Abstract: A tailgate for an automotive vehicle which defines an insulated liquid storage tank which includes a closeable inlet opening and a dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: An external equipment carrier with a cargo box for a vehicle includes an arm with a proximal end for being attached to a trailer hitch on the vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are attached to the distal end of the arm. The top end of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo box is removably carried on a support bar attached to the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. Although the jack has a very high lifting capacity, it is very inexpensive, and does not require a locking or braking system. A pair of mirrors and brake lights are attached to an extendable arm connected to the guide rail. The mirrors enable a driver to see behind and below the box when backing up. The arm is articulated for retracting the box to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the box to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle.

Abstract: A combination load support for use as a roof height carrier or pickup box extender that inserts into a standard receiver hitch. The device provides support for one end of ladders, canoes, etc. and the pickup cab or sport utility roof provides support for the other end. When one section of this combination load support is inserted in the opposite direction, long loads extending beyond the pickup truck's tailgate can be supported.

Abstract: A fender cover having removable, repositionable pockets. The fender comprises a main panel of flexible material of characteristics suitable for protecting painted finishes and similar delicate surfaces. The main panel has snap fasteners disposed in plural rows on both sides of the main panel. A pocket bearing member having a plurality of separate but adjacent pockets has corresponding snap fasteners enabling the pocket bearing member to be fastened on the main panel selectively at a variety of locations. More than one pocket bearing member may be provided and fastened to the main panel. The fender cover has eyelets for tying to an environmental surface. Optionally, the fender cover also has suction cups for adhering to a smooth surface by suction.

Abstract: The rear-mounted vehicle cargo carrier includes a mounting bar for detachable mounting on a vehicle. A first arm is pivotally mounted on the mounting bar. The first arm pivotally carries a second arm. A frame bar is pivotally carried on the second arm. The frame bar is part of the cargo carrier rack, which has fittings suitable to carry the selected cargo. With this structure, the rack can be swung in any desired direction out of the way of the rear doors or tailgates of the vehicle. A locking pin locks the rack and arms to the mounting bar in folded, travel position.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a vehicle having a standard receiver hitch, comprising a receiver bar for connecting the carrier with the receiver hitch, and a plate member depends from and is disposed transversely to the receiver bar. The plate member has a substantially planar facing disposed outwardly from the receiver bar. A retaining member such as a cross-bar or yoke is affixed to the planar facing of said plate member. A generally horizontally disposed platform depends from the support member useful for supporting and transporting a load.

Abstract: A truck bed extender mounts to a vehicle to support loads which are longer than the load bed of the vehicle. The truck bed extender includes a main beam adapted to engage a conventional box receiver on the vehicle. A load support is mounted to the main beam and includes a load support bar which extends transversely to the main beam when the truck bed extender is in use. A storage mount is provided to allow mounting of the load support to the main beam in a storage position when the load support is not being used. The truck bed extender can be mounted to the box receiver in a storage position.

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

Abstract: An adjustable, portable tool tray assembly for external mounting on a motor vehicle. The tool tray assembly has an open tray compartment, a means for removable engagement with the motor vehicle which extends from the tray and a slidably adjustable, hinged brace for positioning the tool tray assembly on numerous locations on the motor vehicle. The tray may be composed of two tray components which may be adjusted with respect to each other to vary the size of the open tray compartment.

Abstract: A device for a variable division of a motor vehicle boot and for securing a loaded cargo, the device comprises two guide rails arrangeable at a distance apart on a boot floor, at least one supporting panel arranged between the guide rails and displaceable at right angles to the guide rails, rolling devices by which the at least one supporting panel is displaceable to the guide rails and which are arranged in both the guide rails and joined to one another, a sliding block which guides the rolling devices in one of the guide rails, the support panel being rotatably mounted on the sliding guide block and being pivotable from a horizontal position lying on the boot floor into a supportable upright position.

Abstract: The present invention is a towing device for two-wheeled vehicles. An elongate channel member is positioned on, and is attached to, a wheel-lift extending from the rear of towing vehicle. The elongate channel member has first and second elongate portions, hingedly and releasibly attached to each other. The elongate channel member, for supporting a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, has components for attaching to the lift assembly. The controllable lift assembly of the towing vehicle may be lowered so that the towing device serves as a ramp upon which the motorcycle can be easily rolled. The lift assembly is lifted to place the towing device, with motorcycle thereon, in towing position. A plurality of straps and/or bands are utilized to hold the motorcycle in place on the channel members.

Abstract: A tool box locking device includes a base plate secured to opposing side walls in an interior of a tool box. The base plate has a pair of slots formed therethrough on opposing sides thereof. A pivot shaft is secured to the base plate between the pair of slots formed therethrough. The pivot shaft has end portions extending over the pair of slots through the base. A U-shaped handle has free ends thereof pivotally coupled with the end porions of the pivot shaft. A U-shaped locking bar is positionable at an exterior of the tool box with free ends thereof extending inwardly of the tool box through the slots thereof and through the slots of the base plate to be pivotally coupled with the free ends of the U-shaped handle. A locking mechanism is included for selectively locking of the U-shaped handle.

Abstract: An equipment carrier assembly for mounting to a snowplow mounting bracket includes at least one and preferably a pair of carrier stands each including a lower platform for supporting equipment thereon and an upright mast mounted to and extending upwardly from the lower platform for attaching equipment thereto, a lower shaft latching mechanism attached on and extending between the lower platforms of the carrier stands for mounting the carrier stand to the snowplow mounting bracket, and upper slide locking mechanisms on the upright masts of the carrier stands for securing the carrier stands to the snowplow mounting bracket. The carrier stands of the assembly may be intercoupled to one another by components attached to and extending respectively between the lower platforms and upper masts of the carrier stands.

Abstract: A carrier rack for a car is described for attachment to a car mount. The car mount is connected to the license plate area of the car using the same mounting holes as the license plate. The carrier rack is formed of a simple structure having a main rack member attachable to the car mount and extending generally upright to an upper member which is movably mounted to the main rack member and is reversible for the mounting of bikes or skis. A bike mount is used that provides both vertical and side support of a bike and is convenient to use. Ski mounts are placed on the main rack and upper members to support skis in an adjustable manner.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier for storing and transporting luggage, gear, equipment and the like on the exterior of a vehicle. The carrier is attached to a common trailer hitch and is particularly well suited for use with a mini-van or sport utility vehicle which has a rear opening door or hatch. The carrier is slideably moveable, permitting outward extension, while still being connected to the vehicle, to provide easy access to and unobstructed opening of the vehicle rear door or hatch, and to provide unobstructed access to the vehicle's existing interior cargo area. Subsequently, the carrier is inwardly slidably retracted so that it is firmly disposed in an aerodynamically favorable position proximate the rear of the vehicle. The carrier comprises a connection member which interfaces with the hitch, a frame member which interfaces with the connection member, and a storage box or container member which is connected to the frame member.

Abstract: A carrier for a two wheel vehicle adapted for mounting on the rear of a motor vehicle, with one configuration of this carrier being an extended position intended for carrying a two wheeled vehicle. The second configuration of the carrier is a compacted position in which a minimal amount of space along the rear of the motor vehicle is occupied. This carrier utilizes a rigid base member having a wheel receiving portion, and a second rigid member pivotally attached to the base member, the second member also having a wheel receiving portion. The second member, when in the compacted position, has its wheel receiving position adjacent the wheel receiving portion of the base member, but when the second member is moved to the extended position, its wheel receiving portion is removed for a relatively substantial distance from the wheel receiving portion of the base member.

Abstract: A cycle and/or ski rack for mounting on vehicles comprises a set of branches in V-shape (2, 3) interconnected at the acute end of the V-shape by a mutually spacing connecting link means (7). Mutually pivotable gripping and holding means (8A, 8B) are arranged at the connecting link means between the branches of the V-shape for gripping a holding device, such as a ball (1) associated with a trailer towing hitch behind a vehicle. The V-shape branches are held in a mutual position by a toggle joint-like cross link connection (4, 5, 6) comprising in particular two parallel link arms on at least one side of the toggle joint. A releasing arm (6A) is designed with an extension (6B) extending from the releasing arm in the direction of the releasing movement and is adapted with a further extension (6G) which extends further in below a member (45) positioned below the releasing arm in the area of the toggle joint mechanism.

Abstract: A rack particularly suited for carrying one or more bicycles held firmly in place with a three point connection without the necessity for removing a wheel and with the rack extensible to allow moving the loaded rack with minimal effort to gain access to the rear of the vehicle being used.

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

Abstract: Various arrangements of a bicycle carrier for transport by motorized vehicle include a particular type of clamping device for securely gripping the tire of a bicycle wheel mounted therein. The clamp comprises a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart side panels adapted to receive a bicycle wheel and frictionally engage the tire when the panels are drawn together by a suitable closure, such as a bolt and nut combination. Theft protection is afforded by a padlock extending through holes in the two panels. In one arrangement, the clamp is stamped of sheet metal with the side panels being flexible enough to accommodate being drawn together by the adjustable closure. In another arrangement, the side panels are hinged to a base plate so that they can be pivoted into frictional engagement with the bicycle tire. The carrier mounts transversely on a longitudinal support member adapted for installation in the receiver portion of a conventional vehicle-mounted trailer hitch.

Abstract: A storage container for mounting externally to the rear of an automobile and which comprises a substantially rigid container the container having an articulated mounting to enable it to be mounted to the rear of an automobile and when mounted be movable between a raised position providing ground clearance for forward travel of the automobile and a lowered position proximate to the ground to facilitate loading and unloading of the container and to provide clearance to allow a rear upwardly lifting door of the automobile to be opened.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing a helmet (44) on a motorcycle includes a set of straps (12 to 18) attached to each other at a generally central point and extending downwardly in radial directions to form a cage (10). One of the straps is a lockable strap (12) and includes a hole (38) disposed at a lower end. The lateral straps (16 and 18) each includes a hook (26) at a lower end for engaging the edges of the motorcycle's fender (28), and the rear strap (14) includes a hook (32) for engaging a hoop member (30) attached to the rear of the fender. A T-shaped anchor (42) with a hole (40) thereon is attached to the front of the fender. When the lockable strap is unlocked and raised, the helmet can be positioned within the cage. The lockable strap can then be lowered so that its hole aligns with the hole on the T-shape anchor, and a lock (46) can be inserted through the holes to lock the helmet in the cage. The helmet is thereby securely protected from theft and accidental damage.

Abstract: An article carrier adapted to be detachably interconnected with a vehicle such as an automobile, truck or trailer. The article carrier includes a connector member adapted to be telescopically received within a tubular member affixed to the vehicle and a carrier assembly carried by the connector member and a fixed arm and a swingable arm to which a generally vertically extending column and one or more outwardly extending article supporting elements is connected. The fixed arm and the swingable arm are disposed in a side-by-side relationship and are uniquely interconnected so that the arc through which the swingable arm can swing is limited. A novel clamping mechanism is provided to securely interconnect the connector members of the device with the tubular hitch in a manner to positively prevent relative vibratory movement between the members.

Abstract: A transporter device for jet skis comprised of a first support attachable the rear of a vehicle. A second support attachable to the vehicle. A transverse support is coupled at intermediate points to the rearward ends of the primary supports. A quick disconnect couples the first main support with the cross support. A swivel joint couples the rearward end of the second main support with the cross support. The cross-support is formed with a small channel member coupled to the second primary support and a large channel member receiving the small channel member at an intermediate extent and coupled to the first primary support. A quick disconnect pin couples the two channel members of the cross support to effect its shortening and lengthening. A pair of cradle members are secured to the large channel member for receiving thereon a jet ski with a forward upwardly extending support secured to the smaller channel member with a wench for supporting the forward end of a jet ski whereby a jet ski may be transported.

Abstract: A carrier rack device for delivering replacement windshields for automotive vehicles, panels of flat glass, or other types of panels outside of and to the rear of an automotive vehicle, such as a conventional pickup truck, is constructed to be cantilevered from attachment to the rear of the vehicle. In one form of the invention, the device attaches to the usual trailer hitch of the vehicle. In another form, the device attaches directly to the tailgate of a truck, usually a conventional pickup truck. In both forms, a pair of laterally spaced, elongate carrier parts extend from securement to the rear of the vehicle so as to extend longitudinally rearwardly for receiving therebetween the panels to be carried in-conventional receiving pockets. One form is more versatile than the other in its provision of separate carrier parts, each having mounting structure components that telescope in selectively different ways into attachment with other mounting structure to serve different purposes.