting adjustment mechanism pivotally attached to the first clamp member for securing the load-carrying member to the first clamp member, wherein the mounting adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the orientation of the load-carrying member relative to the first clamp member.

6. The mounting system of claim 5 , wherein the first clamp member includes a detent configured to secure the mounting adjustment mechanism to the first clamp member at a desired angle.

7. The mounting system of claim 5 , wherein

the first clamp member includes a plurality of alternative coupling sections, and

the second clamp member is configured to alternatively attach to each coupling section in the plurality of alternative coupling sections.

8. The mounting system of claim 5 , further comprising a plurality of alternative clamp members, wherein

the plurality of alternative clamp members includes the second clamp member,

each alternative clamp member in the plurality of alternative clamp members is dimensionally different, and

the first clamp member is configured to alternatively attach to each clamp member in the plurality of alternative clamp members.

9. The mounting system of claim 5 , further comprising:

an additional mounting adjustment mechanism configured to attach to the first clamp member and the load-carrying member, wherein

the additional mounting adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust an angle of the load-carrying member relative to the first clamp member, and

the additional mounting adjustment mechanism is dimensionally different than the mounting adjustment mechanism.

10. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the mounting adjustment mechanism and the additional mounting adjustment mechanism are configured to be alternatively selected for use with different types of load-carrying members.

11. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the mounting adjustment mechanism and the additional mounting adjustment mechanism are configured to be used together to provide additional spacing between the first clamp member and the load-carrying member.

12. A mounting system for securing a load to a vehicle-mounted rack, the system comprising:

a load-carrying member adapted to at least partially secure the load to the vehicle-mounted rack;

a first clamp member including a first coupling section and a second coupling section formed in the same piece, wherein the first clamp member is configured to attach to attach to the load-carrying member; and

a second clamp member configured to alternatively attach to the first and second coupling sections without any intervening auxiliary linkage, wherein

the second clamp member is configured to attach to the first coupling section to define a first opening configured to receive and grip a first crossbar,

the second clamp member is configured to attach to the second coupling section to define a second opening configured to receive and grip a second crossbar, and

the first opening is dimensionally different than the second opening.

13. The mounting system of claim 12 , wherein

the second clamp member includes a coupling extension,

the first and second coupling sections are receiving sections, and

the second clamp member is configured to change a shape of the first and second openings by pivoting at the coupling extension.

14. The mounting system of claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of alternative clamp members, wherein

the plurality of alternative clamp members includes the second clamp member,

each alternative clamp member in the plurality of alternative clamp members is dimensionally different, and

the first clamp member is configured to alternatively attach to each clamp member in the plurality of alternative clamp members.

15. The mounting system of claim 12 , further comprising a mounting adjustment mechanism configured to secure the load carrying member to the first clamp member and configured to secure the load carrying member to the first clamp member, the mounting adjustment mechanism being further configured to adjust the orientation of the load-carrying member relative to the first clamp member.

16. A mounting system kit having component parts capable of being assembled for securing a load to a crossbar of a vehicle-mounted rack, the kit comprising:

a first opposing clamp member;

a second opposing clamp member, wherein the second opposing clamp member is dimensionally different than the first opposing clamp member;

an opposable clamp member configured to alternatively attach to the first and second opposing clamp members to secure to a load-carrying member to the crossbar of the vehicle-mounted rack; and

a plurality of mounting adjustment mechanisms, wherein each mounting adjustment mechanism in the plurality is configured to be inserted between a load-carrying member and the opposable clamp member, each mounting adjustment mechanism being further configured to pivot relative to the opposable clamp member to adjust the orientation of the load-carrying member relative to the opposable clamp member.

17. The mounting system kit of claim 16 , further comprising:

a first insert configured to attach to at least one of the first opposing clamp member, the second opposing clamp member, and the opposable clamp member; and

a second insert configured to be interchangeable with the first insert, wherein the second insert is dimensionally different than the first insert.