Transport cage with enclosed case

• US 20040232182A1
• Filed: 05/20/2003
• Published: 11/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joseph T. Ingram
• Original Assignee: Joseph T. Ingram
• Inventors: Ingram, Joseph T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,004,365 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/401
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/14 for supporting weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/055 Enclosure-type carriers, e.g. containers, boxes B60R9/048 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/065 Enclosure-type carriers, e.g. trunks
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 33/06 Containers for carrying smallarms, e.g. safety boxes, gun cases F41C33/02 takes precedence

Abstract

A transport cage (“cage”) and enclosed case combination, wherein the cage is adapted to attach to a vehicle rack where the cage functions simultaneously as a transport container and as a supplemental rack. The cage comprises a first and second tubular framework respectively defining an open box (“box”) and a lid. The lid can move between an open and closed position with respect to the box. In the preferred embodiment the cage is designed to accommodate a rifle case. At least one connector enables the cage to be connected to a vehicle rack. The first or second tubular framework enable additional items to be attached to the cage such that the cage acts as a supplemental rack. The cage and case combination is particularly suited to carrying additional items on an ATV rack thereby extending the carrying capacity of an ATV rack.

Claims

1. A transportation apparatus adapted to carry items therein and function as a supplemental rack for attaching further items thereto, comprising:

a cage, wherein the cage comprises a first tubular framework and a second tubular framework respectively defining an open box and a lid, wherein the lid moves between an open and closed position with respect to the box, wherein when the lid is in a closed position the lid and box collectively define an internal storage space for carrying at least one item therein, and wherein the lid and box collectively define a supplemental rack suitable for attaching other items thereto; and

at least one connector adapted to attache the cage to a vehicle rack,

whereby the transportation apparatus solves the problem of carrying items therein while simultaneously functioning as a supplemental rack thereby extending the carrying capacity of a vehicle rack.

2. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage.

3. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure at least one item inside the case.

4. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a rifle or parts of a rifle.

5. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a camera or parts of a camera.

6. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a pair of binoculars or parts of a pair of binoculars.

7. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a pair of binoculars or parts of a pair of binoculars, further wherein the first and second tubular frameworks are made of tubes of high strength corrosion resistant material.

8. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a pair of binoculars or parts of a pair of binoculars, further wherein the first and second tubular frameworks are made of tubes of treated steel such as chromed steel, zinc coated (galvanized) steel, and stainless steel alone or in combination.

9. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a pair of binoculars or parts of a pair of binoculars, further wherein the first and second tubular frameworks are made of tubes of treated steel selected from the group consisting of:

chromed steel, zinc coated (galvanized) steel, and stainless steel.

10. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a pair of binoculars or parts of a pair of binoculars, further wherein the first and second tubular frameworks are made of tubes of hollow square or rectangular steel tube sections.

11. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a pair of binoculars or parts of a pair of binoculars, further wherein the first and second tubular frameworks are made of tubes of metal of circular cross-section.

12. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a pair of binoculars or parts of a pair of binoculars, further wherein the first and second tubular frameworks are made of polymer for lightness, strength, and resistance to weathering.

13. A transportation apparatus for carrying items on a rack attached to an all terrain vehicle rack, comprising:

a cage, wherein the cage comprises a first tubular framework and a second tubular framework respectively defining an open box and a lid, wherein the lid moves between an open and closed position with respect to the box, wherein when the lid is in a closed position the lid and box collectively define an internal storage space for carrying at least one item therein, and wherein the lid and box collectively define a supplemental rack suitable for attaching other items thereto;

at least one connector adapted to attache the cage to a vehicle rack; and

a case, wherein the case is sized to fit inside the internal storage space of the cage, wherein the case comprises at least one insert, wherein the at least one insert is made of material able to absorb mechanical shocks and wherein the insert is adapted to secure a hunting rifle or parts of a hunting rifle,

whereby the transportation apparatus solves the problem of a hunter using an ATV to carry a tree stand, a deer carcass, and a hunting rifle without obliging the hunter to personally carry the hunting rifle and thereby enhancing the safety and pleasure of hunting for the hunter.