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 saddlebag includes a body and a lid pivotally attached to the body by a hinge assembly. The lid moves in a substantially translational manner to disengage and engage the body, and moves in a pivotal manner when not engaging the body. The saddlebag also includes a locking assembly selectively securing the lid in a closed position and being operable via a push-button located on an outer surface of the saddlebag body. A gas spring is interconnected between the body and the lid of the saddlebag, biasing the lid toward the open position such that depressing the push button releases the lid, allowing the gas spring to expand and fully open the saddlebag with no further intervention by the operator.

Abstract: A back support apparatus having a pair of elongated, inflatable bladders which are spaced parallel to each other. The pair of bladders are vertically attached to a front panel of a backpack such that when the bladders are inflated by a pump, the user may experience cushioned back support on opposite sides of the user's spinal column, especially along the thoracic region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof-rack bar for automobile vehicles comprising a transverse bar and two fastening feet mounted at the ends of the transverse bar. The feet operate in conjunction with side rails mounted on an automobile vehicle, wherein the feet can slide along the side rails during adjustment. The angle between the transverse bar and each of the side rails remains substantially constant when the bar is displaced. At least one of the feet includes a housing in which one end of the transverse bar can slide between two extreme positions in order to adapt to a variable distance between non-parallel side rails. This housing includes a first locking and reinforcement means capable of operating in conjunction with a second locking and reinforcement means fitted on the transverse bar to immobilize or authorize the displacement of the end of the transverse bar in the housing.

Abstract: An automobile trunk compartmentalizer which provides for variable connection of shafts and shaft housings by use of lockable pins whereby great variety of compartment sizes and shapes is possible at the user's option. Creation of more than one row of compartments in the automobile trunk may provide shallow compartments which are desirable for an aging population.

Abstract: The present invention relates to strap assemblies. More specifically, the present invention relates to strap assemblies for supporting one or more devices mountable on an individual or patient, such as a drainage reservoir or other medical devices. Furthermore, the strap assemblies of the present invention are designed to alleviate some of the discomfort in wearing such an assembly. The strap assemblies of the present invention generally comprise a waist strap, a shoulder strap device and one or more front straps.

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: A harness for carrying articles comprises a number of straps for article supporting the article during use and storage as well as distributing its weight on a user's body. The harness includes a neck strap and torso attaching straps which help distribute the article's weight. A pair of stretchable straps are provided which hold the article against excessive movement. Another set of straps independently supports the article when being used.

Abstract: An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a substantially square second portion such that the first segment is preferably angled relative to the second segment. The first portion is sized to engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier can also be pivoted by removal of a single pin. The angle of the reversible shank forms a stop that contacts the accessory carrier to prevent over rotation of the accessory carrier and possible contact with the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a backpack structure, which structure allows a user to carry the backpack on his/her shoulders or, if desired, to transport the backpack in a wheeled fashion. The structure comprises a horizontally positioned base member which has a sliding front portion. An expandable and compressible backpack is mounted on the base member. In a retracted state, the base member and backpack are almost half their expanded size so that the structure may be conveniently stored in compact locations. Actuator mechanisms are conveniently located on the base member to allow a user to quickly and easily release the sliding portion and backpack for expansion. The sliding portion and backpack are easily pushed into a retracted position and are automatically locked therein.

Abstract: An adjustable carrying pouch adapted to carry devices of varying sizes. A substantially rectangular pliable horizontal segment is integral with a vertical pliable segment. The horizontal segment includes a pair of retention flaps having a central segment disposed therebetween. The vertical segment depends from the central segment. Hook fastening members are secured to the inside surface of the horizontal segment at each retention flap. The hook fastening members are secured to the inside surface of the vertical segment in opposition to the central segment. Loop fastening members are secured to the outside surface of the horizontal segment at each retention flap in opposition to the hook fastening members. A belt loop or clip is mounted along the central segment on the outside surface of the horizontal segment. The hook and loop fastening members may be adjustably coupled to adapt to the size of the device to be carried.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.

Abstract: A gun support system for a paintball gun comprises a support frame and a strap attached thereto. The support frame consists of a bracket and a support arm. The bracket is defined by an opening and has a front side. The support arm has a proximal and distal end and extends outwardly from the front side of the bracket. The system may also consist of an adjustable opening thereby providing the support of various different paintball gun sizes and shapes. The system may also consist of an adjustable support arm to better support guns with a larger nozzle.

Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag lock that can be used to lock a soft saddlebag having a body, a lid coupled to the body, and a strap interconnecting the lid to the body. The lock is attached to the strap when in a strapped position to inhibit the strap from being moved to an unstrapped position. Preferably, the saddlebag includes a retaining member (e.g., a buckle) attached to the body to define an opening through which the strap is received when in the strapped position. In this embodiment, the retaining member is positioned between the lock and the lid, and the lock is larger than the retaining member to thereby prevent the strap from being pulled through the retaining member. The lock includes a body having an opening adapted to receive the strap, and an engaging member coupled to the body and movable relative to the body between an unlocked position out of the opening and a locked position in the opening.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved box-belt attachment system (15) for attaching a box (16) having a lid (21) to a belt (18). In the preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises a box loop (19) and a belt loop (20), whereby the lid of a box may be folded over the box loop and the belt loop may engage a user's belt. The box loop and belt loop may be formed from a continuous wire member comprised of a flexible elastic material. The elastic material may be spring steel having a substantially circular cross-section. The lid may include two male connections (22) and the back panel (23) of the box may contain two corresponding female connections (24), whereby the lid may be temporarily attached to the back panel of the box. The box may include a reinforced crease (25).

Abstract: A device for fixing a flat tire (30) in an automobile which has an accommodating space (5) behind a bucket seat (1) in which the bucket seat is accommodated which has been folded, comprises: a flat tire fixing threaded member (34); a vehicle body screw hole (20) which is located near the front edge of the accommodating space (5), and is threadably engaged with the threaded member (34); and a bracket (40) which has a first screw hole (42) which is threadably engaged with the vehicle body screw hole (20), and a second screw hole (44a) with which the flat tire fixing threaded member (34) is threadably engaged. In the case where the bucket seat is folded and accommodated, with the vehicle body screw hole 20 set in alignment with one of the bolt holes of the flat tire (30) the latter (30) is fixedly secured to the vehicle body screw hole (20) by means of the threaded member (34).

Abstract: An infant side carrier with a flexible seat (12) that is surrounded by a soft adjustable frame (74,76) made from conventional safety strap material. The seat's high back, wrap around sides and extended leg openings fully support the infant's torso, hips and thighs. The adjustable frame allows the adult to adjust the shoulder strap separately from the seat. The seat can be adjusted to tailor fit each individual infant. The infant's weight is distributed across a large surface area on the adult's body. The carrier attaches to the adult's body with a wide waist belt (13) and a shoulder strap with a padded shoulder wrap (60). The wide waist belt is joined to the seat at the underside of the belt, creating a seat that does not come between the adult and the infant. The padded shoulder wrap (60) has an elliptical peripheral configuration that utilizes the clavicle bone, shoulder joint and upper portion of the humerus bone.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier rack assembly for mounting upon the roof of the vehicle includes a cooperative clamping assembly for releasably mounting the carrier rack upon a vehicle roll bar. The rack assembly may further include at least one grommet assembly mounted at a hole formed in the vehicle roof and passing therethrough, in water-tight relationship, a portion of the cooperative, releasable engagement assembly for the vehicle rack. In other embodiments, the rack is hinged to pivot between a first position adjacent the vehicle roof and a second position spaced therefrom, e.g., to facilitate removal and replacement of the vehicle roof. A ladder may be mounted to the carrier rack at the rear of the vehicle to similar purpose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which incorporates a relatively simple mechanism for locking and unlocking the cross rail assembly from one side of the vehicle. One aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly having a manually turnable knob and a pair of linking members each connecting the knob with associated locking structure. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which has locking structures and rail supporting structures on opposing ends thereof.

Abstract: A cup holding device includes a main beverage container holding member, conformed to hold large heavy drinking cups, two support straps are connected to one side of the main cup holding member, one strap is connected at the top of the main cup holding member and the other strap is connected at the bottom of the main cup holding member, directly below the first strap. A hook member attached to the free end of each strap hold the main cup holding member in an upright position against a motor vehicles dash. These support straps are adjustable in length to allow for the several different makes and models of motor vehicles on the road today.