Abstract:
A folding mechanism for a cargo accessory is shown and described. The folding mechanism may include a linkage selectively attachable to a vehicle, and a cargo accessory carrying member pivotally attached to the linkage, where the cargo accessory carrying member is capable of locking engagement with the linkage. The folding mechanism may also include a release member operatively attached to the cargo accessory carrying member, where the release member is selectively axially positionable from a first position whereby the cargo accessory carrying member releases from the locking engagement with the linkage permitting pivoting of the cargo accessory carrying member relative to the linkage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/515,678 entitled “Cargo Accessory Folding Mechanism” filed on Aug. 5, 2011, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a folding mechanism and, more particularly, to a folding mechanism for a cargo accessory. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Vehicles are available in many different shapes and sizes. Vehicles, regardless of their shape or size have a limit on the amount of cargo space available within the vehicle. In order to expand upon this limited cargo space, cargo management systems have been developed to help create additional cargo capacity for a vehicle. These cargo management systems are typically capable of carrying additional items in a predetermined manner, relieving vehicles of some of their cargo restraints. 
         [0004]    Many of the available cargo management systems attach to the exterior of the vehicle and are carried outside of the vehicle. One common type of cargo management system is one that attaches to a hitch receiver, which is attached to the vehicle. The hitch receiver often attaches to the frame of the vehicle and may extend immediately below the bumper of the vehicle from the rear thereof. When used with a hitch receiver, cargo management systems often utilize a draw bar that is selectively attached to the hitch receiver securing such to the vehicle. More specifically, certain cargo management systems may utilize a draw bar that attaches to a matingly shaped hitch receiver. 
         [0005]    These cargo management systems may then extend from the rear of the vehicle. This, however, may result in the vehicle being more difficult to park, maneuver, and the like. In such situations, the cargo management system may need to be removed from the vehicle in order to park or effectively maneuver the vehicle. This, however, can be time consuming and may require the cargo management system to be stored, which may not be feasible. 
         [0006]    Alternatively, some cargo management systems are capable of being re-positioned while remaining secured to the vehicle. These systems, however, often require the user to go between the cargo management system and the vehicle to re-position the cargo management system, which is often difficult to do. Further, these systems are often very difficult to re-position, require more than one person to re-position, or require the removal of the system from the vehicle before being re-positioned. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need for a cargo management system that is easier to move to a storage position and that does not require a user to be positioned between the cargo management system and the vehicle to do so. Further, there is a need for a cargo management system that can be re-positioned out of the way when the vehicle to which it is attached is being parked, especially in a garage, a parking spot, or the like. Still further, there is a need for a system that can reposition the cargo management system without having to be removed from the vehicle and can be accomplished by a single user. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view a cargo accessory attached to a vehicle, the cargo accessory having a folding mechanism. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of the cargo accessory with the folding mechanism. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the cargo accessory with the folding mechanism. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a folding mechanism for a cargo accessory. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism of  FIG. 3  taken along line  5 - 5 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view of a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism of  FIG. 4  along line  7 - 7  and a basket of the cargo accessory. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an elevation view of a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism of  FIG. 4  along line  7 - 7  and the basket of the cargo accessory in a first position and phantomed in a second position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a handle of a folding mechanism. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of embodiments of a cargo accessory with a folding mechanism. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the cargo accessory with the folding mechanism of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is an elevation view of the cargo accessory with folding mechanism of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0021]    A folding mechanism for a cargo accessory is shown and described. The folding mechanism may include a linkage selectively attachable to a vehicle, and a cargo accessory carrying member pivotally attached to the linkage, where the cargo accessory carrying member is capable of locking engagement with the linkage. The folding mechanism may also include a release member operatively attached to the cargo accessory carrying member, where the release member is selectively axially positionable from a first position whereby the cargo accessory carrying member releases from the locking engagement with the linkage permitting pivoting of the cargo accessory carrying member relative to the linkage. 
         [0022]    A folding mechanism for a cargo accessory may include a cargo accessory carrying member selectively attachable and pivotable relative to a vehicle, a handle operatively coupled with the cargo accessory carrying member and a release assembly positioned within at least a portion of the cargo accessory carrying member and operatively attached to the handle. The folding mechanism for the cargo accessory may also include a locking member operatively secured with the release member, where the release member is selectively positionable from a first locking position within the locking member preventing the cargo accessory carrying member from pivoting relative to the vehicle and selectively positionable to a pivoting position on the locking member releasing the cargo accessory member to pivot relative to the vehicle. 
         [0023]    A folding mechanism for a cargo accessory may include a linkage selectively attachable to a vehicle, a cargo accessory carrying member pivotally attached to the linkage, and a handle operatively coupled with the cargo carrying assembly. The folding mechanism for the cargo accessory may also include a locking member operatively positioned relative to the linkage, and a release member operatively attached to the handle and the locking member, where axially positioning the handle in a first position disengages the release member from engagement with the locking member permitting pivoting of the release member relative to the locking member. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0025]    A cargo management system, such as the cargo accessory  10  depicted in  FIGS. 1-9 , may be capable of selectively attaching to a vehicle  15  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the cargo accessory  10  may be attached to a hitch receiver  20  that may be secured to a rear portion  22  of the vehicle  15 , in any appropriate manner. In these embodiments, the cargo accessory  10  may include a draw bar  30  that may be capable of selectively attaching to the hitch receiver  20  of the vehicle  15  at any appropriate position on the vehicle  15 , such as by way of a non-limiting example, the rear portion  22  of the vehicle  15 . The cargo accessory  10  may, therefore, extend from the rear portion  22  of the vehicle  15 . 
         [0026]    The draw bar  30  of the cargo accessory  10  may be capable of selectively engaging the hitch receiver  20  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the draw bar  30  may include at least one aperture  32  that may be capable of generally aligning with a pin accepting aperture of the hitch receiver  20  upon insertion of the draw bar  30  into the hitch receiver  20 . Upon such insertion a hitch pin may be inserted into and through the hitch receiver  20  pin accepting aperture and through the aperture  32 , which may selectively secure the cargo accessory  10  with the hitch receiver  30 . While the vehicle  15  is shown with the hitch receiver  20  and the cargo accessory is shown with a corresponding draw bar  30 , these are exemplary embodiments and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Any appropriate hitching system, mechanism or other means of attachment to the vehicle  15  may be used without departing from the present teachings. 
         [0027]    The cargo accessory  10  may include a basket  40 , such as one capable of storing and carrying items. Although, it should be understood that any cargo accessory  10  may be used, not just the basket  40  shown in the drawings. Still further, the basket  40  is not limited to that shown and described. Any appropriate sized and shaped basket may be used without departing from the present teachings. The basket  40  is merely exemplary embodiments and should not be considered to be all-inclusive or exclusive. In alternative embodiments, the cargo accessory  10  may be a pod, a bicycle rack, a cooler accessory, a tool box, a holder for any of the foregoing, or the like. 
         [0028]    As depicted in the drawings, the basket  40  may include a storage floor  42 , a front portion  44 , a rear portion  48 , a first side  54 , a second side  56 , and an underside  58 . The front portion  44  may be attached to the first and second side portions  54 ,  56  in any appropriate manner. Likewise, the rear portion  48  may be attached to the first and second side portions  54 ,  56  in any appropriate manner. The rear portion  48  of the basket  40  may be adjacent to the rear  22  of the vehicle  15  when the basket  40  is attached to the hitch receiver  20  of the vehicle  15 . 
         [0029]    The cargo accessory  10  may include a folding mechanism  60 , which may permit the cargo accessory  10  to be selectively positioned between a first position and a second position, as described in more detail below. By way of a non-limiting example, the folding mechanism  60  may permit the cargo accessory  10  to be selectively pivoted between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position relative to the hitch receiver  20 , an example of which is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0030]    By way of a non-limiting example, the folding mechanism  60  may be attached to the basket  40 , and in particular may be attached to the underside  58  of the basket  40  in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, a plate  64  may be attached to the underside  58  of the basket  40  substantially encapsulating the folding mechanism  60 . This may hide portions of the folding mechanism  60  from the view of the user. This may result in the cargo accessory  10  being more aesthetically pleasing while also potentially protecting the folding mechanism  60  from environmental conditions. However, the plate  64  is optionally may not be used with the present teachings. 
         [0031]    The folding mechanism  60  may include a handle  68 , a linking device  72 , a pivot point  78 , and a release mechanism  82 . The handle  68  may be positioned in proximity to the front side  44  of the basket  40 . This may result in the handle  68  extending from the rear  22  of the vehicle  15  allowing the user clearance to operate the folding mechanism  60  from the rear  22  of the vehicle  15 . The position of the handle  68  may allow the user to generally avoid being required to go between the cargo accessory  10  and the vehicle  15  to operate the folding mechanism  60 . The handle  68  may be made of any appropriate material, such as by way of a non-limiting example, the handle  68  may be made of nylon. 
         [0032]    The handle  68  may include a substantially U-shaped bolt  86  that may extend from a front portion  88  of the handle  68  to a rear portion  90  thereof. The handle  68  may further include a cover  92 . The cover  92  may be attached to the handle  68  using fasteners, welding, adhesives or the like. By way of a non-limiting example a plurality of fasteners  94  may be used to secure the cover  92  to the handle  68 , which may result in the U-bolt  86  being nestingly supported within the handle  68  and being secured with the handle  68 . The cover  92  may generally protect interior components of the handle  68  from environmental conditions, including generally protecting the U-bolt  86  from environmental conditions. The cover  92  may also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the handle  68 . 
         [0033]    The folding mechanism  60  may further include a tubular member  100  that may be operatively attached to the handle  68  in any appropriate manner. The tubular member  100  may include first and second transverse members  104 ,  108 , which may be attached to the tubular member  100  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the first and second transverse members  104 ,  108  may each include apertures  105 ,  109 , respectively. The apertures  105 ,  109  may be of a shape and size such that the tubular member  100  may be inserted into and through the apertures  105 ,  109 . Upon insertion of the tubular member  100  through the apertures  105 ,  109 , the first and second transverse members  104 ,  108  may be attached to the tubular member  100  through friction fit alone, welding, adhering, fastening, or any combination of such. 
         [0034]    The first and second transverse members  104 ,  108  may secure the folding mechanism  60  to the underside  58  of the basket  40 . More specifically, the first and second transverse members  104 ,  108  may be attached to the underside  58  of the basket  40  using fasteners, welding, or the like. By way of a non-limiting example, fasteners (not shown) may be used to attach the first and second transverse members  104 ,  108  to the underside  58  of the basket  40 . The basket  40  may be fixedly secured to the first and second transverse members  104 ,  108  or may be selectively secured to the first and second transverse members  104 ,  108  such that the basket  40  may be capable of being selectively removed from the folding mechanism  60  and replaced with a cargo carrying system of a different design and purpose. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the U-bolt  86  may be attached to the first transverse member  104  resulting in the handle  68  being attached to the tubular member  100 . More specifically, the U-bolt  86  may include a threaded portion  110  that may extend into and attach with the first transverse member  104  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, corresponding nuts  112  may be capable of engaging the threaded portion  110  of the U-bolt  86  to secure the U-bolt  86  to the first transverse member  104 . It should be understood, however, that any appropriate fastening device may be used, not just that shown and described herein. 
         [0036]    Further, a biasing member  114 , such as a coil spring, may operatively engage the U-bolt  86 . By way of a non-limiting example, a pair of biasing members  114  may circumscribe a portion of the U-bolt  86 —such as adjacent to, in proximity to or over the threaded portions  110 —and be positioned generally between the nut  112  and the first transverse member  104 . Any appropriate number of biasing members  114  may be used without departing from the present teachings, e.g., one, three, etc. Further, while a coil spring is shown and described, the biasing member  114  is not limited to being a coil spring, but may comprise any appropriate biasing member that may be capable of applying a biasing force to the U-shaped bolt  86  or more specifically to the handle  68  as described in more detail below. 
         [0037]    The release mechanism  82  may be operatively attached to the handle  68  in any appropriate manner. The release mechanism  82  may include an axial movement member  118 , which may be operatively attached to the handle  68 . By way of a non-limiting example, the axial movement member  118  may be of any appropriate size and shape such as a rod, a cable, or the like. The axial movement member  118  may be of any appropriate materials, such as by way of a non-limiting example, metal, plastics, rubber, a metal wrapped in an appropriate material such as rubber or plastic, or a combination of any of the foregoing. 
         [0038]    The axial movement member  118  may include a head  120 , a body  122  that may extend from the head  120 , and an end portion  124  distal the head  120 . The head  120  may be of a shape and size such that it may be operatively secured with the handle  68  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the head  120  may be inserted into and held within the handle  68 . The cover  92  may be attached with the handle  68  such that the head  120  may be nestingly engaged with the handle  68  operatively securing the head  120  with the handle  68 . In other embodiments, the head  120  may be attached to the handle  68  through fasteners, welding, adhering or the like. The head  120  being positioned in the handle  68  may attach the axial movement member  118  with the handle  68 . 
         [0039]    The biasing members  114  may apply a biasing force against axial movement of the head  120  when a user axially positions the handle  68  away from the basket  40 . Specifically, the biasing members  114  may apply a biasing force in a direction opposite to the direction of axial movement of the handle  68  such that the biasing members  114  bias the handle  68  and the head  120  into a locked position as more fully described below. 
         [0040]    With the head  120  operatively secured with the handle  68 , the body  122  may extend from the head  120  through an opening  125  in the handle  68 . The body  122  may extend into and through the tubular member  100 . The body  122  may be operatively positioned within the tubular member  100  in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, the body  122 , may extend an entire length of the tubular member  100  and may be generally positioned therein. The end portion  124  may be operatively secured to the linkage device  72  as discussed in more detail below. This may result in the head  120  being operatively secured with the handle  68 , the body  122  extending from the handle  68  into and through the tubular member  100  and the end portion  124  attached to the linkage device  72 . In these embodiments, the body  122  may generally be freely positioned within the tubular member  100  free of contact with the tubular member  100  or may be attached with the tubular member  100  in an appropriate manner. 
         [0041]    The linkage device  72  may be operatively secured to the tubular member  100  in any appropriate manner and may be secured with the draw bar  30  in any appropriate manner. In a non-limiting example, the linkage device  72  may include first and second plates  130 ,  132  to the tubular member  100  may be pivotally secured, as further described below. The first and second plates  130 ,  132  may also be attached to the draw bar  30  such as through using fasteners  133  as shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . In a non-limiting example, a pair of fasteners  133  may be inserted into and through the first plate  130  through the draw bar  30  and through the second plate  132 . This may fixedly secure the linkage device  72  with the draw bar  30 . While fasteners  133  are shown and described as securing the linkage device  72  with the draw bar  30 , the present teachings are not limited to such—the linkage device  72  may be attached with the draw bar  30 , such as welding, adhesives, or any other suitable method. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the first and second plates  130 ,  132  may be secured to the tubular member  100  such that the first and second plates  130 ,  132  are positioned substantially parallel to each other. Further, a rotational member  136  may be attached to the linkage device  72  at the pivot point  78 . More specifically, the rotational member  136  may be attached to the first and second plates  130 ,  132  and may extend therebetween. The rotational member  136  may allow the tubular member  100  to pivot relative to the first and second plates  130 ,  132 . In some embodiments, the rotational member  136  may comprise a fastener  136  that may extend through the first and second plates  130 ,  132  and may generally rest upon the tubular member  100 . This may create the pivot  78 , i.e. the tubular member  100  may pivot at  78  relative to the first and second plates  130 ,  132 . 
         [0043]    The folding mechanism  60  may further include a locking member  139 . The locking member  139  may be on any appropriate position of the folding mechanism  60 . By way of a non-limiting example, the locking member  139  may be positioned on the linkage  72  and more specifically may be positioned on the first and second plates  130 ,  132 . While the locking member  139  may be positioned on the linkage  72 , and more specifically, the first and second plates  130 ,  132 , the present teachings are not limited to such. The locking member  139  may be in any appropriate position and in some embodiments, may be located separate from the linkage  72 . 
         [0044]    The locking member  139  may include a first slot  140 , a second slot  144  and a rotational groove  148  positioned in the first and second plates  130 ,  132 . The first and second slots  140 ,  144  and the rotational groove  148  may be integrally formed in the first and second plates  130 ,  132  or alternatively may be formed therein through a subsequent operation, such as machining such therein. The first and second slots  140 ,  144  may be of any appropriate shape and size. Similarly, the rotational groove  148  may be of any appropriate shape and size. In some embodiments, the first and second slots  140 ,  144  may be of a shape and size such that a transverse fastener  150  (which is described in more detail below) may be positioned therethrough. Similarly, the rotational groove  148  may of a shape and size such that the transverse fastener  150  may be positioned therethrough. Still further, in some embodiments, the first and second slots  140 ,  144  may be of generally a same size and may be generally the same size as the rotational groove  148 . In other embodiments, at least one of, a plurality of or all of the first and second slots  140 ,  144  and the rotational groove  148  may be of a generally different size. The present teachings are not limited to such. While the first and second slots  140 ,  144  and rotational groove  148  are shown in both the first and second plates  130 ,  132  the present teachings are not limited to such. In some embodiments only one of the first or second plates  130 ,  132  may include the first and second slots  140 ,  144  and the rotational groove  148 . 
         [0045]    The linkage device  72  may include the transverse fastener  150  as noted above. The transverse fastener  150  may extend through the first and second plates  130 ,  132  and through the tubular member  100 , or more specifically through a slot  154  in the tubular member  100 . The transverse fastener  150  may be selectively positionable between the first and second slots  140 ,  144  via the rotational groove  148 . In a non-limiting example, the end portion  124  of the axial movement member  118  may be attached to the transverse fastener  150  in any appropriate manner. The axial movement member  118  may be capable of selectively positioning the transverse fastener  150  from either of said first and second slots  140 ,  144  and into the rotational groove  148 . More specifically, the transverse fastener  150  may be capable of being selectively positioned from and to the first slot  144  through the rotational groove  148  and to and from the second slot  144  as the tubular member  100  pivots at pivot  78 . This may then allow the folding mechanism  60  to move the cargo accessory  10  from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position and then back. 
         [0046]    The transverse fastener  150  may be positioned from either of the first or second slots  140 ,  144  by axially moving the handle  68  against the biasing of the biasing members  114 . The handle  68  being axially moved may axially move the head  120 , which may axially position the body  122  and the end portion  124  thereof As the end portion  124  may be operatively secured with the transverse fastener  150 , the transverse fastener  150  may be positioned from either of the first or second slots  140 ,  144  against the biasing of the biasing members  114 . Doing so may allow the folding mechanism  60  to pivot around pivot point  78  from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position and back to the generally horizontal position. The transverse fastener  150  being positioned in the first slot  140  may generally lock the folding mechanism  60  in the generally horizontal position whereas the transverse fastener  150  being positioned in the second slot  144  may generally lock the folding mechanism  60  in the generally vertical position. The biasing force applied by the biasing member  114  may further secure the transverse fastener  150  in either of the first or second slots  140 ,  144 . 
         [0047]    The folding mechanism  60  may operate by pulling the handle  68  that may be connected to the axial movement member  118 , which may pull the axial movement member  118  in substantially the same direction as the handle  68 . Axially moving the axial movement member  118  may cause the transverse fastener  150  to release from either of the first or second slot  140 ,  144  and into the rotational groove  148 . The transverse fastener  150  being in the rotational groove  148  may then permit the tubular member  100  to pivot relative to the linkage device  72  around pivot  78 . This may permit the folding mechanism  60  to pivot the basket  40  from a first position to a second position. By way of a non-limiting example, the basket  40  may pivot from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position and then back to the substantially horizontal position. When the handle  68  is released the transverse fastener  150  may then be capable of moving into either of the first or second slot  140 ,  144  locking the basket  40  into either of the vertical position or horizontal position, as applicable. This may then secure the cargo accessory  10 , and more particularly, the basket  40  in either of the first or second positions, e.g., the horizontal or vertical positions. 
         [0048]    Additional embodiments of a folding mechanism for a cargo accessory according the present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all of the details and components may not be fully described or shown. Rather, the features or components are described and, in some instances, differences with the above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these additional embodiments may include elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiments although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the features, components, elements and functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired folding mechanism for a cargo accessory without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. 
         [0049]    A cargo management system, such as the cargo accessory  200  depicted in  FIGS. 10-11 , may be capable of selectively attaching to a vehicle  15  in any appropriate manner. The cargo accessory may include at least one bike holder  210 —although four bike holders  210  are shown. While four bike holders  210  are shown in the drawings, any number of such may be used without departing from the present teachings. By way of non-limiting examples, one, two, three or more bike holders  210  may be used. Still further, while a bike holder is shown as the accessory attaching device, any kind of accessory attaching device may be used without departing from the present teachings. 
         [0050]    The cargo accessory  200  may include a folding mechanism  260 . The bike holders  210  may be operatively coupled with the folding mechanism  260  in any appropriate manner, such as via fastening, welding, adhering or the like. 
         [0051]    The folding mechanism  260  may include a handle  268 , a linking device  272 , a pivot point  278 , and a release mechanism  282 . The handle  268  may be positioned distal to the linking device  272  that may be selectively secured to the vehicle  15 . This may result in the handle  268  extending from the rear  22  of the vehicle  15  allowing the user clearance to operate the folding mechanism  260  from the rear  22  of the vehicle  15 . The position of the handle  268  may allow the user to generally avoid being required to go between the cargo accessory  200  and the vehicle  15  to operate the folding mechanism  260 . The handle  268  may be made of any appropriate material, such as by way of a non-limiting example, the handle  268  may be made of nylon. The handle  268  may include an attachment member  284  that may be positioned within the handle  268 ; the details of which are described in more detail below. The attachment member  284  may be operatively secured to the release mechanism  282 . 
         [0052]    The folding mechanism  260  may further include a tubular member  300  that may be operatively attached to the handle  268  in any appropriate manner. The tubular member  300  may have attached thereto the bike holders  210 . By way of a non-limiting example, four bike holders  210  may be secured to the tubular member  300  and may be spaced apart from one another. However, the present teachings are not limited to bike holders  210 . Any kind of accessory securing or carrying device may be used and may be attached to the tubular member  300 . The tubular member  300  may secure the bike holders  210  to the folding mechanism  260  in any appropriate manner, such as by using fasteners, welding, or the like. The tubular member  300  may be of substantially the same configuration as the tubular member  100  or may be of a different configuration. The present teachings are not limited to the configurations shown. 
         [0053]    The release mechanism  282  may be operatively attached to the handle  268  in any appropriate manner. The release mechanism  282  may include an axial movement member  318 , which may be operatively attached to the handle  268 . By way of a non-limiting example, the axial movement member  318  may be of any appropriate size and shape such as a rod, a cable, or the like. The axial movement member  318  may be of any appropriate materials, such as by way of a non-limiting example, metal, plastics, rubber, a metal wrapped in an appropriate material such as rubber or plastic, or a combination of any of the foregoing. 
         [0054]    The axial movement member  318  may include a head  320 , a body  322  that may extend from the head  320 , and an end portion  324  distally positioned from the head  320 . The head  320  may be of a shape and size such that may be operatively secured with the handle  268  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the head  320  may be inserted into and held within the handle  268 . The attachment member  284  may be operatively secured to the head  320 . In other embodiments, the head  320  may include a fastener  326 , which may be attached to the handle  268 . An attachment member  327  may be attached between the fastener  284  and the fastener  326 , which may operatively secure the axial movement member  318  with the handle  268 . 
         [0055]    With the head  320  operatively secured with the handle  268 , the body  322  may extend from the head  320  into and through the tubular member  300 . The body  322  may be operatively positioned within the tubular member  300  in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, the body  322 , may extend an entire length of the tubular member  300  and may be generally positioned therein. The end portion  324  may be operatively secured to the linkage device  272  as discussed in more detail below. This may result in the head  320  being operatively secured with the handle  268 , the body  322  extending from the handle  268  into and through the tubular member  300  and the end portion  324  attached to the linkage device  272 . In these embodiments, the body  222  may generally be freely positioned within the tubular member  300  free of contact with the tubular member  300  or may be attached thereto in any appropriate manner. 
         [0056]    The linkage device  272  may be operatively secured to the tubular member  300  in any appropriate manner and may be secured with the draw bar  30  in any appropriate manner. In a non-limiting example, the linkage device  272  may include first and second plates  330 ,  332 . The tubular member  300  may be pivotally secured to the first and second plates  330 ,  332 , as further described below. The first and second plates  330 ,  332  may also be attached to the draw bar  30  such as through using fasteners  333  as shown in  FIG. 11 . In a non-limiting example, a pair of fasteners  333  may be inserted into and through the first plate  330  through the draw bar  30  and through the second plate  332 . This may fixedly secure the linkage device  272  with the draw bar  30 . While fasteners  333  are shown and described as securing the linkage device  272  with the draw bar  30 , the present teachings are not limited to such—the linkage device  272  may be attached with the draw bar  30 , such as through welding, adhesives, or any other suitable method. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the first and second plates  330 ,  332  may be secured to the tubular member  100  such that the first and second plates  330 ,  332  are positioned substantially parallel to each other, but the present teachings are not limited to this configuration. A rotational member  336  may be attached to the linkage device  272  at the pivot point  278 . More specifically, the rotational member  336  may be attached to the first and second plates  330 ,  332  and through the tubular member  300 . The rotational member  336  may allow the tubular member  300  to pivot relative to the first and second plates  330 ,  332  at the pivot point  278 . In some embodiments, the rotational member  336  may comprise a fastener  336  that may extend through the first and second plates  330 ,  332  and through the tubular member  300 . This may create the pivot  278 , i.e. the tubular member  300  may pivot at  278  relative to the first and second plates  330 ,  332 . 
         [0058]    The folding mechanism  260  may further include a locking member  339 . The locking member  339  may be on any appropriate position of the folding mechanism  260 . By way of a non-limiting example, the locking member  339  may be positioned on the linkage  272  and more specifically may be positioned on the first and second plates  330 ,  332 . While the locking member  339  may be positioned on the linkage  272 , and more specifically, the first and second plates  330 ,  332 , the present teachings are not limited to such. The locking member  339  may be in any appropriate position and in some embodiments, may be located separate from the linkage  272 . 
         [0059]    The locking member  339  may include a first slot  340 , a second slot  344  and a camming surface  348  positioned therebetween. The first and second lots  340 ,  344  and the camming surface  348  may all be positioned on the first and second plates  330 ,  332 . The first and second slots  340 ,  344  and the camming surface  348  may be integrally formed in the first and second plates  330 ,  332  or alternatively may be formed therein through a subsequent operation, such as machining such therein. The first and second slots  340 ,  344  may be of any appropriate shape and size. In some embodiments, the first and second slots  340 ,  344  may be of a shape and size such that a transverse fastener  350  (which is described in more detail below) may be positionable therein and secured within the applicable slots  340 ,  344 . The camming surface  348  may of a shape and size such that the transverse fastener  350  may be capable of riding thereon between the first and second slots  340 ,  344 . Still further, in some embodiments, the first and second slots  340 ,  344  may be of generally a same size. In other embodiments, the first and second slots  340 ,  344  may be of different sizes. While the first and second slots  340 ,  344  and camming surface  348  are shown in both the first and second plates  330 ,  332  the present teachings are not limited to such. In some embodiments only one of the first or second plates  330 ,  332  may include the first and second slots  340 ,  344  and the camming surface  348 . 
         [0060]    The linkage device  272  may include the transverse fastener  350  as noted above. The transverse fastener  350  may extend through the tubular member  300 . The tubular member  300  may include a slot  354  through which the transverse fastener  350  may extend. The slot  354  may be of a shape and size such that the transverse fastener  350  may be axially displaceable from a first position to a second position within the slot  354  as described in more detail below. 
         [0061]    The transverse fastener  350  may be selectively positionable between the first and second slots  340 ,  344  via the camming surface  348 . In a non-limiting example, the end portion  324  of the axial movement member  318  may be attached to the transverse fastener  350  such that the axial movement member  318  may selectively position the transverse fastener  350  from either of the first and second slots  340 ,  344  such that the transverse member  350  may be positioned to and along the camming surface  348 . More specifically, the transverse fastener  350  may be capable of being selectively positioned from and to the first slot  344  along the camming surface  348  and to and from the second slot  344  as the tubular member  300  pivots at pivot  278 . This may then allow the folding mechanism  260  to move the cargo accessory  200  from a first position to a second position and back, e.g., a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position and then back. The transverse fastener  350  may be attached to the end portion  324  of the axial movement member  318  such that axial movement of the handle  268  may axially move the transverse fastener  350  within the slot  354  of the tubular member  300 . 
         [0062]    A biasing member  362  may be operatively attached to the transverse fastener  350  in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, the biasing member  362  may be positioned between the transverse fastener  350  and the end portion  324  of the axial movement member  318 . In some embodiments, the biasing member  362  may attached between the transverse fastener  350  and the fastener  336 —which is the rotational member  336 . By way of a non-limiting example, an attachment member  365  may be positioned at an end  367  of the tubular member  300 . The attachment member  365  may engage the end  367  of the tubular member  300  and the biasing member  362  may be operatively secured between the attachment member  365  and the transverse fastener  350 . The biasing member  362  may bias the axial movement member  318  toward a locked position, e.g., the biasing member  362  may bias the transverse member  350  toward and into at least one of the first and second slots  340 ,  344 , as described in more detail below. 
         [0063]    The transverse fastener  350  may be positioned from either of the first or second slots  340 ,  344  by axially moving the handle  268  against the biasing of the biasing members  362 . The handle  268  may be axially positioned, which may move the head  320 , which may axially position the body  322  and the end portion  324 . As the end portion  324  may be operatively secured with the transverse fastener  350 , the transverse fastener  350  may be positioned from either of the first or second slots  340 ,  344  against the biasing of the biasing members  362  along slot  354 . Doing so may allow the folding mechanism  260  to pivot around pivot point  278  from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position and back to the generally horizontal position. The transverse fastener  350  being positioned in the first slot  340  may generally lock the folding mechanism  260  in a first position, e.g., the generally horizontal position whereas the transverse fastener  350  being positioned in the second slot  344  may generally lock the folding mechanism  260  in a second position, e.g., the generally vertical position. 
         [0064]    The folding mechanism  260  may operate by pulling the handle  268  that may be connected to the axial movement member  318 , which may pull the axial movement member  318  in substantially the same direction as the handle  368 . Axially moving the axial movement member  318  may cause the transverse fastener  350  to release from either of the first or second slot  340 ,  344 , as applicable. The folding mechanism  260  may then be pivoted relative to the pivot point  278  and the transverse fastener  350  may then be capable of engaging and moving along the camming surface  348 . The transverse fastener  350  being on the camming surface  348  may permit the tubular member  300  to pivot relative to the linkage device  272 , which may permit the folding mechanism  260  to pivot the bike holders  210  from the first position to the second position. By way of a non-limiting example, the bike holders  210  may pivot from a substantially horizontal position—which may be a bike hauling position—to a substantially vertical position—which may be a storage position. The steps may be reversed to go from the vertical position to the horizontal position as desired. When the handle  268  is released the transverse fastener  350  may then be capable of moving into either of the first or second slot  340 ,  344  locking the bike holders  210  into either of the vertical position or horizontal position, as applicable. 
         [0065]    Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.