Abstract:
A deck for use with a vehicle having a frame includes a platform. The platform has opposite upper and lower surfaces. The platform is operatively coupled to the frame of the vehicle for selective movement between a storage position, wherein the upper surface is disposed substantially underneath the vehicle and a use position wherein the upper surface is disposed alongside the vehicle for ingress and egress thereon. A stabilizer extends from the lower surface for supporting the platform above the ground while in the use position. The stabilizer is selectively height adjustable to maintain the upper surface in a generally horizontal position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to decks, and in particular retractable decks suitable for mounting on a vehicle. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The rushed pace and hectic schedule-balancing inherent in today&#39;s modern culture has made long getaways a rare luxury. In lieu of long vacations, many are opting for shorter, extended-weekend trips. Because time is precious on these quick trips, many find it undesirable to spend large amounts of time at airports where all passengers are subject to lengthy safety precautions and where flights can be delayed or cancelled. Instead, many choose to drive to a suitable location with a recreational vehicle and camp. 
   Modern recreational vehicles are equipped with all the technological comforts available in one&#39;s home, such as microwaves, DVD players and satellite television. Yet despite all of these internal comforts, most recreational vehicles lack exterior comforts that enhance the user&#39;s ability to enjoy the outdoors. Traditionally, if a recreational vehicle user wanted to have a picnic, grill or sunbathe by his vehicle, he would simply do so on the ground or perhaps lay a carpet or a blanket on the ground to enhance comfort. However, the ground is often not level and in the case of inclement weather, the ground and the carpet may get wet or muddy. A more ideal way to enjoy the outdoors would be for the recreational vehicle to have a deck. 
   A recreational vehicle having a platform is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,878 issued to Weaver. Weaver discloses a vehicle having a platform stowable in a storage bay mounted underneath the vehicle. The storage bay includes rollers to reduce friction when the platform is pulled out and when it is stowed. To further support the platform, a cable guide system including a cable and a pulley is employed. When the platform is in use, it lies directly on the ground. However, the added weight and space of a storage bay can negatively impact the cost of the system as well as the gas mileage of the vehicle. In addition, such a storage bay would likely require dismantling in the event that the vehicle requires repairs. Furthermore, it may be undesirable to have the platform resting directly on the ground in inclement weather or if the user desires to prevent the destruction of plants or grasses. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,837 issued to Klein et al discloses a collapsible deck for use with either a recreational vehicle or a mobile home. The collapsible deck includes a platform that is mounted on a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a frame, a hitch and an axle having at least two tires. The platform has four sides that, when not in use, fold upwards to create a box having five walls. When in use, the four sides fold downward to form a skirt underneath the platform. When being transported, the four sides of the platform are folded upwards and the hitch is connected to a suitable towing mechanism on a vehicle. However, the requirement that the deck be hitched to a vehicle may be inconvenient if the user desired to hitch other equipment, such as an automobile, jet ski, or a snowmobile to the vehicle. 
   Consequently, there is a need in the art for a device adapted to minimize or eliminate one or more of the shortcomings set forth above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one aspect of the invention, a deck for use with a vehicle having a frame. The deck includes a platform having opposite upper and lower surfaces. The platform is operatively coupled to the frame of the vehicle for selective movement between a storage position, wherein the upper surface is disposed substantially underneath the vehicle and a use position wherein the upper surface is disposed alongside the vehicle for ingress and egress thereon. A stabilizer extends from the lower surface for supporting the platform above the ground while in the use position. The stabilizer is selectively height adjustable to maintain the upper surface in a generally horizontal position. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the deck in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  depicts a cross-sectional view of the platform in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the attachment assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the attachment assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a profile view of the mounting strap in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a stabilizer in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the deck in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the deck in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the deck in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the deck in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the deck in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the deck according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to the figures wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components throughout the various views, a deck according to an embodiment of the invention is generally indicated at  10 . Described in greater detail below, the deck  10  is operatively coupled to a bottom side of the vehicle  12  for selective sliding movement between a storage position disposed along the bottom side of the vehicle  12 , a use position extending transversely outwardly from a side of the vehicle  12 , as best shown in  FIG. 1 , and any of a plurality of intermediate positions therebetween. Preferably, the deck  10  is used with a recreational vehicle  12 , but may be used with other vehicles, such as motor homes, trucks, cars, fifth wheels, farm equipment, military vehicles and the like. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the deck  10  includes a platform  14  having opposite proximal  15  and distal  17  ends. The platform  14  includes spaced apart upper  16  and lower  18  surfaces extending transversely between the proximal  15  and distal  17  ends. The platform  14  also includes a plurality of braces  27 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 . It should be appreciated that the number of braces required is dependent upon engineering and design considerations and is not intended to be limiting. Each brace  27 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  extends between the upper  16  and lower  18  surfaces to provide support, strength and stability for the deck  10 . The upper  16  and lower  18  surfaces may be affixed to the braces  27 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  by any suitable fastener, such as screws or nails, by any suitable fixing method, such as welding, adhesives or clamps, or by any combinations thereof. Although the braces  27 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  are illustrated as disposed between the upper surface  16  and the lower surface  18 , the braces  27 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  may be located where design and engineering requirements warrant. Outer side members  40  are fixedly secured along opposite sides of the platform  14 . Each of the side members  40  includes opposite inner  41  and outer  43  sides. 
   The platform  14  can be made of wood, metal, plastic, composite materials known in the art, or any other suitable material. In addition, the platform  14  is not limited in shape to include only quadrilateral configurations, as demonstrated by a second embodiment of the platform  14  in  FIGS. 7  and by a third embodiment of the platform  14  in  FIG. 8 . Preferably, the braces  27 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and side members  40 ,  42  are formed from the same potential materials as the platform  14 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the deck  10  further includes an attachment assembly  44  operatively interconnecting the platform  14  to a rigid member or frame  26  of the vehicle  12 . The attachment assembly  44  includes a slider assembly  46 . An exemplary slider assembly is Heavy Duty Slide Model 3320 provided by Austin Hardware &amp; Supply, Inc. The slider assembly  46  includes a track  48  and a channel  50 . The track  48  is mounted on the outer side members  40  by screws, nails, and equivalent fasteners, by welding, by adhesives, by clamps or by other equivalent means or combinations thereof. The track  48  extends axially along the outer side member  40  of the platform  14 . The track  48  includes a base  52 , an upper flange  54  and a lower flange  56 . The upper  54  and lower  56  flanges are spaced apart and project generally orthogonally from opposite sides of the base  52 . The attachment assembly  44  further includes an axially extending bracket  58 . The bracket  58  includes an upper face  60  and a lower face  62 . The upper face  60  is generally orthogonal relative to the lower face  62 . Other angles, however, may be used as dictated by design and engineering considerations. The channel  50  is mounted on the lower face  62  of the bracket  58  by screws, nails, and equivalent fasteners, by welding, by adhesives, by clamps or by other equivalent means or combinations thereof. The channel  50  includes an axially extending upper slot  64  and an axially extending lower slot  66 . The upper slot  64  is configured to slidably couple with the upper flange  54  of the track  48 . The lower slot  66  is configured to slidably couple with the lower flange  56  of the track  48 . Preferably, a plurality of bearings  69  are rollingly supported between the slots  64 ,  66  and flanges  54 ,  56  to minimize friction during movement of the platform  14  between the use and storage positions. 
   The slide assembly  46  is preferably disposed along the inner side  41  of each outer side member  40 . By this arrangement, each slide assembly  46  is hidden from view and protected by each outer side member  40 . It should be appreciated that each slide assembly  46  can also be secured along the outer side  43  of each outer side member  40   
   The attachment assembly  44  further includes a mounting strap  68 , as shown in  FIG. 5   a . The mounting strap  68  includes a front flange  70 , a rear flange  72  and an end  76 . The front  70  and rear  72  flanges are spaced apart to define a slot  74  therebetween. The end  76  extends between the front  70  and rear  72  flanges. The upper face  60  of the bracket  58  is fixedly secured to the end  76 , thereby interconnecting the platform  14  and the mounting strap  68 . The bracket  58  may be attached to the end  76  by screws, nails, and equivalent fasteners, by welding, by adhesives, by clamps or by other equivalent means or combinations thereof. The mounting strap  68  is secured to the vehicle frame  26  by inserting the frame  26  into the slot  74  of the mounting strap  68  until bores  78 ,  80  are aligned with bores  82 ,  84  respectively, and bores  86 ,  88  are aligned with bores  90 ,  92  respectively. Once the bores are aligned, the mounting strap  26  can be secured to the frame  26  using bolts  94 ,  96  or equivalent fasteners. In the event that the vehicle frame  26  is constructed in an I-beam configuration, as shown in  FIG. 5   b , it will be necessary to use mounting strap spacers  98 ,  100 ,  102 ,  104  to properly secure the mounting strap  68  to the frame  26 . 
   It should be understood that the use of a slider assembly is not intended to be limiting. Other means to operatively interconnect the deck  10  to the vehicle frame  26  include the use of a telescoping rod assembly, a pivot-mount assembly, and the equivalent. It is also to be understood that multiple attachment assemblies may be necessary to properly implement the inventive deck. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , the deck  10  includes at least one extendable leg or stabilizer  20  for supporting the distal end  17  of the platform  14  while in the use or intermediate positions. An exemplary stabilizer is the Fulton/Wesbar Camper Stabilizer Part No. 77, provided by Fulton Performance Tools. It is to be understood that multiple stabilizers may be necessary to properly implement the inventive deck  10 . The stabilizer  20  includes a first telescoping member  106 , a second telescoping member  108 , an endpiece  110 , and a latch  112 . 
   The first telescoping member  106  includes a cavity  116  having a generally rectangular cross section defined by walls  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . The first telescoping member  106  extends longitudinally between a lower end  118  and an upper end  120 . A base  114  is fixedly secured to the lower end  118  of the first telescoping member  106  by any suitable methods, such as welding or bolting, such that the lower end  118  is closed and the upper end  120  remains open. A plurality of windows or apertures  130  are formed in and disposed longitudinally along one of the walls, hereafter referred to as the latticed wall  122 . Retainers  136  are defined by the land between adjacent apertures  130 . The number of bores and retainers can vary, depending upon design and engineering requirements. 
   The second telescoping member  108  includes a central bore  141  having a generally rectangular cross section defined by side walls  140 ,  142 , a back wall  144  and left  146  and right  148  flanges. The left  146  and right  148  flanges are opposing and spaced apart. A generally longitudinal slot  149  is defined between the left  146  and right  148  flanges. The second telescoping member  108  includes at least one open end  145 . Left  150  and right  151  latch mounts protrude outwardly from respective left  146  and right  148  flanges. At least one of the mounts, the left latch mount  150 , includes an anchor  153 . A bore  188 ,  190  is formed in each of the left  150  and right  151  latch mounts. The bores  188 ,  190  are coaxially aligned. A bore  152 ,  154  is formed in each of the side walls  140 ,  142 . The bores  152 ,  154  are coaxially aligned. 
   The endpiece  110  includes spaced apart left  158  and right  160  flanges. A gap  161  is defined between the left  158  and right  160  flanges. A base  156  extends between the left  158  and right  160  flanges. Bores  157 ,  159  are formed in the base  156  to allow attachment of the endpiece  110  to the platform  14 . A tab or stop  162  extends inwardly toward the gap  161  from an edge of at least one of the flanges  160 . A bore  164 ,  166  is formed in each of the left  158  and right  160  flanges. The bores  164 ,  166  are coaxially aligned. 
   The latch  112  includes a lip  176  and a lever  178 . Also, the latch  112  is pivotally coupled to the left  150  and right  151  latch mounts. More specifically, the latch includes a left face  168  having a bore  170  and a right face  172  having a bore  174 . A cavity  179  is defined between the left  168  and right  172  faces. A biasing member  180  is disposed within the cavity  179 . Preferably, the biasing member  180  is a clock spring having a plurality of coils extending helically between first  182  and second  184  ends. In assembly, the bores  188 ,  190  of the latch mounts  150 ,  151  are aligned with the bores  170 ,  174  of the latch  112 . A bolt  100 , or similar fastener, extends through the bores  170 ,  174 ,  188 ,  190  and through the helical coils of the biasing member  180 . The first end  184  of the biasing member  180  is attached to the latch  112  and the second end  182  of the biasing member  180  is attached to the anchor  153  of the left latch mount  150 . By this arrangement, the biasing member  180  is continuously energized between the latch  112  and the second telescoping member  108 , such that the lip  176  of the latch  112  is continuously biased toward locking engagement with the apertures  130  in the lattice wall  122  of the first telescoping member  108 . The lip  176  of the latch  112  can be disengaged from the apertures  130  by actuating the lever  178  overcoming the force applied by the biasing member  180 , to the point where the lip  176  has been substantially removed from the apertures  130 . Once the lip  176  is disengaged from the apertures  130 , the position of the first telescoping member  106  relative to the second telescoping member  108  can be adjusted by sliding it within the central bore  141  of the second telescoping member  108 . Once the first telescoping member  106  is adjusted to a desired position, the lip  176  is allowed to lockingly re-engage the aperture  130  corresponding to the desired position. The spring-bias provided by the biasing member  180  maintains the lip  176  in locking engagement with the selected aperture  130 . 
   Still in reference to  FIG. 6 , the endpiece  110  is attached to the platform  14  by inserting fasteners, such as screws, nails, bolts or the equivalent through bores  157 ,  159 . Of course, the endpiece  110  can be attached to the platform  14  by numerous methods, such as welding or clamping. The endpiece  110  is also attached to the second telescoping member  108 . This attachment is accomplished by aligning bores  164 ,  166  of the endpiece  110  with the bores  152 ,  154  of the second telescoping member  108 . Once the bores are properly aligned, a fastener  192  is fed through the bores  152 ,  154 ,  164 ,  166  to secure the endpiece  110  to the second telescoping member  108 . The endpiece  110  is attached to the second telescoping member  108  in a manner that allows the second telescoping member  108  to rotate about the fastener  192  for selective movement between a support position for supporting the deck  10  and a storage position disposed along the underside of the deck  10 . The stop  162  on the endpiece  110  prevents over-rotation of the second telescoping member  108  relative to the deck  10 . Further, the endpiece  110  includes lower  134  and upper  138  slots defining the support and storage positions, respectively. More specifically, the second telescoping member  108  includes a latch  132  that is selectively engagable with the lower  134  and upper  138  slots to lock the second telescoping member  108  in the support and storage positions. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a third embodiment of the deck  210  is illustrated. A fence  212  is disposed along the peripheral edge of the upper surface  16  of the platform  14 . More specifically, the fence  212  includes a plurality of generally upright and spaced apart posts  214  projecting upwardly from the platform  14 . A wall  216  extends between each pair of adjacent posts  214  to prevent ingress and egress therethrough, so that the fence  212  defines a generally enclosed area on the upper surface  16 . An opening  218  is formed in the fence  212  to allow ingress onto and egress from the upper surface  16  of the platform  14 . A step  220  is fixedly secured to an edge of the platform  14  to facilitate ingress and egress through the opening  218 . Preferably, the step  220  is selectively collapsible for storage when not in use. In  FIG. 9 , a fourth embodiment of the deck  310  is illustrated, wherein the fence  212  includes a generally upright, extended screen  222  disposed along the top of each wall  216 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , a fifth embodiment of the deck  410  is illustrated, wherein a plurality of screens  224  are disposed along the peripheral edge of the upper surface  16 . A plurality of upright and spaced apart posts  226  project upwardly from the platform  14  for supporting the screens  224 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , a sixth embodiment of the deck  510  is shown, wherein at least one rope  228  extends between adjacent posts  226  to prevent ingress and egress through the opening  518 . 
   As best shown in  FIG. 11 , a rod  230  is fixedly secured to and extends axially from the bottom of each post  226 . Preferably, each rod  230  extends through a corresponding bore or aperture  232  formed in the deck  510  to support the rod  230  in a generally upright position relative to the platform. The rods  230  are removable from the apertures  232  to allow unhindered movement of the platform between the storage and use positions. The rods  230  can be threaded to allow a retaining nut to be secured to the end thereof for fixedly securing the post  226  to the platform. 
   In  FIG. 12 , a seventh embodiment of the deck  610  is shown, which includes a drive assembly  240  operatively coupled between the vehicle and the deck  610  for automatically moving the platform  614  between the storage and use positions. Preferably, the drive assembly  240  is in the form of a threaded positioner mechanism. More specifically, the drive assembly  240  includes a reversible motor  242 , threaded rod  244 , a threaded nut  246 , a toggle switch  252 , a gear reduction or sprocket assembly  248 , and a motor mounting bracket  250 . The motor mounting bracket  250  is fixedly secured to the frame of the vehicle and protrudes downwardly therefrom. The motor  242  is fixedly secured to the mounting bracket  250  by suitable fasteners, such as bolts. A first sprocket  248   a  is fixedly secured to a driven shaft of the motor  242 . A second sprocket  248   b  is fixedly secured to an end of the threaded rod  244 . Preferably, the sprockets  248  are held in place using set screws. The sprockets  248  are engaged so that the threaded rod  244  is rotatably driven by the motor  242 . The threaded nut  246  is fixedly secured to a flange  247 , which, in turn, is fixedly secured to the side member  40  by any suitable fixing methods, such as by a bolt or screw. The threaded rod  244  is rotatably supported by a hole  254  formed in the side member  40  and also by a longitudinal sleeve  245  that is fixedly secured to the platform  614 . 
   Further, the threaded rod  244  remains threadingly engaged with the nut  246 , such the platform  614  is displaced between the storage and use positions in response to corresponding rotation of the threaded rod  246 . Preferably, a bearing assembly is coupled between the threaded rod  244  and the frame of the vehicle to minimize friction. 
   The motor  242  is operatively coupled with the vehicle&#39;s electrical system. The toggle switch  252  is coupled between the motor  242  and the electrical system to allow selective actuation of the motor in either of its drive directions to effect movement of the platform  614  between of the storage and use positions. The switch  252  can be mounted anywhere in the vehicle, but preferably at a place that provides the operator a view of the platform  614  as it moves between the storage and use positions. Preferably, a twenty amp circuit breaker is coupled in the circuit driving the motor  242 . The breaker prevents overloading of the motor  242 , which may occur, for example, when the platform  614  encounters an obstacle such as a tree or another vehicle. 
   While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it is well known by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.