초록 ▼

A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element includes an object support platform. The object support platform includes an platform section lying generally in a plane for positioning of an object thereon. The object support platform further includes a support member. T

A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element includes an object support platform. The object support platform includes an platform section lying generally in a plane for positioning of an object thereon. The object support platform further includes a support member. The mounting apparatus further includes a hitch member which includes a position locking and coupling device connected to a portion of the hitch member for adjustably coupling a portion of the elongated support member such that the plane in which the platform section generally lies is adjustable to a plurality of positions at the rear of the vehicle. The platform section may be for supporting a carrier receptacle or one or more bicycles.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element, a plane is defined at the rear of the vehicle that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising:an object support platform, the object support platform incl

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mounting apparatus for use at the rear of a vehicle having a hitch element, a plane is defined at the rear of the vehicle that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising:an object support platform, the object support platform including a platform section lying generally in a first plane for positioning of an object thereon, the object support platform further including a support member, the support member including an elongated support element having a first end portion connected to the platform section, the elongated support element extending from the platform section and lying in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the plane defined at the rear of the vehicle when the mounting apparatus is in use with the vehicle, the support member further including a second end portion generally opposite the first end portion thereof; anda hitch member, the hitch member including:a first elongated hitch element having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first elongated hitch element for secure engagement with the hitch element of the vehicle,a second elongated hitch element having a first end connected to the second end of the first elongated hitch element, the second elongated hitch element extends substantially perpendicularly from the first elongated hitch element and lies generally parallel to the plane defined at the rear of the vehicle and parallel to a ground surface which is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined at the rear of the vehicle when the hitch member is engaged with the hitch element of the vehicle, the second elongated hitch element further includes a second end opposite the first end thereof, anda position locking and coupling device connected to a portion of the second elongated hitch element at the second end thereof for adjustable coupling with the second end portion of the elongated support element such that the first plane in which the platform section generally lies is adjustable and lockable to a plurality of positions relative to the ground surface when the hitch member is engaged with the hitch element of the vehicle, wherein at each of the plurality of positions the platform section is generally perpendicular to the plane defined at the rear of the vehicle and is at a different angle relative to the ground surface, and further wherein the first plane in which the platform section generally lies intersects the ground surface at one or more of the locked positions.