AU2001100179A4 - Towbar mounted transport storage unit - Google Patents

Description

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT TOWBAR MOUNTED TRANSPORT STORAGE UNIT The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: page 1 TOWBAR MOUNTED TRANSPORT STORAGE UNIT This innovative invention relates to improvements in devices for the transportation of items including but not limited to inflatable boat and outboard motor without the need of a trailer or other chattels suitable for transport.

For many people the cost of trailering a boat is an ongoing expense (registration and maintenance) Many people live in units or houses without driveways hence nowhere to put a trailer. Many people like to go off road to remote places where trailering a boat is impossible due to rough roads or no boat ramps.

These problems are overcome by this innovative invention which provides a storage device comprising of manipulated tubes bent to create a framed storage unit which contains a hinged lid and a base with a wire basket and rails to secure the inflatable boat and an outboard motor. This product is connected to a motor vehicle by a standard size towbar connection (square tube or channel). The strength and durability will comply with the Australian Standards and RTA regulations as per towing devices.

This design removes the need for a fully detached unit such as a trailer.

This innovative invention is suitable for all types of cars (sedans; station wagons; 4WD vehicles; utility vehicles; trucks; other vehicles permitted to tow) The versatility of the design allows easy tailgate/boot/table top access through conveniently located hinges and support systems.

This unit is also designed to allow easy transporting of the unit when off the towbar through transport devices (wheels; handle).

In addition to the above mentioned usage the innovative invention is also suitable for transportation (fully or partially contained) items such as fishing rods and nets; luggage; tools; equipment; and other permissible items.

The unit can be fabricated from a variety of suitable material including steel, aluminium and plastic in a cage variety, fully enclosed unit or a combination of both.

The materials used may have tubular or solid (round; oval;square;flat bar or any other suitable shape) shape capable of performing the intended functions.

To assist with the understanding and further explanation of the innovative invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show the innovative invention; page 2 In the drawings: Fig 1. Shows an example of the outboard bracket unit according to this innovative invention (bracket for mounting an outboard motor and storage for an inflatable boat).

It can be seen that this unit according to this innovative invention comprises of manipulated tubes which create a frame which in it's designed matter has a hinge(3) which secures the lid to the base On both the base and lid are two metal brackets which can be padlocked or bolted to secure the lid The handle(12) which is incorporated in the frame supports the timber mounts (13 and 14), which have been machined out and are fitted to the frame by two securing bolts There is a plate which a number plate light is fitted (10) and holes drilled in the frame support (11) which a number plate can be fitted. The base frame has a wire basket to secure items inside.

Fig 2. Shows a side view of the unit.

As per figure 2 it can be seen that it shows a side view of the transport unit which is mounted by two channels (4 and 8) which fit neatly over the main towbar support One of the channels has a steel pin which goes through the channel and through the main towbar support which creates a pivot or hinge for the tilting of the unit The pin is welded or screwed to prevent the pin from being removed. The other channel has a pin which goes through the channel but slides under the main towbar support this pin is removable and/or spring loaded and is removed or unlatched to swing the unit The wheels (16) are attached to the steel rod (17) which forms the wheels axis.

Fig 3. Shows a removable version of the towbar fitting.

a fixed version of the towbar fitting.

Fig 4. Shows the channel fitting over the main support bar and the pin (9) sliding under it to secure it.

By the use of this towbar mounted storage unit, the vehicle it is attached to is able to carry an extra load without the need of towing a registered trailer hence it is more safe and practical for most who wish to carry small loads that are unable to be carried in the body of a vehicle due to size, shape or any other reason.

It will be realised that the towbar mounted storage unit is not restricted to the form of the example and may be modified to suit other adaptions such as a unit without the motor mount or a unit with a double lid.

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Claims (4)

1. A towbar transport storage unit comprising of manipulated tubes bent to create a framed storage unit which contains a hinged lid and a base with a wire basket and rails to secure the inflatable boat and an outboard motor. This is fitted to the vehicle by a square tube or channel which fits to the existing towing system.

2. The towbar mounted transport storage unit of claim 1 wherein the unit contains a handle and wheels or any other adaptions to make for ease of transportation.

3. The towbar mounted transport storage unit of claims 1 to 2 wherein the unit has a double hinged lid and a fully contained compartment with or without a motor mount and other adaptions such as rod holders.

4. The towbar mounted storage unit of any one of claims 1 to 3 has conveniently located hinges which allow the unit to swing away from the vehicle so tailgates and doors can be opened. The towbar mounted storage unit of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the manipulated tubes can be made of formed plastics or any other suitable materials. NEIL EMANUEL GIOIA Dated :15th July 2001 page 4