Abstract:
A trailer-mounted platform that unfolds to provide a multipurpose platform is herein disclosed, comprising a conventional double axle trailer. A pair of side panels is attached to a longitudinal edge and folded up for transport. In their folded state, the side panels form a triangular shape with a bottom center panel. As such, the interior of the triangular space is used to transport various items associated with the final use of the platform. Upon arrival at its destination, the side panels are lowered and supported with adjustable jack stands along with the center panel to form a platform assembly. The jack stands are adjustable over a wide range to accommodate ground conditions.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/208,715, filed Feb. 27, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to vehicle hitch-mounted trailers, and in particular, to a trailer attachable to a vehicle hitched which is deployable for use as a platform or stage at a desired destination. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of motor vehicles for transportation and sheltering during outdoor activities such as hunting and camping has expanded to include a great number of features, benefits, and options. Utilizing trailers, recreational vehicles, and the like is popular because of features such as sleeping space, weather protection, power, flat clean surfaces, and mobility. 
     Due to natural limitations on dimensioning from the width of roads, the width of trailers, recreational vehicles, and the like is limited to sizes of no greater than approximately eight (8) feet. While this is acceptable for many uses, many structures and features which are desirable in an outdoors or camping setting require dimension larger than those which can be provided by such vehicles. As a result, structures such as stages, platforms, and the like which require large surface areas are often transported in pieces which require lengthy setup processes upon arrival or eschewed entirely in favor of simpler but smaller equivalents. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide portable platforms, stages, and the like. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,488, issued in the name of Hanley, describes a portable stage. The Hanley apparatus is utilized with a tractor trailer and deploys in a semi-automated fashion via use of hydraulic or pneumatic portions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,878, issued in the name of Weaver, describes a foldable vehicle platform. The Weaver apparatus houses a flat surface underneath a recreational motor vehicle for automatic deployment to a location adjacent the vehicle upon arrival at a destination. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,769, issued in the name of Mertik et al., describes a portable stage. The Mertik apparatus includes an integral chassis and deployable canopy to provide conventional features associated with performance stages. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for portable platforms and stages exist, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. D 149,831 and D 464,144. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not provide a sufficient surface area to be utilized for a wide range of purposes. Also, many such apparatuses do not have a plurality of height adjustment portions in order to adapt to uneven terrain as commonly encountered outdoors. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are not adaptable to be carried by a convention recreational vehicle hitch assembly. In addition, many such apparatuses are not deployable in any desired location regardless of proximity to the vehicle. Finally, many such apparatuses are not of a size and design to be safely and easily utilized by a single user without access to equipment and the like. Accordingly, there exists a need for a trailer mounted platform without the disadvantages as described above. the development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need to provide a portable platform of significant surface area which is transportable by means of conventional vehicle hitches, fully adjustable, and safely deployable by a user with little or no training. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a portable platform for being towed by vehicle in order to provide platform capabilities to users in a remote outdoor setting. The apparatus comprises a trailer assembly and a multi-section platform assembly connected to the trailer assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise the trailer assembly of a base, a pair of runners, an A-frame, an A-frame jack stand, a hitch receiver, and first and second wheel pairs. The runners provide cover to the wheels as well as a stepping means for a user. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the A-frame of a flat, triangular portion which is supported via the A-frame jack stand. During transport, the jack stand may be retracted in order to provide space between the stand and a road surface. The hitch receiver is positioned perpendicular at a distal end of the A-frame and comprises a receiver and attachment means to an existing ball hitch. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the multi-section platform assembly of a shelf, a center panel, and first and second outer panels. In an un-deployed, folded configuration, the outer panels form a triangular shape with an internal storage area above the center panel. The outer panels are pivotally connected to the center panel. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a center support which is removably inserted onto the center panel in order to support the first and second outer panels when in a folded state. The support comprises a wedge shaped upper end portion in order to secure engage surface portions of the outer panels. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a triangular shaped top cover with an open bottom end. The top cover is removably fastened to an apex of the first and second outer panels for transport when in a folded position. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise front and rear covers which are removably attachable to front and rear outside edges of the first and second outer panels in order to provide removable cover for the internal storage area. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a plurality of adjustable platform jack stands which are removably attachable to a bottom surface of the outer panels when in a horizontal, unfolded position. The platform jack stands provide adjustable vertical support to the outer panels, allowing a user to adapt the panels to uneven terrain and the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a set of steps which is hingedly attached to a rear end of the center panel, thereby providing easy access to the platform when in an unfolded state. During transport, the steps are folded and positioned within the storage area. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise a control panel, first and second motors, first and second clutch-brakes, first and second torque shafts, first and second drive shafts, and a plurality of offset brackets. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to lift the first and second outer panels via the first and second torque shafts, respectively. The torque shafts rotate within the offset brackets, thereby rotating the panels between the folded and unfolded configurations. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to apply torque to the torque shafts via the first and second motors and first and second clutch-brakes, which are integrally attached to an inner surface of the shelf. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the control panel of an ON/OFF switch which allows a user to selectively operate the first and second motors. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of utilizing the apparatus for storage and transport, coupling the apparatus to an existing vehicle tow hitch, transporting the apparatus to a desired location, deploying the outer panels via the integral motors in order to achieve a platform-type structure, utilizing the supports to provide even, stable support to the platform, deploying the stairs, and utilizing the flat, even surface in a desired manner. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a trailer-mounted platform  10  depicting a towing configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an opposing side perspective view of the trailer-mounted platform  10  depicting the towing configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the trailer-mounted platform  10  depicting the towing configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the trailer-mounted platform  10  depicting a folded configuration with the towing features removed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the trailer-mounted platform  10  depicting an unfolded configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the trailer-mounted platform  10  depicting internal components of a shelf  29 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 trailer-mounted platform 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 trailer assembly 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 runner 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 A-frame 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 hitch receiver 
               
               
                   
                 25a 
                 first wheel 
               
               
                   
                 25b 
                 second wheel 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 A-frame jack stand 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 wiring harness 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 rear lighting 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 shelf 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 platform assembly 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 center panel 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 first outer panel 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 second outer panel 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 platform jack stand aperture 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 platform jack stand 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 steps 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 step hinge 
               
               
                   
                 39 
                 storage area 
               
               
                   
                 40a 
                 first motor 
               
               
                   
                 40b 
                 second motor 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 offset bracket 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 first torque shaft 
               
               
                   
                 44a 
                 first drive shaft 
               
               
                   
                 44b 
                 second drive shaft 
               
               
                   
                 45a 
                 first clutch-brake 
               
               
                   
                 45b 
                 second clutch-brake 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 second torque shaft 
               
               
                   
                 47 
                 footing 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 center support 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 top cover 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 front cover 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 rear cover 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 first fastener 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 second fastener 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 control panel 
               
               
                   
                 71 
                 switch 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 electrical wiring 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a trailer-mounted platform (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for foldable multipurpose platform assembly  30  which may be towed behind a vehicle by means of a standard trailer ball hitch. 
     The apparatus  10  generally comprises a trailer assembly  20  and a multi-section platform assembly  30  which is transported to a desired location and then deployed. A user is able to tow the apparatus  10  to a desired location and deploy the platform assembly  30  to unveil a platform which is utilized for activities such as, but not limited to: camping, hunting, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , perspective views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed.  FIG. 1  illustrates a side perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a towing configuration,  FIG. 2  illustrates an opposing side view of the apparatus  10  depicting a towing configuration,  FIG. 3  illustrates a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a towing configuration, and  FIG. 4  illustrates a side perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a folded configuration with the towing features removed. The apparatus  10  comprises three (3) configurations; a first towing configuration (see  FIGS. 1 through 3 ) comprising a towed and traveling configuration, a second folded configuration (see  FIG. 4 ) comprising a transitional configuration, and a third unfolded configuration (see  FIG. 5 ) comprising an in-use configuration. The trailer assembly  20  is preferably made of durable materials such as, but not limited to: wood, metal, thermoplastic, or the like and is manufactured using common techniques and comprises expected features common to other similar towed trailers, such as a base  21 , a pair of runners  22 , an A-frame  23 , a hitch receiver  24 , a pair of first wheels  25   a , a pair of second wheels  25   b , and the like. 
     The rectangular base  21  provides the main support body thereto the apparatus  10 . A runner  22  is located on each outside lower edge of the base  21  which provides an area for a user to step on and provides a cover for a plurality of wheels  25   a ,  25   b . The A-frame  23  extends out therefrom a front surface of the base  21  and comprises a hitch receiver  24  which accepts a standard ball hitch in a conventional manner. The hitch receiver  24  is expected to comprise expects hitch receiving features which enable attachment and a locking means to the standard ball hitch. Positioned perpendicular to the hitch receiver  24  is an A-frame jack stand  26  which enables said hitch receiver  24  to be aligned with the standard ball hitch via height adjustments in a conventional manner. The A-frame jack stand  26  is preferably comprised of a conventional trailer jack attached via nuts and bolts or welding to a side surface of the A-frame  23 . The A-frame jack stand  26  also provides front end support thereto the apparatus  10  when extended and provide proper clearance for travel when retracted. 
     The trailer assembly  20  further comprises a plurality of wheels  25   a ,  25   b , although illustrated here comprising a dual axle configuration it is understood that the apparatus  10  may be introduced with a single axle and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of said apparatus  10 . The wheels  25   a ,  25   b  enable a transporting means to the apparatus  10 , thereby enabling said wheels  25   a ,  25   b  to rotate as the towing vehicle tows the apparatus  10  to a desired location. The wheels  25   a ,  25   b  are located on lower side portions of the apparatus  10  and are attached to the base  21  via common techniques. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a wiring harness  27  which is similar to other conventional towed vehicle wiring harnesses and provides electrical power therefrom the towing vehicle thereto various components of said apparatus  10 , such as rear lighting  28 , a first motor  40   a , a second motor  40   b , and the like. The wiring harness  27  connection means is located beneath the hitch receiver  24  to provide an easy connection to the towing vehicle. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a pair of conventional rear lighting  28  means which are preferably brake lights, turn signals, and the like. The lighting  28  is located on a rear surface of the base  21  (see  FIG. 3 ) which increases the conspicuous of the apparatus  10  to other vehicles on the road whom need to recognize the signaling actions the towing vehicle. The lighting  28  is attached to said base  21  via common techniques such as, but not limited to: screws, welding, or the like. 
     The platform assembly  30  comprises a shelf  29 , a center panel  31 , a first outer panel  32 , and a second outer panel  33 . The platform assembly  30  is preferably made of a durable, rigid material such as wood, metal, thermoplastic, or the like and be manufactured and constructed using common techniques. In the folded configuration the apparatus  10  is approximately sixteen (16) feet long by eight (8) feet wide and comprises a generally triangular shape and an internal storage area  39  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The center panel  31  is permanently attached thereto an upper surface of the base  21  via mechanical fasteners, welding, or the like. The first outer panel  32  and second outer panel  33  are each approximately sixteen (16) feet long by six (6) feet wide and fold upwardly, thus forming the triangular base. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a pair of center supports  50  which are removably inserted onto the center panel  31  and provide a support member thereto the outer panels  32 ,  33  when in the folded configuration. The center support  50  is a cylindrical member comprising support flanges therearound a lower end which rest thereon an upper surface of the center panel  31  and a wedge-shaped upper end which the outer panels  32 ,  33  rest thereon. A center support  50  is inserted on a front and a rear portion of the apparatus  10  and are inserted before towing and removed before deploying the outer panels  32 ,  33 . 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a triangular-shaped top cover  52  comprising open bottom ends which mate with the longitudinal upper end portions of the outer panels  32 ,  33 . The top cover  52  is preferably made of a thermoplastic or the like and manufactured using common techniques. The top cover  52  is removably fastened and conceals an apex of the triangular-shaped, upwardly folded outer panels  32 ,  33  and protects the storage area  39  from weather. The storage area  39  stows any equipment or other articles the user desires to transport and use with the apparatus  10  when in the unfolded configuration. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a front cover  53  and a rear cover  54  which are preferably made of a weather-resistant textile and comprises a generally triangular shape. The front cover  53  is removably fastened thereto a front outside edge of the outer panels  32 ,  33  above a shelf  29  (see herein below) via a plurality of first fasteners  60  and a plurality of second fasteners  61  which cover and protect the storage area  39  from the weather during transit or storage when in the folded configuration. The rear cover  54  is removably attached thereto a rear outside edge of the outer panels  32 ,  33  via a plurality of fasteners  60 ,  61  which covers and protects the storage area from the weather during transit or storage when in the folded configuration. The fasteners  60 ,  61  are preferably mechanical fasteners such as snaps, hooks, or the like with a first side  60  located thereon the covers  53 ,  54  and a second corresponding side  61  located thereon the respective components of the platform assembly  30 . 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a rectangular shelf  29  which provides a secure enclosure for a first motor  40   a , a second motor  40   b , a first clutch-brake  45   a , and a second clutch-brake  45   b  (see  FIG. 6 ). The shelf  29  is attached to and protrudes outwardly from a front surface of the base  21  above the A-frame  23  via attachment means such as, but not limited to: welding, integral molding, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10  in an unfolded configuration, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In the unfolded configuration the outer panels  32 ,  33  are horizontally deployed via a motor  40  and other associated mechanical components (see  FIG. 6 ) via pivoting about a panel hinge  29  to become level with the center panel  31 , thus providing a large level platform which is used as an outdoor living area where a tent, a cooking area, or the like may be set up. The panel hinge  29  is located between each outer panel  32 ,  33  and the center panel  31  and is preferably comprised of a conventional piano hinge, yet other pivoting devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. Once unfolded, the outer panels  32 ,  33  are supported by a plurality of adjustable platform jack stands  36 . The platform jack stands  36  are removably attached via a friction fitting means thereto an underneath surface of each outer panel  32 ,  33  thereat a platform jack stand aperture  35  (see  FIGS. 1 through 4  and  6 ). Each outer panel  32 ,  33  comprises up to four (4) platform jack stand apertures  35  for insertion of a corresponding platform jack stand  36 . In use, with the outer panels  32 ,  33  deployed, the user inserts a platform jack stand  36  into a platform jack stand aperture  35 , thereby enabling said platform jack stand  36  to support the respective outer panel  32 ,  33 . 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a set of steps  37  which are hingedly attached thereto a rear end of the center panel  31 . The steps  37  comprise a low profile design which will enable said steps  37  to be folded up and positioned thereon the center panel  31  for storage therewithin the storage area  39  when not in use while not interfering with the upwardly folded position of the outer panels  32 ,  33 . In a folded down position the steps  37  assist a user in accessing the platform assembly  30  surface and in the loading and unloading of articles therefrom. The steps  37  are hingedly attached to the center panel  31  via step hinges  38  which are comprised of conventional hinging devices such as, but not limited to: piano hinges, barrel hinge, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting internal components of a shelf  29 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. It is known that the  FIG. 6  is illustrated without the A-frame  23  and associated components for illustration purposes only. The apparatus  10  comprises a first motor  40   a , a second motor  40   b , a plurality of offset brackets  42 , a first torque shaft  43 , a first drive shaft  44   a , a second drive shaft  44   b , a first clutch-brake  45   a , a second clutch-brake  45   b , and a second torque shaft  46 . The torque shafts  43 ,  46  drive coincidental lifting of the first outer panel  32  and the second outer panel  33 , respectively. Although the lifting means of the outer panels  32 ,  33  are illustrated with the abovementioned components it is known that other means may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. 
     Each motor  40   a ,  40   b  is preferably a common direct current (DC) electric motor mounted via common footings  47  to an inside surface of the shelf  29 . Each motor  40   a ,  40   b  is further powered by the towing vehicle via electrical wiring  72  interconnected to the wiring harness  27 . A first clutch  45   a  is connected to the first motor  40   a  via a first drive shaft  44   a  and a second clutch  45   b  is connected to the second motor  40   b  via a second drive shaft  44   b . Each clutch-brake  45   a ,  45   b  is preferably a commercially available electric clutch-brake which maintains a direct drive function when receiving a 12-Volt signal. Upon removal of said 12-Volt signal the clutch-brakes  45   a ,  45   b  are disengaged, thereby allowing manual manipulation of the respective outer panels  32 ,  33  especially helpful in an event such as a motor failure or depleted primary power source. The first clutch  45   a  is connected to a first torque shaft  43  which is further attached to the first outer panel  32  via a plurality of offset brackets  42 . Similarly, the second clutch  45   b  is connected to a second torque shaft  46  which is further attached to the second outer panel  33  via the offset brackets  42 . The offset brackets  42  enable the inserted torque shafts  43 ,  46  to rotate within said offset brackets  42 , thereby rotating the outer panels  32 ,  33 , respectively. Each clutch  45   a ,  45   b  is also illustrated herein as being attached to an inner surface of the shelf  29  via common footings  47 , yet other means of attachment may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . Torque is applied to each torque shaft  43 ,  46  via a rotational direction of the corresponding motors  40   a ,  40   b  and respective clutch-brakes  45   a ,  45   b.    
     Each motor  40   a ,  40   b  is initiated via a control panel  70  which is integrally molded to an upper surface of the A-frame  23  (see  FIG. 4 ) which provides an accessible digit-operated switching means. The control panel  70  comprises a switch  71 , internal circuitry, and electrical wiring  72 . The electrical wiring interconnects said control panel  70  to the motors  40   a ,  40   b . With the apparatus  10  in a desired location, the user preferably depresses the switch  71  to send a signal through the electrical wiring  72  to initiate up to three (3) arrangements. The switch  71  preferably enables the user to turn the motors  40   a ,  40   b  to an on position, to a lift position, or to an off position. With the switch  71  in an off position, no power is being sent to the motors  40   a ,  40   b  which enables a user to manually retract or lift the outer panels  32 ,  33 . With the switch  71  in the on position, power is sent to the motors  40   a ,  40   b  and the clutch-brakes  45   a ,  45   b  are engaged. With the switch  71  in the lift position, the outer panels  32 ,  33  are enabled to be lowered or raised via the rotation of the motors  40   a ,  40   b  on the torque shafts  43 ,  46 , respectively. The switch  71  is preferably a common toggle switch, yet other electrical switching devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; beginning with the apparatus  10  in the folded configuration; connecting the hitch receiver  24  thereto the ball hitch of a towed vehicle; connecting the wiring harness  27  in a common manner to the electrical system of the towed vehicle; towing the apparatus  10  thereto a desired location; removing the top cover  52  therefrom the apex of the folded outer panels  32 ,  33  via lifting upwardly thereupon said cover  52 ; removing the front cover  53  and rear cover  54  therefrom the folded outer panels  32 ,  33  via disengaging the first fasteners  60  with the second fasteners  61 ; engaging the A-frame jack stand  26  until the lower end is in contact therewith the ground; activating the motors  40   a ,  40   b  and corresponding clutch-brakes  45   a ,  45   b  via positioning the switch  71  to an on position thereon the control panel  70 ; lowering the outer panels  32 ,  33  into an unfolded configuration via depressing the switch  71  to a lift position thereon the control panel  70 ; attaching the platform jack stands  36  to the platform jack stand apertures  35  via inserting said platform jack stands  36  into the platform jack stand apertures  35  via friction fitting means; adjusting the platform jack stands  36  to an appropriate length such that the lower ends of each said jack stand  36  are in contact therewith the ground; disconnecting the wiring harness  27  and hitch receiver  24 ; removing the center support  50  from the storage area  39 ; storing the covers  52 ,  53 ,  54  and center supports  50 ; utilizing the now level platform panels  31 ,  32 ,  33  as a living surface for a tent, grilling and cooking stand, and the like; returning the apparatus  10  thereto the folded configuration when done utilizing said apparatus  10  via depressing the switch  71 ; utilizing the storage area  39  to store any equipment and articles; attaching the covers  52 ,  53 ,  54 ; towing the apparatus  10  back thereto a desired location. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.