Abstract:
A vehicle lifting and stowing “VLS” system compactly stores a vehicle by lifting and tilting it vertically. The VLS can be attached to a fixed structure for compactly storing a vehicle, or mounted to the aft end of a host vehicle, such as a motor home, for vertically mounting and transporting a smaller vehicle with the host vehicle. The VLS includes a main frame and two rotatable extensions hingedly joined end-to-end. The first extension is rotated by a drive mechanism while the second section maintains attachment to the vehicle, thereby lifting first one end of the vehicle and then the entire vehicle above grade. Some embodiments also include a pulling strap. Positioning of the vehicle above the extensions can automatically cause the second extension to contact and attach to the vehicle. Embodiments include alignment and/or support pins. Some embodiments include latches that hold the extensions together in the stowed configuration.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/119,083, filed Dec. 2, 2008, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to vehicle lifting and storage apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus for storing a vehicle in a limited space. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many systems are known for lifting and stowing vehicles of all types, whether for storage, parking or transport. A general purpose, primary vehicle may include a towing “hitch” to which a secondary vehicle can be attached for towing. For example, a recreational vehicle may include a hitch for towing a smaller passenger vehicle. In addition, some tow trucks lift one end of a vehicle and then pull the vehicle behind them. However, a large, general purpose vehicle towing a secondary vehicle can be inconvenient and difficult to drive and maneuver, due to the extended length of the pair of vehicles. 
         [0004]    Specialized tow trucks use a variety of methods for transporting individual vehicles on top of their structures. Some tow trucks include a flat bed that can be tilted to form a ramp up which a vehicle can be pulled, and then transport the vehicle on top of the flat bed. Special car-hauling trucks typically include a multi-story structure with ramps onto which vehicles can be driven, so as to simultaneously transport a plurality of vehicles arranged on a plurality of vertical levels on top of the truck. Some recreational vehicles even have drive-on vehicle storage space. However, such specialized vehicles are expensive, and their usefulness for other purposes is substantially limited by the need to provide dedicated space for transporting a secondary vehicle. 
         [0005]    Parking structures use various methods to elevate vehicles and position them vertically above each other. In many cases, a parking structure uses a series of ramps to allow vehicles to drive to upper levels. When space is more limited, elevators are sometimes used to lift vehicles to elevated parking platforms. Overhead cables and slings are also known for lifting and re-positioning vehicles vertically. However, all of these approaches require specially designed and expensive multi-level structures. 
         [0006]    What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus for storing and/or transporting a vehicle in a limited space, without requiring a specialized, multi-level storage structure. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A vehicle lifting and stowing (“VLS”) system is claimed that can store and/or transport a vehicle in a limited space without requiring placement of the vehicle in a multi-level structure. The claimed VLS is attachable an end or undercarriage of a vehicle, and is able to lift the vehicle while tilting it by 90 degrees, so as to store the vehicle in a vertical configuration, thereby taking advantage of the fact that the height of most vehicles is much less than the length thereof. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the VLS is mountable to the end of a host vehicle, such as a truck, recreational vehicle, or camper, whereby a secondary vehicle, such as a small car or golf cart, can be lifted above grade into a vertical orientation and brought into close proximity to the aft end of the host vehicle for transport. In some of these embodiments, the VLS mechanism has principle points of attachment to the host vehicle which in some embodiments may be at or near the aft ends of the frame rails running lengthwise of the chassis. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, the VLS system can be affixed to a stationary structure, so as to provide vehicle storage in a limited space. In some of these embodiments, the stationary structure includes vertical lift and/or rotational capabilities that provide for unloading a vehicle from the VLS at a location displaced vertically and/or rotationally from the loading location. For example, in a parking lot with limited space, some stationary VLS embodiments are able to load a vehicle into a storage configuration from a designated entrance ramp, rotate the base station 180 degrees while the vehicle is stowed, and then re-deploy the vehicle on a separate exit ramp. 
         [0010]    In various embodiments, the VLS includes a double-jointed mechanism with a main frame, an elongated second section, and an elongated third section. The main frame is attached or attachable to a stationary structure or to one end of a host vehicle chassis, or to some other suitable support structure or platform provided by the host vehicle. The second section is hingedly attached by one end to the main frame and is rotational with respect to the main frame between an upwardly extending vertical (stowed) position and an outward or aft-extending horizontal (loading) position. The third section is hingedly attached to the other end of the second section, and is rotatable through about 180 degrees from an aft-extending horizontal (loading) orientation, when the second section is also horizontal, to a downward-extending vertical (stowed) orientation when the section is also vertical, whereby the third section is folded back onto the second section. 
         [0011]    In various embodiments, the mechanism is so designed that the second and third sections rotate concurrently in opposite directions, the second section through about 90 degrees with respect to the main frame as the third section rotates through about 180 degrees in the opposite direction with respect to the main section. The resulting motion of the third section with respect to the main frame is a lifting along an inward arc towards the stowed position, concurrently with an outwardly rotating motion from horizontal to vertical. 
         [0012]    When the VLS mechanism is fully extended in the loading position, a vehicle can be maneuvered into position whereby it straddles the extended second and third sections. The underside of the vehicle is configured for locking engagement or attachment to the third section. The locking action for securing the engagement may be a function of the engaging motion, or the lifting motion, or may be separately activated after full engagement. 
         [0013]    Once the vehicle is properly engaged with or attached to the third section, the VLS is activated for lifting and stowing the vehicle. As the double-jointed mechanism formed by the second and third sections rotates into the stowed orientation, the vehicle is rotated by 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical, while it is lifted upward and inward so that the undercarriage of the vehicle is brought into close proximity with the main frame of the VLS. In various embodiments, once the mechanism is in the fully stowed vertical orientation, the second and third sections are mechanically locked in position with respect to the main frame. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be further secured in the stowed position by locking pins extending from the third section of the VLS into the underside of the vehicle at points displaced from the initial point of attachment. The vehicle is thus secured to the VLS mechanism, which is in turn locked in the stowed position. If the VLS is attached to the aft end of a host vehicle, this places the stowed vehicle in a vertical orientation above grade and directly behind the host vehicle, so as to be transportable by the host vehicle without encroaching on the space enclosed by the host vehicle, and with minimal extension to the effective length of the host vehicle. 
         [0014]    In various embodiments, the VLS mechanism may be powered by any combination of electrical, hydraulic, and/or manual means, utilizing simple or elaborate control systems. Push rods or cables, separately or in combination, may be used to rotate the VLS system between its loading and stowed positions, which may also be called its extended and retracted positions, respectively. Power for operating the VLS system, which may include any or all of electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power, can be provided by the host vehicle, by the VLS mechanism, or by an external source. 
         [0015]    So as to be compatible with storage by the claimed VLS mechanism, all vehicle subsystems must able to function normally after the vehicle has been rotated to a vertical orientation and then returned to a normal, horizontal orientation. In addition, for embodiments where the VLS is attached to a host vehicle, the stowed vehicle length must be short enough so as to fit below highway overpasses and not extend above the maximum allowed vehicle height when elevated off the ground vertically on the aft end of the host vehicle. The underside of the stowed vehicle may be manufactured with a suitable latching mechanism for engagement to the third member of the VLS, or it may be modified or adapted for the VLS system by an aftermarket kit. Some embodiments provide a plurality of latching mechanisms, thereby enabling selection of a suitable latching mechanism for each vehicle to be stowed. 
         [0016]    One general aspect of the present invention is a system for lifting and stowing a stowable vehicle. The system includes a main frame, a rigid first extension having a first extension proximal end and a first extension distal end, the first extension proximal end being hingedly attached to the main frame so as to enable the first extension to rotate between a substantially horizontal configuration in close proximity to grade and a substantially vertical configuration, a rigid second extension having a second extension proximal end hingedly attached to the first extension distal end, the second extension being attachable to the stowable vehicle, and a drive mechanism configured so as to apply a rotational torque to the first extension, thereby transitioning the first extension between the substantially horizontal configuration and the substantially vertical orientation, and transitioning the stowable vehicle between a horizontally deployed configuration on grade and a vertically stowed configuration above grade. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the main frame is fixable to an immovable support. In other embodiments, the main frame is mountable to a host vehicle. In certain embodiments, the main frame is mountable to an aft end of a host vehicle, so as to enable vertical stowing of the stowable vehicle above grade and in close proximity to the aft end of the host vehicle. 
         [0018]    In various embodiments, the second extension extends horizontally beyond the first extension when the first extension is in the substantially horizontal configuration. Some of these embodiments further include a latch configured so as to latch the second extension in vertical proximity to the first extension when the first extension is in the substantially vertical configuration. 
         [0019]    In certain embodiments, the second extension folds horizontally above and parallel to the first extension when the first extension is in the substantially horizontal configuration. Some of these embodiments include a flexible member extending from the main frame to the second extension and able to apply a pulling force thereto as the first extension is rotated from the substantially horizontal configuration to the substantially vertical configuration. And some of these embodiments include at least one pulley configured so as to support the flexible member and avoid contact between the flexible member and the stowable vehicle. 
         [0020]    In various embodiments the second extension distal end is attachable to the front of the stowable vehicle, the rear of the stowable vehicle, and/or the undercarriage of the stowable vehicle. 
         [0021]    In certain embodiments, the drive mechanism includes at least one hydraulically driven piston. In other embodiments, the drive mechanism includes at least one electrically driven motor. And in yet other embodiments, the drive mechanism can be manually powered. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the second extension is attachable to the stowable vehicle by insertion of a tongue into a corresponding receptacle. 
         [0023]    Various embodiments further include at least one alignment pin attached to the second extension and insertable into an alignment hole provided on the undercarriage of the stowable vehicle so as to at maintain alignment of the stowable vehicle with the second extension. 
         [0024]    Other embodiments further include at least one support pin attached to the second extension and insertable into a support hole provided on the undercarriage of the stowable vehicle so as to at least partially support of the weight of the stowable vehicle when the stowable vehicle is in the vertically stowed configuration. And in some of these embodiments the support pin includes a pin latching mechanism configured to inhibit unintentional dislodgement of the support pin from the support hole. 
         [0025]    And various embodiments further include a switch that is activatable by positioning of the stowable vehicle above the first extension so as to cause the first extension to rotate, bringing the second extension into contact with the undercarriage of the stowable vehicle and thereby causing attachment of the second extension to the stowable vehicle. 
         [0026]    A second general aspect of the present invention is a system for lifting and stowing a stowable vehicle. The system includes a main frame, a rigid first extension having a first extension proximal end and a first extension distal end, the first extension proximal end being hingedly attached to the main frame so as to enable the first extension to rotate between a substantially horizontal configuration in close proximity to grade and a substantially vertical configuration, a rigid second extension having a second extension proximal end hingedly attached to the first extension distal end so as to extend horizontally beyond the first extension in close proximity to grade when the first extension is in the substantially horizontal configuration, the second extension being attachable to the stowable vehicle, a drive mechanism configured so as to apply a rotational torque to the first extension near the first extension proximal end, thereby transitioning the first extension between the substantially horizontal configuration and the substantially vertical configuration, and consequently transitioning the second extension and the stowable vehicle between a horizontally deployed configuration on grade and a vertically stowed configuration above grade, a latch configured so as to latch the second extension in vertical proximity to the first extension when the first extension is in the substantially vertical configuration, and at least one support pin attached to the second extension and insertable into a support hole provided on the undercarriage of the stowable vehicle so as to align the stowable vehicle with the second extension and so as to at least partially support of the weight of the stowable vehicle when the stowable vehicle is in the vertically stowed configuration. 
         [0027]    In various embodiments of this general aspect the main frame is mountable to an aft end of a host vehicle, so as to enable vertical stowing of the stowable vehicle above grade and in close proximity to the aft end of the host vehicle. 
         [0028]    The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an embodiment in the horizontal orientation with a vehicle positioned for stowage; 
           [0030]      FIG. 1B  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  with the second section slightly rotated so as to bring the proximal end of the third section into contact with the undercarriage of the vehicle; 
           [0031]      FIG. 1C  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  in transition, with the rear wheels of the vehicle lifted above grade and the front wheels remaining on grade; 
           [0032]      FIG. 1D  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  in transition, with both the front and rear wheels lifted above grade; 
           [0033]      FIG. 1E  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  in the vertical orientation, with the vehicle lifted above grade in a vertically stowed configuration; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1E  attached to the aft end of a recreational vehicle; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3A  is a detailed illustration of the second and third sections of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  shown in the horizontal orientation without an attached vehicle; 
           [0036]      FIG. 3B  is a detailed illustration of the second and third sections of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  shown in a transitional orientation; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3C  is a detailed illustration of the second and third sections of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  shown in the vertical orientation; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3D  is a disassembled view of the second and third sections of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4A  is a disassembled view of a tongue-receiving attachment assembly mountable to the undercarriage of a vehicle; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4B  is an assembled view of the tongue-receiving attachment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5A  is a close-up view of the proximal end of the second section of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  in the horizontal orientation; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5B  is a close-up view of the proximal end of the second section and the distal end of the third section of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  in the vertical orientation; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6A  illustrates an embodiment that includes a pulling cable, shown in the horizontal configuration without an attached vehicle; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6B  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  with a vehicle attached and ready for lifting; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6C  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 6B  in a transitional orientation, with the rear wheels of the vehicle lifted above grade and the front wheels remaining on grade; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 6D  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 6B  in the vertical orientation, with both the front and rear wheels of the vehicle lifted above grade. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]      FIGS. 1A through 1E  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in a sequence of configurations as it moves a supported vehicle from a loading to a stowed configuration. With reference to  FIG. 1A , the VLS of the present invention includes a main frame  100  from which extends a second section  102  and a third section  104 . The main frame  100  is mounted either to a host vehicle, such as a class A or class C camper, or to a fixed structure. In either case, the main frame  100  is connected to the proximal end of the second section  102  by a first pivoting joint  106  which is rotatable in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A through 1E  by a pair of hydraulic pistons  108 . The distal end of the second section  102  is connected to the proximal end of the third section  104  by a second pivoting joint  110 . The second section  102  and the third section  104  are illustrated in  FIG. 1A  in their extended, loading configuration, and a small passenger vehicle  112  is illustrated as being located above the second and third sections ready for attachment and stowing. The passenger vehicle  112 , already configured with a receiver assembly ( 404  in  FIG. 4B ) on its underside, has been maneuvered towards the main frame  100 , backing up in this case so as to straddle the extended second and third members  102 ,  104  and reach a mechanical stop (not shown). This assures that the vehicle  112  is in the correct position and alignment to be caught by the tongue ( 306  in  FIG. 3A ) of the third section  104  during the initial lift cycle. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1B  illustrates the configuration of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  with the second section  102  having been rotated slightly by the hydraulic pistons  108  in a clockwise direction about the first joint  106 , and the third section  104  having been consequently rotated counterclockwise about the second joint  110 , a tongue  306  on the third section  104  having been slid thereby into a receiver  404  under the car. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1C  illustrates the configuration of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  with the second section  102  having been rotated by the hydraulic pistons  106  approximately 20 degrees in a clockwise direction, thereby having tilted the third section  104  and the vehicle  112  approximately 40 degrees counterclockwise, while the front wheels of the vehicle  112  remain on grade. Note that the increasing rotation angles about the first and second joints  108 ,  110  have caused the front of the vehicle  112  to draw closer to the main frame  100 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 1D  illustrates the configuration of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  with the second section  102  having been rotated by the hydraulic pistons  106  approximately 30 degrees in a clockwise direction, thereby having tilted the third section  104  and the vehicle  112  approximately 60 degrees counterclockwise. Note that because the third section  104  is shorter than the second section  102 , the front of the vehicle  112  has been lifted above grade. 
         [0051]      FIG. 1E  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  in its fully retracted and stowed configuration, the supported vehicle  112  being configured in a downwardly vertical orientation that requires much less horizontal space than its normal horizontal configuration. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 1A through 1E  do not indicate whether the main frame  100  is attached to a host vehicle or to a stationary structure. For example, the main frame  100  could be attached to pavement or to some other horizontal supporting surface in these figures, and could be used for storing vehicles  112  compactly in a storage lot.  FIG. 2  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1E  attached to the aft end of a recreational vehicle  200 , showing the stowed vehicle  112  compactly stored against the aft end of the recreational vehicle  200 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 3A through 3C  illustrate the second section  102  and third section  104  of  FIGS. 1A through 1E  in several configurations without an attached vehicle.  FIG. 3A  illustrates the embodiment in its fully extended, loading configuration,  FIG. 3B  illustrates the embodiment in a partially retracted configuration, and  FIG. 3C  illustrates the embodiment in a fully retracted configuration. The main frame  100  in this embodiment is configured for mounting to the main rails of an RV or truck chassis. Control rods  300  are rotatably connected at a first control pivot point  302  to the main frame  100 , lower and further outboard than the first pivot point  106 , and at a second control pivot point  304  to the third section  104  at a point outboard of the second pivot point  110 . The control rods  300  control the relative motion of the third section  104  with respect to the second section  102  when the VLS is operated. The location of the pivot joints  106 ,  302  on the main frame  100 , and the lengths of the second section  102  and of the control rods  300  that link them to the pivot joints  110 ,  304  on the third section  104 , are configured whereby rotation of the second section  102  into a vertical orientation with respect to the main frame  100  necessarily lifts the third section  104  on an inward arc and rotates it outwardly, so as to bring the third section  104  into a substantially vertical orientation next to and above the main frame  100 . 
         [0054]    Note that the four pivot joints  106 ,  302 ,  110 ,  304  have displaced but parallel axes, and fixed distances between them. It is the angles between the elements that connect the pivot joints that change. As shown in  FIGS. 3A  through  3 C, there are multiple points of structural support along each axis of rotation  106 ,  302 ,  110 ,  304 , providing lateral stability and rigidity to the structure. 
         [0055]    In various embodiments, the distal end of the third section  104  is configured with rollers, wheels and/or skid plates (not shown) whereby it rolls or slides along the ground during the final 10 degrees (approximately) of VLS extension and the first 10 to 15 degrees (approximately) of retraction. The distal ends of the control rods  300  are slotted or elongated as shown in the figures so as to accommodate this 10-15 degrees of flexing during extension, whereby the distal end of the third section  104  is able to contact the ground and roll or slide outward as the second section  102  reaches the end of its rotation. Conversely, during retraction and catching of a vehicle by the third section, this flexing provided by elongation in the distal end of the control rod  300  allows the distal end of the third section  104  to be dragged or rolled a few inches along the ground as its proximal end is elevated slightly so the vehicle to be stowed  112  can be driven forward to bring a receiver plate  404  attached to the undercarriage of the vehicle  112  into engagement with a vehicle hook  306  attached to a cross bar  108  on the third section  104 , and thereafter to begin the outward rotation of the third section  104 , the vehicle  112  still rolling on its front wheels, before compression on the control rods  300  begins to lift the third section  104  and the vehicle  112  off the ground. 
         [0056]    In loading, the vehicle  112  in this embodiment is backed over the extended VLS members until it triggers a proximity switch (not shown), which causes the VLS to lift slightly so that the vehicle hook  306  is in close proximity with the undercarriage of the vehicle  112 . The vehicle  112  is then driven ahead a few inches until vehicle hook  306  engages the receiver assembly  404  fixed to the undercarriage of the vehicle  112 . In various embodiments the VLS can be actuated by pressing a button located on the main frame or in a recreational vehicle to which the main frame is attached, or by using a remote control. In still other embodiments, the VLS is actuated by manually operating a hydraulic lever. 
         [0057]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3C , one press of a button on the control panel of the recreational vehicle extends the VLS. The stowable vehicle  112  is then backed into position astride the extended first and second sections  102 ,  104  until it actuates a proximity switch. It is then driven forward a few inches until the vehicle hook  306  on the third member engages with the vehicle  112 . The driver then exits the secondary vehicle  112 , after which a single press of a button retracts the VLS with the secondary vehicle  112  to the stowed position, whereby the VLS and the stowed vehicle  112  are ready for transport. 
         [0058]    Elongated holes (not shown) in the distal ends of the control rods  300  retard the lift and pitch changes of the vehicle  112  attached to the third section  104 , so that the front wheels of the vehicle  112  remain on the ground until the vehicle  112  is partially rotated, thereby reducing the torque required for the second section  102  to lift the vehicle  112  and for the push rods  300  to change the vehicle&#39;s pitch. As shown in  FIG. 3C , when the VLS reaches its fully retracted configuration, the elongated holes in the distal ends of the control rods  300  allow the third section  104  to fold completely, and allows latching hooks  310  on the main frame  100  to engage with the distal end of the third section  104  before the vehicle  112  comes to rest in the vertical orientation. Without the slack of the elongated holes, a direct linkage would begin to lift the vehicle  112  at full extension, and would not complete the fold before the vehicle  112  impacted the aft end of the recreational vehicle  114 . 
         [0059]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3C , the latching hooks  310  are driven by a separate latching piston  312 , and a cam shaft ( 314  in  FIG. 3D ). The latching hooks  310  are configured so that they not only capture the distal end of the third section  104 , but also help support the weight of the VLS sections  102 ,  104  and of the attached vehicle  112 . The cam shaft  314  also serves as a rotation axel for the control rods  300 , but the cam shaft itself  314  only rotates when the cam shaft  314  is in a no-load position and the vehicle  112  is fully supported by the second section  102  held by the main frame  100  in the retracted position. The latching piston  312  is spring loaded to the latch position and the cam shaft  314  goes “over center” so that once it is latched, the system stays latched. 
         [0060]    In other embodiments, the power for operating the VLS is delivered by a pull strap, pulling from a varying height on the back of a recreational vehicle  114  or other host vehicle so as to avoid premature and excessive rotating pressure on the stowable vehicle  112  early in the VLS stowing cycle. A pull strap embodiment is discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 6A through 6D . 
         [0061]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3C  also comprises a large supporting pin assembly  316  incorporated into each side arm of the third section  104 . The supporting pin assemblies  316  are extendible into suitable mating holes or recesses incorporated into the underside of the vehicle  112  and aligned with the supporting pin assemblies  316  when the vehicle  112  is properly engaged with the vehicle hook  306 . The supporting pin assemblies  316  are configured to be actuated by driving pins ( 318  in  FIG. 3D ) from underneath. This occurs while the underside of the third section  104  is being retracted against the driving pins incorporated into a mating trough of the second section  102  which come into contact with the underside of the supporting pin assemblies  316  during retraction of the VLS. 
         [0062]    Rotating the vehicle  112  to a nearly full vertical orientation before inserting the support pins  316  assures that the vehicle  112  is fully aligned and supported by the vehicle hook  306  and properly aligned with the supporting pin assembly holes. 
         [0063]    In various embodiments, the supporting pin assemblies  316  are two-stage devices that provide for an expansion or other gripping or latching means once the support pins  318  have been inserted into their mating holes  316 , thereby ensuring that the vehicle  112  cannot be jarred off of the support pins during transit. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3D  provides a perspective disassembled view of an array of major and minor components of the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3C , illustrating their relative structural sizes and shapes. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of an attachment cross bar  400  and tapered receiver plate  402 , which are sized and configured so as to receive and grip the vehicle hook  306  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  as the VLS is actuated beneath the properly positioned vehicle  112 . The cross bar  400  and receiver plate  402  comprise a receiver assembly  404 , mountable to the undercarriage of a vehicle  112  so as to make it compatible with the VLS system of  FIG. 3A-3C . The tapered channels of the receiver plate  402  grip the edges of the vehicle hook  306  securely, providing a grip by which the vehicle  112  can be lifted and rotated into the stowed and retracted position. 
         [0066]    In loading, the vehicle  112  in this embodiment is backed in over the extended VLS sections  102 ,  104  until it triggers a proximity switch (not shown), which causes the VLS to lift the second pivot joint  110  into close proximity to the undercarriage of the vehicle  112  (see  FIG. 1B ). The vehicle  112  is then driven ahead a few inches until the vehicle hook  306  engages the receiver assembly  404  attached to the undercarriage of the vehicle  112 . From outside of the vehicle pressing a button on the RV dashboard or on a remote control actuates the VLS so as to lift the car. In this embodiment, one button press extends the VLS, the vehicle  112  is driven into position, and one button press retracts the VLS and stows the vehicle  112 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are close-up illustrations of portions of the second and third sections  102 ,  104  of  FIGS. 3A and 3C , showing the hydraulic pistons  108  mounted on the main frame  100 , with their distal ends connected to the second section  102  for operating the VLS between its extended and retracted configurations. Also shown in the figures is the piston  312  mounted on the main frame  100  and connected and configured to move the cam shaft  314 , which operates the latch hooks  310  that secure the distal end of the third section  104  in the retracted position. 
         [0068]    It will be readily apparent that it may be necessary before a vehicle  112  is stowed and/or carried by an embodiment of the present invention to modify some of the fluid reservoirs and possibly the battery of the vehicle  112 , so that it can be stowed vertically without disrupting its ability to operate horizontally. The mechanics of the VLS system only require that the vehicle  112  be adapted with a receiver assembly  404  on its undercarriage, suitable for engagement with the third section  104  of the VLS. The vehicle  112  might be driven onto the first and second sections  102 ,  104  front-end first or rear-end first, and in some embodiments from one side or the other. The engagement mechanism in various embodiments is oriented for approaching the sections  102 ,  104  from any of the four principle directions, driving towards or away from the main frame  100  or from either side. For example, adapting a so-called “SMART™” car for this purpose only requires adding one accessory and drilling two holes. 
         [0069]    The Smart™ car has a steel c-channel type panel ahead of the rear mounted engine that goes across the car between the frame rails under the floor. The panel is bolted to the floor and the side frame rails. The brackets on the frame rails where the panel attaches have an additional threaded hole for something else to attach. Behind the panel, centered in the car, is a bracket that carries the rear suspension and engine. Part of the receiver is an angle iron that bolts to the extra holes in the panel brackets reinforcing the bottom flange of the panel. The rest of the receiver bolts through the plastic belly pan, through the angle, and through two holes drilled in the bottom flange of the panel. The two holes in the vertical plates of the receiver attach to the motor mount bolt in the above mentioned bracket. The reinforcement and attachment of the receiver give it sufficient strength to lift the car. 
         [0070]    With reference again to  FIGS. 1A through 1E  and  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment whereby a Smart™ car  112  is mounted on the back of a motor home  114 , the VLS system works as follows: the car  112  is backed up to the motor home  114  over the third section  104  and second section  102 , which just fit between the wheels of the car  112 , locating the car  112  laterally over the third section  104  and second section  102 . As the car  112  gets close to the motor home  114 , it trips a proximity switch, which raises the pivot joint  110  between the third section  104  and the second section  102  slightly. The car  112  then rolls ahead slightly to engage the tongue  306  of the cross bar  308  on the third section with a receiver  404  on the undercarriage of the car  112 . The occupants then exit the car  112  and actuate the VLS for retraction. 
         [0071]    Even if the car  112  isn&#39;t rolled ahead, the tongue  306  will engage the receiver  404  as it lifts. To continue the lifting of the car  112  in this embodiment, an operator must then go to the corner of the motor home  114  and hold a lift button. As the third section  104  and the second section  102  continue to lift, the pivot joint  110  between them lifts up to the car and controls the car&#39;s pitch angle of rotation. There are two pins  316  on the third section  104  that engage with two holes in the vehicle frame just behind the front wheels. The holes are about 1″ in diameter, and are provided so as to carry the car  112  through its manufacturing process. The car  112  continues to rise until it is positioned parallel to the rear of the motor home  114 . Finally, the car  112  is in place proximate the rear of the motor home and the lift latches into position via latches  310 . 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIG. 6A through 6D , in another embodiment, the second section  102  is lifted with hydraulic cylinders while the third section is controlled by at least one strap or cable  600  that attaches to the third section  104  and thereby to the undercarriage of the car  112  above the hinge of the front bar. A tongue  306  that engages the receiver  404  is attached to the distal end of the third section  104 . The car  112  is backed beyond the tongue  306 . The second section  102  is rotated upward until the tongue  306  touches the funnel plate  402  of the receiver  404 . Then, when the second section  102  continues to lift or the car  112  is driven forward, the tongue  306  is captured by the receiver  404 . The cable  600  that actuates the third section  104  runs through the second section  102  from the main frame  100 , over a wheel (not shown) and over a half wheel  602  to the proximal end of the third section  104 . The half wheel  602  is spring loaded to its shown position. As the third section  104  rotates, the cable  600  engages the half wheel  602 , rotating it about half the rotation of the hinge  110 . This positions it so that the cable  600  can exert maximum force on the third section  104  through the entire rotation of the hinge  110 . The angle between the second extension  102  and the third extension  104  creates a lever above the hinge  110  and holds the cable  600  above the half wheel  602  through half the rotation. Similar embodiments use rods or arms in place of the cable  600  of  FIGS. 6A through 6D . 
         [0073]    Pins  316  on the third section  104  engage with and latch to holes in the chassis of the car  112 . The latching mechanism is optional. The primary function of the pins  316  is to fix the location of the car  112  and carry most of the weight of the car. In some embodiments, the latch has a tapered pin that splays the fixed pin when drawn in. That draw is created by rotating the exocentric at the base of the pin. That rotation can come from a linkage through the hinge  110  to the second extension  102 . That latch can be done a number of ways, including an elastic top that mushrooms with the draw of a central rod. It can also be actuated electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. 
         [0074]    The d pitch of the lift can be adjusted by simply changing the profile of the half round cable guide  602  and/or the hitch point of the cable to the chassis. 
         [0075]    The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.