Patent ID: 8998557
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for loading a camper-insert onto a truck having a bed with an open end, comprising: a stiff-leg frame for lifting and supporting the camper-insert from a ground surface immediately adjacent the open end, the stiff-leg frame comprised of at least two vertical members joined substantially at the proximal ends thereof by a crossbar member, the distal ends thereof resting on the ground surface, the crossbar member positioned at substantially the elevation of the bed, the stiff-leg frame horizontally stabilized by at least one connector hinge attached between the stiff-leg frame and the open end; a foot resting on the ground surface medially beneath the camper-insert when the camper-insert is in position for loading, said foot braced against the stiff-leg frame; at least one telescoping beam pivotally connected at its distal end to the rear of the camper-insert and pivotally connected at its proximal end to the foot, said telescoping beam swinging in a vertical arc about its proximal end and collapsing to a minimum radius of curvature equal to the height of the bed, the minimum radius of curvature coinciding with the center of gravity of the load shifting forward of the stiff-leg frame; and a means for drawing the camper-insert over the stiff-leg frame and into the bed; whereas, the front and rear of the camper-insert are sequentially lifted up and over the stiff-leg frame by the means for drawing and the at least one telescoping beam braced against the stiff-leg frame, the weight of the camper-insert is substantially supported by the stiff-leg frame and not by the open end, the horizontal thrust from cantilevering the camper-insert over the frame is transferred to the truck through the at least one connector hinge, and the camper-insert settles onto the truck bed with minimal offset to mating surfaces.