GB2225299A - Multi-purpose tow ball rack - Google Patents

Multi-purpose tow ball rack Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2225299A
GB2225299A GB8820745A GB8820745A GB2225299A GB 2225299 A GB2225299 A GB 2225299A GB 8820745 A GB8820745 A GB 8820745A GB 8820745 A GB8820745 A GB 8820745A GB 2225299 A GB2225299 A GB 2225299A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
tow ball
rack
ski
ball rack
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8820745A
Other versions
GB8820745D0 (en
Inventor
Edward Craig Stevenson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB8820745A priority Critical patent/GB2225299A/en
Publication of GB8820745D0 publication Critical patent/GB8820745D0/en
Publication of GB2225299A publication Critical patent/GB2225299A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/06Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/08Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear
    • B60R9/10Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/08Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear
    • B60R9/12Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for skis

Abstract

A multi-purpose tow ball rack has a removable vertical frame 4 and a horizontal frame 3 which can be folded and can accommodate up to three bicycle frames as shown in Fig. 2. It can also be used as a transporting platform, or to carry a ski-box with two baskets and is attached to the tow ball of a motor vehicle by a bracket. <IMAGE>

Description

Multi-purpose Tow Ball Rack This invention relates to a multi-purpose tow ball rack.
The transporting of luggage, skis, bicycles, wheelchairs and other bulky items in a motor vehicle is usually by roofrack or seperate trailer. Bicycles are often carried upright but upside down on a roofrack which significantgly increases both the clearance height and wind resistance of the vehicle.
Skis can be carried by dedicated roofracks or more recently in large aerodynamically styled boxes which are also secured to the roof and usually fitted for the season. These boxes are expensive, loading is difficult and can even be problematic for persons of a small stature.
According to the present invention there is provided a multi-purpose rack that has a base frame which can accommodate various attachments and is coupled to the tow bar of a motor vehicle enabling a wide range of items to be transported.
A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 shows in perspective the base frame with tow ball coupling and tailplat Figure 2 shows one of tree identical bicycle supports which can be inserted into the base frame.
Figure 3 shows the frame folded when not in use or detached.
Figure 4 illustrates the frame into which the ski-box and ski-baskets are fitted.
Figure 5 shows a side view of the ski-box and basket lugs.
Figure 6 shows the bracket which enables the frame to be coupled to the tow ball of the vehicle.
Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of the bracket viewed from the rear of the vehicle showing the entry and location site of the tow ball.
With reference to Fig. 1 the tow ball rackcomprises a base frame 3, hinged tailplate 6, detachable upright frame 4, and coupling bracket 1. The bracket is positioned over the vehicle tow ball and secured in place with three bolts.
To facilitate the folding of the rack either whilst coupled to the tow ball or detached, the frame hinges at the locking bolt 1 as shown in Fig. 3. The base frame is secured to the upright frame with a clip (not shown). When open the base frame rests on the supports 2 shown in Fig. 3.
Up to three bicycle support frames as shown in Fig 2. can be inserted into the base frame (Fig. 1.) and are secured by bolts fitted through holes 2 into nutserts 5. The ajustable sliding bars 3 are positioned to suit the wheel diameter and the bicycle placed within the frame.
The ski-box1 and ski-baskets 2 as shown in Fig. 4. are placed into the base frame. The upright frame 4 Fig. 1. is slotted into recepticles on the tailplate end and locked in place with two 8 clips 4 Fig. 4. Skis are positioned on the padded upright frame and secured in place with padded hing clamps 3. The ski-baskets are held in place with right angled lugs 1 as shown in Fig. 5.
The tow ball coupling bracket Fig. 6 is made from a short length of square hollow section tube with a 65 mm length of 50 mm diameter circular tube 2 welded on to the face plate. (Also shwon Fig. 7.) The rack frame 4 is recessed as shown and weldedto the bracket.
The bracket has a slot in the face plate as shown in Fig. 7 to enable the tow ball to be inserted.
The bracked is located over the tow ball and secured by three bolts which screw into nutserts 3 Fig. 6. The ends ofthe bolts tighten in opposition under the ball of the tow ball thus firmly locking the rack.

Claims (8)

Claims
1. A multi-purpose rack comprising a foldable horizontal frame with a removable vertical frame which can transport bulky items, luggage, up to three bicycle support frames, skis and sticks, a ski-box with two ski-baskets and which can be located on to the tow ball of a motor vehicle.
2. A multi-purpose tow ball rack as claimed in Claim 1 wherein up to three bicycles can be inserted into the bicycle support frame attachment.
3. A multi-purpose tow ball rack as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the bicycle support frame attachments have slideable lockable cross bars which can be adjusted to accommodate wheels of different diameters.
4. A multi-purpose tow ball rack as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a ski-box and two ski-baskets can be fitted.
5. A multi-purpose tow ball rack as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 4 wherein skis and ski poles are secured to a padded vertical frame b, a hinged padded clamp.
6. A multi-purpose tow ball rack as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the bicycle support frame can be used as a base to transport bulky items.
7. A multi-purpose tow ball rack as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 4 wherein the rack is coupled to the tow ball of a motor vehicle by means of a bracket.
8. A multi-purpose tow ball rack substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1-7 cf the accompanying drawings.
GB8820745A 1988-09-02 1988-09-02 Multi-purpose tow ball rack Withdrawn GB2225299A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8820745A GB2225299A (en) 1988-09-02 1988-09-02 Multi-purpose tow ball rack

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8820745A GB2225299A (en) 1988-09-02 1988-09-02 Multi-purpose tow ball rack

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8820745D0 GB8820745D0 (en) 1988-10-05
GB2225299A true GB2225299A (en) 1990-05-30

Family

ID=10643058

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8820745A Withdrawn GB2225299A (en) 1988-09-02 1988-09-02 Multi-purpose tow ball rack

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2225299A (en)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2259067A (en) * 1991-08-31 1993-03-03 House John Wesley Load carrying attachment for vehicles
GB2261415A (en) * 1991-11-12 1993-05-19 Raymond Ernest Waite Luggage rack
DE4201891A1 (en) * 1992-01-24 1993-07-29 Landgraf Helmuth Bicycle carrier for motor vehicle with trailer coupling - is formed from square-section and tubular struts for conveyance of load, bicycle or invalid carriage.
WO1994003346A1 (en) * 1992-07-31 1994-02-17 Erik Schmidt Autotilbehør Aps Cycle rack comprising rear lights
GB2273273A (en) * 1992-12-10 1994-06-15 Leslie Roy Summerfield Bicycle transportation carrier
DE4339212C1 (en) * 1993-11-18 1995-05-04 Cartec Gmbh Automobiltech Rear carrier device
WO1996018526A1 (en) * 1994-12-16 1996-06-20 Douglas Gordon Larkins Carrier for vehicle
GB2331279A (en) * 1997-10-23 1999-05-19 Edward Albert Wells Stable support device
GB2337236A (en) * 1998-05-05 1999-11-17 Harry Edward Hurst Carrier attachment for tow ball
GB2352216B (en) * 1999-07-07 2002-07-03 Michael Woods Demountable load carrying and lifting system for motor vehicles
DE102005011682A1 (en) * 2005-03-11 2006-09-14 Webasto Ag Vehicle with an additional load carrier in the rear area
GB2465332A (en) * 2008-10-14 2010-05-19 William Allingham Quad bike with carrier device
DE102004022835B4 (en) * 2004-05-08 2013-10-17 Audi Ag Motor vehicle with a device for receiving objects
DE102013210825A1 (en) * 2013-06-10 2014-12-11 Martin Hummel Rear load carrier for buses to transport two-wheeled vehicles
DE102020122965A1 (en) 2020-09-02 2022-03-03 ACPS Automotive GmbH mounting system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3858775A (en) * 1971-07-08 1975-01-07 Lawrence J Haas Mini bike carrier
EP0037599A2 (en) * 1980-03-10 1981-10-14 Bulten-Lucas, Jenny Catharina Single point luggage carrier for a car
GB2175859A (en) * 1985-05-10 1986-12-10 Jennifer Jane Hodge Ball hitch attachment
GB2195304A (en) * 1986-08-21 1988-04-07 John Philpott Load carrier
US4744590A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-05-17 Chesney Larry J Removably attachable suspended trailer apparatus and method

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3858775A (en) * 1971-07-08 1975-01-07 Lawrence J Haas Mini bike carrier
EP0037599A2 (en) * 1980-03-10 1981-10-14 Bulten-Lucas, Jenny Catharina Single point luggage carrier for a car
GB2175859A (en) * 1985-05-10 1986-12-10 Jennifer Jane Hodge Ball hitch attachment
GB2195304A (en) * 1986-08-21 1988-04-07 John Philpott Load carrier
US4744590A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-05-17 Chesney Larry J Removably attachable suspended trailer apparatus and method

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2259067A (en) * 1991-08-31 1993-03-03 House John Wesley Load carrying attachment for vehicles
GB2259067B (en) * 1991-08-31 1995-02-15 House John Wesley Load carrying attachments for vehicles
GB2261415A (en) * 1991-11-12 1993-05-19 Raymond Ernest Waite Luggage rack
DE4201891A1 (en) * 1992-01-24 1993-07-29 Landgraf Helmuth Bicycle carrier for motor vehicle with trailer coupling - is formed from square-section and tubular struts for conveyance of load, bicycle or invalid carriage.
WO1994003346A1 (en) * 1992-07-31 1994-02-17 Erik Schmidt Autotilbehør Aps Cycle rack comprising rear lights
GB2273273A (en) * 1992-12-10 1994-06-15 Leslie Roy Summerfield Bicycle transportation carrier
DE4339212C1 (en) * 1993-11-18 1995-05-04 Cartec Gmbh Automobiltech Rear carrier device
WO1996018526A1 (en) * 1994-12-16 1996-06-20 Douglas Gordon Larkins Carrier for vehicle
GB2331279A (en) * 1997-10-23 1999-05-19 Edward Albert Wells Stable support device
GB2331279B (en) * 1997-10-23 2001-10-10 Edward Albert Wells Stable support device
GB2337236A (en) * 1998-05-05 1999-11-17 Harry Edward Hurst Carrier attachment for tow ball
GB2337236B (en) * 1998-05-05 2001-10-31 Harry Edward Hurst Carrier coupling
GB2352216B (en) * 1999-07-07 2002-07-03 Michael Woods Demountable load carrying and lifting system for motor vehicles
DE102004022835B4 (en) * 2004-05-08 2013-10-17 Audi Ag Motor vehicle with a device for receiving objects
DE102005011682A1 (en) * 2005-03-11 2006-09-14 Webasto Ag Vehicle with an additional load carrier in the rear area
GB2465332A (en) * 2008-10-14 2010-05-19 William Allingham Quad bike with carrier device
GB2465332B (en) * 2008-10-14 2014-09-10 William Allingham Quad-bike vehicle with carrier device
DE102013210825A1 (en) * 2013-06-10 2014-12-11 Martin Hummel Rear load carrier for buses to transport two-wheeled vehicles
DE102020122965A1 (en) 2020-09-02 2022-03-03 ACPS Automotive GmbH mounting system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8820745D0 (en) 1988-10-05

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)