Outdoor Innovations, L.l.c.

Lance T LeMay

Tucker D Trotter

A hitch carrier (,) utilizes a telescoping assembly (,) to shiftably mount a cargo unit (,) to a trailer hitch (,) of a vehicle (,). The cargo unit (,) moves between traveling and remote positions. In the remote position, the closure structure (,) of the vehicle (,) can swing open unobstructed by the cargo unit (,). The hitch carrier (,) has an automatic latch mechanism (,) having a pivoting latch (,) which automatically holds the cargo unit (,) in the remote position and automatically releases the cargo unit (,) when it is forced toward the vehicle (,). The hitch carrier (,) also includes an expandable sleeve (,) to cover the telescoping assembly (,), and an auxiliary equipment carrier (,) to carry larger equipment (,). A lock assembly (,) is provided to hold the cargo unit (,) in the traveling position, and the lock assembly includes a lock pin (,) received in nylon bushings (,). Further, cargo unit extension members (,) are attachable to the cargo unit (,) to increase cargo space.

Vehicle hitch mounted cargo carrier

A hitch carrier (20) utilizes a telescoping assembly (40) to shiftably mount a cargo unit (26) to a trailer hitch (32) of a vehicle (28). The cargo unit (26) moves between traveling and remote positions. In the remote position, the closure structure (30) of the vehicle (28) can swing open unobstructed by the cargo unit (26). The hitch carrier (20) has an automatic latch mechanism (36) having a pivoting latch (86) which automatically holds the cargo unit (26) in the remote position and automatically releases the cargo unit (26) when it is forced toward the vehicle (28). The hitch carrier (20) also includes an expandable sleeve (135) to cover the telescoping assembly (40), and an auxiliary equipment carrier (42) to carry larger equipment (174). A lock assembly (38) is provided to hold the cargo unit (26) in the traveling position, and the lock assembly includes a lock pin (120) received in nylon bushings (130,132). Further, cargo unit extension members (44,46) are attachable to the cargo unit (26) to increase cargo space.

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Leawood, KS, United States of America

Lance T LeMay