Pivoting Hitch-Mounted Loading Platform for Motor Vehicles
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to loading platforms and, more specifically, to a loading platform for motor vehicles that is pivotably supported by a rigid stationary frame member with a central square tube that connects with a conventional trailer hitch. The platform may be locked securely to the stationary frame member and released to allow for the pivoting movement thereof. A pair of bearing assemblies allow for the axial rotation of the bearing blocks and associated platform around the bearings that remain in a fixed position due to the square tube extending therethrough. Pneumatic pistons communicate between a central portion of the stationary frame member and a distal portion of the platform to provide resistance and regulate the rotational movement of the platform.
Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention discloses a loading platform for motor vehicles that is pivotably supported by a rigid stationary frame member with a central square tube that connects with a conventional trailer hitch. The platform may be locked securely to the stationary frame member and released to allow for the pivoting movement thereof. A pair of bearing assemblies allow for the axial rotation of the bearing blocks and associated platform around the bearings that remain in a fixed position due to the square tube extending therethrough. Pneumatic pistons communicate between a central portion of the stationary frame member and a distal portion of the platform to provide stability and regulate the rotational movement of the platform.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a loading platform for motor vehicles that may be installed on any motor vehicle equipped with a standard hitch.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hitch-mounted loading platform for motor vehicles that pivots on a central fulcrum defined by a square tube telescopically connected with the trailer hitch and extending therefrom across the width of the platform.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch- mounted loading platform for motor vehicles having a horizontal rigid frame member, preferably of a substantially u-shaped configuration, welded perpendicularly to said square tube.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch- mounted loading platform for motor vehicles employing a dual pneumatic piston system to prevent the platform from freely rotating without the external urging thereof thereby providing a safe and smooth lift.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch- mounted loading platform for motor vehicles having a means for locking the pivoting platform to the stationary frame member.
One other object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch-mounted loading platform for motor vehicles having recessed tail lights for enhanced safety.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch- mounted loading platform for motor vehicles wherein the loading platform may be custom built according to user's needs although the preferable available platform space is 32" x 62".
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch- mounted loading platform for motor vehicles that requires no electric motors or mechanical equipment.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch-mounted
loading platform for motor vehicles constructed of aircraft quality aluminum that will never fade or rust.
One other object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch- mounted loading platform for motor vehicles with one touch operation that provides the same ease and usability as other electric or hydraulic lift mechanisms without the risk of mechanical failure or messy oil leaks.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch-mounted loading platform for motor vehicles that is simple and easy to use.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting, hitch-mounted loading platform for motor vehicles that is inexpensive to manufacture to and operate.
Brief Description of the Drawing Figures
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use.
Figure 2 is a front view of the present invention in use.
Figure 3 is a front view of the present invention in use.
Figure 4 is a top view of the present invention in use.
Figure 5 is a cross sectional front view of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a cross sectional front view of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a bottom view of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bearing assembly.
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the bearing assembly.
Figure 10 is a sectional view of the bearing assembly.
The reference numerals utilized in the drawing figures are defined as follows:
10 present invention
12 vehicle
14 platform
16 power cord
18 taillights
20 ramp
22 tie-down recesses
24 locking mechanism
26 latch
28 clip
30 piston
32 stationary frame
34 square tube
36 trailer hitch
38 hitch pin
40 track
42 bearing assembly
44 bearing
46 bearing block
48 electrical wire
50 throughbore
52 bolt holes
54 side wall
56 bearing retaining flange
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Turning to Figure 1, shown therein is an illustrative view of the present invention 10 installed on the rear end of a truck 12. The present invention 10 is a loading system with a pivoting platform 14 that is easily mounted on the trailer hitch of a motor vehicle 12 for transporting wheelchairs and handicap equipment, scooters, ATV1S, lawnmowers and other miscellaneous heavy items. A power cord 16 receives electricity from the vehicle 12 to energize the multiple taillights 18 accordingly. Also shown is a retracted pullout ramp 20 on one end or side of the platform 14.
Turning to Figure 2, shown therein is front view of the present invention 10 in use. The present invention 10 is shown mounted on a pick-up truck 12 with the loading platform 14 secured in the substantially horizontal travel position. Also shown are multiple tie down recesses 22, locking mechanism 24 and taillights 18.
Turning to Figure 3, shown therein is front view of the present invention 10 in use. The latch element 26 of the locking mechanism has been released from the clip element 28 thereof on the end of the stationary frame 32 and manual pressure has been applied to the ramp 20 end of the platform 14 to pivot it into position to wheel a load thereon. Two pneumatic pistons 30 provide resistance and stability for a safe and smooth lift of the loading platform 14.
Turning to Figure 4, shown therein is a top view of the present invention 10. The present invention 10 is mounted to the vehicle 12 by inserting the square tube 34 of the platforms stationary frame into a conventional trailer hitch 36 and securing the connection with a typical hitch pin 38. The present invention 10 meets all dot standards for class 2 and class 3 hitches. Also shown is power cord 16.
Turning to Figure 5, shown therein is a cross sectional front view of the present
invention 10. The locking mechanism 24 is engaged thereby securing the end of the platform 14 to the stationary frame element 32 precluding any inadvertent movement thereof. One end of each of a pair of pistons 30 is fastened to the stationary frame 32 and the other end is secured to the end of the platform 14 thereby creating resistance and stability to the movement thereof thereby hindering rapid, uncontrolled pivoting of the platform 14. The extension ramp 20 rides or slides in a track 40 and when extended the extension ramp 20 reduces the angle of inclination of the device 10 necessary to load an article thereon. Also shown is square tube 34, and bearing assembly 42 with bearing 44.
Turning to Figure 6, shown therein is a cross sectional front view of the present invention 10. The bearing blocks 46 are bolted to the side plates of the platform 14 and the bearings 44 rotate in throughbores in bearing assembly 42 located therein. Each bearing 44 has a substantially square throughbore for the square tube 34 to reside therein. This arrangement allows for the axial rotation of the bearing blocks 46 and the attached loading platform 14 about the square tube 34 while the square tube 34 and associated stationary frame 32 assembly remain in a fixed position. Also shown is piston 30 attached to the frame 32 and platform 14.
Turning to Figure 7, shown therein is a bottom view of the present invention 10. Shown is the square tube 34 inserted into and secured to the trailer hitch 36 with hitch pin 38 and extending through the first bearing block 46 and terminating at the second bearing block 46. The stationary frame 32 is welded to the square tube 34 and one end of each piston 30 is attached thereto while the other end of each piston is fastened to the end wall of the platform 14. Electrical wires 48 communicate between the taillights 18 and the power cord 16 which plugs into a mating socket on the vehicle. Also shown is the locking mechanism 24.
Turning to Figure 8, shown therein is a perspective view of the bearing assembly 42 showing the bearing 44 inserted within the bearing block 46. The plastic bearing 44 rotates freely within the block 46. Also shown is a throughbore 50 for the square tube and multiple bolt holes 52.
Turning to Figure 9, shown therein is an exploded perspective view of the bearing assembly 42. Shown are the bearing block 46, bearing 44, and the side wall 54 of the bearing block 46.
Turning to Figure 10, shown therein is a sectional view of the bearing assembly 42 showing the bearing block 46 with the bearing 44 inserted therein and the square tube 34 passing therethrough. The bearing 44 retaining flange 56 is of a lesser diameter than that of the bearing 44 cavity thereby containing the bearing 44 between the retaining flange 56 and the wall 54 when installed. The bolt holes 52 are also shown.