Abstract: A button assembly that couples and releases a hitch insert to and from a hitch is described. A button of the button assembly may be configured to be pressed to a degree that allows the hitch insert to be inserted into and removed from a hitch. However, the button assembly may be configured to prevent a user's finger (or other extremity) from entering an aperture of the hitch insert that accommodates the button. For example, in a pressed orientation, a surface of the button that a user contacts may remain flush (or substantially flush) with an outer surface of the hitch insert.
Abstract: A swing-out hitch mounted equipment carrier that is movable between collapsed and extended positions has a rectangular insert that is sized and shaped to be received in a trailer hitch receiver affixed to a vehicle. A fixed arm is attached to the insert. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the fixed arm. A vertical member having an equipment carrier affixed on an upper end is pivotally connected at a lower end to the swing arm. The vertical member is constrained for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, the equipment carrier rotating with the vertical member. A controller is provided for controlling the ratio of the relative movement of the swing arm and equipment carrier as the swing-out hitch mounted equipment carrier is moved between the collapsed and extended positions.
Abstract: A swing-away hitch mounted equipment carrier that is movable between collapsed and extended positions has a rectangular insert that is sized and shaped to be received in a trailer hitch receiver affixed to a vehicle. A fixed arm is attached to the insert. A first swing arm is pivotally connected to the fixed arm and a second swing arm is pivotally connected to the first swing arm. A vertical member having an equipment carrier affixed on an upper end is pivotally connected at a lower end to the second swing arm. The vertical member is constrained for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, the equipment carrier rotating with the vertical member. A first control member is provided for controlling the pivoting movement of the first and second swing arms as the swing-away hitch mounted equipment carrier is moved between the collapsed and extended positions.
Abstract: A multi-purpose folding carrier for carrying bulky cargo includes a frame, an upper member rotatably disposed on the frame and a cage rotatably and slidably disposed on the frame, the cage being configured to restrain forward, lateral and rearward movement of cargo placed therein. The upper member and cage are constrained for limited pivotal and/or slidable movement relative to the frame between extended carrying positions and collapsed storage positions. A locking element or brace is provided for securing the upper member in its extended carrying position. A series of straps are provided for securing articles, such as, for example, a cooler, on the cage as well as for securing the carrier to an automobile. The upper member may be provided with a pair of hook members which facilitate fastening the carrier to an externally mounted spare tire.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 1998
Date of Patent:
October 26, 1999
Assignee:
R.A. Allen Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Alexander R. Allen, Christopher B. Allen, Gordon R. Allen, Richard A. Allen