The present invention contemplates an apparatus for, and methods of, conveniently transporting cargo by holding cargo securely in a way using a transport apparatus that can be coupled to a vehicle, for easy and convenient transport of the cargo. The invention contemplates a transport apparatus that is capable of horizontal, vertical, telescoping, and/or rotational collapse and/or expansion. The invention contemplates wheels on a collapsed transport apparatus that make moving from place to place very convenient, whether the transport apparatus is expanded or collapsed. Embodiments can be used to secure and transport cargo such as bicycles. Embodiments of the invention allow coupling of a transport apparatus to a vehicle by use of a standard ball joint and/or trailer hitch. Other embodiments could comprise a trailer connection attachment, which can be used to couple a transport apparatus to a vehicle in cases where the vehicle lacks its own trailer hitch.

The present invention contemplates an apparatus for, and methods of, conveniently transporting cargo by holding cargo securely in a way using a transport apparatus that can be coupled to a vehicle, for easy and convenient transport of the cargo. The invention contemplates a transport apparatus that is capable of horizontal, vertical, telescoping, and/or rotational collapse and/or expansion. The invention contemplates wheels on a collapsed transport apparatus that make moving from place to place very convenient, whether the transport apparatus is expanded or collapsed. Embodiments can be used to secure and transport cargo such as bicycles. Embodiments of the invention allow coupling of a transport apparatus to a vehicle by use of a standard ball joint and/or trailer hitch. Other embodiments could comprise a trailer connection attachment, which can be used to couple a transport apparatus to a vehicle in cases where the vehicle lacks its own trailer hitch.

An equipment rack is described with an integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system may connect to the vehicle's electrical system to provide tail light, brake light, hazard, reverse light, and turn signal functions. The lighting system may include an automatic connection for lighting attached to a rack extension when the rack extension is attached to a base rack. The lighting may also be visible on a pivoting rack when the rack is stowed or in use to carry bicycles. The lighting elements may be disposed on or inside the equipment rack and may be provided with internal wiring to connect the lights to the vehicle's electrical system.

An equipment rack is described with an integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system may connect to the vehicle's electrical system to provide tail light, brake light, hazard, reverse light, and turn signal functions. The lighting system may include an automatic connection for lighting attached to a rack extension when the rack extension is attached to a base rack. The lighting may also be visible on a pivoting rack when the rack is stowed or in use to carry bicycles. The lighting elements may be disposed on or inside the equipment rack and may be provided with internal wiring to connect the lights to the vehicle's electrical system.

An equipment rack is described with an integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system may connect to the vehicle's electrical system to provide tail light, brake light, hazard, reverse light, and turn signal functions. The lighting system may include an automatic connection for lighting attached to a rack extension when the rack extension is attached to a base rack. The lighting may also be visible on a pivoting rack when the rack is stowed or in use to carry bicycles. The lighting elements may be disposed on or inside the equipment rack and may be provided with internal wiring to connect the lights to the vehicle's electrical system.

An equipment rack is described with an integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system may connect to the vehicle's electrical system to provide tail light, brake light, hazard, reverse light, and turn signal functions. The lighting system may include an automatic connection for lighting attached to a rack extension when the rack extension is attached to a base rack. The lighting may also be visible on a pivoting rack when the rack is stowed or in use to carry bicycles. The lighting elements may be disposed on or inside the equipment rack and may be provided with internal wiring to connect the lights to the vehicle's electrical system.

A bicycle rack is described with a retention arm for securing a wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle rack. The retention arm is provided with a tire chock for contacting the tire of the bicycle. An adjustable tire chock may be positioned on the retention arm to secure different sizes of bicycles with different sizes of wheels on the bicycle rack. The adjustable tire chock may have latching components that can be released by a user with a single hand by applying opposing or rotational forces to the latch components or the tire chock. The latch components may be provided with a biasing mechanism to urge them into a latch or engaged position when aligned with latching features on the retention arm.

A bicycle rack is described with a retention arm for securing a wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle rack. The retention arm is provided with a tire chock for contacting the tire of the bicycle. An adjustable tire chock may be positioned on the retention arm to secure different sizes of bicycles with different sizes of wheels on the bicycle rack. The adjustable tire chock may have latching components that can be released by a user with a single hand by applying opposing or rotational forces to the latch components or the tire chock. The latch components may be provided with a biasing mechanism to urge them into a latch or engaged position when aligned with latching features on the retention arm.

The present invention discloses a bike storage system that allows bicycles to be stored in a stacked manner that takes up the least space possible, while still allowing access to any bicycle in a rack without removing another bicycle. The bike storage system can also be used for transportation of the bicycles from one location to another location. When attached to a hitch mount, this rack would allow space efficient transportation of the bicycles with a vehicle. The bike storage system facilitates dual axes of rotation that allow for dense storage of bicycles while enabling ready access to any given storage slot.

The present invention discloses a bike storage system that allows bicycles to be stored in a stacked manner that takes up the least space possible, while still allowing access to any bicycle in a rack without removing another bicycle. The bike storage system can also be used for transportation of the bicycles from one location to another location. When attached to a hitch mount, this rack would allow space efficient transportation of the bicycles with a vehicle. The bike storage system facilitates dual axes of rotation that allow for dense storage of bicycles while enabling ready access to any given storage slot.