Abstract: A vacuum-based hitch rack carrier system for a vehicle having a rear hitch and rear hitch receiver. The system includes a plurality of vacuum devices having a pad shaped and sized to removably seat with a vehicle to form a vacuum cavity, a plunger attached to the pad and in fluid communication with the vacuum cavity, and an indicator associated with the vacuum device to indicate the level of vacuum pressure within the vacuum. The system has a receiver hitch adapter for joining a rack configured to secure an article to the vehicle via attachment to the rear hitch receiver, a mount shaped and sized to mate and secure the article to the rack, and one or more support bars attached to said mount. At least one of the support bars contains a break and fold assembly configured to allow the carrier system to be folded.

Abstract: A swinging locking mechanism configured to be mounted to a bicycle rack includes a movable rod configured to be movably mounted to a pivot seat of the bicycle rack, and an operating member. The movable rod defines an axial direction and includes at least one second engaging portion which is releasably engaged with at least one first engaging portion of the pivot seat. The operating member is connected with the at least one second engaging portion, and an operational direction of the operating member is parallel to the axial direction. The bicycle rack including the swinging locking mechanism is further provided, and further includes: a carrying frame, having at least one of the pivot seat and configured to carry at least one bicycle. The movable rod is transverse to the carrying frame and configured to restrict the at least one bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is disclosed, including a hitch mount device and a mast structure. A proximal portion of the mast structure is connected to the hitch mount device, and a distal portion extends upward from the proximal portion. The bicycle rack further includes an upper beam structure connected horizontally to the distal portion of the mast structure and a first fork crown gripping station mounted on the upper beam structure. The first fork crown gripping station includes a first post structure and a strap configured to cooperatively bind a bicycle front fork crown to the first fork crown gripping station.

Abstract: A system for attaching a mobile cargo carrier, such as a wheeled cart, to a motor vehicle comprises a cargo carrier apparatus, a hitch attachment apparatus adapted for releasable attachment to a motor vehicle hitch, and a coupling device for releasably connecting the cargo carrier apparatus and the hitch attachment apparatus. The coupling device includes a hollow member sized and shaped to receive the elongate bar of the cargo carrier. The coupling device can include a hand crank winch and cable or strap. The cable or strap is attached to the cargo carrier, and using the hand crank, the winch lifts the cargo carrier off the ground with the bar moving upward telescopically within the hollow member of the coupling device. As such, the cargo carrier apparatus can be easily transported by the automobile.

Abstract: A bicycle mounting adapter for installing a bicycle to a mounting includes a frame and two holding tubes. The frame has a transverse member and two lateral members. The two second segments are separated by a distance greater than a distance between the two first segments. The first segment has a fixing hole. The second segment has a notch. The holding tube has an embedded segment, a propping segment, and a shoulder located between the embedded segment and the propping segment. The embedded segments are inserted into the respective fixing holes and thus fix the holding tubes to the lateral members. The two holding tubes have major axes thereof aligned with each other. The propping segments each have a terminal surface defined as a pressing surface. The pressing surfaces of the holding tubes work with a quick-release assembly to hold a fork of the bicycle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first component having with a first coupling surface and a first axial aperture therethrough. The first component has an axial recess in the first coupling surface. The apparatus further includes a second component having a second coupling surface and a second axial aperture therethrough, and the second component has an axial protrusion extending from the second coupling surface. The axial recess of the first component and the axial protrusion of the second component selectively engage to radially lock the first component relative to the second component and align the first and second apertures upon engagement with each other. The first and second apertures selectively receive a bicycle wheel axle.

Abstract: An improved, simple rack for the secure transport of bicycles and small motorcycles in the bed of a pickup truck or trailer without clamping, strapping or dissasembly of the cycle, and with minimal obstruction of the load-carrying bed floor, has individual cycle wheel receptacles with both fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets, that are secured to at least one rack rail assembly that is secured to opposite sides of the truck or trailer bed. In order to secure a cycle in the rack, a front or rear wheel of the cycle is lifted up and pushed into the wheel receptacle between the fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets. In order to unload the cycle, the wheel is pushed against the spring-loaded wheel clamping bracket, thereby releasing the wheel from the fixed wheel clamping bracket, and is, then, pulled upwardly from the wheel receptacle.

Abstract: A rack for holding a wheeled vehicle within the bed of a pickup truck includes a frame and an upper arm and a lower arm attached to the frame. The upper and lower arms are movable with respect to one another to allow a wheel of the bicycle or other vehicle to be inserted or removed from the arms. The frame may be adjustable to snugly retain it within the bed of a vehicle.

Abstract: Flexible straps for a carrier include a strap body having a top, bottom, two lateral and two end surfaces. The strap body has a lengthwise axis, a widthwise axis and a thickness axis. At least one aperture can extend through the strap body from the top to the bottom surface and can be space apart from each other along the lengthwise axis by a spacer portion. The flexible strap includes a spacer cross-sectional area defined by an area of a cross-section of the spacer portion cut by a plane oriented orthogonally to the lengthwise axis. The flexible strap includes an aperture cross-sectional area defined by an area of a cross-section taken at a widthwise widest point of at least one of the apertures cut by a plane oriented orthogonally to the lengthwise axis. The aperture cross-sectional area is greater than at least two-thirds of the spacer cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Bicycle carriers and corresponding methods for loading bicycles and/or other wheeled vehicles onto such carriers are provided. In one embodiment, a bicycle carrier includes a support member (e.g., vertical or generally vertical support member), a hitch member, an elongate upper member, and an elongate lower member. The elongate upper member has an elongate body and a free distal end configured for receipt, serially one after another, of a plurality of wheels of a corresponding plurality of bicycles. For each bicycle, adjacent spokes of a bicycle wheel are positioned about the free distal end of the elongate member and the bicycle is moved backward along the elongate body towards the support member. The elongate body is configured to support the weight of the bicycles via contact with the rims of the bicycle wheels. The carrier is configured such that the bicycles hang generally vertically from the elongate body.

Abstract: A lightweight bicycle carrier that is easily adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes of bicycles and other equipment. The bicycle carrier of the present invention is easily assembled and installed onto the hitch receiver of a vehicle. The bicycle carrier can also be partially disassembled to allow access into the rear of the vehicle without interfering with the vehicle tailgate. The bicycle carrier includes adjustable angular support arms to support bicycles during transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting cargo on a motorcycle comprises a first rack having a width of about the width of a seat of a motorcycle. The first rack has a first plurality of attachment structures fixedly attached thereto. A second rack has a base with a second plurality of attachment structures fixedly attached to a bottom of the base configured for engaging with and being secured to the first plurality of attachment structures. The second rack is positioned on top of the first rack when secured thereto and includes a pair of upwardly extending elongate members fixedly coupled to the base and angled toward the rear of the motorcycle. The elongate members are each provided with a transversely extending receiving member and a centrally located receiving bracket attached proximate a rearward side of the base, thus forming a three-point attachment structure for attaching an accessory to a motorcycle.

Abstract: A cargo carrier system is presented for a motor vehicle with a supporting frame for accommodating at least one object and with an energy supply device for supplying the object accommodated on the supporting frame with electric energy.

Abstract: Providing a transporting system for a bicycle with a bicycle support bar that includes securing the bicycle with both wheels still attached to the bicycle and in an upright position while traveling to your destination, in the back of a pickup truck bed. The bicycle support bar Securing system has an anchoring member of nuts and bolts that attach to the truck bed inside and under the truck bed rail. Once secured this will allow you to secure your bicycle by using the velcro straps that are attached and wrap around your bicycle frame to secure it into place. With the bicycle support bar this will allow you to travel with your bicycle fully in tacked in an upright position in the back of your pickup truck.

Abstract: A bike mount for securing a bike on a vehicle includes a wheel clamp and securing devices for mounting bikes of various types, dimensions, and styles in one or more tray portions, extending between a pair of crossbars or other support structures.

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.

Abstract: A bicycle-carrying device for motor-vehicles comprises a frame which is mounted on the rear part of a motor-vehicle and is provided with receptacles for supporting one or more bicycles in vertical planes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor-vehicle, without hiding from view substantial portions of the rear plate and/or the rear lights of the motor-vehicle.

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.

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.

Abstract: Carrier racks including an elongate base member, a pivot mechanism mounted to the base member and configured to rotate relative to the base member, and a frame coupled to the pivot mechanism for supporting cargo, wherein the pivot mechanism is configured to pivot the frame between a loading position and a stowed position for transport, a first support member of the frame being oriented substantially horizontal in the stowed position.

Abstract: A bicycle fork mount for receiving and securing a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle type front bicycle wheel, but which is also temporarily adaptable for receiving a fork of a skewer type front bicycle wheel includes a fork mount body having a hollow for insertably receiving a front axle hub assembly of a through-axle front bicycle wheel. An adapter is received in the hollow and has a fork receiving skewer associated therewith that is configured for translational movement relative to the adapter. A biasing assembly is disposed between the adapter and the skewer and urges the skewer toward an ends-extended configuration in which a pair of fork receiving ends of the skewer are oppositely disposed beyond the lateral sides of the fork mount body and are configured for receiving and releasably securing the fork of a bicycle having a skewer type front wheel to the bicycle fork mount.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrier having an elongated shaft with a splined profile along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of rotatable members removably mounted to the shaft and a plurality of collar assemblies removably mounted to the shaft. The plurality of members feature a first member having at least one arm with an aperture defined by an edge having a grooved profile in cross-section that is suitable for mating with the portion of the shaft having the splined profile. The plurality of members also having additional members that are suitable for rotating about the splined portion of the shaft. The plurality of members having a plurality of interlocking teeth that facilitate in securing the members together at the desired angular relationship.

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).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing and anti-sway arrangement for stabilizing a bicycle supported upon a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The arrangement includes a cradle borne upon an elongate arm of a vehicular mountable load carrier. The elongate arm is insert-received in a through-hole located in the cradle and the cradle is configured to abuttingly receive a portion of a bicycle frame thereupon. An anti-sway device is included that has a substantially Y-shape with two upper arms straddling the cradle, and the two upper arms are joined together at a lower common leg thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle rack for carrying a bicycle wheel, a wheel carrier mountable on a load supporting bar of a vehicle rack, and methods of using a vehicle rack and/or wheel carrier to hold a bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel carrier may include a base, a pair of arms connected to the base and defining slots for receiving an axle of a bicycle wheel, and a strap securable to the base over a rim of the bicycle wheel to restrict removal of the wheel from the arms.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier for a vehicle including a frame, a crossbar assembly, a wheel tray, and a swing arm pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly. The wheels of the bicycle are positioned in the tray and secured by a tray coupling to restrain lateral movement. Two trays may be secured to the crossbar assembly to each receive a wheel of the bicycle. The swing arm pivots on the crossbar assembly and includes a shoe which engages the bicycle wheel. A shoe coupling secures the bicycle wheel to the swing arm. Two swing arms could be pivotally secured to the crossbar assembly each to engage a bicycle wheel. The frame may include a drawbar for insertion into the receiver of a trailer hitch. Additional crossbar assemblies could be secured to the frame to accommodate multiple bicycles.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a hub portion to which is secured a number of vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging support members. The various support members are each connected to sections of the hub that are movable relative to one another and that include engagement structure to hold the hub sections in desired angular positions with respect to one another. The hub sections can be moved upon disengagement of a clamping mechanism that compresses the hub sections into engagement with one another, and also holds each of the various components of the carrier in connection with one another.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support assembly (1) for securing a bicycle to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a bar (2), which is provided at both ends with a gripping means (3, 4) for mounting the support assembly between a substantially fixed frame of the load carrier and the bicycle, a common tensioning means (5), when tightened forcing together said gripping means (3, 4).

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.

Abstract: A fixing assembly for carrying a bike includes a main body having a transverse hole provided therein with transverse ribs to be secured with a rod of a carrying stand on a motor vehicle. The main body is formed with a concave portion with vertical ribs for positioning a bike frame rod or a bike wheel thereon, having a first strap with lots of one-way ratchets and a second strap for receiving an engaging device that has a base to be secured with the second strap. The base is provided with a micro-adjusting member for adjusting combined tightness of the first and the second strap, and an engaging member for engaging the one-way ratchets of the first strap to prevent the first strap from moving reversely and a releasing member for pulling open the engaging member to release and separate the first strap and the second strap.

Abstract: A bicycle rack includes at least one arm and a cradle installed on the arm for receiving a bicycle thereon. The cradle has a body including a through-hole extending through the longitudinal length of the body. The through-hole is sized to be received by the arm of a bicycle rack. A saddle extending along a length of the longitudinal body is positioned above the through-hole and has a top surface for receiving a tube of a bicycle. The saddle is oriented cross-ways to the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. The top surface of the saddle can increase in dimension on one side of a vertical axis of the through-hole and decreases in dimension on the other side of the vertical axis as the saddle extends toward each end of the longitudinal body. A latch is positioned on opposite sides of the vertical axis at either end of the saddle.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle carrier for a vehicle, which is housed in the rear bumper of the vehicle to be concealed and when necessary is drawn out from the rear bumper to carry a bicycle. The bicycle carrier includes a front frame positioned in a rear bumper of the vehicle and secured to a rear end of a vehicle body. A central frame perpendicularly passes through the front frame. A rear frame is secured to a rear end of the central frame. A folding unit couples each of opposite ends of the front frame with each of opposite ends of the rear frame and is folded to vary a distance between the front frame and the rear frame. A bicycle wheel support is provided on the folding unit. A bicycle body support is provided on the central frame.

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.

Abstract: A storage unit is anchored in a truck bed with an attachment system incorporating side modules forming a track for easy pull-out and yet security when moved to a storage position within the truck bed. The storage unit and/or the side modules have recesses and components shaped for function and utility, as well as security and yet easy access. For example, the side modules can include a stationary light, a pull-out spot light, an electrical plug, a storage recess with a lockable cover, and/or a tool-holding recess. The storage unit includes functionally-shaped walls, pull-out containers and drawers, repositionable dividers for the storage recess, a lockable cover, handles to facilitate carriage, wheels for rolling transport, walls with external cable anchors for tying down items, and/or an air deflector/spoiler. The side modules can be releasable for use as a suitcase-like separate unit.

Abstract: The motorcycle carrier apparatus provides several important features, first, not only three cross supports but also two angle supports beneath the platform upon which the motorcycle is removably placed, accommodating even the heaviest of motorcycles, a removable ramp for ease in loading and unloading. A further important feature is the clamp bar that provides the dual frame mounts that bolt to a motorcycle upper frame member. The positive attachment of these frame mounts ensures that a motorcycle is rigidly mounted and supported, with no chance of unintentional motorcycle movement or potential loss. The clamp bar is importantly height adjustable so that most motorcycles are accommodated.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is configured for mounting to a hitch behind a vehicle. The bike rack may include a mast and a mechanism for locking the mast in an upright position, or alternatively, permitting downward rotation of the mast away from the vehicle for access purposes. The rack includes arms and mounting devices for supporting various tubular components for the bicycle frame.

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.

Abstract: A fork mount for securing a bicycle fork to a crossbar that comprises a top clamp including a pair of side surfaces having substantially aligned openings, an upper crossbar surface having a hole, and an adjustment surface with a plurality of substantially horizontal grooves. The fork mount further comprises a bottom clamp that has a groove engager frictionally engagable within each groove to form a pivot point to a clamped position, and a lower crossbar surface with a hole. When in the clamped position, the upper and lower crossbar surfaces form a crossbar opening and the holes of each crossbar surface are substantially alignable. The fork mount comprises a connector that is engagable through the substantially alignable holes of each crossbar surface, wherein the connector secures the top and bottom clamps in the clamped position. A skewer is extendable through the substantially aligned openings of the top clamp.

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.

Abstract: A bike rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle includes an elongate body for supporting a bicycle, and a fork mount for securing the front fork of the bicycle. A fork mount includes a skewer assembly having a shaft and a keyed member being freed to slide axially along the shaft, but not permitted to rotate around the shaft. A handle device is provided for rotation around the shaft causing adjustment of the effective length of the shaft. A lock device is configured to couple the handle device to the keyed member and prevent rotation of the handle around the shaft.

Abstract: Hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks, are set forth herein. One carrier includes a height member, an insert arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations, and at least one support arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations. Means for coupling insert arm to a tow hitch, for locking insert arm at storage and use configurations, and for locking support arm(s) at storage and use configurations are included. Insert arm is configured for insertion in tow hitch and has a wedge aperture. An attaching element is coupled to support arm(s) for removably attaching a device to support arm(s). A wedge is adjacent wedge aperture, and means are included for moving wedge between a first position generally flush with or inside insert arm and a second position extending outside insert arm to dampen wobble between insert arm and tow hitch.

Abstract: A cargo attachment bracket to be carried on an interior bed rail extending parallel to, and spaced down from, a top portion of a side of a pickup truck bed, comprising: a) a body having a front face, a rear face juxtaposed against the interior rail, and an opening extending between the front and rear face; b) a screw having a head portion, a shank portion extending through the opening between the front and rear face, and a lug for engagement within, and under an interior side portion of the rail for releasable attachment of the body to a chosen position along the length of the rail; c) an arm having a bracket end, and an opposite inwardly projecting end; d) an arm extension projecting from the unhinged end portion of the arm, configured together with the arm, and provided with selection and locking means for selection and lockably fixing the combined projection of the arm and the extension from the rail; and, e) a releasable cargo attachment end portion carried by the unattached end of the arm extension.

Abstract: A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes.

Abstract: A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage.

Abstract: A modulator for supporting arms of a rear bicycle carrier comprises a support frame including a central post having two ends with which first and second supporting arms are connected; a ratchet holder integrally formed with or separately disposed on the connecting position of the central post, and including a plurality of inner teeth arranged around the internal periphery thereof; a connecting shaft inserted through the ratchet holder, on the two sides of an intermediate seat of the connecting shaft being mounted two ratchet members for engaging with the inner teeth of the ratchet holder; a control unit fixed on a predetermined position of the rear bicycle carrier for being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to disengage at least one ratchet member from the inner teeth of the ratchet holder such that the first and second supporting arms can be adjusted toward a suitable angle relative to the central post.

Abstract: A load carrier for coupling to a vehicle. The load carrier includes a loading frame and a supporting arch that extends substantially upwardly from and transversely to the loading frame. The supporting arch is divisible into first and second arch parts, each of which arch parts is pivotally coupled to the loading frame such that, when divided, each of the first and second arch parts is configured to be pivoted down to a storage position lying substantially level with the loading frame. The arch parts are configured to be interlocked to each other into an in-use position, in which the first and said second arch parts substantially alone form the supporting arch.