Patent Publication Number: US-2004051290-A1

Title: Hauling system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] The present application is related to my prior provisional application Serial No. 60/408,489, filed Sep. 4, 2002, entitled “HAULING SYSTEM”, from which I claim priority, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and is not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002] This invention relates to providing a hauling system for improved transportation of a motorized personal vehicle (herein referred to as a motorized cart or just a cart). Mobility-challenged individuals most often use such motorized carts. This invention provides an apparatus and method to load and transport such motorized carts in combination with a transport vehicle, such as a car, truck or van.  
       [0003] Generally, persons using a motorized cart have a need to transport their motorized cart from location to location. Most typically, a hydraulic lift/platform is attached to a transport vehicle and used to move the three or four-wheeled cart from the ground onto a lifting platform, where such platform is raised for transport. Such platforms may be attached to the rear of a transport vehicle or set onto the bed of a truck used for transport. Other methods of transport include placing the motorized cart onto a two or four-wheeled trailer and connecting the trailer to a trailer hitch on the rear of a transport vehicle. These types of cart lifts require lifting the cart onto the trailer, or complicated maneuvering that is difficult for one person.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a hauling system, comprising a hauler, attachable to a transport vehicle, for hauling a motorized cart.  
       [0005] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is gravitationally tilted such that the motorized cart may be driven onto, and off of, the hauler by a single user without manual lifting of the motorized cart.  
       [0006] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides a wheel guiding system for positioning the motorized cart on the hauler.  
       [0007] A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hauling system attachable to at least one transport vehicle, for hauling at least one motorized cart of the type that is drivable, comprising, in combination: a hauler comprising, first attachment means for attaching such hauler to the at least one transport vehicle; second attachment means for attaching the at least one motorized cart to such hauler; at least one support means for supporting the at least one motorized cart; tilting means for tilting such at least one support means in at least one first direction such that the at least one motorized cart may be driven onto such at least one support means; and tilting such at least one support means in at least one second direction when the at least one motorized cart is driven substantially onto such at least one support means; at least one first blocking means for blocking such at least one support means in a substantially horizontal position; and at least one second blocking means for blocking the at least one motorized cart when the at least one motorized cart is supported by such at least one support means and such at least one support means is in such substantially horizontal position; wherein the at least one motorized cart is substantially supported by the at least one transport vehicle when such hauler is attached to the at least one transport vehicle and in such substantially horizontal position. Moreover, it provides such a hauling system further comprising at least one wheel guiding means, attached to such at least one support means, for guiding at least one wheel of the motorized cart onto such hauler.  
       [0009] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hauling system attachable to at least one transport vehicle, for hauling at least one motorized cart of the type that is drivable, comprising, in combination: a hauler comprising, at least one first attacher structured and arranged to attach such hauler to the at least one transport vehicle; at least one second attacher structured and arranged to attach the at least one motorized cart to such hauler; at least one supporter structured and arranged to support the at least one motorized cart; at least one tilter, structured and arranged to tilt such at least one supporter in at least one first direction such that the at least one motorized cart may be driven onto such at least one supporter; and structured and arranged to tilt such at least one supporter in at least one second direction when the at least one motorized cart is driven substantially onto such at least one supporter; at least one first blocker structured and arranged to block such at least one supporter in a substantially horizontal position; and at least one second blocker structured and arranged to block the at least one motorized cart when the at least one motorized cart is supported by such at least one supporter and such at least one supporter is in such substantially horizontal position; wherein the at least one motorized cart is substantially supported by the at least one transport vehicle when such hauler is attached to the at least one transport vehicle and in such substantially horizontal position.  
       [0010] Additionally, it provides such a hauling system further comprising at least one wheel guider, attached to such at least one supporter, structured and arranged to guide at least one wheel of the motorized cart onto such hauler. Also, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one first attacher comprises: at least one hitch receiver, attachable to the at least one transport vehicle; and at least one hitch mating-member, attachable to such hauler; wherein such at least one hitch mating-member will mate with such at least one hitch receiver such that when such at least one hitch receiver is attached to the at least one transport vehicle such hauler is substantially supported by the at least one transport vehicle.  
       [0011] In addition, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one first attacher comprises: at least one hitch receiver, attachable to the at least one transport vehicle; and at least one hitch mating-member, attachable to such hauler; wherein such at least one hitch mating-member will mate with such at least one hitch receiver such that when such at least one hitch receiver is attached to the at least one transport vehicle such hauler is substantially supported by the at least one transport vehicle. And, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one second attacher comprises: at least two tie-down connectors; at least one tie-down strap having two ends and being structured and arranged to be tightened, each respective such end being structured and arranged to removably attach to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors; wherein each respective such end is attached to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors and tightened over the motorized cart such that the motorized cart is firmly held to such hauler by such at least one tie-down strap and such at least two tie-down connectors.  
       [0012] Further, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one second attacher comprises: at least two tie-down connectors; at least one tie-down strap having two ends and being structured and arranged to be tightened, each respective such end being structured and arranged to removably attach to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors; wherein each respective such end is attached to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors and tightened over the motorized cart such that the motorized cart is firmly held to such hauler by such at least one tie-down strap and such at least two tie-down connectors.  
       [0013] Even further, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one supporter comprises at least one platform and at least one structural frame. Moreover, it provides such a hauling system wherein such platform is substantially planar and comprises a mesh floor. Additionally, it provides such a hauling system wherein such platform comprises at least one end, which is flush with such mesh floor. Also, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one supporter comprises at least one platform and at least one structural frame.  
       [0014] In addition, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one tilter comprises: at least one hollow outer cylinder; and at least one inner cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder supports the at least one hollow outer cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder is substantially within such at least one hollow outer cylinder; and wherein such at least one outer cylinder freely rotates around such at least one inner cylinder in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.  
       [0015] And, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one tilter comprises: at least one hollow outer cylinder; and at least one inner cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder supports the at least one hollow outer cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder is substantially within such at least one hollow outer cylinder; and wherein such at least one outer cylinder freely rotates around such at least one inner cylinder in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. Further, it provides such a hauling system further comprising at least one wheel guider, attached to such at least one supporter, structured and arranged to guide at least one wheel of the motorized cart onto such hauler.  
       [0016] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a hauling system, comprising, in combination: at least one transport vehicle; at least one motorized cart; at least one hauler comprising at least one first attacher structured and arranged to attach such hauler to such at least one transport vehicle; at least one second attacher structured and arranged to attach such at least one motorized cart to such hauler; at least one supporter structured and arranged to support such at least one motorized cart; at least one tilter, structured and arranged to tilt such at least one supporter in at least one first direction such that such at least one motorized cart may be driven onto such at least one supporter; and structured and arranged to tilt such at least one supporter in at least one second direction when such at least one motorized cart is driven substantially onto such at least one supporter; at least one first blocker structured and arranged to block such at least one supporter in a substantially horizontal position; and at least one second blocker structured and arranged to block such at least one motorized cart when such at least one motorized cart is supported by such at least one supporter and such at least one supporter is in such substantially horizontal position; wherein such at least one motorized cart is substantially supported by such at least one transport vehicle when such hauler is attached to such at least one transport vehicle and in such substantially horizontal position.  
       [0017] Even further, it provides such a hauling system further comprising at least one wheel guider, attached to such at least one supporter, structured and arranged to guide at least one wheel of such motorized cart onto such at least one hauler. Even further, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one tilter comprises: at least one hollow outer cylinder; and at least one inner cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder supports the at least one hollow outer cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder is substantially within such at least one hollow outer cylinder; and wherein such at least one outer cylinder freely rotates around such at least one inner cylinder in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction.  
       [0018] Even further, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one first attacher comprises: at least one hitch receiver, attachable to the at least one transport vehicle; and at least one hitch mating-member, attachable to such hauler; wherein such at least one hitch mating-member will mate with such at least one hitch receiver such that when such at least one hitch receiver is attached to the at least one transport vehicle such hauler is substantially supported by the at least one transport vehicle.  
       [0019] Furthermore, it provides such a hauling system wherein such at least one second attacher comprises: at least two tie-down connectors; at least one tie-down strap having two ends and being structured and arranged to be tightened, each respective such end being structured and arranged to removably attach to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors; wherein each respective such end is attached to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors and tightened over the motorized cart such that the motorized cart is firmly held to such hauler by such at least one tie-down strap and such at least two tie-down connectors. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hauler of the hauling system attached to a transport vehicle, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0021]FIG. 2 is an illustrated top view of the hauler of FIG. 1.  
     [0022]FIG. 3 is a side view, through section  3 - 3  of FIG. 4.  
     [0023]FIG. 4 is an illustrated front view of the hauler of FIG. 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0024]FIG. 5 is an illustrated front view of the hauler of FIG. 2 in a loading position, attached to the rear of a transport vehicle, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0025]FIG. 6 is an illustrated front view of the hauler of FIG. 2 in a transport position, attached to the rear of a transport vehicle, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially in section, of Detail  7  of FIG. 2.  
     [0027]FIG. 8 is a top view, partially in section, of a portion of the hauler platform illustrating a wheel holder for a four-wheel cart of the hauling system, according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a wheel stop shown as Detail  9  of FIG. 7.  
     [0029]FIG. 10 is a top view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly of the hauler, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0030]FIG. 11 is a side view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly of the hauler of FIG. 10.  
     [0031]FIG. 12 is a side view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly and hitch mating-member of the hauling system, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0032]FIG. 13 is a side view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly and hitch mating-member of the hauling system, according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION  
     [0033] Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hauler  100  (embodying herein a hauler) of the hauling system  102  attached to a transport vehicle  104  (embodying herein at least one transport vehicle), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustrated top view of the hauler  100  of FIG. 1.  
     [0034] Preferably, the hauler  100  comprises a lower support sub-assembly  106  and an upper support sub-assembly  108  (this arrangement embodies herein at least one support means for supporting the at least one motorized cart; and embodies herein at least one supporter structured and arranged to support the at least one motorized cart), as shown. Preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  rotates around the lower support sub-assembly  106  from a substantially horizontal position to a diagonal ramp position, as shown in FIG. 5 (this arrangement embodies herein tilting means for tilting such at least one support means in at least one first direction such that the at least one motorized cart may be driven onto such at least one support means; and tilting such at least one support means in at least one second direction when the at least one motorized cart is driven substantially onto such at least one support means; and embodies herein at least one tilter, structured and arranged to tilt such at least one supporter in at least one first direction such that the at least one motorized cart may be driven onto such at least one supporter; and structured and arranged to tilt such at least one supporter in at least one second direction when the at least one motorized cart is driven substantially onto such at least one supporter).  
     [0035] Preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  comprises a platform  110 , preferably rectangular in shape, and substantially planar, as shown. Preferably, the platform  110  comprises an outer frame  112 , preferably made from one and one-half inch angle-iron steel, preferably welded together, as shown (the above arrangement embodies herein wherein such supporter comprises a platform and a structural frame). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, durability, environmental concerns, etc., other materials and material dimensions, such as corrosion-resistant materials as well as materials lighter in weight, may suffice. Further, material dimensions, such as round, square, or rectangular may be used for a different appearance, or added strength or cost.  
     [0036] Preferably, the outer frame  112  provides a peripheral support structure for the platform floor  114 , preferably a steel mesh  111  (embodying herein wherein such platform is substantially planar and comprises a mesh floor), preferably one-eighth inch expanded metal mesh (such as available from McNichols Company www.mcnichols.com, USA). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, durability, user preference, weight characteristics, etc., other materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, etc., may suffice. Functionally, the platform floor  114  must be able to support the intended weight load of the motorized cart and accessories. Preference is for a platform floor  114  that will allow water, dirt, snow and other foreign matter to filter through; however, under appropriate circumstances, a solid floor may be used. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, environment, user preferences, etc., other types of floor arrangements, such as sloped, etc., may suffice.  
     [0037] Preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  also comprises a front wheel guide system  116  (embodying herein at least one wheel guiding means, attached to such at least one support means, for guiding at least one wheel of the motorized cart; and embodying herein at least one wheel guider, attached to such at least one supporter, structured and arranged to guide at least one wheel of the motorized cart onto such hauler) and rear wheel blocks  118 , as shown. Preferably, the front wheel guide system  116  comprises a wheel-guide-rail  120 , preferably comprising a pair of one and one-eighth inch steel L-angle iron rods  122 , preferably placed such that each L-angle is outside face  124  to outside face  124  (mirrored), with the perpendicular opposite face facing the platform floor  114  (ground), as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, manufacturing, durability, etc., other materials and material dimensions, may suffice. For example, round rods or other-shaped wheel guide-rail  120  may suffice (if the function of guiding a wheel is maintained). Preferably, the front wheel guide system  116  also comprises a wheel-capture  126 , as shown. Preferably, the wheel-capture  126  is dimensioned at a width and height to capture the front wheel  128  of a three-wheeled motorized cart  130  (embodying herein at least one motorized cart), as shown (see FIG. 6). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as economics, manufacturing, durability, etc., other wheel-capture  126  arrangements, for example, square or rounded, may suffice. Additionally, the wheel capture  126  may be used for motorized carts  130  having more than three wheels (e.g., four wheels, etc.).  
     [0038] Preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  also comprises at least one additional brace  127  under the platform floor  114 , as shown. The steel mesh preferred as the platform floor  114  is available in select sizes that may require seaming of the material. Preferably, a brace  127  is used to seam the mesh together and weld it into place. The seaming is preferably done at either end of the hauler  100 , such as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 at seam  132 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, economics, weight bearing requirements, durability, etc., other methods of seaming, such as not seaming by utilizing longer material or seaming utilizing multiple seams, may suffice. Furthermore, under appropriate circumstances (such as added weight loads), additional bracing may be used to stiffen the platform floor  114 .  
     [0039] Preferably, hauler  100  hauling a single motorized cart, as shown, comprises about the preferred following dimensions. Preferably, Dimension A is about sixty-seven-inches. Preferably, Dimension B is about thirty-five inches. Preferably, Dimension C is about thirty-two inches. Preferably, Dimension D is about twenty-eight-inches. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, weight balance, economics, manufacturing, etc., other dimensions of the hauler  100  may suffice.  
     [0040] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, in addition to continued reference to the above figures. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view, partially in section, through section  3 - 3  of FIG. 4, and illustrates the upper support sub-assembly  108 , lower support sub-assembly  106  and hitch mating-member  134  (embodying herein at least one hitch mating-member, attachable to such hauler) of the hauling system  102 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the transport vehicle  104  comprises a hitch receiver  136  (embodying herein at least one hitch receiver, attachable to the at least one transport vehicle), preferably a trailer-type hitch, designed to support at least the weight of the hauler and transport vehicle, about three hundred pounds (such as a Class III hitch or higher, based upon tongue weight rating, not pulling capacity; most preferably, a trailer-type hitch that will support five hundred pounds or more, such as a Class IV or V hitch). Under appropriate circumstances, other weight support arrangements and hitch receivers  136  may suffice as the hauler  100  and motorized cart  130  (see FIG. 5) preferably weigh about two-hundred-fifty pounds combined, however, such weight may be less or more, depending upon the specific make and model selected by the user. For example, a customized attachment for the hauler  100  and transport vehicle  104  may also be utilized, and as such, a user or manufacturer should consider appropriate safety measures for weight components. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight load, legal requirements, transport vehicle limitations, economics, etc., other weight support arrangements may suffice.  
     [0041] Preferably, the hauler  100  comprises a hitch mating-member  134  that preferably mates with the hitch receiver  136 , as shown (embodying herein first attachment means for attaching such hauler to the at least one transport vehicle; and, embodying herein at least one first attacher structured and arranged to attach such hauler to the at least one transport vehicle; and, embodying herein wherein such at least one hitch mating-member will mate with such at least one hitch receiver such that when such at least one hitch receiver is attached to the at least one transport vehicle such hauler is substantially supported by the at least one transport vehicle; and, embodying herein wherein the at least one motorized cart is substantially supported by the at least one transport vehicle when such hauler is attached to the at least one transport vehicle and in such substantially horizontal position). Most preferably, the hitch mating-member  134  has a two-inch square interior dimension such that it will accept a two-inch square exterior dimension hitch receiver  136 . Preferably, the hitch mating-member  134  and the hitch receiver  136  are steel, preferably painted steel, preferably rated to handle the expected load. Under appropriate circumstances, other materials, such as aluminum, may suffice. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, weight balance, economics, manufacturing, durability, etc., other dimensions, thickness and materials of the hitch mating-member  134  and the hitch receiver  136  may suffice.  
     [0042] Reference is now made to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, in addition to the above-referenced figures, providing greater detail of the lower support sub-assembly  106 . FIG. 10 is a top view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly  106  of the hauler  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly  106  of the hauler  100 . Preferably, the lower support sub-assembly  106  further comprises a first bar  138 , preferably a two-inch square hollow bar (outside dimensions), preferably steel, preferably painted steel. Under appropriate circumstances, other material arrangements may suffice. Preferably, first bar  138  extends longitudinally from the transport vehicle and transversely below the upper support sub-assembly  108 , as shown. Preferably, first bar  138  is the same dimension as the hitch receiver  136  and will telescopically fit into the hitch mating-member  134 , as shown. In one preferred embodiment (illustrated in FIG. 12), the first bar  138  and hitch receiver  136  are located along the same bar; however, they may be separate bars, as will be further detailed below.  
     [0043] Preferably, the lower support sub-assembly  106  further comprises a second bar  140 , preferably a two-inch-square hollow bar, preferably steel, preferably one-quarter-inch-thick walls, preferably perpendicular to first bar  138 , as shown. Preferably, the lower support sub-assembly  106  further comprises a platform blocker  142  (embodying herein at least one first blocking means for blocking such at least one support means in a substantially horizontal position; and, embodying herein at least one first blocker structured and arranged to block such at least one supporter in a substantially horizontal position), preferably parallel and adjacent to the second bar  140 , preferably weldably attached to the second bar  140 , as shown. Preferably, the second bar  140  is welded in a fixed position to the first bar  138 , most preferably in a horizontal alignment parallel to the ground, such that the platform blocker  142  (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) will stop the platform  110  at about a horizontal position, as shown. Preferably, platform blocker  142  is a two-inch-square bar, preferably steel. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, weight balance, economics, manufacturing, durability, etc., other dimensions, thickness and materials may suffice. Functionally, the platform blocker  142  should stop the platform  110  at about a horizontal position, as will be further explained below.  
     [0044] Preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  comprises a tubular support  144  (embodying herein at least one hollow outer cylinder), preferably about two and one-eighth inches in diameter, that fits over the slightly smaller first bar  138  (embodying herein at least one inner cylinder), as shown. Preferably, a first spacer  146  and a second spacer  148  are welded to the first bar  138  to provide a means for keeping the tubular support  144  positioned and “locked-in” to the lower support sub-assembly  106 , as shown. Preferably, an end cap  151  is welded to the second spacer  148  to prevent debris from entering the assembly and provide an aesthetically pleasing end. Preferably, the above-described arrangement, utilizing an inner cylinder within an outer cylinder, provides a structure that allows the upper support sub-assembly  110  to rotate both clockwise and counter-clockwise around the first bar  138 , as shown (the above arrangement embodies herein wherein such at least one inner cylinder supports the at least one hollow outer cylinder; wherein such at least one inner cylinder is substantially within such at least one hollow outer cylinder; and wherein such at least one outer cylinder freely rotates around such at least one inner cylinder in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction).  
     [0045] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, economics, durability, ease of use, etc., other methods of keeping the tubular support  144  positioned and “locked-in” to the lower support sub-assembly  106  may suffice.  
     [0046]FIG. 4 is an illustrated front view of the hauler  100  of FIG. 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an illustrated front view of the hauler  100  of FIG. 2 in a loading position  150 , attached to the rear of a transport vehicle  104 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0047]FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred tilting range of the upper support sub-assembly  108 . Preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  tilts from about a horizontal position (to the ground  154 ) to a ramp position such that the end  152  rests on the ground  154 , preferably less than about forty-five degrees, most preferably about fifteen-degrees to about thirty-degrees. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, motorized cart height, weight balance, etc., other tilting ranges may suffice. Further, as stated above, most preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  comprises a tubular support  144  that fits over the slightly smaller, preferably square, first bar  138 , allowing the upper support sub-assembly  108  to rotate around the first bar  138 , as shown. Preferably, the tubular support  144  is attached slightly off-center below the platform  110  such that the portion  156  of the platform  110  on the side to which the hauler  100  will tilt is slightly longer than the portion  158  of the platform  110  on the side to which the motorized cart  130  will be stowed, as shown. Preferably, the portion  156  is adjacent the driver&#39;s side  160  of the transport vehicle  104  and is slightly longer and heavier than the portion  158  adjacent the passenger side  162  of the transport vehicle  104 .  
     [0048] Preferably, the above-described offset provides a weight and balance differential which, in combination with uninhibited rotation of the upper support sub-assembly  108  around the lower support sub-assembly  106 , allows the platform  110  to gravitationally tilt toward the driver&#39;s side  160  when the platform  110  is not loaded or tied down, thereby providing a ramp for the motorized cart  130 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight load, user requirements (for the handicapped for example), economics, etc., other methods of providing a ramp and also providing a stowable platform may suffice.  
     [0049] Preferably, a user, from a standing position, operates the motorized cart  130  forward onto the platform  110  (when the platform is in the ramp position as shown in FIG. 5, for example). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preferences, road conditions, environmental concerns (i.e., inclement weather), etc., other operating arrangements and methods of loading the motorized cart onto the hauler, such as, for example, while seated or by remote control, may suffice.  
     [0050] Preferably, the motorized cart  130  is pulled forward such that the front wheel guide system  116  guides the front wheel  128  into the wheel-capture  126 , as shown (see FIG. 6). Preferably, as the motorized cart  130  is driven onto portion  158 , the combined weight of the cart and portion  158  will be greater than the weight of portion  156 , and the platform  110  will tilt toward the passenger side  162 , until the platform blocker  142  stops it. Preferably, the motorized cart  130  is pulled forward until the front wheel  128  is fully captured by the wheel capture  126 , and most preferably, the rear wheels  178  are situated with the rear wheel blocks  118  (best shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) rearward of the rear wheels  178  (this arrangement embodies herein at least one second blocking means for blocking the at least one motorized cart when the at least one motorized cart is supported by such at least one support means and such at least one support means is in such substantially horizontal position; and, embodies herein at least one second blocker structured and arranged to block the at least one motorized cart when the at least one motorized cart is supported by such at least one supporter and such at least one supporter is in such substantially horizontal position). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as motorized cart dimensions, etc., other loading arrangements may suffice.  
     [0051] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, in addition to continued reference to the above figures. FIG. 6 is an illustrated front view of the hauler  100  of FIG. 2 in a transport position  170 , attached to the rear of a transport vehicle  104 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the platform  110  and motorized cart  130  are in a substantially horizontal position, as the platform rests on the platform blocker  142  (best viewed on FIG. 2). Preferably, the platform comprises a tie-down bracket  172 , preferably a looped bracket, preferably steel, preferably attached to the outer frame  112 , preferably by welding. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, economics, ease of use, etc., other styles of tie-down brackets, such as hooks, quick-release clips, etc., may suffice.  
     [0052] Preferably, the lower support sub-assembly  106  also comprises a tie-down bracket  174  (best seen in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11), preferably a loop, preferably steel, preferably attached to the second bar  140 . Preferably, the tie-down bracket  172  and the tie-down bracket  174  (embodying herein at least two tie-down connectors) are situated in a line, preferably such that a strap  176  (embodying herein at least one tie-down strap having two ends and being structured and arranged to be tightened, each respective such end being structured and arranged to removably attach to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors) may be attached to each respective tie-down bracket  172  and  174  and across the motorized cart  130 , as shown. Preferably, when the strap  176  is tightly drawn over the motorized cart  130  and between each respective tie-down bracket  172  and  174 , the upper support sub-assembly  108  is held tightly to the lower support sub-assembly  106 , and the motorized cart  130  will also be securely held to the hauler  100  (this arrangement embodies herein second attachment means for attaching the at least one motorized cart to such hauler; and, embodies herein at least one second attacher structured and arranged to attach the at least one motorized cart to such hauler; and further, embodies herein wherein each respective such end is attached to at least one of such at least two tie-down connectors and tightened over the motorized cart such that the motorized cart is firmly held to such hauler by such at least one tie-down strap and such at least two tie-down connectors). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, economics, ease of use, etc., other methods of securing the motorized cart  130  securely to the hauler  100  may suffice. For example, the above arrangement utilizing the strap  176  to tightly hold the upper support sub-assembly  108  to the lower support sub-assembly  106  may be used for transporting the hauler when no cart is present. Further, other types of tie-downs may be used, as long as the above-described and preferred function is maintained.  
     [0053] Preferably, unloading of the motorized cart  130  is done in an opposite manner as the loading. Preferably, the strap  176  is untied and removed from between each respective tie-down bracket  172  and  174 , such that the motorized cart  130  is no longer secured and may be moved freely and such that the upper support sub-assembly  108  is free to rotate around the lower support sub-assembly  106 . Preferably, the motorized cart  130  is then operated such that the motorized cart  130  is reversed and backed up. Preferably, as the motorized cart drives back onto portion  156 , the upper support sub-assembly  108  will rotate around the lower support sub-assembly  106 , and the platform will gravitationally rotate to a ramp position for unloading of the motorized cart  130 , as the weight of the portion  156  and cart will be greater than the weight of portion  158 . Preferably, the user can then operate the motorized cart  130  until such time when the user returns, and the user may then easily re-load the motorized cart  130  onto the hauler  100 .  
     [0054] Preferably, the upper support sub-assembly  108  further comprises a front support  164  and a rear support  166 . Preferably, each respective front support  164  and a rear support  166  comprises a pair of bars  168 , preferably one-inch square, eighth-inch-thick steel bars, preferably welded to the platform  110  and to the tubular support  144 , as shown. These bars  168  assist in support and stabilizing of the platform  110 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, ease of use, economic considerations, etc., other support and stabilizing arrangements may suffice.  
     [0055]FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially in section, of Detail  7  of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates the end-portion  180  of outer frame  112 . Preferably, the driver&#39;s side  160  of the platform  110  comprises an end-portion  180  in which the one-and-one-half-inch angle-iron steel frame members are “flipped” such that the edge  182  is flush with the inside face  184  of the side member  186 , as shown (this arrangement is at each side of the end-portion  180 ). Preferably, the above arrangement also provides a resting leg  188  that rests on the ground  154  when the platform  110  is tilted in a loading position  150 , as shown (the above arrangement embodies herein wherein such platform comprises at least one end which is flush with such mesh floor). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as manufacturing preferences, economic consideration, etc., other resting leg arrangements and framing arrangements, such as use of a separate leg member, etc., may suffice.  
     [0056]FIG. 8 is a top view, partially in section, of the hauler platform  110  illustrating a wheel-stop  192  for a four-wheel cart of the hauling system  102 , according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the wheel-stop  192  of FIG. 8.  
     [0057] Preferably, the hauler  100  may be made to accommodate a four-wheel cart in which there are two front wheels, rather than one front wheel (as is typical on a three-wheel cart), such as shown in FIG. 5. In such instance, the wheel guide-rail  120  may be eliminated to allow for variances in the separation distances between the two front wheels. Preferably, two wheel-stops  192  are then attached to the outer frame  112 , as shown. Preferably, the wheel-stops  192  are attached on the passenger side  162  of the hauler  100 ; however, under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. For example, the hauler  100  could be made to tilt on the passenger side  162  rather than the driver&#39;s side  160 . The driver&#39;s side  160  is preferred because handicap parking spaces typically allow more room for loading and offloading on the driver&#39;s side  160  of a vehicle. Preferably, the wheel-stops  192  are made from three-eighths-inch steel rod, preferably welded to the outer frame  112 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as manufacturing preferences, economic consideration, etc., other materials, dimensions and attachments may suffice.  
     [0058]FIG. 12 is a side view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly  106  and hitch mating-member  134  of the hauling system  102 , according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side view, partially in section, of the lower support sub-assembly  106  and hitch mating-member  134  of the hauling system  102 , according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0059] As previously described, the first bar  138  and the hitch mating-member  134  may be combined using one bar, as illustrated in embodiment  200  of FIG. 12, or two separate bars may be used, as illustrated in embodiment  202  of FIG. 13. FIG. 13 illustrates the first bar  138  attached under the hitch mating-member  134 . FIG. 11 illustrates the first bar attached above the hitch mating-member  134 . Preferably, the three embodiments shown provide for a range of height adjustment for the hauling system, depending upon the desired amount of clearance from the hauler  100  to the ground  154 . The hauling system  102  is preferably designed for use with multiple styles of transport vehicles. Typically, vehicles with a hitch will have varying heights above the ground, and installation of the hauling system  102  may require some height adjustment for proper functioning of the hauling system  102  (such as providing an adequate ramp angle) and transport vehicle  104  (such as when going over curbs such that the transport vehicle  104  or hauler  100  does not “bottom out”, etc.).  
     [0060] In addition to the above-described features, it is noted that the hauler also comprises light reflectors  204 , which are preferably placed along the exterior portion of the outer frame  112  (see FIG. 6); however, different states may have laws regarding such reflector placement, and such placement may easily be modified by those knowledgeable in such art. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, economics, legal requirements, etc., other methods of providing light reflection or lighting the hauler, such as using trailer lights, etc., may suffice.  
     [0061] Although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification.  
     [0062] Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.