Abstract: A vehicle roof top luggage holder comprising a roof track, a roof rack for receiving luggage, and a rear frame, the roof track extending generally to the fore and aft of the vehicle on the vehicle roof, with the roof rack being moveably mounted with respect to the roof track to the fore of the vehicle and pivotally attached to the rear frame at the aft of the vehicle, characterised in that the rear frame comprises a hinge arm connected pivotally to the rear of the roof rack and pivotally attached to the rear of the vehicle one of the rear frame and roof rack incluing a cross bar positioned essentially horizontally across the rear of the roof of the vehicle, the arrangement whereby the roof tf the hinge arm of the rear frame, to the rear of the vehicle, enabling loading and unloading of the roof rack at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotatable ladder rack assembly for use on motor vehicles incorporates an improved lever mechanism for transferring a ladder load from the roof of the vehicle to a location alongside the vehicle and which allows the ladder rack assembly to be used on hi bay vans. A rotatable coupler is journaled for rotation about the ladder rack's connector rod and includes a slot of a predetermined arc length into which fits a pin passing diametrically through the connector rod. A lever of the first class is designed to pivot about a fulcrum and the shorter lever arm is linked to the rotatable coupler for applying a torque to the connector rod via the pin.

Abstract: A roof rack system 10 is provided, including at least one storage surface 20 movable between a first position 22 and a second position 24. The first position 22 is defined by the at least one storage surface 20 being generally coincident with a roof 14 of a vehicle 12. The second position 24 is defined by the at least one storage surface 20 being generally coincident with a side 16 of a vehicle 12.

Abstract: A moveable stowage for a ladder or other equipment on top of a vehicle comprises a stowage frame 10, an outer frame 11 secured pivotally 12 at its forward end, means (not shown) for releasably securing the stowage frame in the stowed position and stop means 13,14,15 and 16 to hold the stowage frame in an access position. The stowage frame 10 being adapted to slide on at least one pivot assembly 17, 18 from a substantially horizontal stowed position to an access position, and the forward end of the stowage frame 10 also being pivotally connected 19, 20 to the outer frame 11 so as to be able to slide along the outer frame thus enabling the stowage frame 10 to reach an access position approaching the vertical. Spring means (not shown) may be attached to the outer frame 11 to assist in counter balancing the stowage frame 10.

Abstract: A service vehicle ladder lock for fastening a step or extension ladder to a conventional ladder rack running either along a side of the roof of the vehicle or across the top thereof. This ladder lock forms a rectangular framework for placement about the ladder and the ladder rack in close proximity to inhibit movement in any direction upon rapid starting or stopping. In the preferred configuration the ladder lock comprises three portions of narrow bent flat metal stock fastened together wherein the first and second portions are attached by a hinge to allow opening and closing; and the second and third portions are attached to each other. The free end of the first portion has a strike plate thereon for receiving the latch of a tension latch/lock assembly integrally mated to the free end of the third portion. This ladder lock optionally includes means for adjusting the frame width and/or height to insure a close fit around the ladder and the ladder frame to insure safety and security thereof.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier apparatus for carrying a bicycle in an upright orientation within a cargo area of a vehicle such as a minivan, sport utility vehicle or pickup truck. The apparatus includes a generally U-shaped or V-shaped, elongated lower rail which is fixedly secured to a floor of a cargo area of the vehicle. An upper U-shaped or V-shaped rail is slidably disposed on the lower rail. The lower rail includes a first pair of rollers and the upper rail includes an additional pair of rollers which cooperate to enable smooth sliding movement of the upper rail along the lower rail. A mechanism disposed on the upper rail is adapted to engage the front fork of a bicycle when the front wheel is removed and the remainder of the bicycle is placed on the apparatus. The rear wheel of the bicycle fits within the upper rail so that the bicycle can be held securely in an upright position once its front fork is secured to the upper rail.

Abstract: A utility rack for a motor vehicle is provided comprising a stationary mounting frame mountable to a vehicle, a cargo frame movable between an access position and a storage position and capable of carrying substantially elongated cargo, a carriage to move said cargo frame between said access position and said storage position, said carriage movably attaching said cargo frame to said mounting frame, said carriage being manually actuated to move said cargo frame between said access position and said storage position, said carriage comprising an assist capable of assisting manual movement of said cargo frame between said storage position and said access position.

Abstract: A roof extension for a motor vehicle has at least two roof members which are mounted by way of fastening devices on the vehicle roof. Guide rails are arranged approximately parallel to one another, along which a ladder can be displaced from a starting position into a transport position on the vehicle roof and can be fixed in its end position. For the sliding guidance at least on one end of the ladder, laterally projecting guiding devices are arranged, and the ladder, after the fixing is eliminated, can be displaced back into the starting position. The guide rails extend close to the fastening points of the roof members, the guiding devices being held by laterally projecting extension arms of the ladder.

Abstract: A load carrier for automobile vehicles comprising a frame adapted for attachment on top of a vehicle, said frame comprising a set of substantially parallel rails each having a front extremity and a rear extremity, a carriage comprising a set of longitudinal arms, each having a front extremity and a rear extremity, said carriage being slidingly mounted to said rails to allow axial movement of said carriage along said rails, said carriage being movable between a transport position, wherein said carriage is placed on said frame in a substantially stable position and a loading/unloading position, in which said carnage is moved rearwardly and pivoted downwardly with respect to said frame and the front extremity of the longitudinal arms of the carriage is spaced apart rearwardly from said rear extremity of the rails.

Abstract: A multi-position, articulating, vehicle article carrier apparatus for use with various types of vehicles such as sport utility vehicles, station wagons, minivans, etc. The apparatus includes a pair of side rails which are adapted to be fixedly secured to a roof portion of a vehicle. A pair of articulating mechanisms allow a cargo supporting structure coupled thereto to be disposed over a liftgate of the vehicle and secured to latching assemblies mounted in a rear bumper of the vehicle. The articulating mechanisms maintain the cargo supporting structure fixedly secured against movement when the cargo supporting structure is in a lowered position over the liftgate. When the cargo supporting structure is lifted into an intermediate position, each of the articulating mechanisms automatically unlock, thus allowing the entire cargo supporting structure to be urged into a position over the roof of the vehicle. Upper locking assemblies allow the cargo supporting structure to be secured fixedly on top of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ladder rack providing for easier loading, unloading, and storage of a ladder. The ladder rack preferably has a pivot and a carriage mounted upon one or more arms attached to the pivot. A ladder is placed upon the carriage which can then be rotated via the pivot and arms (and preferably using a ratchet assembly) from a loading and unloading position to a stowage position separated by an obtuse angle. In some preferred vehicular applications, the unloading and loading position is beside the vehicle while the stowage position is over or above the vehicle. Also preferably, the carriage substantially overlies the ladder when in the stowage position, thereby providing for immediate and effective security against ladder theft as well as a compact ladder storage arrangement. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also employ a carriage that is slidable along the arms. This carriage has a rung grip which is separated a distance along the ladder rack from an opposed rung grip.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly 10 for use in combination with a vehicle 12 of the type having a roof 14 and a rear or back portion or end 16 including a rear door or hatchback 18. Assembly 10 includes a pair of elongated support rails or members 20, 22, a movable rack or storage member 24 which is movably coupled to said rail members 20, 22, and several fasteners or fastening members 26, 28, 30 and 32. Rack member 24 is movable between a “roof-mounted” position in which rack member 24 is substantially parallel to roof 14 and a “back end-mounted” position in which said rack member is substantially parallel to back end 16.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack and carrier for easy loading/unloading of sporting equipment including a carrier that is formed by a front frame portion, a rear frame portion, a middle frame portion, and a wheel assembly. The middle frame portion has a plurality of spaced apart mounting pins. Included is a roof rack. The roof rack is mounted onto a vehicle roof. The roof rack has a first carrier rail and a second carrier rail. The first and second carrier rails are each supported on the vehicle roof with a pair of end brackets. The first carrier rail and the second carrier rail are spaced an equal distance about the vehicle roof to support the carrier. The plurality of mounting pins of the middle frame portion are in releasable engagement with the first and second carrier rails for securing the carrier with the sporting equipment on the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies may be modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.

Abstract: A ladder support rack which can be removably attached to a wheeled vehicle such as a tractor capable of supporting a non-attached ladder. A receiver portion removably mounts to one tractor end. A frame assembly removably mounts to the receiver and includes a top frame and a bottom frame. A ladder is inserted into the frame assembly and held in place by a support hook at the top frame and by support feet at the bottom frame. The ladder is not physically mounted to the frame assembly so the tractor and ladder can be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A ladder rack for motor vehicles including at least two support mechanisms for supporting an item such as a ladder, a pivot for concurrently pivoting each of the support mechanisms between a first position and a second position, and a motion stabilizer mechanism mounted on each of the support mechanisms. In the first position, each of the support mechanisms is disposed above the vehicle. When in the first position, the item is secured on the support mechanisms against movement. In the second position, each of the support mechanisms is securely disposed adjacent to a side of the vehicle thereby enabling easy loading and unloading of the ladder from the rack. The motion stabilizer mechanism stabilizes and guides the motion of the ladder as the rack is moved between the first and second positions. In the preferred embodiment, the support mechanism width is adjustable to accommodate various sized ladders.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack including spaced stationary supports carries cargo which may be loaded or unloaded from either side of the vehicle merely by unlocking a single lock and longitudinally sliding upper elongated cargo supports respectively connected to each of the stationary supports laterally toward and away from a desired side of the vehicle so that the elongated cargo support can also be moved and pivoted in parallel vertical planes to load or unload cargo from the chosen side of the vehicle. An single ink and two guide saddles connect and guide each cargo support relative to the associated stationary support.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier rack assembly for mounting upon the roof of the vehicle includes a cooperative clamping assembly for releasably mounting the carrier rack upon a vehicle roll bar. The rack assembly may further include at least one grommet assembly mounted at a hole formed in the vehicle roof and passing therethrough, in water-tight relationship, a portion of the cooperative, releasable engagement assembly for the vehicle rack. In other embodiments, the rack is hinged to pivot between a first position adjacent the vehicle roof and a second position spaced therefrom, e.g., to facilitate removal and replacement of the vehicle roof. A ladder may be mounted to the carrier rack at the rear of the vehicle to similar purpose.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle roof comprises two load carrying struts (4, 5) secured on the vehicle roof and each having an anchorage (6) for fixedly securing legs (8) on a yoke (8, 10). The yoke (8, 10) has, on its horizontal portion (10), anchorages (3, 15) for fixedly retaining the bicycle. The yoke (8, 10) is, via joints (9), pivotal about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between an upstanding transport position above the vehicle and a laterally outwardly pivoted loading and unloading position in which the anchorages (3, 15) are located laterally outside the side of the vehicle and flush with the load carrying struts (4, 5). At least the one anchorage (6) on the load carrying struts (4, 5) is provided with a spring (12) which facilitates upward pivoting of the yoke (8, 10) to the transport position.

Abstract: A load assist to a vehicle rack carrier that includes a brace bar coupleable to a vehicle rack carrier where the brace bar is positionable between extended and retracted configurations relative to the vehicle rack carrier when coupled thereto. A connector is adapted for coupling the brace bar to the vehicle rack carrier and includes a brace bar receiver adapted for accommodating reciprocating motion of the brace bar therein. A handle is coupled to an outer distal end of the brace bar and is adapted for preventing slippage of an object off of the distal end of the brace bar. The couplement of the handle to the outer distal end of the brace bar is by a threaded fastener that establishes a friction fit between the handle and the brace bar. The brace bar has an insert pin receiving aperture therein and there is also included a biased insert pin adapted for insertion into the insert pin receiving aperture.

Abstract: A side-loading and discharging rack for use with vehicles includes a base that is permanently secured to a conventional luggage rack. A pivot interface member is pivotally secured to an outboard end of the base, a transversely disposed elongate slide member is slideably engaged by the pivot interface member, and a handle is attached to the outboard end of the elongate slide member. The elongate slide member has a storage position where its inboard end is retained by a bracket mounted on an inboard end of the base. When in the storage position, a first bias member urges the elongate slide member to slide in an inboard-to-outboard direction, but that sliding motion is prevented by a lock member having an outboard end that abuts against an inboard end of a stop member. A second bias member urges the stop member into blocking relation to the lock member when the elongate slide member is in its storage position.

Abstract: A ladder rack adapted to be affixed to the roof of a utility vehicle is equipped with a DC motor powered drive which, when actuated, controls the movement of ladders from a location on the vehicle roof to a location alongside the body of the vehicle. The drive includes a DC motor driven lead screw having a traveling nut thereon coupled to an endless chain deployed about a sprocket on an output shaft and a sprocket on an idler shaft such that rotation of the lead screw drives the output shaft. That output shaft is, in turn, coupled to a connecting rod of the ladder rack.

Abstract: The invention is a loading and unloading device for transporting small recreational or utility vehicles in a pickup truck. The invention comprises two stationary rails mounted on the bed of a truck. A ramp is slidably and pivotally attached to the stationary rails, and an interchangeable vehicle carriage or dump bed is slidably and pivotally mounted to the ramp. In use, the ramp and carriage are lowered by a winch so that the carriage is close to the ground and substantially horizontal. A small vehicle can then be placed on the carriage. A winch then pulls the carriage up the ramp until the vehicle's center of gravity is slightly rearward of the stationary rails. The carriage stops, and the winch pulls the ramp onto the stationary rails. The ramp can then be pushed into the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A ladder rack adapted to be attached to a utility vehicles comprises front and rear four-bar linkages where each of the four-bar linkages comprises a base having a post projecting vertically therefrom, a ladder support member comprising a first straight bar or linkage member having a ladder support arm extending perpendicularly therefrom. A second linkage pivotally connects between the post and a first end portion of the first linkage member. Then, a dog-leg linkage having a first end pivotally attached to the first linkage member proximate its mid-point with the second end of the dog-leg linkage coupled to an elongated connecting rod that extends horizontally between the bases of the front and rear four-bar linkages. The connecting rod is journaled for rotation and when turned by a crank or motor transports ladders suspended on the ladder support arm from a position atop the vehicle to a position alongside the vehicle and vice versa.

Abstract: A system for handling portable diagnostic equipment. The system includes a powered equipment lift sized and shaped to fit in an overland vehicle. A hooking mechanism is coupled to the bottom of the equipment lift and a portable cart is hooked to the hooking mechanism. The hooking mechanism includes an attachment tube coupled to the bottom of the equipment lift and a pivot bar is inserted through the attachment tube and freely rotatable within it. One or more hooks are coupled to the pivot bar, in one embodiment, one on each end. The hooks are designed to hold a portable workstation cart. The cart has a base platform with a plurality of wheels. In addition to acting as a shelf for heavy equipment, the main platform also supports a vertical frame. The vertical frame has two upstanding arms and supports a second shelf which is designed to accommodate medical equipment. Positioned above the second shelf is a second frame with a flip-out tray.

Abstract: A vehicle rack assembly for mounting on a vehicle having a rollbar, the assembly having a unitary rack member having sidewalls and a floor and bracket members for mounting the floor of the rack to a rollbar of a vehicle. For use with a convertible SUV having a roof, the assembly can further have grommet assemblies for mounting around holes formed in a roof of a vehicle for receiving therein a portion of the bracket members, wherein a roof of a vehicle passes between a rollbar of a vehicle and said unitary rack member.

Abstract: A roof rack for a vehicle including a support member which is removably secured to the roof thereof and a telescoping member slidably attached within the support member for movement between a transport position and a loading position. The telescoping member includes a first segment hinged to a second segment which rotates about its axis when in the loading position. A brace, which is fixed to the support member, braces the second segment when in the loading position and limits the extent of its rotation, ultimately preventing the telescoping member from contacting the vehicle's side panels. Articles are loaded onto an L-shaped bracket which extends upwardly from the outer ends of the telescoping member and parallel thereto to space the load above the vehicle's roof when in the transport position.

Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies are modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.

Abstract: A system which allows a person to easily access an automobile roof rack attachment for holding and carrying a bike or other object such as a canoe employing a telescoping mechanism for moving the carried object out beyond the roof line of the vehicle wherein the system also has a parallelogram mechanism allowing the user to also lower the system carrying the bike or other object parallel to the ground during its movement into a locked position beyond the roof line of the vehicle. By manually pulling downwardly on the parallelogram mechanism the system is lowered to a comfortable level. Once in this position the person attaches the bike or other equipment to the system, the system is unlocked, and the raises up manually to the rooftop level and then pushed inward toward the center of the automobile into its resting and locked position.

Abstract: A device for laterally translating the force vector between a load carrier foot and the upper surface of a vehicle roof according to the slope of the contour of the vehicle roof at the location of the foot upon the vehicle roof. The device includes a load carrier foot for attachment of a load carrier to the vehicle roof and the load carrier foot has a first foot support portion and a second foot support portion. A foot plate for engaging the upper surface of the vehicle roof is provided that is pivotally attached to the load carrier foot and has a first foot plate support portion adjacent the first foot support portion to form an inner support pair and a second foot plate support portion adjacent the second foot support portion to form an outer support pair.

Abstract: A device allowing one person to easily and conveniently load a kayak or similar article onto an automobile's roof rack. The device comprises several freely rotating rollers oriented in a "V" configuration by rigid struts attached to a crossmember. Padded feet flexibly mounted to vertical stanchions extending downward from the crossmember support the rear most portion of the loading device. An attachment mechanism extends forward from the crossmember which securly latches the loading device onto a vehicle's roof rack crossbar. Loading a kayak requires first positioning a kayak's bow into the vertex of the rollers. The stern of the kayak is then pushed upwardly and forwardly along the rollers onto the automobile's roof rack. The device is removed from the automobile's roof rack after the kayak is loaded.

Abstract: A vehicle-top roof rack and boat mounting system for mounting a boat atop a roof of a car, the rack and mount is provided with a plurality of roof couplers attachable on the car roof, a plurality of crossbars attachable to the roof couplers, and a boat mounting system comprising a plurality of boat mounts. Each of the boat mounts include a crossbar grip coupled to the crossbar, a mounting frame coupled to the grip, a gimbal coupled to the mounting frame, and a roller support coupled to the gimbal. The gimbal allows the roller support to pivot with two degrees of freedom about a central gimbal point to adapt the mount to variously shaped boat hulls and to the varying curvature of each boat hull. The gimbal also adapts for the angle of loading in a one-person loading/unloading operation.

Abstract: A cargo loading and carrying device for use on a motor vehicle roof is disclosed, and according to the present invention, is designed to load cargo onto the roof of a motor vehicle from the rear of the vehicle. The present invention consists of a generally rectangular frame with side walls and two main rollers, all located on the roof of the motor vehicle. The main frame continues downward to the trunk of the motor vehicle, where telescoping legs elevate a third main roller up from the trunk of the motor vehicle. Two guide beams connect the third main roller and the main frame portion located on the roof, and act as guides and resting beams for the cargo as it is hoisted onto the roof via a crank and cable assembly. As a crank handle is turned, a cable wraps around the forward located main roller, hoisting up the cargo, which is connected to the opposite end of the cable.

Abstract: An equipment transport rack is mountable on the roof of a vehicle, and provides easy access for loading equipment thereon. The equipment payload is carried on a payload carrier mounted on a movable carriage assembly which has two operational positions. In the transport position, the payload is carried above the roof surface, thus avoiding interference with vehicle doors or windows and preventing safety hazards to passers by.In the loading position, the carriage assembly extends outwardly and pivots downwardly from the roof area to project the payload carrier at least partially below the height of the roof edge and roof surface. In the loading position, the equipment payload may be easily and conveniently loaded and unloaded from the rack by a user of average height standing next to the vehicle. When the loading or unloading is completed, the carriage assembly pivots upwardly and slides inwardly to be returned to the transport position, where it is latched in position prior to vehicle movement.

Abstract: A motorized rack system for loading and unloading long items such as ladders includes a static rack for holding one end of a ladder and a pivoting and extendible rack. The extendible ladder rack assembly includes a base member mounted to the roof of a vehicle, an elongated pivoting member, and a slideable ladder carriage member. The system also includes a mechanism for positioning the pivotable and extendible ladder rack assembly in a first locked down position of the ladder rack, a second tilted position, and a third tilted/extended position for loading and unloading a ladder. A cable is coupled to the one end of the pivoting member and a cable-spooling mechanism pays out and reels in the cable for positioning the motorized ladder rack.

Abstract: The wheelchair lift invention mounts to the roof of a vehicle such as an ordinary automobile using commonly available mounting hardware used for attaching a variety of rooftop storage containers to such vehicles. The wheelchair lift, powered by the vehicle's battery, is remotely operable from the driver's seat of the vehicle using a handheld or dash mounted controller. The preferred embodiment permits easy attachment of the wheelchair to a lifting assembly, which is then elevated with the assistance of an electric motor to a rooftop platform. Once securely positioned in a generally flat orientation, a hingedly attached cover member is lowered over the wheelchair and lifting assembly, and latched into position to the platform or support assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted, bicycle carrier includes an elongate arm movably mounted on the carrier for movement between an engaged position in which a bicycle is fixed on the carrier, and a disengaged position in which the bicycle may be removed from the carrier. A locking mechanism mounted on the arm lockably receives a carried bicycle's pedal crank when the arm is moved to the engaged position thereby fixing the bicycle on the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack loading mechanism which allows items such as skis, cargo boxes, and the like to be easily loaded. The mechanism includes a mounting base, a guide block, and a lift member. The mechanism is fastened to the end of a roof rack cross bar and maybe retrofitted to existing rack systems. A lift member is tilted down for easy loading and is guided back onto the top of the rack for transport. A locking system is provide for securing the lift member in place. Various accessory holders may be added to the lift member for securing particular items to be carried.

Abstract: An arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.

Abstract: A device for variable division of a motor vehicle boot and for securing the loaded goods has a guide rail arranged on the boot floor and one or more support panels guided by a sliding guide block in the guide rail at right angles to the guide rail and so as to be transversely displaceable therein. The support panels are mounted to rotate in the sliding block and can be swivelled up out of a horizontal position in which they lie substantially parallel to the boot floor, into a position vertical with respect to the boot floor, and can be locked. On the support panels there are provided connecting elements to which fixing modules or belt modules for securing the loaded goods or for dividing the boot in a second axis can be fixed.

Abstract: The bicycle carrier apparatus of the invention has a commercially obtainable pneumatic or similar power lift device positioned longitudinally in and along an elongate bicycle lifting and supporting columnar standard whose lower end is pivotally mounted on a preferably rotatable turntable as part of a mounting base that is adapted for attachment, usually through longitudinal bars inserted in such base, to conventional transverse bars of the usual rooftop luggage rack of an automotive vehicle. The columnar standard includes a bicycle-securing lift bar having a height adjustable lift arm carrying a device that is attachable to the frame of a bicycle to be carried in upstanding position on the rooftop of the vehicle and that accommodates the pivotal swinging movement of such lift bar and of the columnar standard to which it is attached.

Abstract: A modular bicycle rack system is useful with a vehicle that has a pair of rooftop transverse load bars that are spaced along the length of the vehicle. The rack system includes a base that is connected with the transverse load bars, and which may be one or more rail members, a slide connected in sliding engagement with the base to slide between a forward and a rearward position, a frame that is pivotally connected with the slide to pivot between an upper and a lower position, and which may be a channel member, and a clamp that connects between the base and the frame. A hanger releasably locks onto the frame to hang a bicycle on the frame when the frame is in the lower position. Alternatively, a cargo box may be coupled with the frame for convenient access to the cargo box.

Abstract: A portable garment hanger device for suspension from a vehicle window. The device has a generally elongated, flexible strap. A retainer element is attached on one end of the flexible strap and a hanger receiving member is attached to the opposite end. The hanger receiving member has a body with first and second flat sides. A rigid hook extends from the base of the hanger receiving member outwardly to one side. The sides of the hanger receiving member are flat and somewhat larger than necessary so that an advertising message can be printed on either side. The flexible strap is drapable across the upper edge of a retractable automobile window with the retainer outside the window and the hanger receiving member in the passenger compartment. The raised window holds the flexible strap against the window frame to secure the device in place. In another preferred embodiment, the retainer element and the body of the hanger receiving means have complementary latching elements.

Abstract: A tip down vehicle top carrier having a removable base frame attached to the top of a vehicle. Attached to the base frame in a sliding relationship is a roller platform. Secured to the roller platform are various carrier devices such as a luggage box, ski rack, bike rack, tool box, or specialty equipment racks. The roller platform holding the cargo will not tip down until the platform is fully extended because of the configuration of the pivot wheels (breakover point) and the torsion spring axle. Once the roller platform is fully extended with a full load, it will gradually tip down as it increases the torque resistance of the torsion springs. If the roller platform is empty the user pulls it down using their own weight which "loads up" the torsion springs.

Abstract: A ladder support accessory is disclosed for pivotally supporting a ladder on a truck rack. The ladder support accessory includes, in one embodiment, a pair of joints mounted to a side rail of the truck rack and a pair of ladder support members pivotably connected to the joints. The ladder support members extend inboard of and substantially transverse to the side rail and are pivotable in a substantially vertical plane between substantially horizontal and vertical positions. A ladder is secured to the ladder support members and is at least partially supported by front and rear rails of the truck rack when the ladder support members are in the horizontal position. The ladder is supported solely by the ladder support members when the ladder support members are pivoted to the vertical position.

Abstract: A luggage rack for a motor vehicle with a steeply inclined end has a rear carrier on the steeply inclined end and a roof-mounted carrier. The rear carrier has a guide rail arrangement which corresponds to the gauge of guide rails of the roof-mounted carrier, as well as a lifting mechanism provided with a receiving device for securing and lifting a suitcase. The receiving device engages a receiving shaft of the suitcase in such a manner that, in an upper lifting position, the suitcase can be swivelled about the receiving shaft in the direction of the guide rails of the roof-mounted carrier. The suitcase may be provided with wheels which engage in the guide rails, or the suitcase may be attached to a dolly with wheels which engage in the guide rails.

Abstract: A ladder storage and transport device for use with a vehicle comprising a ladder positioning assembly including a positioning drive operable in a retracting mode or extending a mode to selectively move a ladder operatively mounted thereon between a retracted position relative to the roof of the vehicle for storage and travel and an extended position relative to the rear of the vehicle for removal therefrom for use of the ladder.

Abstract: A boat loader and carrier for mounting on a motor vehicle such as a pick-up truck, comprising an upper frame for supporting the boat, having forward and rearward ends and transversely spaced legs whose proximate ends are attached to the upper frame, said legs extending downwardly from the transversely spaced side edges of the rearward end of the frame, the distal ends of the legs pivotally attachable to a lower frame clamped to the pick-up truck so as to allow the upper frame to pivot about the pivotal axes between a generally horizontal carrying position above and substantially parallel with the roof of the pick-up and a loading/unloading position inclined downwardly rearwardly relative to the carrying position; a winch fixed in position forwardly relative to the pivotal axes of the legs when the loader and carrier is mounted on the vehicle, for pulling the boat onto the upper frame and for allowing the boat to be controllably lowered off the upper frame; and a cable connecting the upper and lower frames for

Abstract: A load carrier arrangement for mounting a load holder on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a roof and a rear door and/or a trunk lid. The load carrier includes a rack disposed across the roof of the vehicle and fastened at a rear portion thereof. A carrier device having the load holder for carrying a load behind the vehicle in a load carrying position of the carrier device is also provided. The carrier device is pivotally arranged about a substantially horizontal pivot axis directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the carrier vehicle. The pivot-arrangement connecting the carrier device to the rack allows the carrier device and a load holder to be pivoted upwardly from the load carrying position to an elevated position not interferring with the opening of the rear door and/or the trunk lid.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier and ramp assembly includes two, spaced-apart platforms maintained at an elevated position above the top edges of the side walls of a pickup truck body so as to preserve significant cargo space upon the truck bed. The platforms are supported at each of their respective ends by braces carried by the pickup truck side walls. Two elongated and collapsible ramps may be selectively engaged with the rear end of the platforms for loading and unloading a small land vehicle such as an ATV. A hinge, joining the ramp segments or spans together, has a stop feature for maintaining the spans at an obtuse angle relative to one another while extended during loading and unloading operations. When the pickup truck is moved from place to place, the ramps may be folded and secured above the side walls of the truck and above the elevated platforms, offering a peripheral and protective barrier to an ATV or other carried vehicle.