Mountable devices to a hitch receiver of a stationary vehicle field

Abstract

An accessory rack for use with a stationary vehicle, has a crossbar having crossbar attachment loops to attach resistance band, pulleys and the like, center crossbar attachment loops, a "D" ring shackle, a crossbar sleeve to receive the main tower, at least one carabiner, at least one crossbar pin, crossbar openings to receive crossbar pin therethrough; an "L" shaped main tower having main tower mounting openings to receive crossbar pin therethrough, eye hook, a horizontal bar portion to attach to hitch receiver, horizontal bar openings to receive hitch pin therethrough, a hitch pin, a hitch receiver, and hitch receiver openings to receive hitch pin therethrough. One approach also includes a main tower extender, a main tower cap, and crossbar caps. One approach also includes a weight lifting, basketball and tennis kits attachable to the accessory rack.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798MOUNTABLE DEVICES TO A HITCH RECEIVER OF A STATIONARY VEHICLE FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to vehicle mountable accessories, and more particularly to accessories mountable to a hitch receiver of a stationary vehicle primarily for exercise and recreational use.BACKGROUND

[0002] Accessories mountable to a vehicle hitch receiver are known in the art for example for the transport of bikes and skis (See generally, US5094373A to Lovci and US10850678B2 to McFadden et al.), cargo boxes (See generally, US20070262108A1 to Columbia). These mounts are specifically designed for transport and can be attached and functional while the vehicle is in motion.

[0003] Devices temporarily mountable to a hitch receiver of a stationary vehicle are not known in the art. Accordingly, there is a desire and need in the art for such devices.SUMMARY

[0004] The present embodiments provide temporarily mountable devices and accessories to the hitch receiver of a stationary vehicle.

[0005] An accessory rack for use with a stationary vehicle, comprising: a crossbar having crossbar attachment loops to attach resistance band, pulleys and the like, center crossbar attachment loops, a “D” ring shackle, a crossbar sleeve to receive the main tower, at least one carabiner, at least one crossbar pin, crossbar openings to receive crossbar pin therethrough; an “L” shaped main tower having main tower mounting openings to receive crossbar pinAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 therethrough, eye hook, a horizontal bar portion to attach to hitch receiver, horizontal bar openings to receive hitch pin therethrough, a hitch pin, a hitch receiver, and hitch receiver openings to receive hitch pin therethrough.

[0006] One approach also includes a main tower extender, a main tower cap, an crossbar caps.

[0007] One approach also includes a weight lifting accessory kit attachable to the crossbar comprising a pulley such as a snatch pulley block, a pulley cable, a weight, a resistance bands, a carabiner, and a handle to attach to resistance bands.

[0008] One approach also includes a stabilizing assembly attachable to the tailgate of a pickup truck, comprising, a “C” clamp adjustment knob with threaded stem, a stabilizing bracket sleeve to receive the gate clamp assembly, a stabilizing assembly arm extendable from crossbar, a pin to attach cross bar stabilizing arm to gate clamp assembly, a “C” clamp, a crossbar opening to pin optional stabilizing assembly, a “C” clamp tube to extend through stabilizing bracket sleeve, a “C” clamp side opposing “C” clamp pad, and a pad attached to threaded stem to clamp to gate,

[0009] One approach also includes a basketball and pull-up bar accessory kit attachable to the tower extension, comprising, a basketball net and backboard accessory, a pull-up bar accessory, a handle bar of pull-up bar, a sleeve for the main tower to extend therethrough for mounting accessories, a sleeve pin to extend through main tower mounting openings , a backboard, a basketball net, and a pin to extend therethrough the openings.

[0010] One approach includes an accessory rack for use with on a stationary vehicle, having an assembly configured to attach exercise accessories to a removable crossbar and / or to a vertical main tower; the crossbar having attachment loops, center crossbar attachment loops, a “D” ring shackle, a crossbar sleeve to receive the main tower, at least one carabiner, at least one crossbar pin, and crossbar openings to receive crossbar pin therethrough; the vertical mainAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 tower having tower mounting openings to at least receive the crossbar pin therethrough, an eye hook, and a horizontal bar portion configured and sized to attach within a vehicle hitch receiver, wherein the horizontal bar portion attached to the main tower has a bore to receive hitch pin therethrough.

[0011] The accessory rack may also have pressure fitted endcaps to seal the interior and minimize water ingress.

[0012] The accessory rack may also have a weight lifting accessory kit attachable to the crossbar comprising a pulley such as a snatch pulley block, a pulley cable, a weight, a resistance bands, a carabiner, and a handle to attach to resistance bands.

[0013] The accessory rack may also have a stabilizing assembly configured to be attachable to a tailgate of a pickup truck or the roof rack of a sport utility vehicle, the stabilizing assembly comprising, a stabilizing assembly arm attachable to, extendable from and parallel with the crossbar on each distal end of the crossbar, a “C” clamp tube having a first and second end attachable at the first end to each distal end of each stabilizing assembly arm by extension through stabilizing assembly arm sleeve, the “C” clamp tube, when attached, is oriented to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein a “C” clamp is attached to the second end of each “C” clamp tube, the “C” clamp configured to secure the accessory rack to the tail gate or roof rack.

[0014] The accessory rack may also have a basketball and pull-up bar accessory kit attachable to the vertical main tower, having at least one vertical main tower extension attachable to the vertical main tower at a first end, a basketball net and backboard accessory attachable to a second end of the at least one vertical main tower extension, and a pull-up bar accessory attachable to a second end of the at least one vertical main tower extension.

[0015] The accessory rack main tower may be formed of two-inch square carbon steel hollow tubing with a 14-gage wall thickness. The crossbar is formed of two-inch square carbon steelAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 tubing with a 14-gage wall thickness and is between 20 and 36 inches in length. The crossbar sleeve may be formed from 2.5-inch square carbon steel tubing with a 0.238-inch wall thickness.

[0016] The accessory rack may also have a net post accessory configured to mount to the main tower for supporting a tennis or volleyball net. The net post accessory may include a fixed bracket sleeve and net post mounting openings to receive a pin therethrough.

[0017] The accessory rack may also have a free weight bracket accessory configured to hold free weights and a removable foot pad.

[0018] The accessory rack may also have a wall mount stabilizing tube and wall bracket for mounting the accessory rack to a wall.

[0019] The accessory rack may also have a shelf accessory mountable to the main tower, the shelf accessory including upper and lower mounts hingedly secured to the shelf and detachably mounted to the tower via pins.

[0020] The accessory rack may also have a canopy bracket accessory configured to attach an umbrella or canopy to the main tower.

[0021] The accessory rack may also have a hammock frame accessory mountable to the hitch receiver, the hammock frame including lateral arms, a T-bracket, and a horizontal hammock bar.

[0022] The accessory rack may also have a bicycle rack accessory mountable to the hitch receiver, the bicycle rack including brackets to attach tower cross bars to lateral cross bars, spring loaded clamps, and lockable clips.

[0023] The crossbar attachment loops may be positioned on the front of the crossbar facing away from the vehicle and spaced equally from one end to the other.

[0024] The accessory rack may also have a base pad mountable to the ground and mountable to the main tower.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0025] Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present invention:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a main tower assembly showing some of the features of the present embodiments mountable on a vehicle hitch receiver.

[0028] FIG. 2 is top perspective view of a main tower assembly of FIG. 1 showing more detail.

[0029] FIG. 3 is top perspective view of a crossbar assembly of FIG. 1 showing more detail.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of a crossbar assembly of according to an alternate attachment pin.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 1 showing additional hardware and positioning of the crossbar.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0034] FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 7.

[0035] FIG. 9 is an enlarged and exploded top perspective view of the lower portion of the main tower of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 10 is an enlarged assembled top perspective view of the main tower of FIG. 9.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an optional accessory to attach to the installed main tower.

[0038] FIG. 11a shows a sectional view of clamping mechanism 62 of FIG. 11.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the pull-up assembly 80 of Fig. 11, where the main tower is attached to a vehicle roof rack.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a side view of an optional basketball hoop accessory to attach to the main tower.

[0041] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the optional basketball hoop accessory to attach to the main tower of FIG. 13.

[0042] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of one example of the present embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment of FIG.15 on a vehicle tailgate.

[0044] FIG. 16a shows a sectional view of clamping mechanism 62 of FIG. 16.

[0045] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment of FIG.15 on a vehicle roof.

[0046] FIG. 18 is an accessory net post to mount to main tower 24.

[0047] FIG. 18a is an alternate accessory net post to mount to main tower 24.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment having a net accessory configured for tennis.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0049] FIG. 20 is an installed alternate accessory net post to mount to a main tower extender 30.

[0050] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment having a net accessory configured for volleyball.

[0051] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed net accessory configured for volleyball with an alternate vehicle attachment bracket 99.

[0052] FIG. 23 is alternate vehicle attachment bracket 18i with more detail.

[0053] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment having a net accessory configured for free weight.

[0054] FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an alternate cross bar accessory to allow for wall mounting.

[0055] FIG. 25a is a side view of the attachment portion of the crossbar accessory of FIG. 25.

[0056] FIG. 26 top perspective view of an alternate main tower wall attachment bracket.

[0057] FIG. 27a shows a perspective view of an accessory net kit for the present embodiments.

[0058] FIG. 27b shows a perspective view of an accessory free weight bracket kit for the present embodiments.

[0059] FIG. 27c shows a perspective view of an accessory vehicle attachment kit for the present embodiments.

[0060] FIG. 27d shows a perspective view of an accessory free weight and exercise band kit for the present embodiments.

[0061] Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of an accessory base pad for the present embodiments.

[0062] Fig. 29 shows an exploded perspective view of an accessory base pad for the present embodiments according to another approach.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0063] Fig. 30 shows an assembled perspective view of an accessory base pad for the present embodiments according to Fig. 29.

[0064] Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments.

[0065] Fig. 32 shows a detailed perspective view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments of Fig. 31.

[0066] Fig. 33 shows a side view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments of Fig. 31 showing additional detail and in use to hold an exemplary video projector.

[0067] Fig. 34 shows a side view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments showing additional detail according to another approach and in use to hold an exemplary video projector.

[0068] Fig. 35 shows a perspective view of the shelf accessory bracket 198 of Fig. 34.

[0069] Fig. 36 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a dumbbell holder accessory for the present embodiments.

[0070] Fig. 37 shows a perspective view of an accessory base pad, canopy and canopy bracket for the present embodiments.

[0071] Fig. 38 shows a perspective view of an accessory canopy bracket 216 for the present embodiments.

[0072] Fig. 39 shows a close-up perspective view of the canopy bracket 216 for the present embodiments of Fig. 37.

[0073] Fig. 39 shows a close-up perspective view of the canopy bracket 216 for the present embodiments of Fig. 37 installed.

[0074] Fig. 40 shows a perspective view of an accessory hammock frame for the present embodiments.

[0075] Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of an accessory hammock frame for the present embodiments of Fig. 40 with a hammock installed.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0076] Fig. 42 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a bike rack accessory for the present embodiments.

[0077] Fig. 43 shows bracket 232 rotated 90 degrees of the bike rack accessory of Fig. 42 for the present embodiments.

[0078] Fig. 44 shows a perspective view of an installed bike rack accessory of Fig. 42 for the present embodiments.

[0079] Fig. 45 shows an exploded perspective view of an installed bike rack accessory of Fig.42 for the present embodiments with the lateral arms rotated 90 degrees to allow insertions of pegs 242 for table 241.

[0080] Corresponding reference characters may indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present embodiments.

[0081] While the features described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to be limiting to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to hitch mountable accessories for exercise, recreation and the like when attached to a stationary vehicle. The disclosed embodiments take advantage of a vehicle’s hitch receiver to securely mount various exercise or recreation devices. The present embodiments allow for additional mounting to other vehicle body components for added stability. For example in one embodiment additional mounts may be secured to a vehicle tailgate and in another embodiment to the vehicle’s roof rack.

[0083] The present embodiments allow an individual to do a variety of workouts such as workout bands, free weights, tennis, basketball, volley ball, pull-ups and the like that are attachable to the to be attached to the hitch receiver mountable device (generally the ‘device’).

[0084] In one embodiment, the device may be made of two main parts, a main tower and a crossbar mountable to the main tower. During assembly, as will be detailed below, the main tower is mounted to the vehicle’s hitch receiver. Once the main tower is secured into the hitch receiver, the crossbar can now slide down onto the main tower. The crossbar can slide up and down the main tower and has a securing mechanism such as a pull pin that allows an individual to lock it in place at the desired height. Once the crossbar is locked into place the individual can now add additional mounts, such as to the vehicle tailgate or roof rack. Once the device is secured to the stationary vehicle any of a number of desired exercise accessories may be added. For exemplary purposes only, a user may add rubber workout bands fed through the loops on the crossbar. In one example, there may be five loops on the crossbar allowing an individual to pick different widths. The different widths and the ability to pick different heights allows an individual to do a variety of different workouts with the workout bands.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the main tower may be formed of two-inch square standard carbon steel hollow tubing with a 14-gage wall thickness. Other materials andAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 dimensions are possible within the scope of the embodiments based on intended use and material strength using sound engineering principles. The main tower is “L” shaped wherein the vertical component is used to attach mounts and accessories and the horizontal portion of the tower is configured to be mounted within the standard vehicle hitch receiver. For exemplary purposes only, the vertical portion of the tower may be about 72 inches in length and the horizontal portion may be about 12 inches in length. On the horizontal portion, a 3 / 8 inch hole can be added to receive a standard hitch pin. This hole is configured to align adjacent to corresponding holes in the hitch receiver to allow the hitch pin to secure it to the hitch receiver.

[0086] By way of example, on the vertical portion of the tower, a plurality of holes (such as nine 3 / 8 inch holes) can be spaced out every 6 inches on the side transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. These holes are meant to mount a pull pin on the crossbar to slide into and lock the crossbar into place at the desired height. Optionally, two plastic caps may cap each end of the main tower. This allows for a clean finish and helps minimize the amount of water that could get into the tubing.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the crossbar and accessory components may also be formed from multiple types of metal. Other materials and dimensions are possible within the scope of the embodiments based on intended use and material strength using sound engineering principles. For example, the cross bar may be formed of two-inch square standard carbon steel tubing with a 14-gage wall thickness. The crossbar may be about 20-36 inches, and preferably about 27 inches long. There may be two plastic caps at each end of the crossbar. This allows for a clean finish and helps minimize the amount of water that could get into the tubing. The tubing may also be painted or powdered coated.

[0088] A sleeve about four inches long to slide over the vertical portion of the main tower may be formed from 2.5-inch square standard carbon steel tubing with a 0.238-inch wall thickness. This sleeve is located in the center along the length of the crossbar. Welded on the side of theAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 sleeve is one pull-pin assembly. The crossbar mounting sleeve may have at least one carbon steel pull-pin with a plastic ball / handle to pull and push the pin into position. This allows an individual to lock the crossbar into place.

[0089] The crossbar attachment loops may be made from out of, for example, 0.25 inch round standard carbon steel bar stock. In one embodiment 5 loops are positioned on the crossbar. The loops may have a 2” radius and positioned on the front of the crossbar facing away from the vehicle. They can be spaced out equally starting from one end to the other.

[0090] The accessory portions of the device may be configured for use as a volleyball net, a tennis net, a free weight stand, a pull-up bar, a basketball backboard and net, and the like. In some embodiments for use in volley ball or tennis, a matching device is added to a second vehicle to bring the net taught.

[0091] Exemplary embodiments are generally shown in the various figures. FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a main tower assembly showing some of the features of the present embodiments mountable on a vehicle hitch receiver. As shown, a hitch receiver mountable device 10 is “L” shaped having a vertical main vertical tower 24 connected to a horizontal bar 26 at its bottom end, horizontal bar 26 oriented to the vehicle’s longitudinal direction. Main vertical tower 24 may have an option pressure fitted cap 38 to seal the interior of the tower. The connection of main vertical tower 24 to horizontal bar 26 can optionally be strengthened by support plate 36. Horizontal bar 26 is configured to be received by and attached to a vehicle 34 via a known hitch receiver 32. Horizontal bar 26 is secured to hitch receiver 32 via a hitch pin 48 extending through hitch receiver openings 33 and horizontal bar openings 28. FIG. 9 is an enlarged and exploded top perspective view of the lower portion of the main tower of FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 is an enlarged assembled top perspective view of the main tower of FIG. 9.

[0092] Main vertical tower 24 has a plurality of mounting openings 22 to receive crossbar pin 20 therethrough. Mounting openings 24 allow for the attachment of a many optional andAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 exemplary components, which are described herein. As shown in Figs. 1-8, a crossbar 12 is mountable to main tower 24 by an exemplary sleeve 18 having crossbar openings 21 configured to be received by main tower 24. Crossbar 12 may have attachment loops such as attachment loops 14 and 16 as shown to attach various exercise equipment such as resistance bands, pulleys and the like. For example, Fig. 2 shows exemplary resistance bands 56 having a carabiner 58 and a handle 60 to attach to the resistance bands 56. Fig. 2 also shows an exemplary weightlifting option having a pulley and cable such as a snatch pulley block 50 attached to loop 14 by a carabiner 58; pulley cable 52 having a handle 60 at one end and a weight 54 at the other. These are just a few examples of the types of sport equipment that can take advantage of the attachment loops 14 and 16. Cross bar 12 may also have pressure fitted endcaps 40.

[0093] Figs. 3-8 show exemplary detail and additional views of crossbar assembly 12. FIG. 3 is top perspective view of a crossbar assembly of FIG. 1 showing more detail. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of a crossbar assembly according to an alternate attachment pin. FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 1 showing additional hardware and positioning of the crossbar. FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of the assembled main tower and crossbar of the article carrier assembly shown in FIG. 7. In these views, an optional eyehook 23 and various mounting positions along the main tower 24 are shown. Crossbar 12 is mountable to main tower 24 by a crossbar pin 20 extending therethrough openings 21 in crossbar 12 and main tower openings 24. Figs. 3 and 5 shown crossbar pin 20 with added detail. Crossbar pin 20 (Figs. 3 and 5) and crossbar pin 20i (Figs. 6 and 8) according to one embodiment may have a spring-loaded transverse pawl or pin thatAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 retracts when knob 25 is pulled allowed it to detach from the main tower. Fig. 8 also shows an optional attached to loop 16 on crossbar sleeve 18 having a “D”-ring shackle 17 and carabiner 19.

[0094] According to another approach, FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an optional pull-up bar accessory 80 to attach to an installed main tower 24. Pull-up assembly 80 has a handle bar 82. Pull-up assembly 80 attaches to a main tower extender 30 by means of sleeve 84 for the pull-up bar to extend through main tower extended 30. Sleeve 84 is held in place by a sleeve pin 86 to extend through main tower mounting openings 22.

[0095] To hold pull-up assembly 80 in a stable fashion, FIG. 11a shows a sectional view of clamping mechanism 62 of FIG. 11. In this approach, main tower 24 has attached thereon a main tower extender 30. Crossbar 12 has extenders and stabilizers 64 extending from each end. Stabilizing extenders 64 are attached to crossbar 12 with pins 92 (FIG. 16) through holes 68 and have stabilizing bracket sleeves 63 to receive a gate clamp tube 70. Tube 70 is held in place by pin 65 to attach cross bar stabilizing arm 64 to gate clamp assembly 70. Clamping mechanism 62 has a “C” clamp 66 attached at one end of the tube 70. Clamp 66, as shown more specifically in Fig. 11a has a pad 74 attached to threaded stem 75 movable using “C” clamp adjustment knob 61 to clamp to gate “C” clamp 66 on an opposing side 72. This allows the assembly to be configured to attach, for example, to a vehicle tailgate 76.

[0096] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the pull-up assembly 80 of Fig. 11 , where the main tower is attached to a vehicle 35 roof rack. In this exemplary embodiment, the roof rack has a pair of longitudinal brackets 130 and at least one transverse bar 120, which connects longitudinal brackets 130. This versatility is achieved using an alternate longer tube 70i configured to reach and clamp to the transverse bracket 120 using the same “C” clamp assembly 66. Accordingly, the versatility of mounting between a tail gate 76 and roof rack 130 transverse bar 120 is a longer tube 70i as part of stabilizing bar 62i. Similar to the crossbar 12Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 and as shown in Fig. 11, the crossbar stabilizing assembly arm 64 is raised level to the height of the roof rack transverse bracket 120 and attached using a cross-bar pin 20 in a mounting opening 22 along either the main tower 24, or the main tower extender 30.

[0097] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a side view and a top perspective view respectively of an exemplary optional basketball hoop accessory 78 to attach to main tower 24. Hoop accessory 78, as shown, has hoop 90 and backboard 88 and mountable to the main tower 24, or the main tower extender 30 via sleeve 84 and pin 86 as described above.

[0098] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of one example of the present embodiments having the basketball hoop accessory 78. This figure shows main tower extender step 44 to extend into the vertical portion of “L” shaped main tower 24. FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment of FIG. 15 on a vehicle tailgate. FIG. 16a shows a sectional view of clamping mechanism 62 of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment of FIG. 15 on a vehicle roof rack transverse bar 120.

[0099] Other types of mounting accessories can be used to allow more versatility of uses, such as for tennis nets, pickle ball nets, volleyball nets, badminton nets and the like. In these configurations two assemblies are needed to attach to separate vehicles spaced apart to support and stretch a net to a desired width. FIG. 18 is an accessory net post to mount to main tower 24. FIG. 18a shows an alternate accessory net post to mount to main tower 24. Fig. 18 shows an accessory net mounting post 94 configured to mount to main tower 24 from a fixed bracket sleeve 98 having net post mounting openings 96 to receive pin 20 from sleeve 102 therethrough or attachment points for a net (FIG. 19). FIG. 18a shows an alternate net mounting post 94i where fixed bracket sleeve 98 is replaced by at least two adjustable mounted net post sleeves 100 to receive main tower 24. Sleeve 100 also has adjustable net post sleeve 102 to receive net mounting post 94i. Use of two net mounting posts 94i allow attachment of, for example, a tennis net 104 (FIG. 19,), or a volleyball net 106 (Fig. 21). FIG. 19 is a topAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment having a net accessory configured for tennis.

[0100] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed embodiment having a net accessory configured for volleyball. For this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, an installed longer alternate accessory net post 94i is needed to mount to a main tower extender 30. It is noted though that multiple shorter main tower extenders 30 and accessory net posts 94i could be stacked to achieve the same result.

[0101] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an assembled and installed net accessory configured for volleyball with an alternate vehicle attachment bracket 99. FIG. 23 is alternate vehicle attachment bracket 18i with more detail. This embodiment eliminates the square edge of the stabilizing assembly such as shown, for example, in FIG. 16. The square edge of these embodiments of FIGs. 15-16 may protect a user from impact with rounded edges or padding or the like. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 22 there is no squared edge since cross bar 12i is “V” shaped of about 170-100 degrees with angled attachment of clamp 66 on extenders 68i. The angles are configured to allow for the clamps to extend in a parallel fashion and extendable to reach the tail-gate 76 of vehicle 34 as shown in the figure.

[0102] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of another assembled and installed embodiment configured to hold free weights. As shown, this embodiment further adds a “C” clamp tube extender 108; a stabilizing bracket sleeve to receive second and third tower 110; a second tower 112; a third tower 113; a second and third tower top connector 114; a first top connector sleeve to receive second tower 116; a sleeve to receive second and third tower 122; barbell storage bracket 124; removable foot pad 126; and an optional matt 128.

[0103] FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an alternate cross bar accessory to allow for wall 138 mounting. FIG. 25a is a side view of the attachment portion of the crossbar accessory of FIG. 25. In this embodiment, wall mount stabilizing tube 132 to extend through stabilizingAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 bracket sleeve 63. Hook 134 allows mount wall mount stabilizing tube 132 to attach to wall bracket 136 having a stabilizer wall bracket 136 and a stabilizer wall bracket loop 137 to receive hook 134. Stabilizer wall bracket 136 uses mounts 140 to mount to wall 138. This embodiment also has a modified hitch receiver 142 having a modified hitch receiver wall plate 144

[0104] FIG. 26 shows a top perspective view of an alternate main tower wall attachment bracket 148. Bracket 148 is a wall mountable frame having a hitch receiver 28 installed thereon and attachment points 150.

[0105] FIG. 27a-d shows exemplary accessory kits for the present embodiments. FIG. 27a shows a perspective view of an accessory net kit 152a for the present embodiments. FIG. 27b shows a perspective view of an accessory free weight bracket kit 152b for the present embodiments. FIG. 27c shows a perspective view of an accessory vehicle attachment kit 152c for the present embodiments. FIG. 27d shows a perspective view of an accessory free weight and exercise band kit 152d for the present embodiments.

[0106] Figs. 28-30 show embodiments configured to attach to a base pad.

[0107] Specifically, Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of an accessory base pad for the present embodiments. This embodiment may include a base accessory 160, base accessory 162 to mount tower 166 / 24, pin 164 to attach base bracket 162 to perpendicular base attachment bracket 176, alternate tower 166, an alternate crossbar 168 mountable to tower 166, and an optional extender bar 170 to tower. Materials in these embodiments can include metal plate stock which can be painted or powder coated.

[0108] Fig. 29 shows an exploded perspective view of an accessory base pad for the present embodiments according to another approach. This embodiment shows: pins 172 to mount pad 160 to the surface (ground); bores 174 in pad 160 to allow pins 172 to mount pad 160 to the surface (ground); a perpendicular base attachment bracket 176 to receive for example horizontal bar portion 26; a pin 178 attached to bracket 176 to additionally and optionally mountAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 pad 160 to the surface (ground 171); a vertical member 180 of bracket 176 to mount to base mount 162; a pin 182 to attach base accessory mount to bracket 176; a bore 184 in base accessory mount 162 to receive pin 164 to mount bracket 176; bore 186 to receive pin 182; and bracket 176 opening 188 to receive member 26 of tower 24. It is noted that pins 172 can similarly be made of metal, which can be painted or powder coated. Fig. 30 shows an installed assembled perspective view of an accessory base pad for the present embodiments according to Fig. 29.

[0109] Figs. 31-33 show embodiments configured with optional accessory shelf mountable to the assembly’s tower. Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments. Shown in the figures are a table / shelf mountable to tower 190; exemplary upper mount 192 hingedly secured to table / shelf 190 and detachably mounted to tower via a pin 20 or 20ii installed in bore 22; exemplary lower mount 194 hingedly secured to table / shelf 190 and detachably mounted to tower via a pin or 20ii installed in bore 22; and for illustrative purposes only, a projector 196. Fig. 32 shows a detailed perspective view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments of Fig. 31. Fig. 33 shows a side view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments of Fig. 31 showing additional detail and in use to hold an exemplary video projector.

[0110] Figs. 34-35 show alternate embodiments configured with optional accessory shelf mountable to the assembly’s tower. Fig. 34 shows a side view of a shelf accessory for the present embodiments showing additional detail according to another approach and in use to hold an exemplary video projector. Shown in the figures are: an optional bracket 198 to mount to tower; a bore 200 to mount an optional bracket to mount to tower using pin 20 or 20ii; tabs 202 with openings to mount to table / shelf 90; openings 204 in tabs 202; bolts 206 to mount bracket 202 to shelf 90; shelf 90 bores 208 to receive bolts 206. Fig. 35 shows a perspective view of the shelf accessory bracket 198 of Fig. 34 in more detail.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0111] Fig. 36 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a dumbbell holder accessory for the present embodiments. The figure shows a free weight bracket 210; and an exemplary free weight 212.

[0112] Figs. 37-39 show embodiments configured with optional accessory canopy mountable to the assembly’s tower. Fig. 37 shows a perspective view of an accessory base pad, canopy and canopy bracket for the present embodiments. Shown in the figures is an accessory 214 to attach to tower (such as an umbrella / canopy / light tower); an accessory bracket 216 to attach accessory 214 to tower; and a receiver 218 of accessory 214. Fig. 38 shows a perspective view of canopy bracket 216 for the present embodiments. Fig. 39 shows a close-up perspective view of the canopy bracket 216 for the present embodiments of Fig. 37. Fig. 39 shows a close-up perspective view of the canopy bracket 216 for the present embodiments of Fig. 37 installed.

[0113] Figs. 40-41 show embodiments configured with optional accessory hammock frame mountable to, for example, a hitch receiver 32 of vehicle 34. Fig. 40 shows a perspective view of an accessory hammock frame for the present embodiments. Shown in the figures is a hammock frame accessory 219; hammock frame lateral arms 220; hammock T-bracket 222; and a horizontal hammock bar 224 to attach hammock T-bracket to hitch receiver 32. Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of an accessory hammock frame for the present embodiments of Fig.40 with an exemplary hammock 226 installed.

[0114] Figs. 42-45 show embodiments configured with optional accessory bicycle rack accessory 240mountable to, for example, a hitch receiver 32 of vehicle 34. Fig. 42 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a bike rack accessory for the present embodiments.Shown in the figure is an exemplary bicycle 228; brackets 230 to attach tower cross bars 12 to lateral cross bars 236; brackets 232 to attach bicycle frame to lateral cross bars; openings 234 in lateral bars 236; lateral bars 236 to attach to cross bar 12; bracket 238 to slide over and attach to tower having cross bars 12 (e.g., tower 24); spring loaded clamps 244 to attach bicycleAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 to lateral cross bars (open); spring loaded clamps 246 to attach bicycle to lateral cross bars (closed); spring 248 for clamps 244 / 246; and closable and lockable clip 250 to hold clamp 244 closed.

[0115] Fig. 43 shows bracket 232 rotated 90 degrees of the bike rack accessory of Fig. 42 for the present embodiments to show more detail. Fig. 44 shows a perspective view of an assembled and installed bike rack accessory of Fig. 42 for the present embodiments.

[0116] Fig. 45 shows an exploded perspective view of an installed bike rack accessory of Fig.42 for the present embodiments with the lateral arms 236 rotated 90 degrees (or alternatively rotating the clamps 232 90 degrees) on lateral arms 236 to allow insertion of pegs 242 of an exemplary accessory table 241 into closed clamps 244. It is noted that this arrangement may be used for several other types of accessory attachments besides a table such as a food grill, pizza oven, and the like.

[0117] Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the embodiments have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present embodiments attempt to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Throughout this specification and the drawings and figures associated with this specification, numerical labels of previously shown or discussed features may be reused in another drawing figure to indicate similar features. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0118] Reference Numbers:

[0119] 10 hitch receiver mountable device

[0120] 12 crossbar

[0121] 14 crossbar attachment loops to attach resistance band, pulleys and the like

[0122] 16 center crossbar attachment loops

[0123] 17 “D” ring shackle

[0124] 18 crossbar sleeve to receive the main tower

[0125] 19 carabiner

[0126] 20 mountable pin

[0127] 20ii tower mountable pin Fig. 36 and 32

[0128] 21 crossbar openings to receive crossbar pin therethrough

[0129] 22 main tower mounting openings to receive crossbar pin 20 therethrough

[0130] 23 eye hook

[0131] 24 “L” shaped main tower

[0132] 26 horizontal bar portion to attach to hitch receiver

[0133] 28 horizontal bar 26 openings to receive hitch pin therethrough

[0134] 30 main tower extender

[0135] 32 hitch receiver

[0136] 33 hitch receiver openings to receive hitch pin therethrough

[0137] 34 pick-up vehicle

[0138] 35 sport utility vehicle

[0139] 36 support plate

[0140] 38 main tower cap

[0141] 40 crossbar capAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0142] 44 main tower extender step to extend into the vertical portion of “L” shaped main tower 24

[0143] 48 hitch pin

[0144] 50 pulley such as a snatch pulley block

[0145] 52 pulley cable

[0146] 54 weight

[0147] 56 resistance bands

[0148] 58 carabiner

[0149] 60 handle to attach to resistance bands

[0150] 61 C” clamp adjustment knob with threaded stem

[0151] 62 optional stabilizing assembly

[0152] 63 stabilizing bracket sleeve to receive the gate clamp assembly

[0153] 64 stabilizing assembly arm extendable from crossbar

[0154] 65 pin to attach cross bar stabilizing arm to gate clamp assembly 70

[0155] 66 “C” clamp

[0156] 68 crossbar opening to pin optional stabilizing assembly

[0157] 70 “C” clamp tube to extend through stabilizing bracket sleeve 63

[0158] 72 C” clamp side opposing “C” clamp pad 74

[0159] 74 pad attached to threaded stem to clamp to gate

[0160] 75 threaded stem

[0161] 76 vehicle tailgate

[0162] 78 basketball net and backboard accessory

[0163] 80 pull-up bar accessory

[0164] 82 handle bar of pull-up bar

[0165] 84 sleeve for the main tower to extend therethrough for mounting accessories.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0166] 86 sleeve pin 86 to extend through main tower mounting openings 22

[0167] 88 backboard

[0168] 90 basketball net

[0169] 92 pin to extend therethrough the opening 68 and 46

[0170] 94 accessory net post to mount to main tower 24

[0171] 96 net post mounting openings to receive pin 20 from sleeve 102 therethrough or attachment points for a net

[0172] 98 fixed bracket sleeve on net post

[0173] 99 alternate angled clamping bracket

[0174] 100 adjustable net post sleeve to receive the main tower 24

[0175] 101 crossbar sleeve to receive the main tower

[0176] 102 mounted net post sleeve to receive the main tower 24

[0177] 104 tennis net

[0178] 106 volleyball net

[0179] 108 “C” clamp tube extender

[0180] 110 stabilizing bracket sleeve to receive second and third tower

[0181] 112 second tower

[0182] 113 third tower

[0183] 114 second and third tower top connector

[0184] 116 first top connector sleeve to receive second tower

[0185] 120 roof rack transverse bar

[0186] 122 sleeve to receive second and third tower

[0187] 124 barbell storage bracket

[0188] 126 removable foot pad

[0189] 128 mattAttorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0190] 130 roof rack longitudinal bracket

[0191] 132 wall mount stabilizing tube to extend through stabilizing bracket sleeve 63

[0192] 134 hook to mount wall mount stabilizing tube 132 to wall bracket 136

[0193] 136 stabilizer wall bracket

[0194] 137 stabilizer wall bracket loop to receive hook 134

[0195] 138 wall

[0196] 140 stabilizer wall bracket mounts

[0197] 142 modified hitch receiver

[0198] 144 modified hitch receiver wall plate

[0199] 146 modified hitch receiver wall mounts

[0200] 148 modified wall bracket

[0201] 150 wall attachment points

[0202] 152a net kit

[0203] 152b free weight bracket kit

[0204] 152c vehicle attachment kit

[0205] 152d exercise band and free weight kit

[0206] 160 base accessory

[0207] 162 base accessory to mount tower 166 / 24

[0208] 164 pin to attach base bracket 162 to perpendicular base attachment bracket 176

[0209] 166 alternate tower (See e.g., Fig. 28)

[0210] 168 alternant crossbar mountable to tower 166

[0211] 170 optional extender bar to tower

[0212] 171 ground / surface

[0213] 172 pins to mount pad 160 to the surface (ground)

[0214] 174 bores in pad 160 to allow pins 172 to mount pad 160 to the surface (ground)Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0215] 176 perpendicular base attachment bracket to receive for example horizontal bar portion 26

[0216] 178 pin attached to bracket 176 to mount pad 160 to the surface (ground)

[0217] 180 vertical member of bracket 176 to mount to base mount 162

[0218] 182 pin to attach base accessory mount to bracket 176

[0219] 184 bore in base accessory mount 162 to receive pin 164 to mount bracket 176

[0220] 186 bore to receive pin 182

[0221] 188 bracket 176 opening to receive member 26 of tower 24

[0222] 190 table / shelf mountable to tower

[0223] 192 exemplary upper mount hingedly secured to table / shelf 190 and detachably mounted to tower via a pin 20 or 20ii installed in bore 22

[0224] 194 exemplary lower mount hingedly secured to table / shelf 190 and detachably mounted to tower via a pin or 20ii installed in bore 22

[0225] 196 exemplary projector

[0226] 198 an optional bracket to mount to tower

[0227] 200 bore to mount an optional bracket to mount to tower using pin 20 or 20ii

[0228] 202 tabs with openings to mount to table / shelf 90

[0229] 204 openings in tabs 202

[0230] 206 bolts to mount bracket 202 to shelf 90

[0231] 208 shelf 90 bores to receive bolts 206

[0232] 210 free weight bracket Fig. 36

[0233] 212 free weight Fig. 36

[0234] 214 accessory to attach to tower (umbrella Fig. 37)

[0235] 216 accessory bracket to attach accessory 214 to tower (umbrella Fig. 37)

[0236] 218 receiver of accessory 214Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798

[0237] 219 hammock frame accessory (Fig. 40)

[0238] 220 hammock frame lateral arms

[0239] 222 hammock T-bracket

[0240] 224 horizontal hammock bar to attach hammock T-bracket to hitch receiver 32

[0241] 226 hammock

[0242] 228 bicycle

[0243] 230 brackets to attach tower cross bars 12 to lateral cross bars 236 (Fig. 42)

[0244] 232 brackets to attach bicycle frame to lateral cross bars (Fig. 42)

[0245] 234 openings in lateral bars 236 (Fig. 42)

[0246] 236 lateral bars to attach to cross bar 12 (Fig. 42)

[0247] 238 bracket to slide over and attach to tower having cross bars 12 (e.g., tower 24)

[0248] 240 bicycle rack accessory (Fig. 42)

[0249] 241 table accessory

[0250] 242 peg to be received by closed clamps 244

[0251] 244 spring loaded clamps to attach bicycle to lateral cross bars (open)

[0252] 246 spring loaded clamps to attach bicycle to lateral cross bars (closed)

[0253] 248 spring for clamps 244 / 246

[0254] 250 closable and lockable clip to hold clamp 244 closed

Claims

1. Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798CLAIMSI CLAIM:

1. An accessory rack for use with on a stationary vehicle, comprising:an assembly configured to attach exercise accessories to a removable crossbar and / or to a vertical main tower;the crossbar having attachment loops, center crossbar attachment loops, a “D” ring shackle, a crossbar sleeve to receive the main tower, at least one carabiner, at least one crossbar pin, and crossbar openings to receive crossbar pin therethrough;the vertical main tower having tower mounting openings to at least receive the crossbar pin therethrough, an eye hook, and a horizontal bar portion configured and sized to attach within a vehicle hitch receiver,wherein the horizontal bar portion attached to the main tower has a bore to receive hitch pin therethrough.

2. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising: pressure fitted endcaps to seal the interior and minimize water ingress.

3. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising: a weight lifting accessory kit attachable to the crossbar comprising a pulley such as a snatch pulley block, a pulley cable, a weight, a resistance bands, a carabiner, and a handle to attach to resistance bands.

4. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 a stabilizing assembly configured to be attachable to a tailgate of a pickup truck or the roof rack of a sport utility vehicle, the stabilizing assembly comprising, a stabilizing assembly arm attachable to, extendable from and parallel with the crossbar on each distal end of the crossbar,a “C” clamp tube having a first and second end attachable at the first end to each distal end of each stabilizing assembly arm by extension through stabilizing assembly arm sleeve, the “C” clamp tube, when attached, is oriented to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle,wherein a “C” clamp is attached to the second end of each “C” clamp tube, the “C” clamp configured to secure the accessory rack to the tail gate or roof rack.

5. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising:a basketball and pull-up bar accessory kit attachable to the vertical main tower, comprising,at least one vertical main tower extension attachable to the vertical main tower at a first end,a basketball net and backboard accessory attachable to a second end of the at least one vertical main tower extension, anda pull-up bar accessory attachable to a second end of the at least one vertical main tower extension.

6. The accessory rack of claim 1 , wherein the main tower is formed of two-inch square carbon steel hollow tubing with a 14-gage wall thickness.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 7. The accessory rack of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar is formed of two-inch square carbon steel tubing with a 14-gage wall thickness and is between 20 and 36 inches in length.

8. The accessory rack of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar sleeve is formed from 2.5-inch square carbon steel tubing with a 0.238-inch wall thickness.

9. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising a net post accessory configured to mount to the main tower for supporting a tennis or volleyball net.

10. The accessory rack of claim 9, wherein the net post accessory includes a fixed bracket sleeve and net post mounting openings to receive a pin therethrough.

11. The accessory rack of claim 1 , further comprising a free weight bracket accessory configured to hold free weights and a removable foot pad.

12. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising a wall mount stabilizing tube and wall bracket for mounting the accessory rack to a wall.

13. The accessory rack of claim 1 , further comprising a shelf accessory mountable to the main tower, the shelf accessory including upper and lower mounts hingedly secured to the shelf and detachably mounted to the tower via pins.

14. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising a canopy bracket accessory configured to attach an umbrella or canopy to the main tower.Attorney Docket No. 21717-162794-US Customer No. 42798 15. The accessory rack of claim 1 , further comprising a hammock frame accessory mountable to the hitch receiver, the hammock frame including lateral arms, a T-bracket, and a horizontal hammock bar.

16. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising a bicycle rack accessory mountable to the hitch receiver, the bicycle rack including brackets to attach tower cross bars to lateral cross bars, spring loaded clamps, and lockable clips.

17. The accessory rack of claim 1, wherein the crossbar attachment loops are positioned on the front of the crossbar facing away from the vehicle and spaced equally from one end to the other.

18. The accessory rack of claim 1, further comprising a base pad mountable to the ground and mountable to the main tower.

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