Abstract: A vehicle includes a rearward structure and a load carrier having a stowed position and a transport position. The load carrier includes a longitudinal carrier, an extendable rail connected within the longitudinal carrier, a base segment assembled on the extendable rail for mounting at least one bicycle, and a swiveling axis mounted between the longitudinal carrier and the extendable rail to pivot the extendable rail and the base segment away from the rearward structure of the vehicle to be able to open a tailgate or a deck lid. The base segment, the extendable rail, and the longitudinal carrier are located substantially entirely below the rearward structure of the vehicle in the stowed position. The extendable rail extends in a horizontal direction and is located behind the rearward structure of the vehicle in the transport position for transporting at least one bicycle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, at least two front wheels and at least two rear wheels operatively connected thereto, and a motor operatively connected to the wheels. A cockpit area includes a cockpit floor extending between a left end and a right end. A roll cage connected to the frame is disposed at least in part over the cockpit area. A driver seat connected to the frame and disposed in the cockpit area includes a driver seat base. A passenger seat connected to the frame and disposed in the cockpit area includes a passenger seat base. The passenger seat is disposed side-by-side with the driver seat. A storage space is defined at least in part by the cockpit floor and the driver seat base. The storage space is disposed under the driver seat base, and extends continuously laterally between the left end and the right end of the cockpit floor.

Abstract: A load carrier is provided for retraction from a rearward structure of a vehicle, in which the supporting frame on at least one longitudinally shifting oblong element equipped with a swiveling axis (S) is guided through the bumper of a motor vehicle, or guided under the bumper of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair transport system and apparatus enables users to transport a wheelchair by way of a motorized, tadpole-configured tricycle. The wheelchair transport apparatus includes a main frame, a pivot assembly, and a lever arm assembly. The main frame includes an elongate frame member that attaches to a motorized tricycle. The pivot assembly includes pivot arm and chair support assemblies. The pivot arm assembly includes two pivot arms pivotally attached to the main frame. The chair support assembly includes two support members pivotally attached to the pivot arms. The lever arm assembly is attached to a forward pivot arm. Together, the lever arm assembly, the pivot arms, and the support arms are positionable intermediate a lowered position and a raised position. The raised positions enable the user to transport a wheelchair as supported upon the support arms.

Abstract: The hitch bar with swivel has a proximal portion that attaches removably to the conventional receiver hitch receptacle of a supporting vehicle and a distal portion for supporting an apparatus, e.g., spreader for distributing animal feed, etc., thereon. The distal bar portion is positioned to overlay the proximal portion and to place the supported apparatus close to the rear of the supporting vehicle during operations in order to reduce the lever arm and corresponding bending loads on the hitch receptacle. The distal portion of the bar may be swiveled clear of the rear of the vehicle to allow the rear door (tailgate, rear hatch, etc.) of the vehicle to be opened when the vehicle is stopped. The distal bar portion and apparatus supported thereon have a combined length preferably less than half the width of the vehicle, permitting the bar to be swiveled freely without extending laterally beyond the vehicle.

Abstract: A universal bicycle rack with a lifting mechanism comprises a vehicle hitch-mounted bicycle carrier with mechanical vertical adjustment capabilities, a bicycle rack and a crank assembly. The bicycle rack comprises a durable metal bicycle receiving and retaining structure which provides securement of a plurality of bicycles to a motor vehicle for transport. The rack is connected to a crank assembly, comprising a hitch receiver, a vertical adjustment assembly, and a crank handle. The crank assembly is attached to an existing vehicle hitch via the hitch receiver portion. The vertical adjustment assembly provides attachment to the bicycle rack. The height of the attachment portion is manually adjustable via the crank handle. In use, a user may lower the rack, roll a bicycle into position over the rack, and utilize the crank handle to raise the rack and bicycles off of the ground surface for subsequent transport.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided with a seating row that is oriented in a passenger compartment forward of a storage compartment. The seating row has a seat back that is pivotally connected to the vehicle body for providing access to the storage compartment when the seat back is in a collapsed position. A battery having a top surface is mounted within the storage compartment. A receptacle is provided with a back surface that is connected to the top surface of the battery by a panel. The receptacle moves in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the battery between a rearward position within the storage compartment and a forward position within the passenger compartment. A face of the receptacle engages the seat back, and the panel extends from the receptacle to the battery in the forward position for providing a raised platform extending to the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.

Abstract: Helmet mount apparatus provides a secure helmet holder for mounting a fireman helmet in a fire truck or other emergency vehicle. Three brim brackets, one of which is slidable on a base plate against a spring bias force, clamp the brim of the helmet between the brim brackets. The helmet can be mounted by positioning the brim into the slidable brim bracket and sliding the brim bracket far enough to allow inserting the brim also into the other two brim brackets, and then releasing the helmet to allow the spring bias to clamp the helmet onto the mount apparatus.

Abstract: A cargo management assembly for a vehicle having a support structure having a utility wall and side supports. A cabinet assembly is operably connected with the support structure. A barrier partition is disposed above the utility wall. A floor member is disposed below the cabinet assembly and the barrier partition. The floor member includes a spare tire access panel.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.

Abstract: Apparatuses and related methods for holding bags for transporting trash or holding displays on the exterior of a vehicle. The apparatuses include an adjustable-size rack comprising one or more detachable members which are attachable to the receiver segment of a base member. A base member has an engagement segment for mounting the apparatus on a vehicle. In a first apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of the shoulder bolts used for installing the license plate on a vehicle. In a second apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on the shoulders of an adapter which is installed over the license plate of a vehicle. In a third apparatus, two straps link the engagement segment on the exterior to a restraining bar configured inside the trunk of a vehicle. In a fourth apparatus, the engagement segment mounts on an external spare wheel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A telescopic bicycle carrier installed on a vehicle so as to be able to load a bicycle outside the vehicle, may include a guide rail located inside a bumper of the vehicle and fixed to an end of a body of the vehicle, a guide frame slidably installed on the guide rail along a lengthwise direction of the vehicle, a pair of expansion brackets installed on lateral sides of the guide frame and slidable toward or away from each other with respect to the guide frame in a widthwise direction of the vehicle through the guide frame, bicycle wheel fixtures pivotally installed on the pair of expansion brackets to fix wheels of the loaded bicycle, and bicycle body fixtures pivotally installed on the pair of expansion brackets to fix a body of the loaded bicycle, wherein the pair of expansion brackets may be received inside the bumper along with the guide frame in a retracted state where the expansion brackets slide toward each other into the guide frame, and may be extracted from the bumper along with the guide frame if

Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided with a seating row that is oriented in a passenger compartment forward of a storage compartment. The seating row has a seat back that is pivotally connected to the vehicle body for providing access to the storage compartment when the seat back is in a collapsed position. A battery having a top surface is mounted within the storage compartment. A receptacle is provided with a back surface that is connected to the top surface of the battery by a panel. The receptacle moves in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the battery between a rearward position within the storage compartment and a forward position within the passenger compartment. A face of the receptacle engages the seat back, and the panel extends from the receptacle to the battery in the forward position for providing a raised platform extending to the passenger compartment.

Abstract: Carriers for a bicycle and methods of mounting a bicycle carrier to a vehicle are disclosed. In some examples, the carriers may include a first frame structure configured to couple to a vehicle and a second frame structure configured to couple to the vehicle. The carriers may additionally include a body disposed between the first and second frame structures. The first frame structure may be mounted to the body and the second frame structure may be slidably received within the body. The carriers may further include a first cable device. The first cable device may include a first cable reel rotatably mounted to the body, and a first cable having a first hook end portion configured to attach to a first portion of the vehicle. The first cable may be configured to be wound around the first cable reel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle carrier for a vehicle, which is housed in the rear bumper of the vehicle to be concealed and when necessary is drawn out from the rear bumper to carry a bicycle. The bicycle carrier includes a front frame positioned in a rear bumper of the vehicle and secured to a rear end of a vehicle body. A central frame perpendicularly passes through the front frame. A rear frame is secured to a rear end of the central frame. A folding unit couples each of opposite ends of the front frame with each of opposite ends of the rear frame and is folded to vary a distance between the front frame and the rear frame. A bicycle wheel support is provided on the folding unit. A bicycle body support is provided on the central frame.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.

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 modulator for supporting arms of a rear bicycle carrier comprises a support frame including a central post having two ends with which first and second supporting arms are connected; a ratchet holder integrally formed with or separately disposed on the connecting position of the central post, and including a plurality of inner teeth arranged around the internal periphery thereof; a connecting shaft inserted through the ratchet holder, on the two sides of an intermediate seat of the connecting shaft being mounted two ratchet members for engaging with the inner teeth of the ratchet holder; a control unit fixed on a predetermined position of the rear bicycle carrier for being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to disengage at least one ratchet member from the inner teeth of the ratchet holder such that the first and second supporting arms can be adjusted toward a suitable angle relative to the central post.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a hub portion to which is secured a number of vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging support members. The various support members are each connected to sections of the hub that are movable relative to one another and that include engagement structure to hold the hub sections in desired angular positions with respect to one another. The hub sections can be moved upon disengagement of a clamping mechanism that compresses the hub sections into engagement with one another, and also holds each of the various components of the carrier in connection with one another.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a base holder mountable to a vehicle and a support holder for holding a bicycle. The holders both include front and rear frames which extend transversely to a longitudinal vehicle direction. The support holder is movable in the longitudinal direction between a neutral position in which the holders extend over one another and an operating position in which the holders extend out from one another. The front frames meet when the support holder is in the neutral position and the rear frames meet when the support holder is in the operating position. A switch has a pair of switching components respectively located on one of the pair of front frames or the pair of rear frames. The switching components contact one another to activate the switch when the pair of frames meet and the switch actuates an indicator device upon being activated.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying goods for an invalid vehicle, such as a wheelchair, having a seat. The carrier has a basket support and a foldable basket with a back wall. The basket support has vehicle connectors for detachably connecting the basket support to the vehicle with the support behind the seat. The basket support also has basket connectors for detachably connecting the basket to the support with its back wall against the support. The basket can be detached from the basket support and used alone. The support, with or without the basket attached to it, can be detached from the wheelchair when the wheelchair is to be folded.

Abstract: A support for a bicycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel includes a frame and a trough-shaped support including a pivoting wheel engagement section pivotably mounted to the frame in a first location for movement about a pivot axis between a loading position and a support position. The pivoting wheel engagement section engages a portion of an outer periphery defined by a first one of the bicycle wheels, and faces upwardly to receive the bicycle wheel when the wheel engagement section is in the loading position and faces laterally when the wheel engagement section is in the support position. A second wheel engagement member is mounted to the support frame in a second location spaced from the first location, and is configured to engage a second bicycle wheel when the wheel engagement section is engaged with the first bicycle wheel in the support position.

Abstract: A cargo carrier having a hitch sleeve on its bottom and legs with wheels on its sides. A hitch shaft is inserted into a trailer hitch on a vehicle and the hitch sleeve fits over the hitch shaft. The legs have an internal screw type jack mechanism to raise and lower the cargo carrier to place the hitch sleeve over the hitch shaft, and to raise the legs so that the vehicle can transport the cargo carrier on the hitch shaft without having to remove the legs. The wheels allow the cargo carrier to be portable when not connected to the vehicle and allow the hitch sleeve to be aligned with the hitch shaft to facilitate insertion of bolts through the hitch sleeve and hitch shaft, thereby fastening the cargo carrier to the hitch shaft. The legs can be rotatably mounted to the cargo carrier to provide additional clearance of the legs above the ground by rotating them, once the cargo carrier hitch sleeve is connected to the hitch shaft inserted in the vehicle trailer hitch.

Abstract: A cargo carrier apparatus with cargo platform and vehicle hitch receiver bar. The cargo platform is supported by the receiver bar and the cargo carrier apparatus has an adaptor supported by the receiver bar. The adaptor having an additional component assembly joining device and a sleeve portion secured to a free end of the receiver bar with the sleeve being C-shaped cross-sectioned that is supported by an underlying portion of the receiver bar. The adaptor having a joining device receiving an extension device extending between the joining device and an above supported additional component as in a bike carrier assembly or grill assembly. The cargo platform, adaptor and receiver bar are stacked with one or more bolts extending through all elements in the stack. The extension device includes a straight or bent support post with attachment device at both ends for connection with the joining device and the additional component.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the safe and easy transport of refuse cans such as standard residential refuse cans. The present invention includes a removably mountable refuse can transport device that is mounted to a vehicle by a hitch engagement such as an insert to a conventional trailer hitch, a vertical support mounted with a base that supports a refuse can and a locking plate that moves vertically to retain a refuse can on the base to allow convenient transport of the refuse can.

Abstract: A mountable storage arrangement includes a mounting frame and a mountable storage device. The mounting frame includes a draw tube and a base member and upright member secured to the draw tube. The base member includes a support member having an axially extending portion and a laterally extending portion. The mountable storage device includes a base portion having a lower frame engaging surface including a recess sized to receive the support member to limit lateral and axial movement of the base portion with respect to the base member. The mountable storage device further includes an upright portion having an attachment feature configured to be secured to a corresponding attachment feature of the upright member to limit vertical movement of the base portion with respect to the base member when the support portion of the base member is received in the base portion recess.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a mounting assembly (10) for supporting a hopper (16) and a spreading mechanism (12) on a vehicle (14) for carrying and spreading a material. A spreader frame (18) supports the hopper (16) and a bumper bracket (60) is mounted to a bumper of the vehicle (14) for attaching the spreader frame (18) to a bumper. The mounting assembly (10) further includes a hitch support (70) for supporting the spreader frame (18) on a hitch receiver (72) of the vehicle (14). A plate (76) interconnects the hitch support (70) to the spreader frame (18) for adjusting a height of the hitch support (70) relative to the spreader frame (18). A pair of vertical supports (62) extend vertically from the spreader frame (18) for attachment to the bed of the vehicle (14) at an upper end (86) thereof.

Abstract: A bike carrying rack for use with a wheeled vehicle includes a main frame, a mounting member mounted on the main frame and has two ends each movably mounted in a respective one of the first mounting tube and the second mounting tube of the main frame, and two support members each rotatably mounted on a respective one of the first upright tube and the upright tube of the link of the main frame. Thus, the bike carrying rack is both available for the back tire located at the right side and the left side of the rear portion of the wheeled vehicle, thereby enhancing the versatility of the bike carrying rack.

Abstract: A rack designed to provide convenient storage of doors optionally removable from “JEEP” style Sport Utility Vehicles. This allows a driver to operate the vehicle with the doors removed and thus free up interior space. The rack is mounted on the rear of the vehicle exteriorly of the rear-mounted spare tire. Mounted securely in the rack, the doors are spaced from the spare tire and are prevented from rubbing each other and the spare tire. The doors are therefore protected from scratches and abrasions.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted wheel repair platform includes a vehicle connection assembly, a wheel repair platform assembly, and a wheel securing assembly. The vehicle connection assembly includes a horizontal section having a vehicle attachment port for coupling to a vehicle, and a vertical section connected to the horizontal section. The platform assembly includes a vertically-oriented section configured to engage the vertical section of the vehicle connection assembly, and a wheel platform connected to the vertically-oriented section. The wheel securing assembly is coupled to the wheel platform and operable to secure a wheel to the top surface of the wheel platform.

Abstract: A swing-away hitch mounted equipment carrier that is movable between collapsed and extended positions has a rectangular insert that is sized and shaped to be received in a trailer hitch receiver affixed to a vehicle. A fixed arm is attached to the insert. A first swing arm is pivotally connected to the fixed arm and a second swing arm is pivotally connected to the first swing arm. A vertical member having an equipment carrier affixed on an upper end is pivotally connected at a lower end to the second swing arm. The vertical member is constrained for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, the equipment carrier rotating with the vertical member. A first control member is provided for controlling the pivoting movement of the first and second swing arms as the swing-away hitch mounted equipment carrier is moved between the collapsed and extended positions.

Abstract: A roof rack system that is a platform for any roof mounted products. Examples of such products include bikes, skis, snow boards, kayaks, canoes, or storage compartments or baskets. This system will fit any vehicle, any make, any model, any year, with a single stock keeping unit (SKU). It is also an attractive rack, even if it does not carry any products.

Abstract: A rear-mounted, removable vehicle storage device for storing and/or transporting items with a vehicle. The vehicle storage device includes a material shell defining a storage space therein. The material shell may be self-supporting or supported by an interior frame structure. The vehicle storage device may be mounted on a vehicle ladder, equalizer hitch, tire mount, or bumper. In addition, a recreational equipment carrier may be incorporated with the vehicle storage device.

Abstract: A vehicular tailgating system typically for mounting in or to a rear hatchback portion of a passenger-type vehicle is selectively interconnectable to a power source. In one aspect, the system described herein has a housing defining several temperature-specific chambers therein which are adapted to receive one of several interchangeable modules to provide a wide range of functionality to the system.

Abstract: Hitch mount load carrier including a stinger adapted to be stabbingly received in a hitch mount receiver of a carrying vehicle. A fixed upright post is stationarily coupled to the stinger, and an upright load supporting member is coupled to the fixed upright post by an expandable and contractable or swing-away linkage. A securement arrangement is adapted to releasably couple the upright load supporting member to the fixed upright post. The securement arrangement has a threaded receiver positioned upon the upright load supporting member at an aperture extending through at least a portion of the upright load supporting member. An elongate slot is positioned upon the fixed upright post and is configured to receive a threaded bolt therethrough. A threaded bolt is provided and configured to be insertible through the elongate slot and dimensioned to be vertically variably positionable in the elongate slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo storage device for a vehicle having a passenger space and an end gate including a back end situated adjacent a rearward-most seat, at least one pair of sidewalls extending from the back end and having a plurality of storage units therein, a floor situated between the sidewalls and reconfigurable between a lowered position and a raised position, a door situated in the floor and pivotally operable between a closed position and an opened position, an organizational bin situated beneath the floor and having a plurality of dividers therein, and wherein at least two opposing storage units have identical tracks thereon.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) includes various storage compartments so that the weight loaded onto the vehicle may be evenly distributed between the front and rear suspension of the ATV. The ATV is capable of hauling a variety of loads over various terrains. The ATV contains a rear storage compartment, at least two side storage compartments, a front storage compartment, and a front rack to enable the rider to carry or attach a wide variety of loads onto the ATV without causing the vehicle to overturn or flip up due to the additional weight. Additionally, the ATV may also include a tree guard positioned on each side of the ATV to protect the rear storage and side compartments and to prevent cargo on the rear storage compartment from being dislodged by trees that might protrude into the rider's path.

Abstract: The Universal Bar Holder is a square tube that slides over 2″×2″ square tube and has a means of holding a round or rectangular bar used to support kayak saddles when transporting kayaks above the roof of a vehicle.

Abstract: A decklid and luggage compartment system for an automotive vehicle includes a luggage compartment located at one end of a vehicle and a decklid for closing the luggage compartment. A linked hinge moves the decklid translationally from a closed position to a raised position and axially displaced open position. The decklid maintains a common attitude in both the closed and opened positions. A combination load floor and bumper assembly having a load floor for the luggage compartment is mounted upon a sliding carrier for movement between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A transportation unit is provided for the secure and efficient collection, storage, and hauling of waste. The unit consists of a fully enclosed containment area that is secured to a frame and supported by wheels. The containment area is equipped with a dual access sliding door system to facilitate the convenient loading and unloading of waste.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base disposed on or within a vehicle compartment floor and having a surface that is exposed to the vehicle compartment when the apparatus is in an operative (i.e., open) position. A rear panel is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. End panels are movably attached to respective end portions of the rear panel. The end panels move from their respective stored positions to operative positions in response to movement of the rear panel. One or more partition panels that are movably attached to either the rear panel or to the base surface, may be provided.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted wheelchair rack assembly with lifting capabilities for transporting a folded wheelchair at the rear of a vehicle. The rack assembly integrates a jack assembly into a stationary L-shaped frame coupled to the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the jack assembly is coupled to a telescopic T-joint member wherein actuation of the jack assembly moves a vertical casing of the T-joint member along a vertical strut member of the L-shaped frame. The vertical strut member has a longitudinal opening or channel which has a length that defines a continuous range for lifting or elevating or, alternately, lowering the T-joint member and a folded wheelchair strapped to the T-joint member.

Abstract: A supplementary cargo carrier for a vehicle. The carrier includes a support-frame, a platform and support bars which can be pivoted relative to the platform. The support-frame can be removably attached to a trailer hitch. The carrier can have a variety of configurations depending on the intended application, the configurations being changeable by adjusting the support bars and by reversing the orientation of the platform relative to the support-frame.

Abstract: A rear-mounted, removable vehicle storage device for storing and/or transporting items with a vehicle. The vehicle storage device includes a material shell defining a storage space therein. The material shell may be self-supporting or supported by an interior frame structure. The vehicle storage device may be mounted on a vehicle ladder, equalizer hitch, tire mount, or bumper. In addition, a recreational equipment carrier may be incorporated with the vehicle storage device.

Abstract: A carrier and hitch assembly comprises a rigid, elongated housing having a door covered opening on a front face. The housing is large enough to contain a standard size golf bag and a complete set of clubs. The housing is provided with wheels and a handle so that the housing may be utilized in cart-like fashion. The rear face of the housing is provided with structure for attaching the housing to a hitch assembly for transporting the housing at the rear of an automotive vehicle or golf cart.

Abstract: A load-bearing frame assembly for coupling to a roof of a vehicle is provided. The load-bearing frame assembly comprises a front frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the front of the vehicle roof, a rear frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the rear of the vehicle roof, and a frame extension section adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front frame section and the rear frame section. The front frame section includes a first connector and a first load bar for supporting a sports equipment mount. The rear frame section includes a second connector complementary to the first connector so that the rear frame section is joinable to the front frame section to form a first, smaller load bearing frame. The frame extension section is adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front and the rear frame section to form a second, larger load-bearing frame.

Abstract: An improved bicycle carrier is provided for mounting to the rear end of an automobile to receive and support one or more bicycles. The bicycle carrier has a frame formed from a unitary convolutely-shaped metal bar that defines a pair of bicycle support members on one end and a vehicle engaging member at the other end. The frame is shaped such that the vehicle engaging member can be positioned to engage and rest against the rear end of an automobile with the support members projecting rearwardly for receiving one or more bicycles. A stabilizer is secured to the frame and extends away from the support members for resting on the trunk of a car to stabilize the carrier. The stabilizer is selectively movable in the vertical direction and can be locked in place to insure that the support members extend at a predetermined attitude relative to horizontal. A leveling indicator is provided on the frame for indicating an optimum attitude of the support arms during adjustment of the stabilizer.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a hauling vehicle equipped with a conventional receiving style hitch assembly having a tubular cross member extended along the width of the hauling vehicle and attached to the frame thereof. The tubular cross member includes opposing ends and a centrally located extension tube each having an opening for receiving the mounting hardware of the carrier rack. The carrier rack further comprises a sturdily constructed carrying platform, ramp means for loading the carrying platform, and retractable casters for supporting the carrier rack when not mounted on a hauling vehicle. In addition, the carrier rack preferably has one or more rear safety lights which are communicatively connected to the electrical system of the vehicle via a wiring harness. For the driver to easily locate the rear of the carrier rack via a rear view mirror, a removable tailgate may also be installed.

Abstract: An external equipment carrier with a cargo holder includes an arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch on a vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are connected to the back of the arm. The top of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo holder is removably carried on a support bar at the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. The arm is articulated for retracting the cargo holder to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the cargo holder to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle. The cargo holder includes retractable legs with wheels. In another embodiment, the cargo holder is supported on a foldable platform attached to the top of the jack. In another embodiment, the jack is comprised of a screw jack connected to a rear end of a hinged arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch.