Laterally Extending Arms Patents (Class 224/532)
  • Patent number: 12097825
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improvements in load carriers mountable on the rear of a vehicle. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to load carriers having a load support arrangement which may be moved between a use position and a non-use position. The present disclosure also relates to configurations of a base frame for a load carrier, a tightening mechanism for mounting a load carrier on a vehicle, an arrangement for mounting a load support arrangement on a non-round cross beam of a load carrier, an attachment device for coupling a force transfer member to a mounting portion on the vehicle, a specific configuration of a coupling mechanism for supporting a vehicle coupling portion of a load carrier on a vehicle, and a spacer for guiding a force transfer member around damageable parts of a vehicle such as a spoiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Larsson, Tobias Jönsson, Simon Helmersson, Johan Larsson, Henrik Alm, Stig-Johan Larsson, Sachin Rawool, Alexander Fritjofsson
  • Patent number: 11919485
    Abstract: And angularly adjustable object support rack or bicycle support rack for a vehicle is constructed with a first rod and a second rod connected by an adjustment structure that enables the first rod and the second rod to be adjusted to a folded over configuration that occupies less space when storing the bicycle rack. The adjustment structure also enables the first rod and second rod to be adjusted to a right angle orientation that reduces the extent the support rack extends from the rear of a vehicle to which it is attached. The adjustment structure enables the first rod and second rod to be adjusted to where the second rod is aligned with the first rod for attaching bicycles on the support rack. The adjustment structure further enables the second rod to be adjusted to a downward tilted orientation providing clearance between the vehicle and the attached support rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ETRAILER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig Obermark, Daniel Perotti, Brenden McIntyre
  • Patent number: 11897434
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a vehicle-mounted bicycle stand, including a mounting seat, a support rod, a bracket and a locking and fixing mechanism, wherein the mounting seat is connected with a square-opening base at a rear end of a vehicle, and a connecting part is arranged at an end of the mounting seat; the support rod is fixed on the mounting seat; the bracket is rotationally mounted at an upper end of the support rod and is configured to place a bicycle; and the locking and fixing mechanism is mounted between the support rod and the bracket and is configured to lock and fix the bracket in a rearward unfolded state or a downward folded state. The vehicle-mounted bicycle stand of the disclosure is compact in structure, convenient and labor-saving in mounting and dismounting, high in overall structural strength, and good in reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: NINGBO TOGETHER TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huike Tian, Kejin Xia
  • Patent number: 11884246
    Abstract: A spare tire mounted, swing way bike rack is provided having a upper receiver attachment and a lower receiver attachment are supported on upper and lower adjustment bars, respectively, and are a similar standard size as otherwise conventional hitch receives. Both secondary mounting points allow aftermarket accessories of those design to affix to a conventionally sized hitch receiver to be attached thereto in a manner that allows those attachment to swing with the vehicles rear door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: Mark A Jankowski
  • Patent number: 11772727
    Abstract: A plugging position recording device is provided to be configured to be applied to a plunger of a bike carrier, and the plugging position recording device includes a sliding track and a recording unit. The sliding track is disposed on the plunger. The recording unit is positionably received and adjustable within the sliding track, and the recording unit is abutted against an end face of a trailer bar to mark a depth of the plunger inserted into the trailer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: YOTTA INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stella Huang
  • Patent number: 11772569
    Abstract: A carrying rack connecting device is provided, including: an insertion assembly, configured to be connected with a hitch; an urging mechanism, including a pin, a driving member and at least one urging member, the pin configured to pin the insertion assembly and the hitch, the driving member being connected to the insertion assembly and movable between a release position and an urging position, the driving member including an urging portion, the at least one urging member being swingably connected to the insertion assembly and including an urged portion, the urged portion and the urging portion partially overlapping, wherein when the driving member moves from the release position toward the urging position, the urging portion urges the urged portion to move the at least one urging member to swing outward so that the at least one urging member is urgingly abutted against the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: YOTTA INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stella Huang
  • Patent number: 11708120
    Abstract: A portable, foldable, transformable bicycle support rack having stability, ease of use, transferability, portability, space saving, versatility of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffery Striebel
  • Patent number: 11654993
    Abstract: A sporting equipment carrier for mounting onto a bicycle, the carrier being able to be customized as needed to a variety of different sporting equipment despite the wildly disparate sizes and shapes of different types of equipment for different sports. A core support which attaches to the seat post of the bicycle by means of a clamp, and has members so it projects backward away from the seat over the rear wheel of the bicycle. One or more mating arms and diverse attachment points allow the connection of equipment holders on one or more sides of the rear wheel. The holders are for different types of sporting equipment: skis, snow boards, surf boards, skates, skate boards, baskets for smaller items having apertures through the sides for long smaller items, etc. The equipment holders may be easily removed and replaced with another holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Frank Reap
  • Patent number: 11648884
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for removably securing accessories to a vehicle may include a pair of anchor blocks, each of the pair of anchor blocks including a medial face and a lateral face, wherein the lateral face of each anchor block is configured to engage with a respective tow hook on the vehicle; an elongate tie rod attached to and extending between the medial surfaces of the pair of anchor blocks; and a ratchet body assembly attached to the elongate tie rod. The elongate tie rod may be a telescopic tie rod and, thus, may have an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: John David Conser
  • Patent number: 11628777
    Abstract: A swing locking mechanism and a bicycle rack having the same are provided. The swing locking mechanism is configured to be assembled with a pivot seat of the bicycle rack, and the pivot seat includes at least one first engaging portion. The swing locking mechanism includes a movable rod, a handle and a control assembly. The movable rod includes at least one second engaging portion which is releasably engaged with the at least one first engaging portion and is movable between a locking position and a release position. The handle is fixedly disposed on the movable rod. The control assembly is connected with the at least one second engaging portion and includes an operating member located between the movable rod and the handle. The operating member is rotatable to drive the at least one second engaging portion to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Stella Huang
  • Patent number: 11572022
    Abstract: A hitch mounted bicycle carrier that vertically mounts a plurality of bicycles. The bicycles are secured by the front tire in a C-hoop structure at the top of the bicycle carrier. The bicycle carrier secures a rear tire to a lower mounting structure. The bicycle carrier is configured to be mounted to the vehicle with an anti-rattle hitch mounting method. A hinge structures integrates dampers/gas springs to slow the hinging of the bicycle carrier when loaded with bicycles. The bicycle carrier when not in use for transportation doubles as a bicycle storage and access rack. The bicycle carrier also acts as a bicycle tuning, repair, and workstation when on the back of a vehicle or when in use as a storage access rack. The bicycle carrier also features integrated locking cables as an anti-theft deterrent when riders aren't with the bicycles and bicycle carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: EAST MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS LLC
    Inventors: Charles Blake Owen, Bryce Allen Owen
  • Patent number: 11518317
    Abstract: Cargo racks configured to mount to a hitch of a vehicle and to support cargo. The cargo racks include a tongue, a mast, and a tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism pivotally couples the mast and the tongue. The tilting mechanism includes a stationary plate, a tilt plate, a catch mechanism, a push plate, and an actuator. The stationary plate is coupled to the tongue. The tilt plate is coupled to the mast and pivotally coupled to the stationary plate. The catch mechanism is operable to selectively restrict the tilt plate pivoting relative to the stationary plate. The push plate is operable to move the catch between a restriction position restricting the tilt plate from pivoting relative to the stationary plate and a release position enabling the tilt plate to pivot relative to the stationary plate. The actuator is operable to selectively move the push plate relative to the tilt plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph Oshman, Zachary Meyer
  • Patent number: 11453344
    Abstract: A top tube adaptor contains: a body, two fixers, and a slidable rod. The body includes at least one slot, and a respective positioning rack has multiple teeth. The slidable rod includes a channel and a locking seat for accommodating a rotatable connector. The rotatable connector includes two shafts, a press portion, a button, an orientation segment, an engagement portion, and a first resilient element. A respective fixer includes a curved hook, a cutout, two tabs, a coupling projection, a column, and a second resilient element. The second resilient element has two abutting segments, one of the two abutting segments abuts against the two tabs, and the other abutting segment contacts with or removes from the coupling projection so as to close or open the cutout. The two fixers are connected with two ends of the slidable rod respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: YEONG TON INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 10780854
    Abstract: A combination push bumper/bike rack for use with police or other emergency vehicles for situations when a disabled vehicle may need pushing, a bike may need to be transported or both. The push bumper is attached to the original bumper of a vehicle and spaced in front of such original bumper to prevent damage to the vehicle when it pushes other vehicles. At the top portion of the push bumper are a pair of retractable arms with straps that can be deployed using a push button. When the retractable arms are not in use they remain flush with the push bumper. When the retractable arms are deployed that are positioned substantially perpendicular to the push bumper and are capable of carrying a bicycle thereon with straps to secure them thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Jon Hixson
  • Patent number: 10166931
    Abstract: A cycle carrier support bar has a cycle end grip device (4) at a first end of a tubular spacer bar (2) and a carrier end grip device (5) at the second end. The cycle end grip device can be a flexible strap (42) with a tensioning lever (43) and a key-operated lock (6). The carrier end grip device (5) can be a rigid clamp with opposed jaws (51,52) connected at a pivot (54) and closed releasably by a latch mechanism operated by a longitudinally-slidable carrier shuttle (55) carrying a detent of the latch. The latch is released to open the carrier end grip device (5) by pulling on the wire of a Bowden cable (8) which extends along the middle of the tubular spacer bar, and has an actuating lever (7) exposed through a window in the cycle end grip (4), so as to be accessible only when the cycle end grip (4) is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventor: Martin Ian Dickinson
  • Patent number: 9387739
    Abstract: A hitch device support assembly for securing hitch mounted accessories to a surface for storage or use when not attached to a vehicle hitch. One or more hitch accessory receivers are attached to a support strut by a pin. The pin may be a locking pin for security. The support strut mounts to any surface, preferably a wall or a work bench leg. The position of the hitch accessory receiver assembly relative to the support strut is adjustable by attachment of the hitch accessory receiver assembly through specific holes in the support strut. The hitch accessory receiver assembly can pivot with respect to the support strut. Hitch devices are secured to the hitch accessory receiver assembly by a pin or bolt, which may be a locking pin if security is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Vit Babuska, Emil Valentin Ardelean
  • Patent number: 9085207
    Abstract: A rigging arm device includes an elongated bar assembly having a proximate end, and a distal end, a receiving assembly adapted to be removably affixed to the trailer hitch of a motor vehicle and to receive and retain the proximate end of the bar assembly, and a hook assembly operatively affixed to said distal end of said bar assembly. The, hook assembly selectively engages and retains a refuse container for transport and further includes a latch assembly to unlock and lock the hook assembly to the handles of the refuse container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph J. Sweet
  • Patent number: 8936182
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an adaptable rack for aquatic transport of articles. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an adaptable rack for aquatic transport of articles to increase storage capacity of a boat and to prevent scuffing and damaging of the deck of the boat. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable rack for aquatic transport of an article comprises a mounting post for fitting inside a rocket launcher on a boat, a support bar positioned on a top surface of the mounting post, and a plurality of support arms extending from the support bar, the support arms for supporting the article during aquatic transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Grasso, Jonathan Fallon
  • Publication number: 20140346208
    Abstract: A multipurpose rack comprising a first racking assembly including a first securing portion configured to secure a first portion of a first transportation device, and a second securing portion operably connected to the first securing portion configured to releasably secure a second portion of the first transportation device, a second racking assembly including a first end portion having a clamping assembly, wherein the first end portion includes a lower support frame, a second end portion operably connected to the first end portion and spaced apart from the first end portion, the second end portion removably enclosing another portion of the second transportation is provided. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: LARRY ALAN GRAY
  • Patent number: 8857688
    Abstract: A cargo carrier removably attaches to a square hitch receiver on the back of a vehicle. The cargo carrier is collapsible when not in use. A base plate has a series of first arms pivotally attached thereto each first arm extending outwardly for use and secured thereat and folding upwardly for storage. A removable plate secures the first arms in the extended position. A second arm is attached to an outer end of a first arm and pivots between an extended position extending upwardly from the first arm and a collapsed position flush against the first arm. Each second arm is lockable in its extended position. A flexible cable is attached to the distal end of each second arm to help retain cargo within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Randall Ray Bell, III
  • Patent number: 8840000
    Abstract: A heavy duty leveraged spare tire carrier utilizes a cross frame configured so a spare tire for a vehicle can be bolted thereto and mounted on a receiver-type hitch with a secondary receiver hitch mounted thereon. The carrier has an integral lever-actuated lifting and lowering apparatus to allow a single person the ability to remove and replace a spare tire on the carrier and/or to swing the carrier and spare tire out of the way so an engine or other compartment in the rear of the vehicle can still be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Donald L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8820598
    Abstract: A rack for retaining a plurality of modular accessory cubes at the rear of a motor vehicle includes a hitch mounted swing-away carrier supporting an upright post carrying a number of planar platforms which the cubes may be attached to. The cubes may have drawers for supporting equipment such as grills and the like useful for outdoor activities and other modules may comprise electronic entertainment equipment such as audio players, radio and TV receivers, and the like. The platforms and the bases of the modules are formed with complementary engaging sections for positioning the modules on the platform, and threaded fasteners projecting upwardly through the platforms may quickly allow the modules to be secured and released from the platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ty Tennyson, Michael Henley
  • Patent number: 8800831
    Abstract: A multipurpose rack comprising a first securing portion configured to secure a first portion of a transportation device, and a second securing portion configured to secure a second portion of the transportation device, wherein the first securing portion is operably secured to a lower support unit, the lower support unit configured to engage a vehicle element is provided. Furthermore, a method of racking a watercraft and a transportation device comprising the step of: providing a rack including a watercraft racking portion and a transportation device racking portion, and engaging a vehicle element with a lower support unit of the rack is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Larry A. Gray
  • Patent number: 8757462
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 8720760
    Abstract: A heavy duty, leveraged spare tire carrier utilizes a cross or T-shaped frame configured so a spare tire for an recreational vehicle can be bolted thereto and mounted on a receiver-type hitch common in the RV industry with a secondary receiver hitch mounted thereon. The carrier has an integral lever-actuated lifting and lowering apparatus to allow a single person the ability to remove and replace a spare tire on the carrier and/or to swing the carrier and spare tire out of the way so an engine or other compartment in the rear of an RV can still be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Simpson
  • Patent number: 8684244
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 8636184
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Richard A. Allen, Alexander R. Allen
  • Patent number: 8622267
    Abstract: A vehicle receiver hitch supported lockable sporting equipment carrier provides a receiver hitch beam, structurally carrying an upwardly extending vertical beam. A horizontal support beam is structurally carried by the vertical beam, at an end portion opposite the receiver hitch beam. The horizontal support beam defines an axial channel extending therethrough for releasable engagement with a locking bar. The locking bar has one leg that releasably engages with the axial channel defined in the horizontal support beam, and a second leg that releasably engages with a hole defined in the vertical beam, spacedly adjacent the horizontal support beam. A lock hasp hole defined in an end portion of the locking bar provides for engagement of a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Neil Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 8590758
    Abstract: An apparatus for racking a watercraft on a vehicle, in particular, a Recreational Vehicle comprising: a first end configured to engage a receiver hitch, wherein the first end accommodates a portion of a watercraft; a second end spaced apart from the first end, the second end removably enclosing another portion of the watercraft; and a connecting member connecting the first end with the second end. Also, a method for racking a watercraft on a vehicle comprising: providing a watercraft rack, the watercraft rack including a first end having a lower support frame, a connecting member connecting the first end to a spaced apart second end, the second end having an upper support frame; removably engaging the first end of the watercraft rack with a standard receiving hitch; accommodating a portion of a watercraft with the first end; and removably enclosing another portion of the watercraft within the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Larry A. Gray
  • Patent number: 8556144
    Abstract: A carrying device (3) includes a first support rack (30), a second support rack (32) pivotally connected with the first support rack, and a connecting member (31) secured on the first support rack and pivotally connected with the second support rack to connect the first support rack and the second support rack. Thus, the first support rack is used to carry an elongate object (9), such as a surf board, a boat, a ladder and the like, and the second support rack is used to carry a bicycle (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 8490847
    Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Innovation Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 8434655
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bicycle carrier having a support mast, an elongate support member extending from the support mast, and a cradle disposed along the elongate support member. The cradle is for receiving a fork crown of a bicycle. The cradle includes first and second tines which form at least part of a substantially U-shaped structure, and a third tine extending angularly away from the U-shaped structure so as to allow the fork crown to be received between the U-shaped structure and the third tine. A head tube of the bicycle is disposed between the first and second tines. The third tine is disposed between fork tubes of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Malcolm Thomas Hammond
  • Patent number: 8387839
    Abstract: A rack for mounting on a spare tire assembly of a vehicle includes a mounting plate engagable to a spare tire mounting bracket of the vehicle, and a mast connected to the mounting plate in a substantially vertical position. The rack also includes a shoulder member connected proximate a top end of the mast and mountable proximate the top end of the mast using a connector at more than one position along a horizontal axis relative to the mast. A hub assembly is connected to the shoulder member, and a pair of arms are connected to the hub assembly that are configured to carry one or more bikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, James Buckroyd, Zac Elder
  • Patent number: 8317068
    Abstract: The bicycle carrier rack includes a main frame, a swaying frame and an adjustment device. The main frame stands vertically, combined with the swaying frame by the adjustment device. Fixed at the bottom portion of the main frame is a positioning rack to connect with a vehicle or a trailer. Two positioning holes are bored in the main frame. The swaying frame is combined with the main frame by the adjustment device, having a positioning member and a positioning projection employed to primarily position with positioning holes of the main frame. The adjustment device has a shell, and a movable element installed in the shell to co-work with the positioning member of the swaying frame. With a starting element to control the movable element, the adjustment device can work to alter the combined status of the main frame and the swaying frame, enabling the bicycle carrier rack unfolded or folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hern Juei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Huang
  • Patent number: 8286843
    Abstract: A vehicle mountable load carrier generally includes a connecting member for insertion into a hitch mount receiver of a vehicle, an upright post connected to the connecting member and an upright load supporting member coupled to the upright post by an extendable support arm having an open and closed positions. The extendable support arm includes at least a first section and a second section and has a pivoting coupling therebetween such that at least the second section can be moved between a closed position and an open position. The pivoting coupling includes a releasable lock to retain the extendable support arm in a locked-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin Bogoslofski, Vincent Bove, Brian Joder
  • Patent number: 8240529
    Abstract: A cargo carrier removably attaches to a square hitch receiver on the back of a vehicle. The cargo carrier is collapsible when not in use. A base plate has a series of first arms pivotally attached thereto each first arm extending outwardly for use and secured thereat and folding upwardly for storage. A removable plate secures the first arms in the extended position. A second arm is attached to an outer end of a first arm and pivots between an extended position extending upwardly from the first arm and a collapsed position flush against the first arm. Each second arm is lockable in its extended position. A flexible cable is attached to the distal end of each second arm to help retain cargo within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Randall Ray Bell, III
  • Patent number: 8235267
    Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying bicycles behind a vehicle includes a tongue configured for connection to a vehicle hitch. A base portion includes wheel trays for supporting the wheels of a bicycle in cooperation with a slidable hook for contacting the top tube of a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Richard Jeli, Andrew Austin, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder
  • Patent number: 8220681
    Abstract: An anti-sway bicycle mount is provided. The bicycle mount includes a trough section, a collar section disposed adjacent to the trough section, a neck section disposed adjacent to the collar section, opposite the trough section, and a channel section disposed adjacent to the neck section, opposite the collar section. The trough section is adapted to receive a crossbar of a bicycle, the collar section is adapted to receive a support arm of a bicycle carrier, and the channel section is adapted to receive a tube member of the bicycle. The neck section facilitates forward and back motion of the channel section while restricting side to side movement of the channel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Swiss Cargo Industries S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Farber
  • Patent number: 8210408
    Abstract: An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, Mike Kemery, Zac Elder, Andrew Austin, Richard Jeli, Aaron Foley, Steve Rodden
  • Patent number: 8070028
    Abstract: A truck bed extender including an elongated support adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and a shorter upright support pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the elongated support, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside said elongated support, to an upright position extending upwardly away from said elongated support. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to said upright support, generally at the top thereof, for rotation from a collapsed position, in which the arms extend generally side by side upwardly from and generally in alignment with said upright support, outwardly to an operating position in which they extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Seg-Ins Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Segeren, Donald Segeren, Jason Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20110253758
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier comprising an upwardly extending tube having a substantially horizontal tube connected thereto, a clamping mechanism for retaining a bicycle mounted on the horizontal tube, a display mounted on the tube, the display including a plurality of lights and a license display portion, and electrical interconnection between the lights and the electric wiring of the vehicle to which the bicycle carrier is to be attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Claude Bertrand
  • Patent number: 8025196
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier rack mountable to a vehicle and having a load bearing arm, the arm having an attachment member on its underside having a locking portion. An anti-sway member is attachable to the locking portion of the member, the anti-sway member having an attachment portion on one end of the anti-sway member, the anti-sway member having an engaged position wherein the anti-sway member prevents sway of the bicycle. The attachment portion encloses a central aperture having an opening in a side of the attachment portion to the central aperture. The locking portion is sized to receive the opening of the anti-sway member when the anti-sway member is in a non-engaged position, and wherein the locking portion is sized to prevent passage through the opening when anti-sway member is in the engaged position, the anti-sway member being rotatable between the engaged and non-engaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Joseph R. Flaherty, Keith Prescott
  • Patent number: 7975888
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier configured to be mounted to a rear of a vehicle is disclosed. The bicycle carrier includes a first support frame structure having a base portion disposed between a pair of support arms configured to carry one or more bicycles, the base portion being configured to contact an upper region of the rear of the vehicle, where the base portion is wider than the distance between the support arms; a second support frame structure having a base portion configured to contact a lower region of the rear of the vehicle; and at least one hub assembly operatively connecting the first and second support frame structures and permitting selective pivoting of one support frame structure relative to the other frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
  • Patent number: 7959115
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable, adjustable pole support rail allowing a user to adjust a mounted pole to vertical on sloping terrain. The apparatus has multiple embodiments and useful applications, in that it can be attached to a vehicle's hitch receiver, or can be self-supporting utilizing fold-out stabilizing or attachable legs, for example. In addition, the apparatus may include wheels, thus permitting ease of transport to or from a vehicle. The pole can be deployed with a range of attachments or devices depending on the application. Exemplary applications include a photography camera, a surveillance camera, an infra-red camera, an antenna, loudspeakers, lighting equipment, signage, weather monitoring equipment, inspection equipment, and detection equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Paul C. Madsen
  • Patent number: 7922051
    Abstract: A system and device therefor that provides a large vehicle the ability to house up to ten bicycles on the bumper of the vehicle wherein the device is retractable against the vehicle when not in use and that provides a fast and easy way to load and unload the bicycles. The device includes a main frame portion with two support arms on either side. Each support arm has variable height options. Attached to each support are one or more springed grips with one end of each springed grip having two crescent-shaped hooks for attachment around the handlebars of a bicycle and on the other end is a j-shaped hook for attachment around the seat post of a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: J. Douglass Devine
  • Patent number: 7886948
    Abstract: A hitch carrier device for transporting cargo and particularly, but not exclusively, large game carcasses on a hitch of a road vehicle is described. The carrier device comprises a support structure having a vertical support frame. A hitch connection is provided at a lower end of the vertical support frame. A horizontal harness support frame is secured to an upper end portion of the vertical support frame. A harness of flexible material is detachably secured to the horizontal harness support frame for supporting a cargo to be transported at an elevated position above the hitch behind the road vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald Kerr
  • Patent number: 7866517
    Abstract: An equipment carrier for mounting onto a rear component of a vehicle structure, such as a vehicle trunk lid or door, comprises a frame having lower engagement elements engageable with a lower area of the vehicle component, a structure connected to the frame for carrying one or more items of equipment, at least one vehicle engaging member, connected to the frame, for engaging the vehicle component at a position above said lower area, a strap member having upper engagement elements for engagement with an upper area of the vehicle component, and at least one support connected to the frame, provided with a strap engaging and tensioning mechanism, which is engaged by the strap member and can be controlled for tensioning the strap member in order to tighten the upper and lower engagement elements onto the upper and lower areas of the vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 7861903
    Abstract: A display apparatus for use with a truck having a receiver hitch includes a mounting bracket having oppositely disposed first and second ends, the first end being configured to be received in the receiver hitch. The apparatus includes a main support member coupled to the second end of the bracket, the main support member being height adjustable. The main support member defines an elongate channel. At least one fastener is coupled to the main support member for movement along the elongate channel, the fastener being selectively securable at a desired position along the channel. The fastener includes an eyelet to which a flag or banner may be secured. The apparatus may also include at least one auxiliary support member pivotally coupled to the main support member for displaying another flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Brandon Plaschka
  • Publication number: 20090302078
    Abstract: A bicycle rack includes a carry portion having a U-shaped frame and multiple positioning members are connected on the U-shaped frame so as to position bicycles. A Y-shaped support portion includes a post whose top end is connected to two support rods by a clamp unit and the clamp unit includes two slots with which the two supports are securely engaged. The U-shaped frame is connected to the two support rods. A connection portion includes an L-shaped tube which has a first end pivotably connected to a lower end of the post and a second end of the L-shaped tube is connected to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: CHIU-KUEI WANG
  • Patent number: 7611035
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Settelmayer, Timothy C. Smith, Addie Segura, legal representative