Abstract: A collapsible bicycle carrier has a base that is configured to fit a trailer hitch receiver on a motor vehicle. An upright frame is operatively connected to the base. A T-shaped member having a vertical upright body and a horizontal crossbar is connected to the frame. A substantially U-shaped carrying assembly having a pair of carrying arms at an open end thereof is pivotally mounted to the crossbar. A slide having a tab is slidably received on the upright body. A bracket is rotatably mounted at its ends to the tab and a closed end of the carrying assembly. A lock is provided on the slide for locking the slide in first and second positions. The carrying arms are in an extended carrying position when the slide is locked in the first position and in a collapsed position when the slide is locked in the second position.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that are manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base with a surface and a rear panel pivotally attached to the base that is movable between a closed position overlying the base surface and an open position substantially normal to the base surface. End panels are movably attached to respective end portions of the rear panel and are movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel. One or more partition panels may be provided that are movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the rear panel (or base surface) and an operative position disposed substantially normal to the base surface and to the rear panel.

Abstract: A frame apparatus engages a pair of hitch members permanently attached to the undercarriage structure of a motor home. Brackets containing guide rollers attach a left and right upright movable rail to the frame. An electrically driven set of gears drive a vertically positioned threaded rod attached to a gear housing connected to a transverse portion of the frame apparatus. A bottom of the threaded rod is attached to a transverse rod connecting the left and right movable rails. The bottom portion of such movable rails are attached to rearwardly directed support arms which support a transverse track adapted to transport a motorcycle.

Abstract: A car-mounted bicycle or wheelchair carrier that enables a bicycle to be easily and quickly loaded and unloaded, that can be completely stored in the trunk in a compact fashion when it is not being used and be removed from the trunk in a one-step operation, that can be easily mounted to any existing cars, that can reliably immobilize a bicycle or wheelchair when the car is being driven, that can be applied to various types of bicycles as well as to wheelchairs, and that can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: A portable, easily installed and uninstalled, support scaffold to carry oversize cargo in vehicle storage compartments. The device can be temporarily secured within the storage compartment, or if desired, the adjustable support frame can be permanently installed. The size of the support frame is adjustable in all three dimensions and includes an adjustable arm that is located on the rear end of the frame device. The arm extends outwardly from the frame to outside the compartment. There is an extension from the arm that can be adjusted to rest on the bumper or trailer hitch to provide extra support for the cargo that sits on the arm. If the cargo is so long that the center of mass is outside the compartment, the arm can be extended further outside the vehicle to prevent an additional moment from being placed on the contact between the cargo and the arm.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a vehicle-mounted load carrier (1) of the type which is fastened across a door, hatch (2) or the like, preferably at the rear of the vehicle (3). The load carrier comprises a load-bearing frame (4-6) and at least two gripping means (18, 19, 21, 22) disposed on the frame and intended to grip two substantially mutually opposite edges, preferably the top and the bottom edge of the door, and means (25, 26) for tensioning the gripping means across the door by the positive relative displacement thereof towards each other.

Abstract: A cargo supporting apparatus adapted to be used within a bed of a pickup truck. The apparatus includes a frame which is pivotally mounted to a longitudinal sidewall of the bed such that it can be moved between a stowed position and an operative position. In the operative position the frame extends generally horizontally from the sidewall of the bed. A pivot assembly is used to support the frame in its operative position. A locking assembly is operatively associated with the pivot assembly for holding the frame in its operative position. The locking assembly also includes a user actuatable lever. The actuatable lever can be used to unlock the locking mechanism such that the frame can be pivoted from its operative position into its stowed position. The frame includes a plurality of openings which each have a cargo carrying element such as a net or flexible bag.

Abstract: A truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack is provided which aids in the storage and transportation of surfboards via pickup trucks and vans. Two fold up arms have three slots in each one, with each slot being padded with a weatherproof foam material. When extended in the up position, the slots allow up to three surfboards to be stored in a horizontal position on their long edge. When in the lowered position, the invention folds flat against the floor of the truck or van, to provide the maximum storage space for other items. When secured to the frame of the pickup truck or van with mechanical hardware such as stainless steel nuts and bolts, the carrier can also be used for snow boards or other similarly shaped objects.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle accessory includes rear, medial, and front carrier units each, having a laterally extending chassis-mounted socket member that telescopically receives a sleeve having a pair of posts thereon, the posts having adjustable spacing from a side extremity of the vehicle. The socket members can be clamped under the vehicle chassis and/or incorporated in vehicle bumpers. An optional configuration has front and/or rear mounted a base to which the socket member is pivotally mounted as an arm, the posts being foldable in-line with the arm, the arm also folding inwardly from the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trunk-mountable equipment rack includes a frame having a cross member and a plurality of legs. The legs have straps attached that are capable of extending to couple the legs to the trunk of a vehicle. These straps allow the equipment rack to be placed on and secured to different sizes and shapes of trunks of vehicles. The invention also includes support bars for securing equipment to the equipment rack for transportation on a vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier adapted to be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The carrier comprises first and second mounting members and a pair of horizontally spaced bicycle supporting arms connected to the mounting members. The mounting members are pivotably connected for relative rotation about a horizontal pivot axis between a plurality of adjusted positions. The carrier includes indicia corresponding to each of the adjusted positions ofthe mounting members, so that a user can quickly return the carrier to the same adjusted position. The supporting arms carry cradles formed of an elastic material for receiving a bicycle. Each cradle includes a curved supporting surface for receiving a bar of the bicycle frame, and an integral strap which can be extended over the bar to retain the bar within the cradle. An anti-sway bar hangs downwardly from at least one of the supporting arms for resisting swinging movement of a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier has a frame mountable to a vehicle and defining a pair of spaced apart support arms for supporting one or more bicycles. The support arms are provided with positioning guides, which may take the form of spaced circumferential ridges and troughs extending along the support arms. The ridges and troughs may be formed by a ribbed sleeve mounted on the support arms. At least one cradle is mounted on each support arm for receiving and releasable holding a selected tube or tubes of a bicycle frame. Each cradle has an opening through which the support arm extends and a tab projects partially into the opening. The tabs are configured to be received and to ride within selected ones of the troughs of the support arms for rotatably positioning the cradles at desired positions along their support arms. A channel extends along the support arms interrupting the ridges.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a vehicle-mounted load carrier (1) of the type which is fastened across a door, hatch (2) or the like, preferably at the rear of the vehicle (3). The load carrier comprises a load-bearing frame (4-6) and at least two gripping means (18, 19, 21, 22) disposed on the frame and intended to grip two substantially mutually opposite edges, preferably the top and the bottom edge of the door, and means (25, 26) for tensioning the gripping means across the door by the positive relative displacement thereof towards each other.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: A bed extender apparatus for use with a truck bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The bed extender includes a center wall having a pair of uprights at opposite ends thereof. A pair of end walls are pivotably coupled to the uprights and can be folded down over the center wall when the bed extender is not in use, or attached to sidewalls of the truck bed to place the bed extender in a bed extending configuration. The center wall is secured to an inside surface of a tailgate of the vehicle by a pair of mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies allow the bed extender to be quickly slidably detached from the truck bed when not needed. The bed extender can also be installed within the truck bed to provide an article restraining function.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining enclosure assembly (10, 110) for restraining cargo (20) in a cargo space (30) of a transport vehicle (40). The enclosure assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (70, 170) that may be positioned on the bed (50, 150) of the cargo space and at least one enclosure assembly that includes a plurality of sidewalls (80A, 80B, 90A, 90B, 180A, 180B, 190A, 190B) which are pivoted and/or folded into a collapsed or stowed condition in the bed liner (50, 150). During use, the enclosure assembly (10, 110) is pivoted up into the cargo space (30) and the sidewalls deployed to cooperatively form a walled enclosure for cargo. A transport vehicle (40) having the cargo restraining enclosure assembly (10, 110) and a method of restraining cargo in a transport vehicle also are disclosed.

Abstract: A combination bicycle mount and a collapsible holder by which the bicycle mount is removably coupled to an existing trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. With the bicycle mount uncoupled from the collapsible holder, the holder is adapted to be folded into a compact package to facilitate transport and storage between uses. The bicycle mount includes upper and lower retaining plates between which a single bicycle frame bar or a pair of bicycle frame bars are received and retained. A threaded locking bolt extends between the upper and lower retaining plates to be rotated in either a first direction to cause the retaining plates to move together to establish a clamping force against the bicycle frame bars or an opposite direction to reduce the clamping force. A cranking tab is pivotally connected to the head of the locking bolt to be rotated between a locked position at which to prevent the locking bolt from being rotated and an unlocked position at which to permit the locking bolt to be rotated.

Abstract: A bicycle rack adapted to be detachably mounted to a vehicle via a standard trailer hitch receiver with the bicycle rack having a vertical support pivotally connected at its lower end to a base assembly with a bicycle carrier assembly connected to the upper end of the vertical support. The bicycle carrier assembly includes two generally rectangular plates detachably connected together adapted to receive the crossbars of bicycles. A pin releasably locks the vertical support in an upright position. Upon removal of the pin the vertical support pivots rearwardly away from the vehicle. Tail lights are mounted on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A support device for a rear end assembly on motor vehicles, especially on campers, caravans or the like, is provided with two connecting elements which, on the one hand, carry a transporting frame, protruding from the rear of the vehicle and, on the other, are supported on a chassis. The connecting elements are formed by a sliding rail, which has a guiding and holding profiling and at which the transporting frame 6, as well as additional supporting elements for transported goods can be fixed as pivotable, foldable and/or extendable add-ons.

Abstract: A cart apparatus includes a base assembly which includes a floor and walls which project upward from the floor. A first multipurpose connection bracket is attached to a bottom side of the floor. A pair of handle/leg reception brackets are attached to one end of the base assembly. The handle/leg reception brackets are oriented at an acute orientation angle with respect to a top surface of the walls. A second multipurpose connection bracket is attached to the bottom side of the floor. The first multipurpose connection bracket is attached adjacent to a first side of the floor, and the second multipurpose connection bracket is attached adjacent to a second side of the floor. Each of the first and second multipurpose connection brackets is located medially along the floor. The floor includes drain holes. Support beams are connected between the base assembly and the multipurpose connection bracket. The cart apparatus can be used either attached to a motor vehicle or free-standing on its own wheels.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding carrier for carrying bulky cargo includes a frame, an upper member rotatably disposed on the frame and a cage rotatably and slidably disposed on the frame, the cage being configured to restrain forward, lateral and rearward movement of cargo placed therein. The upper member and cage are constrained for limited pivotal and/or slidable movement relative to the frame between extended carrying positions and collapsed storage positions. A locking element or brace is provided for securing the upper member in its extended carrying position. A series of straps are provided for securing articles, such as, for example, a cooler, on the cage as well as for securing the carrier to an automobile. The upper member may be provided with a pair of hook members which facilitate fastening the carrier to an externally mounted spare tire.

Abstract: A bicycle rack adapted to be detachably mounted to a vehicle via a standard trailer hitch receiver with the bicycle rack having a vertical support pivotally connected at its lower end to a base assembly with a bicycle carrier assembly connected to the upper end of the vertical support. The bicycle carrier assembly includes two generally rectangular plates detachably connected together adapted to receive the crossbars of bicycles. A pin releasably locks the vertical support in an upright position. Upon removal of the pin the vertical support pivots rearwardly away from the vehicle. Tail lights are mounted on the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes two frames between which a connecting device and an engaging device are respectively disposed. One of the frames has a tongue member extending laterally from a lower end thereof. The engaging device includes a retaining member having an open bottom and a second recess is defined in a peripheral wall of the retaining member and communicates with the open bottom so that a connecting sphere of a car is received in the retaining member via the open bottom and limited by the tongue member.

Abstract: A carrier-platform device mountable on a utility vehicle. The carrier-platform device includes a frame attached to a standard, front-end snowplow-receiving bracket and a platform attached to the frame. The platform has three degrees of movement. The platform is pivotable from a vertical storage position to a horizontal deployed position. In the deployed position, the platform is further extendable so as to adjust the overall width of the carrier-platform device. The platform is still further adjustable in that the platform is able to be tilted in a ramp-like manner towards the ground. This arrangement allows an item such as an ATV or snowblower to be maneuvered from ground level and onto the platform so as to be transported by the utility vehicle atop the carrier-platform device.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding carrier for carrying bulky cargo includes a frame, an upper member rotatably disposed on the frame and a cage rotatably and slidably disposed on the frame, the cage being configured to restrain forward, lateral and rearward movement of cargo placed therein. The upper member and cage are constrained for limited pivotal and/or slidable movement relative to the frame between extended carrying positions and collapsed storage positions. A locking element or brace is provided for securing the upper member in its extended carrying position. A series of straps are provided for securing articles, such as, for example, a cooler, on the cage as well as for securing the carrier to an automobile. The upper member may be provided with a pair of hook members which facilitate fastening the carrier to an externally mounted spare tire.

Abstract: A load securing device for a vehicle includes a hitch mechanism securable to a vehicle for selectively fixing a trailer to the vehicle for being towed thereby, a load carrying mechanism for carrying loads externally of the vehicle, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the load carrying mechanism to the hitch mechanism such that both the load carrying mechanism and the hitch mechanism may be simultaneously used. The hitch mechanism is adjustable such that a trailer-engaging hitch member thereof may be stably disposed at different vertical levels relative to the vehicle, and the hitch mechanism is also adjustable such that the hitching member may be disposed at different longitudinally projecting positions relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable, portable tool tray assembly for external mounting on a motor vehicle. The tool tray assembly has an open tray compartment, a means for removable engagement with the motor vehicle which extends from the tray and a slidably adjustable, hinged brace for positioning the tool tray assembly on numerous locations on the motor vehicle. The tray may be composed of two tray components which may be adjusted with respect to each other to vary the size of the open tray compartment.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for attachment to a vehicle includes a lower mounting member, an upper mounting member and a support member. The upper mounting member is pivotably attached to the lower mounting member to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis. The support member is pivotably attached to the lower mounting member to pivot about a vertical pivot axis. The lower mounting member, the upper mounting member and the support member can be pivoted about their respective axes to lie in a substantially coplanar storage position.

Abstract: A collapsible, lightweight bicycle carrier for a vehicle that can be installed and removed easily by one person. When removed from the vehicle, the hollow and capped tube, that serves as the anchor for the front looped straps, is utilized to store the strapping components of the carrier. The capped tube is dimensioned to fit in a standard water bottle carrier supplied with the bicycle. The bicycle is attached to the vehicle using two looped straps dimensioned to fit over the storage tube. The tube is anchored through a vehicle opening. The bicycle is furnished with protective pads that fasten to the bicycle frame and handlebars. The bicycle is inverted and attached to the trailing ends of the looped straps that extend through the gap of the vehicle opening. The posterior of the bicycle is then fastened to the vehicle using two straps with adjusting buckles. A rear support structure may also be secured to the seat post of the bicycle.

Abstract: A carrier for a two wheel vehicle adapted for mounting on the rear of a motor vehicle, with one configuration of this carrier being an extended position intended for carrying a two wheeled vehicle. The second configuration of the carrier is a compacted position in which a minimal amount of space along the rear of the motor vehicle is occupied. This carrier utilizes a rigid base member having a wheel receiving portion, and a second rigid member pivotally attached to the base member, the second member also having a wheel receiving portion. The second member, when in the compacted position, has its wheel receiving position adjacent the wheel receiving portion of the base member, but when the second member is moved to the extended position, its wheel receiving portion is removed for a relatively substantial distance from the wheel receiving portion of the base member.

Abstract: Pickup truck bed organizer apparatus includes a layer of flat belting material in which a plurality of panels is defined by a plurality of cuts. Each panel extends between the sides of the material and is pivotable from a down position to an up position. The panels are under tension in their up position due to the inherent properties of the material and return to their down position as part of the layer material when goods which are against them are removed. The panels are pivoted to divide the cargo or bed area of the truck into any of a plurality of separate compartments for organizing goods or cargo or for holding the cargo in any or all of the various compartments.

Abstract: A load carrier for transporting bulky articles on vehicles, having two beams connected by a cross-strut, the cross-strut being able to secure a load to be carried, has holding tubes that are securable to a rear of a vehicle and extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The beams are insertable into the holding tubes, and have angled ends. The beams are displaceable by a defined amount in the longitudinal direction in the holding tubes between a rest position in which the beams are under the vehicle and a use position in which the beams project beyond the rear of the vehicle. The beams are fixable in the rest and use positions and mounted so as to each be pivotable about the axis of one of the holding tubes into one of two different end positions. The angled ends of the beams are swivellably articulated on the cross-strut. The beams project beyond the rear of the vehicle and are swivelled upwards with their angled ends when in the use position.

Abstract: A foldable carrier that is mountable upon a vehicle includes rotatably connected frame, carrying, and supporting members. The carrying member is constrained for limited rotational movement relative to the frame between a carrying position and a stored position. A locking element, including a latch means and an arm means, positively locks the carrying member in its extended operational position, thus preventing collapse of the carrier after it is in use. Bicycles and other items are secured to the carrier using a tie-down system including either strap securing elements positioned on the ends of the carrying members arms or a series of mounting elements slidably positioned on the arms of the carrying member.

Abstract: A scooter holder having a low profile is attached to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. The attachment member is adjustable and invertable so that the scooter holder may be used with vehicles of differing heights. The holder includes a scooter supporting platform that is in a raised and folded configuration when it is not supporting a scooter, and which when raised returns to its folded configuration if no scooter is atop the platform and which remains unfolded when raised with a scooter on the platform. Throwing a switch causes the platform to lower and unfold in a gradual, continuous motion until it reaches a fully unfolded, lowered position where a scooter can be driven onto it. Throwing the switch with a scooter on the platform causes the holder to lift the scooter to a desirable height. The platform pivots about a fulcrum when lifted empty, but the fulcrum is bypassed when the platform is lifted while supporting a scooter.