Abstract: A vehicle-mounted real estate sign carrier assembly includes a U-shaped rack having front, back and side walls, and an L-shaped support rail. The support rail may be adapted to directly connect to a vehicle trailer hitch and locked with a pin when in use. A flexible strap directly mated to a top end of the support rail wraps about each of the stakes such that the real estate signs remain vertically stacked while the display screens are seated within the rack in a stable manner. The carrier assembly may transport multiple real estate signs to various locations, safely and easily by providing a quick-assembly, sturdy, compact and stable construction. Constructed with a low center of gravity the assembly allows a user to travel over bumpy and winding roads without the risk of dislodging his real estate signs from his vehicle.

Abstract: A portable recreation and entertainment system for use with a motorized vehicle is provided. The system includes a housing having a generally horizontal base portion and a top portion oriented vertically distal therefrom. A plurality of walls extends between the base and top, connecting the two portions and thereby defining an opening facing away from the vehicle. A first door extends laterally across a lower portion of the opening, and connects to a wall portion to selectively rotate from a closed position to an open position. A second door extends laterally across an upper portion of the opening, and connects to another wall portion to selectively rotate from a closed position to an open position. A support platform is connected to the housing and supportably attached to a rearward end of the vehicle by a support arm that preferably includes a mating member configured to mate with a trailer hitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cargo carrier. The cargo carrier attaches to a vehicle and includes a platform, an upper frame, a plurality of vertical supports, a support sleeve and a support beam. The platform itself is constructed from a plurality of longitudinal support members and a plurality of cross members that interfit with each other via a channel design and/or a shoulder and notch system. The platform is then mounted to a vehicle by attaching the support sleeve and support beam to an existing vehicle hitch. Once attached, the platform may be loaded with heavy items for transport.

Abstract: A cargo carrier mountable to a hitch receiver of a vehicle includes a lightweight, open-air wire basket supported by a tough metal bracket. The bracket is reversible so that the carrier can be attached to different size hitch receivers. To simplify assembly, the mounting hardware for attaching the basket to the bracket is the same regardless of which size receiver is being used. The holes for the mounting hardware are positioned such that the fasteners can avoid carrying most of the cargo's weight. If the basket is evenly loaded with cargo, it is possible for the fasteners to carry substantially no weight whatsoever. When not in use, the basket is collapsible to lie generally flat against the bracket so that the cargo carrier can be readily stowed.

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

Abstract: A 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: An apparatus for providing additional storage for use with a motorcycle. The apparatus comprises a base member having a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. A plurality of upright sections are engageable on a first end with the base member. A top member is engageable with an upper surface of a second end of the plurality of upright sections and a connecting unit that is engageable with the base member is designed for securing the apparatus to a hitch of a motorcycle.

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 cargo container attachment for a small vehicle such as a lawn tractor is provided. The container is removably attached to the rear of the vehicle and includes a cargo box storage space with a pivotally mounted swingable tailgate. The container is designed to be used in conjunction with a lawn tractor to perform landscaping and structural maintenance tasks. Materials such as mulch, soil and plantings as well as maintenance materials can be transported in the cargo space. The tailgate can be moved between a first position where it serves to enclose the storage space and a second position where its serves as a workbench surface. Tool receiving recesses are provided in the sidewall edges of the composite container for transporting small tools such as trimmers, shovels, shears and/or rakes.

Abstract: A trunk space storage system for motor vehicles comprising a movable wall. This movable wall is located on the floor of the trunk space and acts as a new back wall of the trunk space. This movable wall slides along tracks on the floor of the trunk space to a position the user desires. The movable wall further comprises a wall extension to increase the wall height. This invention allows users to utilize as much of the trunk space as necessary without having the problem of having objects roll into the deep trunk space which can be difficult for many people to access.

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: The present invention 10 discloses a loading platform 14 for motor vehicles 12 that is pivotably supported by a rigid stationary frame member 32 with a central square tube 34 that connects with a conventional trailer hitch 36. The platform 14 may be locked securely to the stationary frame member 32 and released to allow for the pivoting movement thereof. A pair of bearing assemblies 42 allow for the axial rotation of the bearing blocks 46 and associated platform 14 around the bearings 44 that remain in a fixed position due to the square tube 34 extending therethrough. Pneumatic pistons 30 communicate between a central portion of the stationary frame member 32 and a distal portion of the platform 14 to provide stability and regulate the rotational movement of the platform 14.

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 wheeled container is constructed so as to be demountably secured to a cargo carrier assembly (or “carrier”) which is externally carried at the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck. The carrier includes a support beam to which the container is secured by attachment latches on its rigid base. Two of the attachment latches are pivot latches, allowing the container to be pivotably disposed on the support beam without lifting wheels of the container off the ground. In one embodiment, the container comprises a frameless rigid tub adapted to be secured to the support beam; in another the container comprises a framework of elongated rigid struts, e.g. of metal tubing which may be collapsible within which is secured a rectangular receptacle or “sack” of flexible material. Only a portion of the base of the container is directly supported on the support beam, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base.

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

Abstract: Cargo racks for use with all terrain vehicles (“ATV's”) are disclosed. The racks have a generally horizontal base and upwardly extending vertical side walls which, together with the base, form a cargo area. One or more of the upwardly extending vertical side walls are hinged at the base, and can open in an outward direction to form a lift gate. When such a lift gate is in a lowered position, support chains or arms are not required to ensure that the lift gate remains fully extended. When closed, the lift gate is latched in place to prevent inadvertent opening of the lift gate. One or more of the vertical walls, including the lift gate, can be completely removed from the rack as desired.

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 cargo carrier with two platform sections that are assembled together. Opposite metal side walls of the platform sections are bent to an offset angle to enable either end of the platforms to slide up against each other and be bolted together. This makes for easy assembly and less hardware. A tie plate, and bolts are provided on the top of the juxtaposed interior ends of the platform sections for the securing of the two platform sections together.

Abstract: A carrier system for transporting equipment, such as bicycles. The carrier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a partial enclosed compartment having a substantially oval shape. Two opposing lid members are pivotally mounted on each end of the compartment. The two lid members open upward and outward to allow full access to the interior of the compartment. The two lid members then close downward and towards one another with a slight overlap to fully enclose the body to form the carrier body. In one embodiment, the axle assembly and tongue are directly mounted on the lower surface of the trailer body. Equipment mounting devices are formed or affixed directly in the interior of the trailer body. The equipment is thus able to be securely transported without danger from the elements or from unauthorized access.

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 wheeled container is constructed so as to be demountably secured to a cargo carrier assembly (or “carrier”) which is externally carried at the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck. The carrier includes a support beam to which the container is secured by attachment latches on its rigid base. Two of the attachment latches are pivot latches, allowing the container to be pivotably disposed on the support beam without lifting wheels of the container off the ground. In one embodiment, the container comprises a frameless rigid tub adapted to be secured to the support beam; in another the container comprises a framework of elongated rigid struts, e.g. of metal tubing which may be collapsible within which is secured a rectangular receptacle or “sack” of flexible material. Only a portion of the base of the container is directly supported on the support beam, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base.

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: An external equipment carrier with a cargo box for a vehicle includes an arm with a proximal end for being attached to a trailer hitch on the vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are attached to the distal end of the arm. The top end of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo box is removably carried on a support bar attached to the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. Although the jack has a very high lifting capacity, it is very inexpensive, and does not require a locking or braking system. A pair of mirrors and brake lights are attached to an extendable arm connected to the guide rail. The mirrors enable a driver to see behind and below the box when backing up. The arm is articulated for retracting the box to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the box to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle.

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 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: A hinged carrier assembly for carrying and storing articles at the rear end of a sport equipment trailer, and capable of swinging outward and away to allow access to the rear cargo area. The hinged carrier assembly has an elongated receptacle which is secured to one corner at the rear end of the sport equipment trailer by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is directly secured to a hollow frame member at the corner using a supporting backing plate inserted inside the hollow frame member. The elongated receptacle can swing outward to a maximum angle which can be adjusted by an adjustable stopper assembly. The elongated receptacle is additionally supported by a suspension line which links the remote end of the elongated receptacle to an elevated point above the hinge assembly. An upper end of the suspension-line is secured to a swivel assembly which allows the suspension-line to pivot smoothly together with the elongated receptacle as it is swung open and closed.

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: A cupholder that is mountable on the interior of a supermarket cart and which includes flanges that can be used for directly mounting the cupholder to the cart wall, or for slidably fitting into a track which in turn is mounted on the cart wall. The cupholder can be moved along the track to permit moving it out of the way of packages that are stacked in the cart. The cupholder can be adapted to fit onto end walls, sidewalls, or even onto the child seat in the handle area of a cart and can be made to move with folding cart walls or placed in regions left clear when empty carts are nested together so that it is out of the way when the carts are stacked. The cup holder can be supported using a hanger that fits over the upper edge of the supermarket cart wall and is then retained in place.

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

Abstract: A portable accessory container for mounting on a supporting structure, such as a rear wall of a hand-drawn wagon. The container comprises a receptacle portion for carrying articles and an attachment or mounting portion for attachment to a supporting structure, such as a vertical wall. The receptacle portion is preferably an open-top structure having a horizontal bottom wall and four vertical side walls, which may be either slatted or imperforate. The attachment or mounting portion may comprise either a pair of spaced hooks or an inverted U-shaped sheet attached to the receptacle portion. Either hooks or an inverted U-shaped sheet are adapted to extend over an upper edge of a rear wall of a hand-drawn. A container assembly comprising a container mounted on a wagon provides appreciably more storage space for articles than does the wagon alone. Various modifications and improvements are possible.

Abstract: A gas can carrier that attaches to the back of snow machines and off road vehicles. The carrier has an inner foam core that is covered with heavy duty pack cloth. A number of pockets are supplied for convenience. The top center portion of the carrier is hollowed out forming a recessed area to receive a spare gas can. An expandable pocket is also formed in the recess so that if no gas can is being carried, items can be kept within this central pocket. To hold the carrier on a snow machine or other vehicle, a set of straps is provided that loop around the vehicle's bumpers.

Abstract: A flexible and foldable storage unit is attached to a rear portion of a vehicle, with a strap assembly to provide for a strong attachment. This strap assembly can be easily secured to or removed from a vehicle, especially a mini-van.

Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a frameless L-shaped support beam in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the rack by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The L-shaped support beam ("L") comprises (i) an elongate rectilinear rail connecting said L to the truck, (ii) an overlying strut telescopable on the rail, and (iii) a rectilinear transverse strut integral with the overlying strut. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the struts of the L-shaped support beam or supported on pivot pins. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches, it is preferred to use, in addition, an attachment latch.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending a pickup truck bed includes a removable frame that can be connected to the pickup truck bumper or its hitch receiver. The frame includes a longitudinal beam that extends away from the truck bed during use, forming a connection with the receiver. A transverse beam is structurally attached to the distal end of the longitudinal beam and extends about the width of the pickup truck bed. Left and right side wall extension members are mounted respectively on opposite sides of the transverse beams, each side wall extension member being rectangular and having front and rear vertical edges and a lower edge that conforms to the plane of the bed. The frame provides an open area that allows the pickup truck tailgate to be lowered to define an extension of the load carrying surface of the bed. An auxiliary tailgate is pivotally attached to the transverse beam and is movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a frameless L-shaped rack in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the rack by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The rack comprises either a single integral L-shaped support beam, or a compound beam. The compound beam, in turn, comprises a combination of (a) a pivot strut one side of which is attached to the frame of the truck and (b) an integral L-shaped support beam comprising a transverse strut and a longitudinal strut upon which latter strut only, the container is pivotably disposed. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the struts of the L-shaped rack, or supported on pivot pins. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches, it is preferred to use, in addition, an attachment latch.

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: A new and improved winch operated vehicle mounted carrier comprised of an upper rectangular section having a securement bar extending inwardly therefrom. The securement bar is received within a class 3 trailer hitch for securement of the upper rectangular section thereto. An electric winch is secured to the upper rectangular section. The electric winch has a drive cable theresecured. The drive cable has a securement portion extending downwardly therefrom. The invention includes two pairs of arms. Each of the two pairs of arms is pivotally secured to a lower portion of the upper rectangular section. A lower support bracket is pivotally secured to an opposing end of the two pairs of arms. A latch is secured to a middle portion of the lower support bracket. The latch couples with the securement portion of the drive cable of the electric winch. A lower support tray is secured across the lower support bracket. Two spring-loaded catches are secured to an outer portion of the upper rectangular section.

Abstract: An improved load carrying vehicle accessory is disclosed. Mounting tubes are fixed to the rear fenders of a vehicle, such as a lawn tractor. The load carrying portion of the device has mounted within its base, and protruding therefrom, a pair of support arms or tubes that are configured to cooperate with the mounting tubes, preferably with coaxial telescopic interengagement. The support arms or tubes are disposed in slots wider than themselves to allow for lateral movement and subsequent fixing in place, thus allowing the load carrying portion to be fitted to a variety of vehicles having different widths. Additionally, the load carrying portion has removable walls, to allow for bulkier items such as rakes, brooms, shovels and the like, to be secured thereto.

Abstract: A cargo carrier with two platform sections that are assembled together. Opposite metal side walls of the platform sections are bent to an offset angle to enable either end of the platforms to slide up against each other and be bolted together. This makes for easy assembly and less hardware. A tie plate, and bolts are provided on the top of the juxtaposed interior ends of the platform sections for the securing of the two platform sections together.