Patent Publication Number: US-11643001-B1

Title: Vehicle mounted three wheeled cycle carrier with tilt loading carrier platform

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     USPO Classification B60R9/10 Supplementary fittings on vehicles for carrying loads and more specifically carriers for transporting cycles. 
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     Three wheeled adult cycles commonly referred to as a tricycle or trikes are becoming increasingly popular. These tricycles have two common design types the classic design being a single front steerable wheel and drive train connected to the back two wheels referred to as a Delta design and the other style being two front steerable wheels and a single rear wheel drive train referred to as a Tadpole design. These Tadpole trikes provide improved stability and readily accommodate recumbent style seating resulting in improved ergonomics, and improved visibility. The general design of frame structure of a tadpole trike results in significant increased load carrying capacity and therefore many of these trikes are purchased with accessories for cargo carry such as racks and panniers and may incorporate electric assist motors that relieves the riders work load. 
     These ergonomic improvements, cargo carrying capacity and electric assist make these tricycles a popular alternative to the traditional two wheeled bicycle with riders who prefer long distance touring and carry a substantial amount of cargo. They also appeal to recreational riders that prefer leisurely rides at slow pace and may not have the substantial strength and physical condition of a high performing athlete. 
     These benefits are not without consequence; the fundamental geometry of a tricycle results in it occupying a substantially larger volume of space than a traditional two wheeled bicycle and adds additional weight. The addition of cargo carrying accessories loaded with amenities add weight and the addition of an electric assist is common adding even more weight to the cycle from both the motor and power cell. It is not uncommon to find a fully loaded tricycle, less the rider weight, that weighs in excess of 80 lbs. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 94-110 sets a maximum recommended lift weight of 51 lbs for a single adult under the ideal conditions of the load being less than 7 inches away from the body and not lifted above the chest. In most industry persons lifting loads above a 50 lb weight are required to use assistive devices to prevent injury, or recruit a second person to help lift the object. 
     It is common for riders to use an automobile to transport their cycle to different locations for use and various carriers have been designed specific to the purpose of tricycle transport; however these carriers predominantly require the tricycle to be physically lifted onto the carrier by a person. The large volume of space occupied by a tricycle makes lifting awkward requiring a lifting position far from the ideal per the NIOSH publication and any non ideal position reduces the maximum recommended lift weight substantially below the 51 lb maximum. Any lifting of a three wheeled cycle should therefore be performed by two persons, or with a lift assisting device. A solo rider transporting a tricycle is at significant risk of serious injury when loading, or unloading a tricycle. Due to the extended reach when loading even when lifted by two persons a substantial risk of injury may exist. 
     Examples may be found of carriers that support a tricycle from beneath the wheels in a set of hoops, on a platform, or that provide a set of tracks that attach to vehicle receivers and hold a loaded tricycle off the ground several inches to provide road clearance while being transported. An example of this design is the Hitch Rider Trike-N-Bike™ represented by the simplified prior art shown in  FIG.  1 A . 
     At least one trike carrier has been designed to facilitate loading a trike by rolling the trike up a set of ramps. An example of this design is the Easy Load™ Easy Load Tray™ represented by the simplified prior art shown in  FIG.  1 B , however this design only provides two ramps and requires the center wheel to be lifted. Failing to provide a center ramp is a serious short coming. Often the center wheel of a tadpole style trike is heavily loaded with carrier racks and panniers that may be filled with articles. Trikes often incorporate an electric drive motor and battery for assistive power adding additional weight to the center wheel. The ramps of the Easy Load Tray carrier are separate attachments requiring positioning and attachment for use, then detachment for transport and consume additional space for stowage when not in use. 
     Many recreational riders prefer to ride with a companion. Most prior art racks do not have capacity for a second tricycle limiting transport to a single trike thus limiting the possibility for a riding companion. One solution for carrying a second trike that is often utilized is a folding version of trike. These folding trikes provide a substantial reduction in the space volume of each trike and may allow stowage of two tricycles in a single vehicle, or one in the vehicle and another on an external carrier device. An example of a folding tricycle is the Cat Trike 5.5.9 ™, represented by the simplified prior art shown in  FIG.  1 C . while this may allow for a second cycle to be transported inside the vehicle it fails to address the weight lifting risks and has a negative consequence of the time and effort required to unload and break down the cycle into its folded state for each transport and then reconstruct the cycle and load it for each use. 
     A few prior art carriers provide for transport of two trike; however one type orients the tricycles in a vertical orientation with the steerable wheels raised upward an example of this type of carrier is the Alpaca Carriers, inc model 1500 2Tadpole2 ™ represented by the simplified prior art shown in  FIG.  1 D , or another configuration places the tricycles one above the other in a horizontal orientation, an example of this type carrier is the Hitch Rider Double Decker Model™ represented by the simplified prior art shown in  FIG.  1 E , both of these double trike carrier designs fail to provide mechanisms to assist in getting the tricycle loaded requiring a person to lift the full weight of a trike a significant height and requiring substantial extension of reach in ergonomically poor body positions at a great risk of injury. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     This disclosure is for a tricycle carrier configured to connect to a vehicle hitch receiver. The carrier provides a tilting platform that rotates to contact the ground due to a center of gravity offset from a pivot axis creating an inclined ramp. The tricycle is rolled up the inclined platform to a point that the tricycle center of gravity overcomes the platform center of gravity causing the platform to rotate to a level to the ground orientation. This enables a single person to quickly load a tricycle without lifting the tricycle, substantially reducing risk of injury to the person. 
     An optional accessory lift mechanism with an additional platform connected may be attached to the carrier allowing a tricycle to be loaded by a single person onto the additional platform without lifting the tricycle and then the tricycle raised to a position above the first platform allowing a tricycle to be loaded onto the lower platform. 
     While this disclosure demonstrates use of the carrier for a tricycle of a tadpole design with two steerable wheel forward and a single drive wheel in the rear any embodiment readily accommodates any three wheeled cycle, including but not limited to a traditional design tricycle with a single steerable wheel forward and two rear wheels, or a hand pedal tricycle commonly ridden by persons with limited use of their legs. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a simplified conceptual prior art fixed platform single tricycle carrier with a tricycle loaded. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a simplified conceptual prior art fixed platform single tricycle carrier with ramps and a tricycle loaded. 
         FIG.  1 C  shows a simplified conceptual prior art folding tricycle as might be loaded into a vehicle. 
         FIG.  1 D  shows a simplified conceptual prior art double tricycle carrier with two tricycles hanging in a vertical orientation. 
         FIG.  1 E  shows a simplified conceptual prior art double tricycle carrier with two tricycles oriented one above the other. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly in a transport position identifying a Tongue Member Subassembly, a Carrier Beam Subassembly and a Platform Subassembly. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of the Single Tricycle Carrier in a loading position and identifies detail components for the Tongue Member Subassembly, Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly and Platform Subassembly. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a perspective view of the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly indicting hole locations for connection to the Tongue Member Subassembly. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of the Single Tricycle Carrier in a stowed position and identifies detail components for connection between the Tongue Member Subassembly and the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a perspective view of the Tongue Member Subassembly indicating hole locations for connection between the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly and the Tongue Member Subassembly. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly in a loading position identifying a Lift Subassembly, two Platform Subassemblies and two Platform Carrier Beam Subassemblies. 
         FIG.  6 A  is an orthographic face view of the Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly in the loading position and identifies detail components of the Lifting Subassembly. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a perspective view of a Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly identifying detail components and indicating the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly connection hole locations. 
         FIG.  7    is an orthographic face view of the Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly with the upper Platform Assembly raised. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the Double Tricycle Carrier in a stowed state. 
     
    
    
     EMBODIMENT 1 
     Embodiment 1 is one possible aspect of a tricycle carrier with a tilting bed to facilitate loading, and optional lift accessory to enable loading and carrying two tricycles at the same time. This embodiment provides specific detail of all essential features and functionalities of the concept for the purposes of disclosure of operating principles and structural concepts. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form, detail and materials may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This disclosure is not intended to limit the concept to a specific embodiment and the embodiment should not be interpreted as more or less significant as other possible embodiments. 
     Detail Description of Embodiment 1 
     
       FIG.  2   
     
       FIG.  2    is an assembly level drawing showing Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly  100  in a deployed for transport state. The majority of detailed components are omitted to aid in clarity. The omitted components are shown in following FIGS. and described in detail in the associated sections of this specification. 
       FIG.  2    further shows Tongue Member Subassembly  200  having a distal end portion and proximal end portion the proximal end portion being configured for connecting to a vehicle hitch receiver, Platform Carrier Beam subassembly  300  having a distal end and proximal end the proximal end being pivotably connected to the distal end of Tongue Member subassembly  200 . Platform subassembly  400  is pivotably connected to Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300 . Platform Subassembly  400  has a rotational axis perpendicular the sides of the Platform, parallel the bottom of the Platform, aligned with the length of Tongue Member Subassembly  200  and located offset to Platform  400  center of gravity (indicated by the letter A). The offset of rotational axis of the platform from the platform center of gravity causes rotation in a clockwise direction of an empty platform when viewed from the distal end of the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly. 
     Platform  400  length extends past the rotational axis on the side opposite to the platform center of gravity a minimum of a distance sufficient to position the center of gravity of a loaded tricycle above a lever arm sufficient for generating a counter rotational force greater than the empty platform rotational force. 
     Platform Subassembly  400  is secured in a transport position by Securing Pin  302  inserted through coordinating holes in Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  and Platform Subassembly  400 . 
     
       FIG.  3 A 
     
       FIG.  3 A  shows detail components for Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly  100 . Tongue Beam  202  is shown having a long axis of predetermined length with a distal end portion and proximal end portion the proximal end portion being of a square cross sectional geometry having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges with the proximal end portion being configured for attachment to a vehicle hitch receiver. Two elements of Support Member  204  are shown of rectangular shape of predetermined length and width symmetrically attached to opposing outside surfaces of the distal portion of Tongue Beam  202  located with one long edge in alignment with the lower edge of Tongue Beam  202  and one short edge extended a predetermined distance past the distal end of Tongue beam  202 . 
     Three identical Track  402  elements are shown being of a predetermined length having a cross section of two symmetrical sides of predetermined height perpendicular to and separated by a bottom of predetermined width. A series of equally spaced holes D are shown on each Track  402  along each side of each Track. Holes D start a predetermined distance from both end of the tracks progressing towards the track center. Two holes B pass through the bottom surface of track  402  near both ends of the track oriented along a line perpendicular the track length. The holes being separated by a predetermined distance identified throughout this disclosure as ‘SD 402 ’. 
     Two elements of Strut  404  of predetermined cross section and length are shown with a series of holes C separated by distance ‘SD 402 ’ along the full length of the strut. 
     The track  402  elements are adjustably connected to strut  404  elements with common threaded fasteners secured through aligned holes B and C with all track bottoms in a common plane; all track sides parallel and at least one end of all tracks in alignment. 
     Note: The described mechanism used to connect tracks  402  and struts  404  through aligned holes B and C for adjustably connecting the tracks and struts is one possible design provided for the purpose of this disclosure and not intended to limit the design to a specific mechanism. 
     Three Pivot block  406  elements are shown of predetermined length, width and height with a bore of a diameter determined by Carrier Beam  304  with cylindrical axis perpendicular to and located on the center of the surface defined by the length and height. 
     One pivot block  406  element is attached to the bottom surface of each track  402  with the bore cylindrical axis perpendicular to the track sides, parallel the track bottom and located offset of Platform Subassembly  400  Center of Gravity Point A (shown in  FIG.  2   ). 
     Deployment pin  314  is shown passing through Support Member  204  and a hole in the proximal end of the Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300 . 
     Hole G 1  of a diameter determined by Securing pin  302  is shown in the sides of each track located by a radial distance referred to throughout this disclosure as ‘RDPin 302 ’ originating at the center point of the bore in Pivot Block  406  and the intersection of a line parallel track  402  bottom at half the height of the track sides. Hole G 1  being located in a direction towards the center of gravity A. 
     Collar  308  is shown on Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  and adjacent one Pivot Block  306  securing Platform Subassembly  400  from movement along the beam assembly cylindrical axis. 
     Straps  408  being made of an elastic material of predetermined length are shown on a common end of both outer track  402 , and one strap on the opposite end of the center track  402 , the straps being adjustably connected to the respective track at one selected hole D and secured across the tracks to an aligned hole D on the opposite track side. 
     
       FIG.  3 B 
     
       FIG.  3 B  shows Carrier Beam Subassembly  300 , carrier beam component  304  having a circular cross section of a predetermined diameter, a predetermined length and a proximal and distal end, the proximal end being configured for attachment to the distal end of Tongue Member Subassembly  200 . 
     Carrier Beam  304  is shown having line bore E of a predetermined diameter with cylindrical axis perpendicular to and intersecting the cylindrical axis of Carrier Beam  304  at a predetermined distance from the proximal end of the Carrier Beam. 
     Bore F is of a diameter determined by Deployment Pin  314  with a cylindrical axis parallel the cylindrical axis of Bore E intersecting the Carrier Beam cylindrical axis in the proximal direction from Bore E at radial distance ‘RDPin 314 ’ originating from the center of Bore E. 
     Latch Plate  306  is shown being of rectangular geometry of predetermined length and width having a semi circular cut out with radius of one half of Carrier Beam  304  diameter centered at a point defined by one short edge and offset along the short edge from the midpoint of the short edge a predetermined distance. Latch Plate  306  is shown attached to Carrier Beam  304  with the semi circular cutout in perpendicular alignment to and centered on the cylindrical axis of Carrier Beam  304  at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the carrier beam, the Latch Plate long edges being parallel the cylindrical axis of bore F, the latch plate extending to the right and the semi circular cut out center being offset downward when viewed from the distal end of Carrier Beam  304 . 
     Hole G 2  shown on the face of Latch Plate  306  is of a diameter determined by Securing Pin  302  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and located on radius ‘RDpin 302 ’ originating from the center of the semicircular cutout of Latch Plate  306  and intersecting a line running parallel the latch Plate top at half the height of track  402  from the latch plate top. 
     
       FIG.  4 A 
     
       FIG.  4 A  shows Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly  100  in a stowed position. Carrier Beam Pivot Shaft  310  and Carried Beam Thrust Washer  312  are shown connecting Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  to Tongue Member Subassembly  200 . Deployment Pin  314  and Deployment Thrust washer  316  are shown securing Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly  100  in the stowed position. 
     
       FIG.  4 B 
     
       FIG.  4 B  shows Tongue Member Subassembly  200  with Platform Carrier Pivot Bore H of a diameter determined by the diameter of Carrier Beam Pivot Shaft  310  located in Support Member  204  at a predetermined height from Tongue Beam  202  top surface and a predetermined distance from Tongue Beam  202  Distal End. Bore I 1  and Bore I 2  of a diameter determined by Deployment pin  314  are located by radial distance ‘RDpin 314 ’ originating from the center of Bore H and Bore I 1  being located at the 3:00 position and I 2  located at the 6:00 position. 
     
       FIG.  5   
     
       FIG.  5    shows one embodiment of a Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly  500  in a loading position. A phantom ground reference line is shown to aid in understanding. Two Platform Subassembly  400  are shown released from a respective Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  and rotated to make contact with the ground. Lift Assembly  550  is positioned a predetermined distance from the distal end of Tongue Member Subassembly  200 . 
     
       FIG.  6 A 
     
       FIG.  6 A  is an orthographic face view of the Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly  500  in a ready for loading position. Lift Assembly  550  is shown having the following components: Mast  502  of a predetermined length and square cross section with one end attached to Tongue Beam  202  with length in an upright orientation, Boom  504  of a predetermined length and square cross section pivotally connected on one end to the top of Mast  502  by Boom Pivot Shaft  506 . Boom  504  has a pivotal axis parallel to the long axis of Tongue Member Subassembly  200 . 
     Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly  600  (shown in  FIG.  6 B ) is pivotally connected to the free end of boom  504  by Fitting Pivot Shaft  606  with a pivotal axis passing through the center line of Back Plate  602  perpendicular to the back plate face and parallel the pivotal axis of boom  504 . The Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly is secured to Boom  504  by placing Fitting Thrust Washer  608  over the end of Fitting Pivot Shaft  606  and threading Fitting Nut  610  onto the Fitting Pivot Shaft. 
     Linkage  508  of predetermined cross section, a predetermined length and predetermined geometry is connected between Mast  502  and Back Plate  602  causing Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly  600  to rotate concurrent with, proportional to and counter to the rotation of boom  504  and constraining rotation of attachment fitting assembly  600  relative to rotation of Boom  504  to a predetermined angular displacement. 
     Jack Beam  510  is of a common channel cross section of a predetermined length and attached with the sides of the channel facing away from Boom  504  and the Jack Beam end overlapping the end of Boom  504  by a predetermined distance. 
     Jack Screw  512  and Hand Crank  514  are of design readily recognizable by a person skilled in the art. Jack Screw  512  is shown with the gear drive end connected to Jack Pivot Plates  516 . Jack Pivot Plates  516  are attached at a predetermined height along Mast  502  and the jack screw threaded shaft is connected to the free end of jack Beam  510 . Jack Screw  512  being sized to provide a force greater than the sum of forces caused by a typical tricycle, typical provisions, the weight of all additional mechanisms and all components expected to be suspended from the free end of boom  504  multiplied by the mechanical leverage of boom  504 . Jack Screw  512  travel is of a length sufficient to cause boom  504  to rotate between a predominantly downward orientation and a fully upright orientation relative to Mast  502 . Hand Crank  514  is shown removably connected to Jack Screw  512 . 
     Note: The described mechanism of Lift Assembly  550  described above and shown in  FIG.  6 A  is one possible embodiment of a lift mechanism provided for the purpose of demonstrating the fundamental concept and operations of one possible lifting attachment design for the purpose of disclosure and not intended to limit the lift attachment design to a specific mechanism. 
     
       FIG.  6 B 
     
       FIG.  6 B  shows Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly  600  and indicates location of holes for connection of Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  and Linkage  510 . Back Plate  602  is shown of predetermined diameter with Fitting Pivot Shaft  606  passing through center. Two Flanges  604  are shown attached perpendicular to Back Plate  602  symmetrically positioned at equal distances from the center point of the back plate and configured for connection of the proximal end of carrier beam sub assembly  300 . Back Plate  602  is shown with linkage attachment hole J in the Back Plate face located by a predetermined radius originating from the center of the back plate face in an approximately 5:00 position relative to flanges  604  when viewed from the Flange  604  face side. Bore K is of a predetermined diameter passing through both flange  604  component, perpendicular to the flange faces, offset downward towards the 6:00 direction a predetermined distance from base plate  602  centerline and at a predetermined distance from the face of base plate  602 . 
     Two line bore holes L 1  and L 2  of a diameter determined by Deployment Pin  314  pass through flanges  604 , both holes are positioned on the flange faces by radial distance ‘RDpin 314 ’ originating at the cylindrical axis of bore hole K, hole L 1  positioned on a line perpendicular to the back plate at a 3:00 position, hole L 2  located in a 12:00 position. 
     
       FIG.  7   
     
       FIG.  7    is an orthographic face view showing Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly  500  with Hand Crank  514  removably connected to Jack Screw  512  of Lift Assembly  550 . The Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly is in a position with the upper platform fully raised and the lower platform in a loading position. 
     
       FIG.  8   
     
       FIG.  8    is a perspective view showing Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly  500  with both platforms stowed. 
     Operational Concept 
     Single Trike Carrier Assembly  100   
     When configured as shown in  FIG.  2    Tricycle Carrier Assembly  100  enables one person to quickly load a fully loaded tricycle for transport without lifting the tricycle off the ground by deploying Platform Subassembly  400  by removing Deployment Pin  314  from hole I 2  of the Support Members of Tongue Member Subassembly  200 , rotating Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  to a horizontal orientation, and securing it in the horizontal plane by insertion of Deployment Pin  314  into hole I 1  in Support Members  204  and through Carrier Beam  302  Bore F. Separations of tracks  402  are adjusted to match a selected tricycle wheel base along strut member  404  by selection of appropriate coordinating holes B and C. Securing pin  302  is removed releasing Platform Subassembly  400  from Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  allowing forces acting on the platform center of gravity to rotate the track ends to contact the ground. A tricycle is rolled onto the platform until the forces acting on the tricycle center of gravity cause the track ends to raise. Platform Subassembly  400  is secured to Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly  300  by inserting Securing pin  302  through holes G 1  and G 2 . The loaded tricycle is secured to the platform by attaching straps  408  at a selected hole D in proximity of each wheel lower quadrant, passing the straps through the spokes and connecting the straps to the opposite side of the tracks at the corresponding hole D. 
     Double Trike Carrier Assembly  500   
     When configured as shown in  FIG.  5    Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly  500  enables one person to load two fully loaded tricycle for transport by deploying the first (lower) platform  400  as described above for Single Tricycle Carrier  100 , removing Deployment Pin  314  from Platform Attachment Fitting assembly  600  flanges and rotating the second (upper) Platform Subassembly  400  to a horizontal plane and inserting Deployment Pin  314  into flange hole L 1  and through Carrier Beam  302  bore F securing the Platform in the deployed position. 
     Securing pin  302  is removed from the lower Carrier Beam  300  subassembly Latch Plate  306  releasing the lower Platform allowing the track ends to rotate and contact the ground. 
     Hand Crank  514  is then connected to Jack Screw  512 , turning Hand Crank  514  activating Jack Screw  512  in a manner that lowers Boom  504  to proximity of the ground. The upper platform is released by removing Securing Pin  302  allowing the track ends to contact the ground. A tricycle is rolled onto the upper platform causing the track ends to raise. Pin  302  is inserted through latch plate hole G 2  and through hole G 1  of the adjacent track securing Platform Subassembly  400  to Carrier Beam sub assembly  300 . The tricycle is secured to the platform with Straps  408  being located in proximity of the lower quadrant of each wheel as described for the single tricycle carrier assembly. Hand Crank  514  is turned activating jack screw  512  in a manner that raises the platform to its maximum height. The lower platform may then be loaded with a second trike as described in the single tricycle carrier assembly operations. 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 LISTING OF COMPONENTS: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Component 
                   
               
               
                 number 
                 Component Name 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 100 
                 Single Tricycle Carrier Assembly 
               
               
                 200 
                 Tongue Member Subassembly 
               
               
                 202 
                 Tongue Beam 
               
               
                 204 
                 Support Member 
               
               
                 300 
                 Platform Carrier Beam Subassembly 
               
               
                 302 
                 Securing Pin 
               
               
                 304 
                 Carrier Beam 
               
               
                 306 
                 Latch Plate 
               
               
                 308 
                 Collar 
               
               
                 310 
                 Carrier Beam Pivot Shaft 
               
               
                 312 
                 Carrier Beam Thrust Washer 
               
               
                 314 
                 Deployment Pin 
               
               
                 316 
                 Deployment Thrust Washer 
               
               
                 400 
                 Platform Subassembly 
               
               
                 402 
                 Track 
               
               
                 404 
                 Strut 
               
               
                 406 
                 Pivot Block 
               
               
                 408 
                 Strap 
               
               
                 500 
                 Double Tricycle Carrier Assembly 
               
               
                 502 
                 Mast 
               
               
                 504 
                 Boom 
               
               
                 506 
                 Boom Pivot Shaft 
               
               
                 508 
                 Linkage 
               
               
                 510 
                 Jack Beam 
               
               
                 512 
                 Jack Screw 
               
               
                 514 
                 Hand Crank 
               
               
                 516 
                 Jack Pivot Plate 
               
               
                 550 
                 Lift Assembly 
               
               
                 600 
                 Platform Attachment Fitting Assembly 
               
               
                 602 
                 Back Plate 
               
               
                 604 
                 Flange 
               
               
                 606 
                 Fitting Pivot Shaft 
               
               
                 608 
                 Fitting Thrust Washer 
               
               
                 610 
                 Fitting Nut 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE 
     Embodiment 1 or an alternative embodiment provide advantages of
         a. Reduced risk of injury from lifting a trike and any artifacts and accessories loaded onto the trike.   b. Ability to carry two trikes at the same time.   c. Easy loading by one person of one or two trikes.   d. Conservation of rider&#39;s time by not requiring unloading of artifacts from the trike and folding the trike for the purposes of transport then unfolding the trike and loading of artifacts onto the trike for the purpose of riding.       

     The following alternative embodiments may readily be envisioned without the aid of drawings and are of substantially the same mechanical concept, same functionality and same principles of operation as embodiment 1.
         Various Embodiments may be designed with changes to structural geometries and materials achieving substantially the same operational principles and concepts.   Various Embodiments may be designed with a variety of different means for securing a tricycle to the platform including but not limited to mechanical clamps, or straps attached to the carrier in any location enabling a constraining force to be applied to a point of contact on a loaded tricycle.   Various Embodiments may be designed using different means for generating a lifting force these may be manually, or power activated, and includes but is not limited to hydraulic rams, pneumatic cylinders, springs and levers.   Various Embodiments may be designed using different mechanisms other than a boom for raising, or lowering the upper platform; including but not limited to cables, tracks, telescoping masts and movable beams.       

     Although the present disclosure has been provided with reference to the foregoing operational principles and embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. Where the disclosure recites “a”, “a first”, or another element, or the equivalent thereof, it should be interpreted to include one or more of such elements. Furthermore, any aspect shown or described with reference to a particular embodiment should be interpreted to be compatible with any other embodiment, alternative, or variance.