Abstract: The present invention comprises a float tube carrier comprised of a support member and one or more pairs of arms extending from said support member and capable of securing one or more float tubes. Alternatively, the support member comprises a mount arm capable of securing to a vehicle, and a rotatable and removable support member connecting to said mount arm through a locking swivel. The support member may also comprise a generally 1-shaped mount arm capable of securing to a hitch, and having a locking swivel for removably connecting to the mount arm or, a generally I-shaped support member with a locking swivel for removably connecting to the mount arm. The carrier further comprises a first and second pair of arm members with a locking pivot operatively engaging a support member and, a first and second locking bar for securing one or more float tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus mountable on a vehicle and having a mounting section and a lift section. The lift section is moveably coupled to the mounting section. A drive chain having a plurality of articulating links and defining opposite first and second ends is operably coupled with a drive gear. At least one of the drive gear and the first and second ends of the drive chain is coupled to the mounting section and at least another one of these items is coupled to the lift section. The rotation of the drive gear movingly drives the chain and thereby moves the lift section relative to the mounting section. In some embodiments, the ends of the drive chain are coupled to one of the mounting section and the lift section and the drive gear is mounted on the other one of the mounting section and the lift section.

Abstract: A shopping cart modified for vehicle transport and advertising method provides shoppers with a personal shopping cart they keep and use to transport groceries from the store to their home without unloading the groceries out of the cart multiple times, it includes a shopping cart modified with a locking support assembly comprising a rigid horizontally deposed inter support member with a connection plate member. The inter support member slides horizontally inside of a horizontal outer support member connected to a base plate that is connected to the lower side of a shopping cart basket whereby the shopping cart can be lifted and transported by locking the shopping cart onto a carrier means coupled to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The advertising method comprises the steps of providing at least one removably attached advertising placard on a surface of the front wall, rear wall, and opposed side walls.

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: A carrier for bicycles or other objects which is adapted to be mounted in a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The carrier being adapted to pivot downwardly away from the rear of the vehicle to allow for improved access to the rear doors of the vehicle. The carrier including a cantilever mounted handle having a spring actuated locking member for holding the carrier in a horizontal or, vertically stored position, or, when released, allowing the carrier to tilt downwardly. The carrier including bicycle support members is adapted to grip the wheels of a bicycle mounted thereon. The bicycle support members are mounted on transverse members and are laterally adjustable to match the wheel span of a bicycle to be carried. The bicycle support members are adapted to be folded and the transverse members moved inwardly to make the carrier more compact for storage. In an alternative embodiment, a tiltable carrier rack is provided for carrying items other than bicycles.

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.

Abstract: A display apparatus for use with a truck having a receiver hitch includes a mounting bracket having oppositely disposed first and second ends, the first end being configured to be received in the receiver hitch. The apparatus includes a main support member coupled to the second end of the bracket, the main support member being height adjustable. The main support member defines an elongate channel. At least one fastener is coupled to the main support member for movement along the elongate channel, the fastener being selectively securable at a desired position along the channel. The fastener includes an eyelet to which a flag or banner may be secured. The apparatus may also include at least one auxiliary support member pivotally coupled to the main support member for displaying another flag.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a mounting assembly (10) for supporting a hopper (16) and a spreading mechanism (12) on a vehicle (14) for carrying and spreading a material. A spreader frame (18) supports the hopper (16) and a bumper bracket (60) is mounted to a bumper of the vehicle (14) for attaching the spreader frame (18) to a bumper. The mounting assembly (10) further includes a hitch support (70) for supporting the spreader frame (18) on a hitch receiver (72) of the vehicle (14). A plate (76) interconnects the hitch support (70) to the spreader frame (18) for adjusting a height of the hitch support (70) relative to the spreader frame (18). A pair of vertical supports (62) extend vertically from the spreader frame (18) for attachment to the bed of the vehicle (14) at an upper end (86) thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle attachment that sits behind a vehicle and attaches to the vehicle's trailer hitch. To the plate is attached a device such as a barbecue, tool, etc. The plate is attached to a series of tubular members that connect to one another and ultimately to the vehicle's trailer hitch. The plate is easily removed, allowing the user to either use the plate or to easily attach other attachments to the hollow pole. Therefore, the user can quickly and easily perform a variety of activities at variable heights behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A rack support assembly for an ATV for a rack and shock assembly that is removably attachable to a hitch and rack posts of an all terrain vehicle. The assembly comprises an upper bar and a lower bar. A pair of shock absorbers is coupled to and extends between the upper and lower bars so that the upper and lower bars are orientated parallel to each other. A coupler removably attaches the lower bar to the hitch so that the lower bar is horizontally orientated. Each of a pair of supports is attached to the upper bar. The supports are each removably attachable to one of the rack posts.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted utility container (20) is provided having a main body (24) and an alternate use panel (26) which can be positioned in an upright fashion to close the rear opening (74) of the body (24), or alternately in a horizontal orientation within the confines of the body (24). In either orientation, the panel (26) has a tool-holding section (84) which is capable of holding handled tools (134) for travel. The main body (24) and panel (26) have interengageable mounting structure (48, 76, 78, 54, 66, 92) for maintaining the panel (26) in the alternate positions thereof. The container (20) may be mounted on the draw plate (34) of a tractor (22) by means of an improved universal hitch assembly (32). The assembly (32) includes a slotted connection plate (110) which can be attached to the hitch plates (34) of different tractors (22) together with an upright connector (116) supported by the plate (110) and received within a socket (78) formed in the front wall (42) of main body (24).

Abstract: A cargo carrier has a platform section. A set of foldable wall elements is for location in a first position substantially flat with a support region and in a second position substantially upright relative to the inner cargo support region. There can be two platform sections bolted together to form the overall platform section.

Abstract: Most surveyors use a GPS-enabled device when performing a land survey. To minimize the frequency with which GPS units lose their connection with a GPS satellite between survey points, the GPS unit is kept on the outside of the vehicle. Current devices that allow a GPS or survey pole to be attached to the outside of a vehicle only allow a GPS or survey pole to be mounted at the window. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a vehicle-mounted survey pole that allows the pole to be coupled to vehicle at a truck bed, a wheel-well or a trailer hitch. The embodiments comprise a rod and a vehicle-attachment bracket, the rod including a tube-clamp to couple the GPS or survey pole to the rod. The vehicle-attachment bracket couples the rod to the vehicle.

Abstract: A sporting article transport rack that is engageable to a hitch of an automotive vehicle is provided. The rack comprises a hitch engaging portion that is fastenable to the hitch and which extends therefrom away from the automotive vehicle. An elongated stem portion extends upwardly from the hitch engaging portion. An article support member is securable to an upper end of the elongated stem portion and is cantilevered therefrom. The article support member is removable from the elongated stem portion.

Abstract: A swing-away hitch mounted equipment carrier that is movable between collapsed and extended positions has a rectangular insert that is sized and shaped to be received in a trailer hitch receiver affixed to a vehicle. A fixed arm is attached to the insert. A first swing arm is pivotally connected to the fixed arm and a second swing arm is pivotally connected to the first swing arm. A vertical member having an equipment carrier affixed on an upper end is pivotally connected at a lower end to the second swing arm. The vertical member is constrained for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, the equipment carrier rotating with the vertical member. A first control member is provided for controlling the pivoting movement of the first and second swing arms as the swing-away hitch mounted equipment carrier is moved between the collapsed and extended positions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an apparatus for attaching to a vehicle for carrying cargo. The apparatus includes a base and at least one wing having retracted and extended positions. The apparatus occupies a smaller volume when the wing is retracted than when the wing is extended.

Abstract: A portable component assembly device for extending the length of the pickup bed for hauling objects longer than the bed of the pickup is adapted to the receiver hitch attached to the rear end of a pickup with a primary support bar inserted within the receiver hitch with a first upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the primary support bar beyond the tailgate to support objects up to ten feet in length with a second upright horizontal support bar connected to the primary bar having a second upright horizontal support bar extending upward from the secondary support bar to support objects longer than ten feet. Each first and second upright horizontal support bar includes a set of adjustable width anchor chocks attached to each support bar, with the second upright horizontal support bar including running lights with brake and turn indicators connected to the vehicle wiring system by a wiring harness.

Abstract: A rack for supporting at least one bicycle in position includes a base. Two beams are pivotally connected with the base. At least one supporting device is attached to each of the beams in order to support one wheel of the bicycle. A post is pivotally connected with the base. A hooking device is attached to the post in order to hook the bicycle.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus for use with a vehicle includes a brush assembly having at least one brush unit thereon. A mounting arm includes a first end extending from the brush assembly and a second end selectively coupled to a hitch receiver of the vehicle in an installed position. The mounting arm further includes a hinge for moving the brush assembly between an operating position and a storage position. The mounting arm includes an upper portion coupled to the hitch receiver and a lower portion laterally offset from the upper portion toward a ground surface. The lower portion is coupled to the brush assembly. The hinge is disposed on the lower portion of the mounting arm. A stepped portion extends perpendicularly between the upper portion and the lower portion. The brush assembly rotates from a substantially parallel relationship with the ground surface in the operating position to an upright position substantially perpendicular to the ground surface in the storage position.

Abstract: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for mounting to a trailer to form an interface between the trailer and a towing vehicle, with the trailer having a trailer deck and at least one wheel for ground support, said hitch assembly including a generally horizontally oriented cross member; a first mount arrangement including a shaft projecting from the cross member for telescopic receipt in a corresponding hitch receiver associated with a towing vehicle to connect said hitch assembly to a towing vehicle; and a second mount arrangement including at least two bosses spaced a predetermined distance apart and fixed to the cross member, with the bosses being mountable to the trailer deck to connect said hitch assembly to the trailer.

Abstract: A convertible cargo container system having individual components that provide a table or work surface. The container system includes a pair of foldable side panels and a pair of rigid end panels coupled to the ends of each side panel to form an enclosed container. A back panel is hingeably connected to a top panel to form one side panel, and a bottom panel is hingeably connected to a front panel to form the other side panel. Each of the front, back, and bottom panels has opposing coupling ends. The interior surface of each end panel has a coupling track that receives the coupling ends of the front, back, and bottom panels. Each of the side panels may be unfolded to provide a table or work surface. Additionally, each of the side panels have retracting or folding legs attached to the interior surface of the side panel that may be extended or unfolded to support the table or work surface. A vehicle hitch coupling support is attached to the bottom of the container.

Abstract: Provided is a vertically adjustable support device for scuba equipment, which attaches to the rear of a vehicle via a hitch receiver to allow the device to be raised or lowered to a convenient usage height for the diver. One implementation includes a vertical support tube that provides a rigid structural support for other components of the scuba tank holder apparatus to be joined to, a slideably joined holder carriage, and a hitch receiving member; in which a first end portion of the hitch receiving member is joined to a lower portion of the vertical support tube, and a second end portion is configured to be operable for being securely joined to a vehicle hitch, thereby structurally supporting the vertical support tube and associated components when joined thereto.

Abstract: A latching rack system for carrying objects on a vehicle that is compatible with a standard receiver hitch. A latching rack platform has a standard hitch ball and a support mast with a latch pin and a shank to couple to a receiver hitch. A mating latching rack post incorporates a hitch ball cup and a latch device to securely couple to the latching rack platform. The weight of the rack and the objects carried is supported on the hitch ball and lateral support is provided by the support mast. The latching rack post can be mounted and dismounted without touching the latching rack platform or the receiver. The hitch ball is available for towing when the latching rack assembly is dismounted. The latching rack post can be integrated into objects to be carried to allow quick and easy mounting and dismounting.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a mounting assembly (10) for supporting a hopper (16) and a spreading mechanism (12) on a vehicle (14) for carrying and spreading a material. A spreader frame (18) supports the hopper (16) and a bumper bracket (60) is mounted to a bumper of the vehicle (14) for attaching the spreader frame (18) to a bumper. The mounting assembly (10) further includes a hitch support (70) for supporting the spreader frame (18) on a hitch receiver (72) of the vehicle (14). A plate (76) interconnects the hitch support (70) to the spreader frame (18) for adjusting a height of the hitch support (70) relative to the spreader frame (18). A pair of vertical supports (62) extend vertically from the spreader frame (18) for attachment to the bed of the vehicle (14) at an upper end (86) thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted step assembly for use with trailer hitch. The vehicle mounted step assembly includes a platform portion and a tongue portion. The platform portion is pivotable with respect to the tongue portion between a lowered use position and a raised storage position. The platform portion is also slidable with respect to the tongue portion from a first configuration to a second configuration.

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.

Abstract: A hitch mountable refuse container transport device has a vertical element supporting a telescoping mount, in an exemplary embodiment, that carries engagement keys on a horizontal bracket. Each key is adapted for engagement with an upper attachment element and a lower attachment element on the refuse container. Adjustment of the telescoping mount lifts the containers for transport.

Abstract: A rack for transporting personal pontoon watercraft. The rack has an anchor member which inserts in a standard trailer hitch receptacle and a support structure to which the watercraft is attached. Pivoting embodiments also have a pivot hinge which provides for the support structure to pivot between a down position for loading and an up position for transport, and a support brace which secures the rack in an up or transport position. The pivot hinge attaches the bottom end of the support structure to the rear end of the anchor member. The support structure includes one or more pairs of cradles into which the deck of the watercraft is slid which hold the watercraft in a vertical position for transport.

Abstract: A combination table and support member assembly for use in connection with a trailer hitch mounted onto a vehicle, where the support member and table can be joined in various configurations to vary the table height when in use and to vary the lateral separation distance between the rear of the vehicle and the table and vertical components of the support member when in use or in transport to allow for sufficient distance to enable utilization of the tailgate, rear door or hatchback of the vehicle. Extension members may also be utilized to alter the configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus, which can be secured to a vehicle, and which can be used to affix, transport, and deploy shooting sports equipment such as a target dispenser, or a gun-sighting bench rest assembly. The apparatus is most commonly secured to and transported by an all-terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle, for example, a folding camping trailer, includes a chassis having wheels and a towing hitch, a trailer body attached to the chassis, and a storage container attached to the chassis. The storage container includes a seamless body defining an internal space for storing cargo and may define one or more access openings for a plurality of access doors. The seamless body is made of a substantially rigid material, such as plastic, and may be roto-molded to form the seamless body. The seamless body may further include an engagement panel configured for a mating connection with a corresponding receiving recess defined in the trailer body.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus and method of attaching the same to a vehicle includes a brush assembly having at least one brush unit. A linkage includes a first end selectively coupled to the brush assembly and a second end selectively coupled to a hitch receiver of the vehicle. A hitch sleeve is inserted into the hitch receiver and is secured in an installed position. In an alternate embodiment, a shoe cleaning apparatus and method of attaching the same to a hitch receiver of a vehicle includes a frame having a forward end including a mounting arm and at least one brush unit coupled to the frame. A coupling element couples the mounting arm of the frame to the hitch receiver of the vehicle. A mounting aperture of the frame is aligned with an aperture formed on the hitch receiving portion of the vehicle defining a mounting axis. The mounting arm is secured to the hitch receiving portion at the mounting axis.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an anti-sway stabilizer (20) that is pivotally connected to a support arm (26) of a vehicle bike transportation rack, making available a convenient attachment of a bicycle top tube to the support arm for prevention of a bicycle held on the rack from swaying to and fro when subjected to over the road vehicle movement. The anti-sway stabilizer consists of a rubber bike separator cradle (22) that includes a bore (24) therethrougth that slides over the vehicle bike rack support arm and has a thru-hole (28) parallel with the bore. A pivoting stabilizer member (32) in the form of a yoke (36) is rotatably attached to the bike separator cradle with a screw (40) and nut (42). An attachment strap (48) secures a bicycle top tube to the bike separator cradle and a second attaching strap (48) secures a bicycle seat tube or down tube to the stabilizer member.

Abstract: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.

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.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably coupling a vehicle accessory to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, an accessory coupler for coupling a vehicle accessory to the housing, and a hitch pin. The housing comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposed side walls extending between the upper and lower walls, which walls together define a sleeve having an open rearward end. The sleeve has a height between its upper and lower walls and a width between its side walls, the width being substantially greater than the height. The upper and lower walls each have an associated hole centrally positioned widthwise of the sleeve, the holes being aligned on a common axis. The housing is adapted for attachment in an operative position to an upper rearward part of the vehicle with the open end of the sleeve depending rearwardly. In cases where the vehicle is a two-wheeled motorcycle or scooter, the housing preferably is attached to the vehicle in a location above the rear wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted game carrier apparatus for transporting and skinning game. The hitch-mounted game carrier apparatus includes a support assembly being adapted to be fastened to a hitch of a vehicle; and also includes a winch assembly being mounted to the support assembly and including a winch and a cable being carried by the winch; and further includes a game carrier assembly being supported by the support assembly for carrying the game.

Abstract: A carrier system for transporting equipment, such as bicycles. The carrier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a spine member that is capable of having equipment mounting hardware attached to it. This equipment mounting hardware includes a platform, a cargo box, bicycle mounting hardware, golf bag mounting hardware, a flexible cover, and other types of hardware.

Abstract: A support assembly cooperative with a vehicular trailer hitch for allowing the temporary erection of a tennis net assembly, the support assembly comprising a T-shaped tubular support member having a horizontal member and a vertical member, in one embodiment, the horizontal member having a tubular cross section cooperative with the internal diameter of a tubular cross section of a trailer hitch for the slidable engagement thereof and the vertical tubular member being of a cross section to slidably receive a vertically oriented tennis post of corresponding cross section, the T-shaped tubular member having a securing means to temporarily secure the member to the trailer hitch and a securing means to temporarily secure the tennis post within the tubular vertical member, a similar supporting member cooperative with a separate vehicular trailer hitch securing the opposing tennis post, and the concomitant tennis net therebetween.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system wherein a basketball goal is mounted to a moveable sleeve slidable a post. A ring is attached to the sleeve and connected to a cable. The cable runs through a pulley at the top of the post, then back through the ring and down to a winch. The winch functions to draw in cable thereby raising the sleeve and the attached goal, to release cable and thereby lower the goal, and to hold the cable in position and thereby fix the position of the goal.

Abstract: A bike carrier which includes a U-shaped frame structure having an intermediate section and first and second leg sections. A first rail is supported by the frame structure and laterally spans between said first and second legs and extends out past at least one of said legs and preferably both in cantilever fashion. A carrier mount having a frame attachment device and a vehicle attachment device is provided for securing the U-shaped frame to a vehicle. Additionally preferably provided is a securement device supported by the U-shaped frame and extending upwardly from that frame. The securement device includes a lock receptor at an upper end for enabling locking of a bike to the carrier and provides an additional strap down location. Preferably a pair of bike support rails are spaced apart along the legs and each extend laterally out away from opposite outer sides of said legs to provide cantilever extensions to each side of the U-shaped frame structure.

Abstract: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.

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 hitch mountable refuse container transport device has a vertical element supporting a telescoping mount, in an exemplary embodiment, that carries engagement keys on a horizontal bracket. Each key is adapted for engagement with an upper attachment element and a lower attachment element on the refuse container. Adjustment of the telescoping mount lifts the containers for transport.

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: 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.

Abstract: A cantilevered hitch dolly is used with and in combination with a vehicle trailer hitch extending from the vehicle to support a storage container thereon. The dolly includes a platform having a hitch receiver member. A connector removably connects the hitch receiver member to an exposed end of the trailer hitch to provide cantilever support of the platform above ground level, so that when the platform is connected to the trailer hitch, the vehicle may be moved with the dolly firmly joined to the vehicle and free of any contact with the ground level. A plurality of swiveled legs are mounted on opposite sides of the platform, and are lowered when the vehicle is in place and the dolly is being removed from attachment to the vehicle. Wheels are mounted on bottom ends of the swiveled legs to allow the dolly to be readily moved about after detachment from the vehicle and being wheeled back into position for attaching the hitch receiver member to the trailer hitch.

Abstract: An object detection system is mounted at the rear of a vehicle the trailer receiver for the vehicle. The object detection system warns the driver of the vehicle of persons or objects behind the vehicle, when the vehicle is moving backwards. The system emits microwaves rearwardly of the vehicle and senses microwave reflected from objects behind the vehicle. The microwave transceiver is mounted in the trailer receiver in place of the trailer ball that is normally mounted in the receiver.