Abstract: A system for stabilizing articles is provided. The system is particularly well-suited for stabilizing plastic grocery bags during transport in a vehicle. The system comprises a stabilizing element that, when in use, extends from a first point to a second point and passes through the handles of a bag to be stabilized. Preferably, the first and second points are fixed, either detachably or semi-permanently, on the sidewalls in the interior of a vehicle. Further, the stabilizing element preferably is flexible. In addition, the stabilizing element preferably can be disconnected from the second point and also preferably, the stabilizing element can recoil into a location at the first point so that only a portion of the stabilizing element is visible. Other preferred embodiments of the present invention, including those with intermediary fixtures or intermediary support features, as well as those with multiple stabilizing elements, also are disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile roof top carrier for securing equipment to an automobile rooftop includes a body made from a resilient material having a plurality of protrusions disposed about a top surface. The protrusions define a support surface for holding the equipment and also define a first and second support channel disposed substantially transverse to the support surface. Optionally, the sides of the body include a third and fourth support channel. One fastener is disposed around part of the carrier through the support channels and over the equipment and secures the equipment to the carrier block. A second fastener is disposed through the first and second support channels and secures the carrier to the vehicle roof. The protrusions prevent the fasteners from sliding relative to the carrier block.

Abstract: The “Cargo and Board Transportation System” (“CBTS”) is a multi-purpose, reusable storage and transportation container with a built-in vehicular roof rack and attachment system. A CBTS comprises an exterior layer (6); a zippered opening (11); at least one anterior soft rack (18) bonded to the exterior layer (6) and equipped with a vehicle strapping system (3, 3′) that traverses the soft rack and is bonded to the exterior layer (6) and/or the anterior soft rack (18); and at least one posterior soft rack (19) bonded to the exterior layer (6) and equipped with a vehicle strapping system (3, 3′) that traverses the soft rack and is bonded to the exterior layer (6) and/or the posterior soft rack (19). Universal clips (14) and universal clip webbing (20), and buddy system straps (2, 2′), are desirable to enable load compression and joining other cargo bags to a first CBTS.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: An article carrier adapted to hold cargo and other articles adjacent a liftgate of a vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle, a station wagon, or minivan. The article carrier includes a pair of supports which are fixedly secured to the roof of the vehicle. A cargo supporting structure having a pair of upper coupling links is pivotally and releasably coupled to the supports. The cargo supporting structure includes a pair of main support members which each include a pair of pivot assemblies. The cargo supporting structure is detachably and pivotally secured to a pair of anchor assemblies attached to the liftgate of the vehicle or the bumper of the vehicle. The three pivot points along each side of the cargo supporting structure enable it to be pivoted with the liftgate when the liftgate is lifted and closed such that the article carrier does not interfere with operation of the liftgate. The entire article carrier can be quickly and easily detached from the vehicle for storage when it is not needed.

Abstract: A single unit sports board bag for storing and transporting various sports boards (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for fixing a roof rack to a vehicle roof. Particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating mounting and dismounting of a roof rack for loading various kinds of freight thereon by structurally improving a vehicle roof to employ a unified single roof molding. According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for fixing a roof rack to a vehicle roof of the type comprising a roof panel 100 in which roof molding engagement portions 110 are longitudinally formed to be depressed along both sides of the vehicle roof, and roof moldings 200 inserted into and engaged with the roof molding engagement portions 110 of the roof panel 100. Further, the apparatus of the present invention comprises engagement openings 210 formed to pass through the roof moldings, and movable covers 300 placed in the interiors of the roof moldings to allow the engagement openings 210 to be resiliently opened and closed.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: A trunk-mountable equipment rack includes a frame having a cross member and a plurality of legs. The legs have straps attached that are capable of extending to couple the legs to the trunk of a vehicle. These straps allow the equipment rack to be placed on and secured to different sizes and shapes of trunks of vehicles. The invention also includes support bars for securing equipment to the equipment rack for transportation on a vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions ofthe mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier has a frame mountable to a vehicle and defining a pair of spaced apart support arms for supporting one or more bicycles. The support arms are provided with positioning guides, which may take the form of spaced circumferential ridges and troughs extending along the support arms. The ridges and troughs may be formed by a ribbed sleeve mounted on the support arms. At least one cradle is mounted on each support arm for receiving and releasable holding a selected tube or tubes of a bicycle frame. Each cradle has an opening through which the support arm extends and a tab projects partially into the opening. The tabs are configured to be received and to ride within selected ones of the troughs of the support arms for rotatably positioning the cradles at desired positions along their support arms. A channel extends along the support arms interrupting the ridges.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a vehicle-mounted load carrier (1) of the type which is fastened across a door, hatch (2) or the like, preferably at the rear of the vehicle (3). The load carrier comprises a load-bearing frame (4-6) and at least two gripping means (18, 19, 21, 22) disposed on the frame and intended to grip two substantially mutually opposite edges, preferably the top and the bottom edge of the door, and means (25, 26) for tensioning the gripping means across the door by the positive relative displacement thereof towards each other.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier is adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack includes longitudinal members mounted on longitudinal sides of a roof of a vehicle body and is disposed in receiving devices such that the longitudinal members can be moved from a lowered position into an operative position and vice versa. End pieces of the longitudinal members, which rest in spaced receiving devices of the roof, are swivelled, for setting the operative position or the lowered position, outside the receiving devices and about an axis of rotation extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The end pieces are then inserted again in the receiving devices. Each of the end pieces is releasably connected with a respective longitudinal member.

Abstract: A package carrier for carrying articles on the trunk lid of a passenger car or the tail gate of a utility vehicle comprising a soft, flat, flexible pad with a plurality of adjustable mounting straps terminating with hooks for attaching the carrier to the vehicle and a plurality of independent binding straps for holding the package in place. The package carrier is capable of conforming to the shape of the trunk lid so that it can be efficiently used with a wide range of vehicles, is quickly deployed and removed, and can be rolled up into a compact cylinder for storage.

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 bicycle carrying frame includes a first part having a first bar and a neck link extending transversely and inclinedly from the mediated portion of the bar which is connected to the trunk lid by strips. A second part has a second bar and a connecting link intersectionally connected to the second bar. The first end of the connecting link is connected to the neck link and the second bar contacts against the rear bumper of the vehicle. A third part is connected to the second end of the connecting link and has two rings connected to two ends thereof so that the bicycle wheels are respectively supported by the two rings.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding carrier for carrying bulky cargo includes a frame, an upper member rotatably disposed on the frame and a cage rotatably and slidably disposed on the frame, the cage being configured to restrain forward, lateral and rearward movement of cargo placed therein. The upper member and cage are constrained for limited pivotal and/or slidable movement relative to the frame between extended carrying positions and collapsed storage positions. A locking element or brace is provided for securing the upper member in its extended carrying position. A series of straps are provided for securing articles, such as, for example, a cooler, on the cage as well as for securing the carrier to an automobile. The upper member may be provided with a pair of hook members which facilitate fastening the carrier to an externally mounted spare tire.

Abstract: An inflatable roof carrier comprises a flexible member (10) having a pair of inflatable tubular portions (11) arranged on opposite sides of a central strip (12). Straps (16, 17) are connected to flaps (14, 15) at opposite ends of the flexible member (10). The load carrier is placed on the vehicle roof, and the straps (16, 17) are drawn around the opposite sides of the roof and into the vehicle. The free ends of straps (16, 17) are provided with mating connectors (19, 20) enabling the straps to be joined under the roof within the vehicle. The flaps (14, 15) are captured between the car doors and the vehicle roof when the doors are closed. The inflatable load carrier can be furled into compact form and stowed in the glovebox when not in use.

Abstract: A folding rack (10) for holding glass panels, particularly automobile glass panels (93), includes a pair of horizontal, spaced-apart rails (20). Holders (60) for holding glass (93) are connected by hinges (40) to the ends of rails (20) by a horizontal hinge axis (45) and are rotatable between an erect position and a folded position. Right posts (70R) are of length such that in the folded position their upper ends (72R) are near the left hinge axis (45L). In the upright position, bottom ends (71L) of left posts (70L) being disposed to the left of the left hinge axis (45L) such that in the folded position they are higher than in the upright position such that left holder (60L) folds over right holder (60R).

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding carrier for carrying bulky cargo includes a frame, an upper member rotatably disposed on the frame and a cage rotatably and slidably disposed on the frame, the cage being configured to restrain forward, lateral and rearward movement of cargo placed therein. The upper member and cage are constrained for limited pivotal and/or slidable movement relative to the frame between extended carrying positions and collapsed storage positions. A locking element or brace is provided for securing the upper member in its extended carrying position. A series of straps are provided for securing articles, such as, for example, a cooler, on the cage as well as for securing the carrier to an automobile. The upper member may be provided with a pair of hook members which facilitate fastening the carrier to an externally mounted spare tire.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier is adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: An automobile accessory to be attached to the inside of the trunk lid. When the trunk lid is open, it provides a horizontal shelf in its operative position. The horizontal shelf provides space and support for various items, such as food and beverages. The device has two planar elements hingedly attached to each other along one edge, respectively. The two opposite edges of the planar elements are attached to each other by flexible adjustable straps. One planar element is fabricated with a uniform pattern of aperatures to cooperate with the trunk lid structure and provide different attachment points necessary for different automobiles. Fasteners, extending through the selected aperatures, are attached to the appropriate points on the inside of the trunk lid by bracket, magnet or otherwise adhered thereto, affixing the planar element to the trunk lid.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier for transporting a bicycle on the rear or front bumper of a vehicle, which consists primarily of three soft, flexible straps with buckles holding the bicycle under tension at an angle away from the vehicle while the tires rest in the internal angle formed by the junction of the exterior wall of the trunk or hood and the top surface of the bumper. Two upper straps of the carrier are at a first end looped through themselves to the handle bar stem and to the seat post of the bicycle. The two upper straps are then crossed near their mid-point to form an X and at a second end looped to the upper corners of the trunk or hood lid. A third strap of the carrier is at a first end looped through itself to the seat post of the bicycle and at a second end vertically attached to the underside of the bumper of the vehicle by way of a hook. The straps are adjusted and tightened by way of locking adjustable buckles.

Abstract: The carriers described herein employ an adjustable locking member to secure the carrier to the rear of a vehicle. A locking channel incorporates a cam lever used to adjust and lock the carrier and renders the mechanism inaccessible when locked. Apparatus for supporting and stabilizing a bicycle protrudes rearwardly from the base member.

Abstract: A ski rack having a pair of integrally formed hook portions and a pair of integrally formed channels which are adapted to help enable the ski rack to be secured to a cross bar or other like support member of an existing vehicle article carrier. The ski rack includes a pair of independent securing members also having a pair of hook portions which slidably engage within the pair of integrally formed channels and cooperate with the integrally formed hook portions to clamp the ski rack to an associated cross bar of the existing vehicle article carrier. The independent securing members of the ski rack are further adjustable to accommodate cross bars of varying cross-sectional widths and do not require any disassembly of the cross bar or any other component part of the vehicle article carrier before the ski rack is to be secured to the cross bar.

Abstract: A trailer system has a drawbar that connects to a flat bed via a laterally-swiveling joint. The drawbar has a forward member and an aft member. A clevis structure on the mating-end portion of each drawbar member is formed by two plates fixed to the sides of each drawbar and extending beyond its mating end. The plates on the forward drawbar member are less that half the height thereof and are fixed flush with the upper edge of the drawbar. The plates on the aft drawbar member are similar, and are fixed to the lower half of the drawbar. Aligned holes in the free ends of each pair of plate extensions can be aligned with a hole in the opposite drawbar member. The selection of bolts placed in these aligned holes can make the drawbar rigid for towing (if both bolts are in place), or its two members disconnected (if both bolts are removed), or the drawbar can be made bendable upwardly or downwardly, depending on which set of aligned holes is fastened with a bolt.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a lower mounting member, an upper mounting member and a support member. The upper mounting member is pivotably attached to the lower mounting member to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis. The support member is pivotably attached to the lower mounting member to pivot about a vertical pivot axis. The lower mounting member, the upper mounting member and the support member can be pivoted about their respective axes to lie in a substantially coplanar storage position.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier is adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: A device for carrying articles, in particular bicycles, on the rear portion of a motor-vehicle, has three structures having respective hubs mounted on a splined shaft, so that each structure may be easily separated from the splined portion of the shaft and mounted again in a different angular position relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A baggage carrier for a car roof comprises a supporting element extending in one plane and including a plurality of supporting members, a plurality of supports arranged to be located after the supporting element so as to support the supporting element on a car roof, and a unit for fixing the supporting element on a car body, the supporting element being collapsible in the plane so as to assume in at least one direction and dimension which is substantially smaller than an original dimension of the supporting element in the same direction.

Abstract: A foldable carrier that is mountable upon a vehicle includes rotatably connected frame, carrying, and supporting members. The carrying member is constrained for limited rotational movement relative to the frame between a carrying position and a stored position. A locking element, including a latch means and an arm means, positively locks the carrying member in its extended operational position, thus preventing collapse of the carrier after it is in use. Bicycles and other items are secured to the carrier using a tie-down system including either strap securing elements positioned on the ends of the carrying members arms or a series of mounting elements slidably positioned on the arms of the carrying member.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a roof rack of a vehicle. The structure includes two rails. Each rail has a rod supported for being transversely pivotable at supports arranged at the ends thereof and connected with a roof holding device. Bases are pivotably and nondetachably connected to the ends of the rods. The bases are detachably fastenable to the roof holding device. The transverse supports may have any mutual distance for being adaptable to different roofs and/or roof load dimensions.

Abstract: A carrier system for carrying elongate articles, such as skis and poles, on the exterior of an automobile includes a pair of separate, compact base members. Each base member includes three suction cups arranged in a triangular, three-point configuration for engaging the exterior of the automobile and further includes a flexible strap extending from side to side between the rain gutters of the vehicle. Each strap includes a cam-like tensioning member that, when rotated, significantly increases the tension in each strap. The base members are mounted one ahead of the other on the roof of the vehicle. A plurality of clips or other article-engaging members are detatchably mounted to the base members for engaging the articles to be carried. Different types of article engaging members are provided for carrying different types of loads. In one embodiment, each base member includes a pair of built-in load stops for carrying loads therebetween.

Abstract: A detachable carrier for mounting articles such as bicycles to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The carrier disclosed includes a frame with laterally spaced side portions and a lower offset portion that rests on a surface of the carrying vehicle. This surface is either a horizontal surface or a horizontal and vertical surface provided by the bumper either at the front or the rear of a motor vehicle. The lower end portions of the offset portions form a fulcrum with the support surface of the vehicle about which the frame will turn in a lever action. A lower pair of laterally spaced fastening straps with appropriate end fasteners secure a lower portion of the frame to the vehicle and an upper pair of laterally spaced fastening straps with appropriate end fasteners secure an upper part of the frame to the vehicle. An article support on a pivotal hub assembly extends out from the sides of the frame in an extended position and is folded to a down position between the side portions of the frame when not in use.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes first and second mounting members and a pair of bicycle support arms, all interconnected by a pair of housings. The first mounting member is rotatable to a selected position of adjustment and is locked in that position by means of a locking engagement with the bicycle support arms. The bicycle support arms can be rotated to unlocking positions to enable the first mounting member to be adjusted to a different position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying one or more bicycles on a motor vehicle and a strap for securing the carrier to the motor vehicle. The strap includes a stretchable and contractible resilient web that is connected intermediate the ends of the strap. A loop is formed in the strap when the strap is not tightened. The web is stretched by tightening and serves to maintain tension in the strap. When tightened, adjacent surfaces of that portion of the strap forming the loop and the web are in close juxtaposition. Separation between adjacent surfaces of the resilient web and the portion of the strap that forms the loop, provides a visual indication of the degree of strap tension.

Abstract: The tensioning structure for carryall bars on motor vehicles having no driprail, has supporting brackets for a carryall bar which can be mutually connected by means of a metallic cable having terminals at its ends. The terminals can be engaged in accommodation seats defined in the brackets. An end of the cable may be threaded for screw thread engagement with the terminal, whereby to adjust the length of the cable.

Abstract: A car storage system is disclosed which mounts to the ceiling of an automobile to provide storage for small items carried by a vehicle operator such as cassette tapes, compact discs, gloves, sunglasses, nasal tissue, and/or maps. The car storage system is adjustably mountable to the ceiling of an automobile such that any of the above items are easily within reach of a vehicle operator. The car storage system comprises a support member which is adjustable to any ceiling width and is mounted using pivotable flanges secured behind the trim molding normally placed about a vehicle's ceiling. A storage member which comprises a plurality of individual storage compartments is removably connected to the support member in order to provide the storage area for any of the above items.

Abstract: A device for loading, unloading and carrying a bicycle in an upright position on a motor vehicle roof provided with a pair of transverse carrier rails, comprising a shaped tube having its base pivotally connected to a support fastened to a first carrier rail, adapted to be rotated in a continuous manner from a lowered position for the engagement or disengagement of the bicycle frame, to a raised position for transporting the bicycle. There are further provided means for supporting and securing bicycle front wheel and bicycle frame, that are fastened to the second carrier bar and to the free end of the tube, respectively.

Abstract: A carrier basket which is intended to be secured on a vehicle roof comprises two longitudinal profile members between which extend a number of rods which form a load-carrying surface in the carrier basket. In order to eliminate the need for loose small parts on assembly and dismantling of the carrier basket, the rods are releasably connected to the profile members by snap catch connections. The snap catch connections are formed by locking heel disposed at the ends of the rods, the heel extending, in a rest position, outside the cross-section of the rod and being, against the action of spring force, depressable inside the cross-section. The rod extends through an opening in one wall of the profile member and has the locking heel inside the opening, and one end in abutment against the inside of the opposing wall of the profile member.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier is adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions of the mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: A freight stacking support apparatus is disclosed for supporting oversized freight above a tailgate of a pickup truck. The apparatus comprises a support beam, a securing bracket with a locking mechanism, a triggering button for activating the locking mechanism, and a receiving bracket, where the brackets are affixed to opposing top rear edges of the side walls of a pickup truck and the ends of the support beam are received in slots in the opposing brackets such that the support beam resides parallel to and above the tailgate. When the apparatus is in position, it allows the user to safely transport freight without damaging the tailgate. In addition, it permits user access to the contents of the pickup truck bed through the pivotable tailgate without lifting or removing the supported freight.

Abstract: A heavy duty bicycle rack which has angle adjustable support legs, wherein adjustment of the support arms does not require simultaneous adjustment of the legs which support the carrier on the vehicle. The rack includes a heavy duty positive locking mechanism in which locking pin ends are biased into a locking position, thereby selecting the angular position for the bicycle support arms relative to the legs. The locking pins are the ends of handles which can be pulled or withdrawn slightly to release the pins from the locking apertures to afford rotary movement of the support arms. The handles with the locking pin ends are supported in clam shell or cup shaped shells, these shells having apertures which permit relative movement of the handles and pin ends. Springs which bias the handles toward the locking position are confined in the cup shaped shells. A bolt secures each pair of shells, one support arm and brackets on each of the support frames together in assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bike carrier with rotary mounting means to adjust the angle of the support arms. A wide base with diverging frame portions provides support for heavy mountaineer bikes. Soft sleeves on the support arms have recesses to position several bikes in spaced relationship. In one embodiment rigid tubular arms fasten the rack to the gap between the roof and door of a van or wagon.

Abstract: A sleeve for a support arm for a bike rack is formed of a soft rubber or plastic and has recesses to position bike frames. A longitudinal groove in the top of the sleeve positions a shock cord in a storage mode. A knob on the end of the shock cord interfits in an end piece which holds the sleeve on the support arm.

Abstract: An enclosure for luggage for use on a vehicle cartop luggage rack of the type including either front and rear rails disposed in a spaced, parallel relationship, or else an essentially rectangularly shaped frame, mounted generally horizontally on the cartop. This enclosure utilizes rapidly operated securing devices on its front and back panels when intended for use on a two rail rack, or rapidly operated securing devices on all four of its peripheral panels when intended for use with a luggage rack principally constituted by front, back and side rails. In the latter type rack, the subject enclosure for luggage is insertable into the space defined by the four rails. Flexible, watertight material having front and back surfaces as well as side surfaces is used, and an access opening is provided in an upper part of the enclosure.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier adapted for use on the rear portion of a motor vehicle has an outer frame member, an inner frame member and two support arms. The frame members and support arms depend radially from hub assemblies. The angular relationship of the frame members and support arms may be adjusted by small increments and locked at various angular relationships.

Abstract: An automotive parts support rack for holding objects such as automotive parts, the rack being temporarily located on a substantially horizontal surface of a vehicle. The automotive parts support rack has a frame having a substantially rectangular configuration with four corners and having first and second longitudinally adjustable side sections connected respectively by first and second longitudinally adjustable end sections. Each of the first and second side sections and each of the first and second end sections has a holding device for holding the end and side sections at a desired length. At least four means for temporarily supporting the frame on the surface of the vehicle are attached to an underside of the frame at least substantially in the vicinity of the four corners, that is each of the corners have attached in a vicinity thereof a device for temporarily supporting the frame on to the substantially horizontal surface of the vehicle.