Abstract: A carrying system is releasably attached to a vehicle such as a tractor, zero turn mower, ATV or UTV, and includes a flexible storage basket and optional accessories for retaining a variety of items including tools and materials. The flexible storage basket pivots downwardly for use, and upwardly for storage. The carrying system includes a column that releasably engages with a hitch assembly of a vehicle, thereby allowing the carrying system to be put onto and taken off of a vehicle fairly quickly and easily.

Abstract: A lightweight platform is formed by using plastic, aluminum, or an open spaced metal. The platform consists of a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. The front and rear sections may have side walls of any height. End walls may be attached if desired. The front section is connected to the middle section by hinges located on a top surface of the platform. The middle section is connected to the rear section by hinges located on a bottom surface of the platform. The platform moves from an open position to a closed position and back easily and without the necessity of latches.

Abstract: A folding mechanism for a cargo accessory is shown and described. The folding mechanism may include a linkage selectively attachable to a vehicle, and a cargo accessory carrying member pivotally attached to the linkage, where the cargo accessory carrying member is capable of locking engagement with the linkage. The folding mechanism may also include a release member operatively attached to the cargo accessory carrying member, where the release member is selectively axially positionable from a first position whereby the cargo accessory carrying member releases from the locking engagement with the linkage permitting pivoting of the cargo accessory carrying member relative to the linkage.

Abstract: A foldable holder for a beverage container comprises a fastening plate, a supporting ring coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, a holding bracket coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, and a supporting plate coupled pivotably to the holding bracket. The supporting ring and the holding bracket share a pivot axis extending from the fastening plate. The supporting plate is coupled to a remote end of the holding bracket so as to be pivotable counter to a pivoting direction of the supporting ring. The holding bracket and the supporting plate are disposed radially within the supporting ring when folded into a retracted state.

Abstract: A cup holder is deployed from a recess in a substantially vertical panel behind a substantially planar fold-down door which is pivotable adjacent to a bottom edge. A substantially planar tray member is slidably mounted to a guide frame to move between a collapsed position and an expanded position at respective distances from the inside surface of the fold-down door. A telescoping holder unit with substantially cylindrical sleeve elements slides from a collapsed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the tray member. A top rim of the holder unit is fixed with respect to a cylindrical sleeve element having a largest diameter and is coupled to the tray member. A bottom plate of the holder unit is coupled to the fold-down door. The holder unit accommodates various beverage containers.

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 present invention relates to a sign carrier apparatus specifically designed to be inserted into a vehicle hitch assembly to transport signs. Alternatively, the present invention provides for a free standinged receiver hitch, or free standing receiver hitch for storing the sign carrier apparatus when not in use.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer container for automobiles, comprising a rectangular enclosure having a base member and four vertical panels pivotally connected to the base member such that the panels can be pivotally moved to made them rest in a stacked configuration above the base member. The container also comprises two tubes, each connected to each side edge of each of the four vertical panels, and a pin inserted through the tubes when aligned, for locking the panels in a vertical position to form the enclosure with open top.

Abstract: A cargo carrier mountable onto a trailer hitch of a vehicle has a two-piece tubular housing having an internal chamber for accommodating link members and rigid bars used to retain the housing in an expanded open position. A hitch bar secured to the housing is adapted to be coupled to the trailer hitch on the vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo carrier mountable to a hitch receiver of a vehicle includes a lightweight, open-air wire basket supported by a tough metal bracket. The bracket is reversible so that the carrier can be attached to different size hitch receivers. To simplify assembly, the mounting hardware for attaching the basket to the bracket is the same regardless of which size receiver is being used. The holes for the mounting hardware are positioned such that the fasteners can avoid carrying most of the cargo's weight. If the basket is evenly loaded with cargo, it is possible for the fasteners to carry substantially no weight whatsoever. When not in use, the basket is collapsible to lie generally flat against the bracket so that the cargo carrier can be readily stowed.

Abstract: A wheel-less cargo carrier or dolly has multiple telescoping or expandable support beams that can remain attached to a vehicle in a retracted configuration when not in use. For use of the wheel-less cargo carrier, the beams are extended and engaged with a floor, fence, or other structural portion of the wheel-less cargo carrier. Telescoping beams can include multiple rails where smaller rails nest within larger rails and slide relative to the larger rails as the beams are being extended or collapsed. The rails can share a common top surface, so that a base or floor of the wheel-less cargo carrier lies on a flat support structure.

Abstract: A mobile sign carrier that mounts on a vehicle receiver hitch and method of use are provided. The mobile sign carrier has a base, a vertical piece and two cross pieces that fold down to form a cross shape. Four sliding brackets are provided, each having permanently attached a square, flat piece, which sliding brackets are mounted one each on each of the cross pieces and one each on the first end and the second end of the vertical piece. The sliding brackets are positioned and secured by means of a fastener to accommodate signs of different sizes. The mobile sign carrier provides a securing device for use on a vehicle with a tailgate. Safety chains further secure the vertical piece to the trailer hitch. A strobe light and night reflective tape are provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to a combination cargo carrier for a vehicle and portable table. The cargo carrier may include a base connected to one or more wings that have a retracted position that occupies a smaller volume than an extended position. A stand removably connects to the cargo carrier to form the portable table. In particular embodiments, the cargo carrier may also include a cargo bag having a collapsible frame.

Abstract: A cargo carrier has a platform section. A set of foldable wall elements is for location in a first position substantially flat with a support region and in a second position substantially upright relative to the inner cargo support region. There can be two platform sections bolted together to form the overall platform section.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted wheel repair platform includes a vehicle connection assembly, a wheel repair platform assembly, and a wheel securing assembly. The vehicle connection assembly includes a horizontal section having a vehicle attachment port for coupling to a vehicle, and a vertical section connected to the horizontal section. The platform assembly includes a vertically-oriented section configured to engage the vertical section of the vehicle connection assembly, and a wheel platform connected to the vertically-oriented section. The wheel securing assembly is coupled to the wheel platform and operable to secure a wheel to the top surface of the wheel platform.

Abstract: A multipositionable apparatus for mounting on a receiver assembly carried by a vehicle includes a support frame, a platform carried on the support frame and a linkage for displaceably mounting the platform relative to the frame and positively holding the platform in at least two different positions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an apparatus for attaching to a vehicle for carrying cargo. The apparatus includes a base and at least one wing having retracted and extended positions. The apparatus occupies a smaller volume when the wing is retracted than when the wing is extended.

Abstract: A bicycle fixing rack assembly includes a main frame, a plurality of X-shaped fixing plates, two pivot units, and a plurality of clamping units. Thus, the seat tube of the bicycle is clamped between the two clamping blocks of the respective clamping unit, so that the bicycle is fixed by the respective clamping unit rigidly and stably without detachment.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrier including a frame adapted to support a load and mount to the rear of a vehicle, wherein the frame includes coupling member for coupling with the rear of the vehicle and a carrier section. The load carrier includes a pivot joint having locking catches and a non-removable retainer adapted to engage the catches. The retainer may have a threaded portion adapted to engaged a threaded opening in the frame. The retainer engages the catches for securing the coupling member and carrier section in a fixed position relative to one another.

Abstract: A luggage rack for a motorcycle having a shape conforming to the existing backrest on a sissy bar. The luggage rack is mounted to the existing mounting plate at brackets which may be selectively adjusted to provide the desired friction fit. The rack can be pivoted between an upright, stored position and a horizontal use position. In the stored position a stop associated with the brackets engage a portion of the rack to maintain it in a horizontal position. In one embodiment, a magnet on the rack exerts a force to retain the rack in an upright position against the sissy bar.

Abstract: A cargo management system of this invention includes a deep well storage area beneath a cargo floor, which well may be horizontally and/or vertically divided and which preferably includes a plurality of doors to access the well. In the illustrated embodiment, the management system also includes a panel which may be placed into three positions: a first storage position in which the panel is flush against the back of the rear seat; a second shelf position in which the panel is horizontal and spaced from the cargo floor by a first distance; and a third privacy shield position in which the panel is also horizontal but is spaced from the cargo floor a second distance, the second distance exceeding the first distance.

Abstract: A van is provided within its carrying compartment with an installation for use in the safe storage against theft of tradesmen's tools, such, for example, as electric drills. The installation comprises a substantially L-shaped frame, and several panels hingedly connected to the frame for movement between a collapsed, non obtrusive state in which chamber front and side panels are prostrate on, or adjacent to the compartment floor, and an erect state in which these are able to cooperated with a lid panel also hinged to the frame to create the chamber.

Abstract: In vehicles (16) with a trailer receiver (14), a carrier apparatus (10) includes a hitch connect (12) suspended from the trailer receiver (14). A support (20) is attached to the hitch connect (12). A ramp (22) is attached to the support (20). According to one aspect of the invention, ramp (22) includes upper ramp (24) and lower ramp (26). In another aspect of the invention, a trailer receiver brace (58) is connected to the trailer receiver (14). According to another aspect of the invention, a part (30) of support (20) forms a portion of ramp (22).

Abstract: A foldable cargo carrying basket includes a mounting bar capable of being mounted to a vehicle hitch. Supported by a support bar and main frame member, the basket includes an upstanding front wall. A platform is pivotally coupled to the main support member and selectively movable between configurations perpendicular or parallel to the front wall. The basket includes side walls pivotally coupled to opposed struts of the front wall and movable between configurations perpendicular or parallel to the front wall. When coupled to the platform, the side walls receive a significant portion of any load forces encountered by a loaded platform. A rear wall may be pivotally coupled to the platform. The side walls may be coupled to the rear wall so as to be indirectly connected to the platform for load distribution. The platform and each wall include a framework with a metal mesh overlying respective frameworks.

Abstract: A portable and compact storage rack for vertically dividing the cargo area of a vehicle. The storage rack includes a first base panel and a second base panel, each having a center end and a leg end. The center end of each base panel is pivotally attached to the center end of the other base panel. The rack further includes a first and a second leg, each leg being pivotally attached to the leg end of a base panel. When in a collapsed orientation, the legs are folded against the base panels and the base panels are folded together. In the collapsed orientation, the storage rack is well-suited for easy movement into and out of a vehicle, storage in small spaces, particularly under a seat of a passenger van, station wagon or sports utility vehicle, and on a shipping crate or pallet for store merchandising.

Abstract: The cargo management device (24) includes a frame having a pair of parallel support beams extending between a first and second end. The frame may be made of multiple frame portions that are attached to each other using hinges or other like mechanisms. The frame also has a plurality of cross beams extending between the pair of parallel support beams. A plurality of securing devices allows articles to be attached or secured to the frame between the frame and the vehicle floor (18). The cargo management device (24) also includes an attachment mechanism attaching the frame to the two opposing sidewalls (12,14) of the motor vehicle spaced apart from the vehicle floor (18) so that the articles being stored may he suspended from the frame or organized using netting and the like.

Abstract: A motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly for lifting and carrying a motorcycle on a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a receiver hitch. The assembly comprises a carrier rail secured to the receiver hitch and alternatingly movable from a stowed position to a deployed position with the carrier rail receiving the motorcycle. A lifting and lowering mechanism lifts the carrier rail from the deployed position to the stowed position and lowers the carrier rail from the deployed position to the stowed position wherein the carrier rail remains substantially parallel to the ground in both the stowed position and the deployed position and during lifting and lowering of the carrier rail.

Abstract: A multi-configuration, multi-purpose rack system which has at least 20 separate and useful configurations for carrying a very wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack system is economical to manufacture, easy to use, and may be disassembled into its component parts, stored in it's own folding platform and conveniently carried in the cargo area of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rack for securing wheeled vehicles, particularly bicycles, includes wheel-receiving wells for receiving the front wheel of the vehicle and contacting the wheel at least at two points. A wheel-engaging arm, pivotally mounted to the rack, is pivoted upwardly and is extensible outwardly against a biasing element. The arm is adapted to engage the wheel of the bicycle at least at a third point for securely holding the vehicle.

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 foldable cargo carrying basket includes a mounting bar capable of being mounted to a vehicle hitch. Supported by a support bar and main frame member, the basket includes an upstanding front wall. A platform is pivotally coupled to the main support member and selectively movable between configurations perpendicular or parallel to the front wall. The basket includes side walls pivotally coupled to opposed struts of the front wall and movable between configurations perpendicular or parallel to the front wall. When coupled to the platform, the side walls receive a significant portion of any load forces encountered by a loaded platform. A rear wall may be pivotally coupled to the platform. The side walls may be coupled to the rear wall so as to be indirectly connected to the platform for load distribution. The platform and each wall include a framework with a metal mesh overlying respective frameworks.

Abstract: A multi-configuration, multi-purpose rack system which has at least 20 separate and useful configurations for carrying a very wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack system is economical to manufacture, easy to use, and may be disassembled into its component parts, stored in it's own folding platform and conveniently carried in the cargo area of a vehicle.

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 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 carrying platform for vehicles having a front or rear mounted plow frame including, a rectangular metal frame with connecting ears that mate with the connecting ears of the plow frame in a hinged relation and elevate the frame to approximately bumper level and a pair of chains that attach to the outer edge of the fame and connect to the top of the plow frame for support.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer container for automobiles, comprising a rectangular enclosure having a base member and four vertical panels pivotally connected to the base member such that the panels can be pivotally moved to made them rest in a stacked configuration above the base member. The container also comprises two tubes, each connected to each side edge of each of the four vertical panels, and a pin inserted through the tubes when aligned, for locking the panels in a vertical position to form the enclosure with open top.