Abstract:
A hydraulic deck comprising a frame consisting of a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted in a bed of a pickup truck; a pair of pivot arm members in telescoping engagement with the pair of horizontal members and a pair of extension members in telescoping engagement with the pair of vertical members; a platform member configured to support at least one vehicle; a pair of pillars rotationally connected to pin members positioned on the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of pillar extend perpendicularly from the platform member; and a mechanically operating lifting system configured to slide and lower the platform from the bed in a stored position to a ground surface in a loading position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to United Kingdom Patent Application serial number 1611973.7, filed on Jul. 9, 2016 entitled “Hydraulic Deck for Sled and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety at least by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to racks, attachment structures and platforms but more particularly to a hydraulic deck for mounting vehicles on a pickup truck. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    There are limited options when transported recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles, ATV, and motorcycles. One option is by way of a hitched trailer. Another option is by mounting and securing them inside a bed of a pickup truck. In both cases, a ramp is required for loading and unloading the recreational vehicle. In the art, there are tiltable trailers that exist, which do not require a ramp, as the tilting of the trailer brings its tail down to the ground. In all cases, however, there is an incline that has to be negotiated and it can be challenging if the recreational vehicle is heavy. Consequently, there needs to be an improved for mounting recreational vehicles on a pickup truck. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment of the present invention, hydraulic deck is provided, comprising a frame consisting of a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted in a bed of a pickup truck; a pair of pivot arm members in telescoping engagement with the pair of horizontal members and a pair of extension members in telescoping engagement with the pair of vertical members; a platform member configured to support at least one vehicle; a pair of pillars rotationally connected to pin members positioned on the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of pillar extend perpendicularly from the platform member; and a mechanically operating lifting system configured to slide and lower the platform from the bed in a stored position to a ground surface in a loading position. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the mechanically operating lifting system includes a pair of weldments forming a structural body configured and sized to fit inside the bed of the pickup truck. In one embodiment, the mechanically operating lifting system comprises a pair of chain loops and a pair of piston members, wherein each of the pair of chain loops are configured to engage a first and second pair of sprockets respectively, and the pair of piston members each having a piston rod connected to each of the pair of chain loops via connection brackets. In one embodiment, the pair of chain loops, the pair of piston members, the first and second pair of sprockets, and connection brackets are designed to fit inside the pair of weldments. In one embodiment, each of the first and second pair of sprockets of are located at opposite ends of each of the pair of chain loops respectively. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a pair of sprocket adjustment members configured to adjust the distance between the each of the first and second pairs of sprockets to regulate the tension of each of the pair of chain loops are provided. In another embodiment, a plurality of turnbuckles configured to attach the structural body to the bed of the pickup truck are provided. In one embodiment, the structural body includes a pair of extension elements configured to support and guide the platform member during operation, wherein each of the pair of extension elements include a caster wheel at each respective distal end of the pair of extension elements. In another embodiment, each of the pair of extension elements are constructed with a hockey stick shape. In yet another embodiment, a sub platform underneath the platform member is provided. In one embodiment, the sub platform includes a pair of support ledges configured to provide support to the at least one vehicle. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the at least one vehicle is a vehicle having a sled. In another embodiment, the at least one vehicle is selected from the list of an all-terrain vehicle, an off-highway vehicle, a utility vehicle, a motorcycle, or a sled vehicle. In one embodiment, extension support members configured to accept two vehicles side by side are provided. In yet another embodiment, a pair of skates extending from a pair of protracting members are provided, wherein the pair of skates is configured to make first contact with the ground surface when the platform is lowered. In one embodiment, each of the pair of skates includes a wheel facilitating the operation of the platform member after first contact with the ground surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hydraulic deck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the hydraulic deck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3A-B  are isometric views of the sub platform of the hydraulic deck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 4A-B  are isometric views of the platform with the sub platform of the hydraulic deck retracted and protracted respectfully according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a detailed view of a skate of the hydraulic deck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the hydraulic deck mounted on a pickup truck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a section view of the hydraulic deck mounted on the pickup truck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a vehicle installed on the platform of the hydraulic deck mounted on the pickup truck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 9A-E  are section views of the operation of the hydraulic deck according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 10A-B  are exploded views of the top side and the bottom side of the platform and the sub platform with extensions according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0019]    The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide hydraulic deck for mounting vehicles on a pickup truck. 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-10 , a hydraulic deck  10  and various components of the hydraulic deck are illustrated. The hydraulic deck is configured to be positioned in a bed  20  of a pickup truck  14 . The hydraulic lift comprises a mechanically operated lifting system  16  having a pair of chain loops  24  engaging a first and second pair of sprockets  26  and  27  respectively, wherein each of the first and second sprockets of the pair of sprockets are located at opposite ends of the pair of chain loops. The lifting system further comprises a pair of piston members  28  each having a piston rod  30  connected to the pair of chain loops via a pair of connection brackets  32 . The operation and further components of the lifting system will be described in detail below. 
         [0021]    The hydraulic deck further comprises a pair of horizontal frame members  35  and a pair of vertical frame members  39  joined via connection brackets  55  at respective proximal ends. In one embodiment, a perpendicular support frame member  56  is attached to the connection brackets, the length of the perpendicular support frame determining the width between the horizontal frame members. A pair of pivot arm members  34  is connected to the pair of horizontal frame members and a pair of extension members  38  is connected to the pair of vertical frame members. In one embodiment, the pivot arm members and extension members telescope on the horizontal and vertical frame members respectively, wherein the length of each combination is adjustable via bolts  57 / 58  or any other mechanical fastener as well known in the art. The adjustable combination is a particular advantage of the present invention, as the size of the frame is adjustable and is configured to allow the hydraulic deck to fit various pickup truck bed sizes. In one embodiment, a head mount  36  is fixedly attached to the pair of extension members. In one embodiment, the vertical frame members and the respective extension members are configured to fit in the front of pickup truck bed. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, pin members  43  are positioned at a top portion of each of the pair of extension members. In one embodiment, pillars  49  are rotationally connected to the pin members, wherein the pillars extend perpendicularly from a platform member  18 . The platform member is configured to support a vehicle  12 . In alternative embodiments, more than one vehicle, such as two vehicles side by side can be configured to fit when extension support members  22  are provided. The vehicle may be any sized vehicle that fits the platform member, but the hydraulic deck is specifically configured for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an off-highway vehicle (OHV), a utility vehicle (UTV), a motorcycle, or a sled vehicle, such as a snowmobile. 
         [0023]    During operation, when the piston rods retract, the pair of chain loops and the first sprockets rotate. As the first sprockets rotate, the pair of pivot arm members connected the first sprockets rotate which lifts and slides the platform member out of the bed of the pickup truck and progressively down to the ground as seen in  FIGS. 9A-E . The pillar members rotate relative to the extension members as the platform member is lowered to the ground. This is a particular advantage of the present invention, as it allows a vehicle  12  to be placed and/or driven on the platform when the platform is on ground level, so there is no need for a ramp. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, sprocket adjustment members  29  are provided, wherein the sprocket adjustment member adjusts the distance between the first and second sprockets to regulate the tension of the chain loop, thus the energy transfer from the energy required to lower and raise the platform can be adjusted and controlled if needed. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the mechanically operated lifting system is located in the bed of the pickup truck under the platform member, best seen in  FIG. 7 . In one embodiment, the lifting system further comprises a structural body  47  configured and sized to fit inside the bed of the pickup truck. In one embodiment, a plurality of turnbuckles  45  are used to attach the structural body to the bed, such as via hook receiving members (not illustrated) found in bed of the pickup truck as well known in the art. The components of the lifting system, including but not limited to the pair of chain loops, the first and second sprocket, the pair of piston members, and connection brackets are all designed to fit inside a pair of weldments  44  forming part of the structural body, best seen in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the structural body comprises has a pair of extension elements  53 , each having a caster wheel  54  at each respective distal end of the pair of extension elements. In one embodiment, the pair of extension elements is constructed with a hockey stick shape. The extension elements help support and guide the platform member during operation. 
         [0026]    Best seen in  FIGS. 3A-B ,  4 B, and  10 A-B, in one embodiment, a sub platform  46  is provided underneath the platform member. The sub platform includes a pair of support ledges  48  configured to provide support when the vehicle is of the sled variety, such as the skis of a snowmobile. Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , at least one diagonal channel  50  is configured to accept at least one roller element  52  to facilitate the sub platform being extended and retracted from underneath the platform member. It is a particular advantage of the present invention that the at least one diagonal channel allows the sub platform to be positioned underneath the platform member when recessed ( FIG. 3B / 4 A). 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, a pair of skates  40  extends from protracting members  41 , wherein the skates make first contact with the ground when the platform member is lowered. Best seen in  FIG. 5 , each of the pair of skates include a wheel  42  facilitating the operation of the platform member after contact and guiding the platform member on the ground as seen in  FIGS. 9C-E . 
         [0028]    Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0029]    It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object. 
         [0030]    In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.