Patent Abstract:
A rack adapted to be attached to a recreational vehicle further has a pivoting clothes line support assembly. The rack comprises a vertical back stop and a horizontal platform attached perpendicularly thereto. A vertical bar is positioned at the center of the back stop and is provided with a fastening mechanism to secure a spare tire to the rack. The clothes line support assembly is pivotally attached to the rack to be stowed in an up position and deployed for use at an angled position to the normal. The rack is secured to a rear portion of a recreational vehicle and used to transport ancillary items as well as serve as a clothes line during camping.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/933,963, filed Jan. 31, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a rack adapted to be attached to a recreational vehicle, the rack having a pivoting clothes line support assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Millions of Americans enjoy camping and traveling as their preferred leisure time activity. Among these avid campers, a great deal choose to do so in recreational vehicles (“RV&#39;s”) that range in size from small pop-up campers, that are designed to be towed behind a car or truck, to large motorized RV&#39;s with integral engines. However, no matter how large an RV is, there never seems to be enough storage room. This is especially the case when large, bulky items such as firewood and bicycles are being transported. Another area where RV&#39;s seem to suffer is where wet clothing and towels can be hung to dry. While a clothesline can be strung, many RV parking locations do not have trees or other suitable areas from which to hang a clothes line. Also, should a clothesline be strung, it quickly becomes a danger to people who may be walking at night in an unfamiliar location. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which extra storage space, as well as a location to dry wet clothes and towels, can be provided on almost any recreational vehicle. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     The apparatus is an auxiliary storage platform having an integral back stop frame and pivotally attached support assembly, which is affixed to a rear of a RV. The platform provides a large flat storage to store bicycles, firewood, storage totes, or other items that are too large or cumbersome to store inside the RV or one (1) of its storage compartments. The back stop is configured to removably store a spare tire for the RV. The support assembly is a frame pivotally attached to the back stop via two (2) support arms. The back stop is configured to be substantially parallel with a rear of the RV. The support assembly is configured to rotate from being substantially parallel with the back stop to substantially perpendicular with the back stop; however, it is envisioned for the support assembly to be provided with mechanical stops to limit the rotation to a desired range. With these features, the support assembly is preferably parallel with the back stop and rear of the RV while in a stowed state, and preferably at an acute angle with the back stop and rear of the RV when in a deployed state. When in a stowed state, the apparatus is suitable for carrying loads while the RV is in motion. When in a deployed state, the apparatus is suitable for providing a clothesline and garment rack. 
     Prior art in this field consists of garment hangers that affix to a sidewall portion of an object, such as a rear panel of a RV, thereby resulting in permanent alteration of a sidewall portion of the RV. Some of these prior art garment hangers are provided with pivotally affixed rods to support hangers when needed. Other prior art garment hangers are provided with extending and retracting structures. Yet, none provide a pivotally attached garment rack that lies substantially flush with the sidewall surface when stowed and obviates permanent alteration to the sidewall portion of the RV. Furthermore, none of these prior art garment hangers are adapted to afford the added utility of having a large storage platform, and accommodations for a spare tire, all while providing an aesthetically pleasing design. 
     It is an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus adapted to removably secure to a side or rear of a RV and configured to support a plurality of loads such as garments, tires, bicycles, luggage bags, and other travel items. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a garment and travel item rack that is able to rotate out from, and fold up against, a surface of the RV. This is especially important when the RV is in motion so as to not form a hazard for other drivers. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a garment and travel item rack that is quickly installed and removed with a minimum of tools and without leaving any telltale marks behind. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a garment and travel item rack that accommodates the storage of a spare tire. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to enable securement of the apparatus to the RV via the tow hitch assembly of the RV. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an alternative securement method of the apparatus to the RV via a bumper mounting assembly. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to enable connection to a towed load via a receiver hitch of the apparatus so that the towed load can be transported by the RV while the apparatus is attached. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an attractive and sleek configuration to the rack so as to not detract from the aesthetics of the RV and to not create an obstruction to the functionality of the RV. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus is a rack, having a platform and a back stop, that is attachable and detachable to an exterior of a RV. The rack is provided with a vertical bar to receive and secure a spare tire thereto. A horizontal, rearward projecting rod is disposed on the vertical bar, and is provided with a threaded clamp to retain a spare tire in a fixed position against the vertical bar. Pivotally attached to the rack is a support assembly that is stowed in an up-right position or deployed in a rotated-out position. The support assembly is provided with a clothes line support structure to suspend items thereon. A horizontal platform extends perpendicularly from the rack, which is provided with a deck. This platform and deck serve as a shelf to hold, and secure thereto via tie-down brackets, any number of travel items. 
     A first receiver hitch tube is disposed on the platform to facilitate connection to an ancillary trailer hitch of the RV, thereby connecting the apparatus to the RV. A second receiver hitch is disposed on the platform to facilitate connection to an ancillary trailer hitch of a towed load. Mounting brackets are provided with the apparatus, which are affixed to the RV and provide added securement and support for the apparatus when attaching it to the RV. The back stop inserts into the mounting brackets while the first hitch receiver receives the trailer hitch of the RV. 
     Alternatively, a bumper mounting assembly is used to mount the rack. The bumper mounting assembly affixes to the bumper of the RV, and comprises a plurality of mounting plates and U-bolt fasteners. A central tube is disposed on each mounting plate and used to receive mounting tubes of the back stop. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an perspective view of a rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of selected portions of the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is another enlarged view of selected portions of the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an environmental perspective view of the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  depicted with the clothes line support assembly  70  in a deployed position in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of selected portions of the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  depicted with the clothes line support assembly  70  in a deployed position in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  is an enlarged view of the support arm  72  of the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   b  is another enlarged view of the support arm  72  of the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an environmental perspective view of a bumper mounting assembly  130  for the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 8  is a detail, exploded view of the bumper mounting assembly  130  for the rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle  10  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  rack and clothes line combination for a recreational vehicle 
               20  rack 
               21  platform 
               22  platform frame 
               24  platform lateral 
               25  spanner tube 
               26  deck 
               28  tie-down 
               29  hitch mount 
               30  back stop 
               32  back stop frame 
               34  vertical bar 
               36  threaded rod 
               38  threaded clamp 
               39  handle 
               42  mounting tube 
               44  tube aperture 
               46  mounting pin 
               48  pin retainer 
               52  first pivot aperture 
               54  pivot pin 
               56  spacer 
               58  pivot pin retainer 
               62  arm stop 
               64  support chain 
               65  first latch aperture 
               66  latch pin 
               68  latch pin retainer 
               70  support assembly 
               72  support arm 
               74  second pivot aperture 
               76  second latch aperture 
               78  arm offset 
               79  straight portion 
               82  first line aperture 
               84  second line aperture 
               86  first tie rod aperture 
               88  second tie rod aperture 
               92  support line 
               93  knot 
               94  tie rod 
               96  tie rod retainer 
               98  mounting bracket 
               99  mounting bracket aperture 
               100  recreational vehicle 
               105  bumper 
               110  spare tire 
               120  item to dry 
               130  bumper mounting assembly 
               131  mounting plate 
               132  plate aperture 
               133  central tube 
               134  pin aperture 
               135  “U”-bolt 
               136  nut 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6   b , and an alternate embodiment depicted within  FIGS. 7 and 8 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under the scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a rack and clothes line combination (herein referred to as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means to add a detachable rack  20 , having a platform  21  and a back stop  30  to the exterior of a recreational vehicle  100 , thereby increasing the area available to haul cargo. The rack  20  includes a vertical bar  34  to which a spare tire  110  can be secured. Attached to the rack  20  is a support assembly  70  that can be selectively deployed, by means of pivot joints, to suspend items  120  for drying. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  is presented as a retrofit for an existing recreational vehicle  100 , or camping trailer, to be installed by a qualified provider of such services. However, it can be seen that all or portions of the present apparatus  10  can be easily incorporated into the design of any recreational vehicle  100 , or further adapted for installation on other vehicles, without limiting the scope of the invention. In the ensuing narrative, the abbreviation RV  100  will be used for the protracted terminology recreational vehicle  100 , and said abbreviation RV  100  will further carry the implicit connotation of any other appropriately configured vehicle to which the apparatus  10  is chosen to be installed without limiting the extent or the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the terms “right”, “left”, “front”, and “rear” are used consistent with the right, left, front, and back/rear directions of the vehicle to which the apparatus  10  may be attached. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , perspective and enlarged views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  includes a rack  20  and a clothes line support structure  70 . The rack  20  is preferably a unitary welded structure having a horizontal platform  21  and a vertical back stop  30  comprising square or rectangular steel tubing with a protective coating or plating to inhibit corrosion. It is understood that other materials and/or methods of construction, such as bolted joints, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The platform  21  preferably comprises a formed “C”-shaped platform frame  22  having intermediate lateral members  24  and a deck  26 . A spanner tube  25  is placed between the lateral members  24 , near the front side of the platform  21  for the attachment of a receiver hitch tube  29 . The receiver hitch tube  29  is a piece of steel tubing that can accept a typical receiver-type hitch, as typically used in a trailer hitch, and is provided with at least one aperture to receive a retaining pin to secure the receiver-type hitch thereto. The receiver hitch tube  29  is attached to the underside of the platform frame  22 . The platform frame  22  could alternately be constructed having square corners at the rear edge by abutting the members perpendicularly and joining the members with squared or mitered joints. The preferred embodiment has the beneficial effect of sealing all of the internal surfaces of the included members of the platform frame  22  against corrosion when the platform frame is properly welded to the back stop frame  32 . Another receiver hitch tube  29  is also attached to the underside of the platform frame  22  at the rear thereof as a provision to permit the attachment of a towed load. This second receiver hitch tube  29  is configured in an identical manner as that of the first receive hitch tube  29 . It may also be necessary to add some type of reinforcement provisions to the platform frame  22  in order to fortify the receiver hitch tubes  29 , however, it is understood that any such eventualities do not modify the scope or intent of the present apparatus  10  and this preferred embodiment does not preclude any other embodiment. The deck  26  is preferably a piece of expanded metal sheeting configured to be attached to the lower surface, or alternately to the upper surface, of the platform frame  22 . In the case of attachment to the lower side of the platform frame  22  certain openings may be necessary to provide clearance for the attachment of the receiver hitch tubes  29 . Other materials, such as checkered steel plate, or treated wood, may be used in the construction of the deck  26  without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The attachment of the deck  26  to the lower surface of the platform frame  22  allows for the unencumbered attachment of a plurality of tie-down brackets  28  to the upper surface of the platform frame  22 . The tie-down brackets  28  are preferably “C”-shaped formed rods affixed to the platform frame  22  at various locations to be used to secure cargo loads to the rack  20  with nylon straps or other suitable constraining devices. It is understood that the illustrated location or number of tie-down brackets  28  should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The back stop  30  preferably consists of a formed “D”-shaped rectangular back stop frame  32  with a centrally located vertical bar  34 . The back stop frame  32  could alternately be constructed having square corners at the upper edge by abutting the members perpendicularly and joining the members with squared or mitered joints. The back stop frame  32  includes a horizontal member spanning the distance between the parallel vertical side members and located approximately five inches (5 in.) from the ends of the side members and in alignment with the platform frame  22  and the lateral members  24 . This location of the lower horizontal member gives rise to defining the lower ends of the side members as mounting tubes  42 . The mounting tubes  42  are inserted into mounting brackets  98  affixed to a rear frame member, or bumper  105  mounting member, of the RV  100  and secured with mounting pins  46  in order to attach the apparatus  10  to the RV  100 . A discussion of the mounting brackets  98  will follow in subsequent text. This described pinned attachment method necessitates the disposition of aligned tube apertures (not shown) in the mounting tubes  42  to accommodate the insertion of the mounting pins  46 . The preferred mounting pin  46  is a headed cylindrical pin with an integral pin retainer  48  pivotally attached at the head and wrapping around the exposed end. 
     A horizontal, rearward projecting threaded rod  36  is attached to the vertical bar  34  for the provisional eventuality of mounting a spare tire  110  to the rack  20 . It may be necessary to add some type of reinforcement to the threaded rod  36  to increase the structural rigidity, however, it is understood that any such eventualities do not modify the scope or intent of the present apparatus  10  and this preferred embodiment does not preclude any other embodiment. A threaded clamp  38 , generally being a cylindrical bracket configured to bring a clamping force to bear on the rim of the spare tire  110  to retain the spare tire  110  in a fixed position on the rack  20 , is provided with a thread corresponding to that of the threaded rod  36 . Disposed along the periphery of the threaded clamp  38  is at least one (1) handle  39  to provide a means to manipulate the threaded clamp  38  and to serve as a moment arm to induce a torque to bring about the required clamping force. 
     Other provisions included on the back stop frame  32 , such as a first pivot aperture  52 , a first latch aperture  65 , an arm stop  62 , and a support chain  64 , relate to the clothes line support assembly  70  and will be included in that discussion. Moreover, there exists in the clothes line support assembly  70  a paired combination of all of the components (right and left), therefore, for the sake of clarity and simplicity, only the components on the right side of the support assembly  70  will be enumerated and discussed with the understanding that those identical, or in some cases mirrored, components exist on the left side and function in the same manner. The support assembly  70  includes a support arm  72  attached to the back stop frame  32  by means of a pivot pin  54  inserted first through the first pivot apertures  52  in the back stop frame  32 , a spacer  56 , and the second pivot apertures  74  disposed in the lower end of the support arm  72 . A pivot pin retainer  58  secures the pivot pin  54 . The pivot pin  54  is preferably comprised of a hex head bolt with a length of thread engaged into a prevailing torque, hex nut which serves as the pivot pin retainer  58 . Other fastening devices may be utilized for the pivot pin  54  and pivot pin retainer  58 , such as a headed pin retained with a deformed cotter pin, without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The spacer  56  is an annular disk configured to separate and prevent any interference between the back stop frame  32  and the support arm  72 . 
     A short distance from the first pivot aperture  52  in the back stop frame  32  is a first latch aperture  65 . An equal distance along the support arm  72  from the second pivot aperture  74  is a second latch aperture  76 . When the support arm  72  is in the vertical position (fully raised), the second latch aperture  76  in the support arm  72  is in alignment with the first latch aperture  65  in the back stop frame  32  and the latch pin  66  may be inserted through the aligned apertures  65 ,  74  to secure the support arm  72  in that configuration. The latch pin  66  is preferably a headed cylindrical pin with an integral latch pin retainer  68  pivotally attached at the head and wrapping around the exposed end. When the latch pin  66  is removed from the apertures  65 ,  75 , the support arm  72  may be lowered into a deployed position as seen in  FIGS. 4 through 6   b . An arm stop  62  is disposed along the front face of the back stop frame  32  at a short distance from the first latch aperture  65  to prevent the support arm  72  from going to an over-center position thus preventing support arm  72  from striking the RV  100 . The arm stop  62  is preferably a metal bar welded, or otherwise permanently attached, to the back stop frame  32  and projecting to some distance so as to interfere with the further travel of the support arm  72  prior to latching the support arm  72  with the latching pin  66 . A first end of a length of support chain  64 , having some type of interconnected links, is permanently attached to the rear face of the back stop frame  32  in proximity to the arm stop  62 . A second end of the support chain  65  is permanently attached to the rear face of the support arm  72 . When the support arm  72  is held in the vertical latched configuration, the support chain  64  is slack and dangles below the attachment points, as illustrated more clearly in  FIG. 3 . 
     At a short distance from the second latch aperture  76 , the support arm  72  is configured with an arm offset  76  such that the upper end of the support arm  72 , the straight portion  79 , is at a greater lateral distance from the back stop frame  32  than the lower end thereof. This arm offset  76  provides for a greater distance between the straight portions  79  of the support arms  72  on each side and therefore an increase in the space available to hang items  120  for drying. Disposed along the sides of the straight portion  79  is a plurality of evenly spaced, paired, first line apertures  82  and second line apertures  84 . The first line apertures  82  are disposed along the face of the support arm  72  closer to the back stop frame  32 . These first line apertures  82  are configured to be only slightly larger in diameter than the support lines  92  to which the items  120  for drying are suspended. The second line apertures  84  are disposed along the face of the support arm  72  farther from the back stop frame  32 . These second line apertures  84  are configured to be slightly larger in diameter than the knot  93  securing the end of the support line  92 . The support lines  92  are the clothes lines from which the items  120  for drying are to be suspended. The support lines  92  may be comprise of any material suitable for suspending the items  120 , such as but not limited to, braided or twisted cotton rope, any textile or polymer compound coated with any other natural or synthetic material, or any other metallic, synthetic, or natural material, or combination thereof acceptable to a user. A support line  92  is preferably routed through a selected first line aperture  82  and then the corresponding second line aperture  84  whereupon a knot  93  is made in the support line  92 . The knot  93  is then drawn into the support arm  72  through the second line aperture  84 . The knot  93  should be of sufficient size to prohibit the passage thereof through the first line aperture  82 . This procedure is then executed in the support arm  72  on the opposite side of the back stop frame  32  in such a manner so as to make the support line  92  taut. This procedure is then repeated for each support line  92  of the apparatus  10 . The assembly of the support lines  92  may need to be performed prior to the assembly of the support arms  72  onto the pivot pins  54 . The knot  93  may be the result of folding and intertwining the material of the support line  92  or it may involve the use of some other interference device which results in the proper securement of the support line  92  without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Disposed near the upper end of the support arm  72 , along the face toward the back stop frame  32 , is a first tie rod aperture  86  as illustrated in  FIG. 6   b . Disposed on the opposite side of the support arm  72  is a second tie rod aperture  88 . The first tie rod aperture  86  is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the tie rod  94  while the second tie rod aperture  88  is somewhat smaller in diameter. The second tie rod aperture  88  is sized to accommodate the tie rod retainer  96  as illustrated in  FIG. 6   a . The tie rod  92  is preferably a three-eighths inch (⅜ in.) schedule pipe; however, other materials, such as a tube or a cylindrical rod, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . Threads can be cut in the inner diameter of the pipe such that a tie rod retainer  96  can be utilized to secure the tie rod  94  in the support arm  72 . The tie rod  94  affixes the upper end of one (1) support arm  72  to the upper end of the other support arm  72  so that the two (2) can operate together as a support assembly  70 . 
     The mounting brackets  98  preferably comprise steel tubing having the complementary geometric shape to receive the mounting tubes  42  of the rack  20 . The mounting brackets  98  may alternately comprise square or rectangular tubing with any plate, or plates, inserted and attached therein to bring about the necessary shape to receive the mounting tubes  42 . Disposed in the mounting brackets  98  are mounting bracket apertures  99 , which can be aligned with the tube apertures (not shown) in the mounting tubes  42  in order to insert mounting pins  46  to attach the apparatus  10  to the RV  100 . The mounting pins  48  are secured in the mounting bracket apertures  99  and the tube apertures (not shown) by a pin retainer  48  as previously discussed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , environmental perspective and enlarged views of the apparatus  10 , in a deployed position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The latch pins  66  must, at a minimum, be retracted from the second latch apertures  76  of each support arm  72  in order to deploy the support assembly  70 . The support arms  72  are rotated forward, turning about the pivot pins  54 , and lowered to an angle of approximately forty five degrees (45°). In this configuration, the support chains  64  are drawn taut and the weight of the support arms  72  is transferred through the support chains  64  to the back stop frame  32 . The latch pins can conveniently be stored in the respective first latch apertures  65  disposed in the back stop frame  32 . The items  120  to be dried can then be suspended from the support lines  92  with user supplied clothes pins or other suitable clips. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an environmental perspective view of a bumper mounting assembly  130 , and  FIG. 8 , a detail, exploded view of the bumper mounting assembly  130 , of the apparatus  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. An alternate embodiment of the present apparatus  10  is configured to include a pair of bumper mounting assemblies  130  into which the rack  20  is fitted and secured with the mounting pins  46  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The mounting tubes  42  are moved several inches toward the rear of the platform frame  22  from the position as illustrated in the preferred embodiment ( FIGS. 1 through 6   b ) and affixed to the platform frame  22  to compensate for the shift of position necessitated by the bumper mounting assemblies  130 . Disposed in each mounting tube  42  is a tube aperture  44 . Each bumper mounting assembly  130  includes a mounting plate  131  with a plurality of plate apertures  132  for the insertion of U-bolt  135  fasteners. Disposed on the mounting plate  131  is a central tube  133  into which the mounting tubes  42  are inserted. The central tube  133  is preferably a square tube of an appropriate size to accommodate the mounting tube  42  in a sliding fit. The central tube  133  is attached to the mounting plate  131  preferably by welding. Disposed in the central tube  133  is a pin aperture  134  for the insertion of a mounting pin  46 . 
     The mounting plates  131  are located along the existing bumper  105  of the RV  100  such that the central tubes  133  are in alignment with the mounting tubes  42  of the alternate embodiment. The mounting plates are then affixed to the bumper  105  with the use of at least one (1) U-bolt  135  configured to surround a section of the bumper  105  and retained with a plurality of nuts  136 . The mounting tubes  42  attached to the rack  20  are then slid into the central tubes  133  and secured with mounting pins  46  and pin retainers  48 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized in a simple and straightforward manner with little or no training. It must be realized, however, that because of the duality of purpose for the apparatus  10  a portion of the procedure for use in one (1) purpose is contra-indicative for the other purpose. The apparatus would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1  for transporting additional cargo lashed to the rack  20 , while the full benefit of the clothes line support assembly  70  could be realized with the configuration as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing a series of steps. It can be appreciated that the operational steps described can be performed in alternative order and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it is necessary that the mounting brackets  98  be installed onto the RV  100 , either by the user or by a qualified provider of such services. The utilization of the rack  20  can be achieved by performing following steps: acquiring a model of the apparatus  10 ; installing the mounting brackets  98 ; lifting the rack  20  to install the mounting tubes  42  into the mounting brackets  98 ; inserting the mounting pins  46  into the aligned tube apertures and the mounting bracket apertures  99 ; securing the mounting pins  46  with the pin retainers  48 ; mounting a spare tire  110  to the threaded rod  36  on the vertical bar  34 ; securing the spare tire  110  with the threaded clamp  38 ; loading additional cargo as desired onto the rack  20  and securing the cargo with user provided lashings. 
     The utilization of the support assembly  70  can be achieved by performing the following steps having initially installed the apparatus onto the RV  100 : removing any stowed cargo from the rack  20 ; removing a latch pin retainer  68  and the latch pin  66  from one (1) support arm  72 ; removing the latch pin retainer  68  and the latch pin  66  from the opposite support arm  72 ; lowering both support arms  72  simultaneously until all slack has been removed from the support chains  64  and the support chains  64  bear the full weight of the support arms  72 ; suspending the items  120  to be dried from the support lines  92  with user supplied clothes pins or clips. 
     The method of utilizing the alternate embodiment may be achieved by first installing the bumper mounting assemblies  131  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The utilization of the rack  20  and the clothes line support assembly  70  remains the same as the preferred embodiment. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3