Abstract: Methods of creating a hook for a bike rack. The methods include the steps of providing a planar metal material, cutting a two-dimensional shape from the planar metal material where the two-dimensional shape defines a hook precursor, forming the hook precursor into a three-dimensional hook where the three-dimensional hook includes a hook face, and adding a protective layer to the hook face. In some examples, the methods include processing the three dimensional hook to remove sharp edges, cutting a mounting point into the hook precursor, cutting a bevel on an edge of the hook precursor to define a beveled edge, and/or cutting a curve on an edge of the hook precursor to define a rounded edge.

Abstract: Cargo racks configured to mount to a hitch of a vehicle and to support cargo. The cargo racks include a tongue, a mast, and a tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism pivotally couples the mast and the tongue. The tilting mechanism includes a stationary plate, a tilt plate, a catch mechanism, a push plate, and an actuator. The stationary plate is coupled to the tongue. The tilt plate is coupled to the mast and pivotally coupled to the stationary plate. The catch mechanism is operable to selectively restrict the tilt plate pivoting relative to the stationary plate. The push plate is operable to move the catch between a restriction position restricting the tilt plate from pivoting relative to the stationary plate and a release position enabling the tilt plate to pivot relative to the stationary plate. The actuator is operable to selectively move the push plate relative to the tilt plate.

Abstract: Racks supporting an item and mounting to a ladder having a vertical member. The racks include a rail, a clamp, and a hook. The rail abuts a first side of the vertical member of the ladder. The clamp secures the rail to the vertical member of the ladder. The clamp includes a plate and a coupler. The plate is disposed on a second side of the vertical member, the second side is opposite the first side. The coupler is configured to compress the vertical member between the plate and the rail. The coupler couples the plate and the rail. The hook is operatively mounted to the rail and configured to support the item.

Abstract: Cargo racks configured to mount to a hitch of a vehicle and to support cargo. The cargo racks include a tongue, a mast, and a tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism pivotally couples the mast and the tongue. The tilting mechanism includes a stationary plate, a tilt plate, a catch mechanism, a push plate, and an actuator. The stationary plate is coupled to the tongue. The tilt plate is coupled to the mast and pivotally coupled to the stationary plate. The catch mechanism is operable to selectively restrict the tilt plate pivoting relative to the stationary plate. The push plate is operable to move the catch between a restriction position restricting the tilt plate from pivoting relative to the stationary plate and a release position enabling the tilt plate to pivot relative to the stationary plate. The actuator is operable to selectively move the push plate relative to the tilt plate.

Abstract: Bike racks configured to mount to a hitch of a vehicle and to support a bike. The bike racks include a frame, a rack, and an adjustable hook. The frame is configured to selectively couple to the hitch of the vehicle. The rack is supported on the frame in a horizontal orientation and at an elevated position on the frame. The adjustable hook includes is coupled to the rack and configured to support the bike. The adjustable hook includes a first plate, a second plate, a first hook, and a second hook. The adjustable hook is complementarily configured with the handlebar and the fork to support the bike hanging vertically by the handlebar or the fork from the adjustable hook with the handlebar tilted. The spacing between the first hook and the second hook is adjustable by translating the second plate relative to the first plate.

Abstract: Methods of creating a hook for a bike rack. The methods include the steps of providing a planar metal material, cutting a two-dimensional shape from the planar metal material where the two-dimensional shape defines a hook precursor, forming the hook precursor into a three-dimensional hook where the three-dimensional hook includes a hook face, and adding a protective layer to the hook face. In some examples, the methods include processing the three dimensional hook to remove sharp edges, cutting a mounting point into the hook precursor, cutting a bevel on an edge of the hook precursor to define a beveled edge, and/or cutting a curve on an edge of the hook precursor to define a rounded edge.

Abstract: Swing hitches for a vehicle and supporting cargo. The swing hitches include a fixed arm, a swing arm, and a catch. The fixed arm is operatively coupled to the vehicle. The swing arm includes a pivot end and an arc end opposite the pivot end. The pivot end is pivotally coupled to the fixed arm. The swing arm is configured to pivot horizontally between a stowed position where the arc end is proximate the fixed arm and a deployed position where the arc end is distal the fixed arm. The catch is operatively coupled to the fixed arm and to the swing arm and configured to restrict the swing arm from moving vertically relative to the fixed arm when the swing arm is in the stowed position. In some examples, the swing hitch includes a release mechanism.

Abstract: Bike racks configured to mount to a hitch of a vehicle and to support a bike. The bike racks include a frame, a rack, and an adjustable hook. The frame is configured to selectively couple to the hitch of the vehicle. The rack is supported on the frame in a horizontal orientation and at an elevated position on the frame. The adjustable hook includes a first hook member and a second hook member spaced from the first hook member. The bike hangs vertically by a handlebar or a fork from the adjustable hook. The handlebar is tilted relative to the horizontal orientation of the rack when the handlebar or the fork is supported by the adjustable hook to allow tighter lateral packing of adjacent bikes. The spacing between the first hook member and the second hook member is adjustable.