SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HITCH RACK CARRYING APPARATUS

Abstract

A system for positioning a hitch rack for attachment to a vehicle hitch receiver, comprising: a body; a transportation base coupled to the body, the transportation base having a plurality of wheel assemblies that facilitate rolling of the system along a ground surface and a support member coupled to the body, the support member configured to receive and support the hitch rack; the system having an adjusting gear mechanism coupled to the support member and the body, the adjusting gear mechanism configured to adjust a height of the support member relative to the transportation base.

Claims

1. A system for positioning a hitch rack for attachment to a vehicle hitch receiver, comprising: a body; a transportation base coupled to the body, the transportation base configured to provide movement of the system along a ground surface; a support member coupled to the body, the support member configured to receive and support the hitch rack; an adjusting mechanism coupled to the support member and the body, the adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a height of the support member relative to the transportation base, wherein the support member comprises: an L-shaped arm having a vertical portion extending upward alongside the body and a horizontal portion extending perpendicular to the vertical portion, wherein a support bracket connected to the L-shaped arm and is configured to receive the hitch rack, wherein the support bracket comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive position locking pins for fastening the support bracket to the horizontal portion of the L-shaped arm.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to the body, wherein the handle is configured to facilitate transportation of the system.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a support belt coupled to the vertical portion of the L-shaped arm, the support belt configured to secure the hitch rack to the support member.

6. (canceled)

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the support belt comprises: a U-shaped structure having two prongs extending outward from the support member; and a release buckle coupled to the two prongs, the release buckle comprising an adjustable strap with a male component connected to a first prong of the two prongs and a female component connected to a second prong of the two prongs.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjusting gear mechanism comprises: a first meshing gear in a horizontal configuration; a second meshing gear in a vertical configuration that mates with the first meshing gear; and a vertical shaft coupled to the second meshing gear.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a hand crank coupled to the first meshing gear, wherein rotation of the hand crank causes vertical movement of the support member relative to the body, wherein the adjusting gear mechanism is configured to raise the support member when the hand crank is rotated in a first direction and lower the support member when the hand crank is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjusting gear mechanism comprises a motorized system having an internal DC motor and a gearbox controlled by a switch.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein the handle comprises: two vertical components extending upward from the body; two diagonal components coupled to the two vertical components; and a horizontal component coupled to the two diagonal components, wherein the horizontal component comprises a gripping surface.

12. A system for positioning a bicycle rack for attachment to a vehicle hitch receiver, comprising: a wheeled base; a body coupled to the wheeled base; an L-shaped support arm coupled to the body, the L-shaped support arm having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion; a support bracket coupled to the horizontal portion of the L-shaped support arm, the support bracket configured to receive and support the bicycle rack; a support belt coupled to the vertical portion of the L-shaped support arm, the support belt configured to secure the bicycle rack to the L-shaped support arm; a lifting mechanism coupled to the L-shaped support arm and the body, the lifting mechanism configured to adjust a height of the L-shaped support arm relative to the wheeled base; and a handle coupled to the body for maneuvering the system, wherein the support belt comprises a horizontal adjustment system configured to adjust a horizontal position of the support belt relative to the body.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a crank-operated gear system.

14. (canceled)

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the horizontal adjustment system comprises: a threaded rod oriented horizontally; an adjustment wheel coupled to the threaded rod; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the adjustment wheel in place.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. A system for positioning a bicycle rack for attachment to a vehicle hitch receiver, comprising: a wheeled base; a body coupled to the wheeled base; an L-shaped support arm coupled to the body, the L-shaped support arm having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion; a support bracket coupled to the horizontal portion of the L-shaped support arm, the support bracket configured to receive and support the bicycle rack; a support belt coupled to the vertical portion of the L-shaped support arm, the support belt configured to secure the bicycle rack to the L-shaped support arm; a lifting mechanism coupled to the L-shaped support arm and the body, the lifting mechanism configured to adjust a height of the L-shaped support arm relative to the wheeled base; and a handle coupled to the body for maneuvering the system, wherein the support bracket comprises an H-shaped structure with a series of wings extending upward and downward from a middle plate.

22. A system for positioning and attaching multiple types of hitch racks to a vehicle hitch receiver, the system comprising: a body; a transportation base coupled to the body to configured to provide movement of the system along a ground surface; a support member coupled to the body, the support member configured to receive and support the hitch rack; an adjusting mechanism coupled to the support member and the body, the adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a height of the support member relative to the transportation base, wherein the support member comprises a support bracket, wherein the hitch rack is positionable on the support bracket, wherein the support bracket has a series of tightening knobs on the support bracket for secure positioning of the hitch rack.

23. The system of claim 22, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member, the height adjustment mechanism configured to vertically adjust the support member relative to the transportation base wherein the support bracket and the hitch rack positioned on the support bracket are raised to a higher elevation from a first configuration to a second configuration.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to receive the multiple types of the hitch racks which are standalone and separately connected to the vehicle hitch receiver without the system.

25. A method for positioning and aligning a hitch rack with a vehicle hitch receiver, the method comprising the following steps in order: a) providing a hitch rack positioning system having a wheeled base, a body, an adjustable support member with a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, and a height adjustment mechanism; b) lowering the support member to a loading position by operating the height adjustment mechanism; c) positioning the hitch rack on the horizontal portion of the support member; d) securing the hitch rack to the support member using a support bracket coupled to the horizontal portion; e) transporting the hitch rack and positioning system to a vehicle by rolling the wheeled base along a ground surface; f) positioning the positioning system proximate to the vehicle hitch receiver; g) operating the height adjustment mechanism to raise the support member and the secured hitch rack from the loading position to an attachment position, wherein the raising step comprises aligning a connecting arm of the hitch rack with the vehicle hitch receiver; h) adjusting the vertical height of the support member until the connecting arm is horizontally aligned with an opening of the vehicle hitch receiver; i) inserting the connecting arm into the vehicle hitch receiver; and j) removing hitch rack positioning system away from vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 1A-C show views of one embodiment of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0027] FIGS. 2A-C show more views of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows another view of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows the support belt of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows the support bracket of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0031] FIG. 6 show the adjusting mechanism of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0032] FIG. 7 show another view of the adjusting mechanism of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0033] FIGS. 8A-C show views of another embodiment of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0034] FIGS. 9A-B show more views of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0035] FIGS. 10A-B show the support belt and support bracket of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

[0036] FIG. 11A-B show another view of the adjusting mechanism of the hitch rack carrying apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or another embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0038] Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.

[0039] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

[0040] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0041] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods, and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C there are various illustrated views of hitch rack carrier 100, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Hitch rack carrier 100 may be used to connect an attached hitch rack on the rear of a motor vehicle for a bicycle or any other apparatus that may be connected to a motor vehicle. For purposes of illustration, the motor vehicle may be described as an automobile, however, it should be noted that other motor vehicles, such as trucks, vans, and the like may also be utilized. Hitch rack carrier 100 may be used in combination with multiple types of hitch racks with different designs and configurations. Hitch racks that are compatible with hitch rack carrier 100 may include platform/tray-style racks where bicycles sit on individual trays or platforms, hanging-style racks where the bicycles hang by their top tube from arms on the rack, vertical racks where bicycles hang vertically, parallel to the back of the vehicle, swing-away racks which can swing to the side, allowing access to the vehicle's rear without removing bikes, tilting racks which tilt down to allow trunk or hatch access without fully removing the bicycles, and wheel mount racks which secure bicycles by the wheels only, with no frame contact.

[0043] Hitch rack carrier 100 may include various components such as a central body 105, a transportation base 110, a support member 120, an adjusting gear mechanism 130, and a handle 140.

[0044] Transportation base 110 may be positioned directly under or integrated into central body 105 and may provide support to hitch rack carrier 100 and come in contact with the ground or another surface during transportation of a hitch rack to a vehicle. Transportation base 110 may include a plurality of wheel assemblies 112 which may be coupled to distal ends of a plurality of legs 114 that extend outward in multiple opposing directions from central body 105 and a middle of transportation base 110 and then upward above wheel assemblies 112 for further structural support. In the embodiment illustrated, there may be four legs 114 and four-wheel assemblies 112, however, this is non-limiting and may be any number or combination depending on the need and circumstances required. Each of the wheel assemblies 112 may include a wheel that facilitates rolling of hitch rack carrier 100 along a ground surface. In one non-limiting embodiment, the wheel assemblies 112 may include casters such that the wheels configured to swivel with respect to transportation base 110 which can allow for ease of rolling and positioning of hitch rack carrier 100 with respect to the ground surface in different directions.

[0045] Central body 105 may include an outer shell with a hollow interior for housing adjusting mechanism 130 and other components of bicycle rack carrier 100. The outer shell may be elongated and cylindrical but may also be any other shape or size. Central body 105 may have a top plate 106 at an upper surface of central body 105 with a plurality of apertures 107 which are designed for handle 140 to pass through and an indent for support member 120 for connecting central body 105 with a friction fit or one or more fasteners. Central body 105 may have a series of protrusions in the form of receptacles 108 at or near a bottom of central body 105 and above transportation base 110 that are vertically aligned with apertures 107 for receiving ends of handle 140.

[0046] Support member 120 may be in the form of an L-shaped arm, the L-shaped arm having a vertical portion extending upward alongside central body 105 and horizontal portion perpendicular to the surface, as illustrated in FIG. 2A-2C. Support member 120 may have a curved surface connecting the vertical portion and horizontal portion. Near the end of the horizontal portion may be one or more holes that extend through the horizontal portion whereby one or more positioned locking pins or other fasteners may secure a support bracket 122 to the horizontal portion, thus locking support bracket 122 at a position relative to central body 105. Near the end of the vertical portion may be one or more holes that extend through the vertical portion whereby one or more positioned locking pins or other fasteners may secure a support belt 124 to the vertical portion, thus locking support belt 124 at a position relative to the ground until raised or lowered as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0047] Support bracket 122, as illustrated in FIG. 5, may have a series of apertures for receiving position locking pins to be fastened to the horizontal portion of support member 120. Support bracket 122 may have a H-shape with a series of wings that extend upward and downward from support member 120 with a middle plate that rests directly above support member 120.

[0048] Support belt 124, as illustrated in FIG. 4 may have a series of apertures for receiving position locking pins to be fastened to the vertical portion of support member 120. Support belt 124 may have a u-shape with two prongs extending outward from support member 120, whereby the two prongs are connected by a middle component at one end.

[0049] At the second end of the two prongs may be a release buckle including an adjustable strap with a male component connected to the first prong and a cooperating female component on an adjustable strap connected to the second prong such that the buckle may be adjusted to secure in any hitch rack placed on hitch rack carrier 100. To fasten the buckle, spring arms of the male component may be inserted into the opening of the female component with the center guide sliding into the center channel to align the male and female components. The spring arms of the male component expand into release openings of the female component as the buckle is closed with the shoulder of each spring arm engaging the edge of the release opening. To release the buckle, the user presses the spring arms together, to disengage them from release openings and thereby allow the male and female components to separate. The length of the strap may be adjusted by sliding the strap through the slots. When adjusting is not needed, the buckle may only have one slot.

[0050] Adjusting gear mechanism 130 may have a gear connection 132 to be used to perform the actual adjustment of the support member 120 to increase elevation of the bicycle rack during operation by crank 136, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The adjusting mechanism 130 may be turned in a first direction such as clockwise to lower support member in relation to the base section. Likewise, the adjusting mechanism may be turned in the opposite direction such as counterclockwise to raise support member 120 in relation to base section. Adjusting may include a first meshing gear. The crank shaft also supports the first meshing gear in a horizontal configuration. The first meshing gear of gear connection 132 mates with a second meshing gear of gear connection 132 in a vertical configuration. The second meshing gear may be supported by a bearing plate to maintain a fixed position in relation to the adjusting gear mechanism. The second meshing gear is retained by a bearing and is connected firmly to a central vertical shaft. Thus, it can be seen that as the central vertical shaft turns, the adjusting gear mechanism will move up and down in a corresponding manner.

[0051] A removable hand crank 136 may be provided to assist the user in said raising and lowering process. However, this is non-limiting and other versions of hitch rack carrier 100 may include a motor system having an internal DC motor and gearbox which is controlled by a switch which subsequently raises and lowers the support member. Also, hydraulic, drill, pneumatic, or other methods of raising and lowering support mechanisms are contemplated.

[0052] Support belt 124 may also have a horizontal adjustment system using an adjustment wheel for forward and backward movement away from center body 105. A threaded rod may be oriented horizontally and connected to the adjustment wheel on a smooth slot. Support belt 124 may be attached to the threaded rod via a threaded hole or nut. The rod and moving component may be supported by a fixed frame or base. As the wheel moves, the rod turns, causing support belt 124 to slide forward and backward along its length. When the user twists the wheel, it locks the wheel in place to hold its supporting position.

[0053] Handle 140 may be designed to provide stability and distribute the weight of hitch rack carrier 100 and any hitch racks placed upon it. Handle 140 may have two vertical components that extend upward from receptacles 108 and through aperture 107 whereby they may extend outward into a triangular shape with two diagonal components connected by a horizontal component. The horizontal component may have a gripping surface such as rubber gripping to facilitate transportation and help with comfort for the user.

[0054] To begin utilization, the user would lower support member 120 using crank 136 to the lowest position. The user would then position a hitch rack on support member 120 and fasten the hitch rack by placing the hitch rack on support bracket 122 and adjusting support belt 124 to be placed around the hitch rack. Next, the user would then transport the hitch rack using hitch rack carrier 100 by holding handle 140 and wheeling it to the vehicle. The user would then raise support member 120 using crank 136 to the desired position such that the connecting arm of the hitch rack is aligned with the receiving hitch.

[0055] The connecting arm may then be physically secured to the receiving hitch by use of a hitch restraining pin or other method. The user then may move the hitch rack carrier 100 away from the vehicle and store for later use.

[0056] FIG. 8 through FIG. 11 show several views of a second embodiment of hitch rack carrier 100. The collar of support belt 124 is solid on all four sides to prevent rocking. Holes are threaded on support member 120 for better connection. Support belt 124 is made of separate pieces to allow for adjustment capabilities. The mount for the connector for support bracket 122 is slid down to be flush with the horizontal tube of support member 120 to achieve the proper lift height. Quarter-inch 20 tightening knobs are provided on support bracket 122 for secure positioning. Support bracket 122 is extended by one inch with an additional drilled hole through it. Legs 114 are straight, with the front legs made two inches longer for improved stability. Finally, three-inch diameter wheels replaced the original two-inch wheels, for better mobility and weight distribution.

[0057] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in the present description may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.