Pin And Aperture Patents (Class 224/506)
  • Patent number: 10688940
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted load carrier includes a base and a load arm. The base includes a tube and a hub. The tube defines an interior surface, and a first tube aperture extends radially through the tube. The hub is disposed at least partially within the interior surface of the tube. The hub includes a first hub aperture extending radially within the hub, and a locking mechanism configured to lock a relative rotation between the hub and the tube. The load arm is coupled to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Joseph Settelmayer, Oronde Armstrong, George Wallace Rodrigues Malheiros
  • Patent number: 10641301
    Abstract: A device and method for mounting a bicycle to a bicycle rack. The device includes an attachment member and a mount rail. The attachment member is used to attach the device to a seat post or frame of the bicycle. The attachment member has a securing section and a mount rail receiving section, with the securing section securing the attachment member to the seat post or frame. The mount rail has a bicycle rack mounting section and an attaching section. The mounting section is configured to cooperate with a bicycle rack and the attaching section is configured to cooperate with the mount rail receiving section to removably and pivotally secure the mount rail to the mount rail receiving section of the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Woelfling
  • Patent number: 8602279
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 8556144
    Abstract: A carrying device (3) includes a first support rack (30), a second support rack (32) pivotally connected with the first support rack, and a connecting member (31) secured on the first support rack and pivotally connected with the second support rack to connect the first support rack and the second support rack. Thus, the first support rack is used to carry an elongate object (9), such as a surf board, a boat, a ladder and the like, and the second support rack is used to carry a bicycle (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 8532816
    Abstract: A device for restraining a horizontal bar at the rear of a vehicle to a stationary support adjacent a loading dock, the device having: a frame having a vertical track and a mounting bracket for securing the frame to the stationary support; a suspended carriage mounted to the track for vertical movement relative to the track, the suspended carriage having a forwardly and upwardly extending member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Blue Giant Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Ion
  • Patent number: 8235268
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 8141760
    Abstract: Hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks, are set forth herein. One carrier includes a height member, an insert arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations, and at least one support arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations. Means for coupling insert arm to a tow hitch, for locking insert arm at storage and use configurations, and for locking support arm(s) at storage and use configurations are included. Insert arm is configured for insertion in tow hitch and has a wedge aperture. An attaching element is coupled to support arm(s) for removably attaching a device to support arm(s). A wedge is adjacent wedge aperture, and means are included for moving wedge between a first position generally flush with or inside insert arm and a second position extending outside insert arm to dampen wobble between insert arm and tow hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kuat Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Kuschmeader, Brian Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8070028
    Abstract: A truck bed extender including an elongated support adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and a shorter upright support pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the elongated support, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside said elongated support, to an upright position extending upwardly away from said elongated support. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to said upright support, generally at the top thereof, for rotation from a collapsed position, in which the arms extend generally side by side upwardly from and generally in alignment with said upright support, outwardly to an operating position in which they extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Seg-Ins Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Segeren, Donald Segeren, Jason Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7975888
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Patent number: 7854359
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Midwest Bus Corporation
    Inventor: George Gunn
  • Patent number: 7841821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-weight tiltable hauling device for transporting smaller, auxiliary vehicles, where such device mounts to the hitch of an automobile, truck, van, SUV, RV, or other similar motor vehicles, the device can be mounted and removed by a single individual, the auxiliary vehicle can be easily loaded and unloaded by a single individual, and the device can transport auxiliary vehicles weighing up to 700 pounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mirofam LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Miro, Andrew Miro
  • Patent number: 7832607
    Abstract: A bicycle support rack adapted to be mounted in a hitch receiver of a vehicle including a hollow upstanding tube having a parallel rod running therethrough, both extending from a lower hitch bar upwardly to a top plate. The top plate supporting a pair of rearwardly extending arms upon which one or more bicycles may be mounted for carrying by the vehicle. The tube and internal parallel rod both being adapted to pivot rearwardly while maintaining the bicycle supporting arms in a substantially parallel orientation with the vehicle hitch receiver. The tilting movement of the rack providing improved access to the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Softride, Inc.
    Inventors: Eivind Clausen, James D. Allsop
  • Patent number: 7784657
    Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier for transporting various recreational equipment. The trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier includes a support frame having at least a horizontal member and a vertical member, a first link arm pivotally coupled to the horizontal member, and a second link arm pivotally coupled to the vertical member. The second link arm may be a different length than the first link arm. The recreational equipment carrier also includes a crossbar support frame pivotally coupled to the first and second link arms to provide a pivotal motion geometry that facilitates the crossbar support being pivotally moved from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Michael C. Blakley
  • Patent number: 7597222
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventors: Darrell Bishop, Debra Sue Bishop
  • Publication number: 20090120986
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 7410082
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Sportworks Northwest, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Stewart
  • Patent number: 7341417
    Abstract: A carrier for securing a personal transporter to a motorized vehicle generally includes a base for engagement with the motorized vehicle and a transporter support movably engaged with the base for movement between a transport position and a loading position. The personal transporter includes a pair of wheels with a platform therebetween, and a stem extending upwardly from the platform. The transporter support includes a stem receiver and a platform support. The stem of the personal vehicle is releasably engaged with the stem receiver, and the platform is releasably secured to the platform support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua G. Lohr
  • Patent number: 7165704
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Yung-Sheng Lo
  • Patent number: 7111765
    Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier for transporting various recreational equipment. The trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier includes a support frame having at least a horizontal member and a vertical member, a first link arm pivotally coupled to the horizontal member, and a second link arm pivotally coupled to the vertical member. The second link arm may be a different length than the first link arm. The recreational equipment carrier also includes a crossbar support frame pivotally coupled to the first and second link arms to provide a pivotal motion geometry that facilitates the crossbar support being pivotally moved from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Michael C. Blakley
  • Patent number: 7055725
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint D. Kolda
  • Patent number: 6976615
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dean
  • Patent number: 6929163
    Abstract: A universal mounting bracket for a bicycle rack includes a pair of upstanding members extending from opposite sides of a base member. Each upstanding member includes aligned pivot openings through which a pivot pin is positioned to pivotally secure an equipment carrier support member between the upstanding members. The upstanding members also each include two sets of auxiliary openings spaced from the pivot openings and from one another. Depending upon the particular configuration of the support member, each pair of aligned auxiliary openings can be utilized to lock the support member in a transport position, or to stop or maintain the support member in a non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio Pedrini, Mark A. Dahl
  • Patent number: 6918520
    Abstract: A spare tire holder device mounted in a hitch receiver and holding the spare tire upright behind the tail gate of a pickup truck. The device is rotatable so the holder maintains the spare tire upright in a normal position and can be rotated away so as to hold the spare tire in a horizontal position to allow opening of the tail gate without removing the mount device from the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Edward Skinner
  • Patent number: 6874667
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Dykstra, Darren C. McIntire, Leif A. Norland, Donald L. Sauer, David B. Fry, Adam W. Callif, Chris Hogg, Mike Burns, John Brett
  • Patent number: 6854630
    Abstract: A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Evan R. Anderson, Ganya M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040178242
    Abstract: A cargo container is disclosed that mounts on a trailer hitch at the rear of a vehicle such as a van, SUV or pickup truck. The container itself is mounted on a frame that is mounted to the trailer hitch, and the container can be easily swung away from the rear of the vehicle, and/or slid to the side to permit access to the rear door or tailgate of the vehicle. The container access door is removed upon opening and can be converted into a table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald L. Moreau
  • Patent number: 6769583
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Dean A. Gordon, Danny M. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6755332
    Abstract: A hinged utility rack disposed on and external to a vehicle having a temporary top or roof. The utility rack has a bed that supports objects especially for transportation. First and second support bars are attached to the vehicle and support the bed. The second support bar is releasably connected to the bed, supporting the bed when connected. A hinge pivotally connects the first support bar to the bed, enabling the bed to pivot about the first support bar. The bed pivots between (a) a closed position in which the bed covers the vehicle top and the second support bar is connected to the bed, and (b) an open position in which the second support bar is disconnected from the bed and the bed is disposed away from the second support bar thereby rendering the top accessible for removal or retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Factory Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Crane, P. Joshua Crane
  • Publication number: 20040084493
    Abstract: An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a substantially square second portion. The first portion is sized to engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier is pivotable by removal of a single pin to provide access to a rear of a vehicle. The single pin can be further located in a stop aperture to prevent overrotation of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: David A. Young, Jacob S. Belinky, Gregory D. Richardson, David L. Hoelscher, David A. Watch, Katherine Anne Adams
  • Patent number: 6701913
    Abstract: An apparatus that is selectively attachable to a vehicle, for transporting a cooking device and positioning the cooking device in a desired orientation for cooking that also permits access to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hitch insertion member for insertion into a trailer hitch, a support arm attached to the hitch insertion member, a swing arm attached to the support arm with a locking hinge assembly, a pedestal attached to the swing arm, and a cooking device, for example a barbeque, that is attached to a column that is inserted into the pedestal and that can rotate in the pedestal. The locking hinge assembly has a plurality of locking holes for selective alignment with an angle securing hole in the support arm for locking the swing arm at a selected angle in relation to the support arm by placing an angle locking bar into the aligned holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Freedom Grill, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest W. LeDuc, Scott C. Salter, Steven J. Caliguri
  • Publication number: 20040020955
    Abstract: The Universal Bar Holder is a square tube that slides over 2″×2″ square tube and has a means of holding a round or rectangular bar used to support kayak saddles when transporting kayaks above the roof of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Darby
  • Patent number: 6655562
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Vigor Sports
    Inventor: Chanyoung Jeong
  • Patent number: 6648195
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Danik Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Lopin Wang, Donald E. Schlenker
  • Patent number: 6644525
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: R. A. Allen Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Allen, Richard A. Allen
  • Patent number: 6547116
    Abstract: A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: Evan R. Anderson, Ganya M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020185507
    Abstract: The transporting of box-shaped containers in the loading space of motor vehicle is known. The slowing of stationary compartments in a loading space floor is also known.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Holger Seel, Werner P. Schlecht
  • Publication number: 20020117526
    Abstract: A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Evan R. Anderson, Ganya M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6390343
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Vinoo Kumar Jain
  • Patent number: 6382484
    Abstract: A gun-mounting bracket for ATV's adaptive to a variety of cargo racks generally employed by ATV's and further providing adaptability to a wide range of gun scabbards or boots designed for a variety of different type guns. The bracket includes a base plate member having a plurality of holes and slots which may be used in combination with U-bolts and clamps for attachment, an interchangeable pivotal plate member which provides a method for rotating the boot to angular positions relative to the base plate, and an interchangeable bracket member attached perpendicular thereto adapted to receive the barrel portion of the gun boot. The bracket member, having an elongated opening for receiving the barrel portion of the gun boot, is provided with a polymeric edge molding and allows the barrel portion of the gun boot to extend therethrough to a point which generally positions the boot relative to the bracket and its bar latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin D. Savant
  • Publication number: 20020050502
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Chanyoung Jeong
  • Patent number: 6113173
    Abstract: An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: American Moto Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Jonathan E. Weisel
  • Patent number: 6089428
    Abstract: The invention is a bicycle rack that attaches to the tongue of a tent camper. The bicycle rack is attached to the tent camper with two plates that are placed on the top and bottom of the tongue. Then a bolt is placed through openings in both plates and tightened to the plates against the tongue of the tent camper. The bicycles are supported by posts attached to the top plate over the top of the tongue. The two vertical posts are braced at the top. Extending from the two vertical posts are horizontal rods that the bicycle is placed over to ride upon the rack. Bicycles can be placed on both sides of the rack. When it is necessary to raise the tent camper, the bicycle rack can be moved into a horizontal position so that it will not affect the raising of the tent camper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John F. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6089430
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element includes an object support platform. The object support platform includes an platform section lying generally in a plane for positioning of an object thereon. The object support platform further includes a support member. The mounting apparatus further includes a hitch member which includes a position locking and coupling device connected to a portion of the hitch member for adjustably coupling a portion of the elongated support member such that the plane in which the platform section generally lies is adjustable to a plurality of positions at the rear of the vehicle. The platform section may be for supporting a carrier receptacle or one or more bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: William L. Mehls
  • Patent number: 6062451
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Lassanske, John M. Bloemer
  • Patent number: 6039227
    Abstract: A golf bag carrier suitable for carrying golf bags external to a motor vehicle equipped with a standard square tube trailer hitch receptacle permanently mounted to the frame and under the rear bumper of said vehicle is described. The golf bag carrier consists of a substantially rectangular pan assembly upon which the golf bag is vertically placed; a trailer hitch shank which is telescopically received by the standard square tube trailer hitch receptacle mounted to the motor vehicle, said shank being affixed to the bottom of said rectangular pan assembly; a second standard square tube trailer hitch receptacle affixed to the bottom of the rectangular pan assembly and coaxial with its trailer hitch shank, a vertical member detachably attached to the rectangular pan; and a horizontal member detachably attached to the top end of the vertical member and having a plurality of horizontal support arms for stabilizing the golf bag being transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel Ray Stark
  • Patent number: 5950890
    Abstract: A combination load support for use as a roof height carrier or pickup box extender that inserts into a standard receiver hitch. The device provides support for one end of ladders, canoes, etc. and the pickup cab or sport utility roof provides support for the other end. When one section of this combination load support is inserted in the opposite direction, long loads extending beyond the pickup truck's tailgate can be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Darby
  • Patent number: 5950891
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Draw-Tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Kervin Brungardt, Michael J. Cousino, David A. Watch
  • Patent number: 5862966
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element includes an object support platform. The object support platform includes an platform section lying generally in a plane for positioning of an object thereon. The object support platform further includes a support member. The mounting apparatus further includes a hitch member which includes a position locking and coupling device connected to a portion of the hitch member for adjustably coupling a portion of the elongated support member such that the plane in which the platform section generally lies is adjustable to a plurality of positions at the rear of the vehicle. The platform section may be for supporting a carrier receptacle or one or more bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: William L. Mehls
    Inventor: William L. Mehls
  • Patent number: 5850959
    Abstract: A multifarious cargo carrier system for mounting on the rear of a vehicles having hitch receivers, step bumper hitches, custom hitches, or other means of attachment. The carrier system includes a base member having one end connectable within a hitch receiver and the other end attachable to a step bumper hitch or custom hitch. A tightening pin is used to tightly secure the base within a hitch receiver. Tightening pins are also used to connect the proximal end of a support arm to either end of the base and to attach the carrier assembly to the distal end of the support arm. The use of tightening pins allows the base to be folded up against the support arm and the carrier assembly to be folded down against the support arm for shipping and storage, as well as permitting access to the rear of the vehicle by pivoting the support arm down and and away from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas S. Miller
    Inventor: Thomas S. Miller
  • Patent number: 5788135
    Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a monorail support in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the monorail by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The monorail ("M") comprises (i) an elongate rectilinear slider shank connecting the M to the truck, and (ii) a support beam telescopable on the slider shank. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the M, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches and an attachment latch, it is preferred to use, in addition, a second attachment latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Nikolas Christian Janek