CA2505237A1 - External air ventilation system - Google Patents
External air ventilation system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2505237A1 CA2505237A1 CA 2505237 CA2505237A CA2505237A1 CA 2505237 A1 CA2505237 A1 CA 2505237A1 CA 2505237 CA2505237 CA 2505237 CA 2505237 A CA2505237 A CA 2505237A CA 2505237 A1 CA2505237 A1 CA 2505237A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- vehicle
- swing arm
- support arms
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 title 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 210000000436 anus Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- BHMLFPOTZYRDKA-IRXDYDNUSA-N (2s)-2-[(s)-(2-iodophenoxy)-phenylmethyl]morpholine Chemical compound IC1=CC=CC=C1O[C@@H](C=1C=CC=CC=1)[C@H]1OCCNC1 BHMLFPOTZYRDKA-IRXDYDNUSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 102100036791 Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L2 Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 101000928189 Homo sapiens Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L2 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241001236644 Lavinia Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 201000011510 cancer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N ether Substances CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000001033 ether group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
- B60R9/065—Enclosure-type carriers, e.g. trunks
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
An external cargo carrier for a motor vehicle includes a support structure comprising a coupling for engagement with an existing trailer hitch receiver on the vehicle, a main support beam centrally supported on said coupling that extends along the width of the vehicle and a swing arm pivotally connected to said support beam. The swing arm is free to pivot from a dosed position parallel to the rear of the vehicle to an open position perpendicular thereto, allowing access to the rear door(s). Two support arms for carrying a cargo container extend rearward from the swing arm when in the closed position. The container features enclosed channels sized to accept the support arms therein, allowing the container to be slid onto and off of the support structure. The enclosure of the support arms by the channels prevents lateral movement, rocking and tipping of the container. A
safety bar is used to anchor the container to the swing arm preventing it from sliding along the support arms during travel. The container features wheels mounted an its bottom surface for transport when not being carried on the vehicle. The container has built tn taillights for connection to the vehicle's lighting system to retain full taillight visibility during travel.
safety bar is used to anchor the container to the swing arm preventing it from sliding along the support arms during travel. The container features wheels mounted an its bottom surface for transport when not being carried on the vehicle. The container has built tn taillights for connection to the vehicle's lighting system to retain full taillight visibility during travel.
Description
EXTERNAL CARQO CARRYING DEVICE WITH
WHEELED CONTAINER FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
The present invenrion relates to a cargo carrying device detachably and pivotally mountable on the rear of a vehide, Extra cargo space is often sought after by motorists as even large vehides can quickly fill up with multiple passengers and a surplus of cargo. A
number of cargo canying devices exist to assist in such a situation. Roof racks and trailers for example c2n dramatically increase the carrying capacity of a vehicle, but have risks assodeted them that make their use less than ideal, Concerns over the security and stability of cargo on mof racks or uncovered trailers are well founded and injuries can easily occur with the repeated lifting involved in loading such devices. The cost of licensing a trailer also may not be worthwhile for the occasional situation requiring its use. In addition, towing a trailer may increase the risk of an accident for a typical motorist who may not be used to performing such a task.
As many vehides are already equipped with trailer hitches there have been various products developed that are able to carry extra cargo or storage containers at the rear of the vehide without the hassles of a trailer.
Concerns over the stability of their cargo and the ease and level of safety involved in their use still leave room for improvements to be made.
U.S. Patent No. 5,806,737 and U.S. Patent No. 5,544,799 both describe swing away cargo carrying devices for mounting on an existing trailer hitch
WHEELED CONTAINER FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
The present invenrion relates to a cargo carrying device detachably and pivotally mountable on the rear of a vehide, Extra cargo space is often sought after by motorists as even large vehides can quickly fill up with multiple passengers and a surplus of cargo. A
number of cargo canying devices exist to assist in such a situation. Roof racks and trailers for example c2n dramatically increase the carrying capacity of a vehicle, but have risks assodeted them that make their use less than ideal, Concerns over the security and stability of cargo on mof racks or uncovered trailers are well founded and injuries can easily occur with the repeated lifting involved in loading such devices. The cost of licensing a trailer also may not be worthwhile for the occasional situation requiring its use. In addition, towing a trailer may increase the risk of an accident for a typical motorist who may not be used to performing such a task.
As many vehides are already equipped with trailer hitches there have been various products developed that are able to carry extra cargo or storage containers at the rear of the vehide without the hassles of a trailer.
Concerns over the stability of their cargo and the ease and level of safety involved in their use still leave room for improvements to be made.
U.S. Patent No. 5,806,737 and U.S. Patent No. 5,544,799 both describe swing away cargo carrying devices for mounting on an existing trailer hitch
-2-receiver. However, neither of these devices provides fbr an actual container for the cargo being transported. As a result, there is no standard provided for properly securing cargo to the carrier. Another safety issue exists r~e~arding the unaddressed possibility fat oversized cargo transported on the cancer may block the taillights of the vehicle creating a hazard for motorists travelling behind the cargo carrying vehicle.
U.S. Patent No. 6,237,823 also provides for a swing away cargo carrying device for mounting on an existing trailer hitch receiver. While this patent provides a standard container addressing the need for proper restraint of the cargo, it does not address the issue of possibly obscuring the view of the vehicle's taillights.
In addition, the patent does not provide for an easy means of removing the cargo container from the carrier, as it describes muldpte fasteners used to secure the container to plates beneath it. While this ensures that the cargo is properly secured, it reduces the ease of removing the container if such an action is deemed necessary or desirable. Also, if the container is removed from the carrier, its bulkiness may intertero with its manoeuvrability.
U.S. Patent No. 6,168,058 describes a wheeled container and carrier assembly for ri~ountEng on the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck.
While the wheeled container provides for improved manoeuvrability and ease of transport when not mounted. on the carrier assembly, the inven8on desd~ibed does not provide for acxess to the rear doors) of the vehicle when the container is being carried. in addition, the container is limited in size by the requirement that it does.not obscure the view of the vehicle's taillights.
U.S. Patent No. 6,237,823 also provides for a swing away cargo carrying device for mounting on an existing trailer hitch receiver. While this patent provides a standard container addressing the need for proper restraint of the cargo, it does not address the issue of possibly obscuring the view of the vehicle's taillights.
In addition, the patent does not provide for an easy means of removing the cargo container from the carrier, as it describes muldpte fasteners used to secure the container to plates beneath it. While this ensures that the cargo is properly secured, it reduces the ease of removing the container if such an action is deemed necessary or desirable. Also, if the container is removed from the carrier, its bulkiness may intertero with its manoeuvrability.
U.S. Patent No. 6,168,058 describes a wheeled container and carrier assembly for ri~ountEng on the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck.
While the wheeled container provides for improved manoeuvrability and ease of transport when not mounted. on the carrier assembly, the inven8on desd~ibed does not provide for acxess to the rear doors) of the vehicle when the container is being carried. in addition, the container is limited in size by the requirement that it does.not obscure the view of the vehicle's taillights.
-3-U.S. Patent No. 6,260,752 describes an external equipment carrier with a wheeled cargo holder. The carrier features an adjustable ann on which brake fights and mirrors are mounted and a jack for raising and lowering the cargo holder onto arid off of the carrier. The cargo holder includes wheels mounted on retractable legs and a semi-automated lighting system for illumination during mounting or removal. While useful to users who may frequently need to transport heavy or bulky loads, these features increase the size, weight, cost and complexity of the device making it less suitable for others.
SU
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cargo carrying device for attachment to a rear end of a vehicle, the device comprising:
a support structure comprising:
a coupling for engagement with an existing hitch receiver on the vehicle extending rearward therefrom;
a beam member supported by the coupling extending along the rear end of the vehicle;
a pivotal mounting mechanism supported at an end of the beam member;
a swing arm supported on the pivotal mounting mechanism for movement between a dosed position parallel and adjacent to the beam member and an open position perpendicular to the beam member; and support arms supported on the swing arm and extending
SU
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cargo carrying device for attachment to a rear end of a vehicle, the device comprising:
a support structure comprising:
a coupling for engagement with an existing hitch receiver on the vehicle extending rearward therefrom;
a beam member supported by the coupling extending along the rear end of the vehicle;
a pivotal mounting mechanism supported at an end of the beam member;
a swing arm supported on the pivotal mounting mechanism for movement between a dosed position parallel and adjacent to the beam member and an open position perpendicular to the beam member; and support arms supported on the swing arm and extending
-4-perpendicular to the length thereof;
and a cargo container for carrying on the support structure having hollow channels spanning the width of the container shaped such that each support arm can slide through a respective channel, allowing the container to be slid onto or off of said suppart arms.
Preferably there is provided a locking mechanism for keeping the swing arm in the dosed position.
Proferably the lacking mechanism comprises:
a C-shaped member supported on the swing arm with an upper portion and a lower portion for extending over snd under the beam member respectively with the swing ann in the closed position, the upper and lower, portions having aligned holes therein at a point forward of the side of the beam member opposite the swing arm; and a pin for passing through the aligned holes in the upper and lower portions of the Gshaped member;
wherein contact between the pin and the beam member prevents pivotal movement of the swing arm away from the beam member.
Preferably there is provided a securing mechanism to prevent the container from sliding off the support arms.
Preferably the securing mechanism comprises a safety bar that attaches to the container at one and and engages the swing bar at the other, thereby securing the container to the swing arm.
and a cargo container for carrying on the support structure having hollow channels spanning the width of the container shaped such that each support arm can slide through a respective channel, allowing the container to be slid onto or off of said suppart arms.
Preferably there is provided a locking mechanism for keeping the swing arm in the dosed position.
Proferably the lacking mechanism comprises:
a C-shaped member supported on the swing arm with an upper portion and a lower portion for extending over snd under the beam member respectively with the swing ann in the closed position, the upper and lower, portions having aligned holes therein at a point forward of the side of the beam member opposite the swing arm; and a pin for passing through the aligned holes in the upper and lower portions of the Gshaped member;
wherein contact between the pin and the beam member prevents pivotal movement of the swing arm away from the beam member.
Preferably there is provided a securing mechanism to prevent the container from sliding off the support arms.
Preferably the securing mechanism comprises a safety bar that attaches to the container at one and and engages the swing bar at the other, thereby securing the container to the swing arm.
-5-The securtng mechanism may comprise a locking pin inserted in a hole through the end of each support arm opposite the rear end of the vehicle and .rearward of the container, each pin spanning the cross section of the respective channel thereby blocking rearward movement of the container.
Preferably the container has a lacking lid.
Preferably there are provided taillights supported on the container.
Preferably the taillights are supported on a near wall of the container.
Preferably the taillights comprise lED lights.
Pnefer~bly there is provided s wiring device for connecting the taillights to an existing lighting system an the vehicle.
Preferably each channel comprises a recessed portion of a lower exterior surface of ~e container, Pref9erably each channel further comprises a plate being attached to the lower surface of the container on either side of the recessed portion, thereby 1 ~ covering said portion.
Preferably there are provided wheels supported an the container for rolling on a ground surface.
Preferably a vertical distance from a lowermost point on the wheels of the container being carried on the support arms to a lowermost point said support arms is less than a vertical distance from the ground surtace to said point on said support arms.
The present inven~on provides solutions far the shortcomings of prior art. Tilting and sideways or vertical movement of the cargo are severely restricted _g_ by passing the support arms thnx~gh channels in the container rather than simply resting the cargo on top of the arms and then tying it down. The addition of a securing device for anchoring the container to the support structure or for blocking rearward motion provents the container from sliding on the support arms during travel, ensuring that the cargo is,secure in alt aspects.
The concern over blocked taiNlghts is addressed by including a set of lights on the rear of the container. Mounting the talUights diroctly on the cargo container rather than on a separate support keeps the size, cost and complexity of the invention to a minimum. The lights are connected to the vehicle's lighting system through a wiring harness at the rear of the vehicle. Providing wheels on the bottom of the container makes it easy to transport and manoeuvre despite its size or the weight of its cargo. In addition, the use of pins in securing the container to the support structure allows cargo to be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily as insertion or removal of a pin takes little time and effort.
1 a . According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cargo canying device for attachment to a rear end of a vehicle, the device oomprisin~ support arms extending rearward from the vehicle and a cargo container having hollow channels spanning the width of the container, said channels shaped such that each support arm can fit into a respective channel, allowing the container to be slid onto ar off said arms.
BRIEF DF_SCRIPTION ~F TW = DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a tap plan view of the cargo earrylng device installed on a vehicle (shown without detain showing both a closed and open position of the swing arm.
Figure 2 is a side view of the cargo carrying device installed on a vehicle {shown without detail) with the swing arm in the closed position.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of the support structure of present invention.
Figure 4 is an Isometric view of the c~ntain~ of the present invention with hidden lines for illustrating the channels recessed in the bottom exterior surface of the container.
Figure S is a rear view of the container of the present invention.
Figures 1 and 2 show a cargo carrying device generally indicated by 2 attached to an existing vehicle shown without detail and generally indicated by 1. An existing hitch receiver 3 at the rear of the vehicle runs paratlel to the length of the vehicle and is located generally centrally below the bumper 28. The support structure of the present invention includes a coupling ~ dimensioned such that it can be slid in and~out of the hitch receiven3. A hole 35 through the vertical walls of the coupling are matched to an exisllng hole through the hitch receiver so that a locking 2Q pin 5 tin be passed through said holes in order to secure the support structure to the vehicle. The coupling extends rearward from the hitch receiver 3 and is centrally attached to a beam member 8 which extends towards either side of the vehicle 1.
.$.
The beam member 8 is oriented perpendicular to the hitch receiver 3 and parallel to the vehicle's bumper 28.
At one end of the beam member 6 is pivotally mounted a swing arm 7 of similar length. Both ends of the swing arm feature a C-shaped member atted~ed along its center portion 30 to the swing arm such that the extending portions 31 and 32 pass over and under the beam member 8. At one end of the swing ann T, a pivot pin 9 is passes through the extending portions 31 and 32 of the C-shaped member and the beam member fi forming a pivotal mounting mechanism 8. As illustrated in Figure 1, the swing arm is free to pivot from a dosed position adjacent and parallel to the support beam, as shown with solid Ilnes and indicated by 33, to a position perpendicular to the support beam $$ shown by dashed lines indicated by 29. At the other end of the swing arm ~, a hole 41 through the extending portions 31 and 32 of the C-shaped member allows the Insertion of a looking pin 11 on the side of the beam member 6 opposite the swing arm. The pin 11, when inserted, and the C-shaped member house the beam member 6 and swing arm 7 between them, preventing any significant motion of one relative to the ether. Thfs arrangement forms a locking mechani$m 10 for keeping the swing arm T stationary during travel.
Two support arms 12 extend roarvvar~d from the swing arm T at points spaced symmetrically from its center. The combination of the swing arm 7 and the two support arms 12 form the base on which the cargo container 13 is carried during travel. The closed position of the swing arm, as Indicated by and 33 in Figure 1, corresponds to a travel position of the container 13 in which the swing arm 7 is warred to the beam member 8 by ~cking med~anism 10. When the vehicle is .g.
stationary, pivotal movement of the swing arm 7 to the open position, as indicated by 29 in Figure 1, allaws access to the rear doar(s) of the vehicle without necessitating removal of the container 13 from the support st<vctuns.
Figures 4 and 5 show the o~~iner for carrying on the support arms of the present invention. The container 13 features a hinged locking lid 20 that opens from above for easy access to the entire compartment inside. Two parallel channels 21 of rectangular cn~ss section that run the entire width of the container are recessed into its bottom exteriar surface 17. The channels are best illustrated by the hidden lines ~ Figure 4. The channels 21 are symmetrical about the center of the aantainer and are spaced apart to correspond to the distance between the two support arms 12 atteched~ to the swing arm 7. Rectangular plates 16 bolted to the bottom exterior surface of the container encloses each of the recessed channels 21.
The container is mounted on the support struduro by lifting the container 13 off the ground and moving it horizontally towards the vehicle i so that the two support arms 12 stide~ into the two n~ctangular channels 21 in the bottom of the container.
Having the support arms 12 enclosed within the channels 21 ensures stability by preventing tipping of the container 13 during travel.
A securing mechanism 36 is provided In order to further stabilize the container during travel. A safety bar 14 connecting the container 13 and the swing 2U arm 7 prevents the container from sliding along the length of the support arms 12.
The bar 14 is attached at one end to the inner suntace of the reannost waif 37 of th~
container 13 and extends forvrard through a hole 38 in the opposite wal! 39 below the lid 20. The bar 14 features a 90 degree downward bend rearward of the -10 ..
container. The bar 14 extends down towards a hole 27 through the swing arm 7.
The bar 14 is passed through the hole 27 and a Pock pin 16 is inserted through a hole 37 in the bar 14. The pin 1fi prevents the bar i4 from being pulled out of the hole 27 in the swing arm 7 effectively locking the container 13 atteiched to the other end of the bar 14 to the swing arm 7. The hole 38 in the wall 39 of the container nearest the vehicle 1 is in the shape of a slot to allow vertical movement of the bar 14. The bar is moved up in order to withdraw the end of the vertical portion of the bar 14 from the hole 27 in the swing arm T, or moved down in order to insert the end thereinto, ely unkxking or lot~dng down the container respectively. With the 14 safety bar 14 locked to the swing arm 7 at ane end and connected to the container 13 at the other end, the container cannot slide along the support arms 12.
Four wheels 25 are supported on the bottom of the container so that it can be easily manoeuvred when not mounted on the vehicle for travel. ~'wo wheels 25 are bolted to each rectangular plate 28 with each wheel spaced an equal distance from a center line running the length of the container 13. The wheels ane of such a height that they will not make contact with the ground when the container 13 is carried on the support anus 12.
in order to reduce any safety hazards assodeted with the possibility of partially or vompletely obstructing view of the vehicle's taillights, the container 13 is 24 constructed with LEC1 taillights 24 supported on the rearmost wall 37, Wiring devices for connecting auxiliary taillights to a vehicle's exis~ng lighting system arse frequently used when towing a trailer end are well known to those of skill in the art.
In the pn~fiem~d embodiment the support beam 6, swing arm 7 and coupling 4 are made of tubular steel. The support beam S and swing arm 7 are shorter in length than the width of the vehide such that the device does not extend passed either side thereof. The cargo container is a polyurethane box generally rectangular in shape and also has a length not exceeding ~e width of the vehide.
An alternate souring mechanism can be used in addition to or in place of the safety bar 14. A hole 44 through each support arrn 12 near the end opposite the swing arm 7 is located to be just rearward of, parallel and adjacent to ~e rearmost wall 37 of the container 13. A locking pin 15 of length exceeding the width of the r9spe~e channel 21 is inserted through the hole 40 thereby blocking rearward movement of the container 13 passed the hole 40, preventing it from sliding off the support anus 12 during travel.
Since various modiilcations can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely difrerent embodiment of same made within the spirtt and scope of the daims without department from such spirit and scope, it Is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification steal) be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Preferably the container has a lacking lid.
Preferably there are provided taillights supported on the container.
Preferably the taillights are supported on a near wall of the container.
Preferably the taillights comprise lED lights.
Pnefer~bly there is provided s wiring device for connecting the taillights to an existing lighting system an the vehicle.
Preferably each channel comprises a recessed portion of a lower exterior surface of ~e container, Pref9erably each channel further comprises a plate being attached to the lower surface of the container on either side of the recessed portion, thereby 1 ~ covering said portion.
Preferably there are provided wheels supported an the container for rolling on a ground surface.
Preferably a vertical distance from a lowermost point on the wheels of the container being carried on the support arms to a lowermost point said support arms is less than a vertical distance from the ground surtace to said point on said support arms.
The present inven~on provides solutions far the shortcomings of prior art. Tilting and sideways or vertical movement of the cargo are severely restricted _g_ by passing the support arms thnx~gh channels in the container rather than simply resting the cargo on top of the arms and then tying it down. The addition of a securing device for anchoring the container to the support structure or for blocking rearward motion provents the container from sliding on the support arms during travel, ensuring that the cargo is,secure in alt aspects.
The concern over blocked taiNlghts is addressed by including a set of lights on the rear of the container. Mounting the talUights diroctly on the cargo container rather than on a separate support keeps the size, cost and complexity of the invention to a minimum. The lights are connected to the vehicle's lighting system through a wiring harness at the rear of the vehicle. Providing wheels on the bottom of the container makes it easy to transport and manoeuvre despite its size or the weight of its cargo. In addition, the use of pins in securing the container to the support structure allows cargo to be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily as insertion or removal of a pin takes little time and effort.
1 a . According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cargo canying device for attachment to a rear end of a vehicle, the device oomprisin~ support arms extending rearward from the vehicle and a cargo container having hollow channels spanning the width of the container, said channels shaped such that each support arm can fit into a respective channel, allowing the container to be slid onto ar off said arms.
BRIEF DF_SCRIPTION ~F TW = DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a tap plan view of the cargo earrylng device installed on a vehicle (shown without detain showing both a closed and open position of the swing arm.
Figure 2 is a side view of the cargo carrying device installed on a vehicle {shown without detail) with the swing arm in the closed position.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of the support structure of present invention.
Figure 4 is an Isometric view of the c~ntain~ of the present invention with hidden lines for illustrating the channels recessed in the bottom exterior surface of the container.
Figure S is a rear view of the container of the present invention.
Figures 1 and 2 show a cargo carrying device generally indicated by 2 attached to an existing vehicle shown without detail and generally indicated by 1. An existing hitch receiver 3 at the rear of the vehicle runs paratlel to the length of the vehicle and is located generally centrally below the bumper 28. The support structure of the present invention includes a coupling ~ dimensioned such that it can be slid in and~out of the hitch receiven3. A hole 35 through the vertical walls of the coupling are matched to an exisllng hole through the hitch receiver so that a locking 2Q pin 5 tin be passed through said holes in order to secure the support structure to the vehicle. The coupling extends rearward from the hitch receiver 3 and is centrally attached to a beam member 8 which extends towards either side of the vehicle 1.
.$.
The beam member 8 is oriented perpendicular to the hitch receiver 3 and parallel to the vehicle's bumper 28.
At one end of the beam member 6 is pivotally mounted a swing arm 7 of similar length. Both ends of the swing arm feature a C-shaped member atted~ed along its center portion 30 to the swing arm such that the extending portions 31 and 32 pass over and under the beam member 8. At one end of the swing ann T, a pivot pin 9 is passes through the extending portions 31 and 32 of the C-shaped member and the beam member fi forming a pivotal mounting mechanism 8. As illustrated in Figure 1, the swing arm is free to pivot from a dosed position adjacent and parallel to the support beam, as shown with solid Ilnes and indicated by 33, to a position perpendicular to the support beam $$ shown by dashed lines indicated by 29. At the other end of the swing arm ~, a hole 41 through the extending portions 31 and 32 of the C-shaped member allows the Insertion of a looking pin 11 on the side of the beam member 6 opposite the swing arm. The pin 11, when inserted, and the C-shaped member house the beam member 6 and swing arm 7 between them, preventing any significant motion of one relative to the ether. Thfs arrangement forms a locking mechani$m 10 for keeping the swing arm T stationary during travel.
Two support arms 12 extend roarvvar~d from the swing arm T at points spaced symmetrically from its center. The combination of the swing arm 7 and the two support arms 12 form the base on which the cargo container 13 is carried during travel. The closed position of the swing arm, as Indicated by and 33 in Figure 1, corresponds to a travel position of the container 13 in which the swing arm 7 is warred to the beam member 8 by ~cking med~anism 10. When the vehicle is .g.
stationary, pivotal movement of the swing arm 7 to the open position, as indicated by 29 in Figure 1, allaws access to the rear doar(s) of the vehicle without necessitating removal of the container 13 from the support st<vctuns.
Figures 4 and 5 show the o~~iner for carrying on the support arms of the present invention. The container 13 features a hinged locking lid 20 that opens from above for easy access to the entire compartment inside. Two parallel channels 21 of rectangular cn~ss section that run the entire width of the container are recessed into its bottom exteriar surface 17. The channels are best illustrated by the hidden lines ~ Figure 4. The channels 21 are symmetrical about the center of the aantainer and are spaced apart to correspond to the distance between the two support arms 12 atteched~ to the swing arm 7. Rectangular plates 16 bolted to the bottom exterior surface of the container encloses each of the recessed channels 21.
The container is mounted on the support struduro by lifting the container 13 off the ground and moving it horizontally towards the vehicle i so that the two support arms 12 stide~ into the two n~ctangular channels 21 in the bottom of the container.
Having the support arms 12 enclosed within the channels 21 ensures stability by preventing tipping of the container 13 during travel.
A securing mechanism 36 is provided In order to further stabilize the container during travel. A safety bar 14 connecting the container 13 and the swing 2U arm 7 prevents the container from sliding along the length of the support arms 12.
The bar 14 is attached at one end to the inner suntace of the reannost waif 37 of th~
container 13 and extends forvrard through a hole 38 in the opposite wal! 39 below the lid 20. The bar 14 features a 90 degree downward bend rearward of the -10 ..
container. The bar 14 extends down towards a hole 27 through the swing arm 7.
The bar 14 is passed through the hole 27 and a Pock pin 16 is inserted through a hole 37 in the bar 14. The pin 1fi prevents the bar i4 from being pulled out of the hole 27 in the swing arm 7 effectively locking the container 13 atteiched to the other end of the bar 14 to the swing arm 7. The hole 38 in the wall 39 of the container nearest the vehicle 1 is in the shape of a slot to allow vertical movement of the bar 14. The bar is moved up in order to withdraw the end of the vertical portion of the bar 14 from the hole 27 in the swing arm T, or moved down in order to insert the end thereinto, ely unkxking or lot~dng down the container respectively. With the 14 safety bar 14 locked to the swing arm 7 at ane end and connected to the container 13 at the other end, the container cannot slide along the support arms 12.
Four wheels 25 are supported on the bottom of the container so that it can be easily manoeuvred when not mounted on the vehicle for travel. ~'wo wheels 25 are bolted to each rectangular plate 28 with each wheel spaced an equal distance from a center line running the length of the container 13. The wheels ane of such a height that they will not make contact with the ground when the container 13 is carried on the support anus 12.
in order to reduce any safety hazards assodeted with the possibility of partially or vompletely obstructing view of the vehicle's taillights, the container 13 is 24 constructed with LEC1 taillights 24 supported on the rearmost wall 37, Wiring devices for connecting auxiliary taillights to a vehicle's exis~ng lighting system arse frequently used when towing a trailer end are well known to those of skill in the art.
In the pn~fiem~d embodiment the support beam 6, swing arm 7 and coupling 4 are made of tubular steel. The support beam S and swing arm 7 are shorter in length than the width of the vehide such that the device does not extend passed either side thereof. The cargo container is a polyurethane box generally rectangular in shape and also has a length not exceeding ~e width of the vehide.
An alternate souring mechanism can be used in addition to or in place of the safety bar 14. A hole 44 through each support arrn 12 near the end opposite the swing arm 7 is located to be just rearward of, parallel and adjacent to ~e rearmost wall 37 of the container 13. A locking pin 15 of length exceeding the width of the r9spe~e channel 21 is inserted through the hole 40 thereby blocking rearward movement of the container 13 passed the hole 40, preventing it from sliding off the support anus 12 during travel.
Since various modiilcations can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely difrerent embodiment of same made within the spirtt and scope of the daims without department from such spirit and scope, it Is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification steal) be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (18)
1. A cargo carrying device for attachment to a rear end of a vehicle, the device comprising:
a support structure comprising:
a coupling for engagement with an existing hitch receiver on the vehicle extending rearward therefrom;
a beam member supported by the coupling extending aging the rear end of the vehicle;
a pivotal mounting mechanism supported at an end of the beam member;
a swing arm supported on the pivotal mounting mechanism for movement between a dosed position parallel and adjacent to the beam member and an open position perpendicular to the beam member; and support arms supported on the swing arm and extending perpendicular to the length thereof;
and a cargo container for carrying on the support structure having hollow channels spanning the width of the container shaped such that each support arm can fit into a respective channel, allowing the container to be slid onto or off said support arms.
a support structure comprising:
a coupling for engagement with an existing hitch receiver on the vehicle extending rearward therefrom;
a beam member supported by the coupling extending aging the rear end of the vehicle;
a pivotal mounting mechanism supported at an end of the beam member;
a swing arm supported on the pivotal mounting mechanism for movement between a dosed position parallel and adjacent to the beam member and an open position perpendicular to the beam member; and support arms supported on the swing arm and extending perpendicular to the length thereof;
and a cargo container for carrying on the support structure having hollow channels spanning the width of the container shaped such that each support arm can fit into a respective channel, allowing the container to be slid onto or off said support arms.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein there is provided a locking mechanism for keeping the swing arm in the closed position.
3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
a C-shaped member supported on the swing arm with an upper portion and a lower portion for extending over and under the beam member respectively with the swing arm in the closed position, the upper and lower portions having aligned holes therein at a point forward of the side of the beam member opposite the swing arm; and a pin for passing through the aligned holes in the upper and lower portions of the C-shaped member;
wherein contact between the pin and the beam member prevents pivotal movement of the swing arm away from the beam member.
a C-shaped member supported on the swing arm with an upper portion and a lower portion for extending over and under the beam member respectively with the swing arm in the closed position, the upper and lower portions having aligned holes therein at a point forward of the side of the beam member opposite the swing arm; and a pin for passing through the aligned holes in the upper and lower portions of the C-shaped member;
wherein contact between the pin and the beam member prevents pivotal movement of the swing arm away from the beam member.
4. The device according to claims 1 to 3 wherein there is provided a securing mechanism. to prevent the container from sliding off the support arms.
5. The device according to claim 4 wherein the securing mechanism comprises a safety bar that attaches to the container at one end and engages the swing bar at the other, thereby securing the container to the swing arm.
8. The device according to claim 4 wherein the securing mechanism comprises a locking pin inserted in a hole through the end of each support arm opposite the swing arm and rearward of the container, each pin spanning the cross section of the respective channel thereby blocking rearward movement of the container.
7. A cargo carrying device for attachment to a rear end of a vehicle, the device comprising support arms extending rearward from the vehicle and a cargo container having hollow channels spanning the width of the container, said channels shaped such that each support arm can fit into a respective channel, allowing the container to be slid onto or off said arms.
8. The device according to claim 7 wherein there is provided a securing mechanism to prevent the container from sliding off the support arms.
9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the securing mechanism comprises a locking pin inserted in a hale through the end of each support arm opposite the roar end of the vehicle and rearward of the container, each pin spanning the cross section of the respective channel thereby blacking rearward movement of the container.
10. The device according to claims 1 to 9 wherein the container has a locking lid.
11. The device according to claims 1 to 10 wherein there are provided taillights supported on the container.
12. The device according to claim 11 wherein the taillights are supported on a rear wall of the container.
13. The device according to claims 11 to 12 wherein the taillights comprise LED lights.
14. The device according to claims 11 to 13 wherein there is provided a wiring device for connecting the taillights to an existing lighting system on the vehicle.
15. The device according to claims 1 to 14 wherein each channel comprises a recessed portion of a lower exterior surface of the container.
16. The device according to claim 15 wherein each channel further comprises a plate being attached to the cower surface of the container on either side of the recessed portion, thereby covering said portion.
17. The device according to claims 1 to 16 wherein there are provided wheels supported on the container for rolling on a ground surface.
18. The device according to claim 17 wherein a vertical distance from a lowermost point on the wheels of the container being carried on the support arms to a lowermost point on said support arms is less than a vertical distance from the ground surface to said point on said support arms.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505237 CA2505237A1 (en) | 2005-04-25 | 2005-04-25 | External air ventilation system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505237 CA2505237A1 (en) | 2005-04-25 | 2005-04-25 | External air ventilation system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2505237A1 true CA2505237A1 (en) | 2006-10-25 |
Family
ID=37193885
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505237 Abandoned CA2505237A1 (en) | 2005-04-25 | 2005-04-25 | External air ventilation system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2505237A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3725593A1 (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2020-10-21 | Dieter Melder | Support device |
-
2005
- 2005-04-25 CA CA 2505237 patent/CA2505237A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3725593A1 (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2020-10-21 | Dieter Melder | Support device |
| WO2020212035A1 (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2020-10-22 | Dieter Melder | Support device |
| US12162438B2 (en) | 2019-04-17 | 2024-12-10 | Dieter Melder | Support device |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |