Abstract: A utility shelf mounted inside the cargo area of a pickup truck equipped with a camper shell. The utility shelf spans across the width of the camper shell resting on the base mounting flanges of the camper shell. The utility shelf has a flat rectangular shelf panel with forward and aft support rails to support objects being transported. Shelf panels are mounted low on the support rails creating a raised edge to keep items in place. Support rails and shelf panel are hinged at midpoint thereby allowing utility shelf to be lifted in the center to fold in half for removal and stowage. Each support rail hinge incorporates a concealed stop to keep the shelf flat when deployed. Support rail hinges are designed to reduce the possibility of pinched fingers while deploying. The ends of each support rail incorporate a tool free adjustable extender to allow for proper fit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear cargo scuff and a rear cargo area that has a floor including a cover that can be selectively opened to access a tool tray below the floor. A tool tray is connected to the rear cargo scuff by a first hinge. The tool tray is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, such that the tool tray rests below a top surface of the floor in the first position and is positioned above the top surface of the floor in the second position. The tool tray also includes a tool receiving portion configured to receive one or more tools. The tool tray includes a lid coupled to a second hinge, where the lid is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position via a second hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, a rear bumper, and a sweeper assembly is provided. The body has a forward end, a rear end, and a cavity provided therein extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The cavity has an opening at the rear end of the body. The rear bumper has an upper surface and is provided at the rear end of the body of the vehicle. The sweeper assembly includes a push plate movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The push plate is stored within the cavity of the body when in the retracted position and extends over the upper surface of the rear bumper when in the extended position to clear debris off the upper surface of the rear bumper.

Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted recycling, transporting, and even a waste container transporting apparatus includes a tubing connector, that secures with the trailer hitch of a vehicle, and having a support plate, that mounts a lifting tube permanently thereon. A pivot rod pivotally secures to the upper end of the lifting tube, and the pivot rod connects with a lifting lever, which when pivoted from a vertical to a horizontal position, allows for movement of a container either onto or off of the ground, in preparation for its transport, or removal from this apparatus. A lifting hook slidably engages with the lifting tube, and connects with a lifting bracket at its upper end, which connects with a short lever, that provides a sliding movement to the lifting hook either upwardly with respect to the lifting tube, or downwardly therefrom, so that its hook device can secure to the container to provide for its lifting, transport, and lowering, after it has been moved to a distant location.

Abstract: A plug for a bumper with a housing defining a cavity; a collar affixed to and extending from the housing, the collar defining an opening in communication with the cavity; a cap removably connected to the collar, the cap having a plurality of spaced-apart lugs on an interior surface thereof to enable the cap to be removably connected to a 4-in-1 adapter; wherein the opening defined by the collar is of sufficient size and shape to receive a 4-in-1 adapter therein when the cap is affixed to the collar, preferably by threaded screw connection. The housing has a plurality of magnets disposed on an interior surface thereof to facilitate attachment of the plug to a bumper by magnetic attraction and the cap preferably has a plurality of small scale apertures in communication with the opening and the cavity to provide ventilation while acting as a barrier to rodents, insects, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering an autonomous vehicle in a fleet of vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes detecting an existence of an adverse condition associated with an autonomous vehicle in the fleet. The method includes determining in response to detecting the adverse condition, a recovery plan for the first autonomous vehicle based at least in part on one or more attributes associated with the adverse condition, the recovery plan including one or more actions to recover the first autonomous vehicle at a remote location. The method includes initiating the recovery plan to recover the first autonomous vehicle at the remote location.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments for a rear bumper snow and ice shield. In an embodiment, a corrosion prevention device may be mounted on a vehicle. The corrosion prevention device may comprise a shield, a support, a mechanism, a left rail, and a right rail. The shield may comprise a left protrusion on a left end, a right protrusion on a right end, a front end, and a rear end. The support may comprise an upper end supporting the shield, and a lower end. The mechanism may be configured to secure the support in a raised position and further configured to secure the support in a lowered position. The lower end of the support may be in contact with the mechanism. The left protrusion may be housed within the left rail and the right protrusion may be housed within the right rail.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a base bin defining a storage cavity and configured to couple to a vehicle floor, a door coupled to the base bin and configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the door having a latch mechanism configured to selectively engage the base bin to facilitate maintaining the door in the closed position, and a locking assembly coupled to the door and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking assembly is configured to selectively engage the base bin in the locked position to facilitate preventing movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. The locking assembly is separate and independent of the latch mechanism such that the latch mechanism remains movable when the locking assembly is in the locked position.

Abstract: An extendable compartment assembly having a first compartment and a second compartment each having opposing sidewalls and a ceiling, a first frame coupled to the first compartment, a second frame coupled to the second compartment, and a slide assembly coupling the first frame to the second frame such that the second compartment is slideable relative to the first compartment between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second compartment is at least partially disposed within the first compartment and in the second position the second compartment is at least partially disposed outside the first compartment. A hitch assembly comprising a base arm having first and second ends, a first mating arm coupled with the first end, a second mating arm coupled with the second end, and a bias member coupling the first mating arm to the second mating arm.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a mounting member, an equipment support, and a mast. A lower end of the mast is pivotably interconnected with the mounting member and an upper end of the mast supports the equipment support. The mast is pivotable between an upright position for transport and a lowered position that positions the mast rearwardly of the vehicle. A movable connection between the mast and the equipment support lowers an inner end of the equipment support while raising an outer end when the mast is lowered, and raises the inner end of the equipment support while lowering the outer end when the mast is raised. The center of gravity of the equipment carried by the equipment support remains at a constant elevation during movement of the mast between the upright position and the lowered position.

Abstract: A vehicle front bumper includes a bumper member and a lockable drawer slideably coupled to the bumper member. The bumper member includes a middle portion including a coupled between two or more lateral portions. The middle portion of the bumper member includes a receptacle. The drawer includes a bottom wall and a perimeter of walls extending upwardly therefrom and defining a storage compartment therein. The lockable drawer is slideably moveable from a closed position, in which the storage compartment is disposed within the receptacle, to an open position, in which at least a portion of the storage compartment is disposed outward from a front end of the vehicle front bumper.

Abstract: An ATV rack for a pickup truck includes a pair of triangular braces, each secured to the upper edge of a truck bed sidewall, near the cab rear wall. Mounted on the braces is a storage grate formed of a fixed, horizontal front section, positioned above the cab roof, and a pivotal rear section. A free edge of the rear section can be lowered to load ATVs onto the grate and then raised to a horizontal position to transport the ATVs. The rear section may also be secured in a vertical, upright position to form an observation deck, or can be collapsed onto the front section to allow the cargo bed to be used for storage.

Abstract: A step installation structure of the truck includes at least a step support and a fixing member. Said step support is provided with a base for setting with the step assembly, a frame member is provided on the rear side of the base, which is used to insert inside the receiver hitch of the truck; said frame member is set with a plurality of perforations. Said fixing member is provided with a clamp body and a threaded bolt, the clamp body is set with a clip plate and a push plate which are arranged perpendicular to each other, the clip plate and the push plate are provided with a screw nut thereon separately; the end of the threaded bolt is provided with an anti-shedding member. Therefore, with the innovative fixing member, the step support can be more securely combined with the truck.

Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pick up truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading, transporting, and unloading a two-wheeled cycle includes an elongate rail configured to support a two-wheeled cycle. A loading ramp is connected to the proximal end of the rail and is selectively deployable to substantially ground level, thereby permitting a user to roll a two-wheel cycle up the loading ramp and onto the rail. The apparatus comprises an upper initial engagement mechanism and a lower initial engagement mechanism configured removably to attach to the wheels of the two-wheeled cycle. The upper initial engagement mechanism and the lower initial engagement mechanism provide sufficient stability to permit a user to remove his or her hands from the two-wheeled cycle without the two-wheeled cycle falling off the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a final engagement mechanism configured to secure the two-wheeled cycle safely to the apparatus during transportation.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for mounting an object to a pallet jack are disclosed. One apparatus includes a base, a hook, and a clamping element. The base is sized to be positioned on a head of the pallet jack. The hook is sized to engage an underside of the pallet jack. The hook is movably coupled to a front of the base such that a distance between the base and the hook is adjustable. The clamping element is coupled to a rear of the base. At least a portion of the clamping element is positioned to extend underneath the head of the pallet jack when the base is positioned on the head of the pallet jack.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a spare wheel of a motor vehicle includes a cradle, a cradle support, and a holding member. The cradle accommodates a spare wheel and is mounted pivotably between a closed position and an open position. The cradle support includes a link area fixed to the underside of the vehicle and a part forming a pivot for the cradle. The holding member of the cradle support or of the cradle includes an adjustment portion extending under the link area of the cradle support or of the cradle when the motor vehicle is in the driving position.

Abstract: A utility cart and docking apparatus are disclosed. The docking apparatus is configured to be attached to a utility vehicle and to receive the utility cart and raise the utility cart off the ground. The utility card has electronics which allow the utility cart to communicate with a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: A rotating lift system and method for transporting oversized agricultural implements. The rotating lift system includes a rotator arm, a rotator arm guide, and an arcuate rotation track all mounted on a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the rotator arm and is movable between lowered and raised positions and is adapted for connecting to a load. The rotator arm is pivotally connected to the trailer frame and rotates about a vertical axis. The rotator arm guide is connected to the opposing end of the rotator arm and engages the rotation track. The rotating lift system and method are adapted for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement and moving the implement between perpendicularly opposed field use and transport positions. A gas strut may optionally be equipped to aid in the lifting process. A telescoping light bar may be included to increase safety while in transport.

Abstract: A vehicle rear bumper with a utility well or tool box that is incorporated into a portion of a segmented rear bumper having a rearward facing surface that extends angularly forward relative to the back of the vehicle to facilitate access to the utility well and use of the utility well opening perimeter as a stepping surface or edge.

Abstract: A guard apparatus for mounting on a vehicle may comprise a guard structure comprising a plurality of bars joined together and having a major plane, a guard mounting structure configured to mount the guard structure to the vehicle in a manner permitting movement of the major plane of the guard structure between a first position and a second position, and a guard securing structure configured to secure the guard structure in the first position and release the guard structure to move toward the second position. The guard securing structure may be configured to secure the guard structure in the first position using magnetic attraction force.

Abstract: A hitch plate includes a hitch plate body having a heightwise extending portion sized and configured to extend alongside a rear of a utility vehicle and a lengthwise extending portion sized and configured to extend underneath the utility vehicle. The hitch plate further includes a male receiver hitch portion extending outwardly from the heightwise extending portion of the hitch plate body over the lengthwise extending portion of the hitch plate body and a female receiver hitch portion extending outwardly from the heightwise extending portion of the hitch plate body in a direction opposite the male receiver hitch portion.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes a structure that defines a compartment, and a cover that is moveably attached to the structure to cover the compartment. A compartment latch mechanism is attached to the structure for latching the cover to the structure. A compartment release mechanism is coupled to the compartment latch mechanism for actuating the compartment latch mechanism. The compartment release mechanism is disposed on one of a first lateral edge surface or a second lateral edge surface of the structure. When the tailgate assembly is disposed in a first position, the body of the vehicle conceals the compartment release mechanism to prevent access to the compartment release mechanism, thereby preventing actuation of the compartment latch mechanism and securing the cover relative to the structure.

Abstract: A storage bin configuration for a motor vehicle is provided in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The storage bin includes a storage bin body, a storage bin latch and a touch pad. The storage bin body has an outboard wall, an inboard wall, a forward wall and a rearward wall that collectively define a receptacle. The outboard wall forms a portion of an exterior of the vehicle. The storage bin latch is configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the storage bin latch maintains the storage bin body in a closed position. In the unlatched position, the storage bin latch permits movement of the storage bin body to an open position. The touch pad is configured on the storage bin body at a location at least substantially concealed from view behind the outboard wall.

Abstract: A load carrier or extender arm suitable for use on pick-up trucks or other vehicles includes telescoping curved bars that allow adjustment of the height of a load support cross arm or other support surface relative to a vehicle hitch receiver in which the device is mounted. The curvature of the two members increases the elevation of the device to avoid bottoming out. The rear curved member is part of a T-shaped load support with a cross arm extending laterally of the curved member. The extender arm is especially suited for transporting boats, canoes and kayaks in a pick-up truck.

Abstract: System and apparatus are disclosed for a cargo bed of a utility vehicle including side wall panels and a clamping device for mounting accessories. One exemplary embodiment includes cargo bed side panel having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, a clamping mechanism having a first finger configured to engage the first protrusion and a second finger configured to engage the second protrusion, and an actuator configured to move the first and second fingers effective to secure the clamping device to the side panel.

Abstract: A tray for mounting between walls in which the bottom and sidewalls of the tray body are formed as an integral piece using a pultrusion process. Electrical conductors may be embedded into the tray body to permit attachment and electrical coupling of lights and other electrical apparatus thereto. Slots formed in ridges which are intergrally formed on the bottom of the tray are aligned with slots formed in ribs formed integrally along an inner surface of the tray sidewalls. A tray divider is selectively securable in aligned slots in the ridges and ribs and held in place with a clip.

Abstract: An example collapsible automobile storage container includes a plurality of panels arranged with respect to a base. The plurality of panels are interconnected to form an enclosed storage area when erected. The plurality of panels are movable into both a collapsed position and an erected position. The plurality of panels include at least a top panel, a front panel, a back panel, and two side panels, the front panel movable to slide under the base of the container. The example includes a control device to grab and constrain the front panel in position to 1) swing vertically into an erected position against the side panels and base and to 2) keep the front panel from being pulled beyond a front edge of the base.

Abstract: Cargo carrying systems for attaching to a vehicle's cargo area, including a number of cross supports, the adjacent edges of two cross supports creating a storage compartment in which various storage containers are suspended, each cross support having a first and a second leg, each leg being separated from one another by a central member coupled to the top of each leg with a coupler, the bottom of each leg having a mounting bracket for attaching to the vehicle, the legs of adjacent cross supports being joined by a connecting rod.

Abstract: A removable, portable, carrier system for the transportation of a human powered vehicle on the exterior of a motorized vehicle, said carrier system comprises: a first independent means for releasably securing the handles of the human powered vehicle to the exterior of said motorized vehicle, and a second, independent means for releasably securing the seat of the human powered vehicle to the exterior of said motorized vehicle.

Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate the panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side bracing connected to the panels to move into supporting position when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, the bracing including a telescoping strut assembly having first and second elongated struts, and an actuator manually swingable to relatively extend and retract the struts configured to lock to bar structure in response to actuator swinging, and there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.

Abstract: An adjustable width headache rack capable of accommodating the widths of multiple pick-up truck vehicles and mounting thereon including a frame member having an upper load bar and a lower cross bar each extending between two upright members spaced a distance from one another. Leg members extend from each upright member in a rearward direction on top of bed rails of the pick-up truck. The leg members have a sleeve portion which slidingly engages the lower cross bar thereby enabling width adjustment. Screen members are interchangeable within the truck rack frame.

Abstract: A rack system for vehicles such as pickup trucks comprises a number of base supports each clamped atop one of the opposed vehicle side walls by effective but economical clamping devices, a side rail mounted to each base support in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, and, tie-down devices releasably secured to cross bars extending between side rails located on opposite side walls of the vehicle.

Abstract: A load carrier or extender arm suitable for use on pick-up trucks or other vehicles includes telescoping curved bars that allow adjustment of the height of a load support cross arm or other support surface relative to a vehicle hitch receiver in which the device is mounted. The curvature of the two members increases the elevation of the device to avoid bottoming out. The rear curved member is part of a T-shaped load support with a cross arm extending laterally of the curved member. The extender arm is especially suited for transporting boats, canoes and kayaks in a pick-up truck.

Abstract: Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate a panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side braces carried by the panels to pivot into bar supporting positions when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism is described for attaching accessories to a stake hole in the sidewall of a cargo area of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mechanism comprises of a base plate with a grove formed in the top of the base plate having the shape of an inverted T. An attachment plate having a connector, also having the shape of an inverted T, is attached to the bottom surface of the attachment plate. An attachment such as a tie down ring, a tie down anchor, a flag pole or tent pole holder or the like is attached to the top surface of the attachment plate. The attachment plate can then be attached to the base plate by sliding the inverted T shaped connector into the inverted T shaped groove in the base plate. Another attachment mechanism is described which can be used to attach accessories to vehicles without stake holes or to other regions of a vehicle.

Abstract: A device for storing handled tools in a vehicle, formed from a three dimensional body sized to fit in a vehicle and having a vertical dimension defining a vertical wall. The body includes at least one tube extending from the vertical wall of the body through at least a portion of the body, the at least one tube being sized to accommodate a handled tool. The body has a top surface on the body having sufficient strength to support cargo carried in the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is an extendable support device utilized with a pick-up truck that includes a cargo bed with a back that includes a trailer hitch, an adjustable horizontal member, an adjustable vertical member and an adjustable width member. There is also a pair of brake lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member and a pair of signal lights disposed on a pair of vertical members of the adjustable width member.

Abstract: A cab protection unit comprising a main frame pivotally attached to a load bearing frame; the main frame comprising a cross bar with to arms attached at each end of the cross bar; a yieldable structure attached to a bottom side of the main frame; and at least one support arm pivotally attached to at least one of the arms and configured to secure the load bearing frame into an open position; and the load bearing frame comprising a body having at least two load retention arms attached to one side of the body.

Abstract: A removable recreational vehicle carry apparatus provides for removable adjustable mount to an existing host vehicle such as a car or truck. The apparatus comprises a framework that substantially surrounds the host vehicle and provides for carry of recreational vehicles, mowers, and other equipment. Stabilizing jacks are provided for added rigidity during loading and unloading. Multiple ramps with hooks and wheels provide for loading as desired. Trunks and beds of trucks remain substantially free for loading of other equipment and items.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for use with a vehicle having a tailgate. The apparatus has a frame hingedly mounted to an exterior of the tailgate with at least about 270° of rotation relative to the tailgate. The apparatus has first and second arms pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the frame with at least about 90° of rotation relative to the frame from a resting position, in which the arms are substantially parallel to the frame, to an extended position. First and second panels mount between the arms when the arms are extended, wherein the first panel is mounted to ends of the arms that are opposite the frame and the second panel is mounted to an underside of each of the arms.

Abstract: A truck bed extender including an elongated support adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and a shorter upright support pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the elongated support, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside said elongated support, to an upright position extending upwardly away from said elongated support. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to said upright support, generally at the top thereof, for rotation from a collapsed position, in which the arms extend generally side by side upwardly from and generally in alignment with said upright support, outwardly to an operating position in which they extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions away from one another.

Abstract: A tool box laterally mountable in a pick up truck is provided that includes at least one lifting mechanism that lifts the toolbox vertically in between a first lowered position and at least one lifted position. In the lowed position the tool box occupies a portion of a length of a bed of the pick up truck and in the lifted position recaptures at least a portion of the length of the bed of the pick up truck.

Abstract: A vehicular cargo space extender includes a frame assembly adapted for slidable mounting to the vehicular cargo space. The frame assembly is slidable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the frame assembly extends effectively increases the length of the vehicular cargo space. In the retracted position, the frame assembly fits within the vehicular cargo space without obstructing the unextended length thereof.

Abstract: A truck rack (10) for a bed (14) of a pickup truck (12) in which a pair of opposing front supports (18) and a pair of opposing rear supports (20) attach at respective lower ends to the bed of the pickup truck, with the rear supports (18) each having a leading edge and a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the respective leading and trailing edges and the front supports (20) each have a trailing edge defined by opposing surfaces that taper from a transverse spacing to the trailing edge of the front support, with a pair of opposing side rails (22) that attach to respective front and rear supports, and interconnect by forward, intermediate, and rear transverse members (28) extending between and attached to the opposing side rails.

Abstract: An adjustable width headache rack capable of accommodating the widths of multiple pick-up truck vehicles and mounting thereon including a frame member having an upper load bar and a lower cross bar each extending between two upright members spaced a distance from one another. Leg members extend from each upright member in a rearward direction on top of bed rails of the pick-up truck. The leg members have a sleeve portion which slidingly engages the lower cross bar thereby enabling width adjustment. Screen members are interchangeable within the truck rack frame.

Abstract: A display apparatus for use with a truck having a receiver hitch includes a mounting bracket having oppositely disposed first and second ends, the first end being configured to be received in the receiver hitch. The apparatus includes a main support member coupled to the second end of the bracket, the main support member being height adjustable. The main support member defines an elongate channel. At least one fastener is coupled to the main support member for movement along the elongate channel, the fastener being selectively securable at a desired position along the channel. The fastener includes an eyelet to which a flag or banner may be secured. The apparatus may also include at least one auxiliary support member pivotally coupled to the main support member for displaying another flag.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a frame comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being configured to removably couple a motor assembly portion of a handsaw, and the bottom portion being configured to fixedly couple a structure. A method of affixing a handsaw to a structure that includes removably coupling a motor assembly portion of the handsaw to a structure using an assembly.

Abstract: An insert is provided for the hollow interior of a trick tool box including one or more rails having mounting structure for supporting bins, trays, tool racks, tool holders, hooks, pegs and other means for storing items within the box interior.

Abstract: A cargo hauling system is dimensioned to fit within a bed of a light truck. The bin moves forwardly and rearwardly relative to the truck bed along rollers provided on a tailgate of the truck. The tailgate is modified by reinforcing a perimeter of the tailgate, adding rollers to the tailgate, substituting reinforced linkages and hinges for factory originals, and adding a support member that extends between the trailer hitch and tailgate.