Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier device may include first support platform and a second support platform which may be coupled together via a connection bar. The first support platform may also be coupled to a first vertical support arm, and the second support platform may also be coupled to a second vertical support arm. A first arm bracket may couple the first vertical support arm to a first portion of a vehicle, such as to a first support arm of a vehicle hitch receiver that is coupled to the rear vehicle frame, and a second arm bracket may couple the second vertical support arm to a second portion of the vehicle, such as to a second support arm of the vehicle hitch receiver that is coupled to the rear vehicle frame. Preferably, the arm brackets may be coupled to the vehicle so that the arm brackets are positioned apart from the geometric centerline of the vehicle and any hitch receiver that may be coupled to the center of the vehicle.

Abstract: Bicycle carriers or racks for attachment to vehicles may be provided with a pivoting mechanism to rotate the rack in a vertical plane to provide access to the rear of the vehicle without removing bicycles from the rack. An actuator may be provided for a user to engage and disengage the pivoting mechanism to respectively secure the rack in a desired orientation or allow it to pivot from one desired orientation to another. The actuator may be coupled to a bar that engages one or more protrusions in the pivoting mechanism to secure the pivoting mechanism at a desired orientation. In some mechanisms the actuator may be actuated by hand or by foot, or both.

Abstract: To my surprise Jeep-type door storage is not as versatile and accommodating as you would think. For as long as there have been Jeep-type vehicles with detachable doors, you'd think every storage problem would be solved, but it has not been-until now. The nature of my invention is to provide multiple ways of door storage for detachable Jeep-type doors through one storage system. It is made as simple as possible with all components concentrated to accommodate every thinkable way of storing detachable Jeep-type doors, using one single storage frame per door, that can accommodate multiple storage needs.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problems described above by presenting an improved mounting plate for vehicle bike racks allowing the user to directly mount a vehicle license plate to the mounting plate such that the license plate is visible and not obstructed by the bikes positioned on the vehicle bike rack. The mounting plate for vehicle bike racks includes a rigid body having a flat mounting surface, a plurality of holes positioned on the flat mounting surface, a pair of rotatable arms and a pair of connection members configured to attach to a vehicle bike rack.

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 compact folding bicycle carrier has a frame, a folding lower foot member and a pair of folding articulated upper carrying members. The lower foot member is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the frame and constrained for limited movement relative thereto. Each articulated carrying member has a supporting arm and a carrying arm. One end of each supporting arm is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the frame at opposite sides thereof. Each carrying arm is associated with one supporting arm. Each carrying arm has a cradle for holding a bicycle adjacent one end and an upper foot at the other end. Each carrying arm, between the cradle and the upper foot, is pivotally mounted to its respective supporting arm. The supporting arms are constrained for limited movement relative to the frame and each carrying arm is constrained for limited movement relative to its respective supporting arm.

Abstract: A compact folding bicycle carrier has a frame, a folding lower foot member and a pair of folding articulated upper carrying members. The lower foot member is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the frame and constrained for limited movement relative thereto. Each articulated carrying member has a supporting arm and a carrying arm. One end of each supporting arm is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the frame at opposite sides thereof. Each carrying arm is associated with one supporting arm. Each carrying arm has a cradle for holding a bicycle adjacent one end and an upper foot at the other end. Each carrying arm, between the cradle and the upper foot, is pivotally mounted to its respective supporting arm. The supporting arms are constrained for limited movement relative to the frame and each carrying arm is constrained for limited movement relative to its respective supporting arm.

Abstract: Truck Bed Companion will keep groceries from spilling all over the truck bed, allow contractors to transport tools and sheets of plywood or drywalls with ease, eliminate the need to ties down lawn mowers or gas cans and create separate areas for tool boxes, saws or other necessities.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier includes a mounting base, a main frame mounted on and movable relative to the mounting base, two limit pins each mounted between the main frame and the mounting and a positioning pin mounted on the main frame and detachably locked onto the mounting base. The main frame includes a main tube movably mounted on the mounting base, a plurality of support tubes mounted on the main tube and a plurality of adjusting tubes adjustably mounted on the support tubes. Thus, when the mounting base and the main frame are unlocked from the positioning pin, the main frame is pulled outwardly relative to the mounting base and is disposed at an inclined state, so that the bicycles placed on the main frame are spaced from the trunk of a car to facilitate a user opening the trunk.

Abstract: A rack assembly for carrying skis or snowboards is configured for mounting on a hitch rack behind the vehicle. The ski or snowboard rack assembly includes a pair of U-shaped bar members connected by clamp devices that appear in a preferred design, the clamp devices are connected to the bar members via brackets that permit rotation of the bar members within the brackets, thus providing collapsibility for storage.

Abstract: An automotive tool tray and support assembly that can be removably engaged with and affixed to the hood-latch mechanisms of automobiles having rear-raising engine hoods. The support assembly comprises two hollow support members, with an extendable insert movably disposed within the support member. Both support members are substantially rigidly and removably affixed to their respective hood latch mechanisms by inserting the inserts in the hood latch mechanisms. The hood latch mechanisms engage with and retain the inserts, and the support members rest on the hood latch mechanism housings. An automotive tool tray is positioned over the exposed engine compartment by affixing the tray to the top ends of the support members.

Abstract: A vehicle equipment rack for being removably attached to a vehicle rear hitch includes a carrier having a generally question-mark shape. The carrier has a substantially-vertical rigid carrier post assembly with a rigid extension arm connected to the carrier post assembly extending first in a diagonal direction toward the rear of the vehicle and then outwardly away from the rear of the vehicle to an outer end portion of the extension arm where it is connected to an attachment assembly. In one embodiment there are multiple carriers, with the post assemble of each carrier being rigidly linked to a laterally-extending cross bar that has a common post assembly for rigidly linking the multiple carriers to the hitch member. The laterally-extending cross bar extends diagonal to the horizontal so that adjacent carriers are positioned at different levels.

Abstract: A vehicle equipment rack for being removably attached to a vehicle rear hitch includes a carrier having a generally question-mark shape. The carrier has a substantially-vertical rigid carrier post assembly with a rigid extension arm connected to the carrier post assembly extending first in a diagonal direction toward the rear of the vehicle and then outwardly away from the rear of the vehicle to an outer end portion of the extension arm where it is connected to an attachment assembly. In one embodiment there are multiple carriers, with the post assemble of each carrier being rigidly linked to a laterally-extending cross bar that has a common post assembly for rigidly linking the multiple carriers to the hitch member. The laterally-extending cross bar extends diagonal to the horizontal so that adjacent carriers are positioned at different levels.

Abstract: A rack assembly (100) for attachment to the back of a vehicle is disclosed. The rack assembly includes an upper retaining member (160) and a lower retaining member (180), the upper and lower retaining members being offset vertically and transversely, such that elongate gear, for example, skis or other sports equipment, will be oriented generally at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, near the rear of the vehicle. Protective sheaths (163, 183) may be provided to protect the retained gear. In one embodiment the upper and lower retaining members are removably attachable to a support assembly (120) that engages the hitch (92) at the back of a vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper and lower retaining members (220, 240) attach to a frame (204) disposed near the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for supporting and carrying bicycles. The system cooperating with the interior surfaces of the seat post engagement tube and includes an adjustable post having a first end and a second end, the first end having an attachment mechanism adapted for connecting the post to a support surface. The second end having at least two generally parallel surface areas at an adjustable distance from one another, so that the distance between the generally parallel areas can be enlarged or reduced in a generally radial manner to create or maintain line contact with the interior surface of the seat post engagement tube.

Abstract: An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a substantially square second portion such that the first segment is preferably angled relative to the second segment. The first portion is sized to engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier can also be pivoted by removal of a single pin. The angle of the reversible shank forms a stop that contacts the accessory carrier to prevent over rotation of the accessory carrier and possible contact with the ground.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted wheelchair rack assembly with lifting capabilities for transporting a folded wheelchair at the rear of a vehicle. The rack assembly integrates a jack assembly into a stationary L-shaped frame coupled to the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the jack assembly is coupled to a telescopic T-joint member wherein actuation of the jack assembly moves a vertical casing of the T-joint member along a vertical strut member of the L-shaped frame. The vertical strut member has a longitudinal opening or channel which has a length that defines a continuous range for lifting or elevating or, alternately, lowering the T-joint member and a folded wheelchair strapped to the T-joint member.

Abstract: An accessory carrier assembly includes a reversible shank manufactured of a substantially square first portion and a substantially square second portion. The first portion is sized to engage a first hitch receiver and the second portion is sized to engage a second hitch receiver. To attach the accessory carrier to the reversible shank, the first segment is located in amounting assembly either with or without the bushings depending on which type of hitch receiver is available. The accessory carrier is pivotable by removal of a single pin to provide access to a rear of a vehicle. The single pin can be further located in a stop aperture to prevent overrotation of the carrier.

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 cargo carrier assembly for releasably securing cargo to a pickup truck is provided. The pickup truck has a bed and a pair of side rails extending above the bed with each rail having an inside surface and an outside surface. The cargo carrier assembly comprises a center bar member having a first end and a second end, a first bar member slidably receiving the first end of the center bar member, and a second bar member slidably receiving the second end of the center bar member. An attaching mechanism for releasably securing the first bar member to a first side rail of the pickup truck and for releasably securing the second bar member to a second side rail of the pickup truck. A cargo receiving mechanism is releasably securable to the first bar member for receiving predetermined cargo.

Abstract: A boat support apparatus includes a hitch member adapted to be secured in cantilevered relation to a trailer hitch of a vehicle. A center bar extends longitudinally from the hitch member and provides the base for the apparatus. A pair of transversely opposed front vertical supports and a pair of transversely opposed rear vertical supports are mounted in longitudinally spaced apart relation relative to one another on a pair of longitudinally extending, transversely spaced apart support beams. The support beams are connected in parallel relation to the center bar by transversely disposed cross supports that are supported at their respective mid-points by the center bar. The forward vertical supports have upper ends disposed at a higher elevation than upper ends of the rear vertical supports.

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

Abstract: A cargo carrier (10) has a separable drawbar (22) and platform (20) for facilitating ease of storage when not in use. The drawbar (22) is mountable to a vehicle hitch and the platform (20) is mounted onto the drawbar (22) via the fastening of a single manually operated knob (74).

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying panel materials adjacent to a truck side panel has a stationary workpiece resting surface mounted on the truck side panel and a movable workpiece clamping and supporting device positioned adjacent to the stationary workpiece resting surface and mounted to the truck. A motive device such as a motor engages the truck and is connected for moving the workpiece clamping and supporting device toward and away from the workpiece resting surface for sandwiching a workpiece between the workpiece resting surface and the workpiece clamping and supporting device for enabling the truck to transport the workpiece.

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

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

Abstract: A storage box assembly for a truck cargo compartment with sidewalls and a bottom. A pair of storage boxes (54, 56) are mounted on a frame (12) for lateral movement towards and away from each other (FIG. 3). Vertically adjustable columns (22) are provided at the corners of the frame (12). They are fitable within the storage compartment (FIG. 3) and are adapted for raising and lowering the frame (12) to move the frame (12) between a lowered position (FIG. 1) and a raised position (FIG. 2). When the frame (12) is in its lowered position the storage boxes (54, 56) are down within the cargo compartment. When the frame (12) is in its raised position the storage boxes (54, 56) are elevated above the bottom (32) of the cargo compartment. The storage boxes (54, 56) are adapted to moved laterally inwardly towards each other, so that when the frame (12) is in its lowered position (FIG. 1), the storage boxes (54, 56) can be placed between the sides (36, 38) of the cargo compartment.

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 truck bed extender mountable in a receivable trailer hitch has an elongated support bar and a rack. The rack has a horizontal cross bar that is vertically adjustable on the support bar at the end opposite that where the support bar is secured to the receiver trailer hitch.

Abstract: A bicycle rack (10) may be supported by a base (40) on a tow bar of a vehicle. The bicycle rack (10) includes an upright post (11) having at its upper end a pivotally supported arm (12), which is adapted by way of grooves (20) to support a number of bicycles by engagement with the bicycle top tubes. To retain the bicycles in place, a retaining plate (13) is held against the pivot arm (12) by wing nuts applied to threaded fasteners (19) and a padlock which may pass through a hole (22) and a corresponding hole in the pivot arm (12). A gas strut (18) extends between the post (11) and the pivot arm (12) to aid in its pivoting. A number plate support (23) is pivotally attached to the remote end of the pivot arm (12) and connected to the post (11) by a parallelogram linkage to maintain the number plate in a generally vertical plane regardless of the orientation of the pivot arm (12).

Abstract: The brackets of this invention are mounted to the rearwardly extending tubular arms of a conventional carrier rack to alternatively support bicycles or skis by adjustable positioning of the brackets. Each bracket has a body configured on one side to engage with and support a bicycle frame tube, and on the other side to support a ski. The bracket is positionable on a support arm and may be locked to restrict sliding and rotating with respect to the carrier arm. The ski supporting side of the body has a planar surface and a lip which engages with the toe bracket of the ski binding to position and hold in place the ski. The bicycle supporting side of the bracket body has two pairs of opposed, outwardly extending resilient tipped fingers which engage either the vertical or horizontal tube of a bicycle frame. A rubber strap extends from one side of the body to encircle either a bicycle tube or skis and is engaged by a hook on the other side of the body.

Abstract: A rack particularly suited for carrying one or more bicycles held firmly in place with a three point connection without the necessity for removing a wheel and with the rack extensible to allow moving the loaded rack with minimal effort to gain access to the rear of the vehicle being used.

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: Various arrangements of a bicycle carrier for transport by motorized vehicle include a particular type of clamping device for securely gripping the tire of a bicycle wheel mounted therein. The clamp comprises a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart side panels adapted to receive a bicycle wheel and frictionally engage the tire when the panels are drawn together by a suitable closure, such as a bolt and nut combination. Theft protection is afforded by a padlock extending through holes in the two panels. In one arrangement, the clamp is stamped of sheet metal with the side panels being flexible enough to accommodate being drawn together by the adjustable closure. In another arrangement, the side panels are hinged to a base plate so that they can be pivoted into frictional engagement with the bicycle tire. The carrier mounts transversely on a longitudinal support member adapted for installation in the receiver portion of a conventional vehicle-mounted trailer hitch.

Abstract: A swing away cargo carrier assembly for use with a vehicle having a receiver-type hitch includes a main support tube adapted for insertion into the receiver hitch and extending rearwardly therefrom, a main extension arm attached to the main support tube and extending laterally along the rear of the vehicle, a pivot support member attached to and extending rearwardly from the main extension arm, a swing arm attached to the pivot support member and means, such as a frame, attached to the swing arm for supporting a cargo container. A releasable device, such as a stop and lock member, for retaining the swing arm in a retracted position are also included in the invention.

Abstract: A carrier attached to a vehicle to enable articles such as bicycles to be transported. The carrier comprising an article support member rotatably coupled to a substantially horizontal base member. The base member is designed to be securely inserted within a standard hitch receiver commonly found on many vehicles. The article support member includes a support column oriented in a generally vertical direction and a holding member generally perpendicular to said support column for securing the articles. The carrier further comprises a resistive member coupled to the article support member and the base member to drastically lessens the rotational speed of the article support member during unloading of the article and accessing of a rear hatch door of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is cantilevered from a trailer hitch receiver of a transporting vehicle. The bicycle rack comprises an elongate, central support member having a first end that is received in the trailer hitch receiver, with the central support member extending rearwardly from the transporting vehicle. At least two elongate, transverse support members are attached to the central support member so that the transverse support members extend transversely across the rear end of the transporting vehicle. First and second, elongate, rigid, stabilizer members are connected between and securely affixed to the transverse support members at a position closely adjacent to the respective first and second ends of the transverse support members. Wheel support members are associated with one end of each of the transverse support members for retaining a back wheel of a bicycle at the one end of such transverse support member.

Abstract: Bicycle carrier apparatus includes an H-shaped support frame bearing a pair of opposed threaded clamping members for rigidly gripping the bicycle pedal crank arm mounting bolts on opposite ends of the central crank arm shaft. A further support for the front wheel is provided in which the front wheel tire is frictionally engaged in a secure clamping device. A pair of individual bicycle carriers are affixed to a longitudinal support member which attaches to the receiver portion of a standard vehicle-mounted trailer hitch. An additional pair of bicycle carriers in a similar configuration may be connected to the first carrier apparatus by means of a simple connector assembly. A cartop rack is also disclosed as well as a variant which also mounts to a trailer hitch receiver.

Abstract: An engineer's vise (16) having a fixed inner member (20) with a stationary jaw (24) and an elongate extension (22) for inserting into and mounting to a trailer receiver (18) attached to a motor vehicle (37), thus providing a vise for use in the field. The vise has a movable outer member (30) and jaw (32) operated by a threaded shaft (34) and turned by a handle (38). The vise can be securely attached to receiver by a pin (53) in one of four positions: upright, inverted, on its right side, on its left side. It can be quickly and easily removed and stored for safe keeping.