QUICK RELEASE AND LOCKING SYSTEMS FOR REMOVABLE CROSS-BARS FOR VEHICLES AND THE LIKE

According to some illustrative embodiments, a system for supporting a removable crossbar for mounting accessories on vehicles, includes: a support member having a lower section configured to attach to a vehicle and an upper section for support of accessories, and a removable crossbar including a quick release threadedly attached to an end thereof. The upper section of the support member includes a pocket configured for receiving the quick release of the removable crossbar. The removable crossbar is configured to be attached to the support member upon inserting the quick release in the pocket of the support member and engaging the quick release to clamp the end of the removable crossbar into the support member. And the crossbar is configured to be removable from the support member upon releasing the quick release to disengage the end of the crossbar from the support member.