Abstract: A portable container assembly that can include a wheeled hand cart for transporting articles mounted on a platform or basket can be mounted in an elevated, horizontal position on the rear of a vehicle. The hand cart includes a downwardly facing channel that can be aligned with and inserted over a support bar extending from the rear of a hitch receiver on a vehicle. Upright handles on the hand cart supply sufficient mechanical advantage to allow the user to first tilt the and cart, and when the channel is aligned with the support bar, the hand cart can be rotated so that it is lifted into position and supported by the support bar on a vehicle. The support bar is attachable to and detachable from a conventional hitch receiver. A cooler can also be mounted directly to and supported only by the hitch extension.

Abstract: A bicycle carrying system includes a first bicycle wheel mount device, a second bicycle wheel mount device, and one or more straps. The first bicycle wheel mount device couples on a vehicle bumper at a first location on the vehicle bumper. The second bicycle wheel mount device couples on a vehicle bumper at a second location on the vehicle bumper. The straps secure a frame of the bicycle to the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.

Abstract: A support rack has spaced vertical rails and horizontal upper, lower and intermediate rails. The horizontal rails are coupled to the vertical rails. A pivotable locking bar is between the horizontal rails. Side plates with rearward ends are attached to the vertical rails adjacent to the lower rail. The side plates have forward ends forwardly of the vertical rails. A rectangular ramp/platform has a forward edge extending forwardly of the vertical rails and a rearward edge extending rearwardly of the vertical rails and having parallel side edges. Hinges pivotally couple the ramp/platform adjacent to its forward edge to the side plates adjacent to their forward edges for movement between raised and lowered orientations. A cross support bar has ends attached to the ramp/platform adjacent to the side edges parallel with and rearwardly of the horizontal lower rail. The cross support bar is spaced above the ramp/platform.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame having D-ring latch and hinge assemblies coupled thereto. The D-ring latch and hinge assemblies include a latch and hinge sleeve, respectively. A tire carrier assembly is rotatably mounted to the D-ring hinge assembly, wherein the tire carrier assembly is repeatably moveable between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle bumper attached to a vehicle frame. A tire carrier support structure is attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the vehicle bumper and tire carrier support structure are held together by a D-ring assembly. A tire carrier assembly having a tire carrier arm repeatably moveable between stowed and deployed positions, and raised and lowered positions, is carried by the tire carrier support structure.

Abstract: A cargo carrier system is presented for a motor vehicle with a supporting frame for accommodating at least one object and with an energy supply device for supplying the object accommodated on the supporting frame with electric energy.

Abstract: A load carrier including a fixing system on a rear part of a vehicle including: a longitudinal arm with one end to interact with a sleeve joined to a structural element of the vehicle; a lever with one end mounted to rotate relative to the arm about a transversal pin supported by the end of the arm; a device placed between the lever and the arm and exerting a force in a direction; and a lock for the fixing system.

Abstract: A traffic cone storage unit is movably mounted on a rear portion of a motor vehicle to store traffic cones thereon. The unit includes a mounting frame attached to the undersurface of a motor vehicle adjacent to the rear of that vehicle and a stanchion pivotally mounted on that mounting frame to move between a first orientation that is upright with respect to a surface on which the motor vehicle is resting and a second orientation that is horizontal with respect to the surface on which the motor vehicle is resting. Traffic cones are stored on the stanchion when it is in the first orientation and the stanchion is out of the way when it is in the second orientation so that access can be made to the interior of the motor vehicle even when the traffic cone storage unit is in place on the motor vehicle. A chain or like tether element can be used to attach the top of the stanchion to the motor vehicle to further ensure stability thereof.

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: A quick connection and release assembly for releasably mounting a bicycle rack on the bumper of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a bumper plate structure adapted to be fixedly secured to the bumper by fasteners and defining at least one tongue extending upwardly from an upper edge thereof and a bicycle rack plate structure adapted to be fixedly secured to a rear face of the bike rack base plate by fasteners and including an aperture proximate an upper edge thereof sized to receive the tongue and retractable pins proximate lower side edges thereof for positioning behind a lower edge portion of the bumper plate structure.

Abstract: A Bumper and bike rack assembly especially suitable for use as the front bumper assembly of a bus.

Abstract: A portable winch system mounted to a standard trailer hitch tow ball of a vehicle permits steep incline pulling angles of the winch without cutting into the neck portion of the tow ball. To achieve a broad range of inclination angles, the cup plate (socket that fits over the tow ball) and/or the ball-locking portion of the winch system includes relieved neck-clearance areas. In some embodiments, the cup plate and/or ball-locking mechanism includes neck contact points that are softer than the material of the tow ball.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch assembly for suspension support of an accessory from the rear of a vehicle having a rear bumper and a trailer hitch receiver positioned under the bumper. The hitch assembly includes a horizontally extending rigid trailer hitch receiver insert for insertion and retention in the vehicle trailer hitch receiver, and a rigid support arm having one end adjustably and detachably securable to the vehicle rear bumper and another end thereof rigidly and adjustably securable to the trailer hitch receiver insert. An accessory support is then secured to the vehicle hitch assembly for supporting a load off of the rear of the vehicle.

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 adjustable rack system for a motor vehicle allows the user to transport and store various recreational items or accessories on the storage rack by selecting individual removable accessory storage devices for connecting with the rack system. The accessory devices are located on adjustable cross-members which allow the user to adjust the height and spacing between the various cross-members.

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 system (10) for attaching a trailing device (12) to a vehicle includes a bumper assembly (11) having a back structure (13) which carries an energy absorbing module (14). The system (10) includes receiver assemblies (60) which are attached to the bumper back structure (13) and which include a tube (62). The system (10) also includes carrier assemblies (40) which carry the trailing device (12) and which each includes an arm end (42) slidably received in the tubes (62). Shear pins (73) attach the arm ends (42) to the tubes (62) and upon impact to the trailing device (12), a leg (74) of each pin (73) can be sheared allowing relative movement between the arm ends (42) and the tubes (62). As a result, the carrier assemblies (40) contact the energy absorbing bumper module (14) to absorb some of the energy of the impact.

Abstract: An adjustable frame, mountable on a vehicle, for releasably securing hand trucks of different sizes and configurations includes: a support platform for receiving a base of a hand truck; a first and a second side member affixed to the platform; a first bracket and a second bracket attached to the first and second side members, respectively, the brackets extending in parallel therewith; an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between a first position that retains the hand truck on the platform, and a second position, which allows access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and a latch mounted on the swing bar. The second bracket may include a strike that engages the latch for releasably securing the swing bar in the first position. Cushioned crossbars attachable to the side members dampen vibration of the hand truck during transportation.

Abstract: A unibody style automobile has bumper attachment pads for a crash bar and bumper cover assembly of conventional configuration. Removal of these bumper components provides access to these pads for a load carrier or beam that defines two coupling connections for a frame selected from a plurality of frames, each designed for a different load. All the frames have one fixed slide bolt received in one of the two sockets in the beam. A second bolt provides a very secure attachment point for each of these frames.

Abstract: An integrated carrier rack system for motor vehicles. Generally, the system includes a receiving unit, having rear and forward ends, integrated into a rear wall, such as a rear section of a trunk lid, a tailgate of a pickup truck, or a rear door of a van, a side wall, such as a side of a truck bed, a side door, or a side of a trunk lid, or a front wall, such as a front of a bus, a front of a truck, or a front of a motor home. The receiving unit may be positioned such that the rear end is directed toward the outside of the vehicle and forms an engaging structure in the rear, side, or front wall. The system further includes an immobilizing system attached to the receiving unit, a carrier bar engaged to the receiving unit, and various attachment units. The integrated carrier rack system is user friendly and may be applied to any motor vehicle to carry an assortment of items.

Abstract: A flag mast holder assembly that can accommodate the three most popular trailer hitch ballmount bore diameters BD, namely, 1.0 inch, 0.874 inch and 0.75 inch. Mast holder assembly includes a central bore for receiving the mast of a flag or pennant and is preferably made of aluminum. The mast holder assembly is provided with stainless steel flat washers, lock washer and securing nut. The provision of stainless steel components with the aluminum mast body will be highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation and thus provide an attractive addition to anyone's vehicle. The preferred material is aluminum with stainless components as described above, however, the entire assembly and attaching hardware could be made of nylon, Teflon or suitable non-corrosive plastic materials.

Abstract: An adjustable frame, mountable on a vehicle, for releasably securing hand trucks of different sizes and configurations includes: a support platform for receiving a base of a hand truck; a first and a second side member affixed to the platform; a first bracket and a second bracket attached to the first and second side members, respectively, the brackets extending in parallel therewith; an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between a first position that retains the hand truck on the platform, and a second position, which allows access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and a latch mounted on the swing bar. The second bracket may include a strike that engages the latch for releasably securing the swing bar in the first position. Cushioned crossbars attachable to the side members dampen vibration of the hand truck during transportation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring service-intensive replaceable parts in an assembly in which information regarding a replaceable part (1), such as specifications, physical dimensions, physical properties, functions and/or other data for the replaceable part, is stored on a suitable memory component (5) in and/or on the replaceable part (1). The stored data is read with a reading device at a predetermined time or at predetermined time intervals and transmitted to an evaluation unit. The read data can be compared in the evaluation unit with preset data and, after evaluating the results of the comparison of the data, an appropriate change in the replaceable part or in the operation of the assembly may or may not be carried out.

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 unibody style automobile has bumper attachment pads for a crash bar and bumper cover assembly of conventional configuration. Removal of these bumper components provides access to these pads for a load carrier or beam that defines two coupling connections for a frame selected from a plurality of frames, each designed for a different load. All the frames have one fixed slide bolt received in one of the two sockets in the beam. A second bolt provides a very secure attachment point for each of these frames.

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

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 replaceable top tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube retractably received therein. Two sleeves are respectively connected to the outer tube and the inner tube, and two locking plates are respectively connected to the two sleeves. Two hooks are respectively connected to the inner tube and the outer tube so that when the sleeves are pulled, the locking plates are moved away from the hooks so as to hook the seat post and the handlebar stem of a bicycle. Each of the two sleeves are positioned by a resilient member.

Abstract: A receiver bracket for mounting to a square or rectangular bumper of a recreational or similar vehicle. The receiver bracket is designed to accept various racks or other accessories of limited weight, with a maximum of about 200 pounds. The receiver bracket is highly symmetrical, allowing mounting of the square tube either below or above the supporting bumper in a horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the receiving bracket can be mounted to the bumper with the square tubing in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle accessory includes rear, medial, and front carrier units each, having a laterally extending chassis-mounted socket member that telescopically receives a sleeve having a pair of posts thereon, the posts having adjustable spacing from a side extemity of the vehicle. The socket members can be clamped under the vehicle chassis and/or incorporated in vehicle bumpers. An optional configuration has front and/or rear mounted a base to which the socket member is pivotally mounted as an arm, the posts being foldable in-line with the arm, the arm also folding inwardly from the side of the vehicle.

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: In order to improve a spare wheel holding device for a vehicle body having a hatchback with tailgate, comprising a spare wheel carrier, which holds a spare wheel and is capable of swivelling about an axis relative to the vehicle body, in a way that improves rear access to the vehicle body and hence to the tailgate and enables said spare wheel holding device to be fixed as easily as possible to the vehicle body, it is proposed that the spare wheel carrier is connected to the vehicle body by a swivel joint, the swivelling axis of which is disposed in such a way that the spare wheel carrier the spare wheel is movable from a travel position, in which it is behind the tailgate, into a rear access position, in which the spare wheel held by the spare wheel carrier is disposed at least with a part-region overlapping a rear part of a longitudinal side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting bicycles on the front of a motor vehicle allowing unrestricted access to vehicle trunk, rear cargo area, and top luggage rack. Carrier frame has a horizontal crossmember (10) and two vertical uprights (12). Two removable bicycle support arm assemblies (14) with safety tips extend forward from the crossmember (10). A protector sleeve (22) as part of arm assembly (14) protects bicycle finish at point of contact. An adaptable system comprised of elastic cord assemblies (42) and eyebolts (14, 16, & 18) secures bicycles to the carrier. Carrier mounts to vehicle at top surface of grill and front surface of bumper--four points, mirror image. Custom-designed mounting kits accommodate carrier to a multitude of vehicle makes and models while maintaining a low forward profile for Carrier and bicycle. Eyebolts (14, 16, and 18) serve as structural members, a system component for securing bicycles, attaching hardware, and a safety feature.

Abstract: A truck bed extender mounts to a vehicle to support loads which are longer than the load bed of the vehicle. The truck bed extender includes a main beam adapted to engage a conventional box receiver on the vehicle. A load support is mounted to the main beam and includes a load support bar which extends transversely to the main beam when the truck bed extender is in use. A storage mount is provided to allow mounting of the load support to the main beam in a storage position when the load support is not being used. The truck bed extender can be mounted to the box receiver in a storage position.

Abstract: A new Wheel Chock Storage Device for providing a device for storing a wheel chock on an automobile bumper. The inventive device includes a wheel chock storage container, a wheel chock retention strap, and a bumper attachment. The bumper attachment is attached to the wheel chock storage container and removably adjustably attaches the wheel chock storage container to the automobile bumper. An upper bumper attachment member is hookingly secured to the automobile bumper and an adjustable fastener is adjusted to secure the wheel chock storage container to the automobile bumper. The lower bumper attachment member is hookingly secured to the automobile bumper and a threaded tension knob is tightened to secure the wheel chock storage container to the automobile bumper. The wheel chock is placed in the wheel chock storage container and the retention strap securely retains the wheel chock in the wheel chock storage container.

Abstract: A base plate is securable to a vehicle bumper using a threaded bolt attachment and supports a rectangular support which in turn is secured to and supports a planar top plate. A front plate is angularly positioned between the top plate and base plate to provide the combined support structure of a vehicle hitch securable to a vehicle bumper. A transversely extending saddle plate is spaced from the front plate at the lower edge thereof defining a lower channel therebetween. A pair of latch arms each defining respective notches therein are pivotally supported upon the vertical support and are coupled to a transversely extending angularly disposed cam plate. A return spring is operative to urge the latch arms to an upward locking position. An elongated handle is secured to one of the latch arms and extends downwardly therefrom. A pool cart or the like having an upper tube and lower tube is received within the latch arm notches and lower channel respectively to secure the pool cart to the vehicle hitch.

Abstract: An apparatus supports an accessory on a bumper of a golf car. The apparatus includes an accessory support portion and a bumper engaging portion connected to the accessory support portion. An adjustable clamping portion is connectable to the bumper engaging portion to clamp the bumper between the bumper engaging portion and the adjustable clamping portion. A connector connects the adjustable clamping portion to the bumper engaging portion. Both the adjustable clamping portion and the connector are adjustable to accommodate bumpers having different physical size characteristics.

Abstract: An equipment carrier assembly for mounting to a snowplow mounting bracket includes at least one and preferably a pair of carrier stands each including a lower platform for supporting equipment thereon and an upright mast mounted to and extending upwardly from the lower platform for attaching equipment thereto, a lower shaft latching mechanism attached on and extending between the lower platforms of the carrier stands for mounting the carrier stand to the snowplow mounting bracket, and upper slide locking mechanisms on the upright masts of the carrier stands for securing the carrier stands to the snowplow mounting bracket. The carrier stands of the assembly may be intercoupled to one another by components attached to and extending respectively between the lower platforms and upper masts of the carrier stands.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier 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 slideably moveable, 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 carrier comprises a connection member which interfaces with the hitch, a frame member which interfaces with the connection member, and a storage box or container member which is connected to the frame member.

Abstract: A cooker mounting assembly operable to rotatably receive a charcoal cooker assembly thereon and readily connected to a portion of a vehicle for support. The cooker mounting assembly includes 1) a vehicle anchor assembly secured to a portion of the vehicle; 2) a telescoping support assembly connected to the vehicle anchor assembly operable to be moved from a storage transport to a usage position; and 3) a cooker support assembly mounted between the telescoping support assembly and the charcoal cooker assembly. The cooker support assembly allows for rotation of the charcoal cooker assembly to a desired usage and storage position. Another embodiment of the cooker mounting assembly provides a pivotal connector assembly which allows not only rotational adjustment but vertical adjustment of the charcoal cooker assembly.

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