US 11,447,076 B1Granted

Multi-purpose cargo carrier for transporting bicycles and other items by a vehicle

OwnerJames Ira Mercurioinventor

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Abstract

A multi-purpose cargo carrier for coupling to a vehicle's tow hitch, carries sturdy bicycles, like mountain bicycles, electric bicycles, and the like, containers, coolers, and small items. The multi-purpose cargo carrier has a tow hitch connecting platform defining a first bicycle lane that receives front and rear wheels of a first bicycle, a second bicycle lane that receives front and rear wheels of a second bicycle, and a storage compartment between the first and second bicycle lanes. A hinged lid covers the storage compartment. A top of the lid defines a support for cargo. A plurality of catches and strap receivers are strategically situated about the platform providing cargo tie down locations. Each bicycle lane has pivoting front and rear wheel holders extending from lateral sides of the platform. Openings in the wheel holders receive portions of the wheels. Extensions of the front wheel holders provide generally vertical wheel stands.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A multi-purpose cargo carrier for attachment to a tow hitch of a vehicle comprising:

a generally rectangular platform defining a top, a bottom opposite the top, a front, a rear opposite the front, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side;
a tow hitch bar having a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the bottom and the rear of the platform between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, and configured for receipt by the tow hitch of the vehicle;
a first bicycle lane extending along the rear of the platform between the first lateral side and the second lateral side that supports a first front wheel and a first rear wheel of a first bicycle, and having a first front wheel holder pivotally connected to the first lateral side of the platform, and a first rear wheel holder pivotally connected to the second lateral side of the platform, the first front wheel holder having a first front wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the front wheel of the first bicycle and a first extension that pivots away from the first front wheel holder to form a generally vertical stand that receives a front portion of the first front wheel of the first bicycle, the first rear wheel holder having a first rear wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the rear wheel of the first bicycle;
a second bicycle lane extending along the front of the platform between the first lateral side and the second lateral side that supports a second front wheel and a second rear wheel of a second bicycle, and having a second front wheel holder pivotally connected to the second lateral side of the platform, and a second rear wheel holder pivotally connected to the first lateral side of the platform, the second front wheel holder having a second front wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the front wheel of the second bicycle and a second extension that pivots away from the second front wheel holder to form a generally vertical stand that receives a front portion of the second front wheel of the second bicycle, the second rear wheel holder having a second rear wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the rear wheel of the second bicycle;
a storage compartment in the platform between the first bicycle lane and the second bicycle lane;
a storage compartment lid hinged to the platform and having an upper surface defining a support for cargo;
and
a plurality of tie downs strategically situated about the platform.

5 more elements

A cargo carrier configured for attachment to a tow hitch of a vehicle comprising:

a generally rectangular body having a top, a bottom opposite the top, a front, a rear opposite the front, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side;
a hollow rectangular bar having a first end, a second end, and extending along the bottom of the body from the front to the rear, the first end extending outwardly from the rear of the body and configured for reception in the tow hitch of the vehicle, the second end terminating at the front of the body;
a tie down arm adjustably extending from the second end of the hollow rectangular bar;
a first bicycle area defined along the rear of the body between the first lateral side and the second lateral side that receives a first bicycle having a first front wheel and a first rear wheel, the first bicycle area having a first front wheel holder pivotally connected to the first lateral side of the platform, and a first rear wheel holder pivotally connected to the second lateral side of the platform, the first front wheel holder having a first front wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the front wheel of the first bicycle and a first extension that pivots away from the first front wheel holder to form a generally vertical stand that receives a front portion of the first front wheel of the first bicycle, the first rear wheel holder having a first rear wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the rear wheel of the first bicycle;
a second bicycle lane extending along the front of the platform between the first lateral side and the second lateral side that supports a second bicycle having a second front wheel and a second rear wheel, and having a second front wheel holder pivotally connected to the second lateral side of the platform, and a second rear wheel holder pivotally connected to the first lateral side of the platform, the second front wheel holder having a second front wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the front wheel of the second bicycle and a second extension that pivots away from the second front wheel holder to form a generally vertical stand that receives a front portion of the second front wheel of the second bicycle, the second rear wheel holder having a second rear wheel opening that receives a lower portion of the rear wheel of the second bicycle;
a storage compartment in the body between the first bicycle lane and the second bicycle lane, the storage compartment having a storage depth;
a lid hinged to the body to selectively cover and uncover the storage compartment, the lid having an upper surface defining a support for cargo when the lid covers the storage compartment;
a plurality of slots situated in and about the platform sized to receive tie down straps, and
a plurality of eyelets each one which extend from a rib formed about the body.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.