Abstract: And angularly adjustable object support rack or bicycle support rack for a vehicle is constructed with a first rod and a second rod connected by an adjustment structure that enables the first rod and the second rod to be adjusted to a folded over configuration that occupies less space when storing the bicycle rack. The adjustment structure also enables the first rod and second rod to be adjusted to a right angle orientation that reduces the extent the support rack extends from the rear of a vehicle to which it is attached. The adjustment structure enables the first rod and second rod to be adjusted to where the second rod is aligned with the first rod for attaching bicycles on the support rack. The adjustment structure further enables the second rod to be adjusted to a downward tilted orientation providing clearance between the vehicle and the attached support rack.

Abstract: And angularly adjustable object support rack or bicycle support rack for a vehicle is constructed with a first rod and a second rod connected by an adjustment structure that enables the first rod and the second rod to be adjusted to a folded over configuration that occupies less space when storing the bicycle rack. The adjustment structure also enables the first rod and second rod to be adjusted to a right angle orientation that reduces the extent the support rack extends from the rear of a vehicle to which it is attached. The adjustment structure enables the first rod and second rod to be adjusted to where the second rod is aligned with the first rod for attaching bicycles on the support rack. The adjustment structure further enables the second rod to be adjusted to a downward tilted orientation providing clearance between the vehicle and the attached support rack.

Abstract: An extendable object support rack for a vehicle includes a rack rod that is removably attachable to the vehicle and has an object support on the rack rod that is removably attachable to an object to support the object on the rack rod, and an extension rod that is removably attachable to the rack rod without the use of tools and also has an object support on the extension rod that is removably attachable to an object to support the object on the extension rod. An opening in the forward end of the extension rod is configured for receiving a rearward end of the rack rod in the opening, and a pin in the opening is positioned to extend into a hole in the rearward end of the rack rod to secure the extension rod to the rack rod without the use of tools.

Abstract: An enclosure structure in the form of a security cage is attached to a top surface of a cargo carrier as the security cage is assembled on the top surface of the cargo carrier. The assembled security cage enclosure structure encloses and secures objects supported on the cargo carrier in an interior volume of the security cage enclosure structure. The construction of the security cage enclosure structure eliminates the need for separate fastener assemblies to attach the assembled security cage enclosure structure to the top surface of the cargo carrier.

Abstract: A hitch pin assembly includes a hitch pin, housing and shoulder bushing. The housing removably connects to the bushing when the bushing is seated in the aperture of a receiver tube. When the housing is so connected a plunger of the housing extends through the bushing and projects into the receiver tube. When the shank is inserted into the receiver tube the plunger tip catches the aperture of the shank, holding the shank in a position in which the pin-receiving apertures on the receiver tube and shank are aligned. The hitch pin is then inserted from one side of the receiver tube and into the bushing. A plunger in the housing translates along a projection in a track of the plunger to reveal the projection to the hitch pin tip and place it into position for engagement with the inserted hitch pin. The engagement holds the shank and eliminates rattling.

Abstract: An expandable bumper cargo carrying system is removably attachable to a rear bumper of a vehicle and does not require that the vehicle have a trailer hitch receptacle at the rear end of the vehicle to attach the cargo carrying system to the vehicle. The cargo carrying system comprises a cargo basket that can pivot downward to a first, horizontally oriented operative position for supporting cargo on the cargo basket, and can pivot upward to a second, vertically oriented stored position when the cargo basket is not in use. The cargo basket defines a cargo support surface that is adjustable between a first longitudinal dimension of the cargo support surface and a second longitudinal dimension of the cargo support surface, where the second longitudinal dimension is larger than the first longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: A hitch pin assembly includes a hitch pin, housing and shoulder bushing. The housing removably connects to the bushing when the bushing is seated in the aperture of a receiver tube. When the housing is so connected a plunger of the housing extends through the bushing and projects into the receiver tube. When the shank is inserted into the receiver tube the plunger tip catches the aperture of the shank, holding the shank in a position in which the pin-receiving apertures on the receiver tube and shank are aligned. The hitch pin is then inserted from one side of the receiver tube and into the bushing. A plunger in the housing translates along a projection in a track of the plunger to reveal the projection to the hitch pin tip and place it into position for engagement with the inserted hitch pin. The engagement holds the shank and eliminates rattling.

Abstract: A loading ramp assembly comprises a ramp body, a pivot bar, a first clamp and a second clamp. The ramp body includes a detent. The pivot bar includes a bore that receives the detent. The first clamp is disposed on the first side of the pivot bar and the second clamp is disposed on the second side of the pivot bar. The proximal end of the ramp body is rotatably connected to the pivot bar at a position on the pivot bar between the first clamp and the second clamp. The ramp body is rotatable on the pivot bar from a loading position to a stowed position and is also inwardly and outwardly slidable on the pivot bar. The first clamp and second clamp can assume a loosened configuration and a clamped configuration. In the loosened configuration the pivot bar is rotatably positionable such that the bore can assume a selected angular orientation.

Abstract: A tow bar includes a shank. The proximal end of the shank is shaped and sized to releasably connect to a hitch receiver. The tow bar includes a first pivot coupler and second pivot coupler. The first pivot coupler preferably includes a first clevis rotatably connected to the distal end of the shank and connects the distal end of the shank to the proximal end of a pivot bar. The second pivot coupler connects the distal end of the pivot bar to a yoke having a proximal bracket and a distal bracket. A pair of arms connects to the distal bracket. Each arm is connected at its proximal end to the distal bracket via one of two third pivot couplers. Each third pivot coupler allows its connected arm to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane. Each third pivot coupler preferably includes a heim joint located at the proximal end of each arm.

Abstract: A loading ramp assembly comprises a ramp body, a pivot bar, a first clamp and a second clamp. The ramp body includes a detent. The pivot bar includes a bore that receives the detent. The first clamp is disposed on the first side of the pivot bar and the second clamp is disposed on the second side of the pivot bar. The proximal end of the ramp body is rotatably connected to the pivot bar at a position on the pivot bar between the first clamp and the second clamp. The ramp body is rotatable on the pivot bar from a loading position to a stowed position and is also inwardly and outwardly slidable on the pivot bar. The first clamp and second clamp can assume a loosened configuration and a clamped configuration. In the loosened configuration the pivot bar is rotatably positionable such that the bore can assume a selected angular orientation.

Abstract: A loading ramp assembly comprises a ramp body, a pivot bar, a first clamp and a second clamp. The ramp body includes a detent. The pivot bar includes a bore that receives the detent. The first clamp is disposed on the first side of the pivot bar and the second clamp is disposed on the second side of the pivot bar. The proximal end of the ramp body is rotatably connected to the pivot bar at a position on the pivot bar between the first clamp and the second clamp. The ramp body is rotatable on the pivot bar from a loading position to a stowed position and is also inwardly and outwardly slidable on the pivot bar. The first clamp and second clamp can assume a loosened configuration and a clamped configuration. In the loosened configuration the pivot bar is rotatably positionable such that the bore can assume a selected angular orientation.

Abstract: A loading ramp assembly comprises a ramp body, a pivot bar, a first clamp and a second clamp. The ramp body includes a detent. The pivot bar includes a bore that receives the detent. The first clamp is disposed on the first side of the pivot bar and the second clamp is disposed on the second side of the pivot bar. The proximal end of the ramp body is rotatably connected to the pivot bar at a position on the pivot bar between the first clamp and the second clamp. The ramp body is rotatable on the pivot bar from a loading position to a stowed position and is also inwardly and outwardly slidable on the pivot bar. The first clamp and second clamp can assume a loosened configuration and a clamped configuration. In the loosened configuration the pivot bar is rotatably positionable such that the bore can assume a selected angular orientation.

Abstract: A tow bar includes a shank. The proximal end of the shank is shaped and sized to releasably connect to a hitch receiver. The tow bar includes a first pivot coupler and second pivot coupler. The first pivot coupler preferably includes a first clevis rotatably connected to the distal end of the shank and connects the distal end of the shank to the proximal end of a pivot bar. The second pivot coupler connects the distal end of the pivot bar to a yoke having a proximal bracket and a distal bracket. A pair of arms connects to the distal bracket. Each arm is connected at its proximal end to the distal bracket via one of two third pivot couplers. Each third pivot coupler allows its connected arm to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane. Each third pivot coupler preferably includes a heim joint located at the proximal end of each arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rear-projection screen which encompasses 1) a flexible light-diffusive first film having a substantially smooth first surface and an opposing substantially smooth second surface, and comprising a wax-free amorphous thermoplastic matrix having a plurality of light-diffusing particles dispersed therein and which is lens-free; and 2) an opposing flexible light-absorption second film having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and comprising a thermoplastic matrix having a plurality of light-absorbing particles dispersed therein, wherein the first and second films are adapted to be 3) bonded together in direct contact with each other and then, affixed as a laminate to one or more transparent rigid substrates or 4) affixed individually to a transparent rigid substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rear-projection screen which encompasses 1) a flexible light-diffusive first film having a substantially smooth first surface and an opposing substantially smooth second surface, and comprising a wax-free amorphous thermoplastic matrix having a plurality of light-diffusing particles dispersed therein and which is lens-free; and 2) an opposing flexible light-absorption second film having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and comprising a thermoplastic matrix having a plurality of light-absorbing particles dispersed therein, wherein the first and second films are adapted to be 3) bonded together in direct contact with each other and then, affixed as a laminate to one or more transparent rigid substrates or 4) affixed individually to a transparent rigid substrate.