Abstract: A cargo carrier having a torque bar assembly that attaches to a female trailer hitch adapter provided on a rear end of a vehicle. The cargo carrier is provided with a platform that attaches on one of its ends to one end of the torque bar assembly by means of a unique double slanted axis. The other end of the platform releasably latches to an opposite end of the torque bar assembly. The double slanted axis causes a rear end of the platform to be elevated above horizontal when the platform is unloaded and latched to the torque bar assembly and causes the platform to swing slightly uphill when it is unloaded and unlatched on one end from the torque bar assembly and is swung away from the vehicle by means of a speed controlling safety device provided attached to the platform and to the torque bar assembly. An alternate embodiment cargo carrier is electrically operated and provides for reversibly lowering one end of the platform to the ground for loading a wheelchair thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle mountable carrier includes a body having an article holder and a mounting tube for both securing the body to a vehicle and receiving a hitch bar. Preferably, the article holder includes a storage compartment and cooperating lid. The storage compartment may also include a cradle for receiving a frame of at least one bicycle. Specifically, a support channel may be provided bridging opposing walls of the storage compartment and cooperating frame receiving notches may be provided in the lid.

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: A bicycle carrier has a body member which is tubular in shape and size to have a telescoped connected fit in a tubular vehicle hitch member. A pivot support is provided at a rearward portion of the body member and pivotally supports an upright bicycle support post. Pivot support for the post is between an upright bicycle loaded position and a rearward tilted bicycle loading and unloading position that allows a tailgate for a rear door of a vehicle to be opened. Cooperating cam and a cam follower is connected between the upright support post and are driven by a turnbuckle assembly to provide a firm compressive contact between the body member and a vehicle hitch member when the bicycle support post is pivoted to its upright position whereby to provide a tight rattle-free support of the upright bicycle support post on the pivot. The cam and cam follower can also be tightened to the extent to provide a theft-proof connection.

Abstract: An article carrier adapted to be detachably interconnected with a vehicle such as an automobile, truck or trailer. The article carrier includes a connector member adapted to be telescopically received within a tubular member affixed to the vehicle and a carrier assembly carried by the connector member and a fixed arm and a swingable arm to which a generally vertically extending column and one or more outwardly extending article supporting elements is connected. The fixed arm and the swingable arm are disposed in a side-by-side relationship and are uniquely interconnected so that the arc through which the swingable arm can swing is limited. A novel clamping mechanism is provided to securely interconnect the connector members of the device with the tubular hitch in a manner to positively prevent relative vibratory movement between the members.

Abstract: A security enclosure or trunk for luggage, tools and other property, particularly adapted for use with utility vehicles such as light duty trucks having hinged tailgates. The enclosure is adapted to be hinged to the vehicle tailgate and disposed in the vehicle loadbox when the tailgate is in a closed position. The enclosure may be moved with the tailgate to its open position to provide maximum cargo storage space in the loadbox. Access to the enclosure is obtained by opening the tailgate while leaving the enclosure in or moving it to its upright position supported on the vehicle cargo deck.

Abstract: An improved article mounting assembly for a vehicle mounted carrier is described. This particular style of vehicle mounted carrier has an upright primary support member with a bottom end adapted for attachment to a square tube trailer hitch on a vehicle and a top end having means to secure articles to the primary support member. The improvement includes a tubular primary upright support member having a top end, a bottom end and an interior bore. A lower mounting member is provided having a first portion and a tubular second portion. The first portion has article receiving depressions. The second portion has having an interior bore that telescopically receives the top end of the primary support member. A stop is provided to limit the relative telescopic movement of the tubular second portion of the lower mounting member and the primary support member. An upper mounting member is provided having a first portion and a second portion.