Abstract: A hanger assembly includes a vertical post, at least two fixing devices securely mounted to the vertical post at different levels, and at least two hanger members each of which is securely attached to an associated fixing device for supporting at least one object. The fixing devices are slidable along a vertical direction, thereby allowing adjustment in the levels of the fixing devices relative to the vertical post.

Abstract: A proximal end portion of a longitudinal base member is affixed to a vehicle trailer hitch sleeve. A distal end portion of the longitudinal base member is connected to an upright support member via a pair of brackets. The brackets pivot rearward to provide access to a vehicle trunk. The bicycle handlebars are mounted in an L-shaped tray integral with a rear edge of the pair of brackets. A padding covers a top portion of the upright support member. The padded upright member has a row of transverse bores. A U-shaped bolt adheres the frame of the bicycle to the padded upright member as the legs of the U-shaped bolt are passed through the bores and locked in place. A lock pin retains the upright member in a fixed position when it is pushed forward.

Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.

Abstract: A hanger assembly comprises a vertical post, at least two fixing devices securely mounted to the vertical post at different levels, and at least two hanger members each of which is securely attached to an associated fixing device for supporting at least one object. The fixing devices are slidable along a vertical direction, thereby allowing adjustment in the levels of the fixing devices relative to the vertical post.

Abstract: A rack arm rotatably mounts to a cross bar of a rack system. Multiple cross sectional shape cross bars are accommodated, enabling use with different rack styles. The rack arm rotates into position to engage an item of gear placed in the rack for securing the gear item to the rack.

Abstract: A circuit pack handling system, comprising a handle assembly storage pocket formed in the sidewall of a circuit pack and a carrying handle assembly hinge-mounted within the pocket and adapted to retract substantially within the storage pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a handle locking sub-assembly affixed within the backplane end of the storage pocket between the inner wall of the pocket and the inner leg of the handle assembly to lock the handle assembly into the deployed position. In another preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a coil spring fitted at the gripping member hinge-joint of at least one of the legs so as to spring load the handle assembly whereby the handle assembly automatically flips out from the stored position inside the storage pocket to the deployed position as the circuit pack is pulled away from the shelf frame.

Abstract: A bicycle storage rack for allowing a user to conveniently store one's bicycle indoors. The bicycle storage rack includes a base member having a main elongate member connected to a pair of secondary elongate members, a first upright tubular member removeably disposed upon the main elongate member, a second upright tubular member adjustably mounted to the first upright tubular member, and further includes a bracket structure for suspending a bicycle above the base member. The bracket structure includes an upper bracket member having either a hook-like member fixedly attached to the second upright tubular member or an elongate member being fixedly attached to the second upright tubular member with handle bar support members fixedly attached at the ends of the elongate member.

Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.

Abstract: A combination of a bicycle and a display rack therefor, the bicycle has a frame and a plurality of wheels on the frame. The rack having a frame, a mount portion of the frame arranged to be coupled to a ceiling of a building, a linkage having a hanger such that the bicycle can be coupled to the hanger and wherein the linkage is moveable between a first raised position for display and a second lowered position for providing access to the hanger and a cylinder and piston within the mounting portion for retracting the linkage from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A shopping cart storage station for installation in a parking lot or other large area has an end frame and a first elongate side wall assembly connected to the end structure's first side leg, and a second elongate side wall assembly connected to the end structure's second side leg. A plastic bumper panel is mounted on each of the first and second side wall metal frames for minimizing damage caused by impact with a moving object. Upwardly projecting frames are located at the front of the station, coplanar with each bumper. The upwardly projecting frames bear signs at the top, and are joined by an overhead front cross bar.

Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.

Abstract: An article transporting/storing apparatus is provided for efficiently transporting or storing articles that are different in size, form or number. First and second coupling members crossing each other are disposed between each pair of adjacent posts such that a spacing therebetween can be freely changed. An article carrier is removably attached to the insides of the four posts for carrying articles on the article carrier.

Abstract: A device for elevating articles for storage within a garage having a floor and a ceiling structure comprising an elongated, generally horizontally disposed support having hooks positioned thereon for supporting the articles to be stored thereon. A winch is secured to the support for raising and lowering the support from a position adjacent the garage floor to a position above the garage floor so that the articles are stored adjacent the ceiling of the garage to enable the garage to be used for its intended purpose.

Abstract: A bicycle rack has a bent outer pipe with a nonaligned, smaller diameter, inner pipe received within the outer pipe. Both ends of the outer pipe are connected to bases which are affixed to the ground or pavement. A slack metal chain extends within the inner pipe. The walls of the two pipes are offset from one another making compromising of the rack with a pipe cutter difficult. The slack chain conflicts with the reciprocating blade of a power tool making severing of the rack at any point difficult.

Abstract: A trailer is provided that is especially suited for transporting bicycles and has load supporting, suspension, storage, parking, and rolling functions. The trailer has a main frame providing a trailer bed, adapted to support a plurality of bicycles, and a high performance suspension system. The suspension system includes a pair of independent suspension units including trailer wheels mounted by suspension arms on opposite sides of the main frame for elevational movement in earth traversing positions and for pivoting movement between the earth traversing positions disposed outwardly of the sides of the main frame and stowing positions folded under the main frame. The suspension units include heavy duty shock absorbers that cushion the bicycle or other load, maintain the bicycles in level upright positions during earth traversal, and maximize traction of the wheels.

Abstract: A bicycle-lifting system and method for storing a bicycle above the ground in an enclosure such as a storage house, or a garage comprises a reel and a pair of straps mechanically attached to the reel. A bicycle may be lifted and stored above the floor in the enclosure when the pair of straps are wound around the reel. The system may be operated either mechanically with a crank or electrically with a motor.

Abstract: An overhead storage system for bicycles and objects that weigh approximately 40 to 50 pounds. The stored object is counter balanced by nitrogen gas spring cylinders so as to make the object virtually weightless to the user-operator. The object is stored flat or horizontally against the ceiling of a garage, porch or breezeway so as to be well above headspace and so that floor space is not taken up by the object. The user-operator pulls the stored object down with a cord similar in ease to pulling down a set of attic type stairs. A boom is pivotally connected to a ceiling mount. A first gas spring allows the stored object to move and rotate in an arc from the horizontal ceiling adjacent position to a vertical position approximately thirty inches from the floor. The boom has a lower telescoping tubular sections with a second lower gas spring holding the tubular sections together. The user-operator pulls down on handles connected to the lower tubular section which lowers the object to the floor.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support. The mechanism includes a bicycle fork anchor having a fork pinching assembly that has two bicycle fork prong receiving portions. A handle is operably coupled to, or associated with the fork pinching assembly for configuring the fork pinching assembly between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Also, the handle is located between the fork prong receiving portions. Supplementarily, an adjustable mounting may be included for permitting the bicycle fork anchor to be canted to a side within a substantially horizontal plane thereby turning the handle bars of a bicycle that is secured upon the bicycle fork anchor.

Abstract: A wheel retention device includes a base adapted for mounting to a vehicle transport rack and a retention ring secured to the base. The base includes an open cavity having a central axis, the open cavity is sized to receive a portion of a wheel of the wheeled vehicle therein. The retention ring is securely mounted on the base and is adapted to discretely rotate generally around the central axis of the base so as to enclose the cavity and secure the wheel therein thereby securing the wheeled vehicle to the rack. The retention ring is discretely rotatable about the base through the engagement of an outer generally polygonal surface of the base and inner generally polygonal surface of the retention ring.

Abstract: A display rack for a bicycle having an elongated supporting base, a front wheel stop mounted to the front end of the supporting base for maintaining the front wheel of the bicycle in a stable vertical position and a carriage which is freely movable longitudinally on the supporting base for supporting and retaining the rear wheel of the bicycle. The display rack is inclined from front to back so that the carriage is biased forwardly by gravity and the front wheel of the bicycle rests against the front wheel stop.

Abstract: A lightweight, low profile trailer especially suited for transporting bicycles. The trailer includes pivotally interconnected upper load supporting and lower suspension frames which have load supporting, suspension, storage, and parking functions. Bicycle supports and clamps are mounted for and aft on the load supporting frame. The suspension frame is located under the load supporting frame in the earth-traversing mode of the trailer and is pivoted for upward and downward movement. Trailer wheels are mounted on opposite sides of the lower frame for movement between ground-engaging positions disposed outwardly of the sides of the upper frame and stowing positions folded under the lower frame. A shock absorber is interposed the upper and lower frames intermediate the wheels for resiliently cushioning the upper frame and thus bicycles thereon during earth traversal of the trailer.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support such as a vehicular load carrier or a storage mount. The mechanism includes a pair of skewers (123) that are at least partially received within a bicycle fork anchor (100) and the skewers (123) are movable one skewer (125) relative to the other skewer (130). The pair of skewers (123) are configured for fixing a bicycle's fork to the anchor (100). Each skewer (125,130) of the pair (123) is operable between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Each skewer (125) of the skewer pair (123) is longitudinally aligned with the other skewer pair (130) and the skewers (125,130) are spaced apart from one another in at least one of the two positions. At least one handle (110) is coupled to the bicycle fork anchor (100) for operating at least one skewer (125,130) of the skewer pair (123) between the bicycle fork pre-pinched position and the bicycle fork pinch-secured position.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for supporting bicycles in an upward standing position at the back end of a vehicle with the bicycles standing in a substantially vertical position angled horizontally at the back end of the vehicle. The trailer hitch sleeve mounted bicycle rack supports bicycles, each in an upward standing position on a center support post. The bicycle rack includes a base member (22) of which the tongue portion (23) slides into a trailer hitch sleeve (11). An adjustable sliding member (21) slides onto the base member (22). A vertical support post (20) is affixed to the sliding member (22). A series of horizontal trays (31) angled from the base of the vertical support post (20), and a series of bicycle front fork mounts (32) at the top of the vertical support post (20). The horizontal trays (31) receive a portion of the rear wheel of a bicycle so as to cradle the wheel and support the bicycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cart corral assembly of the type employed by stores, such as grocery stores, to encourage the consumer to temporarily store grocery carts in the parking lot before bringing the cart within the store structure. The cart corral includes a first set of two spaced apart vertical rails in a base support extended between these rails. The base support supports the vertical rails in an upright position. At least two spaced apart horizontal rails are provided and are removably engaged with the vertical rails in a position abut the base support. The horizontal rails form an obtuse angle with the vertical rails. A second set of two spaced apart vertical rails are provided opposite the first set of vertical rails and are removably engaged with the horizontal rails. A second base support extends between the second set of vertical rails and supports the vertical rails in an upright position. Removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing surrounds each of the vertical and horizontal rails.

Abstract: A suspended bracket assembly for storing a bicycle in an overhead horizontal position. A suspended support bar combined with two ceiling mounted "J" hooks store a bicycle in a stable horizontal position. The forked end of the support bar holds the handle in the nominal position. The flat side of the storage bracket supports the bicycle weight at the steering post and center tube.

Abstract: A bicycle storage and display system having a frame, a first chain mounted on a first side, and a second chain mounted on a second side of the frame. A plurality of sprockets rotatably support the first and second drive chains. The sprockets are arrayed to support the drive chains for concurrent movement in parallel vertical planes. A plurality of elongated, horizontally positioned support bars having first and second ends supported, respectively, on the first and second drive chains, support a plurality of horizontally spaced bicycles thereon. A plurality of two point bicycle hangers are suspended from the support bars, means on each of the hangers releasably engage each bicycle at two points thereon to secure and suspend the bicycles in a generally horizontal orientation for storage and display and for releasing the bicycles for ready removal therefrom.

Abstract: A portable bicycle repair rack is disclosed which adjustably supports a bicycle for the maintenance or repair thereof, using a common door as a vertical support member.

Abstract: A rack for holding bicycles and other velocipeds by their tires only. For use as a carrier on motor vehicles, or for display racks and the like. Comprises an elongated U-channel track into which are set the bicycle wheels. An inverted U-shaped arm at each end of the track contacts the nearest tire of the bicycle above its axle level. At least one of the arms pivots, to clamp the tires between the two arms and between the arms and the track, restraining the bicycle in all directions by its tires, and to quickly release the bicycle with only one operation.

Abstract: An overhead bicycle storage rack for hanging a bicycle vertically between the ceiling joists of a building with sufficient headroom to walk thereunder, including a pair of U-shaped brackets, each bracket having a width approximate the spacing between ceiling joists and a depth approximate the radius of the bicycle wheel. Each bracket is positioned laterally between an adjacent pair of ceiling joists with the ends of the brackets attachable to the ceiling joists with the remainder of the bracket extending above the ceiling joists and a hanger element supported on each bracket for supporting an individual wheel of said bicycle.

Abstract: A generally L-shaped bicycle rack includes upper and lower intersecting leg portions, each including side walls having outwardly extending peripheral flanges which may optionally engage nails or screws for the purpose of securing the rack in a selected location. An arcuate well disposed centrally in the rack receives an outer circumferential portion of a bicycle wheel to support a bicycle for storage purposes. Aligned pairs of notches in the peripheral flanges of the upper and lower legs allows one or more of the racks to be secured in a variety of different mounting configurations. In a first alternative, the rack may be secured to a vertical wall to store a bicycle in a vertical orientation. In a second alternative, a plurality of racks may be secured in sequential adjacent relation to form a rack for storing multiple bicycles. A tubular member extending transversely through the upper leg of the rack may receive cables or chains for locking a bicycle to the rack.

Abstract: A retractable bicycle rack is described having a movable portion and a fixed portion. The fixed portion is attached to an overhead member such as those found in an automobile garage. The movable portion, when moved from the horizontal position to the vertical position activates compression springs attached between the movable portion and the fixed portion tithe frame. The springs have an over-center position when the rack is placed in the full vertical position which holds the rack in a vertical position. When the bicycle or bicycles are placed on the movable portion of the rack, the spring force in the compression spring moves the rack from the vertical position to the horizontal position. A draper controls the movement from the vertical position to the horizontal position. The preferred embodiment is desired for two bicycles, however, if more than two bicycles are desired, the compression spring may adjusted to provide a stronger compression force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support apparatus for holding an object such as a ski, snowboard, bicycle surfboard or the like. A support base is attached to a work surface. The support base supports the object. In one embodiment, a base supports a ski or snowboard such that the user has access to the bottom and the side surface of the ski.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle support apparatus includes a kickstand-receiving support member adapted to rest on a support surface and be interposed between the ends of the kickstand and the support surface. A riser member is adapted to interlock with the kickstand-receiving support member. Also, the riser member is adapted to partially rest on the support surface, and a tire-supporting member is adapted for receiving a rear tire of a two-wheeled vehicle. The tire-supporting member includes a first tire-receiving portion adapted to receive a bottom portion of the tire. The tire-supporting member is interposed between the rear tire and the support surface. The riser member includes a ramp portion located at a leading end of the riser member. The kickstand-receiving support member includes a centrally located tongue portion and a pair of platform portions which straddle the tongue portion.

Abstract: A bicycle stand for supporting a bicycle above the ground having a casing embedded in the ground to which an articulative member is pivotally attached at its first end and a bicycle frame engagement member is disposed at the second end of the articulative member, the bicycle stand in its first mode being pivoted downward to rest within the casing and in its second mode of use being pivoted upwards from the casing with the bicycle frame engagement member engaged to a portion of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A shopping cart station has flee-standing first and second hollow wall members filled with a ballast material. A connecting element couples the first and second hollow wall members together. The cart station can be easily moved and secured by emptying the hollow wall elements of the ballast material, repositioning the cart station, and refilling the wall members with ballast.

Abstract: A portable bicycle stand is provided having a base from which a support strut projects upwardly and outwardly. The upper portion of the support strut is provided with a bicycle support element having an upwardly facing recess which is adapted to receive the horizontal tube of a bicycle frame so as to support the bicycle in upright position with its wheels above the ground. The bicycle support is provided with a bicycle frame stay which enables the bicycle frame to be locked by the stay in supported assembly with the support element. The base of the bicycle stand defines a vehicle wheel engaging portion on which a vehicle wheel is to be positioned to secure the base to the ground and stabilize the bicycle stand as well as preventing theft of the bicycle stand when it is left unattended.

Abstract: A device for carrying articles, in particular bicycles, on the rear portion of a motor-vehicle, has three structures having respective hubs mounted on a splined shaft, so that each structure may be easily separated from the splined portion of the shaft and mounted again in a different angular position relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A lift and storage apparatus for bicycles includes a bicycle support rack which can be lifted from an upright position on the floor of a garage or other enclosure into a raised, horizontal position adjacent to the ceiling under the control of a pivotal lift arm and a cam surface in the path of movement of the upper end of the support rack, and the support rack is capable of supporting one or two bicycles in side-by-side relation to one another.

Abstract: A three point suspension system for storing a bicycle in a horizontal position, including three support members depending from a ceiling in a triangular pattern.

Abstract: A combination bicycle/ski carrier has a carrier frame attachable to an automobile, supports for one or more cycles, and ski carriers which are retractable when not in use to avoid damage to cycles on the carrier.

Abstract: A lockable toggle joint (4, 5) for a cycle rack with pair of scissor shaped branches (2, 3) and scissor joint (7, 71, 72) comprising suitably shaped holding means (8A, 8B) for the holding of the rack to a conventional trailer ball hitch (1) at the rear of an automobile and carrying means (2A, 3A) for the bicycles comprises a snaplock and interlock means (6) which is lockable.

Abstract: A bicycle stand is disclosed for supporting a bicycle or bicycles in an upright position. The bicycle stand comprises a molded or formed plastic body comprising either a hollow container with a flat undersurface and a fill-plug and cap on the upper surface or a seat surrounding the perimeter of the base of the stand with receptacles for ballast on the upper surface. The hollow container or receptacles are capable for receiving and containing a ballast material, such as sand, water, decorative stone, earth or cement. The stand is provided on its upper surface with one or more grooves of appropriate dimension for receiving the wheel of a bicycle or wheels of a plurality of bicycles.

Abstract: A skewer assembly for holding the front fork of a bicycle. The fork has a pair of clevises each with a pair of arms. A skewer housing body has a pair of end faces extending around opposite ends of a passage which extends between them. A skewer rod adjustment and clamp act to hold the clevises against the end faces. The diameter of the skewer rod is substantially equal to the spacing between the clevis arm so the rod can fit closely over the rod.

Abstract: A bicycle parking rack that encloses and secures a bicycle left crankarm (40) within a chamber (12), prevents its removal from the bicycle and provides for multiple locking mechanisms within protective, stainless-steel plating. The baseplate (10) is affixed to a permanent vertical or horizontal surface by welding or non-removable fasteners. The chamber rises to a height just above the bicycle bottom bracket shell (52). A door (16) on the chamber allows entry of the crankarm. A padlock, cylinder lock, or both, are placed inside the chamber. They lock an upper hasp plate (34a), welded to the chamber, to a lower hasp plate (34b), welded to the door. A U-lock is used by inserting it through the left side of door and chamber. The upper U-lock shackle leg (46a) is inserted through the U-lock upper door hole (28a) and U-lock upper chamber hole (28b). The lower U-lock shackle leg (46b) is inserted through the U-lock lower chamber hole (30a) and U-lock lower baffle hole (30b).

Abstract: Improvements in shopping cart corrals of the type used in parking lots of supermarket stores; provision of an improved shopping cart corral construction which is alternatively (a) pivotable at certain joints thereof and foldable upon itself for storage and transportation and (b), on the other hand, lockable in rigid structural position for use in a supermarket parking lot; in shopping cart corrals typically having one closed and one open end with elongate fence portions enclosing the space between the two ends, the provision of mounting means for the elongate fence portions on the closed end portion which permit both (a) pivoting and folding of the elements of the device upon itself for storage and transport and (b) locking of the sides and ends of the device rigidly with respect to one another for use.

Abstract: Carrier rack apparatus for mounting bicycles, skiis and the like to the existing exterior spare tire mount on the rear door of a vehicle, the invention in its several embodiments provide a mounting hub sandwiched between the existing spare tire mounting device carried on the rear door of a vehicle and the wheel of the spare tire carried on the door. This mounting hub detachably receives a carrier rack configured according to the invention and which mounts articles such as one or more bicycles, skiis, a gas can, etc. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide carrier rack structures which are adjustable both vertically and also in at least one horizontal sense, these preferred rack structures being capable of adjustable movement in six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A wall-mountable storage rack for a bicycle or the like that can be collapsed into a folded-down compact state. The rack consists of three hingedly-connected portions, i.e., a shelf portion, a wall mount portion and a brace portion. Hinges respectively connect the wall mount portion to the shelf portion, and the brace portion to the shelf portion. The rack is adapted to support a bicycle horizontally by its top tube on a cradle formed as an extension of the shelf portion so that the bicycle wheels are held off the ground and free to rotate. With the bicycle so supported, minor maintenance may be performed on it with the rack thereby serving a secondary function as a maintenance stand.

Abstract: A lockable toggle joint (4,5) for a cycle rack with pair of scissor shaped branches (2, 3) and scissor joint (7, 71, 72) comprising suitably shaped holding means (8A, 5 8B) for the holding of the rack to a conventional trailer ball hitch (1) at the rear of an autombile and carrying means (2A, 3A) for the bicycles comprises snaplock and interlock means (6) which is lockable.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is provided for the cargo compartment of a pickup truck. The rack includes an extendable longitudinal bar on which mounting brackets are provided for mounting of one or more a bicycles and detached front bicycle wheels. Means to extend the longitudinal bar such as a turnbuckle or rod having reverse threads on opposite ends thereof is provided so that the bar may be firmly clamped between the side walls of the pickup truck cargo compartment. A security sysetm is provided in the form of a movable sleeve which envelopes a portion of said longitudinal bar and which can be locked in place over the turnbuckle or similar extending means. The sleeve is provided with a projecting tab which mates with a similar tab located on one end of the longitudinal bar. Aligned holes are provided in the two tabs for insertion of a padlock or the like.

Abstract: A storage system for holding athletic equipment comprising a body member having a first side, a second side, a back opening, and an inside surface communicating with the back opening. The inside surface has a first and second inside arcuate surface respective in the first and second side of the body member. A pair of rib members is integrally bound to the inside surface of the body member. Each rib member has a rib lip protruding therefrom. The rib lip of each rib member protrudes towards each other such as to define a rib opening there between. A lower and upper height adjustment member is slidably disposed within the body member against the first and second inside arcuate surface. A first external channel member is connected to the first side and has a first channel opening, and a second external channel member is connected to the second side and has a second channel opening.