Abstract: A bag and bicycle rack for easily mounting upon a vehicle and for conveniently stowing golf bags and bicycles and saving other space in the vehicle. The bag and bicycle rack includes a hitch mounting member for mounting upon a hitch of a vehicle, a pair of brace members and an elongate upright support member which is secured to the brace members and secured upon the hitch mounting member. Two bracket members are securely attached with conventional means to the brace members and one bracket is securely and conventionally attached to the elongate upright support member. Three bag support members are securely and conventionally mounted to the bracket members. A cantilevered support member is removeably mounted upon the elongate upright support member and secured to the elongate upright support member with a retainer member.

Abstract: A nut is inserted within a slot formed in the sidewall of a shank member. A hitch pin including a threaded portion for engaging the nut is inserted through the side holes of the receiver tube and the shank member until the threaded portion of the hitch pin engages the nut mounted within the shank member. The hitch pin is then rotated relative to the nut to clamp the shank member against the receiver tube. A lock or clip can be attached to the end of the hitch pin to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of the hitch pin from the receiver assembly. A bushing can also be used over the reduced diameter portion of the hitch pin after it engages the nut.

Abstract: A pair of brackets (10) that easily attaches to a vehicle either directly or via a hitch system. The brackets (10) are arranged at an angle to each other and to the mounting surface. The two bracket receptacles (10) are arranged relative to each other substantially like the letter ‘V’. Each bracket is a receptacle sized to accept standard structural material (38A) such as cut lumber. The user can mount the device to a vehicle and insert structural material into the receptacles, then top the structure with a horizontally mounted surface (38B), which becomes a cargo-bearing surface.

Abstract: A modular hitch mount connection for attaching a tubular carrier structure to a load arm that is inserted in the receiving tube of a receiving type hitch. A tubular seat is provided that has an open end for slidably receiving the support tube in an open end of the seat. Correct positioning of the support tube in the tubular seat produces alignment of holes in walls of the tubular seat with orifices in sidewalls of the support tube. A tensioning bolt inserted through a hole in the seat wall and a corresponding orifice in the sidewall of the support tube screwably engages a threaded nut located inside the support tube to secure the support tube to the tubular seat and in the process reduce play and wobble between them. Further play and wobble may be eliminated from the modular hitch mount connection by further inserting a connecting bolt through a hole in another wall of the tubular seat and a corresponding orifice in the second sidewall.

Abstract: A vehicle receiver mounted cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles, skis and poles, canoes, canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed, at locations most suited for the specific cargo. Other structural components form anchor points for the cargo that also help to retain the cargo and act as theft deterrents. The carrier is designed to be free standing out of the vehicle receiver, and so may be used as a storage organizer for the cargo before, during and after transport. Prior to assembly, the components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional, so the carrier may be packaged, stocked and sold in compact, flat packaging. Alternative support struts offer additional methods of supporting the cargo.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive ramp and cargo system is described that is easily mounted to a standard trailer hitch socket of a vehicle with a rear door or hatch, including a minivan. The ramp can be used to load small sized wheeled vehicles, including occupied wheelchairs, into the interior of the vehicle. The ramp and cargo system is carried outside the vehicle and does not decrease the interior space of the vehicle. The ramp and cargo system can optionally serve as a deck attached to the rear of the vehicle to provide additional cargo space. This external deck can be expanded and partially enclosed with two platform pieces and sidewalls. The ramp and cargo system is inexpensive, light-weight, easy to install and remove, and easy to deploy as a ramp.

Abstract: A carrier system for an associated vehicle is shown having mounting structure for mounting the carrier system to the vehicle; the carrier system is shown with a coupler which is effective for in turn connecting to various cargo carrying apparatus.

Abstract: A transporter which is attachable to the tow package of a vehicle for transporting a container from one place to another. The transporter includes a lifter which manually engages, lifts and holds the container for transportation.

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 vehicle load carrier configured to carry recreational equipment on the exterior of a vehicle, including a recreational equipment rack configured for exterior engagement with a vehicle and a coupling mechanism configured to secure an article to the recreational equipment rack. The coupling mechanism includes a tube having two opposed walls, a removable fastener member configured to be positioned between the opposed walls and a torque-receiving member for receiving an externally applied torque. The coupling mechanism is adapted so that the article is selectively clamped to and released from one of the opposed walls of the tube upon rotation of the torque-receiving member relative to the removable fastener member. The other of the opposed walls is configured to hold the removable fastener member fixed against rotation relative to the tube.

Abstract: A tailgate table having a first arm, a second arm, and a table member is disclosed herein. The first arm is configured for easy attachment to the existing trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. The table member attaches to the second arm, which attaches to the first arm. The table member is configured with sidewalls and a bottom forming an interior. The interior may be compartmentalized. A top is hingedly attached to the table member to provide a substantially planar upper working surface when the top covers the interior.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrier including a recreational equipment rack adapted for exterior engagement on a vehicle. The recreational equipment rack includes a torque-operated clamping mechanism, including a rotatable clamp member, where the torque-operated clamping mechanism is adapted to selectively secure and release an article to the rack upon rotation of the clamp member. Also provided is a torque-applying member that is selectively configurable in an engaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate together, and in a disengaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate independently of one another. The torque-applying member is semi-permanently attached to, or otherwise integrated with the clamping mechanism so that it cannot be removed without disassembling the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A portable picnic table for tailgate parties is disclosed that attaches to a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. The table includes a frame having a transverse main beam, vertical supports extending upwardly from the main beam, and a mounting member extending forwardly from the main beam. The mounting member has a forward end adapted to be received in a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. First and second seats are attached by pivot connections to the respective ends of the main beam, and a table top is attached by pivot connections to the upper ends of the vertical supports. The seats and table top are each movable between a horizontal use position and a vertical transport position. The pivot connections are constructed such that the seats and table top must be lifted vertically from their vertical transport positions before they can be pivoted to their horizontal use positions.

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 portable loading ramp for a pickup truck including an elongate hitch mount which is removably attached to a hitch on a pickup truck, and further including first and second ramp members which are hingedly mounted upon the elongate hitch mount, and also including a vehicle support which includes a sleeve support member, a sleeve member attached to the sleeve support member, and a support arm lockably extendable in the sleeve member and having an end which either attaches to the small vehicle to secure the vehicle on the truck box or securely supports the back end of the small vehicle above the floor of the truck box.

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 carrier device that is particularly well suited for use as a vehicle mounted bike carrier. The carrier has a vehicle mounted extension support which supports a side rail structure having a first section extending to a first side of the extension support and a second section extending to a second side of the extension support. The first and second sections are arranged for supporting a respective wheel of an object such as a bike when in use. The carrier device has a modular structure that makes it easily interconnectable with other like carrier structures to form a carrier assembly with the modular carrier structures preferably being arranged in a vertically stacked or staggered arrangement.

Abstract: A motorcycle towing device including a platform member with a front end for attachment to the trailer hitch of a land vehicle. An upright member is perpendicularly affixed to the rear end of the platform member. An elevator is selectively raised and lowered upon the upright member by means of a jackscrew positioned atop the platform member. The elevator has a head tube and a pair of pivot bearings positioned at the top and bottom of the head tube. The head tube carries a pivot member. The pivot member has a carriage plate and a pair of pivot arms extending forwardly from the top and bottom thereof for pivotal engagement with the pivot bearings. A pair of wheel engagement arms, for supporting a motorcycle wheel, extend rearwardly from the carriage plate.

Abstract: A rack system for a vehicle for holding various items with a multi-purpose rack. The rack system for a vehicle includes a mounting securably attached to a vehicle. A support arm is removably coupled to the mounting and extends upwardly from the mounting. The support arm has a free end having a well extending therein. A bar, which is elongate, has a first end and a second end. The bar is generally hollow and the ends are open. A protruding member extends from the bar. The protruding member is removably extendable into the well. Each of a pair of extension arms is extendable into one of the ends of the bar. Each of the extension arms has a plurality of holes therein. At least two brackets are each removably attachable to one of the extension arms such that the brackets extend upwardly from the extension arms. Each of the brackets is adapted for receiving a pin extending through one of the holes on the extension arms.

Abstract: A combination bicycle mount and a collapsible holder by which the bicycle mount is removably coupled to an existing trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. With the bicycle mount uncoupled from the collapsible holder, the holder is adapted to be folded into a compact package to facilitate transport and storage between uses. The bicycle mount includes upper and lower retaining plates between which a single bicycle frame bar or a pair of bicycle frame bars are received and retained. A threaded locking bolt extends between the upper and lower retaining plates to be rotated in either a first direction to cause the retaining plates to move together to establish a clamping force against the bicycle frame bars or an opposite direction to reduce the clamping force. A cranking tab is pivotally connected to the head of the locking bolt to be rotated between a locked position at which to prevent the locking bolt from being rotated and an unlocked position at which to permit the locking bolt to be rotated.

Abstract: A carrier engagable with a hitch receiver, including a hitch receiver; an elongate frame; a tank receiving seat connected to the frame; a coupler shaft extending horizontally from the frame; and a receiver insert assembly comprising a receiver insert arranged for insertion into a hitch receiver and a support arm that extends substantially horizontally from the receiver insert for rotatably receiving the coupler shaft such that the frame is rotatable from a first upright position for receiving the tank to a second substantially horizontal position for supporting and transporting the tank.

Abstract: A cargo carrier platform for mounting to a vehicle hitch allowing cargo to be transported outside the vehicle. The cargo carrier includes a drawbar adapted to be received within the vehicle hitch and a cargo platform adjustably attached to the drawbar to facilitate fore and aft adjustment of the platform relative to the rear of the vehicle. The drawbar is provided with a vertical offset to position the platform further from the ground. Markers are mounted on the outer rear corners of the platform to provide the user with a continuous visual indication of the extent of the cargo carrier.

Abstract: A trash container lifting device adapted for attachment to a motor vehicle for lifting and transporting a filled trash container to a remote site for pickup is disclosed. The lifting device includes a supporting frame which is attached to the motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck, sport utility vehicle or the like without tools or attaching hardware. The supporting frame is mechanically coupled to an articulating frame for engaging a trash container on the ground surface and lifting it with a manual lever to a raised position for transport by the vehicle. At least one spring extends between the supporting frame and the articulating frame to provide the user with a mechanical advantage in lifting a loaded container which would otherwise be an unmanageable task for a single individual. The lifting device is adaptable to trash containers of various sizes and configurations with minor modifications.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus having no wheels is releasably connected to a trailer hitch at the rear of a motorized vehicle in cantilevered relation to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a longitudinally disposed base and a cradle disposed in transverse relation to the base. The base includes a pair of support posts for the cradle so that the cradle may be selectively positioned near the leading end of the base for relatively short loads and near the trailing end of the base for relatively long loads. The cradle is disconnected from the base and positioned in parallel relation to it when the apparatus is in storage. The apparatus weighs about fifty pounds and has carrying handles. It can be assembled and attached to a trailer hitch by one person in about two minutes.

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: This carrier is designed to be supported at the back of a vehicle by means of the receiver tube of a trailer hitch. The carrier comprises a frame having a U-shape portion releasably attached to a support member via a T-shaped sleeve with a main upwardly extending leg releasably attached to the middle of the bight of the U-shape frame a transverse leg inserted into the support member, itself and inserted into the receiver tube of the hitch. The two legs of the frame rearwardly extend from the vehicle and a cargo receiving container is pivoted to the rear ends of the frame legs for swinging movement between an upright transport position in which the container rests on and is supported by the frame and a tilted position rearwardly of the legs and clearing the frame to permit access to the back of the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual level hitch adapted to be connected to the front or rear of a vehicle. The hitch is provided with an upper and lower receiver adapted to receive either a ball mount or a platform for storing cargo. The upper and lower receivers are connected together utilizing a vertical extension bar. The vertical extension bar can be tilted in both the forward as well as the rearward direction to facilitate the opening and closing of a tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extension member is attachable to a trailer hitch and extends away from the vehicle and is connected to a seating frame supporting a toilet seat. This extension member serves to provide distance between the toilet seat and the vehicle. The seating frame consists of a background which is perpendicular to extension member and two arms which extend from the back rail. The back rail and arms create a generally "U" shaped frame. In the top surface of the back rail are two mounting apertures. These apertures are 51/2 inches apart which is the standard different distance of the two mounting bolts commonly found on standard toilet seats. The toilet seat can be used by hunters, fisherman, campers, construction workers, boaters and other people who find themselves away from conventional bathroom facilities.

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 hoist and carrier apparatus for securing game to a vehicle. The hoist and carrier apparatus includes a device for connecting the apparatus to the vehicle and a vertical member having a first end connected to the connecting device, a second end and a pulley wheel disposed on the second end of the vertical member. A game hoist carrier receives the game and is releasably connected to and slideable along a length of the vertical member. A pulley is connected to and extends from the first vertical member and a cable extends from the pulley and over the pulley wheel for connecting to the game hoist carrier. When the cable is caused to be wound on the pulley, the game hoist carrier is caused to be pulled towards the vertical member and, upon being secured to the vertically extending member, slide upward along the length of the vertically extending member thereby raising any game releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: A cart apparatus includes a base assembly which includes a floor and walls which project upward from the floor. A first multipurpose connection bracket is attached to a bottom side of the floor. A pair of handle/leg reception brackets are attached to one end of the base assembly. The handle/leg reception brackets are oriented at an acute orientation angle with respect to a top surface of the walls. A second multipurpose connection bracket is attached to the bottom side of the floor. The first multipurpose connection bracket is attached adjacent to a first side of the floor, and the second multipurpose connection bracket is attached adjacent to a second side of the floor. Each of the first and second multipurpose connection brackets is located medially along the floor. The floor includes drain holes. Support beams are connected between the base assembly and the multipurpose connection bracket. The cart apparatus can be used either attached to a motor vehicle or free-standing on its own wheels.

Abstract: A cargo carrier for attaching behind a vehicle to transport cargo, bicycles or the like, and which can easily be disassembled to a compact size. The cargo carrier is formed by a main support bar, and multiple top support rods and securing braces and fixed by two end pieces to form a platform for transporting cargo. A bicycle attachment can be secured to the cargo carrier to transport both cargo and bikes. Mud flaps and supplemental lighting can also be added, without the need for tools or complex accessories. Picnic table legs can be secured to a bottom portion of the carrier to form a picnic table from the carrier.

Abstract: A hoist for lifting game animals or other loads comprises a boom mounted on a support column in communication with a base. The boom is rotatable relative to the base, which is insertable within a draw bar-type hitch receiver. The boom, support column and base are modular components that advantageously allow for quick assembly/disassembly of the hoist and compact storage of the hoist components. Further, the length of the hoist is adjustable to compensate for the size of the game animal or load being lifted. Additionally, a light source is attached to the hoist to illuminate the area near the hoist to increase safety during operation of the hoist. Finally, a dual draw bar for increasing the utilization of a draw bar-type hitch is included. The dual draw bar has at one end a draw bar adapter and at the opposite end a first and a second receiver section for utilization with draw bar-type accessories.

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 vehicle receiver mounted cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles, skis and poles, snowboards, canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed, at locations most suited for the specific cargo. The rods are anchored through the use of a slide having keyhole shaped openings which mate into a circular reduction in the ends of the rods. Other structural components form anchor points for the cargo that also help to retain the cargo and act as theft deterrents. The carrier is designed to be free standing out of the vehicle receiver, and so may be used as a storage organizer for the cargo before, during and after transport. Prior to assembly, the components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional, so the carrier may be packaged, stocked and sold in compact, flat packaging. Alternative support struts offer additional methods of supporting the cargo.

Abstract: A golf bag carrier suitable for carrying golf bags external to a motor vehicle equipped with a standard square tube trailer hitch receptacle permanently mounted to the frame and under the rear bumper of said vehicle is described. The golf bag carrier consists of a substantially rectangular pan assembly upon which the golf bag is vertically placed; a trailer hitch shank which is telescopically received by the standard square tube trailer hitch receptacle mounted to the motor vehicle, said shank being affixed to the bottom of said rectangular pan assembly; a second standard square tube trailer hitch receptacle affixed to the bottom of the rectangular pan assembly and coaxial with its trailer hitch shank, a vertical member detachably attached to the rectangular pan; and a horizontal member detachably attached to the top end of the vertical member and having a plurality of horizontal support arms for stabilizing the golf bag being transported.

Abstract: A vehicular hitch-mountable cargo carrier is provided that comprises generally a closable carrier having incorporated therein a sleeve for receiving a post. The post forms part of a support which is attachable to a conventional trailer hitch assembly. The cargo carrier is, thus, easily mountable on and removable from the vehicle. The carrier may be provided with a drawer, rear/brake lights, and a lighted licence plate holder and may come in various configurations, depending on the intended purpose.

Abstract: An improved bicycle carrying device for affixation to a vehicle, either to the bumper of the vehicle or to a permanent trailer hitch. The device comprises transverse support members to which the bicycle wheels are secured, and an upright member with elongate slots therein, within which adjustable, movable retaining members are affixed. The movable retaining members are moved into position such that they abut and are secured to an upper structural member of the bicycle. Therefore, the bicycle is restrained against lateral movement both at an upper and a lower position, securing the bicycle even during transport.

Abstract: A vehicle receiver mounted cargo carrier is readily configured to transport bicycles, skis and poles, canoes, canoe paddles and other cargo through the use of a vertical frame into which various rods may be placed, at locations most suited for the specific cargo. Other structural components form anchor points for the cargo that also help to retain the cargo and act as theft deterrents. The carrier is designed to be free standing out of the vehicle receiver, and so may be used as a storage organizer for the cargo before, during and after transport. Prior to assembly, the components of the carrier are relatively two dimensional, so the carrier may be packaged, stocked and sold in compact, flat packaging. Alternative support struts offer additional methods of supporting the cargo.

Abstract: A bike rack cargo carrier for mounting to a vehicle hitch allowing bicycles to be transported outside the vehicle. The bike carrier includes a drawbar adapted to be received within the vehicle hitch and a cargo platform adjustably attached to the drawbar to facilitate fore and aft adjustment of the platform relative to the rear of the vehicle. The drawbar is provided with a vertical offset to position the platform further from the ground. A support stanchion is removably secured to the carrier platform to transport a plurality of bicycles in a vertical position. The stanchion is adjustably mounted to the platform to accommodate different numbers of bikes.

Abstract: A cargo carrier platform for mounting to a vehicle hitch allowing cargo to be transported outside the vehicle. The cargo carrier includes a drawbar adapted to be received within the vehicle hitch and a cargo platform adjustably attached to the drawbar to facilitate fore and aft adjustment of the platform relative to the rear of the vehicle. The drawbar is provided with a vertical offset to position the platform further from the ground. Markers are mounted on the outer rear corners of the platform to provide the user with a continuous visual indication of the extent of the cargo carrier.

Abstract: Provided is a cargo lift and transport device which affixes to a frame mounted motor vehicle-to-trailer hitch interface having two mounting positions. The cargo lift and transport device provides a connector that receives and locks into a female-to-female adapter which locks into the female receiver connector of the frame mounted motor vehicle-to-hitch interface. The device provides a second female connector for lockably receiving a male connector affixed to and adjacent a cargo platform. The cargo lift and transport device provides means for selectively moving the second female connector in the vertical plane with enough force to overcome the resistance of friction and the weight of the cargo to be transported. In the first mounting position, the cargo lift and transport device, so mounted, operates to lower the cargo platform to the ground level (H) for loading or unloading of the cargo, and then to raise the cargo platform to a variable, but safe, transportation height (H') of the user's selection.

Abstract: A continuously curved drawbar adapted to be mounted in a receiver hitch for extending the bed of a transport vehicle and enhancing load carrying capacity. The drawbar is formed as a box beam with a straight section at one end for receipt in the receiver hitch and rising above the receiver hitch at the second end. An adapter is provided at the end second for mounting a load. The curved drawbar reduces the amount of high-load impact transferred to the receiver hitch and resists permanent deflection.

Abstract: A securement assembly for releasably securing an article to an elongate member of a load carrier that is mountable upon a transporting vehicle. The securement assembly includes an elongate member of a load carrier adapted to slidably receive an article thereupon that at least partially surrounds the elongate member. The elongate member has a receiving portion and an extension portion, each portion being established when an article is engaged about the elongate member in a secured configuration. A depressible securing button is located at the extension portion and depressibly projects outwardly from the extension portion for preventing unintended disengagement of an engaged article from the elongate member.

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 vehicle trailer hitch mounted table and chairs which can be used for tailgate parties. The seats on the chairs swivel, and the table includes a dismountable umbrella. The table, chairs and umbrella can be dismounted from the vehicle, or can be changed to a traveling position in which the umbrella and table top are removed, and the seats are attached to the frame of the device, which is still mounted to the trailer hitch of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multifarious cargo carrier system for mounting on the rear of a vehicles having hitch receivers, step bumper hitches, custom hitches, or other means of attachment. The carrier system includes a base member having one end connectable within a hitch receiver and the other end attachable to a step bumper hitch or custom hitch. A tightening pin is used to tightly secure the base within a hitch receiver. Tightening pins are also used to connect the proximal end of a support arm to either end of the base and to attach the carrier assembly to the distal end of the support arm. The use of tightening pins allows the base to be folded up against the support arm and the carrier assembly to be folded down against the support arm for shipping and storage, as well as permitting access to the rear of the vehicle by pivoting the support arm down and and away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A car carrier adapted to mount to a trailer hitch of a vehicle with a motion-dampening mechanism. The carrier includes a horizontal hitch insert assembly, an upright column assembly rotatably engaged to the horizontal hitch insert assembly and at least one resistive member coupled to the upright column assembly. The resistive member can be actuated to produce a resistive force along the horizontal hitch insert assembly to dampen a movement of the upright column assembly when the upright column assembly is rotated.

Abstract: A mount for supporting a cargo carrier to a vehicle having a standard receiver hitch, comprises a receiver bar adapted for connecting with the receiver hitch, and first and second plate members generally vertically disposed and affixed to the receiver bar. The plate members have, at least over a portion thereof, substantially planar surfaces for adjacent abutment thereof. A rigid member such as a crosspiece, yoke, or bracket, is affixed to the outermost plate member, and a carrier supported by the rigid member is cantilevered from the mount.