Abstract:
Systems and methods for hitch mounted cargo carriers are disclosed herein. The cargo carriers can comprise a storage assembly, leg assemblies, a hitch assembly, and a handle assembly. Advantageously, the cargo carriers can easily mate with the hitch of a car or truck, be transported via the car or truck, and then be detached and wheeled to a desired location, such as a hotel room or tailgating spot. The leg assemblies and hitch assembly of the cargo carriers can be foldable for easy transport and storage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/135,376 filed 19 Mar. 2015, the entire contents and substance of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to hitch mounted carriers and related methods, and more specifically, to hitch mounted carriers that can easily be inserted and attached to a vehicle hitch, adjusted to each vehicle height and depth, then, without lifting or carrying, easily detached and removed from the vehicle, made mobile with folding leg assemblies, and transported to and from various locations by the attached leg and wheel assemblies. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Several hitch mounted cargo carriers are known. As those of skill in the art will understand, these hitch mounted cargo carriers facilitate the transport of luggage or other belongings. Hitch mounted cargo carriers advantageously attach to a hitch of a car or truck, thereby not taking up space in the car or truck and leaving more room for people and other items in the vehicle. Known hitch mounted cargo carriers, however, have reoccurring problems for numerous traveling audiences: families traveling together on vacation, tournament and traveling athletic teams, traveling tradeshow vendors, fans tailgating, and anyone else who may be traveling and transporting luggage or other belongings from point A to point B. 
         [0006]    For years, travelers have needed the added storage space provided by hitch mounted cargo carriers; however the ease of loading, unloading, and transporting was lacking. Once a traveler arrived at a destination, the tired traveler had to go on the exhausting hunt for a luggage cart provided by the hotel, condo, or vendor. After waiting and searching, the tired and now irritable traveler had to proceed with unpacking his or her luggage onto the luggage cart provided. One problem now is that the much needed cargo carrier is empty and attached to the car, but no longer needed for daily driving. The traveler must either ask a fellow traveler to help detach it and lug it to a storage area (such as the traveler&#39;s hotel room, where it will take up space) or leave it attached to the automobile hitch for the remainder of the stay. If the carrier is stored in the room, then its large size and bulky shape only create more chaos and stress for the stay. If, on the other hand, the carrier remains on the automobile, it creates an increased potential for accidents and insurance claims. Not to mention the cargo carrier makes the traveler&#39;s automobile look unattractive and lets others know that the traveler is from out of town. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for improved cargo carriers and related methods that address the concerns above, and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to these and other considerations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an improved hitch mounted cargo carrier. The cargo carrier can solve the traveler&#39;s problems discussed above, thereby providing an enhanced travel experience. In some embodiments, the cargo carrier can be identified as the “Ruk Freedom Hiker.” 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the cargo carrier can have adjustable height leg assemblies, each having one or more wheels. A traveler can easily set the adjustable height legs to the exact height of the vehicle to which it is to be attached. In this manner, the legs and wheels allow the user to effortlessly align and insert the tongue of the carrier&#39;s hitch assembly into the vehicle&#39;s receiver (or hitch). After attachment, the cargo carrier&#39;s ergonomically designed pull pin release system allows the user to easily fold and lock the legs and wheels up into the footprint of the cargo carrier, eliminating the possibility for the legs and/or wheels to contact the road surface while traveling. 
         [0010]    Once the traveler arrives at their destination, the traveler can simply use the pull pin release system to lower the legs, which were previously set to that vehicle&#39;s hitch height. A cleverly stored handle can then be deployed to an active position from the end of the cargo carrier for pushing or pulling to the desired location. The cargo carrier&#39;s hitch assembly is configured to allow the adjustable hitch tongue to be switched from an extended position to a retracted position within the footprint of the cargo area so that the carrier fits through doors and hallways, and can be maneuvered in small spaces, such as elevators, without knocking into the user, a bystander, or other object and causing injury or damage. One or more of the cargo carrier&#39;s wheels can be castors rotatable in 360 degrees, and one or more of these castors can be equipped with a locking pin that allows the castor to become fixed for straight-line tracking and direction, again improving ease of maneuverability in certain situations. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention have been carefully designed with the user and the user&#39;s safety in mind. For example, the cargo carrier eliminates potential safety hazards, such as needing to crawl under the vehicle to attach the cargo carrier, or needing to lift the carrier to attach it to the vehicle. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, a cargo carrier is provided comprising a storage assembly; a first leg assembly comprising a first wheel and a second wheel, the first leg assembly attached to an underside of the storage assembly proximate a first end of the storage assembly; a second leg assembly comprising a first wheel and a second wheel, the second leg assembly attached to the underside of the storage assembly proximate a second end of the storage assembly; a hitch assembly attached to the underside of the storage assembly along a center line of the storage assembly; and a handle assembly attached proximate a first end of the storage assembly. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the storage assembly comprises a top frame, a bottom frame, and a carrier base, wherein the top frame may be affixed to a top edge of the carrier base and the bottom frame may be affixed to a base of the carrier base. In such embodiments, the storage assembly defines an area where cargo may be stowed. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly each comprise a pair of adjustable legs affixed to a pivot assembly with each adjustable leg having a caster affixed to a lower end. The first leg assembly and the second leg assembly may each be pivotable from a retracted position to a deployed position. The first leg assembly and the second leg assembly may be configured to be pivoted to the retracted position when the cargo carrier is affixed to a vehicle hitch, and the leg assembly and the second leg assembly may be configured to be pivoted to the deployed position for independently moving the cargo carrier from a first location to a second location. In some embodiments, two or more of the casters affixed to the adjustable legs may be adjusted from a fixed straight-line operation to a 360-degree rotation operation. In some embodiments, each adjustable leg may be configured to be adjusted between a height of 11 inches and 22 inches independently. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the hitch assembly comprises a hitch housing affixed to the underside of the storage assembly; an adjustable hitch tongue which can be received within the hitch housing; and a hitch pin for securing the adjustable hitch tongue within the hitch housing. The adjustable hitch tongue may be configured to be transitioned from a retracted position to an extended position within the hitch housing to provide for mounting the cargo carrier to a vehicle hitch. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the adjustable hitch tongue may further comprise a hitch mounting hole and an adjustable hitch stop. The adjustable hitch stop may be set to allow for alignment between the hitch mounting hole of the adjustable hitch tongue and a mounting hole on a vehicle hitch receiver. In some embodiments, the hitch housing may further comprise a slot for receiving the adjustable hitch stop when the adjustable hitch tongue is placed in a retracted position. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a pivot bracket affixed proximate the first end of the storage assembly; a handle sleeve affixed within the pivot bracket such that the handle sleeve can pivot about a pivot point from a active position to a storage position; a handle affixed within the handle sleeve and that can pivot along with the handle sleeve from the active position to the storage position; a handle guide affixed to the underside of the storage assembly for receiving the handle when in the storage position; and a pin to secure the handle sleeve and the handle in either of the active position or the storage position. 
         [0018]    Further features of the disclosed design, and the advantages offered thereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are indicated by like reference designators. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts a view of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  depicts a first end view of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  depicts a second end view of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  depicts a top view of a cargo carrier storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5A  depicts a top view of partial leg assemblies of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5B  depicts a side view of partial leg assemblies of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  depicts an adjustable caster leg of a leg assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  depicts a pivot leg carrier of a leg assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6C  depicts a pivot leg carrier pin of a leg assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7A  depicts a view of a handle assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7B  depicts views of some components of a handle assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8A  depicts a top view of a hitch housing of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8B  depicts a bottom view of a hitch housing of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8C  depicts an end view of a hitch housing of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9A  depicts a top view of an adjustable hitch of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9B  depicts a side view of an adjustable hitch of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10A  depicts a top view of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10B  depicts a side view of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10C  depicts a bottom view of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 10D  depicts top view of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10E  depicts a side view of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10F  depicts a bottom view of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  depicts a view of an unmounted or deployed cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  depicts a view of a mounted cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  depicts a view of a deployed leg assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  depicts a view of a retracted leg assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  depicts a view of a deployed handle assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  depicts a close-up view of a deployed handle assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 17  depicts a view of a hitch assembly of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 18  depicts a view of a hitch housing, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 19  depicts a view of an adjustable hitch tongue of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 20  depicts a view of an adjustable hitch tongue of a cargo carrier, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]    To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the various embodiments of the invention, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail as being hitch mounted cargo carriers and related methods, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated, such as embodiments employing other types of cargo carriers. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. 
         [0052]    It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of components. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. 
         [0053]    Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0054]    Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. 
         [0055]    By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named. 
         [0056]    It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a composition does not preclude the presence of additional components than those expressly identified. 
         [0057]    The materials described as making up the various elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention. 
         [0058]    To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of this disclosure, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. In particular, various embodiments of this disclosure are described as hitch mounted cargo carriers and related methods. Some embodiments of the invention, however, may be applicable to other contexts, such as carriers mountable to other support systems, and embodiments employing these applications are contemplated. 
         [0059]    As described above, problems with conventional hitch mounted cargo carriers include the need to remove the luggage or belongings from the carrier once a traveler has arrived at his or her destination, then remove the carrier from the vehicle without the aid of wheels, then store the carrier, then later reattach the carrier when he or she leaves the destination (once again without the aid of wheels), and then return the luggage or belongings to the carrier. This process is exhausting and stress inducing. And if the carrier is not removed, it is an eyesore and can increase the likelihood that the traveler gets into a vehicle accident. 
         [0060]    To alleviate these and other problems,  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3  depict a cargo carrier  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 1  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a cargo carrier  100  in an unmounted or deployed configuration.  FIG. 2  depicts a front end view of an embodiment of a cargo carrier  100  in a deployed configuration.  FIG. 3  depicts a rear end view of an embodiment of a cargo carrier  100  in a deployed configuration. 
         [0061]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the cargo carrier  100  can comprise a storage assembly  110 , multiple leg assemblies  120 , a hitch assembly  130 , and a handle assembly  140 . In some embodiments, the storage assembly  110  may comprise a top frame  112 , a carrier base  114 , and a bottom frame  116 . In some embodiments, the leg assemblies  120  may comprise adjustable pivot leg assemblies  122  and castors  126 , which may further comprise wheels  124  and lock mechanisms  128 . In some embodiments, the hitch assembly  130  may comprise a hitch housing  132 , adjustable hitch tongue  134 , and hitch pin  136 . In some embodiments, the handle assembly  140  may comprise a T-handle  142 , a pivot bracket  144 , and a handle guide  146 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the storage assembly  110  may comprise a top frame  112 , a carrier base  114 , and a bottom frame  116 . The carrier base  114  can be substantially flat and can provide an ideal resting location for a traveler&#39;s belongings or other cargo. In some embodiments, the carrier base  114  comprises the bottom of the storage assembly  110 . The top frame  112  and bottom frame  116  can surround the carrier base  114  and can help contain the traveler&#39;s belongings or cargo within the cargo carrier  100 . The top frame  112  and bottom frame  116  can be designed in a variety of configurations and can provide lateral support to the traveler&#39;s belongings or cargo when the cargo carrier  100  is in motion, such as when it accelerates or decelerates. Other containing or securing devices, such as straps or nets, can also be secured to the carrier base  114 , top frame  112 , or bottom frame  116  to help maintain the traveler&#39;s belongings or cargo in the cargo carrier  100 . 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , in some embodiments, the cargo carrier  100  can comprise one or more leg assemblies  120 . In some embodiments, for example, the cargo carrier can comprise two leg assemblies  120 , or four leg assemblies  120 . Each leg assembly  120  can comprise a variety of components. Advantageously, each leg assembly can comprise one or more wheels  124  that can be part of one or more castors  126 . In some embodiments, as shown, each leg assembly can comprise two castors  126 , each castor  126  having one wheel  124 . In some embodiments, each castor  126  can rotate through 360 degrees to enable the cargo carrier  100  to be easily maneuverable. In some embodiments, one or more of the castors  126  or wheels  124  are equipped with a locking pin or mechanism  128  that allows the castors or wheels to lock in a fixed direction (keep from rotating) for straight-line tracking and direction control. In some embodiments, the castors or wheels of a single leg assembly, for example the rear leg assembly, may be equipped with the locking mechanism to lock in a fixed direction while the castors or wheels of the other leg assembly, for example the front leg assembly, continue to be rotatable through 360 degrees to allow for ease of direction control during movement of the carrier. 
         [0064]    Further details of the leg assemblies  120  are depicted in  FIGS. 5A-B  and  6 A-C in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, leg assemblies  120  may further comprise adjustable pivot leg assemblies  122  which may further comprise adjustable legs  204 , pivot assemblies  202 , and castor plates  206 , as depicted in  FIG. 5B . In some embodiments, leg assemblies  120  may further comprise cross members  208  joining two adjustable pivot leg assemblies  122  in a leg assembly  120 , as depicted in  FIG. 5A . In some embodiments, cross members  208  may be secured through cross member guides  214  within the pivot assemblies  202 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  FIG. 6A  depicts an adjustable leg  204  of an adjustable pivot leg assembly  122  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 6B  depicts a pivot assembly  202  of an adjustable pivot leg assembly  122  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 6C  depicts a pull pin  218  of an adjustable pivot leg assembly  122  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The pull pin  218  may be affixed to the leg assembly and the cargo carrier through a pull pin guide  212  of a pivot assembly  202  and the pull pin  218  may be moved through the pull pin guide  212  to extend or retract the leg assembly and lock the leg assembly in an extended or retracted position. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, the leg assemblies  120  can be vertically adjustable, to vary the height of the cargo carrier  100 , for example, to allow for ease of mounting the carrier to a vehicle. In some embodiments, each leg of the leg assemblies  120  can be individually adjusted to allow for a variety of surface elevations or conditions. In some embodiments, for example, the leg assemblies can be adjustable to enable the adjustable hitch tongue  134  of the hitch assembly  130  to be between  11  inches and  22  inches from the ground. This can enable the cargo carrier  100  to easily join with several different vehicles, each having hitches of varying heights. In this regard, a traveler can easily set the cargo carrier&#39;s  100  adjustable leg assemblies  120  to the exact height of the vehicle&#39;s hitch. In some embodiments, the leg assemblies  120  can be vertically adjusted by releasing a leg carrier pin  210  in a pivot assembly  202  allowing for an adjustable leg  204  to be moved up or down to vary the height of a leg assembly and the adjustable leg  204  can then be locked at the adjusted height using the leg carrier pin  210 . 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, the leg assemblies  120  can fold to a retracted position to enable the cargo carrier  100  to be supported by the vehicle at the outset of a trip, and to enable the cargo carrier to regain support from the ground at the end of a trip. In this regard, the leg assemblies  120  of the cargo carrier  100  can comprise a pull pin release system. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 , in some embodiments, the pull pin release system can comprise one or more spring activated pull pins  218  (example shown in  FIG. 6C ) that can be manipulated through a pull pin guide  212  of a pivot assembly  202  to enable the leg assemblies  120  to fold upward and lock into a storage position via the pull pin  218 . In this manner, the leg assemblies  120  can be stored during travel, to prevent the wheels  124  or any other portion of the leg assemblies  120  from contacting the ground during vehicle movement. The pull pins  218  can later be manipulated to enable the leg assemblies  120  to fold downward and lock into a support position, at which time the leg assemblies  120  can support the cargo carrier  100 . In some embodiments, the pull pin release system can be ergonomically designed. 
         [0067]      FIG. 8A  through  FIG. 10F  depict various aspects of a hitch assembly  130  of a cargo carrier  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 8A  through  FIG. 10F , the hitch assembly  130  can comprise a hitch housing  132 , adjustable hitch tongue  134 , and hitch pin  136 . In use, the hitch assembly  130  can support the cargo carrier  100  when the cargo carrier  100  is attached or mounted to a vehicle (via a vehicle hitch receiver for example).  FIG. 8A  depicts a top view of a hitch housing  132 ,  FIG. 8B  depicts a bottom view of a hitch housing  132 , and  FIG. 8C  depicts an end view of a hitch housing  132  in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the hitch housing  132  comprises mounting tabs  302  which provide for the hitch housing  132  to be secured to the storage assembly  110  of the cargo carrier  100 . The hitch housing  132  of hitch assembly  130  allows for an adjustable hitch tongue  134  to be secured within the hitch housing  132 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 8C and 10A -F, via a hitch pin  136 . In some embodiments, the hitch housing  132  may comprise a hitch stop slot  304  which provides for a hitch stop assembly  306  of the adjustable hitch tongue  134  to be positioned within the hitch housing  132  when the adjustable hitch tongue  134  is in a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 10C ). 
         [0068]    The hitch housing  132  provides for the adjustable hitch tongue  134  to be moved from an extended position, whereby it desirably engages with the hitch or receiver on the back of a vehicle, to a retracted position, whereby it is stowed while the cargo carrier  100  is not secured to a vehicle. In the retracted position, the adjustable hitch tongue  134  is contained within the footprint of the storage assembly  110  of the cargo carrier  100  to facilitate movement of the cargo carrier  100  and reduce the chance that the adjustable hitch tongue  134  will contact an object such as a wall or person, potentially causing harm. 
         [0069]      FIG. 9A  depicts a top view of the adjustable hitch tongue  134  and  FIG. 9B  depicts a side view of the adjustable hitch tongue  134  in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 9A , in some embodiments, the adjustable hitch tongue  134  may comprise an adjustable hitch stop assembly  306  which can be preset to allow for ease of securing the cargo carrier  100  to a vehicle. For example, the hitch stop assembly  306  may be moved within slot  308  of the adjustable hitch tongue  134  based on the position of a mounting hole in a vehicle hitch or receiver. In such fashion, when the adjustable hitch tongue  134  is inserted into the vehicle hitch or receiver to the point of the hitch stop assembly  306  (as shown in  FIG. 20 ), a hitch mounting hole  312  of adjustable hitch tongue  134  may properly align with a mounting hole of the vehicle hitch or receiver to allow for easily inserting a vehicle&#39;s hitch pin to secure the cargo carrier to the vehicle hitch or receiver. 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 9B , in some embodiments, the adjustable hitch tongue  134  may comprise retracted locking holes  310  and carrier mounting holes  314  to allow for securing the adjustable hitch tongue  134  in a retracted position or an extended position within the hitch housing  132  via hitch pin  136 . The adjustable hitch tongue  134  may further comprise one or more hitch mounting holes  312  to allow for securing the adjustable hitch tongue  134  in a vehicle&#39;s hitch or receiver (via a vehicle&#39;s hitch pin). For example, when the adjustable hitch tongue  134  is in a retracted position, as depicted in  FIG. 10B , a retracted locking hole  310  may align with a hole in the hitch housing  132  to provide for securing the adjustable hitch tongue  134  within the hitch housing  132  using hitch pin  136  (for example, when the cargo carrier is not mounted to a vehicle). When the adjustable hitch tongue  134  is in an extended position, as depicted in  FIG. 10E , a carrier mounting hole  314  may align with a hole in the hitch housing  132  to provide for securing the adjustable hitch tongue  134  in the extended position within the hitch housing  132  using hitch pin  136  and provide for the hitch mounting hole  312  to be exposed to allow the adjustable hitch tongue  134  to be inserted and secured into a vehicle hitch or receiver (by aligning the hitch mounting hole  312  with a hole in the vehicle&#39;s hitch or receiver and securing with the vehicle&#39;s hitch pin). 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, the cargo carrier  100  can further comprise a handle assembly  140 . The handle assembly  140  can be placed in a storage configuration during travel, as shown in  FIG. 12 , and can be moved to an active configuration to enable easy pulling or pushing of the cargo carrier  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, the handle assembly  140  may comprise a T-handle  142 , a pivot bracket  144 , and a handle guide  146 , as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 7A , and  FIG. 7B . The T-handle  142  may be secured in the pivot bracket  144  via a handle sleeve  402 . To place the handle assembly  140  in the active configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the T-handle  142  may be extended and pivoted, along with the handle sleeve  402 , to an active position about pivot point  404  in pivot bracket  144 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . Once placed in the active configuration, the T-handle  142  and handle sleeve  402  may be locked in the active configuration via a pin  410  secured through an active position locking hole  406  in the pivot bracket  144 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . To place the handle assembly  140  in the storage configuration, the pin  410  may be removed from the active position locking hole  406  allowing the T-handle  142 , along with the handle sleeve  402 , to be pivoted about pivot point  404  in pivot bracket  144  and inserting the T-handle  142  into a handle guide  146  mounted to the underside of the storage assembly  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Once placed in the storage configuration, the T-handle  142  and handle sleeve  402  may be locked in the storage configuration via a pin  410  secured through a storage position locking hole in the handle sleeve  402  or in the pivot bracket  144 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 11-20  depict various other views of the cargo carrier  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  depicts a view of an unmounted or deployed cargo carrier  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the leg assemblies  120  are placed in a deployed or extended configuration, providing support for the cargo carrier  100  and allowing the cargo carrier  100  to be independently moved about as desired.  FIG. 11  also shows the handle assembly  140  in an active configuration allowing for pushing or pulling of the cargo carrier.  FIG. 12  depicts a view of a mounted cargo carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the leg assemblies  120  are placed in a retracted configuration, allowing for the cargo carrier  100  to be supported by the vehicle hitch and keeping the leg assemblies from contacting the ground.  FIG. 12  also shows the handle assembly  140  in a storage configuration, with the T-handle  142  inserted under the storage assembly  110  and into a handle guide  146  (not shown).  FIG. 12  also shows the T-handle being secured in the storage position using pin  410 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 13  depicts a view of an extended or deployed leg assembly  120  of a cargo carrier  100  with the leg assembly  120  being locked in the extended position using pull pins  218 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the locking mechanism  128  of the castors  126  is in a locked position allowing the castors  126 /wheels  124  to be tracked in a straight line allowing for ease of controlling movement and direction of the cargo carrier  100 .  FIG. 14  depicts a view of a retracted leg assembly  120  of a cargo carrier  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 15 and 16  depict views of active position of a handle assembly  140  of a cargo carrier  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the handle sleeve  402  and T-handle  142  have been rotated into the active position about the pivot point  404  of the pivot bracket  144  of the handle assembly  140 .  FIG. 16  shows the handle sleeve  402  and T-handle  142  locked in the active position by a pin  410  secured through active position locking hole  406  in the pivot bracket  144 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 17  depicts a view of a hitch assembly  130  of a cargo carrier  100  mounted to the underside of the storage assembly  110  via mounting tabs  302 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the adjustable hitch tongue  134  is in a retracted position within the hitch housing  132 .  FIG. 18  depicts an end view of hitch housing  132  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 18  shows the hitch housing  132  without the adjustable hitch tongue  134  inserted.  FIG. 18  also shows the hitch stop slot  304  for receiving the hitch stop assembly  306  when the adjustable hitch tongue  134  is in the retracted position.  FIG. 19  depicts a side perspective view of an adjustable hitch tongue  134  of a cargo carrier  100  in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 20  depicts a top perspective view of an adjustable hitch tongue  134  of a cargo carrier  100  in an extended position inserted into a vehicle hitch with the hitch stop assembly  306  flush to the vehicle hitch or receiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0076]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, while the invention has been described in the context of a hitch mounted cargo carrier for luggage and other belongings, the concepts described herein need not be limited to these illustrative embodiments. For example, the concepts described herein can be equally applicable to other types of movable carriers or carriers that are affixed to other objects. 
         [0077]    Additionally, the specific configurations, choice of materials, and the size and shape of various elements could be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints according to the materials used and the manufacturing conditions. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. 
         [0078]    The presently disclosed embodiments are, therefore, considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.