Abstract:
A cargo carrier with a hitch bar permanently fixed to the rear chassis of a vehicle, consisting of a structural platform, attached at both extremities of the hitch bar with two pullout hitch pins. A platform which, when attached in a specific hole combination can be set with horizontal cantilevers parallel to the road or, in another hole combination, can be folded vertically and latched to the rear of the vehicle or can be completely removed and stored by removing the hitch pins. A platform that is light enough for one person to handle due to its size and weight A self contained platform which can be used with a cart and a modified hitch bar. Such a platform is a definite advancement and improvement in regards to transportation and safety.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The field of this invention relates to a medium sized, cargo carrier for vehicles, and in particular, to an assembly of a hitch mounted cross bar, permanently fastened on the rear bottom of a Jeep. Such a cross bar allows the attachment of a wire rod welded, basket platform in two hitch bar extremities. This cross bar also allows two possible modes when traveling, either affixed horizontally when in use, or vertically when temporally not in use The platform can also be completely removed from the cross bar and stored. One person can handle its weight and size.  
       PRIOR ART  
       [0002]     The following patents were reviewed:  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,221,3111; 4,777,1926; 4,811,3584; 5,413,260; 5845,832; 5,853,278; and 6,202,909  
         [0004]     After evaluation of the content of these patents, the present proposed invention differs advantageously from them, both in the simplicity and in robustness of the present patent, as well as in its versatility.  
         [0005]     The closest patents to the one proposed are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,813,564 and 6,202,909.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,584 shows a similar cantilevered, platform cargo carrier, yet the platforms central support is succinct to the load distribution. This does not compare to the C.C.P., which is supported at both extremities with a strong crossbar.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,909 was compared to the proposed patent and the draw bar is weak, making it more flexible to carry the cargo, yet decreasing the stability. Because of this instability, the carrier could possibly be thrown off during highway travel.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AREA  
       [0008]     Cargo carriers are widely employed to expand the carrying capacity of a vehicle, yet maintain as much comfort as possible within the passenger area. For several decades roof carriers were used, but for the last 15 years they have been mostly abandoned and replaced by light cantilever carriers outfitted on a center modified hitch bar. The present disclosed invention similarly enters into these qualifications, but is stronger and accepts a greater and heavier cargo load. It is also more versatile and convenient in high traffic circumstances. The present invention relates to a structurally strong detachable rear car platform, welded of steel. Yet, it is light enough for the average person to install on a transfer hitch bar, which is permanently bolted to the rear chassis of the car. Such a platform can be horizontally set parallel to the road for cargo use or hinged and latched in a vertical position parallel to the rear of the car. This will make travelling and parking easier when the platform is not being used for cargo. Such a platform can also be detached from the vehicle and stored. Another value of the platform is its secondary use of being assembled on a special hand carrier, used to manually transport garden materials or any other cargo too bulky to handle.  
         [0009]     The major originality of the proposed invention is the three hole articulation, drilled on both sides of the platform, and matching the two sets of two holes drilled on the side of the suspension transfer bar and the two clevis hitch pins on each side that connects the platform to the transfer bar. One of the pins is used as a pivot and the other acting in a locked position.  
         [0010]     The cantilevered system is safe for highway use at a maximum safe speed up to approximately a 200-pound cargo load. The platform, which has two rear grilled floor sections, allows them to be hinged to the front latched one. As the platform is raised vertically, the cars rear field of view remains open through the rear car window. Two sets of directional and brake lights are attached to the platform, so that in any position the safety driving code is observed. In the vertical position, a replica of the license plate is attached to the back of the platform 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0000]     Sheet  1   
         [0011]      FIG. 1-1  shows a perspective of a jeep with the platform anchored to the car and horizontally set parallel to the road.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1-2  shows a perspective of the platform with the anchored side-plate details on one side for the horizontal position.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1-2   a  shows a perspective of the platform with the anchored side-plate details on one side for the vertical position.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1-3  shows a partial perspective of the platform with a cargo tie attached to the platform.  
         [0000]     Sheet  2   
         [0015]      FIG. 2-1  shows a similar perspective to  FIG. 1-1  with the platform horizontal, but with the two rear grills folded back and latched onto the front one.  
         [0000]     Sheet  3   
         [0016]      FIG. 3-1  shows a perspective of the positioning of the platform, latched in a vertical position that is very close and parallel to the rear of the Jeep when it is not in use.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3-2  shows the vertical position of the security latch, consisting of a combination lock.  
         [0000]     Sheet  4  Shows a Perspective of the Structural Platform and its Hitch Bar Weldments.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4-1  shows a hitch bar self sub-assembly, along with the details.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4-2  shows the platform&#39;s self contained, sub assembly, with one grill partially folded.  
         [0000]     Sheet  5  Shows an Orthographic Projection of the Hitch Bar.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5-1  shows a detailed top view of the hitching bar anchored to the Jeep&#39;s chassis.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5-2  shows the end elevation of the  FIG. 5-1  view set for the platforms horizontal position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5-3  shows an end view similar to  FIG. 5-2 , but set for vertical positioning of the platform.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5-4  shows the pullout hitch pin with its safety cutting pin details.  
         [0000]     Sheet  6  Shows an Auxiliary Use of the Platform.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6-1  shows a perspective of a cart, which can be used for many varied work applications.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6-2  shows a perspective of the platform detached from a hand cart carrier.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6-3  shows a horizontal side view of the platform of the cart at rest, and forming a tripod with the two wheels and the leg.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6-4  shows the platform rotated 90° to a vertical position from the cart, allowing rapid dumping of loose material with the use of the cover.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0000]     Sheet  1   
         [0028]      FIG. 1-1  shows a perspective of a Jeep  1 , outfitted with a car cantilever platform  2 , (Abbreviated as C.C.P.). The platform assembly  2  is manufactured from light structural members welded together to form the platform. The layout of the bottom grill section  3  is permanently welded to the platform frame. Grills  4  and  5  are welded to a hinges  6   a  and  6   b,  which are themselves welded to the bottom central beam  6 . These grills are snap-latched by two formed springs  7  &amp;  8 . The bottom grills of the platform are contoured by three sides of welded profiled rod, a rear one  9 , one on the right side  10  and one on the left side  11 . A front plate  12  closes the front of the platform. This gives it the rigidity to line up with the transfer hitch bar  17 . Also, on the front of each side  10  &amp;  11 , a welded plate  13  on the right and  14  on the left, are drilled with three holes aligned from plate to plate with each other. These three holes match the two holes of the transfer bar  17 , both in size and space. The transfer bar and the plates  13  and  14  are connected by two hitch pins on both sides, which are secured by cutter hairpins.  
         [0029]      FIG. 1-2  shows a partially exploded perspective of the end plate and the horizontal setting, with the hitch bar and hitch pin aligned. Plate  13  has a set of holes  15   a,    15   b,  and  15   c  facing the hitch bar subassembly  17 , partially shown with a rising boss  13   a,  which is drilled with two holes  22  &amp;  23 . Each pin  18  &amp;  19  connects the plate  13  with the hitch bar  17 , by inserting pin  18  through hole  15 a and hole  22 . Pin  19  is inserted through hole  15   b  and hole  23 . The cutter pins  18   a  &amp;  19   a  are inserted through the small holes in  18   b  &amp;  19   b.  Symmetrically, the opposite end of the hitch bar boss  14   a  is connected with plate  14 ,shown on Sheet  4 . Hitch pins  20  &amp;  21  are inserted through plate  14 , holes  16   a,  and  16   b  through the boss  14   a  holes  22   a  and  23   a.  The pins are then secured by cutter pins  20   a  &amp;  21   a  that are inserted into holes  20   b  &amp;  21   b.    
         [0030]      FIG. 1-2   a  shows a partially exploded perspective of the end plate and the vertical setting, with the hitch bar and hitch pin aligned. Plate  13  has a set of holes  15   a,    15   b,  and  15   c  facing the hitch bar subassembly  17 , partially shown with a rising boss  13   a,  which is drilled with two holes  22  &amp;  23 . Each pin  18  &amp;  19  connects the plate  13  with the hitch bar  17 , by inserting pin  18  through hole  15   a  and hole  22 . Pin  19  is inserted through hole  15   c  and hole  23 , the same as  FIG. 1-2 . The cutter pins  18   a  &amp;  19   a  are inserted through the small holes  18   b  &amp;  19   b.  Hitch pins  20  &amp;  21  are inserted through plate  14 , holes  16   a,  and  16   c  through the boss  14   a  holes  22   a  and  23   a.  The pins are then secured by cutter pins  20   a  &amp;  21   a,  which are inserted into holes  20   b - 21   b.    
         [0031]      FIG. 1-3  shows a detailed perspective of the platform assembly installed at the rear of the Jeep, in a horizontal mode with cargo  2   a  tied to the platform, secured by stretchy straps  2   b  and  2   c.    
         [0000]     Sheet  2   
         [0032]      FIG. 2-1  shows a perspective of the Jeep, and its platform, attached securely with the two rear grills  4  &amp;  5  folded back onto grill  3  and latched to a metal plate  12 . This allows a path of clear vision through the rear window as the platform is raised into a vertical position. Two sets of standard turn signals  28  &amp;  27  are installed on the rear platform  9  and connected to the Jeep&#39;s lighting system.  
         [0000]     Sheet  3   
         [0033]      FIG. 3-1  shows the platform  2  raised in a vertical position, both parallel and close to the rear of the Jeep  1 . Two pullout hitch pins  18  and  19  are shown. Hitch pins  20  and  21  on the opposite side are also inserted (not shown) and anchored to bar  17 . A supplementary latch  26  is on one side, allowing freedom from vibration and acting as a safety from robbery. (see details on  FIG. 3-2 ). Also, in order to assure proper light visibility, a set of two signal lights  27   a  and  28   a  are assembled to the bottom rear of the frame.  
         [0034]      FIG. 3-2  also shows an anchoring bracket  1   a,  attached to the right side of the platform frame  2  by a cable  2   a,  and closed by a combination lock  26   a.    
         [0000]     Sheet  4   
         [0035]      FIG. 4-1  shows an exploded perspective of the hitch bar  17 , which provides the welded brackets  30  &amp;  31  which are used to anchor the bar to the rear chassis of the Jeep. These are bolted underneath with large hex bolts  32  &amp;  33 , and are secured with lock washers  32   a  &amp;  33   a.  These bolts are threaded in an insert that is integrally welded to the chassis (not shown). In addition, four more hex bolts  34 ,  35 ,  36  &amp;  37  anchor the bar to the rear upright, chassis edge. The hitch bar  17  has two raised bosses  13   a  &amp;  14   a  which are drilled longitudinally with two holes at each end  22  &amp;  23 . The length of the bar  22   a  &amp;  23   a  fits the space between the inside faces of plates  13  &amp;  14 , so that the holes of the plate match the ones of the bar to allow insertion of pullout hitch pins  18 ,  19 ,  20  &amp;  21 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 4-2  shows a top perspective of platform  2 , which in turn shows its welded sidewalls  9 ,  10  &amp;  11  and plate  12 . It also shows the three grills with  3  permanently welded to the frame and 2 grills  4  &amp;  5  individually hinged on center hinges  6   a  &amp;  6   b,  themselves welded on a center beam  6 . The grill  4  is shown partially folded. Also shown are two latches  7  &amp;  8  that anchor a snap action to the grills  4  &amp;  5  to the edge  9  when recessed.  
         [0037]     Drawing  4 - 2  also shows the rectangular as well as tubular welded, edged framing with the welded grill  3 , which maintains the platform&#39;s rigidity.  
         [0000]     Sheet  5  Shows an Orthographic Projection of Three Views of the Platform Hitch Bar  17 , and the Chassis  1  Connection.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5-1  shows a top view of the connecting assembly with its welded brackets  30  &amp;  31  and the platform front side plates  13  &amp;  14  which are connected by hitch pins.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5-2  shows an elevation of view  5 - 1  with a connection for a horizontal setting for transportation of cargo.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5-3  shows a similarly elevated view with a rearrangement of the matching holes and connecting hitch pins to obtain a vertical position with a security latch.  
         [0041]      FIG. 5-4  shows the standard pullout hitch pin detail such as typical hitch pins  18 ,  19 ,  20  &amp;  21 .  
         [0000]     Sheet  6  Shows an Auxiliary Use of the Platform  
         [0042]      FIG. 6-1  shows an exploded perspective of a manually driven cart. The cart is constructed with a partial hitch bar  36  welded to a tubular frame  35 . This consists of a central member  37  and two tubular arched bracing members  38  &amp;  39 . Member  37  also supports a 90° cross tubing  40  that is welded to a common bracket  41 , with two braces  44  &amp;  45 , also welded between tube  37  onto hitch bar  36 . Tube  40  also carries bearings and two wheels  42  &amp;  43 , centered at two extremities of  40 , retained by two E rings  42   a  &amp;  43   a.  An articulated leg  47  can be stored on a welded hook  48 . As the platform is lowered, leg  47  is pulled perpendicular to the tube  37  and allows a stable resting position, resting on 3 points, the leg  47  and the two wheels  42  and  43 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 6-2  shows the platform  2 , with the hitch pins at each end ready to be sub-assembled to the cart  35 . The handle  46  is fastened to the right side of the front of the bottom of the platform.  
         [0044]      FIG. 6-3  shows a side view of the cart and platform assembly with a load of dirt that is ready for transport.  
         [0045]      FIG. 6-4  shows the versatility of the cart, which by removing one hitch pin  19   e  on each side, allows it to be pivoted manually, through handle  46  and the platform in a vertical position, can rapidly dump the cargo material.