Abstract: A system for holding a personal object for a motor vehicle is described. The system includes a segmented surface having a plurality of adjacent surface elements. The system also includes a plurality of actuators, each actuator associated with a surface element and configured to extend and/or retract the associated surface element. The system also includes a sensor system configured to detect circumstances affecting the holding of the personal object by the segmented surface. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the actuators and the sensor system, the controller configured to selectively control the actuators to extend and/or retract associated surface elements based on the detected circumstances so as to form a holding area appropriate for holding the personal object.

Abstract: A tailgate party area covering assembly incorporating a hitch extender having longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal ends; a bar having lateral and oppositely lateral ends, the bar further having longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal sides; a channel having longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal openings respectively positioned at the bar's longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal sides, the hitch extender being received within the channel; lateral and oppositely lateral columns having upper ends, the lateral and oppositely lateral columns being respectively fixedly attached to the bar's lateral and oppositely lateral ends; and a frame and flexible sheet combination fixedly attached to the lateral and oppositely lateral columns' upper ends, the frame and flexible sheet combination being sized and positioned for covering the tailgate party area.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus for a vehicle may include guide rails symmetrically disposed under a rear bumper beam and extending in a front-rear direction, a carrier having a panel and sliding rails and stowed or drawn out under the rear bumper beam by sliding in the front-rear direction along the guide rails, tilting mechanisms that include fixing brackets disposed at rear ends of the guide rails and tilting brackets disposed behind the fixing brackets at the rear ends of the guide rails and capable of turning on the rear bumper beam, and tilting actuators disposed on the fixing brackets of the tilting mechanisms to be selectively connected to the tilting brackets, connected to the tilting brackets to restrict turning of the tilting brackets when not in use, and disconnected from the tilting brackets to allow the carrier to turn with the tilting brackets when the carrier is fully drawn out.

Abstract: A container having substantially the shape of a cornet for receiving and carrying elongate objects, the container includes a container cladding having an inner surface and an outer surface, a first container opening on one end of the container cladding, and one or more mounting elements for mounting the container to a stroller, the mounting elements being arranged at a portion of the outer surface of the container.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a housing having a track member, wherein an insert, having first and second sides, is adjustably received on the track member in a vertical manner. The insert is adapted to be positioned within the housing in either an upright or inverted position. The insert thereby provides first and second storage configurations relative to the upright and inverted configuration of the insert within the housing.

Abstract: A removable cup holder insert includes a support body, a first flap and a roll pin pivotally mounting the first flap to the support body. A first spring biases the first flap so as to pivot on the roll pin outwardly from the support body so that it can engage and steady a beverage container in position in a cup holder to which the insert is mounted.

Abstract: A portable electronic device dock includes a storage unit and a lid, wherein the lid is adapted to clamp a portable electronic device between a portion of the lid and a portion of the storage unit to retain the portable electronic device in a user-accessible display position. The device dock includes a slide assembly adapted to bias the lid to an open position and a clutch assembly adapted to retain the lid in a clamped position on the portable electronic device. The slide assembly is coupled to an axle member, which is further coupled to support arms disposed on the lid. The slide assembly is further coupled to the clutch assembly on an opposite end such that the clutch assembly can limit movement of the slide assembly to further limit movement of the lid.

Abstract: A carrying device (3) includes a first support rack (30), a second support rack (32) pivotally connected with the first support rack, and a connecting member (31) secured on the first support rack and pivotally connected with the second support rack to connect the first support rack and the second support rack. Thus, the first support rack is used to carry an elongate object (9), such as a surf board, a boat, a ladder and the like, and the second support rack is used to carry a bicycle (8).

Abstract: A modular mounting system is provided for modifying the interior of a vehicle in a variety of configurations so that the vehicle is operable to securely receive a variety of equipment. The system includes a mounting base configured to be rigidly coupled to an interior surface of the vehicle and a base member removably attached to the mounting base. The system further includes a coupling mechanism that removably holds the base member relative to the mounting base.

Abstract: An automobile has a bracket, a storage device configured to receive luggage, and a fastening device that connects the bracket and the storage device. The bracket is configured as a bicycle carrier on a rear of the automobile.

Abstract: A seat belt accessory includes a base plate having upper and lower ends and opposed side edges extending between the upper and lower ends, the base plate having a generally planar configuration. The base plate includes opposed front and rear surfaces that are generally planar. A belt clip is attached to the upper end of the base plate. A plurality of holder clips is attached to respective side edges of the base plate, the plurality of holder clips being configured to removably secure the electronic device adjacent the front surface of the base plate.

Abstract: There is provided a soft-sided, collapsible, vehicle organizer operative to create a collapsible storage space. The vehicle organizer includes a base and a pair of opposing primary walls coupled to the base. The vehicle organizer further includes a pair of opposing secondary walls coupled to the base. The vehicle organizer is foldable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, at least two opposing walls are generally parallel to the base. In the deployed position, the pair of primary walls and the pair of secondary walls are substantially upright. The vehicle organizer also includes at least two batten pockets operative to receive a batten to enhance wall rigidity.

Abstract: A cup holder includes a base, a cylindrical member, an urging device, a locking device, an unlocking device, a lid member, a reversing device, a non-service position, and a service position. At the non-service position, the cylindrical member descends fully, the lid member closes the cylindrical member's top opposite opening, and the lid member's top decorative surface is exposed. At the service position, the cylindrical member, which the urging device urges upward, ascends fully, and the reversing device reverses the lid member so that the lid member's bottom supporter surface is exposed, thereby supporting a bottom of container, which is inserted into the cylindrical member, with the lid member's bottom supporter surface. The cup holder can not only hold a container with a taller height securely but also prevent the lid member's top decorative surface from being damaged by the inserted container.

Abstract: A holder is provided for items, in particular for drinks containers, drinking vessels in a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a storage bin for holding the items. The storage bin has a bottom for holding the items as well as side walls. In such a holder, it is provided that at least one side wall has a variable-shape insert that can be transferred from a position following the contour of this side wall into a position curved in the direction of the opposite side wall. By this means, a variable division of the storage bin can be accomplished with simple design and extremely simple handling.

Abstract: A vehicular beverage container holder comprises a receptacle with an elongated compartment and an adjuster assembly mounted to the receptacle to define separate beverage container compartments within the compartment for receiving individual beverage containers. The adjuster assembly comprises a body and a pair of adjusters slidably mounted to and extending from opposite sides of the body. Rotation of a knob and gear assembly of the adjuster assembly effects movement of the adjusters relative to the body to adjust the sizes of openings for the beverage container compartments for accommodating a range of beverage container sizes. Additionally, the knob and gear assembly includes a slip clutch mechanism that enables movement of one of the adjusters while movement of the other of the adjusters is retarded by a beverage container.

Abstract: An adjustable rack system for a motor vehicle allows the user to transport and store various recreational items or accessories on the storage rack by selecting individual removable accessory storage devices for connecting with the rack system. The accessory devices are located on adjustable cross-members which allow the user to adjust the height and spacing between the various cross-members.

Abstract: A sectional receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework has couplers along one or more portions of its periphery. The couplers enable the main framework to be joined to one or more auxilliary frame pieces that contain coupling members that mate with the couplers of the main framework. The auxilliary frame pieces may be removed, thereby exposing the couplers to which they were attached. The exposed couplers may be used for joining cargo unit to the main framework. Accordingly, the cargo units may be secured to the main framework by joining their attached coupling members to the couplers attached to the main framework.

Abstract: A motor vehicle storage apparatus includes a base and at least one storage panel for storing a variety of articles thereon. The base has at least one slot capable of engaging a portion of the storage panel and retaining the storage panel in a vertical position. The storage panel may be removable mounted within the motor vehicle storage apparatus or stored outside the storage apparatus. The storage panel has at least one attachment location for attaching articles thereon.

Abstract: A modular utility carrier to mount to a folded-down windshield assembly of a vehicle has a body tray having a length, width and height, the body tray formed by side walls and a bottom wall forming an upward-facing cavity, and a plurality of attachment assemblies connected to the body and having each an attachment interface to provide a releasable attachment to the folded-down windshield. Various embodiments are taught as well as methods.

Abstract: The Universal Bar Holder is a square tube that slides over 2″×2″ square tube and has a means of holding a round or rectangular bar used to support kayak saddles when transporting kayaks above the roof of a vehicle.

Abstract: A sectional receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework has couplers along one or more portions of its periphery. The couplers enable the main framework to be joined to one or more auxilliary frame pieces that contain coupling members that mate with the couplers of the main framework. The auxilliary frame pieces may be removed, thereby exposing the couplers to which they were attached. The exposed couplers may be used for joining cargo unit to the main framework. Accordingly, the cargo units may be secured to the main framework by joining their attached coupling members to the couplers attached to the main framework.

Abstract: A vehicle receiver mounted cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles, skis and poles, canoes, canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed, at locations most suited for the specific cargo. Other structural components form anchor points for the cargo that also help to retain the cargo and act as theft deterrents. The carrier is designed to be free standing out of the vehicle receiver, and so may be used as a storage organizer for the cargo before, during and after transport. Prior to assembly, the components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional, so the carrier may be packaged, stocked and sold in compact, flat packaging. Alternative support struts offer additional methods of supporting the cargo.

Abstract: A cargo carrier for attaching behind a vehicle to transport cargo, bicycles or the like, and which can easily be disassembled to a compact size. The cargo carrier is formed by a main support bar, and multiple top support rods and securing braces and fixed by two end pieces to form a platform for transporting cargo. A bicycle attachment can be secured to the cargo carrier to transport both cargo and bikes. Mud flaps and supplemental lighting can also be added, without the need for tools or complex accessories. Picnic table legs can be secured to a bottom portion of the carrier to form a picnic table from the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle receiver mounted cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles, skis and poles, canoes, canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed, at locations most suited for the specific cargo. Other structural components form anchor points for the cargo that also help to retain the cargo and act as theft deterrents. The carrier is designed to be free standing out of the vehicle receiver, and so may be used as a storage organizer for the cargo before, during and after transport. Prior to assembly, the components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional, so the carrier may be packaged, stocked and sold in compact, flat packaging. Alternative support struts offer additional methods of supporting the cargo.

Abstract: A combination load support for use as a roof height carrier or pickup box extender that inserts into a standard receiver hitch. The device provides support for one end of ladders, canoes, etc. and the pickup cab or sport utility roof provides support for the other end. When one section of this combination load support is inserted in the opposite direction, long loads extending beyond the pickup truck's tailgate can be supported.

Abstract: A continuously curved drawbar adapted to be mounted in a receiver hitch for extending the bed of a transport vehicle and enhancing load carrying capacity. The drawbar is formed as a box beam with a straight section at one end for receipt in the receiver hitch and rising above the receiver hitch at the second end. An adapter is provided at the end second for mounting a load. The curved drawbar reduces the amount of high-load impact transferred to the receiver hitch and resists permanent deflection.

Abstract: A modular vehicle rack system having a rack holder and rack constructed and arranged to allow easy interchange of racks on the rack holder while allowing a rack mounted on the rack holder to be swung away from the rear of a vehicle to provide substantially unobstructed access to the vehicle rear. The holder has an upwardly extending pin located away from a tongue of the holder that telescopically receives a complementary sleeve of the rack enabling a rack to be quickly and easily mounted on the holder in a manner that permits it to be swung away from the vehicle rear to provide access. The rack preferably includes an integral handle that permits it to be easily grasped and maneuvered to enable racks to be quickly and easily mounted on or removed from a holder. The rack construction includes a swing arm support rail forming part of a cargo or equipment truss that can be flexibly arranged to carry many types of equipment and cargo making the rack design extremely flexible and versatile.

Abstract: A modular, multi-purpose carrying rack which has a number of configurations for carrying a wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack is economical, simple to construct, easy to use and can be disassembled and stored in the vehicle trunk. The rack utilized a novel, anti-wobble connector to connect to receiver-type trailer hitches. The rack is comprised of at least one vertical member which can be removably attached to the connector; at least one cross bar which can be slidably attached to the vertical bar; and at least two elongate horizontal members which can be slidably attached to the cross bar(s).

Abstract: A cargo carrier designed to be mounted adjacent to and onto a vehicle by attaching it to the vehicle's trailer hitch having a crossbar and a receiver. The cargo carrier has a substantially S-shaped tongue having a male bracket that couples with the receiver on the trailer hitch, thereby mounting the cargo carrier onto the vehicle. The male bracket is held in the receiver by means of a pin. An elongated frame, having a fixed arm and a swing-out arm which is constructed of essentially parallel beams and connected to said fixed arm by a pivot hinge, is integral with and is supported by said tongue. The fixed arm is reinforced by frame support members connecting said arm with the tongue. Load support brackets are carried on the swing-out arm and serve to mount a cargo holder device thereupon, the cargo holder device being a box with a lid, an open bin, or any other desired device.

Abstract: A multi-functional carrier apparatus or system which attaches to a vehicle via a standard receiver trailer hitch or a step-bumper hitch. The apparatus consisting of: (a) a hitch member that is pinned/attached to the standard hitch of a vehicle, (b) a support frame or mounting platform, and (c) any number of removable carrying accessories which are made 10 to easily and quickly secure to the support frame. The purpose of the hitch member is to secure the mounting support-frame to the vehicle while locating it up from the hitch and rearward of the vehicle bumper. The pivotable support-frame permits quick and secure attachment of the cargo carrying accessories. The mounting support-frame is adjustable to permit positioning it from parallel to perpendicular with the ground to handle a number of carrying accessories. The removable carrying accessories of the system are easy to attach and secure to the support frame.

Abstract: A truck bed extender mountable in a receivable trailer hitch has an elongated support bar and a rack. The rack has a horizontal cross bar that is vertically adjustable on the support bar at the end opposite that where the support bar is secured to the receiver trailer hitch.

Abstract: A pull out and rotatable cup and can holder to receive and restrain a coffee cup and a beverage can at respective first and second openings formed through first and second sides of a round base plate. The round base plate is slidably received in and rotatable relative to a frame that is mounted below a suitable flat surface of a vehicle (e.g. a boat, and the like) that is subjected to turbulence and similar mechanical forces during operation. The round base plate slides partially out of the frame to expose either the first or second openings for receiving and restraining a cup or a can. After the round base plate has been pulled partially out of the frame, it may be simply and easily rotated 180 degrees to correspondingly rotate and reposition the first and second openings formed therethrough. Once the cup or can is removed from the cup and can holder, the round base plate may be conveniently pushed inwardly of the frame so as to be disposed at a completely out of the way location therewithin.

Abstract: A carrier system is provided for attachment to a vehicle having a pair of tubular trailer hitches mounted thereon. The carrier system comprises a pair of spaced, deflectable articulated tubular support assemblies, each having a first open end and a second open end each of the first ends being adapted for telescopic engagement with one of the trailer hitches. A cargo carrier is removably attached and solely supported from the vehicle by the support assemblies, the cargo carrier having a base provided with a pair of guide channels formed thereon. The support assemblies are receivable in the guide channels and the cargo carrier is slidably disposed along and extends over a portion of the support assemblies between the first and second ends.