Apparatus, System, and Method for Selectively Mounting a Hitch Mount Rack on a Building Wall

Abstract

A wall mount for supporting a hitch mount rack comprises one or more base members comprising at least one base plate member. The wall mount further comprises a wall mount receiver projecting from the base plate member, an anchor structure on at least one of the one or more base members, and at least one fastener configured to engage the anchor structure and secure the wall mount to a building wall structure. The wall mount receiver is configured to receive a receptacle portion of a hitch mount rack.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/106023 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Selectively Mounting a hitch Mount Rack on a Building Wall” filed on 16 Oct. 2008 for Travis Theobald. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/175744 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Selectively Mounting a hitch Mount Rack on a Building Wall” filed on 5 May 2009 for Travis Theobald. The contents of the Provisional Applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to storage rack and transportation rack systems and more particularly relates to hitch mount rack storage apparatus, systems, and methods.

BACKGROUND

Description of the Related Art

The transportation and storage of outdoor recreation equipment is a common challenge for consumers. Bikes, skis, surfboards, and the like are often oddly shaped, making it difficult to fit them inside motor vehicles. And even if such equipment would fit in a motor vehicle, it is often dirty or wet, making it undesirable to place the equipment in the vehicle's interior. Furthermore, these same factors, as well as sometimes frequent use of such equipment, often make it undesirable to store it within normal living areas.

For these reasons, individuals have found numerous ways to transport and store such equipment external to motor vehicles and living areas using transportation rack and storage rack systems. There are numerous motor vehicle and garage storage racks know in the art. Although there are numerous types of equipment and varying racks, the current state of the art can be illustrated in relation to bicycle racks.

Bicycle transportation racks have taken many different forms. These forms include roof mounted racks, trunk mounted racks, and hitch mounted racks, with many different variations of each type. Roof mounted racks use special connectors to fit on a given vehicle mount bicycles above the cabin of a vehicle. They are advantageous because they are out of the way and the racks need not be removed after each use. However, lifting bikes and manipulating connections above the vehicle can often be difficult due to the height of the vehicle compared to that of the individual as well as the weight of a bike. Furthermore, roof mounted racks are generally not easily transferred between different types of vehicles and mounting and removing the rack can be quite difficult and time consuming.

Trunk mounted racks generally use a plurality of straps to connect a rack to the rear portion of a vehicle. The racks are generally very versatile and can be mounted on most vehicles using the seams between body panels. However, these racks tend to not be very sturdy and generally require removal to allow access to the trunk, rear hatch, or door. Furthermore, because these racks must be removed, they must be stored when not in use.

Hitch mounted racks generally have an insert that fits into the trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. Because hitch receivers are generally designed to pull or carry large amounts of weight, these racks can be quite sturdy. Bikes are mounted at a height reachable by generally all adults making for easy use. Furthermore, mounting and removal of the racks themselves is generally very simple and can be done quite quickly. Furthermore, hitch mounted racks are quite easily transferable between vehicles with hitches. On the downside, the racks are usually removed when not carrying bikes, requiring storage of the rack.

There are also numerous examples of bicycle storage racks for garages or storage rooms. These include freestanding bicycle racks, wall racks, and racks that hang bikes from a ceiling. Freestanding bicycle racks generally use a vertical pole against which a tire is held or upon which a bicycle can be hung. Examples of such racks are those commonly used in public areas where bicycles may be locked. These racks tend to be very convenient and easy to use but are bulky and take up lots of space. Conventional garages generally do not have enough room to store a car as well as one of these racks.

Wall racks often allow for a bike to be stood against a wall without falling over. Generally, hooks are used to hook to a wheel of the cycle to hold it in a given position. These are also usually very easy to use. However, in small garages, the area they take may still be prohibitive if a car is also to be parked therein.

Ceiling racks are designed to maximize floor space of a garage or storage room by hanging a bicycle from the ceiling. However, it can be quite difficult to put a bike on the rack or to get it down. If the bicycle is used often, it may be undesirable to go through the effort of removing the bike from or replacing the bike on the ceiling for each use.

There are also further challenges with transportation and storage racks than those described above. For example, because racks are specific to either storage or transportation, the owner of a bicycle or other recreation equipment may need to purchase two racks for the same bike: one rack for storage and one rack for transportation. Therefore, the cost of owning a bicycle, in addition to the needed racks, can be prohibitive. Furthermore, the plurality of racks results in more complication in the use of the equipment and increased storage area since a rack that is not in use must be stored.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available recreation storage and transportation racks. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention have been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for supporting a vehicle hitch mount rack on a wall that is easy to use, takes up little space, and requires only one rack for both transportation and storage.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention a wall mount apparatus for supporting a hitch mount rack comprises one or more base members comprising a base plate member, a wall mount receiver projecting from the base plate member, the wall mount receiver configured to receive a receptacle portion of a hitch mount rack, and an anchor structure on at least one of the one or more base members.

According to one embodiment, the hitch mount rack further comprises a through hole in the receiver and a pin for securing the hitch mount rack. In one embodiment, the wall mount receiver comprises a tubular socket and the receptacle portion of the hitch mount rack comprises a male receptacle, wherein the wall mount receiver is configured to receive the receptacle into the tubular socket. In one embodiment, the wall mount comprises a plurality of fasteners.

In one embodiment, the wall mount comprises a dual wall mount receiver configured to receive a plurality of receptacle portions of hitch mount racks. Several holes for the insertion of hooks are in one or more of the one or more base members, are included in one embodiment. The wall mount may receive a hitch mount rack that is a ski rack, surfboard rack, and/or bicycle rack.

According to a further embodiment, the wall mount further comprises an adjustable plate member comprising two or more portions. The adjustable plate member further comprises an adjustment mechanism for enabling the two or more portions to be adjustably moved relative to each other to selectively span a wall structure at a variety of different spacings.

In one embodiment, the wall mount comprises one or more track members which are configured to form a track along which the base plate member can slide. A spring biased pin may engage a plurality of holes to selectively lock the base plate relative to the one or more track members. In one embodiment the base plate member is slideable along the track by use of a pulley system.

A hitch mount rack system comprises a wall mount and an automobile mount having an automobile mount receiver wherein a hitch mount rack has a receptacle configured to be selectively received by each of the wall mount receiver and the automobile mount receiver.

A method for supporting a hitch mount rack on a building wall comprises providing a wall mount, selectively receiving a hitch mount rack capable of being supported by a hitch of a motor vehicle on the wall, and adjustably supporting the wall mount receiver on a wall structure of a building.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of embodiments of the invention is set forth with reference to the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered to be limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall mount in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system of supporting a hitch mount rack on the wall mount of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3D are illustrative diagrammatic views showing a variety of receivers, inserts, orientations, and cross sectional shapes of the receivers and corresponding inserts, according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a slidably adjustable mounting structure, according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4B is an end view of the slidably adjustable mounting structure of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a method of using a wall mount in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an adjustable wall mount for spanning different distances between wall structure elements, according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a schematic end view of an adjustment mechanism for spanning different distances between wall structure elements, according to an alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable wall mount in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a partial perspective view of the base plate of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an end view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable wall mount showing an alternative configuration for the track and base plate;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of wall mounts including alternate and/or additional embodiments of the invention, according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 9A-D are perspective views of a base plate with receiver, according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a track with a mounted base plate, according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hook, according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a track, according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an exemplary track and base plate attached to a ski rack; and

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an exemplary track and base plate attached to a surfboard rack.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary track and base plate attached to a platform rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of user selections, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, a wall mount 10 includes a receiver 12 in the form of a tubular member fixed to a base plate 15 of the mount 10. The tubular member has a reinforcing lip 18 at an outer end distal from the base plate 15. The receiver 12 extends transverse to a plate forming the base plate 15. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the receiver extends perpendicular to the base plate 15. The receiver has a through-hole 17 therein for receiving a securing pin (not shown). It is to be understood that the securing pin may take the form of one or more of a bolt, locking nut, locking pin, spring pin, etc. In any case, the receiver 12 is configured and oriented to receive an insert 21 of an automobile mount rack 24. It is to be understood that the automobile mount rack may be a bicycle rack or a rack for supporting any of a variety of equipment or accessories. It is also to be understood that the receiver 12 and insert 21, may take a variety of forms and configurations, as will be discussed in relation to FIGS. 3A-3D.

The wall mount 10 may engage with and be supported on a surface of a wall, floor, or ceiling through engagement of a wall structure. For example, the wall mount may have anchor structure in the form of through openings and fastener head seats for receiving a lag screw 27 or other fastener therethrough. The fastener may be configured to engage in a stud of the wall structure or a bracket on a backside of a panel of the wall structure. In any case, the lag screws 27 or other fasteners may be tightened to draw the base against the surface of the wall in fixed and stable relation to the wall structure.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of a system 30 of the wall mount 10 and automobile mount rack 24, which in this embodiment is shown as a bicycle rack supporting a bicycle 33. As may be appreciated, the automobile mount (not shown) may include a receiver similar to the receiver of wall mount 10, except that the automobile mount is configured to be attached to a frame of an automobile. In one embodiment, the automobile mount is mounted to an automobile. In any case, the automobile mount rack 24 may be selectively supported on either of the automobile mount, or on the wall mount 10, as shown in FIG. 2. The bicycle 33 or another accessory may be supported on the automobile mount rack 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall mount 10 is formed of a flat base plate 15 and a tubular member of the receiver 12 protruding from the flat base plate 15. A hollow interior of the tubular member of the receiver 12 forms a receiving volume into which the insert 21 may be slidably received. In the illustrations shown, the receiver has a generally square cross section and extends perpendicularly to the flat base plate 15. However, other configurations are possible within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention.

For example, FIG. 3A shows an embodiment with a wall mount 36 and rack insert 39 having complementary round cross sections. FIG. 3B has a wall mount 42 and receptacle 45 having complementary diamond cross sections with a receiver 48 being a male member while a sleeve on the rack forms the female receptacle 45 that replaces the male receptacle, or insert, shown in FIGS. 1-3A. FIG. 3C shows a wall mount 51 having a rectangular female receiver 54 that is configured to be in a recess when the wall mount 51 is mounted to a wall structure. In this recessed or in-wall embodiment, a base plate 57 lies on an external wall surface while the receiver 54 extends through the surface and into an interior of the wall. In one variation, the receiver may be telescoped to be selectively deployed by drawing at least a portion of the tubular member forming the receiver 54 out of the wall. As indicated by the axis shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the receivers may be oriented at any angle relative to the bases. In particular, the receivers may be disposed at angles extending in a range from zero to ninety degrees relative to a plane of the base and the wall to which the wall mount is attached. While a variety of configurations and orientations have been shown, it is to be understood that other configurations and orientations may be applied to any embodiment of the receivers and portions of the racks that engage the receivers without limitation. For example, FIG. 3D shows an oval, diamond, square, horizontally elongate rectangle, vertically elongate rectangle, circular, and cross shaped cross sections that may be applied to the receivers, inserts, and/or receptacles of the mounts and racks, as indicated by a grouping bracket 60.

The plates that form base plates may have a width in a range from four inches to eighteen inches. In other embodiments, the width of the base plates may be in a range from eight inches to sixteen inches. In embodiments having widths in an upper range of these ranges, the widths may span stud centers of studs making up wall structures within the walls to which the wall mount is to be attached. The base plates may have through holes spaced at sixteen or eighteen inches to match an expected distance between stud centers. Thus, the base plates and the wall mounts can be securely mounted to two studs of the wall structure for greater strength and stability. Alternatively, the base plates may be mounted by fasteners extending through the base plates and into a single stud of the wall structure.

Further alternatively, a base 61 may include a plurality of members, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B. In the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the base includes two guides, or track members 63, 64, which may be elongate and which may form a track. The track members 63, 64 are held to wall structure by fasteners 67, which may be lag screws or other fasteners. The through holes 70 and fasteners 67 may be spaced to engage studs 73 or other wall structure and secure the track members 63, 64 to an outer surface 76 of the wall to which the base 61 is mounted. The base 61 further includes a base plate 81. The track members 63, 64 may include respective channels 78, 79 into which a sliding base plate member 81 is received. The sliding base plate member 81 may be a plate analogous to the bases of FIGS. 1-3C. Thus, the base plate 81 may have a receiver 84 attached thereto. The receiver 84 may take the form of any of the receivers shown and described herein. The base plate 81 may be moved manually to any position along the channels 78, 79 which form a track. A pin may be placed in through holes 87 to secure the sliding base plate 81, or other stop mechanisms may be utilized to secure the sliding plate in position along the guides 63, 64.

As shown, a pulley 90 may be attached to wall, ceiling, or other building structure, and cable 93 may be attached to the sliding base plate 81 and engage over the pulley to aid in lifting the base plate 81 when it is disposed in vertically extending track members 63, 64. Alternatively, the track members 63, 64 may be disposed to extend horizontally. In any case, the sliding base plate member 81 may have rollers 96 or other friction reducing mechanisms or materials thereon. Alternatively or additionally, the rollers or other friction reducing materials may be applied to the track members 63, 64. Examples of friction reducing materials may include TM Teflon at least on runners or the surfaces that are engaged in the channels 78, 79 and on the base plate 81. Some plastics, composites and/or graphite have friction-reducing properties that may be incorporated without limitation.

An advantage of being able to raise the sliding plate is that an automobile mount rack 24 may be engaged in the wall mount at a moderate or low elevation. Then the base plate 81, rack 24, and bicycle 33 may be elevated to clear more usable floor space. For example, once the bicycle 33 has been raised, there is more room into which to pull a front end of a vehicle. The rack 24 may be replaced by any of a variety of racks configured to support any of a variety of accessories, sports equipment, and/or luggage. The rack may be a universal rack for carrying any of a variety of items. Alternatively, a variety of racks may be provided for a variety of objects or accessories. In one embodiment, the racks may be color coordinated to match the wall mounts or bases to which the racks are to be attached. In some applications it is beneficial to have a steel loop connected to the base through which a cable may be extended in order to securely lock a bicycle or other items by the cable and a lock.

The bases, receivers, guides, pins, etc. may be formed of any of a variety of materials including, but not limited to plastics, metals including aluminum or steel, graphite, and/or composites. These materials may be formed by molding, machining, and/or assembling. Advantageously, the tubular member forming the receivers or receptacles may be flared to more easily receive the complementary insert. Assembling may incorporate fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc.

Receivers may extend from base plates in a range from four to twelve inches in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the receivers have lengths extending from five to eight inches, for example. These receivers may be configured to receive male or female receptacles having width dimensions in a range from one to three inches. In some embodiments the receptacles have width dimensions in a range from one and a quarter to two inches. These ranges of dimensions may be applied to diameters, heights, or diagonal dimensions.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment 100 of the method of using a wall mount or system having the wall mount. In the embodiment 100, a wall mount is supported on a wall structure, as indicated at 103. Supporting the wall mount may include engaging a base on a wall, as indicated at 106. Supporting the wall mount may include fastening the wall mount to one or more studs, as indicated at 109. The method may include removing a hitch mount rack from a hitch of a motor vehicle, as indicated at 112. Such a rack may be a bike rack, for example. In this case, the user may leave the bike or other accessory attached, as indicated at 115. Then the rack may be selectively received on the wall mount, as indicated at 118. This operation of receiving the rack may include receiving a male receptacle of the rack, as indicated at 121, or receiving a female receptacle when the receiver on the wall mount is a male receiver, as indicated at 124. The male receptacle or female receptacle will be referred to generally as a receptacle. In some embodiments, the method of use includes selectively adjusting the wall mount, as indicated at 127. This operation of adjusting may be undertaken initially during supporting the wall mount on the wall structure, or may be undertaken by moving movable elements of the wall mount when the wall mount includes adjustably movable parts, such as a base plate that moves along a track. Another operation during use is to secure the hitch mount rack to the wall mount such as by a pin, lock, or other securing mechanism, as indicated at 130.

In another embodiment of the apparatus, as shown in FIG. 6A, a wall mount 150 may have an adjustable base plate 153. In general, the base plate 153 may include a first portion 156 and a second portion 159 that are adjustable relative to each other by means of an adjustment mechanism. For example, the adjustment mechanism may include aligned slots 162, 165 and 163, 166, and fasteners 168,169 extending through the slots 162, 165 and 163, 166. Other adjustment mechanisms may be incorporated. For example, FIG. 6B shows an end view in a direction of arrow 172 of an alternative embodiment that utilizes a mating dovetail structure 174, 175 for enabling the first and second portions 156, 159 to be adjustable relative to each other. Generally linear sliding enabled by the adjustable mechanisms of FIGS. 6A and 6B provide the advantage of allowing a user to adjust a spanning width of the overall wall mount 150. Thus, the user can mount the plates 156, 159 to respective studs 176, 177 that may be spaced in any range of relative positions including typical distances that studs may be spaced. For example, the user may adjust the plates to accommodate mounting them to studs that are on sixteen inch centers, eighteen inch centers, or some other distance. Once the plates 156, 159 have been adjusted, fasteners, such as wood screws 178 shown in FIG. 6A may be inserted through end portions of the slots 162, 163, 165, 166 and engaged in the studs 176, 177 of a wall.

The slots 162, 163, 165, 166 may also be used to adjust the position of the wall mount 150. Such slots may be applied to any wall mount having single or plural mounting plates. In this way, the slots may be used to selectively position the base plate 153 or portions 156, 159 relative to one or more predetermined stud, and still allow the fasteners 178 to pass through the slot and into the studs. In any case, a receiver 12 supported on the adjustable base plate 153 is securely supported on the wall by being anchored to the studs 176, 177.

In one embodiment, a range of distances between studs, (which also corresponds to the range of distances between respective fasteners for the wall mount), may be in a range from two inches to thirty-six inches apart. In another range, the studs and respective fasteners may be in a range from six inches to twenty-four inches apart. In still another range, the studs and respective fasteners may be in a range from twelve to twenty inches apart. The spacing may also be any value within these ranges.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the wall mount 150 may include an adapter insert 181 to adjustably size the receiver 12. For example, a larger tube forming a fixed portion of the receiver 12 may have dimensions for receiving a two inch insert. The adapter insert 181 may have outer dimensions forming a two inch insert, and inner dimensions for securely receiving a one and a quarter inch insert. Other receiver and insert sizes may be implemented without limitation.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable wall mount 184 having a track member 187 forming at least a part of the base and including a guide for a base plate 190 that supports a receiver 193. Thus, the base may include the track member 187 and the base plate member 190. The guide of the track 187 has slots 196, 197 that slidingly receive edges of the base plate 190. The base plate 190 also has a spring biased pin 199 supported thereon. The pin 199 is biased to protrude through the plate 190 and into locking holes 202 to permit a user to selectively adjust a position of the base plate 190 relative to the track 187. Thus, the user may selectively withdraw the pin 199 and move the base plate 190 along the track 187 vertically, horizontally, or at some angle, depending on an orientation at which the track is mounted. As with the other embodiments, the track 187 may be anchored to studs by way of fasteners extending through openings 205. The track 187 may be formed of one piece or may be formed of a plurality of pieces similar to the track members 63, 64 shown and described with regard to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Alternatively, the track 187 may be a single piece, as shown in FIG. 7A, yet have adjustable mounting plate(s) 208 on which the track may be mounted. Thus, the track 187 can be securely anchored to studs at any of a variety of spacings. In any case, the base plate 190 with elements supported thereon is received into the track 187 and adjustably locked into a desired position. This is beneficial, for example, for raising the base plate 190 and a mounted bicycle out of the way or otherwise moving the base plate and supported articles to a desired location along the track.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the receiver 193 is a dual receiver having a lower receiving socket 211 and an upper receiving socket 214. The lower receiving socket 211 may be sized to receive two inch inserts and the upper receiving socket 214 may be sized to receive one and a quarter inch inserts, for example. Thus, the receiver 193 has the benefit of selectively receiving hitches or racks in either or both of the lower and upper receiving sockets 211, 214. It is to be understood that any number and any configuration of receivers may be incorporated on the base plate 190. Furthermore, the base plate 190 may also support one or more hooks 217 for supporting accessories. For example, when the wall mount 184 is used to support a hitch mounted bike rack, the hooks 217 may be used to support one or more of a helmet, gloves, glasses/goggles, shorts, tires, locks, bags, pumps, toolbags, and shoes. Still further, the base plate 190 may also support a basket 220, platform, or other receptacle for receiving these and other accessories.

FIG. 7B is a partial sectional view taken in a direction of arrow 223 in FIG. 7A. As such, the lower and upper receiving sockets 211 and 214 are shown in section. Also, the pin 199 is shown in section to illustrate the biasing action of a spring 226 against a plunger 229 inside a cylinder 232. The pin 199 also includes a knob 235, which can function as a handle for manually moving the base plate 190 along the track 187. Once a desired position has been reached, the knob 235 can be released to allow the pin 199 to engage one of the locking holes 202.

FIG. 7C is a diagrammatic end view taken in the direction of arrow 238 in FIG. 7A and depicting an alternative embodiment of a wall mount 241. In this embodiment, a track 242 is formed of a generally flat base portion 244 having a T-sectioned rail 247 protruding therefrom and slidingly receiving a generally C-channeled base plate or support element 250. The support element 250 may support one or more of the receiver 12/193, the locking pin 199, the hooks 217, basket 220 of FIG. 7A, and/or other elements without limitation. The base portion 244 has mounting holes 253, which may be similar to holes 205 or slots 162, 163. The wall mount 241 may also have the adjustable mechanism that includes adjustable plates 208 for an adjustable embodiment that can be mounted to studs that are spaced at a variety of widths, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show perspective views of further embodiments of wall mounts, the features of which may be combined with other embodiments without limitation. A wall mount 256 shown in FIG. 8A includes the dual receiver 193 including the lower and upper receiving sockets 211, 214. A base plate 259 supports the dual receiver 193 and any of a variety of other supporting structures on its front surface. For example, a basket 262, a platform (see FIG. 14), and/or universal hooks 265 may be supported thereon for supporting and storing any of a variety of items. As may be appreciated, the structure of the universal hooks 265 is such that the base plate 259 may be mounted at any orientation and the hooks 265 will still support objects in a hanging configuration.

The wall mount 256 has mounting holes 268 for receiving fasteners such as wood screws to anchor the wall mount to studs, for example. Alternatively, the base plate 259 may be received in guides or tracks like those shown and described with regard to FIGS. 4A-4B, 7A-7B, and 12. Further, alternatively or additionally, the wall mount 256 may include an adjustment mechanism similar to those of FIG. 6A or 6B to enable adjustable expansion/retraction mounting to wall structure such as including studs that are spaced apart at a variety of distances.

FIG. 8B also shows a wall mount 271 with a variety of features. It is to be understood that these features may be applied to other embodiments, or may be replaced or supplemented by features from other embodiments. For example, a base plate 274 has mounting slots 277 for receiving fasteners that can thus adjustably anchor the base plate to wall structure. Additional plates may be included for an expansible/retractable base plate adjustment similar to the embodiments shown and described with regard to FIGS. 6A-7A. The receiver 12 is supported on the base plate 274 and may selectively receive an adapter insert 181 similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A. Alternatively, the dual receiver 193 could replace or supplement the receiver 12. In any case, the receiver 12/193 may be strengthened by a gusset 280. The gusset or other element may have a through hole 283 for receiving a locking cable or other locking mechanism, which can in turn be locked to a rack and/or an accessory supported by a rack that is supported on the receiver 12/193. For example, when the wall mount 271 is used to support a bicycle rack and a bicycle supported thereon, then the bicycle can be locked to the wall mount 271 through the through hole 283. Hooks 286 and a basket 289 are also supported on the base plate 274. It is to be understood that universal hooks 265 may be substituted or added without limitation. Also, the base plate 274 may be made expandable/retractable and/or may be inserted into guides or tracks like those shown in FIGS. 4A-4B and 6A-7A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment comprising a base plate 302 with receiver 310. The base plate 302 may be attached to the track 187, either in lieu of previous base plates 190, or in addition to previous base plates 190. In one embodiment, there may be several base plates attached to the track 187. In another embodiment, there may be only one base plate attached to the track 187. In any case, the base plate 302, 190 with elements supported thereon is received into the track 187 and adjustably locked into a desired position. The base plate 302 includes a hole 304 through which a pin 199 may be placed to secure the base plate 302 to the track 187. The base plate 302 includes a receiver 310, comprising a hole 306 through which another pin may be placed, or which may be left empty, and an opening 308 into which the insert 21, of FIG. 1, may be placed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a track 314 with the base plate 302 attached. The track 314 includes slots 320, 322 through which the base plate 302 may slide, allowing several options as to how high or low the base plate 302 should be, and for further support of the base plate 302 in its secured location. The base plate 302 may be pinned into the track 314 through any of the holes 316. The base plate 314 also has a spring biased pin 312 supported thereon. The pin 312 is biased to protrude through the plate 314 and into locking holes 316 to permit a user to selectively adjust a position of the base plate 302 relative to the track 314. Thus, the user may selectively withdraw the pin 312 and move the base plate 302 along the track 314 vertically, horizontally, or at some angle, depending on an orientation at which the track is mounted. As with the other embodiments, the track 314 may be anchored to studs by way of fasteners extending through openings 205. Additionally, the track 314 includes hook holes 318, into which separate hooks may be placed, for the hanging of additional items.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hook 404. The hook 404 includes a hole 402 through which a pin may be placed for attachment of the hook 404 to the track member 314, through the holes 318. In one embodiment, the hook 404 is U-shaped, with one side being longer and flat against the track 314 and with the opposite side being shorter. In one embodiment, several hooks 404 may be placed along the side of the track 314. In one embodiment, one or no hooks 404 may be placed along the side of the track.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the track 314. The track 314 includes holes 316 through which pins may be placed for securing the base plate 302. The track 314 also includes holes 318 on the side through which the hooks 404 may be placed for additional storage of additional items. The track 314 includes slots 320, 322 through which the edges of the base plates 302 can be slid to adjust its position. The track 314 may be a part of the wall mount 184 and include a guide for a base plate that supports a receiver 193. Thus, the base may include the track 314 and the base plate 302. The guide of the track 314 has slots 320, 322 that slidingly receive edges of the base plate 302. The length of the track 314 can vary considerably depending, at least in part, on how far it is desired that a base plat can move.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the track 314 as attached to a ski rack 502. The track 314 is secured to the base plate 302 via the pin 312. The ski rack 502 is attached to the base plate 302 as it is inserted through the opening 308 (see FIG. 10) of the receiver 310. The ski rack 502 includes openings 506, through which the ski rack 502 may be mounted to a surface, such as a wall. In one embodiment, the ski rack 502 may be attached to the wall mount 10 of FIG. 1 simultaneously with a bike mount 24. In one embodiment, the ski rack 502 may be attached to the wall mount 10 without any other attachments to the mount 10.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the track 314 as attached to a surfboard rack 504. The track 314 is secured to the base plate 302 via the pin 312. The surfboard rack 504 is attached to the base plate 302 as it is inserted through the opening 308 (see FIG. 10) of the receiver 310. The surfboard rack 504 includes openings 506, through which the rack 504 may be mounted to a surface. In one embodiment, the surfboard rack 504 may be attached to the wall mount 10 of FIG. 1 simultaneously with a bike mount 24. In another embodiment, the surfboard rack 504 may be attached to the wall mount 10 without any other attachments to the mount 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the track 314 as attached to a platform rack 602. The track 314 is secured to the base plate 302 via the pin 312. Similar to previous racks, the platform rack 602 is attached to the base plate 302 as a receptacle portion (not shown) is received by the receiver 310. The platform rack 602 may be configured to carry a substantial load. For example, according to one embodiment, support bars (not shown) extend between the base plate 310 and the underside of the platform 602 to support heavy loads. The platform rack 602 can vary in many ways. For example, the platform rack 602 shown comprises a large smooth metal sheet which can support objects or equipment for storage. According to an alternate embodiment, the platform may instead comprise a diamond cut sheet to increase friction and reduce slippage. In other embodiments the platform portion is much larger or smaller.

The platform rack 602 may be used in conjunction with another rack or other supporting feature, such as hooks or baskets, without limitation. According to one embodiment the platform rack 603 may be attached to the track 314 simultaneously with a bike mount 24 or ski rack 502. In another embodiment, a platform similar to the platform rack 602 is welded directly to the base plate 302 while still allowing the receiver 310 to receive the receptacle bicycle or other type of rack.

It is to be understood that any of the features of any of the embodiments shown and described herein may be combined with other embodiments to form additional embodiments without limitation. The scope of the invention is considered to include any and all of these combinations. Embodiments of the method include operations described with regard to the various embodiments including, but not limited to, those shown and described with regard to the above figures.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Features from the various embodiments may be incorporated together or separated out from each other in any combination without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of embodiments of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A wall mount for supporting a hitch mount rack, the wall mount comprising:

one or more base members comprising a base plate member;

a wall mount receiver projecting from the base plate member, the wall mount receiver configured to receive a receptacle portion of a hitch mount rack; and

an anchor structure on at least one of the one or more base members.

2. The wall mount of claim 1, further comprising a through hole in the receiver and a pin for securing the hitch mount rack to the receiver.

3. The wall mount of claim 1, wherein the wall mount receiver comprises a tubular socket and the receptacle portion of the hitch mount rack comprises a male receptacle, wherein the wall mount receiver is configured to receive the male receptacle into the tubular socket.

4. The wall mount of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastener for securing the wall mount to a building wall structure.

5. The wall mount of claim 1, wherein the wall mount receiver is a dual receiver configured to receive a plurality of receptacle portions of hitch mount racks.

6. The wall mount of claim 1, further comprising several holes for the insertion of hooks in one or more of the one or more base members.

7. The wall mount of claim 1, wherein the hitch mount rack is a ski rack.

8. The wall mount of claim 1, wherein the hitch mount rack is a surfboard rack.

9. The wall mount of claim 1, wherein the hitch mount rack is a bike rack.

10. The wall mount of claim 1, wherein the base plate member comprises two or more portions, the base plate member further comprising an adjustment mechanism for enabling the two or more portions to be adjustably secured to each other to selectively span a building wall structure at a variety of different spacings.

11. The wall mount of claim 1, wherein the one or more base members further comprises one or more track members which form a track wherein the base plate may be slideably secured.

12. The wall mount of claim 11, wherein when the wall mount structure is secured to the building wall structure the base plate is slidable in a vertical direction.

13. The wall mount of claim 11, further comprising a spring biased pin and a plurality of holes in the one or more base members, wherein the spring biased pin selectively engages the plurality of holes to lock the base plate relative to the one or more track members.

14. The wall mount of claim 11, wherein the base plate member is slideable along the track by use of a pulley system.

15. A hitch mount rack system, the system comprising:

a building wall structure;

a wall mount comprising, one or more base members comprising a base plate member; a wall mount receiver projecting from the base plate member, the wall mount receiver configured to receive a receptacle portion of a hitch mount rack; an anchor structure on at least one of the one or more base members; and at least one fastener configured to engage the anchor structure and secure the wall mount to the building wall structure;

an automobile mount having an automobile mount receiver;

the hitch mount rack having a receptacle configured to be selectively received by each of the wall mount receiver and the automobile mount receiver.

16. The hitch mount rack system of claim 15, wherein the one or more base members of the wall mount further comprises one or more track members which form a track wherein the base plate may be slideably secured.

17. The hitch mount rack system of claim 16, wherein when the wall mount structure is secured to the building wall structure the base plate is slidable in a vertical direction.

18. The wall mount of claim 16, further comprising a spring biased pin and a plurality of holes in the one or more base members, wherein the spring biased pin selectively engages the plurality of holes to lock the base plate relative to the one or more track members.

19. A method for supporting a hitch mount rack on a building wall, the method comprising:

providing a wall mount comprising, one or more base members comprising a base plate member and one or more track members which form a track wherein the base plate may slidably secured; a wall mount receiver projecting from the base plate member, the wall mount receiver configured to receive a receptacle portion of a hitch mount rack; an anchor structure on at least one of the one or more base members; and at least one fastener configured to engage the anchor structure and secure the wall mount to a building wall structure;

selectively receiving the hitch mount rack capable of being supported by a hitch of a motor vehicle on the wall mount receiver; and

adjustably supporting the wall mount receiver on a wall structure of a building, wherein adjustably supporting the wall mount receiver comprises positioning the wall mount receiver at different points along the track.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein adjustably supporting the wall mount receiver further comprises locking the wall mount receiver in a locked position on the track.