Hitch-mounted door carrier assembly

A platform may include a vehicle door case comprising a base and a case body having cavities. Each cavity is configured to receive a removed vehicle door. Retractable wheels are affixed to the case, each wheel being configured to retractably extend from the base, and disposed at a corner of the case. A securing bracket includes: a back bracket attached to a back of the case and configured to extend through a window opening of at least one vehicle door; and a front bracket attached to a front of the case and configured to extend through a window opening of at least one vehicle door. A mount permits rotation of the case, and includes a case support member rotatably secured to the base, a hitch connecting member extending from the case securing portion, and a door case securing portion configured to fixedly secure the mount to the case.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to hitch-mountable storage devices and vehicle door carriers.

BACKGROUND

Some vehicles may have doors configured to be easily removed, if desired by an operator. For example, various Jeep™ models have removable doors that require minimal effort for removal. The conventional strategy for storing the removed doors is to either leave the doors elsewhere (e.g., at an operator's home) or to store the doors in a compartment within the vehicle, such as the trunk, cargo area, and/or back seats. This often causes problems. For example, in the case of leaving the doors elsewhere, the strategy does not account for inclement weather conditions (e.g., rain, wind, etc.) requiring the doors to be reattached in a quick manner. While storing the doors in a vehicle's compartments may solve this problem, the doors take up some or all of the available space for other passengers and/or cargo.

Further, current door carrying devices mounted on a hitch present various other usability issues. For example, the weight of the doors often results in an inability for the operator to mount (e.g., connect) or dismount (e.g., disconnect) the carrying device with the doors attached to the vehicle. In particular, the overall weight makes such mounting and/or dismounting impossible, difficult, or impractical. Current door carrying devices also fail to allow for access to rear compartments of the vehicle when the carrying devices are mounted to the vehicle. That is, the carrying device itself and/or the doors stored within the carrying device may prevent the vehicle operator from accessing the rear compartments (e.g., cargo area and/or trunk) of the vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a need for a door carrying device that allows for full functionality of the vehicle it is attached to, while allowing for easy mounting and dismounting, irrespective of whether or not the doors are attached to or stored within the carrying device.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This brief overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly comprising: a vehicle door case comprising: a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a bottom side, and a top side comprising: a substantially planar surface, a plurality of apertures forming a plurality of cavities, each of the plurality of apertures being dimensioned to receive at least a portion of one of the vehicle doors, and each of the plurality of cavities being dimensioned to house one of the plurality of vehicle doors; a plurality of wheels configured to retractably extend orthogonally to the top side and bottom side, each of the plurality of wheels being disposed at a corner of the vehicle door case; a plurality of brake lights configured to be operatively connected to vehicle brake lights and disposed on the back side of the vehicle door case; a back bracket spanning a portion the back side and extending upward from the back side of the vehicle door case; a front door case wall spanning a portion the front side and extending upward from the front side of the vehicle door case; a back securing bracket having an inverted “L” shape extending upward from the back side of the vehicle door case and configured to extend through a window aperture of at least a portion of the plurality of vehicle doors comprising: a back securing first section extending upward from the back side of the vehicle door case, and a back securing second section secured to a distal end of the first section furthest from the back side and configured to extend through a window aperture of at least a portion of the plurality of vehicle doors; a front securing bracket having an inverted “L” shape extending upward from the front side of the vehicle door case and configured to extend through a window aperture of at least another portion of the plurality of vehicle doors, the front securing portion being configured to secure to a portion of the back securing portion comprising: a front securing first section extending upward from the front side of the vehicle door case, and a front securing second section secured to a distal end of the first section furthest from the back side and configured to extend through a window aperture of at least a portion of the plurality of vehicle doors, wherein the front securing bracket is configured to secure to a distal end of the back securing second section; and a pivotable mount configured to pivotably rotate the vehicle door case, the frame comprising: a door case support member rotatably secured to the bottom side of the vehicle door case, a hitch connecting member extending from the case securing portion, and a door case securing portion configured to fixedly secure the pivotable mount to the door case.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may further provide a method for securing a plurality of vehicle doors to a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly, the method comprising: removing a plurality of doors from a vehicle; placing each of the plurality of doors into a cavity of a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly; vertically orienting a first section of a front securing bracket such that a second section of the front securing bracket is extended through window apertures of at least a portion of the plurality of doors; vertically orienting a first section of a second securing bracket such that a second section of the second securing bracket is extended through window apertures of at least a portion of the plurality of doors and in physical contact with the second section of the front securing bracket; and fixedly securing the first securing bracket to the second securing bracket such that the plurality of doors are prevented from undesired removal from the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may further provide a method for dismounting a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly from a vehicle hitch, the method comprising: providing a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly secured to a vehicle hitch; vertically extending the one or more retractable casters such that wheels on the one or more retractable casters contact a surface below the apparatus; placing the one or more retractable caters in a locked position such that vertical movement is inhibited; disengaging a hitch connecting member of a pivotable mount from a vehicle hitch; and transferring the weight of the door case from the hitch to the one or more retractable casters.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly including: a vehicle door case including a base, and a case body, the case body having a plurality of cavities, wherein each of the plurality of cavities is configured to receive and retain a door removed from a vehicle a plurality of retractable wheels affixed to the vehicle door case, each of the plurality of wheels being configured to retractably extend orthogonally to the base, each of the plurality of wheels being disposed at a corner of the vehicle door case; a securing bracket including: a back bracket having a first portion or spacing bar configured to attach to a back side of the vehicle door case and a second portion or securing bar configured to extend orthogonally from the first portion and through a window opening of at least one vehicle door, of the plurality of vehicle doors, a front bracket having a first portion or spacing bar configured to attach to a front side of the vehicle door case and a second portion or securing bar configured to extend orthogonally from the first portion and through a window opening of at least one vehicle door, of the plurality of vehicle doors, wherein the front portion and the rear portion are configured to lockingly connect to one another; and a pivotable mount configured to permit rotation of the vehicle door case, the pivotal mount including: a door case support member rotatably secured to the base of the vehicle door case, a hitch connecting member extending from the case securing portion, and a door case securing portion configured to fixedly secure the pivotable mount to the door case.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus configured to be mounted to a vehicle hitch, the apparatus including: a door case configured to receive and retain one or more removable doors of the vehicle; a plurality of wheel assemblies retractably mounted to the door case, each wheel assembly including: a wheel, a retractable leg, wherein the retractable leg connects the wheel to the door case, and a locking mechanism configured to selectively inhibit movement of the retractable leg, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to move between: an extended position in which the leg extends downward from the door case to a surface below the door case, and a collapsed position in which the wheel is held proximate to the door case; a security bracket configured to move between: an open configuration that allows at least one of the one or more removable doors to be removed from the door case, and a locked configuration that prevents the one or more doors from being removed from the door case; and a rotatable hitch configured to releasably connect the door case to the vehicle, the rotatable hitch configured to selectively allow the door case to rotate about an axis defined by a corner of the door case, the rotatable hitch. In embodiments, the assembly may rotate approximately 45 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, approximately 135 degrees, or any amount sufficient to allow an operator to access a rear gate of a vehicle.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus configured to be mounted to a vehicle hitch, the apparatus including: a door case including one or more cavities, each cavity being configured to receive and retain a corresponding door of the vehicle; a plurality of wheel assemblies retractably mounted to the door case, each wheel assembly being configured to move between: an extended position in which a leg of the wheel assembly extends downward from the door case such that a wheel of the wheel assembly contacts a surface below the door case, and a collapsed position in which the wheel assembly is held proximate to the door case; a security bracket configured to selectively prevent removal of the doors from the one or more cavities; a rotatable hitch configured to releasably connect the door case to the vehicle, the rotatable hitch configured to allow the door case to rotate about an axis defined by a corner of the door case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of hitch-mountable storage devices and vehicle door carriers, such as the Duck Doors product, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

I. Apparatus Overview

This overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below. This overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

A hitch-mounted door carrier assembly (“apparatus”) may be provided. the apparatus may be used to store and secure removable vehicle doors, such as that of a Jeep™. To achieve this, the door carrier assembly may include a case having one or more cavities. Each cavity may be accessible from accessible from at least one side of the case. The one or more cavities may be dimensioned to receive and retain a particular door or set of doors corresponding the vehicle.

The case may have one or more walls protruding upwards from one or more sides of the case. The one or more walls may further assist in retaining, protecting, and/or securing the doors and/or any other object housed within in or on top of the case. In some aspects, the one or more walls may be collapsible and/or foldable to allow for increased versatility and variation of the apparatus.

The apparatus may have retractable casters located at corners of the case. The retractable casters may assist in disengaging the apparatus from a hitch of the vehicle. In particular, the casters may be lowered such that each caster contacts the ground or a surface below the apparatus. The position of the casters may be locked in place, so as to maintain the same height when the apparatus is disengaged *e.g., dismounted, disconnected) from the vehicle. The casters may be used to roll the apparatus away from the hitch (e.g., across the ground or surface) while maintaining the height of the apparatus with or without the doors secured on the apparatus.

To help secure the vehicles doors, the apparatus may include brackets configured to extend upward from two sides of the case and extend horizontally through window holes of the one or more vehicle doors (e.g., having the windows removed or retracted down into the doors). The brackets may lock in this position, thereby preventing unwanted removal of the vehicle doors from the apparatus100. In some embodiments, the brackets may be foldable, collapsible, and/or retractable.

The apparatus may include a mount for connecting the apparatus to the vehicle. The mount may be secured to a bottom side of the case. In some embodiments, the mount may be secured in such a way that the case is capable of being horizontally pivoted relative to the vehicle to which the case is attached. The mount may have a hitch mounting portion extending from the mount and configured to secure to a vehicle hitch. The mount may further have a flange and/or other suitable type of securing portion configured to secure to the case. For example, the flange of the mount may be secured to a protrusion located on the back side of the case. When the apparatus is in a secured position, the mount and the back side of the case are secured to one another, preventing pivoting of the case relative to the mount. When the apparatus is in a pivotable position, the mount and the back side of the case are disengaged from one another, thereby allowing horizontal axial rotation of the case relative to the mount.

Brake lights may be included in the apparatus and may be configured to electrically connect to a brake light circuit of the vehicle to which the apparatus is attached. The brake lights added to the apparatus may contribute to brake light visibility and operability when the apparatus is secured to a vehicle.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise methods, systems, and components comprising, but not limited to, at least one of the following:A. A Door Case200;B. One or More Retractable Casters300;C. Door Case Walls400;D. Securing Brackets500; andE. A Mount600.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may provide an additional set of components for further facilitating the system. The additional set of components may comprise, but not be limited to:F. One or More Brake Lights700.

Details with regard to each component are provided below. Although components are disclosed with specific functionality, it should be understood that functionality may be shared between components, with some functions split between components, while other functions duplicated by the components. Furthermore, the name of the component should not be construed as limiting upon the functionality of the component. Moreover, each stage disclosed within each component can be considered independently without the context of the other stages within the same component or different components. Each stage may contain language defined in other portions of this specifications. Each stage disclosed for one component may be mixed with the operational stages of another component. In the present disclosure, each stage can be claimed on its own and/or interchangeably with other stages of other components.

The following depicts an example of a method of a plurality of methods that may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned components. Various hardware components may be used at the various stages of operations disclosed with reference to each component. For example, although methods may be described to be performed by a single apparatus, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, different operations may be performed by different apparatuses in operating in conjunction with each other. For example, a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly or apparatus100may be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages disclosed with regard to the methods. Similarly, one apparatus may be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages of the methods. As such, the apparatus may comprise at least one of the architectural components disclosed herein.

Furthermore, although the stages of the following example method are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned components. The method may be embodied as, for example, but not limited to, computer instructions, which when executed, perform the method. The method may comprise the following stages:removing one or more doors from a vehicle;vertically extending one or more retractable casters downward from a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly such that wheels on the one or more retractable casters contact a surface below the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly;placing the one or more retractable casters in a locked position such that vertical movement is inhibited;placing the one or more doors into one or more corresponding cavities of a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly;vertically orienting a first section of a first securing bracket such that a second section of the first securing bracket extends through a window aperture of at least one of the one or more doors;vertically orienting a first section of a second securing bracket such that a second section of the second securing bracket extends through a window aperture of at least one of the one or more doors and contacts the second section of the first securing bracket;fixedly securing the first securing bracket to the second securing bracket such that the one or more doors are prevented from undesired removal from the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly;securing the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly to a vehicle hitch;vertically retracting the one or more retractable casters such that wheels on the one or more retractable casters no longer contact the surface;operating the vehicle to tow the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly;vertically extending the one or more retractable casters such that wheels on the one or more retractable casters contact the surface below the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly;placing the one or more retractable caters in the locked position such that vertical movement is inhibited;disengaging a hitch connecting member of a pivotable mount from the vehicle hitch; andtransferring the weight of the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly from the hitch to the one or more retractable casters.

II. System Configuration

The term “vehicle hitch” may be used interchangeably with the term “hitch”. Either term may be applicable to refer to any type of vehicle-trailer connecting means compatible with the scope of the present disclosure.

It is noted that the term “side” may be used interchangeably with the term “surface”.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hitch-mountable door carrier assembly or apparatus100(“apparatus100”) comprised of a set of components, including, but not limited to:

As shown in at leastFIGS.1-6the apparatus100includes a door case200. The door case200may house (e.g., receive and retain) at least a portion of one or more vehicle doors. The door case200may be used as a base to which other components of the apparatus100may be secured.

In some embodiments, the door case200may be shaped substantially as a rectangular prism or cuboid. In some embodiments, the door case200may comprise a frame201. At least a portion of the frame201may be made from any rigid and/or semi-rigid material such as, but not limited to, for example, steel, aluminum, a metal alloy, and/or any other suitable material. The frame201may be used to retain, house, and/or receive at least a portion of a door retaining portion210. In some embodiments, the frame201may comprise a frame front side202. When mounted to a vehicle (e.g., via a vehicle trailer hitch), the frame front side202may be the portion of the frame201in nearest proximity to the vehicle and/or vehicle trailer hitch. The frame front side202may span a length and/or longitudinal distance of the door case200. In further embodiments, the frame201may comprise a frame back side204. The frame back side204may be opposed to the frame front side202and oriented substantially parallel to the frame front side. In further embodiments, the frame201may comprise a frame left side206oriented substantially orthogonally to the frame front side202and/or the frame back side204. In further embodiments, the frame201may comprise a frame right side208opposed to the frame left side206and oriented parallel to the frame left side206.

In further embodiments, the door case200may comprise a door retaining portion210. By way of nonlimiting example, at least a portion of the door retaining portion210may be made from and/or in combination with, a semi-rigid, flexible, pliable, and/or non-rigid material such as, but not limited to, for example, wood composite, Styrofoam, thermoplastic urethane, thermoplastic polymer, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, various resin types, memory foam, and/or any other suitable material. The door retaining portion210may be used to house, retain, and/or contact at least a portion of one or more vehicle doors. In some embodiments, the door retaining portion210may be securely mounted on the frame201such that at least a portion of the door retaining portion210is accessible and/or vertically protrudes from the frame201. The door retaining portion210may comprise one or more cavities (and/or recesses)212. The one or more cavities212may be used to receive at least a portion of the one or more vehicle doors. In some embodiments, each the one or more cavities212may be accessible via an aperture disposed on a top side of the door retaining portion210. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a top side of the door retaining portion210may be substantially planar (with the exception of the cavities212). One or more (e.g., each) of the one or more cavities212may be dimensioned proportionally to the dimensions (length and/or width) of a specified vehicle door (e.g., a removable Jeep™ door), such that the vehicle door is contacts one or more walls within the cavity212, thereby helping to prevent or restrict undesired movement responsive to vibration, torque, and/or force being exerted on the door (e.g., during towing of the apparatus100).

B. One or More Retractable Casters300

As shown inFIGS.1-6, the apparatus100may include one or more retractable casters300consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure. The one or more retractable casters300may be used to traverse (e.g., roll) the apparatus100over a substantially flat surface. The one or more retractable casters300may be used to provide portability and/or stability when the apparatus100is detached a vehicle trailer hitch, providing the apparatus100with rollable contact on a surface below the trailer hitch (e.g., the ground, a floored surface, a paved surface, etc.). The one or more retractable casters300may be further used to adjust the vertical orientation and/or height of the apparatus100. The one or more retractable casters300allowing dismounting/disengaging of the apparatus100from a vehicle hitch and/or mounting/engaging of the apparatus with the vehicle, with or without the vehicle doors secured to the apparatus100. In some embodiments, the one or more casters300may help to maintain substantially the same height as the vehicle hitch. The one or more casters300may allow the apparatus to be rolled to or from the vehicle after disengagement while at said height, thereby allowing for easier future mounting/engaging, and reducing the requirement of having a separate support mechanism for disengaging the apparatus100from the vehicle hitch.

At least one (e.g., each) of the one or more retractable casters300may be used to aid in dismount/disengagement of the apparatus100from a vehicle hitch via vertically extending downwards from a collapsed position to an extended position. In the extended position, the caster300may contact the surface below the apparatus100. In embodiments, the caster300may include a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the caster300in a particular position. For example, the locking mechanism, when engaged, may lock the caster300in the extended position, preventing the retractable caster from retracting to the collapsed position. This may be advantageous when an operator is mounting/engaging or dismounting/disengaging the apparatus from the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism may, when engaged, lock the caster300in the collapsed position, preventing the caster from moving to the extended position until the locking mechanism is disengaged. This may be advantageous while the apparatus100is connected to the vehicle hitch and in use (e.g., while the apparatus is being towed), The locking mechanism may allow the apparatus to maintain substantially the same height (e.g., the same height as the height of the hitch), thereby allowing easier disengagement of the apparatus100from the hitch.

In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., each) of the one or more retractable casters300may comprise a frame securing portion302. The frame securing portion302may be used to secure the caster to a corner of the frame201. The frame securing portion302may be further used to guide and/or receive a caster leg304. In some embodiments, the caster leg304may be configured to retractably extend in a vertical direction (e.g., downward). In some embodiments, the caster leg304may have a plurality of predetermined apertures and/or notches spanning at least a portion of the length of the caster leg304to aid in height adjustment and/or securing at a desired height. The plurality of apertures and/or notches may be configured to receive a securing device such as, but not limited to, a pin, a nut, a bolt, a screw, a gear, a latch, and/or any other suitable component configured to engage an aperture. Alternatively or additionally, one or more (e.g., each) of the retractable casters may be movable using, for example, an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, a pneumatic pump, and/or any other actuator, pump, and/or motor that is useful in moving the retractable caster from a retracted position to a deployed position. In some embodiments a single controller may be used to move all the casters concurrently. Alternatively or additionally, each caster may be controlled and/or moved independently of the other casters.

In further embodiments, at least one (e.g., each) of the one or more retractable casters300may comprise a wheel306. The wheel306may be disposed below the frame securing portion302. For example, the wheel may disposed at a lower end of the caster leg304, In some embodiments, the wheel306may be capable of swiveling or rotating about an axis defined by the leg304based on a direction of travel of the apparatus100. It is noted that the wheel306may be embodied as a caster, with or without a stationary or rotatable fork, with or without a swivel joint, and with or without a flat top plate.

C. Plurality of Door Case Walls400

As shown in at leastFIGS.1-6, the apparatus100may include plurality of door case walls400consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the plurality of door case walls400may comprise a front door case wall402. The front door case wall402may be used to provide an additional means of retaining at least a portion of any component housed on or within the apparatus100. The front door case wall402may be secured to (and span at least a portion of) the frame front side202. From the frame front side202, the front door case wall402may extend upwards above the frame front side202and/or the door retaining portion210. In some embodiments, the front door case wall402may be configured to collapse and/or fold into a compartment of the door retaining portion210and/or under the frame200.

In some embodiments, the plurality of door case walls400may comprise a rear door case wall404. The rear door case wall404may be used to provide an additional means of retaining at least a portion of any component housed on or within the apparatus100. The rear door case wall404may be secured to (and span at least a portion of) the frame back side204. From the frame back side204, the rear door case wall404may extend upwards above the frame back side204and/or the door retaining portion210. In some embodiments, the rear door case wall404may be configured to collapse and/or fold into a compartment of the door retaining portion210and/or under the frame201.

As shown in at leastFIGS.1-6, the apparatus100may include a door securing system500consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure. The door securing system500may be used to selectively secure one or more vehicle doors within the door retaining portion210. In embodiments, the door securing system500may interact with (e.g., pass through) a window aperture of each of the one or more vehicle doors. In this way, the door securing system500may trap the vehicle doors between the door securing system500and the door retaining portion210(e.g., within a respective one of the cavities212).

In some embodiments, the door securing system500may comprise a front securing portion502. The front securing portion502may be made from a rigid material, semi-rigid material, flexible material, and/or combination thereof. The front securing portion502may be disposed adjacent to the frame front side202. In some embodiments, the front securing portion502may have a substantially inverted “L” shape. In further embodiments, the front securing portion502may have a substantially inverted “V” shape. In yet other embodiments, the front securing portion502may have any other suitable arrangement and/or shape to facilitate securing the one or more vehicle doors within the door retaining portion210.

In embodiments, a first part of the front securing portion502may extend vertically upward from a first distal end secured to the frame front side202. A second part of the front securing portion502may extend substantially orthogonally (and/or diagonally/sloping downward) relative to the first part of the front securing portion502, through the window aperture of at least a portion of the one or more vehicle windows. The front securing portion502may be configured to rotate, pivot, and/or fold in various directions and manners in furtherance of selectively engaging and disengaging the one or more vehicle doors and/or a back securing portion504.

In some embodiments, the door securing system500may comprise a back securing portion504. The back securing portion504may be made from a rigid material, semi-rigid material, flexible material, and/or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the back securing portion504may have a substantially inverted “L” shape. In other embodiments, the back securing portion504may have a substantially inverted “V” shape. In yet other embodiments, the back securing portion504may have any other suitable arrangement and/or shape to facilitate securing the one or more vehicle doors.

In further embodiments, a first part of the back securing portion504may extend vertically from a first distal end secured to the frame back side204. A second part of the back securing portion504may extend substantially orthogonally (and/or diagonally/sloping downward) relative to the first part of the back securing portion504, through the window aperture of at least a portion of the one or more vehicle windows. The back securing portion504may be configured to rotate, pivot, and/or fold in various directions and manners in furtherance of selectively engaging and disengaging the one or more vehicle doors and/or the front securing portion502.

When in a locked and/or securing position configured to secure the one or more vehicle doors, a second distal end of the back securing portion504may contact, overlap, and/or be in relative proximity to a portion of a second distal end of the front securing portion. In some embodiments, the front securing portion502and the back securing portion504may be secured to one another via any suitable securing means.

In the locked and/or securing position, the one or more vehicle doors are inhibited and/or prevented from removal from the apparatus100due to the first distal end of the front securing portion502being secured to the frame front side202, the front securing portion502being further secured to the back securing portion504via the second distal end, and the first distal end of the back securing portion504being secured to the frame back side204.

As shown in at leastFIGS.1-6, the apparatus100may include a pivotable mount600consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure. The pivotable mount600may be used to pivotably rotate the door case200while the apparatus100is secured to the trailer hitch.

In some embodiments, the pivotable mount600may comprise a door case support member602. The door case support member602may be used to provide structural support to the door case200. The door case support member602may be disposed underneath the frame201. For example, the door case support member602may be mounted flus with a lower surface of the frame201. In some embodiments, the door case support member602may be pivotably secured (relative to the frame201) proximate to a bottom side of the frame201.

In some embodiments, the door case mount600may comprise a door case securing portion604. The door case securing portion604may be used to fixedly secure the pivotable mount600to the door case200. The door case securing portion604may be used to selectively inhibit or prevent axial rotation of the door case200. In some embodiments, when in a fixedly secure state, the door case securing portion604may be secured to a least a portion of the frame back side204via any suitable securing means including, but not limited to, a bolt/screw and flange combination, a snap fit, a friction fit, a magnet configuration, and/or a bolt-nut configuration.

In some embodiments, the pivotable mount600may comprise a hitch connecting member606. The hitch connecting member606may be used to removably secure the pivotable mount600to the vehicle hitch on a first distal end. The hitch connecting member606may (laterally) extend from a portion of the door case support member602having, but not limited to, a cantilever-like embodiment. In embodiments, the hitch connecting member606is rotatably secured to the door case support member602.

The pivotable mount600may allow for the apparatus100to pivot between an open position and a closed position when the door case securing portion604is disengaged from the door case200and/or the hitch connecting member606.

In the open position, the door case securing portion604may be disengaged from the hitch connecting member606and/or the door case200, and the door case200is axially rotated away from the vehicle hitch about an axis disposed at or near a corner of the door case200, such that a portion of the door case support member602is exposed and/or visible from underneath the door case200and a rear door and/or storage portion of the vehicle may be opened and/or accessible. In non-limiting example embodiments, the assembly100may be rotated approximately 45 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, approximately 135 degrees, or any other amount that permits access to the rear door and/or storage portion of the vehicle without detaching the assembly from the vehicle and/or unloading the assembly. In embodiments, the door case securing member604may be used to retain the door case200in the open position. In the open position, the vehicle rear compartment (e.g., tailgate, door, lift gate, trunk, etc.) may be accessible when the door case200is in the open position.

In the closed state, the door case securing portion604may be fixedly engaged to the trailer hitch and the door case200is substantially disposed underneath and flush to the bottom side of the frame201such that the door case support member602is not exposed from underneath the door case200. In some embodiments, when the door case200is in the open position, the vehicle rear compartment (e.g., tailgate, door, lift gate, trunk, etc.) may be block or impeded from opening by the door case.

F. One or More Brake Lights700

As shown in at leastFIGS.1-6, the apparatus100may optionally include one or more brake lights700consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure. The one or more brake lights700may be used as substitute vehicle brake lights in place of or in addition to the vehicle brake lights to illuminate an indication of braking of the vehicle that the apparatus100is secured to. In some embodiments, the one or more brake lights700may be electrically connected to a vehicle brake light circuit such that the one or more brake lights activate responsive to the vehicle's brake lights being activated. The one or more brake lights700may be secured to the frame back side204.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system operative by a set of methods comprising instructions configured to operate the aforementioned components in accordance with the methods. The following depicts an example of a method of a plurality of methods that may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned components. Various hardware components may be used at the various stages of operations disclosed with reference to each component.

For example, although methods may be described to be performed by a single component, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, different operations may be performed by different components in operative relation with one another. For example, an apparatus may be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages disclosed with regard to the methods. As such, the apparatus may comprise at least one architectural component disclosed herein.

Furthermore, although the stages of the following example method are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method1000for securing a plurality of vehicle doors to a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned components, illustrated at least inFIG.15. The method1000may comprise the following stages:1.1005—removing a plurality of doors from a vehicle;2.1010—placing each of the plurality of doors into a corresponding cavity212of a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly or apparatus100;3.1015—orienting a front securing bracket502such that a second section of the front securing bracket502is extended through window apertures of at least a portion of the plurality of doors,a. The first section of the front securing bracket being connected to a frame front side202of a frame201;4.1020—orienting a second securing bracket504such that a second section of the second securing bracket504is extended through window apertures of at least a portion of the plurality of doors and in physical contact with the second section of the front securing bracket502,a. The first section of the front securing bracket being connected to a frame back side204of a frame201;5.1025—securing the first securing bracket502to the second securing bracket504such that the plurality of doors are prevented from undesired removal from the hitch-mounted door carrier assembly or apparatus100.

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method2000for dismounting a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly from a vehicle hitch may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned components, illustrated at least inFIG.16. The method2000may comprise the following stages:1.2005—Providing a hitch-mounted door carrier assembly or apparatus100secured to a vehicle hitch,a. having one or more retractable casters300in a retracted state,b. optionally having one or more vehicle doors secured to the apparatus100;2.2010—Vertically extending (in a downward direction) the one or more retractable casters300such that wheels on the one or more retractable casters contact a surface below the apparatus100;3.2015—placing the one or more retractable caters300in a locked position such that vertical movement is inhibited;4.2020—disengaging a hitch connecting member606of a pivotable mount600from a vehicle hitch;5.2025—transferring the weight of the door case200from the hitch to the one or more retractable casters300.

Although the stages are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.