An equipment carrier, such as a bicycle rack, is adapted for removable
mounting to a vehicle and includes a first frame and a second frame
interconnected by one or more hubs. The first frame is engaged with the
hubs so as to be axially movable relative to the lower frame and the
hubs. The first frame defines a forward engagement area adapted for
engagement with the rear of the vehicle, and the second frame defines an
outer engagement area adapted to engage the vehicle at a location
vertically spaced from the forward engagement area. The second frame is
pivotably mounted to the hubs for movement between an operative extended
position and an inoperative collapsed position. A variable position
engagement arrangement is interposed between the hubs and the first
frame, for selectively fixing the axial position of the first frame
relative to the hubs. In one form, the variable position engagement
arrangement includes an engagement member associated with the second
frame which is movable into engagement with one of a series of axially
spaced openings in the first frame when the lower frame is in its
operative extended position. Movement of the second frame relative to the
hubs away from its operative extended position functions to disengage the
engagement member from the first frame openings, to enable the axial
position of the first frame to be adjusted. Subsequent return of the
second frame to its extended operative position functions to engage the
engagement member with a different one of the openings, to fix the first
frame in a different axial position relative to the second frame. In this
manner, the configuration of the carrier can be adjusted according to the
configuration of the vehicle to which the carrier is adapted to be
mounted.