AU2019236683B1

AU2019236683B1 - An exterior vehicle accessory mount

Info

Publication number: AU2019236683B1
Application number: AU2019236683A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Denis Dudink
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-27
Filing date: 2019-06-21
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-21

Abstract

Abstract An exterior vehicle accessory mount has an outer channel member having a hitch connection at a proximal end thereof. A middle channel member is pivotally coupled to the outer channel member at a distal pivot and an inner channel member is pivotally coupled to the middle channel member at a proximal pivot. The distal end is configured for supporting an accessory such that the mount is configurable in: a stowed configuration wherein the middle channel member is pivoted to within the outer channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted to within the middle channel member; and an extended configuration wherein the middle channel member is pivoted out from the outer channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted out from the middle channel member such that the support post is moved away from the hitch connection.

Description

An exterior vehicle accessory mount

Field of the Invention [1] This invention relates generally to an exterior vehicle accessory mount.

Background of the Invention [2] Electric fridges are typically stored within a rear of a 4x4 vehicle and accessible via the rear doors of the vehicle. Support arrangements exist which allow the fridge to slide from the rear of the vehicle for ease of access. Furthermore, bicycle mounts may attach to the rear of the vehicle, such as from the tow hitch for the exterior mounting of bicycles and the like thereto.

[3] However, such arrangements are inconvenient and the present invention seeks to provide an alternative mechanism, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[4] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure [5] There is provided herein an exterior vehicle accessory mount comprising an inner channel member having a hitch connection at a proximal end thereof. The hitch connection may comprise a fixing plate which is clamped beneath the tow ball of a vehicle hitch such that the mount is orientated along the rear bumper of the vehicle.

[6] The mount further comprises a middle channel member pivotally coupled to the inner channel member at a distal pivot. The middle channel member is configured to fit within the inner channel member when pivoted into alignment with the outer channel.

[7] Furthermore, the mount comprises an inner channel member pivotally coupled to the middle channel member at a proximal pivot. The inner channel member is similarly configured to fit within the middle channel member when pivoted into alignment with the middle channel member.

[8] Thedistalendoftheinnerchannelmemberis configured for supporting an accessory such as a fridge container, bicycle mount or the like. In embodiments, a support post extends up from the distal end of the inner channel member for the support of the accessory.

[9] Furthermore, the outer and middle channel members may comprise respective notches within upper sides thereof for the post.

[10] As such, the present vehicle mount is configurable in a stowed configuration wherein the mount is connected to the vehicle hitch and orientated orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle so as to lie along a rear bumper thereof.

[11] In a stowed configuration, the middle channel members pivoted within the inner channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted within the middle channel member.

[12] Furthermore, the support post may be locked within the notches of the outer and middle channel members by a locking pin.

[13] As such, a fridge, bicycle mount or the like may be conveniently retained behind the rear door of the vehicle.

[14] However, for vehicle access, the mount may be quickly configured into an extended configuration wherein the middle channel members pivoted out from the inner channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted out from the middle channel member such that the support post moves away from the hitch connection.

[15] As such, the vehicle accessory, such as the fridge, bicycle not of the like is quickly and easily moved away from the tow hitch of the vehicle allowing for the opening of the rear doors thereof.

[16] In embodiments, the proximal pivot may be configured such that the middle channel member is able to rotate through 180° with respect to the inner channel member and the distal pivot may be configured such that the inner channel member is able to rotate through 90° with respect to the middle channel member. As such, the vehicle accessory may be moved away against the side of the vehicle.

[17] In this regard, the proximal pivot may be between 600 - 800 mm from the vehicle hitch and the distal pivot may be between 400 and 500 mm from the proximal pivot. As such, the present mount may extend laterally (i.e. to the side) from the vehicle hitch by between 1000 - 1300 mm, thereby being able to extend around the side of the vehicle.

[18] A fridge container may be mounted atop the support post. The fridge container may comprise a rectangular body within which a fridge may be inserted and removed via an upper open top thereof. The body may comprise side openings for ventilation.

[19] The fridge container may comprise a locking bracket having channels within side arms thereof within which respective side channel pins are engaged. As such, the locking bracket may be lifted from the body such that the side channel pins move to the distal termini of each respective side channel such that the locking bracket can be pivoted away from the opening to free access into the body. When pivoted sideways in this manner, the side arms may further comprise distal side notches which engage within further locking pins at the side of the container.

[20] Furthermore, the locking bracket may be pivoted dropped back into place such that the side channel pins moved to the opposite optimal termini of the side channels.

[21] Furthermore, the locking bracket may comprise a locking aperture through which a padlock may be inserted to lock the locking bracket in the lowered position to prevent removal of the fridge therefrom in use.

[22] According to one aspect, there is provided an exterior vehicle accessory mount comprising an outer channel member having a hitch connection at a proximal end thereof a middle channel member pivotally coupled to the outer channel member at a distal pivot, the middle channel member configured to fit within the outer channel member when pivoted into alignment with the outer channel; an inner channel member pivotally coupled to the middle channel member at a proximal pivot, the inner channel member configured to fit within the middle channel member when pivoted into alignment with the middle channel member; a support post extending up from a distal end of the inner channel member such that the mount is configurable in: a stowed configuration wherein the middle channel member is pivoted to within the outer channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted to within the middle channel member; and an extended configuration wherein the middle channel member is pivoted out from the outer channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted out from the middle channel member such that the support post is moved away from the hitch connection.

[23] The outer channel member and the middle channel member may comprise respective notches in upper sides thereof for the post and wherein, in the stowed configuration, the notches align.

[24] The mount may further comprise a locking pin arranged to slide across the notches to retain the post within the notches in the stowed configuration.

[25] The mount may further comprise a step plate affixed atop the outer channel member.

[26] The step plate may comprises a notch for the post which aligns with the notches of the outer and middle channel members.

[27] The proximal pivot may be configured such that the middle channel member can pivot through 180° with respect to the inner channel member.

[28] The mount may further comprise a locking magnet which may be brought into contact with an adjacent inner channel member surface when the middle channel member may be pivoted out from the outer channel member and when the middle channel member may be substantially parallel with the outer channel member.

[29] The distal pivot may be configured such that the inner channel member can pivot through 90° with respect to the middle channel member.

[30] The mount may further comprise a locking magnet which may be brought into contact with an adjacent inner channel member surface when the inner channel members pivoted out from the middle channel member and when the inner channel member may be orthogonal with respect to the inner channel member.

[31] The inner channel member may have a length less than that of the middle channel member.

[32] The inner channel member may have a length less than that of three quarters of a length of the middle channel member.

[33] The proximal pivot may be between 600 and 800 mm from the hitch connection.

[34] The distal pivot may be between 400 and 500 mm from the proximal pivot.

[35] The support post may be between 150 and 375 mm from the distal pivot.

[36] The hitch connection may comprises a planar fixing plate having a tow ball aperture therethrough.

[37] The outer channel member may comprises an angled plate which rises at an angle away from the fixing plate.

[38] The mount may further comprise a fridge container located atop the support post.

[39] The fridge container may comprises a rectangular body open at the top thereof.

[40] The rectangular body may comprises side ventilation apertures.

[41] The mount may further comprise a locking bracket operative across the top of the rectangular body, the locking bracket having side arms and a cross piece and wherein the side arms may comprise longitudinal channels therein which engage side channel pins of the body.

[42] Distal ends of the side arms may comprise side notches which engage with side locking pins when the side channel pins locate at distal termini of the side channels and when the locking bracket may be pivoted sideways about the side channel pins.

[43] At least one of the side arms may comprises a locking aperture which aligns with at least one of a corresponding locking edge or aperture of the rectangular body when the side channel pins locate within proximal termini of the side channels.

[44] The pivots may comprise a pivot pin extending through respective upper and lower sides of adjacent channel members.

[45] The support post may extend through upper and lower sides of the inner channel member.

[46] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [47] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[48] Figure 1 shows an exterior vehicle accessory mount in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

[49] Figure 2 shows the mount in an extended configuration;

[50] Figures 3-5 illustrate the extension of the mount; and [51] Figure 6 illustrates a fridge container for the mount in accordance with an embodiment.

Description of Embodiments [52] An exterior vehicle accessory mount 100 comprises an outer channel member 101. The outer channel member 101 comprises a hitch connection 103 for a vehicle hitch 104.

[53] For orientational reference, proximal will be described as being towards the vehicle hitch 104 and distal as being away from the vehicle hitch 104.

[54] In the embodiment shown, the outer channel member 101 narrows to a fixing plate 105 having a tow ball aperture therein. The fixing plate 105 locates beneath a tow ball 106 of the hitch 104.

[55] The outer channel member 101 may be fixed at a right angle to the hitch 104 so as to extend along the adjacent vehicle bumper. As such, the tow ball 106 is unimpeded by the mount 100 for hitching of a trailer in the conventional manner.

[56] The outer channel member 101 may comprise an angled plate 107 that rises from the fixing plate 105 to a top plate 108. In embodiments, a rearward triangular plate (not shown) may enclose underneath the angled plate 107 at a rear side of the mount 100 thereby supporting the angled plate 107.

[57] The mount 100 further comprises a middle channel member 102 pivotally retained within the outer channel member 101 at a proximal pivot 109. The proximal pivot 109 may be formed by a pivot pin 112 extending through upper and lower sides of the respective channel members 101, 102.

[58] The middle channel member 102 is configured to fit within the outer channel member 101 when pivoted into alignment with the outer channel member 101 as is substantially shown in Figure 1.

[59] The mount 100 further comprises an inner channel member 110 pivotally coupled from a distal end of the middle channel member 102 at a distal pivot 111. The distal pivot 111 may similarly be formed by a pivot pin 113 extending through upper and lower sides of respective channel members 102, 110.

[60] The channel members 101, 102 and 110 may be cut from C-Channel steel.

[61] The mount 100 further comprises a support post 113 supported from a distal end of the inner channel member 110. The support post 113 extends up from the inner channel member 110 to support a vehicle accessory thereatop such as a fridge container, bicycle mount or the like.

[62] A pull handle 114 may be arranged longitudinally along the support post 113.

[63] The support post 113 may extend through upper and lower sides of the inner channel member 110 so as to be supported at two points thereby.

[64] The outer channel member 101 may comprise a notch 115 through an upper side thereof for the post 113. Furthermore, the inner channel member 102 may comprise a notch 116 through an upper side thereof for the post 113.

[65] The mount 100 may comprise a step plate 117 atop the outer channel member 101. The step plate 170 may comprise a grid enhancing the frictional purchase when stepping thereatop.

[66] This step plate 117 may similarly comprise a notch 118 for the post 113.

[67] The mount 100 may comprise a locking pin 119 which operatively sides across the notches 115, 116 to retain the post 113 therein.

[68] The locking pin 119 may expose a handle 120 which can be pulled to slide the distal end of the locking pin 119 away from the notches 115, 116.

[69] In the embodiment shown, the locking pin extends across adjacent apertures of the notch 118 of the step plate 117.

[70] As such, the mount 100 is configurable in a stowed configuration as is substantially shown in Figure 1 wherein the middle channel member 102 is pivoted to within the outer channel member 101. Furthermore, the outer channel member 101 is pivoted to within the middle channel member 102.

[71] In the stowed configuration, the notches 115, 116 (and step plate notch 118 in embodiments) align. As such, the support post 113 extending up from the distal end of the inner channel member 110 may fit within the notches 115, 116, 118. Furthermore, the locking pin 119 is able to slide across the notches 115, 116, 118 so as to retain the post 113 within the notches 115, 116, 118, thereby preventing the middle channel member 102 or outer channel member 110 from pivoting outwardly.

[72] Furthermore, the mount 100 is configurable in an extended configuration as a substantially shown in Figure 2. As can be seen, the middle channel member 102 is pivoted out from the outer channel member 101 and the inner channel member 110 is similarly pivoted out from the middle channel member 102 such that the support post 113 moves away from the hitch connection 103 [73] In the embodiments shown, in the extended configuration, the proximal pivot 109 is arranged such that the middle channel member 120 can rotate through substantially 180° such that the middle channel member 102 is substantially parallel with the outer channel member 101 as shown.

[74] Furthermore, in the extended configuration, the distal pivot 111 is arranged such that the inner channel member can rotate through substantially 90° with respect to the middle channel member 102 such that the inner channel member 110 extend substantially orthogonally with respect to the middle channel member 102 as shown.

[75] Figure 3-5 illustrate the extension of the mount 100. Figure 3 shows the mount 100 connected orthogonally to the hitch 104 of a vehicle 124 to lie substantially parallel with the rear bumper 125 thereof.

[76] The mount 100 may support a fridge container 126 thereatop.

[77] Figure 3 shows the mount 100 in the stowed configuration wherein the middle channel member 102 is pivoted to within the outer channel member 101 and the inner channel member 110 is pivoted to within the middle channel member 102. Furthermore, the locking pin 119 is in place so as to prevent the middle and inner channel members 102, 110 from pivoting outwardly.

[78] As can be seen, the fridge container 126 supported atop the support post 113 is held behind a vehicle 124 behind the rear door 127 of the vehicle.

[79] Figure 4 illustrates the extension of the mount 100 wherein the locking pin 119 is disengaged such that the middle channel member 102 is able to pivot out from the outer channel member 101 and, similarly, the inner channel member 110 is able to pivot out from the middle channel member 102 such that the support post 113 moves away from the hitch 104.

[80] Figure 5 illustrates the mount 100 in the extended configuration wherein the middle channel member 102 is pivoted about the proximal pivot 109 through substantially 180° such that the middle channel member 102 is substantially parallel with the outer channel member 101. Furthermore, the inner channel member 110 is pivoted through 90° about the distal pivot 111 such that the inner channel member 110 is substantially orthogonal with respect to the middle channel member 102.

[81] The mount 100 may comprise locking mechanisms which, in the embodiment shown, comprises a proximal locking magnet 121 within the middle channel member 102 and a distal locking magnet 122 within the outer channel member 101. Each locking magnet 121, 122 may be supported atop a respective right-angled bracket 123.

[82] The proximal locking magnet 121 may be orientated orthogonally with respect to the middle channel member 102 and the distal locking magnet 122 may be orientated in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the inner channel member 110.

[83] As such, when in the extended configuration as a substantially shown in Figure 2, the distal locking magnet 122 is brought orthogonally against an inner side of the inner channel member 102 for magnetic affixation so as to hold the inner channel member 110 substantially orthogonal with respect to the middle channel member 102.

[84] Similarly, the proximal locking magnet 120 rotate through substantially 180° so as to be brought against an inner surface of the outer channel member 101 to magnetically affix therebetween, thereby holding the middle channel member 100 and to substantially parallel with respect to the outer channel member 101.

[85] In embodiments, the locking mechanism may comprise a cam action index plunger which comprises a sleeve with an angled upper edge within which a pin and rotary handle is journaled. The sleeve interfaces an aperture through the respective channel member such that when the rotary handle is at a lowermost point of the angled upper edge, the distal end of the pin extends therethrough, thereby interfering with the next inner channel member thereby providing locking. For unlocking, the rotary handle is rotated such that the handle rides up the angled edge, thereby retracting the distal end of the pin within the sleeve, thereby freeing the next inner channel member to rotate.

[86] The inner channel member 110 may have a length less than that of the middle channel member 102. In a preferred embodiment, the inner channel member 110 comprises a length less than three quarters that of the middle channel member 102 so as to locate the support post 113 along the middle channel member 102 between the distal and proximal pivots 109, 111.

[87] In embodiments, the proximal pivot 110 may be between 600 - 800 mm from the hitch connection. Furthermore, the distal pivot 111 and the proximal pivot 110 may be between 400 mm - 500 mm. Furthermore, the support post 130 may be between 150 - 375 mm from the distal pivot 111.

[88] Figure 6 illustrates a fridge container 126 in accordance with an embodiment. The fridge container 126 may be located atop the support post 113. The support post 113 may transition at an angle to behind a rear surface of the fridge container 126.

[89] The fridge container 126 may comprise a generally rectangular body 128 open at a top thereof. The rectangular body 128 may comprise side ventilation apertures 129.

[90] In embodiments, lateral lockable drawer slides may interface a retractable table (not shown) beneath the body 128. As such, in accordance with this embodiment, the retractable table may be pulled from beneath the body 128 to provide a temporary food preparation surface thereon.

[91] The fridge container 126 further comprises a locking bracket 130 operative across the top of the rectangular body. The locking bracket has sidearms 133 and a cross piece 138.

[92] The sidearms 133 have longitudinal side channels 132 which engage side channel pins 131 of the body 128.

[93] Distal ends of the sidearms 133 may comprise side notches 134 which engage with side locking pins 135.

[94] As such, the locking bracket 130 may be lifted from the body 128 such that the side pins 131 travel to the distal termini of the side channels 132. The bracket 130 may be pivoted sideways such that the notches 134 engage the side locking pins 135.

[95] At least one of the sidearms 133 may further comprise a locking aperture 136 which aligns with at least one corresponding locking edge or aperture of the rectangular body 128 when the side channel pins 133 locate within proximal termini of the side channels 132. As such, when the locking bracket 130 is dropped over the body 128, a padlock 137 may engage through the locking aperture 136 to prevent the removal of the locking bracket 130 therefrom.

[96] In alternative embodiments, a fastener latch with lock may be used in lieu of the padlock 137. The fastener latch may adhere to an exterior surface of the body substantially at the position of the side locking pin 135 illustrated in Figure 6 and catch a hook on a corresponding side of the bracket 130.

[97] In embodiments, a vertical toggle clamp lock (not shown) may lock all channel members 101, 102, 110 together in the retracted configuration as is shown in Figure 1. In accordance with this embodiment, the vertical toggle clamp lock may comprise a lever that pulls a catch acting on a distal hook to clamp the channel members 101, 102, 110 together. The lever may be operatively retained within a recess of the step plate 117.

[98] In embodiments, plastic frictional pads may interface between the panel members 101, 102, 110 at the respective pivots 109, 111.

[99] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

[100] The term approximately or similar as used herein should be construed as being within 10% of the value stated unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

Claims

1. An exterior vehicle accessory mount comprising:

an outer channel member having a hitch connection at a proximal end thereof;

a middle channel member pivotally coupled to the outer channel member at a distal pivot, the middle channel member configured to fit within the outer channel member when pivoted into alignment with the outer channel;

an inner channel member pivotally coupled to the middle channel member at a proximal pivot, the inner channel member configured to fit within the middle channel member when pivoted into alignment with the middle channel member;

a support post extending up from a distal end of the inner channel member such that the mount is configurable in:

a stowed configuration wherein the middle channel member is pivoted to within the outer channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted to within the middle channel member; and an extended configuration wherein the middle channel member is pivoted out from the outer channel member and the inner channel member is pivoted out from the middle channel member such that the support post is moved away from the hitch connection; and wherein the outer channel member and the middle channel member comprise respective notches in upper sides thereof for the post and wherein, in the stowed configuration, the notches align.
2. A mount as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking pin arranged to slide across the notches to retain the post within the notches in the stowed configuration.
3. A mount as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a step plate affixed atop the outer channel member.
4. A mount as claimed in claim 3, wherein the step plate comprises a notch for the post which aligns with the notches of the outer and middle channel members.
5. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal pivot is configured such that the middle channel member can pivot through 180° with respect to the inner channel member.
6. A mount as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a locking magnet which is brought into contact with an adjacent inner channel member surface when the middle channel member is pivoted out from the outer channel member and when the middle channel member is substantially parallel with the outer channel member.

2019236683 26 Sep 2019
7. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal pivot is configured such that the inner channel member can pivot through 90° with respect to the middle channel member.
8. A mount as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a locking magnet which is brought into contact with an adjacent inner channel member surface when the inner channel members pivoted out from the middle channel member and when the inner channel member is orthogonal with respect to the inner channel member.
9. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner channel member has a length less than that of the middle channel member.
10. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner channel member has a length less than that of three quarters of a length of the middle channel member.
11. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal pivot is between 600 and 800 mm from the hitch connection.
12. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal pivot is between 400 and 500 mm from the proximal pivot.
13. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support post is between 150 and 375 mm from the distal pivot.
14. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hitch connection comprises a planar fixing plate having a tow ball aperture therethrough.
15. A mount as claimed in claim 14, wherein the outer channel member comprises an angled plate which rises at an angle away from the fixing plate.
16. A mount as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fridge container located atop the support post and wherein the fridge container comprises a rectangular body open at the top thereof.
17. A mount as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a locking bracket operative across the top of the rectangular body, the locking bracket having side arms and a cross piece and wherein the side arms comprise longitudinal channels therein which engage side channel pins of the body.
18. A mount as claimed in claim 17, wherein distal ends of the side arms comprise side notches which engage with side locking pins when the side channel pins locate at distal termini of the side channels and when the locking bracket is pivoted sideways about the side channel pins.
19. A mount as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one of the side arms comprises a locking aperture which aligns with at least one of a corresponding locking edge or aperture

2019236683 26 Sep 2019 of the rectangular body when the side channel pins locate within proximal termini of the side channels.
20. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support post extends through upper and lower sides of the inner channel member.