Cargo carrier for motor vehicles

US5806737A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Michael E. Clark · Terling, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 5, 1996
• Grant date: Sep 15, 1998
• Expiry date: Jun 5, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R9/06
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A cargo carrier designed to be mounted adjacent to and onto a vehicle by attaching it to the vehicle's trailer hitch having a crossbar and a receiver. The cargo carrier has a substantially S-shaped tongue having a male bracket that couples with the receiver on the trailer hitch, thereby mounting the cargo carrier onto the vehicle. The male bracket is held in the receiver by means of a pin. An elongated frame, having a fixed arm and a swing-out arm which is constructed of essentially parallel beams and connected to said fixed arm by a pivot hinge, is integral with and is supported by said tongue. The fixed arm is reinforced by frame support members connecting said arm with the tongue. Load support brackets are carried on the swing-out arm and serve to mount a cargo holder device thereupon, the cargo holder device being a box with a lid, an open bin, or any other desired device. The swing-out arm of the frame may be moved to its open position away from the vehicle to allow access to the vehicle or it may be returned to its closed position adjacent to the vehicle and secured with the latch provided, in preparation for travel. The cargo carrier is additionally fastened to the trailer h…