Abstract A utility rack is designed for attachment to class II type trailer hitches mounted adjacent the rear bumper of a vehicle. The utility rack is designed to provide additional storage and transportation space to modern down-sized vehicles. The utility rack has a mounting bar which terminates in a straight portion having a free end dimensioned for insertion into a class II type trailer hitch. The mounting bar has an upwardly inclined portion having an end which terminates at an elevation substantially above the trailer hitch. An upwardly opening V-shaped transverse support strut and a vertical support column are connected to the mounting bar and support a rectangular platform having a horizontal steel mesh surface. A pair of tail lights are mounted in steel reinforced guards on a rear edge of the platform. A conventional wire harness is utilized to connect the tail lights to the vehicle electrical system. The utility rack may be utilized for transporting game animals and a wide variety of other items.
Inventors
👤 Colan L. LaCroix
👤 Alan E. Tewksbury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-06 13:58
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R9/00; B60R9/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
235 words
A utility rack for attachment to a vehicle having a type trailer hitch including a rectangular socket, comprising: a mounting bar having a square transverse cross sectional shape and having a straight portion terminating in a free end dimensioned for insertion into a rectangular trailer hitch socket, said free end having a transverse aperture for reception of a trailer hitch retaining pin; said mounting bar having an upwardly inclined portion connected to said straight portion and said inclined portion having an end terminating at an elevation substantially above said free end; a vertical support column secured on an upper surface of said straight mounting bar portion and extending to an elevation about equal with said mounting bar inclined portion end; a V-shaped support strut having an apex secured on an upper surface of said inclined mounting bar portion, between said vertical support column and said inclined portion end; said V-shaped strut having spaced free ends terminating at an elevation equal to said vertical support column and said mounting bar inclined portion end; a horizontal rectangular platform supported substantially above said free end by said V-shaped strut, said vertical support column and said mounting bar inclined portion end; said platform having a horizontal surface formed by steel mesh; a pair of steel reinforced tail light guards on a rear portion of said platform; and a pair of tail lights mounted on said platform, within said guards.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
235 words
A utility rack for attachment to a vehicle having a type trailer hitch including a rectangular socket, comprising: a mounting bar having a square transverse cross sectional shape and having a straight portion terminating in a free end dimensioned for insertion into a rectangular trailer hitch socket, said free end having a transverse aperture for reception of a trailer hitch retaining pin; said mounting bar having an upwardly inclined portion connected to said straight portion and said inclined portion having an end terminating at an elevation substantially above said free end; a vertical support column secured on an upper surface of said straight mounting bar portion and extending to an elevation about equal with said mounting bar inclined portion end; a V-shaped support strut having an apex secured on an upper surface of said inclined mounting bar portion, between said vertical support column and said inclined portion end; said V-shaped strut having spaced free ends terminating at an elevation equal to said vertical support column and said mounting bar inclined portion end; a horizontal rectangular platform supported substantially above said free end by said V-shaped strut, said vertical support column and said mounting bar inclined portion end; said platform having a horizontal surface formed by steel mesh; a pair of steel reinforced tail light guards on a rear portion of said platform; and a pair of tail lights mounted on said platform, within said guards.