CA2515878A1 - Atv lift and carry apparatus - Google Patents
Atv lift and carry apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2515878A1 CA2515878A1 CA 2515878 CA2515878A CA2515878A1 CA 2515878 A1 CA2515878 A1 CA 2515878A1 CA 2515878 CA2515878 CA 2515878 CA 2515878 A CA2515878 A CA 2515878A CA 2515878 A1 CA2515878 A1 CA 2515878A1
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Abstract
A lift assembly and carrier for use with an ATV having a horizontal platform with fold-down sides and a removable front bar to maintain a load in position. The platform may be moved vertically using the electric winch typically provided at the front of an ATV. Vertical guide posts sliding within vertical guide tubes maintain the horizontal platform substantially level as it is raised and lowered. when not in use, the platform may be pivoted and held in a vertical orientation against the front of the ATV. The platform is disposed in front of the ATV where the load is readily visible to the driver. The load is balanced by the weight of the driver and passengers.
Description
ATV LIFT AND CARRY APPARATUS
Field of the Invention:
The present invention pertains to lift and carry apparatuses and, more specifically, to a lift and carry apparatus specifically adapted for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The emergence of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has presented endless possibilities for off-road transportation.
ATVs are widely used by outdoorsmen for both work and recreational purposes as they are capable of transporting heavy loads great distances over rough terrain and thereby allow access to remote sites.
One typical use of ATVs is to haul carcasses of animals killed by hunters from remote sites. This particular problem is not difficult when the killed animal is relatively small.
However, when the animal carcass weighs several hundred pounds, even for a number of able-bodied hunters, the task is daunting.
Docket No. H-679 Page 1 Discussion of the Related Art:
Many attempts have been made to provide lift and carry capability to ATVs as evidenced by the prior art. None, however, has successfully solved the problem of providing a rugged, readily detachable, lift and carry apparatus specifically designed for use with an ATV.
For example, United States Patent No. 5,456,564 for WINCH
OPERATED VEHICLE MOUNTED CARRIER, issued October 10, 1995 to Thomas R. Bianchini shows a winch-operated carrier for attachment to the rear of a vehicle such as a car or van. The BIANCHINI apparatus is specifically adapted for transporting bicycles, mopeds, and "other traveling essentials".
United States Patent No. 6,312,210 for HAULING ACCESSORY
FOR ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV), issued November 6, 2001 to Harold D. Lang teaches a screw-actuated lift apparatus for attachment to the rear of an ATV. The screw may be either manually turned or, in alternate embodiments, turned by an electric motor. A rack configured for lifting such items as rolls of wire and game animals is provided. However, a load must be moved from the lift and onto the rear cargo deck of the ATV to be transported.
Docket No. H-679 Page 2 United States Patent No. 6,461,095 for ATV LIFT AND CARRY
APPARATUS, issued October 8, 2002 to David P. Puska discloses yet another lift and carry apparatus for use with an ATV. The PUSKA apparatus is attached to a hitch at the rear of the ATV
and may be used to lift objects onto the rear deck of the ATV.
United States Patent No. 6,609,481 for GAME ANIMAL LIFT
ASSEMBLY FOR ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES, issued August 26, 2003 to Lane McCarty shows yet another lift apparatus. Connected to an ATV hitch, the McCARTY apparatus facilitates loading an animal carcass or other object onto the ATV~s cargo deck.
United States Patent No. 6,626,748 for BIG GAME HOIST AND
CARRIER ASSEMBLY, issued September 30, 2003 to Paul A. Homer, Sr. teaches a game hoist useful to lifting an animal carcass for gutting or other processing. The hoisted animal may then be manually displaced onto the cargo deck of the ATV.
United States Patent No. 6,638,001 for GAME LIFTING
APPARATUS, issued October 28, 2003 to Perry A. McKinley teaches a lift apparatus for placement at the front of the ATV. The PERRY Sr. apparatus is pivotally affixed to the ATV
frame and may be rotated downward to the ground for loading and then pivoted upward with a load in place.
Docket No. H-679 Page 3 United States Patent No. 6,769,858 for METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR LOADING CARGO ON AN ATV, issued August 3, 2004 to Adron E. Butler et al. teaches a lift apparatus for attachment to the rear of an ATV to facilitate lifting a load for placement on the rear deck of the ATV.
None of the foregoing patents when considered either individually, or in any combination, is seen to suggest the novel ATV lift and carry apparatus of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a lift assembly and carrier for use with an ATV. A
horizontal platform having fold-down ends and a removable front bar may be moved vertically using the electric winch typically provided at the front of an ATV.
Vertical guide posts maintain the horizontal platform substantially level as it is raised and lowered. However, when not in use, the novel platform may be pivoted and held in a vertical orientation close against the front of the ATV.
The lift apparatus is readily removable from the ATV when unneeded. When attached, the lift apparatus of the invention Docket No. H-679 Page 4 does not reduce the ground clearance of the ATV and, therefore, its presence does not limit the ability of the ATV
to traverse rough terrain.
Because the platform and lift apparatus of the invention are placed in front of the ATV, the weight of the driver and, when present, additional riders typically located behind the center of gravity, tends to balance the load. If required, additional weights may be placed at the rear of the ATV
l0 without interfering with the ability to carry another load on the rear cargo deck thereof.
In addition, the front placement of the inventive lift and carry apparatus allows the driver to monitor the position of the load. An unseen shift in load could contribute to vehicle instability and, in extreme cases, a shift in load could cause the vehicle to overturn. Because the load is visible to the driver, such problems may be averted.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus easily attachable to the front of an ATV.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus that is readily installable on and removeable from the ATV as required.
Docket No. H-679 Page 5 It is a further object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus that, when installed, does not limit the ground clearance of the ATV.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus which utilizes an electric hoist regularly found at the front of an ATV.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus having a substantially horizontal platform.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus having hinged sides and/or front members to help contain and maintain the position of a load.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:
FIGURE la is a top front, perspective view of the lift and carry apparatus of the invention;
Docket No. H-679 Page 6 FIGURE 1b is a top side, perspective view of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE 1a;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE la in a partially raised position, showing its attachment to an ATV;
FIGURE 3 is a detailed front, elevational view of the attachment portion of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE
Field of the Invention:
The present invention pertains to lift and carry apparatuses and, more specifically, to a lift and carry apparatus specifically adapted for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The emergence of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has presented endless possibilities for off-road transportation.
ATVs are widely used by outdoorsmen for both work and recreational purposes as they are capable of transporting heavy loads great distances over rough terrain and thereby allow access to remote sites.
One typical use of ATVs is to haul carcasses of animals killed by hunters from remote sites. This particular problem is not difficult when the killed animal is relatively small.
However, when the animal carcass weighs several hundred pounds, even for a number of able-bodied hunters, the task is daunting.
Docket No. H-679 Page 1 Discussion of the Related Art:
Many attempts have been made to provide lift and carry capability to ATVs as evidenced by the prior art. None, however, has successfully solved the problem of providing a rugged, readily detachable, lift and carry apparatus specifically designed for use with an ATV.
For example, United States Patent No. 5,456,564 for WINCH
OPERATED VEHICLE MOUNTED CARRIER, issued October 10, 1995 to Thomas R. Bianchini shows a winch-operated carrier for attachment to the rear of a vehicle such as a car or van. The BIANCHINI apparatus is specifically adapted for transporting bicycles, mopeds, and "other traveling essentials".
United States Patent No. 6,312,210 for HAULING ACCESSORY
FOR ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV), issued November 6, 2001 to Harold D. Lang teaches a screw-actuated lift apparatus for attachment to the rear of an ATV. The screw may be either manually turned or, in alternate embodiments, turned by an electric motor. A rack configured for lifting such items as rolls of wire and game animals is provided. However, a load must be moved from the lift and onto the rear cargo deck of the ATV to be transported.
Docket No. H-679 Page 2 United States Patent No. 6,461,095 for ATV LIFT AND CARRY
APPARATUS, issued October 8, 2002 to David P. Puska discloses yet another lift and carry apparatus for use with an ATV. The PUSKA apparatus is attached to a hitch at the rear of the ATV
and may be used to lift objects onto the rear deck of the ATV.
United States Patent No. 6,609,481 for GAME ANIMAL LIFT
ASSEMBLY FOR ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES, issued August 26, 2003 to Lane McCarty shows yet another lift apparatus. Connected to an ATV hitch, the McCARTY apparatus facilitates loading an animal carcass or other object onto the ATV~s cargo deck.
United States Patent No. 6,626,748 for BIG GAME HOIST AND
CARRIER ASSEMBLY, issued September 30, 2003 to Paul A. Homer, Sr. teaches a game hoist useful to lifting an animal carcass for gutting or other processing. The hoisted animal may then be manually displaced onto the cargo deck of the ATV.
United States Patent No. 6,638,001 for GAME LIFTING
APPARATUS, issued October 28, 2003 to Perry A. McKinley teaches a lift apparatus for placement at the front of the ATV. The PERRY Sr. apparatus is pivotally affixed to the ATV
frame and may be rotated downward to the ground for loading and then pivoted upward with a load in place.
Docket No. H-679 Page 3 United States Patent No. 6,769,858 for METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR LOADING CARGO ON AN ATV, issued August 3, 2004 to Adron E. Butler et al. teaches a lift apparatus for attachment to the rear of an ATV to facilitate lifting a load for placement on the rear deck of the ATV.
None of the foregoing patents when considered either individually, or in any combination, is seen to suggest the novel ATV lift and carry apparatus of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a lift assembly and carrier for use with an ATV. A
horizontal platform having fold-down ends and a removable front bar may be moved vertically using the electric winch typically provided at the front of an ATV.
Vertical guide posts maintain the horizontal platform substantially level as it is raised and lowered. However, when not in use, the novel platform may be pivoted and held in a vertical orientation close against the front of the ATV.
The lift apparatus is readily removable from the ATV when unneeded. When attached, the lift apparatus of the invention Docket No. H-679 Page 4 does not reduce the ground clearance of the ATV and, therefore, its presence does not limit the ability of the ATV
to traverse rough terrain.
Because the platform and lift apparatus of the invention are placed in front of the ATV, the weight of the driver and, when present, additional riders typically located behind the center of gravity, tends to balance the load. If required, additional weights may be placed at the rear of the ATV
l0 without interfering with the ability to carry another load on the rear cargo deck thereof.
In addition, the front placement of the inventive lift and carry apparatus allows the driver to monitor the position of the load. An unseen shift in load could contribute to vehicle instability and, in extreme cases, a shift in load could cause the vehicle to overturn. Because the load is visible to the driver, such problems may be averted.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus easily attachable to the front of an ATV.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus that is readily installable on and removeable from the ATV as required.
Docket No. H-679 Page 5 It is a further object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus that, when installed, does not limit the ground clearance of the ATV.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus which utilizes an electric hoist regularly found at the front of an ATV.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus having a substantially horizontal platform.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a lift and carry apparatus having hinged sides and/or front members to help contain and maintain the position of a load.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:
FIGURE la is a top front, perspective view of the lift and carry apparatus of the invention;
Docket No. H-679 Page 6 FIGURE 1b is a top side, perspective view of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE 1a;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE la in a partially raised position, showing its attachment to an ATV;
FIGURE 3 is a detailed front, elevational view of the attachment portion of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE
2;
FIGURE 4a is a front, elevational view of the lift and carry apparatus of the invention in a vertical, stored orientation; and FIGURE 4b is a side, elevational view of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE 4a.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring first to FIGURES la and 1b, there are shown top front and top side perspective views, respectively, of the platform of the inventive lift and carry apparatus, generally at reference number 100. A support frame has a horizontal support bar 102 having a pair of spaced-apart, vertical guide Docket No. H-679 Page 7 posts 104 rigidly affixed thereto. Horizontal frame members 106 are rigidly interconnected one to another. The assembly formed of horizontal frame support members 106 is hingedly attached to horizontal support bar 102 at hinges 108 formed in flanges 110. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, horizontal support bar 102 is cylindrical and flanges 110 attached to horizontal frame members 106 are free to rotate around horizontal frame member 102. It will be recognized that other arrangements may be used to hingedly attach horizontal support members 106 to horizontal support bar 102 and the invention is not limited to the hinge assembly chosen for purposes of disclosure.
Horizontal frame members 106 are typically and preferably formed from steel or other suitable material. Square tubular steel stock is used in the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure. Such stock is readily welded together to form the assembly of horizontal support frame members. It will be recognized that techniques other than welding may be used to join various components of the inventive lift and carry apparatus. For example, the components may be joined using bolts and nuts or other similar fasteners. Therefore, the invention is not limited to any particular frame assembly technique.
Docket No. H-679 Page 8 A horizontal cargo platform 112 is disposed atop horizontal frame members 106 and is rigidly affixed thereto.
Horizontal cargo platform 112 is an elongated, rectangular structure formed from a series of cargo frame members 114.
The exact arrangement of cargo frame members 114 may be varied depending upon the size of cargo platform 112, load carrying requirements thereof, or other such factors. Such constructions are known to those of skill in the mechanical engineering art and the exact configuration of cargo frame members 114 is not further discussed herein.
Several optional features may be added to horizontal cargo platform 112. For example, hinged sides 116 may be provided, attached to the cargo support platform 112 by hinges 118. Hinged sides 116 are shown flat in FIGURE la and upright (i.e., perpendicular to the surface of cargo support platform 112) in FIGURE 1b. Hinged sides 116 are free to rotate through approximately a 180 degree arc, from a position inward against a top surface of cargo platform 112, not shown, to an outwardly extended, flat position as shown in FIGURE la.
Hinges 118 may be continuous hinges (e. g., piano-style hinges) or discrete hinges as shown in the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure. Optional hinged sides 116 may be held upright by connecting them with a front, horizontal bar 120 and braces 122 as shown in FIGURE 1b. It will be recognized that there are many other ways to lock or secure hinged sides Docket No. H-679 Page 9 116 in an upright position. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, a stop, not shown, attached to a side horizontal cargo frame member is used to prevent rotation of hinged side 116 beyond an outward, horizontal orientation (as shown in FIGURE la). Hinged sides 116 may optionally have an expanded metal surface applied to help contain a load.
Another optional feature of horizontal cargo support platform 212 is decking 124 shown disposed upon all or a portion of an upper surface thereof. Decking 124 may be solid or open (e.g., expanded metal) as is required to meet a particular operating circumstance or environment. Various surface treatments, not shown, may be applied to decking 124 as required.
Attachment points (e.g., eye bolts) 126a, 126b, 126c, are provided for attaching a chain 128 using S-hooks 131 or other connection mechanisms. Front, intermediate, and rear attachment points I26a, 126b, 126c, respectively, are provided to allow chain 128 to be attached to cargo platform 112 in several configurations. Different chain configurations are used to raise and lower platform 100 or to fold platform 100 against the front of an ATV 136 (FIGURE 2) as is described in detail hereinbelow.
Docket No. H-679 Page 10 A winch cable attachment point 130 is provided along chain 128. A winch cable 132 having a distal end with a cable termination 134 may be attached to chain 128 at attachment point 130. Termination 134 of cable 132 is typically a snap hook, but other terminators are known to those of skill in the art and may be used interchangeably. Winch cable 132 and cable termination 134 form no part of the present invention.
ATVs 136 (FIGURE 2) typically include an optional electrically-powered winch, not shown, adapted to selectively spool and unspool cable 132 therefrom. In alternate embodiments of the lift and carry apparatus of the invention, a hand- or electrically-powered winch could be included if one were not externally provided.
Referring now also to FIGURES 2 and 3, there are shown a side, perspective view and a detailed front elevational view, respectively, of platform I00 in a slightly raised position, FIGURE 3 showing details of its attachment to an ATV 136, only a front portion of which is shown. A plate 138 is attached to ATV 136 using eye hooks 140 or any other suitable attachment method. The exact attachment method may vary among various styles and models of ATV and the present invention covers any and all methods of attachment to an ATV 136.
A pair of hollow vertical guide tubes 142 is affixed to plate 138 and adapted and configured to slidably receive Docket No. H-679 Page 11 vertical guide bars 106. Vertical guide tubes 142 are typically formed from hollow square steel tube stock.
A central column 144 is disposed vertically between vertical guide tubes 142 and extends upward from attachment plate 138. A pulley 146 is disposed near the upper end of central column 144. Winch cable 132 passes over roller assembly 148 and pulley 146 which are both disposed between cable termination 134 and the electric winch, not shown.
In operation, platform 100 is lowered to the ground by extending winch cable 132 from the electric winch until the platform 100 s at a desired height, typically the height of the surface upon which ATV 136 is supported. A load, not shown, may then manually be placed upon cargo platform 112.
Hinged sides 116 and front horizontal bar 120 may then be positioned as desired.
Chain 128 is connected using suitable S-hooks 131 at attachment points 126a and 126c. Cable terminator 134 of winch cable 132 is attached to chain 128 at attachment point 130. Activation of the electric winch then tightens winch cable 132, applying upward tension upon the lift and carry assembly of the invention. The electric winch is operated until the cargo platform 112 is raised to a desired height, typically at least as high as the height of the ATV
Docket No. H-679 Page 12 undercarriage. Once the cargo platform 112 is at a desired height, the ATV 136 may be moved as desired, thereby transporting the load upon cargo platform 112.
Referring now to FIGURES 4a and 4b, there are shown front and side elevational views, respectively, of the inventive lift/store apparatus in a substantially vertical, stored position.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the examples chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.
Docket No. H-679 Page 13
FIGURE 4a is a front, elevational view of the lift and carry apparatus of the invention in a vertical, stored orientation; and FIGURE 4b is a side, elevational view of the lift and carry apparatus of FIGURE 4a.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring first to FIGURES la and 1b, there are shown top front and top side perspective views, respectively, of the platform of the inventive lift and carry apparatus, generally at reference number 100. A support frame has a horizontal support bar 102 having a pair of spaced-apart, vertical guide Docket No. H-679 Page 7 posts 104 rigidly affixed thereto. Horizontal frame members 106 are rigidly interconnected one to another. The assembly formed of horizontal frame support members 106 is hingedly attached to horizontal support bar 102 at hinges 108 formed in flanges 110. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, horizontal support bar 102 is cylindrical and flanges 110 attached to horizontal frame members 106 are free to rotate around horizontal frame member 102. It will be recognized that other arrangements may be used to hingedly attach horizontal support members 106 to horizontal support bar 102 and the invention is not limited to the hinge assembly chosen for purposes of disclosure.
Horizontal frame members 106 are typically and preferably formed from steel or other suitable material. Square tubular steel stock is used in the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure. Such stock is readily welded together to form the assembly of horizontal support frame members. It will be recognized that techniques other than welding may be used to join various components of the inventive lift and carry apparatus. For example, the components may be joined using bolts and nuts or other similar fasteners. Therefore, the invention is not limited to any particular frame assembly technique.
Docket No. H-679 Page 8 A horizontal cargo platform 112 is disposed atop horizontal frame members 106 and is rigidly affixed thereto.
Horizontal cargo platform 112 is an elongated, rectangular structure formed from a series of cargo frame members 114.
The exact arrangement of cargo frame members 114 may be varied depending upon the size of cargo platform 112, load carrying requirements thereof, or other such factors. Such constructions are known to those of skill in the mechanical engineering art and the exact configuration of cargo frame members 114 is not further discussed herein.
Several optional features may be added to horizontal cargo platform 112. For example, hinged sides 116 may be provided, attached to the cargo support platform 112 by hinges 118. Hinged sides 116 are shown flat in FIGURE la and upright (i.e., perpendicular to the surface of cargo support platform 112) in FIGURE 1b. Hinged sides 116 are free to rotate through approximately a 180 degree arc, from a position inward against a top surface of cargo platform 112, not shown, to an outwardly extended, flat position as shown in FIGURE la.
Hinges 118 may be continuous hinges (e. g., piano-style hinges) or discrete hinges as shown in the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure. Optional hinged sides 116 may be held upright by connecting them with a front, horizontal bar 120 and braces 122 as shown in FIGURE 1b. It will be recognized that there are many other ways to lock or secure hinged sides Docket No. H-679 Page 9 116 in an upright position. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, a stop, not shown, attached to a side horizontal cargo frame member is used to prevent rotation of hinged side 116 beyond an outward, horizontal orientation (as shown in FIGURE la). Hinged sides 116 may optionally have an expanded metal surface applied to help contain a load.
Another optional feature of horizontal cargo support platform 212 is decking 124 shown disposed upon all or a portion of an upper surface thereof. Decking 124 may be solid or open (e.g., expanded metal) as is required to meet a particular operating circumstance or environment. Various surface treatments, not shown, may be applied to decking 124 as required.
Attachment points (e.g., eye bolts) 126a, 126b, 126c, are provided for attaching a chain 128 using S-hooks 131 or other connection mechanisms. Front, intermediate, and rear attachment points I26a, 126b, 126c, respectively, are provided to allow chain 128 to be attached to cargo platform 112 in several configurations. Different chain configurations are used to raise and lower platform 100 or to fold platform 100 against the front of an ATV 136 (FIGURE 2) as is described in detail hereinbelow.
Docket No. H-679 Page 10 A winch cable attachment point 130 is provided along chain 128. A winch cable 132 having a distal end with a cable termination 134 may be attached to chain 128 at attachment point 130. Termination 134 of cable 132 is typically a snap hook, but other terminators are known to those of skill in the art and may be used interchangeably. Winch cable 132 and cable termination 134 form no part of the present invention.
ATVs 136 (FIGURE 2) typically include an optional electrically-powered winch, not shown, adapted to selectively spool and unspool cable 132 therefrom. In alternate embodiments of the lift and carry apparatus of the invention, a hand- or electrically-powered winch could be included if one were not externally provided.
Referring now also to FIGURES 2 and 3, there are shown a side, perspective view and a detailed front elevational view, respectively, of platform I00 in a slightly raised position, FIGURE 3 showing details of its attachment to an ATV 136, only a front portion of which is shown. A plate 138 is attached to ATV 136 using eye hooks 140 or any other suitable attachment method. The exact attachment method may vary among various styles and models of ATV and the present invention covers any and all methods of attachment to an ATV 136.
A pair of hollow vertical guide tubes 142 is affixed to plate 138 and adapted and configured to slidably receive Docket No. H-679 Page 11 vertical guide bars 106. Vertical guide tubes 142 are typically formed from hollow square steel tube stock.
A central column 144 is disposed vertically between vertical guide tubes 142 and extends upward from attachment plate 138. A pulley 146 is disposed near the upper end of central column 144. Winch cable 132 passes over roller assembly 148 and pulley 146 which are both disposed between cable termination 134 and the electric winch, not shown.
In operation, platform 100 is lowered to the ground by extending winch cable 132 from the electric winch until the platform 100 s at a desired height, typically the height of the surface upon which ATV 136 is supported. A load, not shown, may then manually be placed upon cargo platform 112.
Hinged sides 116 and front horizontal bar 120 may then be positioned as desired.
Chain 128 is connected using suitable S-hooks 131 at attachment points 126a and 126c. Cable terminator 134 of winch cable 132 is attached to chain 128 at attachment point 130. Activation of the electric winch then tightens winch cable 132, applying upward tension upon the lift and carry assembly of the invention. The electric winch is operated until the cargo platform 112 is raised to a desired height, typically at least as high as the height of the ATV
Docket No. H-679 Page 12 undercarriage. Once the cargo platform 112 is at a desired height, the ATV 136 may be moved as desired, thereby transporting the load upon cargo platform 112.
Referring now to FIGURES 4a and 4b, there are shown front and side elevational views, respectively, of the inventive lift/store apparatus in a substantially vertical, stored position.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the examples chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.
Docket No. H-679 Page 13
Claims (20)
1. A lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle having an attachment point, comprising:
a) a platform, selectively and rotatively movable between a substantially horizontal, operating position and a substantially vertical, stored position;
b) means for guiding, operatively attached to said platform and adapted to align said platform for movement along a vertical axis;
c) means for attaching, operatively connected to said means for guiding and to an attachment point of a vehicle; and d) means for lifting, operatively connected to said platform and adapted to selectively raise and lower said platform along said vertical axis.
a) a platform, selectively and rotatively movable between a substantially horizontal, operating position and a substantially vertical, stored position;
b) means for guiding, operatively attached to said platform and adapted to align said platform for movement along a vertical axis;
c) means for attaching, operatively connected to said means for guiding and to an attachment point of a vehicle; and d) means for lifting, operatively connected to said platform and adapted to selectively raise and lower said platform along said vertical axis.
2. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said vehicle comprises an ATV.
3. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 2, wherein said attachment point is disposed on a front portion of said vehicle.
4. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for guiding comprises at least one substantially vertical guide tube interacting with at least one vertically aligned guide bar.
5. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for lifting comprises an electrically-powered winch disposed external to said platform.
6. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 5, wherein said winch is disposed on said vehicle.
7. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 5, wherein said means for lifting comprises a cable operatively connected to said platform and to said winch.
8. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 7, wherein said means for lifting further comprises a pulley operatively connected to said cable and disposed therealong, said pulley allowing free passage of said cable therepast.
9. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 8, wherein said pulley comprises a substantially vertical support column affixed to said means for attaching, said pulley being disposed proximate a distal end of said support column.
10. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for attaching comprises an attachment plate operatively connected to said means for guiding and removably affixed to said vehicle.
11. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 10, wherein said means for guiding comprises at least one guide tube affixed to said support plate and adapted for slidable interaction with at least one vertically aligned guide bar.
12. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said platform comprises at least one hinged side disposed at an end thereof.
13. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 12, wherein said at least one hinged side is rotatively movable through approximately a 180 degree arc.
14. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 12, wherein said platform further comprises a horizontal front bar.
15. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 14, wherein said horizontal front bar is operatively connected to at least one of said at least one hinged side.
16. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 16, wherein said platform comprises a deck disposed on top of said platform and covering at least a portion thereof.
17. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
e) a winch operatively connected to said platform and said means for attaching.
e) a winch operatively connected to said platform and said means for attaching.
18. A lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle having an attachment point, comprising:
a) a platform, selectively and rotatively movable between a substantially horizontal, operating position and a substantially vertical, stored position;
b) means for attaching, operatively connected to said means for guiding and to an attachment point of a vehicle; and c) means for lifting, operatively connected to said platform and adapted to selectively raise and lower said platform along said vertical axis.
a) a platform, selectively and rotatively movable between a substantially horizontal, operating position and a substantially vertical, stored position;
b) means for attaching, operatively connected to said means for guiding and to an attachment point of a vehicle; and c) means for lifting, operatively connected to said platform and adapted to selectively raise and lower said platform along said vertical axis.
19. The lift and carry apparatus for a vehicle as recited in claim 18, wherein said platform comprises at least one hinged side disposed at an end thereof.
20. A method for carrying a load using an ATV, the steps comprising:
a) providing a load-carrying platform, selectively and rotatively movable between a substantially horizontal, operating position and a substantially vertical, stored position, comprising means for guiding, operatively attached to said platform and adapted to align said platform for movement along a vertical axis, means for attaching, operatively connected to said means for guiding and to an attachment point of a vehicle, and means for lifting, operatively connected to said platform and adapted to selectively raise and lower said platform along said vertical axis;
b) disposing said load-carrying platform in a substantially horizontal position;
c) placing a load on said load-carrying platform;
d) raising said load-carrying platform as required to a height suitable for transporting said load by as ATV;
e) transporting said load;
f) lowering said platform to facilitate unloading said load;
g) unloading said load; and h) optionally storing said platform in said substantially vertical stored position.
a) providing a load-carrying platform, selectively and rotatively movable between a substantially horizontal, operating position and a substantially vertical, stored position, comprising means for guiding, operatively attached to said platform and adapted to align said platform for movement along a vertical axis, means for attaching, operatively connected to said means for guiding and to an attachment point of a vehicle, and means for lifting, operatively connected to said platform and adapted to selectively raise and lower said platform along said vertical axis;
b) disposing said load-carrying platform in a substantially horizontal position;
c) placing a load on said load-carrying platform;
d) raising said load-carrying platform as required to a height suitable for transporting said load by as ATV;
e) transporting said load;
f) lowering said platform to facilitate unloading said load;
g) unloading said load; and h) optionally storing said platform in said substantially vertical stored position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US8360505A | 2005-03-18 | 2005-03-18 | |
| US11/083,605 | 2005-03-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2515878A1 true CA2515878A1 (en) | 2006-09-18 |
Family
ID=37054307
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2515878 Abandoned CA2515878A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2005-08-12 | Atv lift and carry apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2515878A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8292558B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2012-10-23 | Scott Benesch | Trailer for conveniently loading and transporting a four-wheel vehicle |
| US9056623B1 (en) | 2013-12-09 | 2015-06-16 | Viking Solutions, LLC | Game transporting apparatus and method of use |
| US9055738B1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-16 | Viking Solutions, LLC | Game lifting apparatus and method of use |
| USD772782S1 (en) | 2015-03-02 | 2016-11-29 | Edwin C. Johnson | Cargo hauling apparatus |
-
2005
- 2005-08-12 CA CA 2515878 patent/CA2515878A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8292558B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2012-10-23 | Scott Benesch | Trailer for conveniently loading and transporting a four-wheel vehicle |
| US9055738B1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-16 | Viking Solutions, LLC | Game lifting apparatus and method of use |
| US9056623B1 (en) | 2013-12-09 | 2015-06-16 | Viking Solutions, LLC | Game transporting apparatus and method of use |
| USD772782S1 (en) | 2015-03-02 | 2016-11-29 | Edwin C. Johnson | Cargo hauling apparatus |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |