Abstract: A tow adapter adapts tail light signals of a towing vehicle for suitable tail light signals of a towed vehicle. The tow adapter adapts a left turn signal, a right turn signal, and a brake signal from the towing vehicle to energize left and right tow lamps of the towed vehicle. To energize the left tow lamp, the tow adapter selectively generates a left energization signal and a left enable signal based on the left turn signal and the brake signal. The tow adapter then selectively outputs the left energization signal based on the left enable signal to energize the left tow lamp. The tow adapter similarly adapts the right turn signal and the brake signal to energize the right tow lamp. Circuitry for one embodiment for the tow adapter minimizes any voltage loss in adapting tail light signals and functions despite a burned-out or removed tail light lamp of the towing vehicle. The circuitry also adapts a brake signal for the towed vehicle despite a tow adapter malfunction.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier having a tubular base for telescopic interconnection with a receiver type trailer hitch is disclosed. A channel bracket is secured to the base and has upstanding mounting arms straddling a spaced pair of tubular uprights lower end portions which are pivotally connected to the mounting arms. An inverted channel straddles and is pivotally connected to the upright upper portions. A bicycle mounting section is secured to the channel. The section includes mechanism for securing a bicycle to the carrier for transport. The uprights, channel and section are moveable relative to the base between an upright bicycle transport position and a lowered access position. A double latching system releasably retains the carrier in its transport position. A shock absorber is interposed between the base and a first of the uprights to cushion movement from the transport to the access position.