Patent ID: 8327979
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: B66F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for lifting a powered vehicle having a set of drive wheels, wherein the apparatus is attached to a receiver of a transportation vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a vertical housing having a hitch insert for connection to the receiver; a helical drive nut rigidly supported within the vertical housing; a threaded shaft engaging the helical drive nut; the threaded shaft having a first support shoulder and a second support shoulder; a lift frame telescopically extending within the vertical housing; a first bearing, rigidly attached to the lift frame and adjacent the first support shoulder; a second bearing, rigidly attached to the lift frame and adjacent the second support shoulder; a universal joint attached to the threaded shaft; the universal joint further attached to a first angled gear; a support frame having a support surface for supporting the powered vehicle; a rotor bar, pivotally attached to the support frame and frictionally engaging the set of drive wheels; a second angled gear rigidly attached to the rotor bar and meshed with the first angled gear; an actuator arm rigidly connected to the support frame and pivotally connected to the lift frame about a pivot axis; the universal joint further comprises an upper section connected to a lower section by a crossmember, where the crossmember defines a plane which passes generally through the pivot axis; and whereby when the drive wheels are engaged, the support platform is lifted.