Abstract: A latch mechanism for a pivoting bicycle rack provides a pivot release actuator on an extension that is added on to the bicycle rack. The latch mechanism comprises a connector body that is attached to the bicycle rack, and that may have an actuator for operating the pivot release. The rack extension assembly has an actuator and a linkage that connects to the connector body in the bicycle rack so that the actuator in the extension can release the pivot on the bicycle rack. The connector body may be shaped to guide the linkage during the process of attaching the extension assembly to the bicycle rack.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses various technologies for loading, transporting, and unloading of loads, such as reels, cylinders, containers, and others.

Abstract: An apparatus, kit, and method for transporting a waste container. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a base member; a latch housing connected to the base member; a cantilever arm hingedly connected to the base member and adapted to be coupled to the waste container, wherein, when the cantilever arm is coupled to the waste container, the cantilever arm is adapted to pivot about the base member between a loading configuration and a transporting configuration; and a latch hingedly connected to the cantilever arm and adapted to slidingly engage the latch housing when the cantilever arm is pivoted about the base member, the latch being actuatable between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration.

Abstract: A bike carrier mounted on a drawbar for a trailer hitch receiver via a pivot mechanism that allows the carrier to pivot between an operational horizontal position and a compact vertical position. A slidable trigger bar extends from the pivot mechanism to the back of the carrier. Pulling the trigger bar from the back of the carrier releases the pivot mechanism, providing a convenient operating position. One or more add-on bike carrying tray assemblies may be attached to a first bike carrying tray assembly on the drawbar to hold multiple bikes. Each add-on tray assembly may have a respective slidable trigger bar that latches onto the trigger bar of the previous tray assembly. A pull on the trigger bar of the last add-on assembly releases the pivot mechanism. This operates the pivot mechanism from the back of the carrier.

Abstract: A foldable positioning structure for a bicycle rack includes a fixing member movable between first and second positions, an elastic assembly and a controlling assembly for being assembled to the fixing rod. The elastic assembly is assembled to a fixing rod and the fixing member so as to restrict the fixing member in the first position normally. The controlling assembly is movable between third and fourth position relative to the fixing rod and includes a pivot member and a controlling member, the pivot member is assembled to the fixing rod and pivoted to the controlling member, a free end of the controlling member is assembled to the fixing member. The fixing member is selectively restricted or nonrestricted by the movable member so that the movable member is swingable or nonswingable relative to the fixing rod.

Abstract: A cargo carrier is operatively connected to a horizontally disposed hitch receiver tube secured to the rearward end of a vehicle with the cargo carrier being adapted to be moved from various positions between a position wherein it is parallel to the bed of the truck to a position wherein it is positioned well above the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a hub portion to which is secured a number of vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging support members. The various support members are each connected to sections of the hub that are movable relative to one another and that include engagement structure to hold the hub sections in desired angular positions with respect to one another. The hub sections can be moved upon disengagement of a clamping mechanism that compresses the hub sections into engagement with one another, and also holds each of the various components of the carrier in connection with one another.

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: 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: 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: 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: A modulator for supporting arms of a rear bicycle carrier comprises a support frame including a central post having two ends with which first and second supporting arms are connected; a ratchet holder integrally formed with or separately disposed on the connecting position of the central post, and including a plurality of inner teeth arranged around the internal periphery thereof; a connecting shaft inserted through the ratchet holder, on the two sides of an intermediate seat of the connecting shaft being mounted two ratchet members for engaging with the inner teeth of the ratchet holder; a control unit fixed on a predetermined position of the rear bicycle carrier for being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to disengage at least one ratchet member from the inner teeth of the ratchet holder such that the first and second supporting arms can be adjusted toward a suitable angle relative to the central post.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a hub portion to which is secured a number of vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging support members. The various support members are each connected to sections of the hub that are movable relative to one another and that include engagement structure to hold the hub sections in desired angular positions with respect to one another. The hub sections can be moved upon disengagement of a clamping mechanism that compresses the hub sections into engagement with one another, and also holds each of the various components of the carrier in connection with one another.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier configured to be mounted to a rear of a vehicle is disclosed. The bicycle carrier includes a first support frame structure having a base portion disposed between a pair of support arms configured to carry one or more bicycles, the base portion being configured to contact an upper region of the rear of the vehicle, where the base portion is wider than the distance between the support arms; a second support frame structure having a base portion configured to contact a lower region of the rear of the vehicle; and at least one hub assembly operatively connecting the first and second support frame structures and permitting selective pivoting of one support frame structure relative to the other frame structure.

Abstract: A universal folding carrier for carrying objects on tailgates of pickup trucks and trunk lids of automobiles or the like has a substantially U-shaped frame, a substantially U-shaped carrying member and a substantially U-shaped supporting member. The folding carrier is movable between a folded or storage position and a locked extended or operational position. The carrying arm is pivotally mounted to the frame and the supporting member is pivotally mounted to the frame. A latching assembly includes a pair of first brackets. The first brackets are mounted on opposite sides of the frame. A pair of second brackets is mounted to opposite sides of the carrying member, each second bracket having a ramp portion and a latch. A latching assembly with first and second latching members is mounted to the first brackets. Each latching member has an engaging pin, the engaging pins extending from opposite ends of the latching members.

Abstract: A quick connect assembly for mounting a bicycle rack to a vehicle bumper includes a mounting bracket securely connectable to the bumper and a pivoting arm integrally connected to the bicycle rack and mountable to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has a horizontal base member and a vertical wall extending from the rear edge of the base member. Along each lateral edge of the base member is a vertical side wall having through apertures for receiving portions of the pivoting arm. A latch plate is centrally located on the mounting bracket between the two side walls. The latch plate has notches formed therein for receiving a latch pin of the pivoting arm to hold the bicycle rack in the vertically upward position or the horizontal working position. An arcuate cam formation separates the notches. The pivoting arm has spaced side plates each having a side extending peg for disposition in the apertures of the side walls.

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: A carrier for a bicycle includes first and second frame elements configured for coupling to a vehicle. The elements are configured such that one can slide past the other to allow adjustment for various vehicle sizes and shapes. A slide restriction mechanism allows reversible fixation of a relative positioning of the first and second frame elements. In some embodiments, the first and second frame elements are arcuate in shape, such that the overall bicycle carrier is roughly semicircular in profile view when configured for attachment to a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a spare tire is described. The apparatus is a spare tire assembly configured to interface with a vehicle hitch. The apparatus comprises a hitch receiver, a bumper frame, a spare tire holder, an adjustable bolt, and an adjust come. The hitch receiver is configured to interface with the hitch from a vehicle. The bumper frame is fixedly coupled to the hitch receiver. The bumper frame is on a horizontal axis. The spare tire holder is rotatably coupled to the bumper frame with a hinged element that is configured to swing vertically about the horizontal axis. The hinged element also includes an aperture or hole, which receives a locking pin that locks the spare tire holder in an upright position. The adjustable bolt and adjustable cone are configured to receive different size spare tires. When the spare tire holder is in a downward position, the user can have access to a cargo box. In one illustrative embodiment, the cargo box has a utility rack and includes doors that swing outwardly.

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: This invention relates generally to a trailer for towing light weight items such as Motorcycles, All Terrain Vehicles, Jet Skis, garden tractors, mowers, golf carts or other miscellaneous loads. The Transporter embodied in this invention takes advantage of a fixed attachment to the rear of a towing vehicle that has a hinged interface to the trailer which allows vertical motion between the trailer and the towing vehicle but eliminates the sideways motions or yaw. The Transporter also has one or more castor type wheels which allow the trailer to be backed as an extension of the towing vehicle without danger of jackknifing. The castor wheels are easily removed allowing the side of the Transporter to rest on the ground, creating a ramp to drive the vehicle to be transported onto the Transporter. The side of the Transporter can then be lifted with a typical jack and the castor wheel assembly or assemblies slipped into place and fastened.

Abstract: A vehicle rack includes a non-pivotal portion and a pivotal portion. The non-pivotal portion is adapted to be mounted on a motor vehicle such as a public transportation vehicle such as a bus, a trolley, train, van, or car. The pivotal portion, when in the bicycle receiving position, includes in a preferred embodiment retractable arms to hold bicycles in place by their tires. The bicycle rack includes elements that assist in the raising of the pivotal portion from the vehicle receiving position into a stowed position and for lowering the pivotal portion from the stowed position to the bicycle receiving portion. Other elements assist in the single-handed reposition-ability.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper is provided. The apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper includes a support platform, a support arm attached to the support platform at an end thereof, a pivot mount assembly for attaching an end of the support arm to a vehicle bumper, and a retaining mount assembly. A grill is fixedly mounted to the support platform by securing the grill to grill mounting flanges, which are attached to the support platform. The support arm is pivotal about the pivot mount assembly allowing the grill to be rotated about the vehicle for positioning of the grill for use. In addition, the grill support platform can be pivotal about the support arm allowing greater versatility in positioning the grill for use. The retaining mount assembly is attached to the vehicle bumper at a spaced distance from the pivot mount assembly and functions to retain the support arm in a non-use position against or parallel to the vehicle bumper.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a base having a support member that is movable between an operative position and an inoperative position. An engagement member maintains the position of the support member, and is movable between an engaged position and a release position. The engagement member is movable between the engaged position and an intermediate position by a threaded connection with the base, is movable between the intermediate position and the release position by a sliding connection with the base. The shaft includes a threaded section that engages a threaded opening in the base, for providing movement of the engagement member between the engaged position and the intermediate position upon rotation of the engagement member, and an unthreaded section that moves the shaft axially within the opening for moving the engagement member between the intermediate position and the release position.

Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.

Abstract: An extension bed apparatus for carrying a load with a vehicle. The extension bed includes a frame connector adapted to connect to the vehicle frame, a bed wall extending upward from the frame connector, a bed base adapted to be compacted or extending for carrying different loads, and a first movement absorbing connector attaching the bed wall to the frame rack so that the shock absorbing system on the vehicle may move the frame rack mounted on the vehicle body in relation to the frame while still supporting the extension bed. Multiple racks may be used for supporting loads off of both the front and back of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted umbrella support is provided for use with a vehicle having a hitch receiver at the rearward end thereof. A hitch bar is selectively receivably mounted in the receiver and has a clevis secured to its rearward end. A support bar is selectively adjustably pivotally secured to the clevis and extends therefrom. The inner end of the support bar has a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed therein which are adapted to be selectively registered with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed in the clevis. A U-shaped locking pin is extended between the clevis and the support bar to lock the support bar in various positions with respect to the hitch bar. A hollow tube is secured to the outer end of the support bar and receives the pole of the umbrella therein. The umbrella may be pivotally moved from side to side with respect to the vehicle and may be moved towards the vehicle or away from the vehicle.

Abstract: An article carrier adapted to hold cargo and other articles adjacent a liftgate of a vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle, a station wagon, or minivan. The article carrier includes a pair of supports which are fixedly secured to the roof of the vehicle. A cargo supporting structure having a pair of upper coupling links is pivotally and releasably coupled to the supports. The cargo supporting structure includes a pair of main support members which each include a pair of pivot assemblies. The cargo supporting structure is detachably and pivotally secured to a pair of anchor assemblies attached to the liftgate of the vehicle or the bumper of the vehicle. The three pivot points along each side of the cargo supporting structure enable it to be pivoted with the liftgate when the liftgate is lifted and closed such that the article carrier does not interfere with operation of the liftgate. The entire article carrier can be quickly and easily detached from the vehicle for storage when it is not needed.

Abstract: A racking assembly for securely storing and transporting recreational equipment on vehicles includes a hitch mount, an equipment support assembly, and pair of support members having lower ends pivotally coupled to the hitch mount and upper ends pivotally coupled to the equipment support assembly. The support members are configured to allow the racking assembly to collapse away from a user placing equipment thereon so that injury is prevented from the weight of the equipment causing the racking assembly to collapse onto a user.

Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar is coupled to the tray and interlocks with the holding member in a plurality of angular orientations. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations. An integral locking mechanism allows an article to be locked to the carrier.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting an article on a vehicle-mounted equipment carrier having an axially-extending mounting member generally includes a first support member, a second support member and a locking member, all of which define openings or passages within which the carrier mounting member is received. The first support member includes a hub section from which a pair of arms extend, and the arms include first and second support areas for engaging the article at a pair of spaced locations. The second support member includes a hub section which is engageable with the hub section of the first support member, and an arm extending therefrom and including a third support area.

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 bag and bicycle rack for easily mounting upon a vehicle and for conveniently stowing golf bags and bicycles and saving other space in the vehicle. The bag and bicycle rack includes a hitch mounting member for mounting upon a hitch of a vehicle, a pair of brace members and an elongate upright support member which is secured to the brace members and secured upon the hitch mounting member. Two bracket members are securely attached with conventional means to the brace members and one bracket is securely and conventionally attached to the elongate upright support member. Three bag support members are securely and conventionally mounted to the bracket members. A cantilevered support member is removeably mounted upon the elongate upright support member and secured to the elongate upright support member with a retainer member.

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 pivotable carrier assembly for mounting to a vehicle trailer hitch. The carrier assemble includes a lower support which is mounted to the hitch, and a pivotable upright support having a rack head rotatably mounted to the upper end thereof. A linkage rotates the head in response to the upright support being pivoted away from the vehicle, so as to maintain the load in an upright orientation. The linkage includes upper and lower crank links which are connected by an elongate actuating rod. The rack may be configured to carry any suitable cargo, including bicycles or skis, for example.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch supported cargo carrier mechanism connectable to the hitch of the vehicle located above a ground surface utilizing an adapter. The adapter connects to the hitch of the vehicle. A base member is connected to the adapter and utilizes an upright element, which extends outwardly from the adapter. A platform capable of carrying cargo links to connector. The connector is rotatably fastened to the upright element permitting the platform to also rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position. A lock fixes the rotational movement of the platform as desired between the horizontal and vertical position.

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: A carrier system for an associated vehicle is shown having mounting structure for mounting the carrier system to the vehicle; the carrier system is shown with a coupler which is effective for in turn connecting to various cargo carrying apparatus.

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 spare tire carrier for securement to an end segment of a vehicle bumper and having a swingable arm for travel about horizontal and vertical axes to relocate a spare tire away from the rear of a vehicle and subsequently downward into ground contact. A bracket on a bumper attached mounting plate pivotally carries an arm actuator including oppositely threaded shafts and a sleeve thereon. A ratchet drive imparts rotational movement to the sleeve in a selected direction to either lift or lower the arm and spare tire thereon in a controlled manner and additionally prevents random vertical movement of the arm during vehicle travel. Locks engageable with the bracket and the arm prevent horizontal and upright travel of the arm when the vehicle is underway. The carrier may include a bracket, attachable to a hitch or vehicle frame, with a base plate at its outer end to support the carrier mounting plate. A modified preferred carrier includes an electrical linear actuator to control the carrier arm.

Abstract: Hitch mount load carrier including a stinger adapted to be stabbingly received in a hitch mount receiver of a carrying vehicle. A fixed upright post is stationarily coupled to the stinger, and an upright load supporting member is coupled to the fixed upright post by an expandable and contractable or swing-away linkage. A securement arrangement is adapted to releasably couple the upright load supporting member to the fixed upright post. The securement arrangement has a threaded receiver positioned upon the upright load supporting member at an aperture extending through at least a portion of the upright load supporting member. An elongate slot is positioned upon the fixed upright post and is configured to receive a threaded bolt therethrough. A threaded bolt is provided and configured to be insertible through the elongate slot and dimensioned to be vertically variably positionable in the elongate slot.

Abstract: A carrier comprised of a holding member and an article support member. The holding member includes a tubing with a plurality of grooves lengthwise down the tubing. The article support member is coupled to the holding member. The article support member includes a tray and a collar. The collar is coupled to the tray and interlocks with the holding member in a plurality of angular orientations. The collar enables the tray to be rotatably adjusted with a slope in accordance with a selected angular orientation of the plurality of angular orientations. An integral locking mechanism allows an article to be locked to the carrier.

Abstract: A formed steel tilt bracket has a cylindrical section which wraps around a bike support tube forming a visually pleasing and cost-effective solution to the problem of joining a round tube with a square hitch extension. The tilt bracket engages and supports an upstanding circular tube for mounting bicycles or the like. The bracket has a plane of symmetry aligned with the rectangular hitch extension. The plane of symmetry passes through a cylindrical portion of the bracket which is intersected only once by the plane of symmetry, the cylindrical portion wraps over 180 degrees of the upstanding tube circumference. The cylindrical portion has a first substantially triangular extension and a second substantially triangular extension arranged symmetrically about the plane of symmetry and forming therebetween a passage for the square receiver tube.

Abstract: A system for stowing a spare tire on the exterior of a sport utility vehicle includes a carrier that holds the spare tire and that can pivoted between a highway configuration, wherein the spare tire is positioned beneath the chassis to thereby provide unimpeded access to the vehicle's rear lift door, and an off-road configuration, wherein the tire is positioned against the rear lift door, to thereby provide ample clearance beneath the vehicle.

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 car carrier adapted to mount to a trailer hitch of a vehicle with a motion-dampening mechanism. The carrier includes a horizontal hitch insert assembly, an upright column assembly rotatably engaged to the horizontal hitch insert assembly and at least one resistive member coupled to the upright column assembly. The resistive member can be actuated to produce a resistive force along the horizontal hitch insert assembly to dampen a movement of the upright column assembly when the upright column assembly is rotated.

Abstract: An L-shaped support has a rearwardly extending tubular arm formed of a thin-walled tube. The end of vertical leg of the support is cold formed into a U-shaped, double-walled channel which fits between the sides of a brace which is rigidly mounted to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. A plastic bracket has a split ring clamp which fits over the rearwardly extending arm of the support. The entire bracket may pivot about the axis defined by the arm. An alternative embodiment attachment device for restraining a bicycle tube on a horizontally extending carrier arm is formed as a single molded part of thermoplastic rubber. The attachment device has a strap with an array of two rows of holes which engage with a square array of four mushroom-head type fasteners to attach the end of the strap to the attachment devices.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier having a tubular base for telescopic interconnection with a receiver type trailer hitch is disclosed. A channel bracket is secured to the base and has upstanding mounting arms straddling a spaced pair of tubular uprights lower end portions which are pivotally connected to the mounting arms. An inverted channel straddles and is pivotally connected to the upright upper portions. A bicycle mounting section is secured to the channel. The section includes mechanism for securing a bicycle to the carrier for transport. The uprights, channel and section are moveable relative to the base between an upright bicycle transport position and a lowered access position. A double latching system releasably retains the carrier in its transport position. A shock absorber is interposed between the base and a first of the uprights to cushion movement from the transport to the access position.

Abstract: A device for variable division of a motor vehicle boot and for securing the loaded goods has a guide rail arranged on the boot floor and one or more support panels guided by a sliding guide block in the guide rail at right angles to the guide rail and so as to be transversely displaceable therein. The support panels are mounted to rotate in the sliding block and can be swivelled up out of a horizontal position in which they lie substantially parallel to the boot floor, into a position vertical with respect to the boot floor, and can be locked. On the support panels there are provided connecting elements to which fixing modules or belt modules for securing the loaded goods or for dividing the boot in a second axis can be fixed.

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.