Abstract:
A work platform capable of attachment to a hitch on a vehicle includes a substantially rectangular frame having a base extending along a plane and an extension arm coupling the frame to the hitch and configured to enable adjustment of the distance of the frame relative to the hitch. An elevation mechanism coupled to the frame and the attachment mechanism is configured to enable adjustment of the height of the frame relative to the plane of the hitch while an orientation mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to enable adjustment of the orientation of the frame relative to the hitch axis. The work platform may further include an angular adjustment mechanism coupled to the extension arm for modifying the angular adjustment of the work platform along an axis transverse to the vehicle centerline. The frame it may be covered on multiple sides to form an enclosed basket-like workspace.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a U.S. national stage continuation-in-part application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/IB2010/001317 filed May 7, 2010, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/242,481, filed Sep. 15, 2009, the subject matters of which are incorporated herein by these references in their entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to maintenance vehicles, and more particularly, to a work platform attachable to a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Vehicles used in construction and maintenance often require some type of work platform from which an operator can perform the distribution or collection of objects or substances, such as pylons or cones along a road way. Vehicles with specialized apparatus for distribution or collection of such objects are often prohibitively expensive to acquire and maintain, especially for many municipal, state and federal agencies. Such tasks can be achieved using non-specialized equipment, such as a flatbed truck or pickup truck, however, the process is less efficient. In addition, the safety of the public, as well as the operator are always of paramount concern. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, a need exists for a work platform which can be used with existing vehicles which have a standard Reese hitch, or other type of hitch, which provides a multi-position work platform near the surface of a roadway or ground. 
         [0005]    A further need exists in work platform which protects the passenger or operator during operation thereof. 
         [0006]    A still further need exists for a work platform that can be easily repositioned to either side of the vehicle as necessary for the intended activity. 
         [0007]    A further need exists for a work platform which is sturdy, yet lightweight, and can be rapidly coupled or uncoupled to/from a standard vehicle. 
         [0008]    A further need exists for a work platform which can be rapidly assembled and disassembled for transport when not in use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Disclosed is an articulating work platform designed to attach to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, via a standard Reese hitch assembly of a vehicle without modification or with minimal modification to the vehicle hitch. The work platform mounted on the front, side or rear of the vehicle and may articulate from an extreme right ankle to an extreme left ankle position relative to the vehicle hitch. According to one embodiment, a work platform capable of attachment to a hitch on a vehicle comprises: A) a substantially rectangular frame having a base extending along a plane; B) an extension arm coupling the frame to the hitch and configured to enable adjustment of the distance of the frame relative to the hitch; C) an elevation mechanism coupled to the frame and the attachment mechanism and configured to enable adjustment of the height of the frame relative to the plane of the hitch; and D) an orientation mechanism coupled to the frame and configured to enable adjustment of the orientation of the frame relative to the hitch axis. The work platform may further comprise an angular adjustment mechanism coupled to the extension arm for modifying the angular adjustment of the work platform along an axis which is one of transverse or parallel to the vehicle centerline. The frame it may be covered on multiple sides to form an enclosed frame-like workspace. 
         [0010]    According to another embodiment, a work platform capable of attachment to a hitch comprises A) a substantially rectangular-shaped frame; and B) an attachment mechanism for movably coupling the frame to a hitch of a vehicle in a manner that allows multiple degrees of motion of the frame relative to the hitch. The attachment mechanism is configured to enable adjustment of the frame height, distance and orientation relative to the hitch. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment, a method of attaching a work platform to a vehicle hitch comprises: A) providing a work platform comprising: i) a substantially rectangular-shaped frame; ii) an attachment mechanism for movably coupling the frame to enable multiple degrees of motion of the frame relative to the hitch; and B) attaching the work platform to the vehicle hitch. The adjustment mechanism can be configured to modify the angular adjustment of the work platform along an axis which is one of transverse or parallel to the vehicle centerline, or any of the height, distance or orientation of the work platform relative to the vehicle hitch. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate rear isometric, front isometric, side, and bottom views, respectively, of one embodiment of the disclosed articulating mounted platform in accordance with the disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrate a rear isometric views of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed articulating mounted platform in accordance with the disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates conceptually an exploded perspective view of a work platform and attachment mechanisms relative to a vehicle, in accordance with the disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates a close-up perspective view of coupling between a work platform and attachment mechanisms, in accordance with the disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 8A-C  illustrate side, bottom perspective and front perspective views, respectively, of a motorized articulating assembly in according with the disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate isometric, side and front views, respectively, of a quick connect assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of a quick connect assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 11A-D  illustrate right side, left side, top and isometric views, respectively, of an alternative hitch and angular adjustment assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  illustrates a rear isometric views of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed articulating mounted platform in accordance with the disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 13A-D  illustrate right side, left side, top and isometric views, respectively, of an angular adjustment assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  illustrates schematically the electrical connections useful with the embodiments of work platform disclosed herein; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  illustrates a front view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed articulating mounted platform in accordance with the disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  illustrates a close-up perspective view of a connection assembly configured to couple work platforms to a vehicle, in accordance with the disclosure; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of a truck towing a trailer having work platforms coupled thereto, in accordance with the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a system  5  comprises a work platform  10  and connection assembly  15  for securing the work platform  10  to a vehicle  6 . Work platform  10 , as illustrated With reference  FIGS. 1-5  and  12 , may have embodiments with various configurations, as described herein. Connection assembly  15 , as illustrated in the figures, comprises a quick connect assembly  12 , an extension arm assembly  14 , and articulated hitch assembly  16  and an angle adjustment assembly  18 . Angle adjustment assembly  18  may comprise an assembly  130  separately securable to the hitch  8  of a vehicle  6 , in one embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 13A-D , or, in another embodiment, may comprise part of a separately installable hitch and angle adjustment assembly  110 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-D . 
         [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates a close-up perspective view of coupling between a work platform  10 , quick connect assembly  12  and extension arm assembly  14 , and articulating hitch assembly  16  in accordance with the disclosure. Quick connect assembly  12  is slidably mounted to the frame of work platform  10  using a plurality of pins so as to allow the height of work platform  10  to be adjusted relative thereto the other components of connection assembly  15  and the vehicle hitch. An insert of quick connect assembly  12  is received within extension arm assembly  14 . Assemblies  12  and  14  may be secured together using one or more pins as illustrated. Assembly  12  may comprise either of the configurations described with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , or, alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0028]    Extension arm assembly  14  is pivotally mounted to articulated hitch assembly  16  to allow the combination of the extension arm assembly  14 , quick connect assembly  12  and work platform  10  to be continuously rotated relative to the axis of assembly  16  between opposing positions which are approximately 180° apart and at great angles to the axis of assembly  16  and the vehicle hitch. The extension arm assembly  14  comprises a plurality of rectangular tubes  34  stacked vertically at a length designed to locate the work platform  10  approximately flush with the outside of the vehicle  6 . Assemblers  14  and  16  are removably secured using one or more pins  36 , as illustrated. An arm of articulated hitch assembly  16  is received within the vehicle hitch and its angular motion of constrained by angular adjustment assembly  18 , as described herein. Articulated hitch assembly  16  is designed to allow the extension arm assembly  14  to fit in the assembly and be locked into position by one or more lock pins  36 . Such design also allows for operation from both the drivers side and the passenger side of vehicle  6 , is described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 8A-C . As used herein, the term “pins” may comprise any us straight pins, L-shaped pins or cotter pins, as illustrated in figures. 
         [0029]    Referring again to  FIG. 6-7 , the work platform  10  is attached to a vehicle  6  by way of connection assembly  15  which designed to allow the work platform  10  to be raised or lowered relative to the road surface (or hitch). The connection assembly  15  can be of varying lengths so as to accommodate the requirements of the vehicle width and fits into the vehicle hitch  8  and allows the work platform  10  to rotate 180 degrees so work can be preformed from either side of the vehicle  6 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate rear isometric, front isometric, side, and bottom views, respectively, of one embodiment of work platform  10 . In its most basic embodiment, work platform  10  comprises a rectangular frame  13  which may be assembled from multiple tubular pieces of a light but rigid material, such as aluminum, such as with welding, screws, or other fastening mechanisms. Frame  13  defines a work space in which the operator will reside during use thereof. In one embodiment, one or more optional vertical sides  22  partially enclose the work space and may be of varying heights to accommodate the requirements of a specific task. The width of work platform  10  can be of various sizes to accommodate the needs of a specific task. A floor surface  23  of the workspace may comprise corrugated aluminum or and aluminum mesh secured to the bottom portion of the frame  13  defining the workspace, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , an open side of work platform  10  allows the operator to enter and exit the work space and may include a mechanism for retaining the operator within a workspace, including one or more chains, as illustrated, or, alternatively, a door or the equivalent retention devices. A set of optional wheels  17  may be secured to frame  13  to allow the work platform  10  to be tilted and rolled for rapid transporting thereof, as illustrated. Work platform  10  may have handles  23  integrally formed into sides  22 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , to or secured to the exterior art there off, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . As explained hereinafter with reference to  FIG. 16 , were more lights  19  may be attached to the exterior of work platform  10 , in addition to reflectors or various other safety devices, including a lanyard attachable frame  13  for tethering the operator within the workspace. 
         [0031]    The work platform  10  is designed to provide a maximum safe working load of approximately 300 lbs with a factor of safety of 5 based on 50% of the material yield stress, and comes with optional hand grabs  23  and an anchor point of a lanyard and safety belt. The exterior of the work platform  10  has functioning signal lights  31  to provide brake, turning, and running lights. Also, reflectors are applied to the platform to increase visibility. The work platform  10  may have a built in top rail, and rear kick plate sides  22   a - d  covered with metal sheeting. 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , frame  13  comprises a height adjustment bar  11  having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to which quick connect assembly  12  may be selectively secured using one or more pins, as illustrated. In the embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the height adjustment bar  11  further serves as a post for securing light  21  which may be any nature of warning lights include continue including continuous, rotating, strobe, etc. as well as any color depending on the nature of the activity. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrate a rear isometric views of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed articulating mounted platform in accordance with the disclosure. The work platform  10  illustrated in  FIG. 5  is substantially similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 1 , except that the wheels  17  and handrails  23  in  FIG. 5  extended beyond the perimeter profile of frame  13 . In addition, the height adjustment bar  11 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5  is substantially shorter than that shown in  FIG. 1  and does not serve as a post for light  21 . The height adjustment bar  11  configurations shown in  FIG. 1 ,  5  or  12  may be adapted to work with either quick connect assembly  12  illustrated in  FIG. 9  or  10 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 12  illustrate a rear isometric views of another alternative embodiment of the disclosed articulating mounted platform  10  in accordance with the disclosure. Work platform  10  of  FIG. 12  does not have wheels  17  or light  21 . In addition, the quick connect assembly  12  has a different configuration in which the extension arm assembly  14  is integrally formed within the quick connect assembly  12 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 8A-C  illustrate side, bottom perspective and front perspective views, respectively, of a motorized articulating assembly  16  in according with one embodiment of the disclosure. Hitch assembly  16  comprises an extension arm  80 , which in the illustrative embodiment comprises a pair of rectangular tubes  82 A-B stacked vertically and secured together with a plate  84 . The lower tube  84 B extends beyond the end of 280 4K is shaped to be received within sleeve  114  of assembly  110 . A guidepost  85  project downward from projects downward tube  82 B and is received within the channel collector will collectively defined by plates  118  of assembly  110 , the angular offset of guidepost  85  defining the angular adjustment of work platform  10  transverse to the centerline of vehicle  6 , is adjusted using bolts  119  of assembly  110 . A pair of top and bottom articulation plates  86 A-B secured to tubes  82 A-B, collectively and movably retain shaft  88  therebetween so as to allow rotation thereof. 
         [0036]    The work platform  10  can be manually operated or, in alternative embodiments, be modified to allow for automatic rotation through either hydraulics or pneumatic, pistons or electric motors. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-C , a motor  87 , which maybe any of electric, hydraulic, or other type of torque source is connected to shaft  88  through one ore gears, allowing shaft  88  to rotate extension arm assembly  14 , pivotally secured between articulation plates  86 A-B, between perpendicular angles relative to assembly  110 . For more apertures extends through articulation plates  86 A-B and extension arm assembly  14  and receive pins which secure work platform  10  in position on either the right or left side of the vehicle  6 . In light of the disclosure herein, those reasonably skilled in the art will understand that articulation plates  86 A-B may be modified to allow for extension arm assembly  14  and, ultimately, work platform  10  to be fixed at any position relative to the axis of the vehicle hitch by appropriately providing the correctly positioned apertures in plates  86 . The power rating for motor  87  should be chosen to provide enough torque to efficiently move or platform  10 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 9A-C  illustrate isometric, side and front views, respectively, of a quick connect assembly  90  according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In an illustrative embodiment, quick connect assembly  90  comprises a substantially rectangular hollow sleeve  92  having a pair of shim plates  94  secured to opposite interior surfaces thereof. A pair of apertures extend through the shim plates  94  and the sides of sleeve  92  to which each shim plate is attached. The apertures are sized and shaped to receive a pair of pins  36  to secure assembly  90  to the height adjustment bar  11  of work platform  10 , similar to the previously described embodiments. Assembly  90  further comprises an insert arm  96  secured to sleeve  92  with a pair of doubbler plates  98  security each side thereof as well as to sleeve  92  well. Plural pairs of apertures extend through the sides of insert arm  96 . One pair of apertures extends through doubbler plates  98  and the sides of insert arm  96  to which each doubbler plates is attached. These apertures are sized and shaped to receive a pair of pins  36  to secure assembly  92  to extension arm assembly  14  of work platform  10 , similar to the previously described embodiments. Insert arm  96  has a tapered tip of center relative to a center axis thereof to facilitate guiding of tip  99  into one of the tubes of extension arm assembly  14 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of a quick connect assembly  100  according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Quick connect assembly  100  is similar in design and function to quick connect assembly  90 , except that insert arm  106  of assembly  100  is shorter than insert arm  96  of the assembly  90 . In addition, assembly  100  includes a vertical stiffening plate  105  which is secured atop doubbler plates  108  and partially around sleeve  102 . In assembly  100 , sleeve  102  has open side for facilitating rapid attachment to the height adjustment bar  11  of work platform  10 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 11A-D  illustrate top, front, side and isometric views, respectively, of an alternative hitch and angular adjustment assembly  110  according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The angle adjustment assembly  110  may be used with any of the embodiments of work platform  10  disclosed herein. Angle adjustment assembly  110  comprises plate  112  having a sleeve  114  projecting therefrom at a right angle. A collar  116 , having a diameter large enough to fit around the exterior of sleeve  114  is secured to the opened end of sleeve  114 . A plurality of apertures extend through plate  112  and are sized and shaped for receiving bolts  115  therein to secure the assembly  110  to the frame of a vehicle, in a manner understood by those recently skilled in the arts. An angle adjustment mechanism  116  is the secured to an undersurface of sleeve  114  and comprises a pair of plates  118  which collectively defined a channel capable of receiving a guidepost  144  of hitch assembly  16 . A pair of apertures sized and shaped for receiving bolts therein extended through plates  118  and are used to secure guidepost  144  therebetween. 
         [0040]      FIG. 13A-D  illustrate an optional angular adjustment assembly  130  which comprise 3¾″ thick 44,000 pound yield plates  132  with an aperture extending through each to receive 2⅝″ grade five bolts  134 . Similar to assembly  110 , the yield plates  132  are drilled and tapped to allow the bolts  134  to be tightened against the articulated hitch assembly  16 , allowing for angular adjustment of the work platform  10  up to 5 degrees transverse to the vehicle centerline. This angular adjustment assembly  130  is meant to level the platform depending on the weigh of the operator/passenger. 
         [0041]      FIG. 14  illustrates schematically the electrical circuit  140  useful with the embodiments of disclosed herein. Specifically, running light lamp  141 , brake light lamp  142 , signal light lamp  143 , amber light lamp  144 , motor  145  and audio transducer  144  are each connected in parallel with a main bus  147  and a current source, here battery  148  of vehicle  6 , through their own respective fuses, as well as a main fuse and switch  149 , as illustrated. Circuit  140  requires little or no modification of the existing wiring and electrical system in most vehicles and may be connected thereto with a modular connector accessible from the rear or other portion of vehicle  6 . 
         [0042]    The reader will appreciate the  FIGS. 1-7  illustrate an embodiment of the work platform  10  that includes a quick connect/release connection, which along with rollers  17 , enables the work platform  10  to be moved and coupled to a vehicle by a single person. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a front view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed articulating mounted platform is shown. Specifically,  FIG. 15  illustrates a front view of a dual-work platform system  105  that comprises a first work platform  110 A, a second work platform  110 B, and a connection assembly  115  for securing the work platforms  110 A-B to a vehicle  6 . The work platforms  110 A-B may have embodiments with various configurations, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  and  12 . Additional details of the connection assembly  115  are provided below with respect to  FIG. 16 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 16  illustrates a close-up perspective view of a connection assembly configured to couple work platforms to a vehicle. The connection assembly  115  comprises a first and second quick connect assembly  112 A-B, an extension arm assembly  114  having a first attachment opening  140 A coupled to the first quick connect assembly  112 A and a second attachment opening  140 B coupled to the second quick connect assembly  112 B, a hitch assembly  116  and an angle adjustment assembly (not shown). The angle adjustment assembly may be similar to the angle adjustment assembly described herein. In various embodiments, the hitch assembly  116  may be articulated, while in other embodiments, the hitch assembly may be fixedly coupled to the vehicle hitch. The first and second quick connect assemblies  112 A-B are slidably mounted to a corresponding frame of work platform  110 A-B, respectively, using a plurality of pins so as to allow the height of work platforms  110 A-B to be adjusted relative to the other components of connection assembly  115  and the vehicle hitch. An insert of each of the first and second quick connect assemblies  112 A-B is configured to be received within a corresponding first and second extension arm assembly  140 A-B. Assemblies  112 A-B and  114  may be secured together using one or more pins, as illustrated. Assembly  112  may comprise either of the configurations described with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , or, alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0045]    Extension arm assembly  114  is mounted to articulated hitch assembly  116 . The extension arm assembly  114  comprises a plurality of rectangular tubes  134 A-B stacked vertically at a length designed to locate the work platforms  110 A-B approximately flush with the outside of the vehicle  6 . Assemblies  114  and  116  are removably secured using one or more pins, as illustrated. An arm of hitch assembly  116  is received within the vehicle hitch and its angular motion of constrained by angular adjustment assembly, as described herein. Hitch assembly  116  is designed to allow the extension arm assembly  114  to fit in the hitch assembly  116  and be locked into position by one or more lock pins. As used herein, the term “pins” may comprise any us straight pins, L-shaped pins or cotter pins, as illustrated in figures. 
         [0046]    The work platforms  110 A-B are attached to a vehicle  6  by way of connection assembly  15  which designed to allow the work platforms  110 A-B to be raised or lowered relative to the road surface (or hitch). The extension arm assembly  114  of connection assembly  115  can be of varying lengths so as to accommodate the requirements of the vehicle width and fits into the vehicle hitch. Since there are two work platforms, there is no need for a rotation mechanism that allows any of the work platforms to move from one side of the vehicle to the other side of the vehicle. However, in various embodiments, the work platforms  110 A-B may be configured to swivel about an axis of the respective quick connect assemblies  112 A-B. 
         [0047]    As used herein, the term “vehicle” may include any entity which is either self-propelled or capable of being towed and to which a hitch is attached or attachable. For example, a trailer  7  which is towable by a truck  6  may have one or more work platforms  10 A-D, and corresponding respective connection assemblies  15 , attached thereto to enable multiple road crew personnel to work simultaneously therefrom, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . In addition, the vehicle may include one or more work platforms  110 A-B, and corresponding connection assemblies  115  also illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0048]    The disclosed system, apparatus and technique should not be restricted to any specific implementations here described, for which other beneficial or alternate implementations may be substituted, in order to satisfy the organizational, functional or structural requirements imposed upon the disclosed system. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications to the specific embodiments described herein may be made while still being within the spirit and scope of the teachings disclosed herein.