Abstract: A system for an expandable cargo carrier including a carrier assembly, a communication assembly and a vehicle assembly is disclosed. The carrier assembly includes a carrier that is secured to a vehicle of the vehicle assembly with an attaching member. The carrier includes a floor defined by telescopic members. The telescopic members expand or retract to achieve an expanded or retracted configuration, respectively, for the carrier. The carrier is expanded or retracted through manual or automatic means. The communication assembly includes a motor that is engaged to expand or retract the telescopic members automatically. Additionally, communication assembly permits carrier to be sized remotely. Alternatively, telescopic members are expanded or retracted through manual manipulation of the telescopic members. Carrier is sized as necessary by a user to accommodate a cargo load to be transported within carrier.

Abstract: A foldable positioning structure and a bicycle carrier including the same is provided. The foldable positioning structure is for being mounted on a main body of a bicycle carrier, the main body includes a first rod member and a second rod member which are rotatably connected with each other, the foldable positioning structure includes an abutting assembly, a controlling assembly and a linkage. The abutting assembly is disposed on the second rod member and movable relative to the second rod member. The controlling assembly is rotatably disposed on the second rod member and slidable relative to the second rod member, and the controlling assembly has an engaging portion which is radially disposed thereon. The linkage is connected to and between the abutting assembly and the controlling assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a swing-in-place vehicle article carrier system for supporting articles above an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system has a front pair and rear pairs of support structures fixedly secured to the outer body surface. A first modular cross bar assembly is included which has a central portion, a latching module assembly secured at a first end of the central portion, and a pivot module secured at a second end of the central portion. The pivot module is coupled to one of the front pair of support structures for enabling pivoting motion of the first cross bar assembly between operative and stowed positions. In the operative position, the first modular cross bar assembly spans widthwise across the outer body surface. In the stowed position the cross bar assembly is secured to a second one of the rear pair of support structures to form a continuous span between the second ones of the pairs of front and rear support structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device connectable to a luggage boot of a motor vehicle to quickly and easily safely transport packages. The device includes a first rod connectable to a bar of the luggage boot, parallel thereto. The device further includes a second rod hinged to the first rod at a respective end thereof. The second rod is rotatable with respect to the first rod between a first position at which the second rod is arranged substantially parallel to the bar of the luggage boot, and a second position at which the second rod is arranged substantially transversely to the bar of the luggage boot. The device also includes a mechanism so the second rod may be reversibly locked in the first or second positions. Also disclosed is a luggage boot including the device and to a motor vehicle provided with a luggage boot including the device.

Abstract: A vehicle bike rack formed of a connection tube, a main support tube and a U-shaped frame is disclosed to include an upper mounting block mounted on the U-shaped frame, a lower mounting block movably connected to the upper mounting block, a front wheel clamp connected to the lower mounting block and a third locking device for locking the front wheel clamp to the front wheel of the bike. The front wheel clamp includes a mounting rod connected to the lower mounting block, and a U-shaped clamping plate provided at one end of the mounting rod and attached to the front wheel of the bike and locked thereto by the third locking device to prohibit the front wheel of the bike from vibration as the vehicle carrying the vehicle bike rack and the bike is running.

Abstract: A hitch mounted rack for carrying a bicycle is disclosed. The rack includes a tongue portion configured for attachment to a hitch receiver behind a vehicle, and a beam structure connected to the tongue portion. A bike mount is secured to the first beam structure by a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly having an open and a closed position. In the closed position the clamp assembly fixes the bike mount to the beam structure. In the open position the clamp assembly permits movement of the bike mount in a first direction and a second orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A watercraft carrier includes a central hub having an upper surface configured to receive a watercraft, an upright rotatably coupled to the central hub and configured to be disposed in a plurality of positions, and a locking assembly coupling the upright with the central hub and configured to secure the upright in the plurality of positions. The locking assembly is disposed below the upper surface of the central hub. A portion of the upright is disposed above the upper surface of the central hub in a first position and the upright is disposed below the upper surface of the central hub in a second position.

Abstract: A motorcycle carrier device has a hitch tube having a hitch element for insertion into a trailer hitch of a vehicle. An upright member is affixed to the hitch tube, and an elevator having a lifting mechanism is provided for selectively raising and lowering upon the elevator with respect to the upright member. A motorcycle mounting platform is attached to the elevator so that it is raised and lowered between a raised position and a lowered position. A locking tube is provided so that when the motorcycle mounting platform is in the raised position, a locking bar is positioned through the locking tube and into the hitch tube, to lock the motorcycle mounting platform in the raised position.

Abstract: A vehicle bicycle rack is provided including a telescopic, height-adjustable support, attachable to a vehicle, and an arm assembly carried by the support for holding one or more bicycles. The arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the support and is height-adjustable by adjusting the height of the support. The arm assembly can adopt various rotational positions, including a stowed position in which the arm assembly is pivoted downward, and a deployed position in which the arm assembly is pivoted rearward and one or more bicycles can be carried by the arm assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier system for a vehicle includes a guide rail provided on a bumper back beam and formed to extend in forward and backward directions, a carrier portion connected to the guide rail to be slidably drawn out or accommodated along the guide rail, an extended support portion installed on the carrier portion to extend or return in both side directions to carry a bicycle, a motor module installed on the carrier portion and including a first driving portion to enable the carrier portion to move along the guide rail and a second driving portion to extend/return the extended support portion, and a communication control module to store a drawing/accommodating command of the carrier portion and an extending/returning command of the extended support portion and to control operation of the first driving portion and the second driving portion in accordance with an input signal.

Abstract: A cart assembly includes a cart that has an upright section and a tongue section. The upright section may have an object removably secured thereto and the tongue section may be coupled to a vehicle thereby facilitating the cart to be towed. A basket is removably attached to the cart. The basket is positioned on the upright section such that the basket may contain an object.

Abstract: The RV tank storage rack is adapted to attach onto a rear bumper of an RV, and support a portable sewage tank there from. The RV tank storage rack includes a folding ramp, a tank platform, and a back support frame. The tank platform is positioned between the folding ramp and the back support frame. The tank platform is adapted to receive a portable sewage tank. A mounting member extends from underneath the tank platform. The mounting member is adapted to secure the RV tank storage rack onto a rear bumper of an RV. The folding ramp is hingedly connected with the tank platform, and rotates downwardly in order to adaptively enable the portable sewage tank to be rolled onto or off of the tank platform.

Abstract: A cargo organiser for a vehicle includes a frame at least partially forming a floor of a cargo area of the vehicle. The cargo organizer includes one or more elongate elements extendable across an opening defined by the frame. The elongate elements are slidable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A bicycle rack used to attach a bicycle to the rear of a motor vehicle. The bicycle rack is fixedly attached to the bicycle when the bicycle is operated as well as when it is transported on the motor vehicle. The bicycle rack includes two swing arms movable from a first position when the bicycle is being utilized to a second transverse position used to attach the bicycle rack and the bicycle to the rear of a motor vehicle. A plurality of retractable cables is used to assist in attaching the bicycle rack and the bicycle to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: The hitch bar with swivel has a proximal portion that attaches removably to the conventional receiver hitch receptacle of a supporting vehicle and a distal portion for supporting an apparatus, e.g., spreader for distributing animal feed, etc., thereon. The distal bar portion is positioned to overlay the proximal portion and to place the supported apparatus close to the rear of the supporting vehicle during operations in order to reduce the lever arm and corresponding bending loads on the hitch receptacle. The distal portion of the bar may be swiveled clear of the rear of the vehicle to allow the rear door (tailgate, rear hatch, etc.) of the vehicle to be opened when the vehicle is stopped. The distal bar portion and apparatus supported thereon have a combined length preferably less than half the width of the vehicle, permitting the bar to be swiveled freely without extending laterally beyond the vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo carrier removably attaches to a square hitch receiver on the back of a vehicle. The cargo carrier is collapsible when not in use. A base plate has a series of first arms pivotally attached thereto each first arm extending outwardly for use and secured thereat and folding upwardly for storage. A removable plate secures the first arms in the extended position. A second arm is attached to an outer end of a first arm and pivots between an extended position extending upwardly from the first arm and a collapsed position flush against the first arm. Each second arm is lockable in its extended position. A flexible cable is attached to the distal end of each second arm to help retain cargo within the device.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for storing a ladder on the outer rear wall of a cab of a semi tractor. It comprises an outer stationary frame that is bolted to the rear surface of the tractor cab proximate one side of the cab and contained within the outer frame are first and second panels that are pivotally joined to one another where one of the first and second panels is also pivotally joined to the stationary frame. The second inner panel carries a ladder support bracket. When stowed, a latch mechanism prevents the inner articulated frame panels from extending relative to the stationary outer frame. Upon unlatching, the two inner articulated panels can be rotated such that the ladder will be positioned to the side of the tractor cab and accessible to an individual standing on the ground.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a hitch-mounted telescopic rack and its operation, the rack could be comprised of a vertical telescopic tube assembly having an inner tube movably received within a hollow outer tube, the hollow outer tube having a hitch attachment end while the inner tube has an attachment end that connects to a top tube assembly that movably supports one or more rollers perpendicularly to the vertical telescopic tube assembly; wherein the hitch attachment end is reversibly received by a trailer hitch of an automotive vehicle to vertically orient the vertical telescopic tube assembly and place the rollers in a horizontal position distal from the trailer hitch, the one or more rollers moving an object relative to a rear edge of a top of the automotive vehicle as well as supporting the rear overhanging portion of the object that is placed on the top.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a collapsible storage container for a bed of a pickup truck includes a set of panels, a connection system, and an attachment system. The set of panels are configured to form an enclosed area in a bed of a pickup truck. The set of panels are movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. In the collapsed state, the set of panels allow for substantially all of the bed of the pickup truck to be used. In the uncollapsed state, the set of panels form an enclosed area. The connection system connects the set of panels together such that the panels are movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. The attachment system is configured to connect the set of panels to the bed of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible bicycle rack to be transported at the rear of a motor vehicle for carrying bicycles that are suspended vertically and upside down relative to one another. The bicycle rack includes a vertical main support bar. An upper front wheel support basket is pivotally coupled to the main support bar to receive and retain the front wheels of the bicycles. A lower rear wheel support arm is pivotally coupled to the main support bar below the upper front wheel support basket to receive the rear wheels of the bicycles. The upper front wheel support basket and the lower rear wheel support arm are simultaneously rotated from an expanded deployed configuration extending outwardly from the vertical main support bar to a compact folded configuration lying generally side-by-side the vertical main support bar.

Abstract: A compact folding bicycle carrier has a frame, a folding lower foot member and a pair of folding articulated upper carrying members. The lower foot member is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the frame and constrained for limited movement relative thereto. Each articulated carrying member has a supporting arm and a carrying arm. One end of each supporting arm is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the frame at opposite sides thereof. Each carrying arm is associated with one supporting arm. Each carrying arm has a cradle for holding a bicycle adjacent one end and an upper foot at the other end. Each carrying arm, between the cradle and the upper foot, is pivotally mounted to its respective supporting arm. The supporting arms are constrained for limited movement relative to the frame and each carrying arm is constrained for limited movement relative to its respective supporting arm.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.

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 bicycle carrier for a vehicle including a frame, a crossbar assembly, a wheel tray, and a swing arm pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly. The wheels of the bicycle are positioned in the tray and secured by a tray coupling to restrain lateral movement. Two trays may be secured to the crossbar assembly to each receive a wheel of the bicycle. The swing arm pivots on the crossbar assembly and includes a shoe which engages the bicycle wheel. A shoe coupling secures the bicycle wheel to the swing arm. Two swing arms could be pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly each to engage a bicycle wheel. The frame may include a drawbar for insertion into the receiver of a trailer hitch. Additional crossbar assemblies could be secured to the frame to accommodate multiple bicycles.

Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.

Abstract: A BOAT HITCHING DEVICE AND CARRYING SYSTEM used for a carrying device for boats. This device is used in and around diving deck of the boat. The device is comprised essentially of two main parts: 1. A case which features a way to fasten the device to the boat; a way to rotate a receptor from a stored position and then securely retain the receptor in an essentially horizontal “use” position; a manner to pivot and securely retain the receptor in the use position; and features to provide a safe, flat deck when the device is in storage and 2. a receptor with a hub to pivotally yet securely connect to the case; a receiver structure to receive the various carrying accessories; and a way to securely retain the accessories. These devices are designed for Original Equipment or After Market offerings.

Abstract: A telescopic bicycle carrier installed on a vehicle so as to be able to load a bicycle outside the vehicle, may include a guide rail located inside a bumper of the vehicle and fixed to an end of a body of the vehicle, a guide frame slidably installed on the guide rail along a lengthwise direction of the vehicle, a pair of expansion brackets installed on lateral sides of the guide frame and slidable toward or away from each other with respect to the guide frame in a widthwise direction of the vehicle through the guide frame, bicycle wheel fixtures pivotally installed on the pair of expansion brackets to fix wheels of the loaded bicycle, and bicycle body fixtures pivotally installed on the pair of expansion brackets to fix a body of the loaded bicycle, wherein the pair of expansion brackets may be received inside the bumper along with the guide frame in a retracted state where the expansion brackets slide toward each other into the guide frame, and may be extracted from the bumper along with the guide frame if

Abstract: A vehicle-mountable bicycle carrier includes a linkage device for mounting the carrier to a vehicle, a base portion or platform to support both wheels of a bicycle, and an arm assembly connected to the base portion. The arm assembly may include a mast member and a jaw member. The jaw member may have a mounting portion received on the mast member and a hook portion attached to the mounting portion and configured to engage a bicycle frame and/or a top portion of a bicycle wheel. The jaw member may have a released configuration where the jaw member, as a unit, is pivotable about and slidable up and down the mast member while the mounting portion remains on the mast member.

Abstract: A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage.

Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a bicycle.

Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A portable, non-motorized automatic lift and transport apparatus allows users to lift and transport a small, powered vehicle with minimal physical exertion and without the need for secondary power source. The apparatus is comprised of a base and platform connected to a gear housing. The gear housing telescopically engages and moves vertically within a vehicle mount via a gear system. The drive wheels of the small, powered vehicle to be transported power the gear system attached to the gear housing to rotate the gear system and subsequently lift the to-be-transported vehicle using its own power source. A storage position is provided that can be used without disengaging a transmission.

Abstract: The bicycle carrier rack includes a main frame, a swaying frame and an adjustment device. The main frame stands vertically, combined with the swaying frame by the adjustment device. Fixed at the bottom portion of the main frame is a positioning rack to connect with a vehicle or a trailer. Two positioning holes are bored in the main frame. The swaying frame is combined with the main frame by the adjustment device, having a positioning member and a positioning projection employed to primarily position with positioning holes of the main frame. The adjustment device has a shell, and a movable element installed in the shell to co-work with the positioning member of the swaying frame. With a starting element to control the movable element, the adjustment device can work to alter the combined status of the main frame and the swaying frame, enabling the bicycle carrier rack unfolded or folded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle carrier for a vehicle, which is housed in the rear bumper of the vehicle to be concealed and when necessary is drawn out from the rear bumper to carry a bicycle. The bicycle carrier includes a front frame positioned in a rear bumper of the vehicle and secured to a rear end of a vehicle body. A central frame perpendicularly passes through the front frame. A rear frame is secured to a rear end of the central frame. A folding unit couples each of opposite ends of the front frame with each of opposite ends of the rear frame and is folded to vary a distance between the front frame and the rear frame. A bicycle wheel support is provided on the folding unit. A bicycle body support is provided on the central frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a stowable storage net and a vehicle with a stowable storage net. The storage net comprises a storage area having a front, a back and two sides, the front and back being pivotally connected at one end. Means are included for providing a predetermined amount of longitudinal elasticity to the storage area. The storage net comprises means for removably attaching the storage area to a desired surface of the cargo area. The storage net further comprises a storage pouch forming the bottom of the storage net, the two sides of the storage net pivotally mounted proximally to the ends of the storage pouch and configured to fold into the storage pouch, allowing the associated net to fall easily and neatly into the pouch. The storage pouch can further comprise a zipper or other means of closure. Methods and vehicles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cargo carrier removably attaches to a square hitch receiver on the back of a vehicle. The cargo carrier is collapsible when not in use. A base plate has a series of first arms pivotally attached thereto each first arm extending outwardly for use and secured thereat and folding upwardly for storage. A removable plate secures the first arms in the extended position. A second arm is attached to an outer end of a first arm and pivots between an extended position extending upwardly from the first arm and a collapsed position flush against the first arm. Each second arm is lockable in its extended position. A flexible cable is attached to the distal end of each second arm to help retain cargo within the device.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a load carrier arrangement for transporting a bicycle when secured thereupon. The load carrier arrangement including a frame assembly adapted to be mounted to the carrying vehicle. The frame assembly has at least one elongate arm configured to receive a bicycle cradle thereupon. The bicycle cradle is mounted upon the arm and is operator configurable between a bicycle transporting configuration and a non-transporting configuration. The cradle has a through-passage within which the elongate arm is received and the cradle is operator reciprocal on the elongate arm in the non-transporting configuration thereby facilitating variable longitudinal positioning of the cradle by the operator upon the arm. The cradle has an increased resistance to longitudinal reciprocation on the elongate arm in the bicycle transporting configuration in comparison to the non-transporting configuration.

Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.

Abstract: A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a hitch-mounted telescopic rack and its operation, the rack could be comprised of a vertical telescopic tube assembly having an inner tube movably received within a hollow outer tube, the hollow outer tube having a hitch attachment end while the inner tube has an attachment end that connects to a top tube assembly that movably supports one or more rollers perpendicularly to the vertical telescopic tube assembly; wherein the hitch attachment end is reversibly received by a trailer hitch of an automotive vehicle to vertically orient the vertical telescopic tube assembly and place the rollers in a horizontal position distal from the trailer hitch, the one or more rollers moving an object relative to a rear edge of a top of the automotive vehicle as well as supporting the rear overhanging portion of the object that is placed on the top.

Abstract: A compact folding bicycle carrier has a frame, a folding lower foot member and a pair of folding articulated upper carrying members. The lower foot member is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the frame and constrained for limited movement relative thereto. Each articulated carrying member has a supporting arm and a carrying arm. One end of each supporting arm is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the frame at opposite sides thereof. Each carrying arm is associated with one supporting arm. Each carrying arm has a cradle for holding a bicycle adjacent one end and an upper foot at the other end. Each carrying arm, between the cradle and the upper foot, is pivotally mounted to its respective supporting arm. The supporting arms are constrained for limited movement relative to the frame and each carrying arm is constrained for limited movement relative to its respective supporting arm.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for use with a vehicle having a tailgate. The apparatus has a frame hingedly mounted to an exterior of the tailgate with at least about 270° of rotation relative to the tailgate. The apparatus has first and second arms pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the frame with at least about 90° of rotation relative to the frame from a resting position, in which the arms are substantially parallel to the frame, to an extended position. First and second panels mount between the arms when the arms are extended, wherein the first panel is mounted to ends of the arms that are opposite the frame and the second panel is mounted to an underside of each of the arms.

Abstract: Hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks, are set forth herein. One carrier includes a height member, an insert arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations, and at least one support arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations. Means for coupling insert arm to a tow hitch, for locking insert arm at storage and use configurations, and for locking support arm(s) at storage and use configurations are included. Insert arm is configured for insertion in tow hitch and has a wedge aperture. An attaching element is coupled to support arm(s) for removably attaching a device to support arm(s). A wedge is adjacent wedge aperture, and means are included for moving wedge between a first position generally flush with or inside insert arm and a second position extending outside insert arm to dampen wobble between insert arm and tow hitch.

Abstract: A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes.