Abstract:
An automated lift hauler configured for attachment to a vehicle frame near a rear of the vehicle. When not in use, the lift hauler is substantially concealed beneath the vehicle. During use, the lift hauler extends from beneath the vehicle such that large items may be supported by a lift hauler platform. One or more hydraulically-driven pistons move the lift hauler from a concealed position beneath the vehicle to a use position rearward of the vehicle. The lift hauler comprises a series of frame members and utilizes a scissor design to facilitate movement between a lower position, which allows large items to be loaded on a lift hauler platform, to a raised position which allows the large items to restrained and transported. Operating the lift hauler may be accomplished using a remote control or in-cab control panel or mounted control panel near the rear of the vehicle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The embodiments of the present invention relate to a lift hauler affixed to a vehicle and configured to transport motorcycles, ATVs and the like. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    People seemingly are traveling more and also participating in outdoor activities with greater frequency. To that end, people are purchasing more trucks and SUVs to transport large items, such as motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, wave runners and the like. Placing such equipment in the bed of a pick up truck, for example, however usurps all available space and limits the ability to transport other items. Moreover, loading such equipment into the bed of a truck or back of an SUV, can be difficult given the weight of the equipment. 
         [0003]    Thus, there is a need for an automated lift hauler affixed to a vehicle (e.g., truck) for retaining large items for transport. Advantageously, the automated lift hauler should be substantially concealed when not in use. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is an automated lift hauler configured for attachment to a vehicle frame near a rear of the vehicle. When not in use, the lift hauler is substantially concealed beneath the vehicle. During use, the lift hauler extends from beneath the vehicle such that large items may be supported by a lift hauler platform. In one embodiment, one or more hydraulically driven pistons activate the lift hauler and move the lift hauler platform from a substantially concealed position beneath the vehicle to a use position rearward of the vehicle. Other means such as air driven pistons may be used as well to drive the lift. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the lift hauler comprises a series of frame members and utilizes a scissor design to facilitate movement between a lower position, which allows large items to be loaded on a lift hauler platform, to a raised position which allows the large items to restrained and transported. Operating the lift hauler may be accomplished using a remote control or in-cab control panel or mounted control panel near the rear of the vehicle. 
         [0006]    Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a lift hauler according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of a lift hauler according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 3   a - 3   d  illustrate side, rear, perspective and top views of a lift hauler relative to a vehicle frame member according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a lift hauler installed on a vehicle according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of a lower lift hauler assembly and pistons while a lift hauler is installed on a vehicle according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates a rear view of a lift hauler installed on a vehicle during non-use according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of a lift hauler installed on a vehicle ready for use according to the embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0014]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate rear and perspective views, respectively, of a lift hauler installed on a vehicle with a motorcycle restrained thereon according to the embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed. 
         [0016]    The embodiments of the present invention are directed to an automated lift hauler which is affixed to the frame of a vehicle. The lift hauler is configured to automatically extend from beneath the vehicle such that large items may be loaded onto a lift hauler platform and transported behind the vehicle. When the large items are unloaded, the lift hauler is automatically moved beneath the vehicle such that the lift hauler is substantially concealed. 
         [0017]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show perspective and side views, respectively, of a lift hauler  100  according to the embodiments of the present invention. Upper frame assembly  105  is configured to attach the lift hauler  100  to the frame of a vehicle. The upper frame assembly  105  comprises a pair of lateral frame rails  110 , a pair of cross frame arms  115 , slide member  120  and end caps  125 . The lateral frame rails  110  are connected to the cross frame arms  115  to form a rigid, generally rectangular structure. The slide member  120  comprises a pair of collars  130  configured to fit over and slide along the lateral frame rails  110  and a spacer  135  which maintains a strict movement correspondence between the pair of collars  130 . End caps  125  (only two end caps  125  are shown in  FIG. 1  but in practice four end caps  125  are present as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d ) are attached to a vehicle frame member via welds, bolts through bolt openings  112  or the like. As shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d  and  4 , the end caps  125  are securely connected to C-shaped frame members  140  generally rearward of the vehicle&#39;s differential gear box  141  and axle  142 . In this manner, the movable components of the lift hauler  100  are free to move as set forth in more detail below. 
         [0018]    A lower frame assembly  150  comprises a pair of elongated, lateral collars  155  and a pair of cross frame arms  160  to form a rigid, generally rectangular structure. A pair of rails  165  are positioned atop of, and connected to, the lateral collars  155 . Plates  170  provide stability between the pair of rails  165  and lateral collars  155 . The plates  170  also protect the internal portions of the rails  165  from debris disturbed while the vehicle is in motion. 
         [0019]    Upper frame assembly  105  and lower frame assembly  150  are joined by two sets of link arms  175 ,  180 . The first set of link arms  175  extends from fixed mounts  185  on the lower frame assembly  150  to translatable mounts  190  on collars  130 . The second set of link arms  180  extends from fixed mounts  195  on the upper frame assembly  105  to translatable mounts  200 . As detailed below, the two sets of link arms  175 ,  180  act jointly in a scissor action to facilitate raising and lowering the lower frame assembly  150  relative to the fixed upper frame assembly  105 . 
         [0020]    Two hydraulic pistons  205  (frame pistons) extend between the upper frame assembly  105  to the lower frame assembly  150 . The hydraulic pistons  205  serve to move the lower frame assembly  150  downward relative to the fixed upper frame assembly  105 . Consequently, the lower frame assembly  150  is moved downward from the vehicle to which the upper frame assembly  105  is attached. More than two pistons or a single piston may serve to move the lower frame assembly as well. Movement of piston arms  206  causes the lower frame assembly  150  to lower such that translatable mounts  190  on collars  130  slide rearward along lateral frame rails  110  while translatable mounts  200  slide rearward along rails  165  thus bringing the link arms  175 ,  185  together. Consequently, translatable mounts  190 ,  200  move from forward positions to rearward positions. The most rearward positions of the translatable mounts  190 ,  200  may be altered to customize the lowermost position of the frame assembly  150  such that the lift hauler platform  250  is at the correct level when ready for loading. In other words, different vehicles have different heights such that the lowermost level of the lift hauler platform  250  may need to be adjusted. Opposite movements occur responsive to the lower frame assembly  105  being moved upward to a non-use position adjacent to the upper frame assembly  105 . Translatable mounts  200  move along rails  165  via rollers  166 , bearings or similar means set within channels  167  defined by said rails  165 . Rod  168  extends between the two rollers  166 . 
         [0021]    Hydraulic piston  210  (lift hauler platform piston) is supported by the cross frame arms  160 . A piston arm  211  connects to a lift hauler platform  250  such that said piston arm  211  controls a horizontal position of the lift hauler platform  250 . Extension members  255  slidably reside within lateral collars  155  and support the lift hauler platform  250  and large items placed on said lift hauler platform  250 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , spring pins  257 , dowels and locks, nuts and bolts, etc., securely connect the lift hauler platform  250  to the lower frame assembly  160 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , when not in use, the lift hauler platform  250  is positioned beneath the vehicle with a rear surface  251  generally flush with a rear vehicle bumper. As shown in  FIG. 7 , when in use the lift hauler platform  250  extends rearward of the vehicle. Brake/rear lights  260  integrated on said lift hauler platform  250  allow the lift hauler platform  250  to be linked to the vehicle&#39;s brake system. The brake/rear lights  260  are ideal for garnering the attention of other drivers to the vehicle&#39;s status whether the lift hauler  100  is being used or not. During use, the brake/rear lights  260  are especially advantageous given that the large items may obstruct the vehicle&#39;s standard brake lights. During non-use, the brake/rear lights  260  act as an enhancement to the vehicle&#39;s standard brake/rear lights. The brake/rear lights  260  are electrically connected to the vehicle&#39;s braking system and may be driven by the vehicle&#39;s battery or a separate battery. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the lift hauler platform  250  includes a ramp  252  at one end for facilitating loading of a motorcycle as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Guides  253  along edges of the lift hauler platform  100  maintain the motorcycle on the lift hauler platform  100  as it is loaded. As shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d , the lift hauler platform  250  is configured to receive a platform extender  275  which allows the lift hauler platform  250  to be widened such that the lift hauler platform  250  can transport wider large items such as jet skis, wave runners and the like. Channels  254  receive posts  255  which receives a platform extender  275  via channels  256 . Spring pins, dowels and locks, nuts and bolts, etc., securely connect the platform extender  275  to the lift hauler platform  250 . 
         [0023]    Loading the lift hauler  100  is accomplished by lowering the lower frame assembly  160  using hydraulic pistons  205  and extending lift hauler platform  250  rearward using hydraulic piston  210 . Lowering the lower frame assembly  160  moves the lift hauler platform  250  onto the ground rearward of the vehicle. Lowering the lower frame assembly  160  is accomplished by driving the piston arms  206  thereby forcing the lower frame assembly  160  downward from the upper frame assembly  105 . Ends of link arms  175 ,  180  move rearward via translatable mounts  190 ,  200 . Activation of piston  210  forces the lift hauler platform  250  rearward from beneath the vehicle to a point rearward of the vehicle. The motorcycle (or other large items) may then be loaded onto, and secured to, the lift hauler platform  250 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , straps  281  and wheel supports  282  may be used to secure the motorcycle. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other means may be used as well. Also, extender posts  255  may also be attached and used to tie off straps rather then to support the lift hauler platform extender  275 . 
         [0024]    A trailer hitch connector  280  is also incorporated on the upper frame assembly  105 . When installed, the trailer hitch connector  280  is positioned accordingly near the rear of the vehicle. 
         [0025]    Operation of the hydraulic pistons  205 ,  210  is facilitated by the one or more hydraulic pumps (not shown) and tubing (not shown). The tubing connects the one or more hydraulic pumps to the hydraulic pistons  205 ,  210  creating a conventional hydraulic system whereby compressed hydraulic fluid controls the piston arms  206 ,  211 . A remote control or vehicle-installed controller is configured to allow a user to operate the lift hauler  100  via an electrical connection with the hydraulic pump. 
         [0026]    Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.