Abstract: An exterior-mounted spare wheel carrier for a vehicle. The carrier is capable of rotating about a substantially horizontal axis and a substantially vertical axis to allow the spare wheel to be lowered to a position proximate the ground to facilitate the changing of a vehicle's wheel. The spare wheel carrier is releasably secured in a substantially horizontal plane by a tension member. The rotation of spare wheel carrier about a substantially vertical axis is governed by a governing mechanism. The spare wheel carrier is releasably held in a traveling position by an engaging mechanism and a safety latch.

Abstract: A carrier for the spare tire of a sport utility vehicle. The carrier includes a pair of additional hinges mounted to the vehicle body just outside the rear gate and an arrangement of leg members that moves in unison with the rear gate as it is opened and closed. The spare tire is mounted on the arrangement of leg members which includes an adjustable leg member which not only helps to properly align the spare tire with the vertical but also can be used to correct or offset any sag that might develop in the rear gate. It can also be used to vary the relative amounts of the tire's weight being supported by the gate including its hinges versus being supported by the body of the vehicle at the hinges for the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a loading platform 14 for motor vehicles 12 that is pivotably supported by a rigid stationary frame member 32 with a central square tube 34 that connects with a conventional trailer hitch 36. The platform 14 may be locked securely to the stationary frame member 32 and released to allow for the pivoting movement thereof. A pair of bearing assemblies 42 allow for the axial rotation of the bearing blocks 46 and associated platform 14 around the bearings 44 that remain in a fixed position due to the square tube 34 extending therethrough. Pneumatic pistons 30 communicate between a central portion of the stationary frame member 32 and a distal portion of the platform 14 to provide stability and regulate the rotational movement of the platform 14.

Abstract: A spare-wheel carrier for a motor vehicle is pivotable at a body of the motor vehicle and arranged in a region of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The spare-wheel carrier includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one position of the spare-wheel carrier and to transmit the at least one position to a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable and block at least one function of the motor vehicle in accordance with the position of the spare-wheel carrier.

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: The tire carrier assembly of the present invention is mounted to the frame of a vehicle by removing the existing D-rings and placing the mounting brackets for the tire carrier over the apertures where the existing D-rings were mounted. The existing D-rings are then placed over the tire carrier mounting brackets and the entire assembly is mounted or coupled to the vehicle, using the original mounting apertures for the D-rings.

Abstract: The vehicle mounted storage unit includes a support bracket that is clamped to a vehicle's spare tire and wheel rack on the outside of a vehicle by the fasteners that clamp the wheel to the rack. A storage unit frame is attached to the support bracket by a mechanical fastener. A pair of spaced apart left upper door panel post receiving tubes are mounted on the unit frame. A pair of spaced apart right upper door panel post receiving tubes are also mounted on the storage unit frame. The posts are positioned to minimize the space required for the door panel panels. Side curtain hangers are also secured to the storage unit frame. An inner pan is attached to the unit frame. An outer pan is pivotally connected to the unit frame. The two pans cooperate to encase the unit frame and vehicle components supported by the unit frame.

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: A holding device for a spare wheel of a motor vehicle which is disposed on the outside of a swivellable rear hatch. The holding device includes a wheel carrier which is held by support arms and bearings on the vehicle body so as to swivel. The support arms are spaced apart and project from the wheel carrier and end sides thereof are connected to the bearings which are held on the vehicle body. These bearings form a vertical swivel axis which is arranged independently of a swivel axis of the rear hatch. The wheel carrier is capable of being swung about this vertical swivel axis up to the rear hatch and into a fixing position. In a release position, the holding device is capable of being swung away freely in relation to the rear hatch about the vertical swivel axis.

Abstract: A step or platform adapted to be mounted to the receiver of a trailer hitch selectively movable from a stowed to a deployed position without vertical movement, said platform is automatically locked in its selected position and includes a safety mechanism preventing inadvertent movement. The platform is separate from the mounting/control mechanism for storage and shipping, but secure and stable.

Abstract: A tailgate limiter for restricting a pickup truck tailgate from being opened. A vertical post is removably mounted in a base which is mounted to the truck. The post impedes the tailgate from opening, thereby preventing theft of objects in the truck bed.

Abstract: A bumper mounted spare tire carrier, suitable for very heavy tires, such as those used by off road vehicles and military vehicles.

Abstract: A wheeled container is constructed so as to be demountably secured to a cargo carrier assembly (or “carrier”) which is externally carried at the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck. The carrier includes a support beam to which the container is secured by attachment latches on its rigid base. Two of the attachment latches are pivot latches, allowing the container to be pivotably disposed on the support beam without lifting wheels of the container off the ground. In one embodiment, the container comprises a frameless rigid tub adapted to be secured to the support beam; in another the container comprises a framework of elongated rigid struts, e.g. of metal tubing which may be collapsible within which is secured a rectangular receptacle or “sack” of flexible material. Only a portion of the base of the container is directly supported on the support beam, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base.

Abstract: An equipment rack incorporating four linked members which mount an equipment rack support to a hitch insert. The linked members are formed by two pairs of pivotally linked arms which in turn are pivotally inked to the hitch insert and to an equipment rack mounting bracket. Each pair of linked arms provides three pivot bearings which have mutually parallel axes. In the collapsed position the linked arms making up each pair are parallel and the equipment rack support and hitch insert are in juxtaposition. In the extended position the arms making up each pair are substantially co-linear. A mechanical link locks the rack support to the hitch insert when the rack is retracted against the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rack assembly for carrying recreational equipment on a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one mount attachable to the vehicle, and a load-carrying support member coupled to the mount and configured to support the recreational equipment adjacent the vehicle. At least one securing apparatus is associated with the load-carrying support member and configured to secure the equipment to the support member. The securing apparatus includes a strap adapted to extend at least partially around the recreational equipment, and a ratchet drive mechanism adapted to receive and grip one end of the strap. In one embodiment, the ratchet drive mechanism includes at least one drive actuator that is operable to grip successive portions of the strap and draw it tight around the recreational equipment.

Abstract: A carrier for the spare tire of a sport utility vehicle. The carrier includes a pair of additional hinges mounted to the vehicle body just outside the rear gate and an arrangement of leg members that moves in unison with the rear gate as it is opened and closed. The spare tire is mounted on the arrangement of leg members which includes an adjustable leg member which not only helps to properly align the spare tire with the vertical but also can be used to correct or offset any sag that might develop in the rear gate. It can also be used to vary the relative amounts of the tire's weight being supported by the gate including its hinges is versus being supported by the body of the vehicle at the hinges for the carrier.

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 carrier system for transporting equipment, such as bicycles. The carrier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a partial enclosed compartment having a substantially oval shape. Two opposing lid members are pivotally mounted on each end of the compartment. The two lid members open upward and outward to allow full access to the interior of the compartment. The two lid members then close downward and towards one another with a slight overlap to fully enclose the body to form the carrier body. In one embodiment, the axle assembly and tongue are directly mounted on the lower surface of the trailer body. Equipment mounting devices are formed or affixed directly in the interior of the trailer body. The equipment is thus able to be securely transported without danger from the elements or from unauthorized access.

Abstract: A holding device for a spare wheel of a motor vehicle which is disposed on the outside of a swivellable rear hatch. The holding device includes a wheel carrier which is held by support arms and bearings on the vehicle body so as to swivel. The support arms are spaced apart and project from the wheel carrier and end sides thereof are connected to the bearings which are held on the vehicle body. These bearings form a vertical swivel axis which is arranged independently of a swivel axis of the rear hatch. The wheel carrier is capable of being swung about this vertical swivel axis up to the rear hatch and into a fixing position. In a release position, the holding device is capable of being swung away freely in relation to the rear hatch about the vertical swivel axis.

Abstract: The vehicle mounted article carrier rack mounts equipment to the back end of a vehicle. A base arm is formed having an acute angle such that when the base arm is secured to a receiver hitch of a vehicle, the base arm sweeps back towards the rear of the vehicle. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the base arm and also pivotally connected to a vertical article carrier arm. The swept-back design assures that the article carrier rack remains within the width of the vehicle when in a closed position, yet when open, swings out of the way to allow access to the vehicle's rear cargo area. The vertical article carrier arm pivots downwards to lower articles to, or raise articles from, the ground.

Abstract: A foldable hitch mounted carrier device for a vehicle for adding cargo carrying capacity for a vehicle. The foldable hitch mounted carrier device for a vehicle includes a frame assembly including a frame having elongate front, side, and back members; and also includes a hitch mounting member being securely attached to the frame and being adapted to be fastenably received by a hitch receiver on a vehicle; and further includes a netting arrangement being securely attached to the frame; and also includes adjustable tie-down members being attached to the frame for securing cargo thereon.

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 recreational vehicle tank hauling assembly for transporting waste tanks by automotive vehicle without requiring the waste tank to be lifted from the ground. The recreational vehicle tank hauling assembly includes a connection member adapted for coupling to a trailer hitch, an axle extending from the connection member, a deck assembly rotatably coupled to the axle, and a pin for securing the rotation of the deck with respect to the axle.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted cargo carrier for a vehicle which includes a platform that can be selectively tilted downwardly to facilitate loading of the carrier. Upon loading the platform, the platform may be raised for transport of the load. The carrier includes a fixed frame which is removably mounted to the hitch. A pair of pivotable arms are attached to the frame. The other end of the arms are pivotably attached to the platform. A jack assembly associated with the frame pivots the arms to move the platform. The arms have different lengths such that pivoting movement cases one end of the platform to tilt downwardly.

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 hitch carrier (20) utilizes a telescoping assembly (40) to shiftably mount a cargo unit (26) to a trailer hitch (32) of a vehicle (28). The cargo unit (26) moves between traveling and remote positions. In the remote position, the closure structure (30) of the vehicle (28) can swing open unobstructed by the cargo unit (26). The hitch carrier (20) has an automatic latch mechanism (36) having a pivoting latch (86) which automatically holds the cargo unit (26) in the remote position and automatically releases the cargo unit (26) when it is forced toward the vehicle (28). The hitch carrier (20) also includes an expandable sleeve (135) to cover the telescoping assembly (40), and an auxiliary equipment carrier (42) to carry larger equipment (174). A lock assembly (38) is provided to hold the cargo unit (26) in the traveling position, and the lock assembly includes a lock pin (120) received in nylon bushings (130,132).

Abstract: An external equipment carrier with a cargo holder includes an arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch on a vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are connected to the back of the arm. The top of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo holder is removably carried on a support bar at the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. The arm is articulated for retracting the cargo holder to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the cargo holder to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle. The cargo holder includes retractable legs with wheels. In another embodiment, the cargo holder is supported on a foldable platform attached to the top of the jack. In another embodiment, the jack is comprised of a screw jack connected to a rear end of a hinged arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch.

Abstract: The carrier includes a main member supported rearwardly adjacent a vehicle by a coupler of the carrier inserted into the receiver of a vehicle mounted trailer hitch. The main member includes a curved portion extending transversely and rearwardly away from a straight segment of the main member disposed transversely of the vehicle-centerline. A swing arm is carried by a pivot at the extremity of the curved portion of the main member. A plate on the swing arm carries a lock assembly for securing the swing arm to and in parallel relationship with the main member during travel. A safety lanyard prevents accidental displacement of a locking pin inserted into the main member. The pivot is located adjacent the swing arm supported container and avoids extreme forces being imparted to the main member both in the travel position and a remote position permitting access to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A load carrying rack for vehicles having hinged rear doors or windows that is adapted to be positioned close to the rear of the vehicle during travel but can be manually swung or rotated out of the way of the door or window operation when access to the rear of the vehicle is desired, comprising a cantilever beam securable to the vehicle and extending rearwardly of the vehicle frame, a load carrying bracket proximate the rear accesses of the vehicle and extending rearwardly and longitudinally of the vehicle, a plurality of arms interconnecting the bracket and the cantilever beam and having at least one pivotal interconnection therebetween, whereby the load carrying bracket is rotatable about the pivotal interconnection to a position away from interference with the opening and closing of the rear accesses of the vehicle, including the trunk lids, doors and windows.

Abstract: A wheeled container is constructed so as to be demountably secured to a cargo carrier assembly (or “carrier”) which is externally carried at the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck. The carrier includes a support beam to which the container is secured by attachment latches on its rigid base. Two of the attachment latches are pivot latches, allowing the container to be pivotably disposed on the support beam without lifting wheels of the container off the ground. In one embodiment, the container comprises a frameless rigid tub adapted to be secured to the support beam; in another the container comprises a framework of elongated rigid struts, e.g. of metal tubing which may be collapsible within which is secured a rectangular receptacle or “sack” of flexible material. Only a portion of the base of the container is directly supported on the support beam, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base.

Abstract: A rack system for vehicles that comprises a rack assembly and an attachment assembly comprising a base member mounted to a vehicle hitch receiver, an inner swing arm having a first end pivotably mounted to the base member, an outer swing arm having a first end pivotably mounted to a second end of the inner swing arm, a rack member pivotably mounted to a second end of the outer swing arm, and locking means for selectively locking the base and rack members together to secure the system in a storage position. The rack assembly is rigidly attached to the rack member. When the base and rack members are locked together, the rack assembly is securely located immediately above and behind the vehicle hitch receiver. When the rack member is unlocked from the base member, the rack assembly may be moved within a movement area defined by the rear of the vehicle and a horizontal, generally circular arc that extends from one side of the vehicle to the other side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch carrier (20) utilizes a telescoping assembly (40) to shiftably mount a cargo unit (26) to a trailer hitch (32) of a vehicle (28). The cargo unit (26) moves between traveling and remote positions. In the remote position, the closure structure (30) of the vehicle (28) can swing open unobstructed by the cargo unit (26). The hitch carrier (20) has an automatic latch mechanism (36) having a pivoting latch (86) which automatically holds the cargo unit (26) in the remote position and automatically releases the cargo unit (26) when it is forced toward the vehicle (28). The hitch carrier (20) also includes an expandable sleeve (135) to cover the telescoping assembly (40), and an auxiliary equipment carrier (42) to carry larger equipment (174). A lock assembly (38) is provided to hold the cargo unit (26) in the traveling position, and the lock assembly includes a lock pin (120) received in nylon bushings (130,132).

Abstract: A vehicle equipment rack that includes first, second and third rotatably interconnected members. The second and third members rotate between a first position in which all three members are aligned and a second position in which the second and third members are angularly offset from the first member. The second and third members may also angularly offset from one another when the second and third members are in the second position. The vehicle equipment rack may also include a drive train operatively connected between the second and third members. The drive train is configured to rotate one of these moveable members upon rotation of the moveable member.

Abstract: The vehicle rack mounts equipment to the back end of a vehicle. It includes a hitch connector for attaching the rack to the vehicle. A first horizontal arm attaches to the hitch connector, and a second horizontal arm attaches to the first horizontal arm. A post extends upright from the second arm. In the stored position, the second arm folds against the first arm. In that position, the post is centered behind the vehicle. The second arm can pivot 180.degree. such that the post is beyond the vehicle side. An equipment carrier on top of the post can pivot the equipment 90.degree. so that it does not contact the vehicle side when the arms open. The equipment carrier also can pivot when the rack is closed so that the carrier does not extend too far behind the vehicle.

Abstract: An external equipment carrier with a cargo box for a vehicle includes an arm with a proximal end for being attached to a trailer hitch on the vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are attached to the distal end of the arm. The top end of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo box is removably carried on a support bar attached to the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. Although the jack has a very high lifting capacity, it is very inexpensive, and does not require a locking or braking system. A pair of mirrors and brake lights are attached to an extendable arm connected to the guide rail. The mirrors enable a driver to see behind and below the box when backing up. The arm is articulated for retracting the box to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the box to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: An equipment rack incorporating four linked members which mount an equipment rack support to a hitch insert. The linked members are formed by two pairs of pivotally linked arms which in turn are pivotally linked to the hitch insert and to an equipment rack mounting bracket. Each pair of linked arms provides three pivot bearings which have mutually parallel axes. In the collapsed position the linked arms making up each pair are parallel and the equipment rack support and hitch insert are in juxtaposition. In the extended position the arms making up each pair are substantially co-linear. A mechanical link locks the rack support to the hitch insert when the rack is retracted against the rear of the vehicle.

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 spare tire mounting assembly for mounting a spare tire to a bumper of a vehicle. The spare tire mounting assembly includes a base plate with a post upwardly extending therefrom. The post has a channel slot therethrough extending downwards from a top end of the post. A threaded elongate tire mounting rod is extended through the elongate channel slot. A pair of threaded nuts are threadably disposed around the tire mounting rod with the post interposed between the nuts. A mounting plate designed for coupling to a bumper of a vehicle is pivotally coupled to the base plate.

Abstract: A hinged carrier assembly for carrying and storing articles at the rear end of a sport equipment trailer, and capable of swinging outward and away to allow access to the rear cargo area. The hinged carrier assembly has an elongated receptacle which is secured to one corner at the rear end of the sport equipment trailer by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is directly secured to a hollow frame member at the corner using a supporting backing plate inserted inside the hollow frame member. The elongated receptacle can swing outward to a maximum angle which can be adjusted by an adjustable stopper assembly. The elongated receptacle is additionally supported by a suspension line which links the remote end of the elongated receptacle to an elevated point above the hinge assembly. An upper end of the suspension-line is secured to a swivel assembly which allows the suspension-line to pivot smoothly together with the elongated receptacle as it is swung open and closed.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier and a vehicle mounted bicycle rack that carries bicycles vertically across the back of the vehicle, rather than horizontally out from the back of the vehicle as in conventional carriers. The bicycle carrier includes a cradle arm that cradles the front tire of the bicycle and one or both of a tray positioned at an angle of 45.degree. to 135.degree. with respect to the cradle arm and a bicycle frame holder that is configured to receive a frame member of the bicycle. The cradle arm extends out from the back of the vehicle when it is mounted to a rack at the rear of a vehicle. Most of the weight of the bicycle is supported by the cradle arm as the bicycle "hangs" from its front wheel. The bicycle rack of the present invention combines a vertical orientation bicycle carrier with a rear mounted swing out type vehicle equipment rack available commercially under the name REVA Rack.TM..

Abstract: A ski rack for a vehicle having a rear door, such as a sports utility automobile, or a van in which the rack holds several pairs of skis in tubes on a mounting board. The mounting board has an assembly for permitting lateral pivotal movement of the ski rack from a vertical position blocking the vehicle's rear door to a horizontal position adjacent to the rear bumper where the rear door of the vehicle is not obstructed.

Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle, a single arm support bracket secured solely to the cross tube, the cross tube extending through the arm support bracket, and a carrier arm pivotally attached to the arm support bracket for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body.

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 vehicle equipment rack that includes first, second and third rotatably interconnected members. The second and third members rotate between a first position in which all three members are aligned and a second position in which the second and third members are angularly offset from the first member. The second and third members may also angularly offset from one another when the second and third members are in the second position. The vehicle equipment rack may also include a drive train operatively connected between the second and third members. The drive train is configured to rotate one of these moveable members upon rotation of the moveable member.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier, and specifically a movable frame assembly, for storing and transporting luggage, gear, equipment and the like on the exterior of a vehicle. The carrier is attached to a common trailer hitch and is particularly well suited for use with a mini-van or sport utility vehicle which has a rear opening door or hatch. The carrier is slidably movable, permitting outward extension, while still being connected to the vehicle, to provide easy access to and unobstructed opening of the vehicle rear door or hatch, and to provide unobstructed access to the vehicle's existing interior cargo area. Subsequently, the carrier is inwardly slidably retracted so that it is firmly disposed in an aerodynamically favorable position proximate the rear of the vehicle. The frame assembly comprises a connection member which interfaces with the hitch and a frame member which interfaces with the connection member. A storage box or container member is connected to the frame member.

Abstract: A dirt bike carrier (10) for a hitch receiver (12) under a rear bumper (14) in a motor vehicle (16) comprising a box tube (18) having a first end (20) mounted within the hitch receiver (12). A stanchion (22) is provided. A structure (24) is for turning a first end (26) of the stanchion (22) being at a right angle to a second end (28) of the box tube (18), so that the stanchion (22) can go from a horizontal position "A" into a vertical position "B". A support frame (30) maintains a dirt bike (32) thereon. A facility (34) is for pivoting the support frame (30) centrally to a second end (36) of the stanchion (22), so that the support frame (30) can go from a lowered horizontal position "C" to a raised horizontal position "D", with the dirt bike (32) thereon.

Abstract: The rear-mounted vehicle cargo carrier includes a mounting bar for detachable mounting on a vehicle. A first arm is pivotally mounted on the mounting bar. The first arm pivotally carries a second arm. A frame bar is pivotally carried on the second arm. The frame bar is part of the cargo carrier rack, which has fittings suitable to carry the selected cargo. With this structure, the rack can be swung in any desired direction out of the way of the rear doors or tailgates of the vehicle. A locking pin locks the rack and arms to the mounting bar in folded, travel position.

Abstract: A modular vehicle rack system having a rack holder and rack constructed and arranged to allow easy interchange of racks on the rack holder while allowing a rack mounted on the rack holder to be swung away from the rear of a vehicle to provide substantially unobstructed access to the vehicle rear. The holder has an upwardly extending pin located away from a tongue of the holder that telescopically receives a complementary sleeve of the rack enabling a rack to be quickly and easily mounted on the holder in a manner that permits it to be swung away from the vehicle rear to provide access. The rack preferably includes an integral handle that permits it to be easily grasped and maneuvered to enable racks to be quickly and easily mounted on or removed from a holder. The rack construction includes a swing arm support rail forming part of a cargo or equipment truss that can be flexibly arranged to carry many types of equipment and cargo making the rack design extremely flexible and versatile.

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