Wheeled carrier for towing vehicle and method of use

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a carrier bed intended for use with a towing vehicle, and more particularly to a wheeled carrier bed and method of use for providing additional cargo space while being towed behind an automobile or all-terrain vehicle. One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a variety of removable and interchangeable body styles, each designed for use with various types of cargo. Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a wheeled carrier bed that is rigidly and removably coupled to the chassis of a towing vehicle in multiple locations without the need for a ball hitch, pivot pin box, or sliding hitch.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Nonprovisional Application No. 17 / 679,362, filed February 24, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a towable wheeled bed intended to be coupled to a tow vehicle, such as an automobile or all-terrain vehicle ("ATV"). The bed can be rigidly coupled to the frame or chassis of the tow vehicle without the need for a ball hitch, pivot pin box, or sliding hitch. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight bed that can be used with smaller tow vehicles, providing additional cargo storage space without sacrificing fuel economy and range mileage. [Background technology]

[0003] Vehicle owners typically have two basic requirements: first, the vehicle must have good fuel efficiency. Second, the vehicle must be able to carry the required number of passengers (preferably comfortably) while having sufficient remaining space for cargo. These two requirements are often in direct conflict with each other.

[0004] For example, a current option available to consumers with families is to purchase a larger vehicle, such as a sports utility vehicle ("SUV"), truck, or van, capable of seating four to eight people comfortably with a spacious cargo area. However, such vehicles characteristically have poor fuel economy compared to smaller vehicles due to their larger size, weight, and aerodynamics. "Poor" fuel economy is a relative term depending on the particular vehicle, but is generally defined as anything less than 20 miles per gallon ("mpg") overall and anything less than 30 mpg on the highway.

[0005] On the other hand, smaller vehicles such as mid-size sedans, compact cars, and subcompacts often have better fuel economy. "Good" fuel economy, also a relative term, is generally defined as anything above 30 mpg. Hybrid vehicles that operate using both gas and electric engines can provide better fuel economy, such as above 60 mpg. Electric vehicles that run exclusively on electric energy stored in batteries provide better miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent ("MPGe"), often ranging from 100 to 136 MPGe depending on the particular vehicle manufacturer. Generally speaking, smaller, lighter vehicles with smaller engines provide better fuel economy than larger, heavier vehicles, although vehicle history and maintenance can also affect fuel economy. As a result, consumers who want good fuel efficiency in their vehicles often must sacrifice comfort and available cargo space.

[0006] In an attempt to overcome such limitations, automobile manufacturers and aftermarket third parties now offer rooftop carriers to expand the cargo capacity of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, rooftop carriers are fraught with problems. Factory or aftermarket racks must be purchased separately from the vehicle, and rooftop carrier manufacturers often manufacture roof racks that are only compatible with that particular rooftop carrier. Not having the proper roof rack can lead to improper installation of the rooftop carrier. If the vehicle owner does not properly install the rooftop carrier to the roof rack, the rooftop carrier can become a potential safety hazard while driving. Another problem with adding a rooftop carrier to an SUV or other high seating vehicle is that the resulting rooftop carrier changes the center of gravity of the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of rollover due to uneven weight distribution and increased wind resistance. Additionally, rooftop carriers tend to increase wind resistance on the vehicle, thus reducing the vehicle's fuel economy and range. Yet another problem with rooftop carriers is that they have weight limitations depending on the particular roof and rack of the vehicle. If these weight limitations are ignored, the rooftop carrier can cause severe damage to the vehicle or create a dangerous situation when the driver suddenly maneuvers the vehicle while stopping and turning. Additionally, rooftop carriers are often heavy and difficult to install, making it inconvenient for consumers to load cargo on them.

[0007] Another option for consumers to expand cargo capacity in smaller vehicles is to obtain and install a trailer hitch for towing a trailer. However, such trailers are not without significant limitations. For example, many smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles simply cannot tow a trailer because they lack the horsepower required to pull significant loads. Such vehicles, especially electric vehicles, suffer a significant reduction in mileage performance when towing a trailer. Improper installation of the trailer hitch on the towing vehicle can also create serious problems while towing. For example, if the trailer hitch is improperly installed on the vehicle or the trailer hitch does not fit the trailer hitch correctly, the trailer can become unstable while towing and can create a safety hazard. Another problem with trailers is that the braking system of the towing vehicle must be compatible with the trailer. If not, problems can occur when braking that result in jackknifing or other accidents. Turning while towing a trailer can also create problems if the towing vehicle operator is inexperienced or does not take into account the wider wheelbase of the trailer, which can result in hitting a curb, sign, or other object adjacent to the highway when turning. The use of a trailer hitch with a trailer tongue can exacerbate such problems by requiring a wider turn to avoid an accident. Uneven weight distribution inside the trailer can cause additional accidents. Unbalanced trailer loads, exacerbated by wind gusts or uneven pavement, can create dangerous situations while towing, where the risk of trailer sway, wobbling, and tail swinging can result in the trailer rolling over instead of following steadily behind the towing vehicle. Trailer sway is a serious concern when pulling a trailer through a trailer hitch, and can cause the towing vehicle to sway and the operator to lose control. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Thus, there remains a need to provide a loading platform and method of use that expands the cargo capacity of a smaller, more fuel efficient towing vehicle. There also remains a need to provide a loading platform and method of use that can be conveniently and securely coupled to a towing vehicle in a manner that minimizes safety concerns during operation and loading / unloading of cargo. There further remains a need to provide a loading platform and method of use that provides a towing vehicle with additional cargo storage space that is easily removable to reduce the impact on the towing vehicle's fuel economy and range when the loading platform is not in use. There still further remains a need to provide a loading platform and method of use that provides a towing vehicle with additional cargo storage space that is easily attached and removed to reduce the impact on the towing vehicle's fuel economy and range when the loading platform is not in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a wheeled carrier for transporting cargo is provided. The carrier may include a framework having an axle and at least two wheels. The axle and wheels may include a passive steering assembly having pivot points configured to passively pivot the wheels in the direction of travel of the towing vehicle. The carrier may also include a body removably attached to the framework via an intermediate platform. It is contemplated by the disclosure that a variety of body styles for transporting various types of cargo may be interchangeable with the framework. Thus, the carrier may support a wide variety of applications depending on the particular preferences of the consumer. The platform may include a universal mounting base configured to accommodate a wide variety of body sizes, types, and configurations. The carrier may also include a carrier coupling secured to the framework. The carrier coupling is configured to rigidly couple the carrier directly to the chassis of the towing vehicle at a plurality of locations on the chassis. The carrier is not coupled to the towing vehicle using a ball mount hitch, pivot pin box, pivot points, or sliding hitch. Direct, rigid connection of the bed to the towing vehicle chassis at multiple locations significantly improves stability and safety while towing compared to conventional trailers that are pivoted at a single location. Also, the overall length of the bed attached to the towing vehicle is configured to be shorter than conventional trailers. As a result, the bed of the present disclosure is capable of tighter turns due to its shorter turning radius and passive steering assembly, which further improves stability and safety while towing compared to conventional trailers.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of using a wheeled bed to transport cargo. In particular, the method may include providing a towing vehicle and cargo requiring transportation. The method may further include providing a wheeled bed of the present disclosure. A specific style of body may be selected from a variety of available styles depending on the type of cargo, and the various body styles are configured to be interchangeably and removably attached to the framework. The method may further include directly coupling the bed to a chassis of a towing vehicle in a plurality of locations using a bed hitch. The bed is not coupled to the towing vehicle using a ball mount hitch, pivot pin box, pivot point, or sliding hitch. The bed may then be towed to a desired location using the towing vehicle, after which the cargo is unloaded from the bed. The method may also include uncoupling the bed from the chassis of the towing vehicle via the bed hitch and storing the bed until further use is required.

[0011] Accordingly, a primary object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure is to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings in the art and to provide a carrier and method of use that can be used with smaller, more fuel efficient tow vehicles.

[0012] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a carrier and method of use that extends the cargo capacity of a tow vehicle.

[0013] Yet another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a cargo bed and method of use that can be conveniently and securely coupled to a tow vehicle in a manner that minimizes safety concerns during operation.

[0014] A further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a cargo bed and method of use that is easily removable to reduce the impact on the fuel economy and range of the tow vehicle when the cargo bed is not in use.

[0015] A further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide temporary additional cargo payload to allow consumers to benefit from a more fuel efficient vehicle when the additional cargo payload is not needed.

[0016] It is yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to provide a carrier and method of use that can be used across various makes, models, and manufacturers of tow vehicles.

[0017] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a carrier and method of use that is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to repair, and made from lightweight, durable materials.

[0018] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which, by way of illustration and example, and not by way of limitation, set forth certain aspects of the present disclosure. The present disclosure should not be limited to or by these objects, features, and advantages. It is not necessary for a single embodiment to provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.

[0019] 1-6 depict embodiments of the carrier and method of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present disclosure showing a cargo bed coupled to a tow vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the loading platform of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the loading platform of FIG. [Figure 3A] 2 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of a coupling mechanism for connecting the bed of FIG. 1 to a towing vehicle; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the bed of FIG. 1 coupled to a towing vehicle, with the left side view being a mirror image. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front side view of the bed of FIG. 1 coupled to a towing vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear side view of the bed of FIG. 1 coupled to a towing vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] With general reference to Figures 1-6, the present disclosure is directed to a wheeled carrier (10) intended to be coupled to a towing vehicle (12) and a method of use that extends the cargo carrying capacity of the towing vehicle (12). It is contemplated that the carrier (10) and method of use of the present disclosure may be used across various makes, models, and manufacturers of towing vehicles (12). Non-limiting examples of towing vehicles (12) contemplated by the present disclosure may include smaller, more fuel-efficient automobiles, such as passenger cars or pickup trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, or golf carts. The carrier (10) and method of use of the present disclosure are designed to be conveniently and securely coupled to the towing vehicle (12) in a manner that minimizes safety concerns during operation. It is further contemplated that the carrier (10) and method of use of the present disclosure are easily removable to reduce the impact on the fuel economy and range of the towing vehicle when the carrier is not in use.

[0022] Although certain aspects of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it is understood that such aspects are merely exemplary. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these particular aspects, but may encompass other aspects or embodiments. Thus, the specific configuration and process details disclosed herein should not be interpreted or inferred as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as an exemplary basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the disclosed subject matter.

[0023] It should further be noted that the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" as used herein can include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, in certain embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" when preceding a numerical value indicates a range of the value plus or minus 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, or 1 inch. In other embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" when preceding a numerical value indicates a range of the value plus or minus 2, 3, 4, or 5 inches. In yet other embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" when preceding a numerical value indicates a range of the value plus or minus 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. Additionally, the transitional phrase "comprising," which is synonymous with "including," "containing," and "characterized by," as used herein, is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements, steps, or ingredients. Alternatively, the transitional phrase "consisting of," as used herein, is closed and excludes any unspecified elements, steps, or ingredients.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure, specifically a cargo bed (10) for a tow vehicle (12). The cargo bed (10) may include a rigid framework (14) with at least two wheels (16) positioned on opposite sides of the framework (14). The framework (14) may further include a body (18) removably attached to the framework (14). As shown in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes only, the body (18) may include a style for transporting luggage having a weatherproof skin and a rear hinged lid. Other types of body styles (18) are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, the body (18) may include other styles configured to transport bicycles, skis, snowboards, sporting goods, tools, water skis, small animals, groceries, surfboards, and other types of cargo, depending on the various needs of consumers. It is contemplated by the present disclosure that various types of body styles (18) may be interchangeable with the framework (14) so ​​that the cargo bed (10) may support a wide variety of uses depending on the particular preferences of the consumer.

[0025] 2 shows a top view of the bed 10 coupled to the towing vehicle 12, with the body 18 shown removed from the framework 14. In particular, the framework 14 may include a front member 20 and a rear member 22 that extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the towing vehicle 12. The framework 14 may further include a first side member 24 and a second side member 26 that also extend parallel to each other and in the same direction of travel of the towing vehicle 12. The front member 20, rear member 22, and first and second side members 24, 26 may each be cut from square or circular cross-section tubing formed from various types of rigid and durable materials, such as metal, steel, plastic, aluminum, or combinations thereof. The front member (20), rear member (22), first side member (24), and second side member (26) may be rigidly secured together at each end in a coplanar relationship to form the general shape of a square or rectangle approximately 4-12 feet in length and approximately 2-8 feet in width. The front member (20), rear member (22), first and second side members (24, 26) may be permanently secured together (e.g., welded or adhesive) or removably secured together (e.g., bolts, nuts, or screws). For ease of packaging, the members (20, 22, 24, 26) may be shipped in separate pieces and secured together by the consumer upon receipt using standard tools found in a typical tool box. Alternatively, the front member (20), rear member (22), first and second side members (24, 26) may be integrally formed together during the manufacturing process. The framework (14) may further include coplanar struts (not shown) spanning the front, rear, first, or second side members (20, 22, 24, 26) to further enhance the strength and rigidity of the framework (14). The struts may be formed from the same type of tubing and materials as the front, rear, or first and second side members (20, 22, 24, 26).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the body 18 may be removably attached to the framework 14 via an intermediate platform 28. The platform 28 provides a universal mounting base that is configured to accommodate a wide variety of body styles, sizes, and configurations of bodies 18. In particular, the platform 28 is designed to allow the various body styles 18 to be removably and interchangeably attached to the framework 14 in a manner that is convenient for individual consumers to do at home, for example, by using clamps, nuts / bolts, or other types of removable, secure fasteners.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the bed 10 coupled to the towing vehicle 12. Notably, the bed 10 is not coupled to the towing vehicle 12 using a ball mount hitch, pivot pin box, pivot point, sliding hitch, or other type of removable hitch common in the towing industry. Instead, the bed 10 is directly coupled to the chassis 30 of the towing vehicle 12 via a bed hitch 32. The chassis 30, also known as the towing vehicle frame, is the primary support structure of the towing vehicle 12 to which all other vehicle components are attached. By directly coupling the bed 10 to the chassis 30 of the towing vehicle 12 via the bed hitch 32, the overall length of the towing vehicle 12 and attached bed 10 is reduced. Reducing the overall length of the towing vehicle 12 and attached bed 10 improves stability and safety by reducing its turning radius compared to conventional trailers.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the bed connector (32) may include a first extension arm (34), a second extension arm (36), and at least two connection mechanisms (38). The first extension arm (34) and the second extension arm (36) may be formed from the same types of tubular and rigid materials as the front member, rear member, first side member, and second side member (20, 22, 24, 26) of the framework (14). In particular, the first and second extension arms (34, 36) may each include a first proximal end (40) and a second distal end (42). The first proximal ends (40) of the first and second extension arms (34, 36) may be securely secured to the front member (20) of the framework (14). The first proximal end (40) may be permanently secured (e.g., welded or adhesive) to the leading member (20) or may be removably secured together (e.g., with bolts, nuts, or screws) for ease of packaging and shipping as previously described. Alternatively, the first proximal end (40) may be securely and integrally secured to the leading member (20) during the manufacturing process.

[0029] As also shown in Figure 3, the first extension arm (34) and the second extension arm (36) can extend forwardly from the front member (20) in a coplanar relationship. A coplanar brace (not shown) can also be included across the first extension arm (34) and the second extension arm (36) to provide additional support for the extensions and to help maintain spacing between the extensions. The brace can be formed from the same type of tubing and materials as the first extension arm (34) and the second extension arm (36).

[0030] As further shown in FIG. 3, the second distal end (42) of each of the first and second extension arms (34, 36) may include a coupling mechanism (38). The design of the coupling mechanism (38) is such that a consumer may conveniently, securely and removably couple the extension arms (34, 36) of the cargo bed (10) directly to the chassis (30) of the tow vehicle (12). Importantly, the coupling mechanism (38) is configured to form a rigid joint (44) between the extension arms (34, 36) and the chassis (30) that does not bend or pivot. In particular, the coupling mechanism (38) at the second distal end (42) of the first extension arm (34) may form a rigid joint (44) with the chassis (30) at a first location (46). The coupling mechanism (38) at the second distal end (42) of the second extension arm (36) may also form a rigid joint (44) with the chassis (30) at a second location (48). The first and second locations (46, 48) may be spaced apart from the chassis (30) of the towing vehicle (12) by approximately 2 to 8 feet. In effect, the two rigid joints (44) make the first and second extension arms (34, 36) of the bed (10) fixed extensions of the chassis (30) of the towing vehicle (12). Directly coupling the bed (10) to the towing vehicle (12) via the rigid joints (44) at two different locations (46, 48) on the chassis (30) adds significant stability to the bed (10) during operation. This added stability reduces flexing, bouncing, and rocking between the towing vehicle 12 and the bed 10, preventing tail swings that can cause the trailer to roll over or cause the driver to lose control. Thus, directly connecting the bed 10 to the chassis 30 of the towing vehicle 12 at multiple points 46, 48 minimizes the dangerous effects of trailer rocking caused by uneven loads, wind gusts, or uneven pavement while towing. Such added stability is an improvement over conventional trailers that are pivotally and flexibly connected to the towing vehicle at a single location.

[0031] FIG. 3A shows an enlarged view of one embodiment of the coupling mechanism (38). As shown in FIG. 3A for illustrative purposes only, the coupling mechanism (38) may include a claw (50), a clamp (52), a hinge (53), and a locking device (54) configured to form a rigid joint (44) between the extension arms (34, 36) and the chassis (30) of the towing vehicle (12). Other types of coupling mechanisms (38) that allow a consumer to conveniently and reliably releasably couple each extension arm (34, 36) to the chassis (30) of the towing vehicle (12) are also contemplated by the present disclosure. The cargo bed (10) and method of use allow for convenient coupling and decoupling from the towing vehicle (12). Additionally, decoupling allows the towing vehicle (12) to return to its more efficient fuel economy and driving range when the cargo bed (10) is not in use.

[0032] As further shown in FIG. 3, the bed 10 may include at least one axle structure 56 attached to the framework 14. In particular, the axle 56 may be attached to the framework 14 using a vertical suspension system 58, such as those commonly used in the industry (e.g., leaf spring, torsion, coil spring, rubber compression). The bed 10 may also include at least one wheel 16 attached to each end of the axle 56 via a passive steering assembly 60. The passive steering assembly 60 may include pivot points 62 designed to allow the wheels 16 to passively turn 64 in the direction of travel of the towing vehicle 12. The passive steering assembly 60 thus allows the bed 10 of the present disclosure to maintain a shorter turning radius compared to conventional trailers while providing high rollover stability due to its smaller space requirements.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a right side view of the bed 10 coupled to the towing vehicle 12, with the left side view being a mirror image. As shown in FIG. 4, the framework 14 of the bed 10 is configured to remain close to the rear of the towing vehicle 12 with only about 2-6 feet separating the framework 14 from the towing vehicle 12. Having the framework 14 of the bed 10 so close to the rear of the towing vehicle 12 ensures that the overall length of the bed 10 and towing vehicle 12 remains minimal to help maintain a shorter turning radius for tighter cornering, add safety to the bed 10 to reduce sway, and distribute weight more evenly across the axles 56 during operation. In particular, the first and second extension arms 34, 36 of the bed coupling 32 may each include a fixed length of approximately 4-8 feet. Alternatively, the first and second extension arms (34, 36) may each include a telescoping section such that the first and second extension arms may be expandable from approximately 4-6 feet to approximately 8-12 feet in overall length to accommodate a variety of different tow vehicle sizes, makes, models, and manufacturers. It is further contemplated by the present disclosure that the telescoping sections may include locking pins, rings, or clips to ensure a secure connection between the sections so that the extension arms (34, 36) remain at a fixed length during use. Coplanar braces (not shown) may also be included across the first and second extension arms (34, 36) to provide additional support for the extensions and to help maintain equidistant spacing of the extensions. The braces may be formed from the same types of tubing and materials as the first and second extension arms (34, 36).

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a front side view of the bed (10) coupled to a towing vehicle (12). FIG. 6 shows a rear side view of the bed (10) also coupled to a towing vehicle (12). As shown in both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the bed (10) of the present disclosure can include work lights, standing lights, turn signals, brake lights, and reflectors to provide additional safety and utility during operation of the bed (10). It is also contemplated by the present disclosure that the bed (10) can incorporate a braking system (not shown) that is coupled to the braking system of the towing vehicle (12). Such a braking system can be configured to assist the towing vehicle (12) with braking while pulling a heavy load for improved safety. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that such a braking system may not be necessary due to the low height of the bed (10).

[0035] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of using the cargo bed (10) of FIGS. 1-6 for transporting cargo. In particular, the method may include preparing a tow vehicle (12) that requires additional cargo space, such as a smaller, more fuel-efficient automobile, motorcycle, ATV, or golf cart. The method may further include preparing cargo that requires transportation. The method may also include preparing the cargo bed (10) for transporting the cargo. A particular style of body (18) of the cargo bed (10) may be selected depending on the type of cargo to be transported, such as a body (18) for transporting luggage, bicycles, skis, snowboards, sports equipment, tools, water skis, groceries, surfboards, or other types of cargo, depending on various consumer needs. The method may further include attaching the selected body (18) to the framework (14) of the cargo bed (10) via the intermediate platform (28) using clamps, nuts / bolts, or other types of removable, secure fasteners.

[0036] The method of the present disclosure may further include coupling the bed (10) to the towing vehicle (12). The bed (10) is not coupled to the towing vehicle (12) using a ball mount hitch, pivot pin box, pivot point, sliding hitch, or other type of removable hitch common in the towing industry. Instead, the bed (10) is directly coupled to the chassis (30) of the towing vehicle (12) via a bed hitch (32). In particular, the first and second extension arms (34, 36) of the bed hitch (32) can be extended to reach the chassis (30) of the towing vehicle (12). The method may further include using a coupling mechanism (38) of the bed hitch (32) to form a rigid joint (44) that does not bend or pivot between each extension arm (34, 36) and the chassis (30) of the towing vehicle (12). The method may further include rigidly connecting the bed (10) to the towing vehicle (12) via two rigid joints (44) at two distinct locations (46, 48) in the chassis (30) to add significant stability to the bed (10) during towing.

[0037] The method of the present disclosure may also include towing the bed (10) rigidly connected to the towing vehicle (12) to a desired location. Once at the desired location, the bed (10) may be unloaded of cargo and the bed (10) may be uncoupled from the chassis (30) using the coupling mechanism (38) of the bed hitch (32). The body (18) may be detached from the framework (14) of the bed (10) via the intermediate platform (28). The bed (10) may then be conveniently stored until further use is required to transport cargo, while a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle is utilized.

[0038] The cargo bed 10 and method of use of the present disclosure are universally applicable to vehicles of all makes, models, sizes and manufacturers. While the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with respect to its preferred embodiments, it should not be so limited, as changes, modifications, and combinations thereof can be made that are within the fully intended scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A wheeled platform for transporting cargo, comprising: a framework having an axle and at least two wheels; a) front member, b) a rear member extending parallel to the front member; c) the front and rear members extending perpendicular to the direction of travel of the towing vehicle; d) a first side member; e) a second side member extending parallel to the first side member; f) the first side member and the second side member extending in the same direction of travel of the towing vehicle; g) the front member, the rear member, the first side member, and the second side member being rigidly secured together in a coplanar relationship to form a square or rectangular shape. A framework including: A platform based on the above framework, a) A universal mounting base that is configured to accommodate a wide variety of body styles, sizes, and configurations. Including, b) the platform is designed to removably, replaceably, and conveniently mount the body to the framework; The platform; a body removably attached to the framework via the platform; a) luggage compartment, b) Bike racks; c) Water sports racks; d) cages for small animals; e) sports equipment racks; f) grocery section; g) A tool rack, or h) Cargo compartments; a body including: a bed connector fixed to the framework; a) a first extension arm having a first proximal end and a second distal end; b) a second extension arm having a first proximal end and a second distal end; c) the first proximal end of the first extension arm secured to the front member of the framework; d) the first proximal end of the second extension arm secured to the front member of the framework; e) a first linkage attached to the second distal end of the first extension arm; f) a second linkage attached to the second distal end of the first extension arm; Including, g), each linkage is configured to form a rigid joint between the chassis of the towing vehicle and the extension arm; A loading platform connection part; the bed coupling configured to directly couple the bed to the chassis of a towing vehicle via the rigid joints at a plurality of locations on the chassis; Equipped with A wheeled carrier, wherein the carrier is not coupled to the towing vehicle using a ball mount hitch, a pivot pin box, a pivot point, or a sliding hitch.

2. 10. The wheeled carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of extension arms have a fixed length.

3. 3. The wheeled carrier of claim 2, wherein the plurality of extension arms are extendable in overall length to accommodate a variety of different tow vehicle sizes, makes, models, and manufacturers.

4. The axle and the at least two wheels are a passive steering assembly having a pivot point; 4. The wheeled bed of claim 3, wherein the passive steering assembly is configured such that the wheels passively pivot about the pivot points in the direction of travel of the tow vehicle.

5. The axle and the at least two wheels are 4. The wheeled carrier of claim 3, including an electric motor configured to power the wheels of the carrier to provide driving force during operation.

6. A wheeled platform for transporting cargo, comprising: a framework having an axle and at least two wheels; A platform on the framework; a body removably attached to the framework via the platform; A bed connector fixed to the framework; the bed coupling configured to directly couple the bed to the chassis of a towing vehicle; Equipped with A wheeled carrier, wherein the carrier is not coupled to the towing vehicle using a ball mount hitch, a pivot pin box, a pivot point, or a sliding hitch.

7. The framework is: A front member; a rear member extending parallel to the front member; the front member and the rear member extending perpendicular to a direction of travel of the towing vehicle; A first side member; a second side member extending parallel to the first side member; the first side member and the second side member extending in the same direction of travel of the towing vehicle; Including, 7. The wheeled carrier of claim 6, wherein the front member, the rear member, the first side member, and the second side member are rigidly secured together in a coplanar relationship to form a square or rectangular shape.

8. The platform includes: a universal mounting base configured to accommodate a wide variety of body sizes, types, and configurations; 7. The wheeled carrier of claim 6, wherein the platform is designed for removably, replaceably and conveniently mounting the body to the framework.

9. The body includes: a) luggage compartment, b) Bike racks; c) Water sports racks; d) cages for small animals; e) sports equipment racks; f) grocery section; g) A tool rack, or h) Cargo compartments; 7. The wheeled carrier of claim 6, comprising:

10. The loading platform connecting portion is A plurality of extension arms; At least two linkages; 7. The wheeled carrier of claim 6, comprising:

11. Each of the plurality of extension arms comprises: A first proximal end; a second distal end; and having the first proximal end of each extension arm is fixedly secured to the front member of the framework; The wheeled carrier of claim 10, wherein the second distal end of each extension arm includes a linkage mechanism.

12. 12. The wheeled carrier of claim 11, wherein the plurality of extension arms have a fixed length.

13. 12. The wheeled carrier of claim 11, wherein the plurality of extension arms are extendable in overall length to accommodate a variety of different tow vehicle sizes, makes, models and manufacturers.

14. 12. The wheeled bed of claim 11, wherein each linkage is configured to form a rigid joint between a chassis of the tow vehicle and an extension arm.

15. 15. The wheeled bed of claim 14, wherein the plurality of extension arms are directly connected to the chassis of the tow vehicle via the rigid joints at a plurality of locations on the chassis.

16. The axle and the at least two wheels are a passive steering assembly having a pivot point; 7. The wheeled bed of claim 6, wherein the passive steering assembly is configured such that the wheels passively pivot about the pivot points in the direction of travel of the tow vehicle.

17. 7. The wheeled carrier of claim 6, wherein the axle and the at least two wheels include an electric motor configured to power the wheels of the carrier to provide driving force during operation.

18. 1. A method of using a wheeled carrier for transporting cargo, comprising: Providing a towing vehicle; 1. Providing a loading platform for transporting cargo, the loading platform comprising: a) a framework having an axle and at least two wheels; b) a platform on the framework; c) a body for attachment to the framework via the platform; d) a bed connector secured to the framework; and e) a passive steering assembly attached to said axle and said at least two wheels; Equipped with f) the passive steering assembly has a pivot point; g) the passive steering assembly is configured to passively pivot the wheels in the direction of travel of the tow vehicle via the pivot points; Providing a loading platform for transporting cargo; Selecting a specific style of body depending on the type of cargo being transported; attaching the selected body to the framework via the platform; connecting the bed directly to the chassis of the towing vehicle with the bed hitch, wherein the bed is not connected to the towing vehicle with a ball mount hitch, pivot pin box, pivot point, or sliding hitch; towing the carrier to a desired location using the towing vehicle; unloading the cargo from the pallet at the desired location; and decoupling the bed from the chassis of the towing vehicle using the bed coupling; stowing said pallets until further use is required to transport cargo; and How to use a wheeled carrier, including:

19. Providing a plurality of extension arms and at least two connection mechanisms at the bed connection portion; extending each extension arm of the plurality of extension arms to reach the chassis of the towing vehicle; forming a rigid joint between each extension arm and the chassis of the tow vehicle using the at least two linkage mechanisms; 20. A method of using the wheeled carrier of claim 18, further comprising:

20. 20. The method of using a wheeled bed of claim 19, further comprising rigidly connecting the bed to the towing vehicle via two of the rigid joints at multiple locations on the chassis of the towing vehicle to add stability to the bed during towing.

Images