Ratchet platform

A height adjustable platform and method include a ratchet platform. In an embodiment, the ratchet platform is height adjustable and includes a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube. The ratchet platform further includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The platform base is adapted to be secured within a vehicle. The ratchet platform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. In addition, actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of adjustable platforms and more specifically to the field of height adjustable platforms adapted for use in a military vehicle.

2. Background of the Invention

In many instances, occupants of vehicles need to stand up in the vehicle. For instance, in military vehicles, occupants of the military vehicles may need to stand in the vehicle with the upper portion of the occupants' bodies exposed outside of the vehicle. Such instances include the need to operate weaponry, improve vision outside of the military vehicle, and the like. Problems occur in such situations with the varying heights of the individuals.

Occupants of the vehicles have developed solutions such as standing on items to overcome problems with the varying heights. However, drawbacks to such solutions include the lack of stability during combat operations or rough terrain. Further drawbacks include problems with adjustments for the various heights of the vehicle occupants. In military vehicles, problems also include injuries to the standing occupant when the vehicle sustains the force of a mine or improvised explosive device. In such instances, a portion of the force is absorbed by the standing occupant's body causing severe injury or death.

Consequently, there is a need for a stable platform for a vehicle occupant. Further needs include a platform that is adjustable for varying occupant heights. Additional needs include improved protection for the occupant against explosive forces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by a ratchet platform. The ratchet platform is height adjustable and includes a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube. The ratchet platform further includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The platform base is adapted to be secured within a vehicle. The ratchet platform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. In addition, actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate ratchet platform5having platform upper assembly10and platform lower assembly15. Ratchet platform S is adapted for disposition within a vehicle. Platform upper assembly10includes toe queue20, platform grating25, and ratchet45. Toe queue20is a wall that extends around the periphery of platform70, as shown inFIG. 3. Without limitation, toe queue20facilitates prevention of an individual standing on ratchet platform5from falling off ratchet platform5by stopping sliding of a foot of the individual off ratchet platform5. When the standing individual's foot contacts toe queue20, toe queue20also provides notice to the standing individual that the individual's foot is at the edge of platform70. Platform grating25has any configuration and material suitable for providing resistance against sliding of the standing individual's foot. Platform lower assembly15includes platform upper assembly actuator30, platform base35, and support column40. Platform upper assembly actuator30may include any means for actuating vertical movement (i.e., up and down) of platform upper assembly10such as a pedal sub assembly, an electrical actuator, a crank actuator, and the like. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, platform upper assembly actuator30includes pedal sub assembly155. Pedal sub assembly155actuates ratchet45and thereby actuates movement of platform upper assembly10. Support column40provides support to platform70and also provides protection to the portion of platform upper assembly actuator30disposed within support column40. Platform base35provides a base and support to platform upper assembly10and support column40.

FIG. 3illustrates a bottom perspective view of platform upper assembly10, andFIG. 4illustrates a bottom view of platform upper assembly10. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, platform upper assembly10includes platform70. Platform70may be composed of any material having a suitable strength to support the weight of an individual standing on platform70. Platform70is shown having a rectangular shape but it is to be understood that platform70is not limited to a rectangular shape but instead may have any shape suitable for use in a vehicle. Platform grating25is secured to platform70by any suitable method such as by welding, glue, and the like. Platform70also has openings60. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 3, openings60may be of a suitable configuration and size to allow an individual to pass a portion of the individual's hands therethrough for movement of ratchet platform5. Openings60pass through platform70and platform grating25. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), openings60have any configuration and size suitable for a desired purpose. Platform70is shown with two openings60but in alternative embodiments (not illustrated) may have one opening60or more than two openings60. Platform70also has drains50. Without limitation, drains50allow liquids disposed on the top side of platform70to pass through platform70via drains50. Platform upper assembly10also includes platform tube core75.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, ratchet45includes platform riser tube95and ratchet rail100. Ratchet45may be secured to platform70by any suitable method such as by weld, screws, glue, and the like. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, ratchet45is secured to platform tube core75, which is secured to platform70. Ratchet45is secured by securing upper portion315using any suitable means. Ratchet45is slidable within support column40. Without limitation, platform tube core75provides reinforcement strength to platform70. Further, without limitation, platform tube core75facilitates production. Platform tube core75may be secured to platform70by any suitable method. Platform riser tube95has a length sufficient to allow ratchet platform5to be adjusted to any desirable height of an individual standing on ratchet platform5. Platform riser tube95also has a configuration suitable for slidable disposition within support column40. Ratchet rail100is secured to a side of platform riser tube95. In some embodiments, platform upper assembly10also includes crash blocks80. Without limitation, crash blocks80prevent damage to upper tube guide115(not illustrated) from contact by support column40. Crash blocks80are also secured to platform70. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, crash blocks80are secured to platform70by securing of crash blocks80to platform tube core75. In some embodiments, platform upper assembly10also includes platform gussets85and gusset wall90. Platform gussets85are brackets that provide support to platform70. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, platform upper assembly10includes four platform gussets85but in alternative embodiments (not illustrated) includes more than four or less than four platform gussets85. Platform gussets85are secured to gusset wall90and/or a bottom side of platform70. In an embodiment, gusset wall90extends about the periphery of platform tube core75. As further shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, some embodiments of ratchet platform5include platform upper assembly10having an attachment opening65through platform70and platform grating25.

FIG. 5illustrates a top view of platform upper assembly10. In an embodiment as illustrated, platform grating25substantially covers the top surface of platform70but not openings60and attachment opening65. In embodiments as illustrated, openings60are disposed at locations on platform70sufficient to allow an individual to pick up and move ratchet platform5.

FIG. 6illustrates an exploded view of platform upper assembly10. As shown, platform tube core75is disposed within gusset wall90. In embodiments, ratchet rail100is secured to platform riser tube95by screws105.

FIG. 7illustrates a perspective bottom view of platform lower assembly15. In embodiments as illustrated, a lower portion190of support column40passes through platform base35. Without limitation, allowing lower portion190of support column40to pass through platform base35provides a desired range of adjustability. Support column40includes actuator grooves170on opposing sides of support column40. In an embodiment, platform base35is adapted to be secured within a vehicle (i.e., to a floor of the vehicle).

FIG. 8illustrates an exploded view of platform lower assembly15. Support column40includes pedal opening320of sufficient dimensions to facilitate pedal sub assembly155(not illustrated). Pedal pivot supports110are disposed on opposing sides of pedal opening320. Platform base35includes platform base opening325of sufficient dimensions to allow lower portion190to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, support column40is secured to platform base35by press fit.

FIG. 9illustrates an embodiment of ratchet platform5in which platform upper assembly actuator30includes pedal sub assembly155. InFIG. 9, platform upper assembly actuator30is shown in exploded view.FIG. 10illustrates a cross sectional side view of the embodiment of ratchet platform5illustrated inFIG. 9. Platform upper assembly actuator30includes pedal sub assembly155and may have any suitable configuration for actuating platform upper assembly10. As shown, a portion of pedal linkage185of pedal sub assembly155passes through pedal opening320into interior330of support column40. Pedal sub assembly155may have any suitable configuration for actuation.FIG. 11illustrates an embodiment of pedal sub assembly155in which pedal sub assembly155includes pedal175, pedal pivot pin180, and pedal linkage185. In an embodiment, pedal175has sufficient size to allow actuation by pressure from the foot of an individual. Pedal sub assembly155may be attached to support column40by any suitable method. In an embodiment as shown inFIGS. 9-11, bolt165passes through pedal pivot supports110and pedal pivot pin180. Nut145secures bolt165. In an embodiment, bolt165also passes through washers125. In some embodiments, one or more torsion springs150are attached to pedal sub assembly155.FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view of a torsion spring150. In embodiments as illustrated inFIGS. 9,10, and13, a torsion spring150is disposed on each side of pedal sub assembly155outside of the pedal pivot supports110. The torsion springs150are attached to pedal sub assembly155by bolt165. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the portion of pedal linkage185in interior330is attached to upper linkage130at one end335. Pedal linkage185and upper linkage130are rotatable in relation to each other at end335. Upper linkage130runs longitudinally within interior330and is secured to support column40at the other end340. An embodiment of upper linkage130is illustrated inFIG. 12in which upper linkage130has upper linkage groove345. In an embodiment, the end of pedal linkage185opposite pedal175is disposed within upper linkage groove345and attached to upper linkage130. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 9,10, and12, end340of upper linkage130is slidably attached to support column40by ratchet pin135passing through end340and actuator groove170. Ratchet pin135may be secured by any suitable method. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, ratchet pin135is secured by washers125and external snap rings140. Upper linkage130slides ratchet pin135longitudinally up through the length of actuator groove170when upper linkage130is in an upward motion and down through the length of actuator groove170when upper linkage130is in a downward motion. Ratchet pin135is suitably disposed within actuator groove170to allow teeth350of ratchet rail100to be disposed thereupon when ratchet pin135is in the downward position (i.e., at the bottom of actuator groove170). Platform riser tube95passes through upper tube guide115and lower tube guide120. Upper tube guide115and lower tube guide120are secured to support column40. Actuator groove170is disposed on support column40between upper tube guide115and lower tube guide120. Upper tube guide115and lower tube guide120prevent unwanted lateral movement of platform riser tube95and facilitate maintaining movement of platform riser tube95in a longitudinal direction. Upper tube guide115and lower tube guide120may be secured to support column40by any suitable method. In the embodiment as shown, upper tube guide115and lower tube guide120are secured to support column40by screws105.

In operation of the embodiments of ratchet platform5illustrated inFIGS. 1-13, ratchet platform5is placed in a vehicle (not illustrated). Ratchet platform5is secured in a desirable location within the vehicle. Ratchet platform5may be secured by any suitable method such as by screwing ratchet platform5to a floor or other surface of the vehicle. The vehicle may include any vehicle such as a truck, car, military vehicle, helicopter, air plane, and the like. In an embodiment, ratchet platform5is placed in a military vehicle in which it is desired for an individual to stand on platform70. For instance, in some military vehicles, it is desired for an individual to operate weaponry (i.e., machine gun) that is located on the outside of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, a portion of the individual's body is disposed outside of the vehicle during operation of the weaponry with the remainder of the individual's body within the military vehicle for protection. The height of platform70is adjusted by pressing pedal175. Each time pedal175is pressed, the pressure from pedal175actuates pedal linkage185and pedal linkage185moves upwards, which thereby actuates upper linkage130longitudinally upward. The longitudinal movement of upper linkage130slides ratchet pin135longitudinally upward through the length of actuator groove170. The upward movement of ratchet pin135applies force to a tooth350of ratchet rail100thereby actuating platform upper assembly10, which moves upward. Pressure is released from pedal175, and torsion spring150applies force to pedal linkage185to actuate pedal linkage185and move pedal linkage185downward, which actuates upper linkage130to move longitudinally downward. Such downward movement of upper linkage130slides ratchet pin135downward through the length of actuator groove170to allow the tooth350below the previous tooth350(in which the force was applied) to be disposed upon ratchet pin135. By such disposition of the next tooth350upon ratchet pin135, further downward movement of platform upper assembly10is prevented. Pedal175may be pressed and released until platform70is at the desired height. To reduce the height of platform70, pedal175is pressed and held, which maintains ratchet pin135in an upper position within actuator groove170. With ratchet pin135maintained in an upper position within actuator groove170, ratchet pin135is not in contact with teeth350, and platform upper assembly10slides downward until the pressure is released from pedal175or support column40contacts platform70. As platform upper assembly10slides downward, platform riser tube95slides downward in interior330.

FIG. 14illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of ratchet platform5in which ratchet platform5further includes energy attenuation system205.FIGS. 15 and 16illustrate side views of an embodiment of ratchet platform5including energy attenuation system205. Energy attenuation system205includes any system suitable for reducing or preventing energy applied to the bottom355of ratchet platform5from passing to the individual standing on platform70. For instance, in an embodiment in which ratchet platform5is disposed within a military vehicle, a mine or improvised explosive device exploding underneath or near the military vehicle applies force to the military vehicle and thereby to ratchet platform5. Energy attenuation system205reduces or prevents the energy from passing through ratchet platform5to the individual standing on platform70, thereby protecting the individual from harm. Without limitation, an example of a suitable energy attenuation system205includes a SHOCKRIDE CRUSH BOX, commercially available from ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC. Energy attenuation system205is secured to platform base35. In an embodiment, energy attenuation system205is secured to a bottom side of platform base35.

FIG. 17illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of energy attenuation system205including outer covering270. Outer covering270is secured to the periphery of energy attenuation system205. In an embodiment, outer covering270is removeable. Without limitation, outer covering270prevents unwanted objects from being disposed within energy attenuation system205. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 17, energy attenuation system205also includes energy attenuation opening265, which is an opening through the interior of energy attenuation system205. In an embodiment, energy attenuation opening265has suitable dimensions to allow ratchet45to pass therethrough.

In some embodiments as illustrated inFIGS. 14-16, ratchet platform5further includes base plate210and seat plate215.FIG. 18illustrates a perspective view of base plate210and seat plate215.FIG. 19illustrates a top cross sectional view of base plate210and seat plate215Seat plate215is secured to platform base35or, in embodiments in which ratchet platform5includes energy attenuation system205, to energy attenuation system205. Seat plate215provides support to platform upper assembly10, platform lower assembly15, and energy attenuation system205. Seat plate215includes seat plate rails230on opposing sides of seat plate215. In embodiments as illustrated inFIGS. 18,19, and21, seat plate215further includes seat plate opening275, which has suitable configuration to allow ratchet45to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, base plate210has a length greater than seat plate215. Base plate210is secured to the vehicle. In some embodiments, base plate210is secured to the floor of the vehicle. Base plate210has base plate rails260on opposing sides of base plate210. Each base plate rail260has slidable contact with the opposing seat plate rail230whereby seat plate215is longitudinally slidable along base plate210with seat plate rails230moving longitudinally along the stationary base plate rails260.FIGS. 22 and 23illustrate embodiments of base plate rails260and seat plate rails230, respectively. As shown, the configurations of seat plate rails230and base plate rails260match each other. Longitudinal movement of seat plate215in relation to base plate210allows platform upper assembly10, platform lower assembly15, and energy attenuation system205to be positioned in different horizontal directions. Seat plate release pins225are inserted through a pin opening360of base plate rail260when matched with a pin opening360of seat plate rail230to prevent movement of seat plate215and lock seat plate215in place. The seat plate release pins225are inserted on opposing sides of base plate210and seat plate215. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), seat plate release pins225are inserted on the same side of base plate210and seat plate215. In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), only one seat plate release pin225is used or more than two seat plate release pins225are used. In some embodiments, base plate210includes base plate shim bars220. An embodiment of base plate shim bar220is illustrated inFIG. 24. Without limitation, shim bars200limit the amount of energy that is stored in base plate210in an improvised explosive device (IED) event by minimizing its deflection.FIG. 20illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of base plate210.

In other embodiments as illustrated inFIGS. 14-16, ratchet platform5also includes ratchet platform attachment means200. Ratchet platform attachment means200includes any means suitable for attaching ratchet platform5to other objects such as an individual standing on platform70. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 14-16andFIG. 25, ratchet platform attachment means200includes strap235, strap retractor245and release hook300. Strap retractor245is a device suitable for retracting a strap235and for allowing strap235to be pulled forth from strap retractor245and that also prevents extraction of strap235when a certain level of tension is applied. An example of a strap retractor245is a seat belt retractor used in automobiles. Strap235includes any suitable type of strap. For instance, in an embodiment, strap235includes a long narrow strip of pliant material. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), strap235is a cable. In an embodiment, strap235passes through strap ring310before entering and after exiting strap retractor245. Without limitation, strap ring310facilitates extraction and retraction of strap retractor245. A release hook300is attached to the end of strap235opposite strap retractor245. Release hook300includes any type of hook suitable for attaching to an object. In an embodiment as illustrated, release hook300is a quick release hook with a swivel. In some embodiments, ratchet platform attachment means200includes release strap295. Release strap295is attached to release hook300, and a sufficient pulling force on release strap295releases release hook300. In an embodiment, release strap295includes a visual280. Visual280includes any means for increasing visibility of release strap295. In an embodiment, visual280includes fluorescent material. Visual280is secured to release strap295by any suitable means such as by stitching285. In an embodiment, release strap295also includes grip290at the end of release strap295opposite the end of release strap295attached to release hook300. In an embodiment, ratchet platform attachment means200includes strap adjustment305. Strap adjustment305includes any means suitable for attaching release hook300to strap235such as VELCRO, which is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries N.V.

In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 14-16, strap retractor245is secured to platform base35. In an embodiment in which ratchet platform5includes energy attenuation system205, strap retractor245is secured to platform base35and energy attenuation system205. In an embodiment (not illustrated), securing means such as bolts secure strap retractor245to platform base35and energy attenuation system205. In such an embodiment, on the inside of energy attenuation system205are reinforcement strips through which the securing means (i.e., bolts) pass. Without limitation, the reinforcement strips facilitate securing of strap retractor245to platform base35. For instance, the reinforcement straps prevent tension during a vehicle rollover from causing strap retractor245from separating from platform base35and energy attenuation system205. In embodiments as illustrated, release hook300is passed through attachment opening65.

In an embodiment as shown inFIGS. 14-15, ratchet platform5also includes ratchet platform attachment strap250. An end of ratchet platform attachment strap250is secured to platform base35. In an embodiment as illustrated, ratchet platform attachment strap250is secured to platform base35by strap receiving means255. The other end of ratchet platform attachment strap250is attached to platform70. Ratchet platform attachment strap250has sufficient tension to prevent unwanted extension of platform upper assembly10. Without limitation, in an instance when the vehicle rolls over, the force of the roll over applies tension to platform upper assembly10. Ratchet platform attachment strap250prevents the tension from causing unwanted extension of platform upper assembly10.

It is to be understood that platform upper assembly10is not limited to platform70, platform grating25and toe queue20. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly10includes platform70and toe queue20or platform grating25. In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly10includes platform70but does not include toe queue20and platform grating25.