Abstract:
A multipurpose all-terrain vehicle includes an elevated platform having a frame on which it may support a lifting system, a propulsion system, a power source, a control mechanism, a secondary height adjustable platform, a tow hitch, a plow, and other suitable accessories. Centered directly underneath the elevated frame is an arcuate space configuration. The elevated platform may be supported by arches that rest on a wheeled or tracked propulsion system. The vehicle is configured to straddle, lift, and transport heavy loads underneath the elevated platform and maneuver in all types of terrain without damaging delicate terrain or subterranean objects. The multipurpose vehicle is especially suited for use by arborists, landscape professionals, and other professionals, in a suburban or urban environment. The vehicle is inexpensive, lightweight, compact, and highly maneuverable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present patent application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/585,928 filed on Jul. 8, 2004. The content of the aforementioned application is fully incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to a self-propelled all-terrain vehicle able to perform a multitude of load transferring tasks, as well as other secondary and tertiary tasks.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Most machines that lift and carry loads are designed to bear the weight of the load in the front or back of the machine. For example, timber machines used to lift and carry timber usually use a lifting mechanism positioned on the front or back of the machine and require counter balancing designs to offset the weight of a lifted load. These machines tend to be very heavy and typically can only lift one half of their own weight exacerbating the need to use heavy equipment for even moderate weighted loads.  
         [0004]     In a forest or a lumber yard environment, the weight of such machines may not be a concern to the terrain, but in other environments, such as suburban lawns and golf courses, heavy machinery tends to damage delicate terrain. For example, the lightest of swing loaders typically weigh in excess of 19,000 lbs and log skidders in excess of 10,000 lbs. The weight of such heavy equipment causes high soil compaction that in turn leaves aesthetically unappealing marks on manicured lawns and is destructive to tree root systems and subterranean objects frequently present in a suburban setting such as septic systems, pipes, electrical lines, cables, optical systems, and sprinkler systems.  
         [0005]     Moreover, because of their large size and design primarily for forestry applications, access may be denied in tight spaces or small landscapes, or where damage to the terrain needs to be minimized. Maneuverability of heavy machinery can also be limited especially over difficult and uneven terrain. Furthermore, transporting heavy equipment from site-to-site typically requires tractor-trailer like trucks and heavy duty trailing equipment, which is costly and inconvenient to transport.  
         [0006]     Another drawback of such machines is that they are generally limited to performing a specific task, such as cutting, lifting, loading, moving, transporting, plowing, digging, or skidding. To perform more than one of these operations typically requires the use of several different machines. For example, land maintenance, such as removal of trees or logs, on golf courses or suburban landscapes, typically involves the use of several pieces of large and expensive equipment. That is, arborists and landscape professionals generally require separate pieces of equipment to perform routine tree work on a job site; e.g., equipment to skid a fallen tree, swing loaders to lift cut logs, and trucks and trailers for removal of debris. Besides the high costs associated with purchasing and maintaining several different pieces of equipment, usually the equipment is designed for forestry applications and is not well suited for more delicate suburban or urban environments.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, there is a lack of an inexpensive and single piece of equipment that contains elements to perform all of the functions required by arborists, landscape professionals, and other professionals, especially suited for a suburban or urban environment.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     Described herein is a multipurpose all-terrain vehicle able to perform a myriad of tasks on a single platform. In one implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle comprises an elevated platform having a frame on which it may support a lifting system, a propulsion system, a power source, a control mechanism, a secondary height adjustable platform, a tow hitch, a plow, and other suitable accessories.  
         [0009]     Centered directly underneath the elevated frame is an arcuate space configuration. The elevated platform may be supported by arches that rest on a wheeled or tracked propulsion system. As a result of using an elevated platform with an arcuate space configuration, the vehicle is configured to straddle, lift, and transport heavy loads underneath the elevated platform.  
         [0010]     In one implementation, the lifting system includes a mechanical lever includes a center lifting boom powered by hydraulic pump. The lifting boom includes a hydraulic piston, which causes the boom to lift up and down. Attached to the lifting boom are tongs suspended from the underside of the vehicle that engage, lift and center the load inside the arcuate space configuration that defines the belly of the vehicle. The tongs are free moving and pull from different angles, which permit the load to center itself. It will be appreciated that instead of tongs, a strap, a hook, chain, or other attachment mechanism could be used to secure, lift and center loads.  
         [0011]     In one implementation, the lifting system may also include one or more winches mounted on the back and/or front of the vehicle and an extendable lifting boom attached to the rear of the vehicle. For example, on the back of the vehicle a winch cable travels to a rear lifting boom through a block and pulley. This winch can be used to lift, pull, push, and drag loads from the back of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear lifting boom also enables the vehicle to lift loads to different levels such as when transferring a load from the ground to a truck or landing. A secondary cable and winch mounted to the front of the vehicle can be used to raise and lower the rear lifting boom, although the rear lifting boom can be raised and lowered by other means. Additionally, the rear lifting boom can be removed or stored flush with framing of the elevated platform.  
         [0012]     Typically, the propulsion system includes a tire or track attached directly to each support member of an arch or arches supporting the elevated platform eliminating the need for axles and providing for the arcuate space configuration. The vehicle&#39;s propulsion system may be powered by a diesel motor and a hydraulic pump, which turns four separate hydraulic motors attached to the tires or tracks. Propulsion and turning of the tires or tracks (front and/or rear) allow the vehicle to steer. Steering can be controlled from a steering mechanism, such as levers or a steering wheel, located on the elevated platform. However, steering can also be controlled remotely such as through a wired or wireless remote control system.  
         [0013]     In one implementation the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle&#39;s four tires are not flush with the vehicle and are protected by design arches. Large tractor tires may be used, such as a ten-ply tractor tire; however, it is appreciated that other tires may be used.  
         [0014]     In one implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle contains a pivot pin located at front and rear arches that permit the front/rear wheels to pivot on rough terrain.  
         [0015]     In certain situations, by using the winch or winches attached to the fore and aft of the vehicle, as described above, it is possible to move loads without engaging the propulsions system underneath the elevated platform. This eliminates the need over extremely delicate terrain for the tires/tracks to self-propel causing the tires/tracks to possibly dig-in and damage the terrain or subterranean objects.  
         [0016]     In yet another implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle may include a secondary height adjustable platform which may be integral with the elevated frame or attached thereto. The secondary height adjustable frame may be used as a portable scaffolding to elevate a person higher into trees for trimming and pruning, or be used near a house for power washing or painting, etc.  
         [0017]     In one implementation, a plow may also be attached to the front or rear of the vehicle enabling clearing for shrubbery, light earth excavation, snow removal, and other possible pushing/excavating. In one implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle contains towing means by a tow bar and trailer hitch that attach or detach from the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle. In yet another implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle may be used to tow trailers, or stump grinders.  
         [0018]     In one implementation, the load carrying ability may be expanded by securing a net or metal box beneath the elevated main frame platform to the center lifting boom. In this implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle can be used to safely transport cement, gravel, bricks, or other heavy, loose materials within the arcuate space configuration of the vehicle.  
         [0019]     In yet another implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle also provides easy access to the elevated main frame platform by way of a step ladder.  
         [0020]     The multipurpose all-terrain vehicle is particularly useful by arborist and landscapers to lift, straddle, and transport loads, such as logs, fallen trees, and stumps, as well as perform a myriad of other applications, without damaging delicate lawns or subterranean objects. The innovative multipurpose all-terrain vehicle described herein can straddle and position the weight of a load directly underneath the vehicle. This helps to distribute the weight of a load throughout the vehicle in a plane parallel with the ground and eliminates the need for heavy counterbalancing structures associated with conventional machines that tend to lift and carry loads from the front or back. As a result the innovative multipurpose all-terrain vehicle may be constructed with a lighter structure (at least six times lighter) than a single purpose machine, such as a swing loader, able to lift and carry the equivalent load.  
         [0021]     Moreover, due to the unique construction of the innovative all-terrain vehicle, it is able to lift extremely heavy loads of up to twice its own weight over any terrain, including uneven or swampy terrain. In certain situations, by skidding its load, the vehicle can carry up to three times its weight. For example, by lifting one end of a log (or some other type of load) off-center, and skidding the log on the ground, it is possible to increase the load capacity to three times the vehicle&#39;s own weight, in sharp contrast to most conventional machines typically limited to carrying only half of their own weight. Thus, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle described herein is much lighter than equivalent load carrying machines and is able transport a heavy load over delicate lawn turf and uneven terrain with minimal soil compaction. The vehicle&#39;s low soil compaction is aesthetically appealing because the vehicle leaves little to no markings on the lawn, and does not result in destruction to the turf, tree root systems or subterranean objects. Likewise, the vehicle may be configured to be smaller than a compact car in terms of its overall footprint, enabling it to maneuver off-road and in tight spots.  
         [0022]     Further details and advantages of the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]     The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears.  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an innovative multipurpose all-terrain vehicle.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is identical to  FIG. 1 , but shows the vehicle straddling and transporting a load.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is an anterior view of the vehicle including the load from  FIG. 2  engaged therein.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle engaged in straddling and transporting a load.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective of view the vehicle lifting a load from the rear of the vehicle for transport to a truck (shown in  FIG. 9 ) or landing.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  shows a removable tow bar and trailer hitch attached to the vehicle.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  shows a latch used to allow the tow bar to be removed or secured to a wheel base of the vehicle.  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates one of the many uses of the vehicle, in which the vehicle includes an adjustable secondary platform such as a portable scaffold.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the posterior end of the vehicle with the winch and hook engaged in transferring a load to or from a second vehicle.  
         [0033]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle showing how a rear lifting boom may be lowered or raised by the use of a cable from the front of the vehicle.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0034]      FIG. 1  presents a side view of an innovative multipurpose all-terrain vehicle  100 . The vehicle  100  includes an elevated platform  102  having an interconnected frame  104  on which it may support a lifting system  106 , a propulsion system  108 , a power source  110 , a control mechanism  112 , a secondary height adjustable platform  114 , a tow hitch (see  FIG. 6 ), a plow (not shown), and other suitable accessories (not shown). Centered directly underneath the elevated platform  102  is an arcuate space configuration  116 , that defines the belly of the vehicle and which shall be explained in more detail below. As a result of using an elevated platform  102  with an arcuate space configuration  116 , the vehicle  100  is configured to straddle, lift, and transport heavy loads underneath the elevated platform  102 .  
         [0035]     In one implementation, the lifting system  106  includes a center lifting boom  118  powered by a hydraulic pump (See  302  in  FIG. 3 ). The lifting boom  118  includes a hydraulic piston  120 , which causes the boom  118  to lift up and down. Attached to the center lifting boom  118  are tongs  122  suspended from the underside of the vehicle  100  that engage, lift and center the load inside the arcuate load carrying space  116  of the vehicle  100 . The tongs  122  are free moving and pull from different angles, which permit the load to center itself.  
         [0036]     It will be appreciated that instead of tongs, a strap, a hook, chain, or other attachment mechanism could be used to secure, lift and center loads. Additionally, the load carrying ability may be expanded by securing a net (not shown) or box (not shown) beneath the elevated main frame platform  102  to the center lifting boom  118 . In this implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle can be used to safely transport cement, gravel, bricks, or other heavy, loose materials within the arcuate space configuration of the vehicle  100 .  
         [0037]     In one implementation, the lifting system  106  may also include one or more winches  124 / 126  mounted on the back and/or front of the vehicle, respectively. For example, on the back of the vehicle a cable  128  of a rear winch  124  travels up an extendable rear lifting boom  130  and is diverted down through a pulley  132 . Alternatively, a snatch-block (not shown) or other guide member for the cable  128  could be used. The winch  124  and cable  128  can be used to lift, pull, push, and drag loads from the back of the vehicle. Additionally, the extendable rear lifting boom  130  also enables the vehicle to lift loads to different levels such as when transferring a load from the ground to a truck ( FIG. 9 ) or landing.  
         [0038]     A front cable can be connected from winch  126  to the extendable rear lifting boom  130  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . This enables the front winch  126  to control raising and lowering the extendable rear lifting boom  130 . Alternatively, the rear lifting boom  130  can be raised and lowered by other mechanism, such as an independent hydraulic pump. Additionally, the rear lifting boom  130  can be removed or stored flush with the interconnected frame  104  associated with the elevated platform  102 .  
         [0039]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the propulsion system  108  includes a tire  134  or track (not shown) attached directly to each support member  136 . Each support member  136  forms part of an arch that supports the elevated platform  102  eliminating the need for axles and providing for the arcuate space configuration  116 . The arches shall be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 3  below.  
         [0040]     In one implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle&#39;s four tires are not flush with the vehicle and are protected by design arches (shown in FIGS.  3  and  4 ). Large tractor tires  140  may be used, such as a ten-ply tractor tire; however, it is appreciated that other tires may be used. Steering of the vehicle can be controlled from a control mechanism  112  such as levers (not shown) or a steering wheel  138 , located on the elevated platform  102 . However, steering can also be controlled remotely such as through a wired or wireless remote control system (not shown).  
         [0041]     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , in certain situations, by using the winch  124  or winches  126  attached to the fore and aft of the vehicle, as described above, it is possible to move loads without engaging the propulsions system  108  underneath the elevated platform  100 . This eliminates the need for the tires/tracks to self-propel causing the tires/tracks to possibly dig-in and damage delicate terrain or subterranean objects.  
         [0042]     In one implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle  100  also provides easy access to the elevated main frame platform  102  by way of a step ladder  140 .  
         [0043]     In yet another implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle  100  also provides a seat  142  for the operator of the vehicle.  
         [0044]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle  100  with a load  202  (shown as a log) positioned and secured in the arcuate space configuration  116  beneath the elevated platform  102  supported and carried by the tongs  122 .  FIG. 2  is identical to  FIG. 1  with the exception of the load  202 . It is noted that the load may include logs, timber, building supplies, fencing, pipes, materials, and various other heavy objects. In one implementation, the load may be 36 inches in diameter and up to 24 feet in length. In another implementation, the load carrying ability may be expanded by securing a net or metal box beneath the elevated main frame platform to the center lifting boom. In this implementation, the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle can be used to safely transport cement, gravel, bricks, or other heavy, loose materials within the arcuate space configuration of the vehicle.  
         [0045]      FIG. 3  is an anterior view of the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle  100 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , is shown the positioning of a hydraulic pump  302  that service as a hydraulic power source for the center lifting boom  118  as well as wheeled motors  306 .  FIG. 3  also shows the design arches  304  which define the arcuate space configuration  116 . The design arches  304  include support members  136  that are connected to the propulsion system  108 . Each support member is connected together at a pivot point by a pivot pin  308 , which enables each member of the arch  304  to independently move up and down when encountering uneven terrain. The pivot pin  308  may be located at the front and rear arches of vehicle  100  to permit all wheels to pivot on rough terrain. It is appreciated that other stabilization and suspension systems may be employed to enable the vehicle to maneuver on uneven terrain.  
         [0046]     Still referring to  FIG. 3  is a detailed view of the secondary height adjustable platform  114 . In one implementation, the adjustable platform  114  may be raised or lowered by adjusting an anterior vertical beam  310 ( a ) and a posterior vertical beam (shown as  510  in  FIG. 5 ) of the interconnected frame  104 . The height of the frame is increased by extending the adjustable beams  310 ,  510  from a hollow stationary beam  312  and is secured at a desired height with a pin  314  secured in holes  316  through the beams  310  and  312 . The secondary height adjustable platform  114  may be used as portable scaffolding and is illustrated further in  FIG. 9  to be described.  
         [0047]     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the vehicle&#39;s propulsion system  108  may be powered by a power source  110  and a hydraulic pump  302  which turns four separate hydraulic motors  306  attached to the tires  134  or tracks. Propulsion and turning of the tires or tracks (front and/or rear) allow the vehicle to steer.  
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a posterior view of the multipurpose all-terrain vehicle  100  engaged in straddling a load  202  and shows the extendable rear lifting boom  130  and rear winch  124 . In one implementation the extendable rear lifting boom  130  may be removed from the vehicle by adjusting pins  402  located at the base of the boom. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the rear winch  124  is fully raised in an upright position and may be secured to the interconnected walls  104  by a chain, cable, or fastening mechanism not shown.  
         [0049]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle lifting a load  202  from the rear of the vehicle  100  for transport to a truck (shown in  FIG. 9 ) or landing (not shown). With reference to the anterior view in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 5  illustrates the counterpart elements of the secondary height adjustable platform  114  including the adjustable beams  510  and  512 , and pins  514  and holes  516 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows the lower posterior end of the vehicle and the position of a removable tow bar  602  and a removable tow hitch  604 . The tow hitch  604  is secured by a pin  606  and the tow bar  602  is held in position by a latch  608  connected to a member  136  over the left rear wheel motor  306 . The tow hitch could also be attached to vehicle  100  by other means and at different locations of the vehicle.  FIG. 7  shows the latch  608  in the open position to enable the tow bar  602  to be detached from vehicle  100 . When the trailer hitch is secured to the rear of the vehicle it may be used to pull boats from water, tow a trailer, a chipper or a stump grinder.  
         [0051]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a vehicle  100  showing its use as a portable scaffolding  802 . The scaffolding  802  rests on a secondary height adjustable platform  114  which may be integral with the elevated frame  102  or attached thereto. The secondary height adjustable platform  114  may be used as a portable scaffolding to elevate a person higher, such as for trimming and pruning trees, or be used near a house for power washing or painting, as well various other uses for a portable height adjustable scaffolding.  
         [0052]      FIG. 9  illustrates how the extendable rear lifting boom  130  enables the vehicle  100  to lift loads  202  to different levels such as when transferring a load from the ground to a truck  902  or landing. The vehicle can transfer the load into or out of the truck  902  by causing the vehicles propulsion system  108  to move backward or forward.  
         [0053]      FIG. 10  illustrates how the anterior winch  126  ( FIG. 1 ) can be connected to the extendable rear lifting boom  130  via a cable  1002 . In one implementation this enables the front winch  126  to control raising and lowering the extendable rear lifting boom  130  by raising or lowering cable  1002 . In another implementation, the winch  124  functions to stabilize the vehicle, by shifting weight, moving the vehicle, or adding power to the vehicle. The winches  124  and  126  can be used in unison to move the vehicle without necessarily engaging the propulsion system  108 . This is an extra protection feature when moving vehicle  100  over delicate terrain, or when it necessary to protect subterranean objects from being harmed by the turning of tires  134 . For instance, if the vehicle  100  is on a steep incline or where there may be poor traction, it may be beneficial to attach the cables from winches  124 ,  126  to stationary objects and avoid potentially having the wheels skid to gather traction.