Platform Type Patents (Class 224/524)
  • Patent number: 11858361
    Abstract: An electric vehicle having an internal rechargeable battery which is recharged via a recharging connector. The electric vehicle has an external battery secured to an exterior of the electric vehicle. The external battery communicates electricity to the internal rechargeable battery via the recharging connector. The external battery being carried by a cantilevered platform from the electric vehicle, pulled by a trailer, or mounted to the roof of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventor: Mark Ogram
  • Patent number: 11827110
    Abstract: An electric vehicle which operates from a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is contained within an enclosure such that an airspace exists between the rechargeable battery and an interior wall of the enclosure. An aerosol container containing an aerosol electrical insulator communicates with the interior of the enclosure so that when said aerosol container is discharged, the aerosol electrical insulator is released within the airspace to dampen any fire occurring with the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Mark Ogram
  • Patent number: 11535313
    Abstract: A spare tire mount for the rear of a motor vehicle has a first outer support frame with a second, inner support frame nested inside and releasably connected to the first frame. Both frames extend laterally across the back of the vehicle and extend upward at an angle. Both frames rotate about a vertical joint at the rear bumper so the frames rotate toward and away from the vehicle. The second frame holds the spare tire and rotates about a horizontal axis. A wire rope winds around a reel on the first frame with the rope connected to the second frame to raise and lower the second frame and tire as they rotate about the first horizontal axis—toward and away from the first frame and ground. The reel is rotated by a worm screw and worm wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: NAADE, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Wymore
  • Patent number: 11479182
    Abstract: A bicycle rack support device for a vehicle to attach a bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle by the vehicle is provided. The bicycle rack support device includes a bracket, a collapsible latch assembly having a first engagement member and a second engagement member, a horizontal support bar, and a vertical support bar. The first engagement member is operatively engaged along the bottom portion of the bracket and coupled to the horizontal support bar. The second engagement member is operatively engaged along the top portion of the bracket and coupled with the vertical support bar. The vertical support bar is pivoted and may move towards rearward from the partially back opened recess away from the horizontal support bar to be angularly adjusted. The vertical support bar is further pivoted forward towards the horizontal support bar to be locked on the horizontal support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventors: Taiping Yang, Jia Zhuo
  • Patent number: 9056590
    Abstract: One bracket assembly constructed of aluminum; however any metal, modern plastic or composite material may be substituted. Bracket assembly consists of a front mounting plate (FIG. 2) and a base mounting assembly or plate (FIG. 3). The base mounting assembly or plate contains a pull pin (FIG. 3, 15) locking device, which is attached to the base plate by square aluminum nut (FIG. 3, 17) welded to the tube. The front mounting plate consists of a notch (FIG. 2, 9) in the rod (8) that the pull pin (FIG. 3, 15) locks in to. This allows for assembly of the bracket and quick removal of the front mounting plate (FIG. 2) when desired. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Patrick McKinney
  • Patent number: 8820598
    Abstract: A rack for retaining a plurality of modular accessory cubes at the rear of a motor vehicle includes a hitch mounted swing-away carrier supporting an upright post carrying a number of planar platforms which the cubes may be attached to. The cubes may have drawers for supporting equipment such as grills and the like useful for outdoor activities and other modules may comprise electronic entertainment equipment such as audio players, radio and TV receivers, and the like. The platforms and the bases of the modules are formed with complementary engaging sections for positioning the modules on the platform, and threaded fasteners projecting upwardly through the platforms may quickly allow the modules to be secured and released from the platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ty Tennyson, Michael Henley
  • Patent number: 8814209
    Abstract: Hitch apparatus and a method of using the same with a vehicle hitch allows the use of a vise, anvil, grinder or other tool requiring mounting before use. Various apertures on the hitch apparatus allow for selected vertical or horizontal mounting on a vehicle hitch. The hitch apparatus further includes a leg to provide for additional strength and structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Maxwell E. Way
  • Patent number: 8757458
    Abstract: A storage box comprises a housing with open ends and a tray that slides out either open end and up to at least fifty percent or up to at least sixty percent of the length of the tray may slide out either open end. Latch members operable from either open end of the housing selectively hold the tray in a centered position and can be released to allow the tray to slide out a selected end of the housing. Multiple latch member mating members may be associated with the housing for selective engagement by the latch members to latch the tray in multiple extended positions between the centered position and fully retracted positions out either the first or second open ends. Latch engagement members mounted on the doors engage latches connecting the tray to the housing when the doors are shut to prevent the latches from becoming unlatched when the doors are shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Nebel
  • Patent number: 8281968
    Abstract: A lightweight cargo carrying structure mounted upon arms which cantilever rearward from tow eyes mounted at the rear of a vehicle. This invention provides an efficient way to expand the cargo-carrying capacity of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: John Wesley Perry
  • Patent number: 8162193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cargo carrier. The cargo carrier attaches to a vehicle and includes a platform, an upper frame, a plurality of vertical supports, a support sleeve and a support beam. The platform itself is constructed from a plurality of longitudinal support members and a plurality of cross members that interfit with each other via a channel design and/or a shoulder and notch system. The platform is then mounted to a vehicle by attaching the support sleeve and support beam to an existing vehicle hitch. Once attached, the platform may be loaded with heavy items for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Wang Gang
  • Patent number: 8091378
    Abstract: A hitch mounted self-contained keg beverage dispenser removably mounts on a conventional receiver hitch of a vehicle for transporting a beverage keg over long distances to a site of use while maintaining the contents in a cooled condition and dispensing the contents at the site while supported on the transporting vehicle. The dispenser has an insulated container that receives the keg and is mounted on a platform received in the hitch and supported vertically proximate the vehicle rear bumper. The container may be secured to the platform in the vertically supported position and pivoted to an angular position to allow access to the vehicle cargo area. A compressed gas cylinder, a dispensing spigot and a drip tray are mounted on the container. The keg inside the container is surrounded by ice and connected with the gas cylinder and spigot by hoses extending through the container side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Ovidio Farias, III, Jim Lee McNeil, Theresa Eilers
  • Patent number: 7992751
    Abstract: A cargo carrier mountable onto a trailer hitch of a vehicle has a two-piece tubular housing having an internal chamber for accommodating link members and rigid bars used to retain the housing in an expanded open position. A hitch bar secured to the housing is adapted to be coupled to the trailer hitch on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Larry L. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7914060
    Abstract: The vehicle cargo extender allows a user to effectively extend the bed of a vehicle to accommodate and support cargo having dimensions extending beyond an unmodified bed. The extender has a deck assembly and an arm assembly. The deck, which may be folded for easier storage, forms a floor on which cargo may rest. The arm assembly comprises an extension tube, a storage receiver tube, a crosspiece receiver tube, and a crosspiece assembly. The extension tube, when in use, is inserted into and secured within a receiver hitch. The deck is coupled with the arm assembly. The user may also attach a shelf assembly to the arm assembly to carry additional cargo. When in the stowed position, the crosspiece is coupled to the crosspiece receiver tube and may have reflectors or auxiliary taillights. The storage receiver tube and crosspiece may be nested and secured together within a receiver hitch. When in the stowed position, the arm assembly forms a step to allow the user easy access to the pickup truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Bryan Scribner
    Inventors: Bryan Scribner, Bradley J. Scribner
  • Patent number: 7905508
    Abstract: A removable wagon may be attached to a hitch insert for transportation by a vehicle. After transport the wagon may be rolled by the user to a desired location. Devices for hitching the wagon to the vehicle are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: C2it
    Inventors: Trish Crawford, Kent Crawford
  • Patent number: 7841821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-weight tiltable hauling device for transporting smaller, auxiliary vehicles, where such device mounts to the hitch of an automobile, truck, van, SUV, RV, or other similar motor vehicles, the device can be mounted and removed by a single individual, the auxiliary vehicle can be easily loaded and unloaded by a single individual, and the device can transport auxiliary vehicles weighing up to 700 pounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mirofam LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Miro, Andrew Miro
  • Patent number: 7419347
    Abstract: A tool support apparatus for supporting tools from a vehicle hitch receiver includes a tongue bar mountable to a vehicle hitch receiver of a vehicle and extending outwardly from a rear of the vehicle. An outrigger bar is coupled to the tongue bar and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the tongue bar. A pair of stabilizer jacks is rotatably coupled to opposing ends of said outrigger bar. Each of said stabilizer jacks is configured to engage the ground surface to stabilize the outrigger bar and the tongue bar when weight is applied to the tongue bar. A mounting plate is mounted on the tongue bar to receive the tools. The mounting plate has a plurality of mounting apertures extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: John D. Cormier
  • Publication number: 20080061097
    Abstract: A vehicle attachment that sits behind a vehicle and attaches to the vehicle's trailer hitch. To the plate is attached a device such as a barbecue, tool, etc. The plate is attached to a series of tubular members that connect to one another and ultimately to the vehicle's trailer hitch. The plate is easily removed, allowing the user to either use the plate or to easily attach other attachments to the hollow pole. Therefore, the user can quickly and easily perform a variety of activities at variable heights behind the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Curt Milender, Charles Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080017682
    Abstract: An innovative cargo carrying system specifically designed to be easily mounted at the rear of mid-size or small sedan vehicles that allow easy access to the cargo and has minimal or no effect on wind noise and drag. Mid-size and small sedan vehicles are typically the ones that have the greatest cargo volume limitations and therefore benefit the most of the extra cargo space, especially for long travel. This invention disclosure presents the system and the required hardware needed to attach various types of cargo carrying devices to these vehicles. The system is made of two brackets, a frame and mounts. Various cargo carrying devices can be attached to the frame of this system. Two examples are presented in this invention disclosure, one is a simple platform and the second is an enclosed cargo box that allows locking the cargo and also protects it from the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Warnock, Francois J. Charette
  • Publication number: 20080006666
    Abstract: A hitch carrier device for transporting cargo and particularly, but not exclusively, large game carcasses on a hitch of a road vehicle is described. The carrier device comprises a support structure having a vertical support frame. A hitch connection is provided at a lower end of the vertical support frame. A horizontal harness support frame is secured to an upper end portion of the vertical support frame. A harness of flexible material is detachably secured to the horizontal harness support frame for supporting a cargo to be transported at an elevated position above the hitch behind the road vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald KERR
  • Patent number: 7316339
    Abstract: A cargo carrier has a platform section. A set of foldable wall elements is for location in a first position substantially flat with a support region and in a second position substantially upright relative to the inner cargo support region. There can be two platform sections bolted together to form the overall platform section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Larin Corporation
    Inventor: Shouyun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7281646
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper is provided. The apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper includes a support platform, a support arm attached to the support platform at an end thereof, a pivot mount assembly for attaching an end of the support arm to a vehicle bumper, and a retaining mount assembly. A grill is fixedly mounted to the support platform by securing the grill to grill mounting flanges, which are attached to the support platform. The support arm is pivotal about the pivot mount assembly allowing the grill to be rotated about the vehicle for positioning of the grill for use. In addition, the grill support platform can be pivotal about the support arm allowing greater versatility in positioning the grill for use. The retaining mount assembly is attached to the vehicle bumper at a spaced distance from the pivot mount assembly and functions to retain the support arm in a non-use position against or parallel to the vehicle bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Flannery
  • Patent number: 7267253
    Abstract: A multipositionable apparatus for mounting on a receiver assembly carried by a vehicle includes a support frame, a platform carried on the support frame and a linkage for displaceably mounting the platform relative to the frame and positively holding the platform in at least two different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Jason R. Moldthan, Katherine A. Adams
  • Patent number: 7175060
    Abstract: A securing bracket for mounting a bed slide in a vehicle storage area is disclosed. The bed slide-mounting bracket is characterized by a body with a protrusion. The protrusion is formed comprising a cavity sufficient to affix the bed slide-mounting bracket to the vehicle storage area using pre-existing vehicle hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IFW, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Carpenter, Steve Robinson, Dan Marshall
  • Patent number: 7090104
    Abstract: A combination table and support member assembly for use in connection with a trailer hitch mounted onto a vehicle, where the support member and table can be joined in various configurations to vary the table height when in use and to vary the lateral separation distance between the rear of the vehicle and the table and vertical components of the support member when in use or in transport to allow for sufficient distance to enable utilization of the tailgate, rear door or hatchback of the vehicle. Extension members may also be utilized to alter the configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph A. Dorety
  • Patent number: 6976615
    Abstract: A vehicle load carrier including a frame adapted to support a load and mount to the rear of a vehicle, wherein the frame includes coupling member for coupling with the rear of the vehicle and a carrier section. The load carrier includes a pivot joint having locking catches and a non-removable retainer adapted to engage the catches. The retainer may have a threaded portion adapted to engaged a threaded opening in the frame. The retainer engages the catches for securing the coupling member and carrier section in a fixed position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dean
  • Patent number: 6846017
    Abstract: A hitch mounted cargo carrier is used in combination with a vehicle having an adapter. The cargo carrier has a connecting bar received in the adapter. An extending arm on the connecting bar is connected to a channel on the lower side of a body of the cargo carrier. Accessories are removably connected to the cargo carrier to provide various use of the cargo carrier. A method of use of the cargo carrier is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Dwayne A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6802553
    Abstract: The floral carrier for truck bed is a hollow truck bed cover having a front section and a rear section capable of rotating upward and towards the front section to provide access to the storage area formed by the cover. The rear section of the cover would angle rearward and slightly upward from the front section of the cover. A hand grasp extending from the rear section would facilitate its upwards rotation. The cover would feature multiple low profile bars along the tops of both sections and to which floral arrangements could be attached. The cover would be attached to the truck bed with a set of clips formed to interact with existing hardware in the bed of a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Virgil L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6783315
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a loading platform 14 for motor vehicles 12 that is pivotably supported by a rigid stationary frame member 32 with a central square tube 34 that connects with a conventional trailer hitch 36. The platform 14 may be locked securely to the stationary frame member 32 and released to allow for the pivoting movement thereof. A pair of bearing assemblies 42 allow for the axial rotation of the bearing blocks 46 and associated platform 14 around the bearings 44 that remain in a fixed position due to the square tube 34 extending therethrough. Pneumatic pistons 30 communicate between a central portion of the stationary frame member 32 and a distal portion of the platform 14 to provide stability and regulate the rotational movement of the platform 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J Senechal
  • Patent number: 6769584
    Abstract: A double decker article carrier for mounting to a receiver assembly includes a frame having a pair of mounting bars for securing the frame to the receiver assembly and a pair of support members. A first platform is carried by the mounting bars and a second platform is carried by the support members. The platforms are carried in an aligned, stacked configuration with one over the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Cequent Towning Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine A. Adams, Jason R. Moldthan, Richard W. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20030230607
    Abstract: A sectional receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework has couplers along one or more portions of its periphery. The couplers enable the main framework to be joined to one or more auxilliary frame pieces that contain coupling members that mate with the couplers of the main framework. The auxilliary frame pieces may be removed, thereby exposing the couplers to which they were attached. The exposed couplers may be used for joining cargo unit to the main framework. Accordingly, the cargo units may be secured to the main framework by joining their attached coupling members to the couplers attached to the main framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Ole E. Tweet, Kenneth Q. Kalsnes, P. Lewis Vaughn
  • Patent number: 6581954
    Abstract: A multi-use motorcycle apparatus and method therefor capable of being easily transported and configured into any of three different apparatuses usable for motorcycles: (a) a towing trailer for a motorcycle where the trailer is dimensioned to be coupled to a vehicle receiver hitch; (b) a frame lift for lifting and supporting the frame of a motorcycle; and (c) a motorcycle lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Chadwick
  • Patent number: 6513690
    Abstract: A supplementary cargo carrier for a vehicle. The carrier includes a support-frame, a platform and support bars which can be pivoted relative to the platform. The support-frame can be removably attached to a trailer hitch. The carrier can have a variety of configurations depending on the intended application, the configurations being changeable by adjusting the support bars and by reversing the orientation of the platform relative to the support-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Michael P. Churchill, Robert W. Swartz
  • Patent number: 6494352
    Abstract: A golf bag travel system which can be used in both a vehicle-mounted mode and a travel mode. The system includes a vehicle base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a travel base having wheels, and a cover which mates with both the vehicle base and the travel base. A multi-point lock releasably secures the cover to either the vehicle base or the travel base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Golfins LLC
    Inventor: Rick L. Mullen
  • Patent number: 6390343
    Abstract: A vehicle hitch supported cargo carrier mechanism connectable to the hitch of the vehicle located above a ground surface utilizing an adapter. The adapter connects to the hitch of the vehicle. A base member is connected to the adapter and utilizes an upright element, which extends outwardly from the adapter. A platform capable of carrying cargo links to connector. The connector is rotatably fastened to the upright element permitting the platform to also rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position. A lock fixes the rotational movement of the platform as desired between the horizontal and vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Vinoo Kumar Jain
  • Patent number: 6378748
    Abstract: A carrier system for an associated vehicle is shown having mounting structure for mounting the carrier system to the vehicle; the carrier system is shown with a coupler which is effective for in turn connecting to various cargo carrying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Larry E. Cox
  • Patent number: 6345749
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle tank hauling assembly for transporting waste tanks by automotive vehicle without requiring the waste tank to be lifted from the ground. The recreational vehicle tank hauling assembly includes a connection member adapted for coupling to a trailer hitch, an axle extending from the connection member, a deck assembly rotatably coupled to the axle, and a pin for securing the rotation of the deck with respect to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Edward B. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6296163
    Abstract: A substantially flat-shaped board type carrier (8) is placed on a carrier frame mounted on the front and/or rear of a straddle type four wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The carrier surface (8A) on which baggage is placed is provided with numerous lateral anti-slip projections (8e) that are parallel to one another and expand outward. Of the parts comprising the carrier frame, at least the front main frame and rear main frame are made of pipe and support the carrier by being fitted into the fitting grooves formed by the ribs on the bottom surface of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jiro Kitao, Takeshi Usui, Hideyoshi Kosuge, Kazuhiro Maeda, Fumio Mizuta, Toru Minami
  • Patent number: 6260752
    Abstract: An external equipment carrier with a cargo holder includes an arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch on a vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are connected to the back of the arm. The top of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo holder is removably carried on a support bar at the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. The arm is articulated for retracting the cargo holder to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the cargo holder to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle. The cargo holder includes retractable legs with wheels. In another embodiment, the cargo holder is supported on a foldable platform attached to the top of the jack. In another embodiment, the jack is comprised of a screw jack connected to a rear end of a hinged arm with a front end for being attached to a trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Emil Dollesin
  • Patent number: 6253981
    Abstract: A cargo carrier with two platform sections that are assembled together. Opposite metal side walls of the platform sections are bent to an offset angle to enable either end of the platforms to slide up against each other and be bolted together. This makes for easy assembly and less hardware. A tie plate, and bolts are provided on the top of the juxtaposed interior ends of the platform sections for the securing of the two platform sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Don McLemore
  • Patent number: 6202909
    Abstract: A cargo carrier (10) has a separable drawbar (22) and platform (20) for facilitating ease of storage when not in use. The drawbar (22) is mountable to a vehicle hitch and the platform (20) is mounted onto the drawbar (22) via the fastening of a single manually operated knob (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Draw-Tite Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob S. Belinky, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 6179184
    Abstract: A cargo carrier platform for mounting to a vehicle hitch allowing cargo to be transported outside the vehicle. The cargo carrier includes a drawbar adapted to be received within the vehicle hitch and a cargo platform adjustably attached to the drawbar to facilitate fore and aft adjustment of the platform relative to the rear of the vehicle. The drawbar is provided with a vertical offset to position the platform further from the ground. Markers are mounted on the outer rear corners of the platform to provide the user with a continuous visual indication of the extent of the cargo carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Draw-Tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob S. Belinky, David L. Rogers, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 6105843
    Abstract: An external equipment carrier with a cargo box for a vehicle includes an arm with a proximal end for being attached to a trailer hitch on the vehicle. A manual scissors jack and a vertical guide rail are attached to the distal end of the arm. The top end of the jack is slidable along the guide rail. A cargo box is removably carried on a support bar attached to the top of the jack, and can be raised or lowered by operating the jack. Although the jack has a very high lifting capacity, it is very inexpensive, and does not require a locking or braking system. A pair of mirrors and brake lights are attached to an extendable arm connected to the guide rail. The mirrors enable a driver to see behind and below the box when backing up. The arm is articulated for retracting the box to a stowed position behind the vehicle, and pivoting the box to an extended position away from the tailgate or rear door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Emil Dollesin
  • Patent number: 6089430
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element includes an object support platform. The object support platform includes an platform section lying generally in a plane for positioning of an object thereon. The object support platform further includes a support member. The mounting apparatus further includes a hitch member which includes a position locking and coupling device connected to a portion of the hitch member for adjustably coupling a portion of the elongated support member such that the plane in which the platform section generally lies is adjustable to a plurality of positions at the rear of the vehicle. The platform section may be for supporting a carrier receptacle or one or more bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: William L. Mehls
  • Patent number: 6010046
    Abstract: A storage box assembly for a truck cargo compartment with sidewalls and a bottom. A pair of storage boxes (54, 56) are mounted on a frame (12) for lateral movement towards and away from each other (FIG. 3). Vertically adjustable columns (22) are provided at the corners of the frame (12). They are fitable within the storage compartment (FIG. 3) and are adapted for raising and lowering the frame (12) to move the frame (12) between a lowered position (FIG. 1) and a raised position (FIG. 2). When the frame (12) is in its lowered position the storage boxes (54, 56) are down within the cargo compartment. When the frame (12) is in its raised position the storage boxes (54, 56) are elevated above the bottom (32) of the cargo compartment. The storage boxes (54, 56) are adapted to moved laterally inwardly towards each other, so that when the frame (12) is in its lowered position (FIG. 1), the storage boxes (54, 56) can be placed between the sides (36, 38) of the cargo compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Coleman J. Neeser
  • Patent number: 6006973
    Abstract: A bike rack cargo carrier for mounting to a vehicle hitch allowing bicycles to be transported outside the vehicle. The bike carrier includes a drawbar adapted to be received within the vehicle hitch and a cargo platform adjustably attached to the drawbar to facilitate fore and aft adjustment of the platform relative to the rear of the vehicle. The drawbar is provided with a vertical offset to position the platform further from the ground. A support stanchion is removably secured to the carrier platform to transport a plurality of bicycles in a vertical position. The stanchion is adjustably mounted to the platform to accommodate different numbers of bikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Draw-Tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob S. Belinky, David L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5996869
    Abstract: A cargo carrier platform for mounting to a vehicle hitch allowing cargo to be transported outside the vehicle. The cargo carrier includes a drawbar adapted to be received within the vehicle hitch and a cargo platform adjustably attached to the drawbar to facilitate fore and aft adjustment of the platform relative to the rear of the vehicle. The drawbar is provided with a vertical offset to position the platform further from the ground. Markers are mounted on the outer rear corners of the platform to provide the user with a continuous visual indication of the extent of the cargo carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Draw-Tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob S. Belinky, David L. Rogers, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 5947357
    Abstract: The bicycle rack mounts equipment to the back end of a vehicle. The rack has a base and at least one receiver mounted on the base. The receiver has upright walls extending upright from the base to a top spaced from the base. The upright walls forming a receiving space. One upright wall has a channel extending from the top of the upright wall. The channel has spaced-apart side edges. The receiving space receives a bicycle crank arm. A platform extends outward from an upright wall. The crank hub of a bicycle rest on the platform when the crank arm is in the receiver. A slot, which accepts the axle of the bicycle crank extend through the upright wall toward the platform. A securing member is positioned in the channel. It has a pair of flanges that extend beyond the side edges of the channel. A crank clamp on the securing member moves into and out of the receiving space for pushing against bicycle crank arm in the receiving space to secure the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Uri Surkin
  • Patent number: 5862966
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element includes an object support platform. The object support platform includes an platform section lying generally in a plane for positioning of an object thereon. The object support platform further includes a support member. The mounting apparatus further includes a hitch member which includes a position locking and coupling device connected to a portion of the hitch member for adjustably coupling a portion of the elongated support member such that the plane in which the platform section generally lies is adjustable to a plurality of positions at the rear of the vehicle. The platform section may be for supporting a carrier receptacle or one or more bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: William L. Mehls
    Inventor: William L. Mehls
  • Patent number: 5855309
    Abstract: Cargo boxes for trailers that support boats, jet skis, motorcycles, off road vehicles and power equipment A first embodiment has ninety degree angled channels in rectangular shape that are bolted to the front of a boat trailer frame or rear bumper of a towing vehicle. A hinged strap fits through the handle on five gallon gas cans or ice chests. One end of the strap is welded to the channels, the second end has a slot for fitting about a loop attached to a front channel. A key/combination padlock inserts through the loop locking the storage container to the channels A second embodiment has an I-Frame formed by two angled channels separated by telescoping adjustable plates wherein the storage containers, or a hinged box can be attached thereon by bolts, and BUNGEE.RTM. cords. The components of the cargo boxes can be formed from stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, molded plastic, fiberglass and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Mark E. Hallsworth
  • Patent number: 5836493
    Abstract: A mount for supporting a cargo carrier to a vehicle having a standard receiver hitch, comprises a receiver bar adapted for connecting with the receiver hitch, and first and second plate members generally vertically disposed and affixed to the receiver bar. The plate members have, at least over a portion thereof, substantially planar surfaces for adjacent abutment thereof. A rigid member such as a crosspiece, yoke, or bracket, is affixed to the outermost plate member, and a carrier supported by the rigid member is cantilevered from the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Michael P. Grunsted
    Inventors: Michael P. Grunsted, Peter M. Schingen, Paul R. Walker