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 vehicle body rear part structure in which a spare tire is stored underneath a rear floor via a spare tire carrier. The vehicle body rear part structure includes a frame part and a tire cover. An embedding groove is formed in an external surface of the tire cover. The frame part is embedded in the embedding groove. Left and right front connecting parts of the frame part are rotatably connected to left and right front support parts. A rear connecting part of the frame part is vertically movably connected to rear support part. Vertical movements of the rear connecting part via the rear support part causes a spare tire to be disposed in a tire storage position and a tire accessing position.

Abstract: A push tube adapter for an off-road vehicle which enables the rearward end of a push tube assembly to be mounted on various vehicle mounts.

Abstract: A lightweight cargo carrying structure mounted upon arms which cantilever rearward from tow eyes mounted at the rear of a vehicle. This invention provides an efficient way to expand the cargo-carrying capacity of a vehicle.

Abstract: A lightweight bicycle carrier that is easily adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes of bicycles and other equipment. The bicycle carrier of the present invention is easily assembled and installed onto the hitch receiver of a vehicle. The bicycle carrier can also be partially disassembled to allow access into the rear of the vehicle without interfering with the vehicle tailgate. The bicycle carrier includes adjustable angular support arms to support bicycles during transport.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a chock holder adapted to be mounted to the bottom side of a trailer that includes a notification mechanism that automatically deploys when a chock is removed from the holder.

Abstract: A spare tire and wheel assembly is stowed on a rear tail gate of a motor vehicle by a carrier. The carrier is pivoted to rigid vehicle frame structure beneath the rear tail gate for vertical swinging movement about a transverse horizontal axis from a generally upright stowage position downwardly to a rearwardly extending, lower position. A latch mechanism releasably latches the carrier to the tail gate in the stowage position. The tire and wheel assembly is releasably mounted on the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a chock holder adapted to be mounted to the bottom side of a trailer that includes a notification mechanism that automatically deploys when a chock is removed from the holder.

Abstract: There is disclosed a storage rack that can onload, secure, and offload a human transporter device such as a SEGWAY HT. The storage rack is attached to a vehicle such as a postal vehicle. The vehicle can thus transport a human transporter while the human transporter is itself secured to the storage rack. The storage rack includes a ramp. A human transporter can be loaded onto the storage rack under its own power by moving up the ramp, and the human transporter can be offloaded from the storage rack under its own power by moving down the ramp. The ramp is secured to the storage rack in an upright position when the carrying vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A door carrier for transporting the removable side doors of a Jeep-type vehicle includes a base frame coupled to a rear hitch on the vehicle having side frame assemblies provided with hinge and latch members for carrying and latching the side doors at mountings replicating the vehicle door mounting. The base frame and side frame assemblies include pivotal connections for permitting vertically folded storage adjacent the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a moveable storage compartment designed for camper trailers that provides for top access even when the camper is in use and is folded out and over the top of the compartment. The storage compartment's unique design and placement on a sliding track allow the user to move the compartment to either side of the trailer in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line running along the length of the trailer. Furthermore, the compartment has one or more lids that allow either side to be accessed depending upon on which side of the trailer access is desired. At least one lid of the compartment may easily convert for use as a table if desired.

Abstract: A rack for securing wheeled vehicles, particularly bicycles, includes wheel-receiving wells for receiving the front wheel of the vehicle and contacting the wheel at least at two points. A wheel-engaging arm, pivotally mounted to the rack, is pivoted upwardly and is extensible outwardly against a biasing element. The arm is adapted to engage the wheel of the bicycle at least at a third point for securely holding the vehicle.

Abstract: A receiver assembly (10) allows one to carry an elongated article or articles having a length exceeding a load bed/rack of a vehicle to which the receiver assembly (10) is attached. The receiver assembly includes a central frame member (14), a pair of mounting brackets (30) to secure the central frame member (14) and load bed/rack extender assembly (50). The bed/rack extender assembly (50) includes a pair of L-shaped space support members (60,62). Either end of the spaced support members may be connected into the accessory receivers (52) so that the extender assembly (50) may be selectively secured in one of two positions.

Abstract: The Piggyback Carry-All is a rack that allows you to mount one to two pods, a rowboat, canoe or other large object, two to four bicycles and a spare tire all at the same time to any size square bumper or to any size hitch mount of any vehicle. It also flips up and down for loading and unloading.

Abstract: A multiple accessory port assembly (10) for mounting an accessory to the frame of a vehicle includes a frame member (12), a pair of mounting brackets (14, 14) for securing the assembly to the vehicle frame, and a pair of accessory ports (22, 22) carried on the frame. Each of the ports projects from the frame member and includes an opening (24, 24) for receiving the mounting port of an accessory such as a cargo carrier (C).

Abstract: There is disclosed a storage rack that can onload, secure, and offload a human transporter device such as a SEGWAY HT. The storage rack is attached to a vehicle such as a postal vehicle. The vehicle can thus transport a human transporter while the human transporter is itself secured to the storage rack. The storage rack includes a ramp. A human transporter can be loaded onto the storage rack under its own power by moving up the ramp, and the human transporter can be offloaded from the storage rack under its own power by moving down the ramp. The ramp is secured to the storage rack in an upright position when the carrying vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A double decker article carrier for mounting to a receiver assembly includes a frame having a pair of mounting bars for securing the frame to the receiver assembly and a pair of support members. A first platform is carried by the mounting bars and a second platform is carried by the support members. The platforms are carried in an aligned, stacked configuration with one over the other.

Abstract: A double decker article carrier for mounting to a receiver assembly includes a frame having a pair of mounting bars for securing the frame to the receiver assembly and a pair of support members. A first platform is carried by the mounting bars and a second platform is carried by the support members. The platforms are carried in an aligned, stacked configuration with one over the other.

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 supplementary cargo carrier for a vehicle. The carrier includes a support-frame, a platform and support bars which can be pivoted relative to the platform. The support-frame can be removably attached to a trailer hitch. The carrier can have a variety of configurations depending on the intended application, the configurations being changeable by adjusting the support bars and by reversing the orientation of the platform relative to the support-frame.

Abstract: A multiple accessory port assembly (10) for mounting an accessory to the frame of a vehicle includes a frame member (12), a pair of mounting brackets (14, 14) for securing the assembly to the vehicle frame, and a pair of accessory ports (22, 22) carried on the frame. Each of the ports projects from the frame member and includes an opening (24, 24) for receiving the mounting port of an accessory such as a cargo carrier (C).

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly (10) includes a frame member (12) and hitch receiver box (18), a pair of mounting brackets (30) and a pair of accessory ports (50) carried on the frame member inboard of the mounting brackets (30). The accessory ports (50) each project rearwardly from the frame member (12) a distance D and include a circular opening for receiving a recreational and/or utilitarian accessory. The receiver box (18) has a first longitudinal axis extending in a first plane A. The accessory ports (50) are parallel and have a second longitudinal axis extending in a second plane B where the planes A and B define an included angle of approximately 10-30%.

Abstract: A transporter and method for moving greensmowers from green to green. The transporter attaches directly to a utility vehicle, allows a greensmower to be loaded and unloaded without the use of a ramp and without mounting and dismounting wheels, and can be entirely suspended from the vehicle when transporting the greensmower. The transporter includes a transverse member that is pivotally coupled to the utility vehicle, and longitudinal members spaced apart from each other, substantially coplanar with each other, and cantilevered from the transverse member. The transporter further includes an arm interconnected with the transverse member so as to be operable to rotate the longitudinal members when the arm is raised and lowered. The arm can be selectively secured to a side portion of the utility vehicle when the longitudinal members are in a raised position.

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 tow hitch mounted carrier includes a pair of tubular members each having an arm and a receiver. The receiver of each tubular member engages a transverse aperture in the tow hitch. Each member arm extends outward from the hitch at an angle between 60° and 120°. A platform secures to the arms of the pair of tubular members. A process for coupling a carrier to a vehicle includes the insert of a pair of tubular members each having arms into tow hitch transverse apertures in opposition and securing a platform to the tubular members.

Abstract: A wheel-less carrying apparatus for use in conjunction with a self-propelled utility vehicle includes a frame that supports a removable load carrying body. The frame has a pair of spaced longitudinal beams and at least two lateral ribs secured to the longitudinal beams, the rib nearest the distal ends of the beams including at least one portion having a circular cross-section. The removable load carrying body has a continuous surface surrounded by an upwardly extending perimeter. A downwardly extending coupling member fixed to the body removably and pivotally engages the rib nearest the distal ends of the beams so that the body can be tilted with respect to the frame. Downward flanges along each side of the body for engage ends of the lateral ribs of the frame to provide lateral stability for the body.

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 preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a hauling vehicle equipped with a conventional receiving style hitch assembly having a tubular cross member extended along the width of the hauling vehicle and attached to the frame thereof. The tubular cross member includes opposing ends and a centrally located extension tube each having an opening for receiving the mounting hardware of the carrier rack. The carrier rack further comprises a sturdily constructed carrying platform, ramp means for loading the carrying platform, and retractable casters for supporting the carrier rack when not mounted on a hauling vehicle. In addition, the carrier rack preferably has one or more rear safety lights which are communicatively connected to the electrical system of the vehicle via a wiring harness. For the driver to easily locate the rear of the carrier rack via a rear view mirror, a removable tailgate may also be installed.

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 and an arm support bracket secured to the cross tube. The swing-away spare tire carrier also includes a carrier arm having a first arm portion pivotally attached to the arm support bracket and a second arm portion pivotally attached to the first arm portion 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 when the second arm portion is moved toward the first arm portion.

Abstract: A support device for a rear end assembly on motor vehicles, especially on campers, caravans or the like, is provided with two connecting elements which, on the one hand, carry a transporting frame, protruding from the rear of the vehicle and, on the other, are supported on a chassis. The connecting elements are formed by a sliding rail, which has a guiding and holding profiling and at which the transporting frame 6, as well as additional supporting elements for transported goods can be fixed as pivotable, foldable and/or extendable add-ons.

Abstract: A spare wheel mounting bracket (10) includes a beam mounting plate (14), for fixing the bracket (10) to a trailer tongue, and a wheel mounting plate (12), for mounting a spare wheel to the bracket (10). An offset channel support (16) extending at an upwardly sloped angle from the beam mounting plate (14) supports the wheel mounting plate (12). The wheel mounting bracket (10) is constructed of a blank of material. A blank is cut with a predetermined perimeter form (39) having a tire mounting tab (42), side support flange tabs (44), and a beam mounting tab (40). A wheel mount opening (24) is cut into the wheel mounting tab (42) and a mounting opening (18) is cut into the beam mounting tab (40). The side support flange tab (44), wheel mounting tab (42), and the beam mounting tab (40) are folded in to form the side support flange (28), wheel mounting plate (12), and the beam mounting plate (14), respectively.

Abstract: A truck bed extender system that is attachable to a truck using the receiver of the truck receiver hitch that includes multiple height and width adjustable supports that are positioned by the user to desired positions and heights to provide support where needed.

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 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: A vehicle rack system (10) removably connectable to a vehicle (22) has horizontal top members forming a circumference therebetween having sufficient size to accommodate a cooler (20) therein. The vehicle rack system (10) further has horizontal bottom members forming a circumference therebetween having sufficient size to accommodate the cooler (20) therein. The vehicle rack system (10) further has a vertical rod holders having a vertical rod holder slotted ends positioned at an upper distal end is securely fastened to a the horizontal top members and to the horizontal bottom members. The vehicle rack system (10) further comprises a vertical front rod holder receivers securely fastened to a front end of the horizontal top members and to a front end of the horizontal bottom members. The vehicle rack system (10) further comprises a left vehicle connector (18L) is securely fastened to a left end of the front horizontal bottom member (12FBT) and the rear horizontal bottom member (12RBT).

Abstract: An external rack for attachment to a vehicle has a base releasably mountable on a vehicle; a generally vertical member having upper and lower ends, the generally vertical member lockably, releasably mountable on the base at the lower end; a generally horizontal member releasably mountable to the generally vertical member at the upper end of the generally vertical member; a slidable frame adapted for snug fitment around the generally horizontal member, the slidable frame adapted to support an elongate object there-against and slidably positionable along the generally horizontal member; and a selectively tensionable strap releasably mountable to the generally horizontal member extending along the generally horizontal member and positionable over the slidable frame; whereby the selectively tensionable strap may be selectively tensioned to releasably frictionally hold an elongate object against the slidable frame and to simultaneously releasably frictionally secure the slidable frame against the generally horizon

Abstract: A rack for securing wheeled vehicles, particularly bicycles, includes wheel-receiving wells for receiving the front wheel of the vehicle and contacting the wheel at least at two points. A wheel-engaging arm, pivotally mounted to the rack, is pivoted upwardly and is extensible outwardly against a biasing element. The arm is adapted to engage the wheel of the bicycle at least at a third point for securely holding the vehicle.

Abstract: A cycle rack for carrying longitudinally extending objects including a pair of V-shaped branches connected to each other at an acute angle in a lower portion of the pair of V-shaped branches, a connecting link apparatus mutually pivotable between the pair of V-shaped branches and a gripping and holding apparatus to grip around and hold the rack on a towing hitch ball. A toggle joint apparatus between the pair of V-shaped branches holds and grips the hitch ball through the gripping and holding apparatus. The toggle joint apparatus is located at the upper end of the V-shaped branches. The cycle rack attaches to towing hitch balls having differing dimensions, achieving a fitting hole as well as achieving a further foldability of the rack. The connecting link apparatus is adapted to enable an adjustable mounting of the cycle rack on the hitch ball, and the cycle rack has optionally, at least one projecting carrying arm pivotally mounted on one of the V-shaped branches.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch socket mounted vehicle accessory assembly is provided with an integral accessory hitch socket to receive a hitch plug of another such vehicle accessory or a towing hitch member. The vehicle accessory assembly includes a hitch extender structure with an accessory hitch plug at a front end and an accessory hitch socket at a rear end. A vehicle accessory is mounted on the hitch extender structure. Such vehicle accessories include a rear collision guard assembly and a utility platform assembly. The collision guard assembly includes a rectangular guard frame extending upwardly from the hitch extender and positioned rearward of the vehicle bumper to protect door mounted equipment from damaging the doors upon a low speed collision with an external structure. The utility platform assembly includes a horizontally oriented platform frame for carrying luggage or the like external to a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wheel carrier which is adapted to be mounted exclusively to a cross tube of a receiver bracket assembly, which is typically attached to the underside of a motor vehicle and which is used to facilitate attachment of a trailer hitch in the form of a ball mount assembly. The simple manner in which the wheel carrier attaches to the receiver bracket assembly greatly decreases the necessary mounting time and avoids the necessity of drilling holes in the body and/or bumper. The wheel carrier has a carrier member, a wheel support member connected to the carrier member and adapted to support a motor vehicle wheel, and a mounting mechanism for mounting the carrier member exclusively to the cross tube of the receiver bracket assembly. The cross tube typically has a cross-sectional shape which is substantially square.