Technical Field The present invention relates generally to accessories for mounting on receiver assemblies and, more particularly, to a multipositional apparatus for mounting on an accessory receiver of a receiver assembly that may function as an article carrier, table or serve some other desired purpose.

Background of the Invention It has long been known to construct towing hitches that are mounted to vehicles in order to allow the towing of trailers or the like. In recent years such hitches have been designed to include a receiver box having a rearwardly directed opening or cavity for the receipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other means allowing connection to a trailer.

Recent efforts to enhance the versatility of a hitch receiver have led to development of various accessories (e. g. , both open and closed article carriers, bike racks, ski racks, tables, winches or other equipment) mounted by means of an accessory mounting bar in the receiver box of a trailer hitch receiver assembly. Because of their convenience and suitability to the particular applications/interests of the user, and particularly in view of the space limitations inherent in many smaller automobiles, such accessories

have become very popular.

The present invention relates to a multipositional apparatus particularly adapted for mounting in a receiver box and/or accessory receiver of a receiver assembly. The apparatus includes a selectively positionable platform that provides multiple functions and because of its versatility is suited to a multitude of useful applications.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a multipositionable apparatus for mounting to a receiver assembly is provided, comprising a platform, a pair of posts adapted to engage the receiver assembly and extend therefrom in a coplanar spaced relationship, a support frame for mounting the platform, leg means for displacing the platform relative to the posts, and at least one transversely movable capture mechanism carried by the support frame. The capture mechanism is adapted for capturing at least one leg to positively hold the platform in at least selected raised and lowered positions relative to the posts. The leg means include a first end which pivotally engages the posts and a second end which pivotally engages the support frame.

The transversely movable capture mechanism comprises a movable bar received in a slot in the support frame, and at least one bracket carried by the movable bar and adapted for capturing the leg means. A spring may be provided for biasing the bracket from a release position to a capture position, the spring having a first end engaging the support frame and a second end engaging the transversely movable bar. The bracket includes a first capturing surface for nesting with and releasably capturing a leg when the platform is in the lowered position, and a second capturing surface for

nesting with and releasably capturing a leg when the platform is in the raised position. Typically, the second capturing surface will depend from the first capturing surface and define an inclusive acute angle therewith.

The posts may include at least one aperture in a side wall thereof for releasably receiving a pin or stud. Typically, the capture mechanism includes an elongated lever for biasing the movable bar from the capture position to the release position, the lever being mounted at a first point to the support frame and at a second point to the movable bar. In a preferred embodiment, the transversely movable bar includes at least one end wall extending in a substantially perpendicular orientation thereto. The movable bar and end wall are adapted to nest with at least one post when the platform is in the lowered position. A pin or stud may be provided in the end wall, adapted to align with and be received in the post aperture when the platform is in the lowered position and the capture mechanism is biased into the capture position.

In the embodiment illustrated, a multipositionable apparatus for mounting to a receiver assembly is provided, having the features as described above. The legs may comprise a first and a second support for displacing the platform between a raised position and a lowered position, each support being disposed between the first and second post and defining an inverted u-shape having a first depending leg, a horizontal central member, and a second depending leg. In this embodiment, the horizontal central member pivotally engages the frame for supporting the platform, and the first and second depending legs, respectively, pivotally engage the first and second support posts at an end opposite the central member. The transversely movable capture mechanism is as described above.

As should be appreciated, a single embodiment is shown and

described in this patent application. That single embodiment is an illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. It will be realized that the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus mounted to a hitch receiver on a vehicle, showing the translation of the apparatus from the lowered position to the raised position; Figure 3 is a bottom view of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the capture mechanism and capture bracket, showing the apparatus with the platform in the raised position; Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the capture mechanism and capture bracket, showing the apparatus with the platform in the raised position; and Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the capture mechanism and capture bracket, showing the apparatus with the platform in the lowered

position.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention Reference is now made to Figure 1 showing the multipositional apparatus of the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a platform 20, and a pair of posts 22,24 adapted for engaging a receiver assembly (not shown in Figure 1). Any of a number of receiver assemblies may be suited for the purposes of the present invention. In particular, the Trailer Hitch Assembly with Accessory Ports described in U. S. Patent Application S. N.

10/182,096 and/or the Universal Accessory Support Assembly which forms the subject matter of PCT Patent Application S. N. PCT/US02/34739 (the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference), both manufactured by Cequent Towing Products, Inc. , are well-suited for use in conjunction with the present invention. Platform 20 may include any of a number of features in accordance with the uses to be made thereof, such as tie downs 17, drainage apertures 18, insets 19 for receiving, e. g. a cup or glass, or other apertures (not shown) allowing mounting of a variety of other accessories to the platform 20. It will be appreciated that posts 22,24 may be tubular, rectangular, or any suitable shape in cross-section depending on the needs of the receiver assembly to be used, and may be adapted to receive or be received by any desired shape of support affixed to a hitch assembly or a vehicle frame. For example, the posts 22,24 may be cylindrical and able to be received in an oval port such as is described in

U. S. Patent Application S. N. 10/182,096. The posts 22,24 may also be substantially rectangular in configuration, similar to the elongated sleeve mounting post of the Universal Accessory Support Assembly depicted in PCT Patent Application S. N. PCT/US02/34739, and may include an internal slot for receiving a substantially planar or blade-type mounting bracket therein.

The invention further includes a support frame generally designated with reference numeral 26, and leg means 28,28'for displacing the platform 20 relative to the posts 22,24. A transversely movable capture mechanism generally designated by reference numeral 30 is also provided.

The capture mechanism 30 comprises a movable bar 32 received in at least one slot 34 in the support frame 26. As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 10 of the present invention provides a multipositionable platform 20 which is supported by a vehicle V, and which may be displaced between a lowered position and a raised position, represented in Figure 2 as arrow A.

Turning to Figure 3, which depicts the underside of the apparatus 10, it can be seen that in this embodiment frame 26 may be supported by substantially U-shaped legs 28, 28'having a horizontal central portion 36, 36', first depending legs 38, 38', and second depending legs 40,40'. The movable bar 32, which is adapted for movement in the direction of arrow B, carries at least one capture bracket 42 (best seen in Figure 5), which as will be described in greater detail below is adapted for capturing legs 28, 28'. Typically, the movable bar 32 carries a capture bracket 42 at each end thereof, held in substantial proximity to one of leg 28 or 28'to allow capture thereof. A spring 44 may be provided, which as will be described below biases the movable bar 32 towards the capture position. The spring 44 typically engages the frame 26 at a first end and the movable bar 32 at a

second end. As depicted in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the legs 28, 28'may substantially overlay one another when the platform 20 is in the lowered position. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable configuration for legs 28,28'is within the ambit of this invention. For example, legs 28,28'may be configured to rest in a similar plane when the platform 20 is in the lowered position, such as by shortening horizontal central member 36'of leg 28'whereby legs 28, 28'are able to nest with one another. Similarly, a suitably shaped inset (not shown) may be provided in platform 20 whereby legs 28, 28'are recieved within the inset and maintained out of sight when platform 20 is lowered, thereby providing a cleaner appearance.

Turning to Figure 5, the capture bracket 42 and leg 28'are shown with platform 20 in the raised position. Capture bracket 42 includes a first capturing surface 46 and a second capturing surface 48. Each capturing surface 46,48 is configured in accordance with the shape of leg 28'to nest with and releasably capture leg 28'. As shown in Figure 5, when the platform 20 is in the raised position (see Figure 4), leg 28'nests in and is captured by capturing surface 48. In the raised position, leg 28'is supported by capturing surface 48 in an orientation slightly past the vertical. It will be appreciated that this allows the force of gravity to assist in maintaining the raised position of platform 20, rather than placing the entirety of the stress of maintaining the raised position of platform 20 on capture bracket 42. In the lowered position (see Figure 6), leg 28'is captured by capture surface 46. Desirably, both capture surfaces 46,48 may be configured as snap-fit surfaces, wherein frictional contact between capture surfaces 46,48 and leg 28'provides some resistance to inadvertent release thereof.

The capture mechanism 30 may also include an elongated lever 50 for biasing the movable bar 32 in direction C and against the biasing force of spring 44, thereby moving movable bar 32 and capture brackets 42 into the released position whereby capture brackets 42 release leg 28'and allow the platform 20 to be raised or lowered as needed.

Each of the posts 22,24 may include at least one aperture 52 in a side wall thereof for receiving a pin or stud 54. Movable bar 30 may terminate on at least one end thereof in an end wall 56 which extends in a substantially perpendicular orientation from bar 30. Pin or stud 54 may be attached to end wall 56 by any suitable method, such as bolting or welding, or may be integrally formed therewith. As shown in Figure 6, pin 54 is typically substantially aligned with aperture 52 when the platform 20 is in the lowered position. When movable bar 32 is biased such that the capture mechanism 30 is moved into the capture position whereby capture brackets 42 capture leg 28', pin or stud 54 is received in aperture 52. Thus, a secondary mechanism is provided for preventing inadvertent release of platform 20 when in the lowered position.

The use of the apparatus 10 of the present invention will now be described. Typically, when vehicle V is in motion, platform 20 is desirably in the lowered position depicted in Figures 2 and 6. Capture brackets 42 secure leg 28'using capture surface 46, and pin or stud 54 on end wall 56 is received in aperture 52 on a sidewall of legs 22,24.

When it is desired to raise platform 20 into the raised position, the user need only bias lever 50 sufficiently to overcome the resistance of spring 44 and of capture surface 46 on capture bracket 42. Concomitantly, pin or stud 54 is withdrawn from aperture 53. Leg 28'is released, and platform 20 may be raised. Of course, in accordance with the size and

weight of platform 20 auxiliary raising mechanisms (not shown) may be provided, such as springs for assisting the pivoting of legs 28,28', hydraulic cylinders for the same purpose, and the like. Regardless, once the platform 20 is in the desired raised position, the user need only release lever 50. Spring 44 then biases the capture mechanism 30 back into the capture position, which moves capture surface 48 into an orientation whereby leg 28'nests with and is captured by same. As noted above, typically leg 28'is captured by capture surface 48 in an orientation slightly beyond the vertical, whereby the force of gravity assists in maintaining the raised position of platform 20. When it is desired to return platform 20 to the lowered position, the process need only be reversed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the apparatus of the present invention could be mounted by a T-shaped adaptor into the receiver box of a standard hitch receiver assembly (not shown). The present embodiment of the invention provides a platform 20, such as for example a table, which may be raised for use and lowered for transport. However, any of a variety of accessories other than platform 20, such as cargo carriers or boxes (not shown), could be supported by the present invention, providing that the accessories were capable of being attached to frame 26. Advantageously, the present invention provides a means by which a hitch-mounted accessory may be raised to a convenient height relative to a user, then lowered for transport or <BR> <BR> to allow clearance for opening, e. g. , a pickup truck tailgate or sport-utility vehicle rear door without necessitating removal of the accessory.

The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.