Abstract:
A mobile elevated viewing platform is disclosed. The platform may be mounted to the rear of a vehicle, such as on a standard draw bar receiver or hitch. The platform can be mobilized in a short time, and is collapsed into a transport mode for highway travel. The platform is useful for hunting, and sporting event observation, i.e. motor races, parades and the like. An optional accessory unit provides cooking and entertainment in remote location.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates generally to a tailgate extension system that provides the sporting enthusiast diversified recreational options related to various sporting activities and a unique method of providing most house hold facilities for outdoors camping and entertainment. In particular, the invention relates to vehicle mounted observation and platforms and outdoor equipment.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Outdoor sporting enthusiasts occasionally require an elevated platform to pursue sporting interests. For example, hunters use elevated stands in the woods from which to view and hunt for game animals, such as deer or elk. Such an elevated platform shields the hunter from the general viewing area of wild game animals, enabling him or her to enjoy a full view of approaching game from a relatively long distance.  
           [0003]    It is also common for spectators at sporting events such as parades, rodeos, bird watching, motor races and the like to erect temporary structures that enable the spectator to view the sporting activity from an elevated position. In viewing such sporting events, the elevated position of the spectator provides for a better view of the action. Furthermore, the view from an elevated position, being generally above the crowd and noise, facilitates an unobstructed and enjoyable position from which to view the event.  
           [0004]    Unfortunately, such structures are difficult and cumbersome to move from one place to another. Also, such structures are heavy, and difficult to erect, which causes them to be less convenient. Many scaffolds and the like require several people several hours to assemble, reducing their utility for sporting events.  
           [0005]    Portable tree stands and the like for hunting are known, but many of these stands require, prior to the hunt, significant effort to erect and maintain them for later use during hunting hours. Furthermore, many such stands are designed to be relatively permanent fixtures on the land. For hunters using leased or borrowed land, or hunting on government property, a hunting stand that is mounted in the earth or on a tree usually is not a viable legal option.  
           [0006]    Mobile hunter stands that mount in the bed of a pickup truck are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839 is directed to a hunter&#39;s stand that is mounted inside the bed of a pickup truck. In the collapsed position, the stand is lower than the upper level of the truck cab, and in that position the truck may be driven to the desired destination at normal speeds. Then hunter&#39;s stand may be erected by one person in the back or bed of the pickup truck, and is ready for use. Then, after the hunting is event is completed, the stand may be collapsed to enable the truck to move to another site, or to drive to overnight accommodations.  
           [0007]    The assembly shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839 occupies the bed of the pickup truck during the hunting season, and at the end of the season, the stand may be taken out truck bed by removing bolts from the bed of the truck, and lifting the entire stand assembly out of the truck bed, for storage away from the truck. When mounted in the truck, however, the feet of the stand are bolted to the bed of the truck to secure the stand in position.  
           [0008]    There are several disadvantages to the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839. For example, the apparatus as shown occupies most of the space in the bed of the pickup truck, which leaves little or no space for other gear and equipment that the hunter may wish to transport to the hunting site. Furthermore, the apparatus is not designed for use with vehicles other than pickup trucks with cargo beds, and cannot easily be used with other vehicles such as sport utility vehicles, or passenger cars. Thus, the design limits its overall applicability. The task of unbolting and manually removing the apparatus from the pickup truck bed is a fairly labor intensive and time consuming process, which makes it unlikely that a hunter would be able to conveniently remove the stand from the pickup truck on non-hunting weekends during the hunting season without expending time and effort to do so.  
           [0009]    What is needed in the industry is a method and apparatus for supporting one or more persons in an elevated position on a secure platform. An apparatus that is connected to a vehicle, and is therefore mobile, is desirable. Furthermore, an apparatus that provides for a safe and relatively high vantage point, while still affording convenience to the user would be helpful. Furthermore, a stand that may be efficiently and easily transported by common pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles, and the like, and then erected in connection with such vehicles, would be highly desirable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention relates to an improved observation platform apparatus and method that maybe removably installed upon a vehicle, such as a transport utility vehicle.  
           [0011]    Accordingly, one of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved observation platform structure that may be installed, and easily removed, from a sport utility vehicle without modification of the vehicle.  
           [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide an observation platform that may easily be installed upon a vehicle, and when transitioned into a transport mode, may be easily transported to a hunting site, sporting event site, or other location.  
           [0013]    A further object of the invention is to provide an observation platform or hunters stand that may be installed upon a vehicle, but may be erected to a suitable height for hunting once the vehicle is located a remote hunting site.  
           [0014]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an observation platform that may be collapsed and then transported by way of the standard 2-inch trailer hitch on a vehicle at regular highway speeds to and from a remote hunting area.  
           [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an observation platform that may be erected, or collapsed, by one person without complex machinery or tooling required.  
           [0016]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a hunters stand that includes an observation platform supporting a chair for the hunters conveniences. It is a further object of the invention to provide an observation platform that may be used by spectators of sporting events such as parades, auto races and the like which affords a complete and unobstructed view of the sporting event, and in which the apparatus is completely mobile as attached to the rear portion of a vehicle.  
           [0017]    A mobile elevated viewing platform apparatus is disclosed for use with and transport by a standard multi-passenger vehicle. The apparatus includes a base assembly, the base assembly being adapted for reversibly mounting to the exterior of a passenger vehicle. Further, at least one mast having a lower end and an upper end is employed. An elevated viewing platform, is adapted for supporting at least one seat. The elevated viewing platform is supportable by the upper end of the telescoping mast. Finally, the mast is easily removed for transportation for vehicular travel or a second erect position for supporting the elevated viewing platform. In some applications, both a platform and accessory unit are provided. However, other applications disclose only an accessory unit without a platform, or only a platform without the accessory unit. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    A full and enabling disclosure of this invention, including the best mode shown to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in this specification. The following Figures illustrate the invention:  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a side view of the platform apparatus of the invention as mounted upon a vehicle;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus in its shortened position (or transport mode) as engaged upon the exterior of a passenger vehicle;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 shows the apparatus in the winching position wherein the platform is being pulled into an upright and vertical position for initial loading;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 shows the apparatus just prior to raising the mast and platform to its operational height;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 shows a view of the apparatus in which the mast has been raised to its operational height;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is an end view of the platform apparatus (rear view as shown in FIG. 5), as one would observe the apparatus from a position behind the rear portion of the vehicle showing the various convenience accessories that may be incorporated into the apparatus;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 shows a similar rear view of the apparatus in which the platform is being raised with cable to its operational height;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is a rear view of the apparatus in which the platform has been raised to its operational height;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the removal of the platform apparatus from a hitch receiver;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 shows the manual transportation of the apparatus into a storage facility with the observation platform stored on top;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention that includes a platform assembly but does not include an optional cabinet;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 is still a further embodiment of the invention that includes only a cabinet without an observation platform;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13A is a top view of the frame member of the base assembly;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 13B is a side sectional view of the connection mechanism for securely connecting the apparatus to a hitch receiver; and  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 13C shows a side view of a stabilizer bar shown in FIG. 13A. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]    Reference now will be made to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not as a limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in this invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or are obvious from the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.  
         [0035]    Turning to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the invention is shown which includes a platform apparatus  21  shown in its erect position. The platform apparatus  21  comprises a base assembly  22 , a first mast  23 , and is securely connected to the rear portion of vehicle  24 . The first mast  23  comprises a lower end  25   a  and an upper end  25   b , which is located just beneath and projecting through the platform  26 . One or more seats  27   a  are provided for secure connection to the platform  26  and the upper end  25   b  of first mast  23 . Furthermore, supports  28   a ,  28   b , and  28   c  extend vertically upward from the deck  30  to connect with the safety rail  29  that extends around the periphery of the deck  30 . When the platform apparatus  21  is in the erect position as shown in FIG. 1, a ladder  31  is positioned for entry and exit from the platform  26 . A hinged trap doorway may be provided that extends through the platform  26  and deck  30  to facilitate the entry and exit from the upper portion of the platform apparatus  21  by way of the ladder  31 . For example, doors that hinge and swing upwards from deck  30  to lay flat upon the deck  30  when open, and then close by meeting together to form a secure and flat surface upon deck  30 , is one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, a support arm  33  securely connects the platform  26  with the first mast  23  to provide stability to the platform  26  when in the erect position as shown in FIG. 1. Likewise, leveling leg  34  shown connected to the base assembly  22  near the frame  43  of the apparatus provides a stable support for the base assembly  22  when the platform apparatus  21  is in the erect position as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0036]    Near the lower end  25   a  of the first mast  23  a utility cabinet  32  is provided that may contain numerous items of convenience as further shown in FIGS.  6 - 8  herein. In a preferred embodiment, the utility cabinet hinges at its lower edge so that a back panel of the cabinet  32  may be lowered into position for use of certain convenience accessories as further described herein.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 2 shows the platform apparatus in the shortened position  37 , as it would appear when the vehicle  24  is prepared for travel. In this position, the platform  26  has been lowered, and rests upon support  38 , and the leveling leg  34  that was seen in FIG. 1 has been retracted from the surface of the ground. In the shortened position  37  shown in FIG. 2 the platform  26  rides only a few feet above the cabinet  32 , and its reduced height lowers the center of gravity of the entire unit so as to provide stable and comfortable travel of the vehicle  24  to and from a sporting event, hunting site, or other place in which the apparatus will be employed. Furthermore, when the apparatus is used for hunting, the shortened position  37  as shown in FIG. 2 may be used when moving from one hunting location to another hunting location, either upon the same ranch or within a county or geographical hunting area.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 shows an initial loading winching position  40  of the invention in which a cable  41  attached to the first mast  23  is used to pull the platform  26  into an erect position. A winch system  42  may be used, in which the winch is either in the upper portion of the cabinet  32 , or in the lower portion of the cabinet  32 . The winch is located in the lower portion of the cabinet  32 , and a pulley may be used in the upper part of the winch system  42 . A pulley  42   a  is only used during erection or initial loading of the first mast  23 . In FIG. 3, the base assembly  22  may be seen which is comprised of a frame  43  that inserts into the hitch  63  just below the bumper  67  of the vehicle  24 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4 shows a partially elevated position  50  of the apparatus of the invention in which the first mast  23  is in a vertical position, but the telescoping rails and platform  26  has not yet been raised to its operational height. Once the apparatus is in position as shown in FIG. 4, then the second mast  46  and seat  27   a  may be raised (as shown in FIG. 5) to provide a seat  27   a  at operational height. This seat  27   a  is supported by the upper end  25   b  of the mast. On the other hand, the lower end  25   a  of the first mast  23  is seen just above the cabinet  32 . Then, the next step in placing the apparatus of the invention in operational mode may be seen in FIGS.  6 - 8 .  
         [0040]    In FIG. 6, for example, an end view  52  of one embodiment of the invention is shown having seats  27   a  and  27   b  supported first mast  23  and the second mast  46 . Furthermore, the adjustable cross-member  55  support the platform  26  for transportation configuration. Pulleys  53   a  and  53   b  support a cable  59  that is attached on one end to the platform  26  or deck  30 , and at the other end to the winch system  42  (not shown in FIG. 6). Furthermore, pulley  53   c  is supported at one end by the platform  26  and at the other end by the winch system  42  (not shown in FIG. 6). When the winch system  42  is activated, cable  59  and cable  60  are used to pull the platform  26  upwards into position.  
         [0041]    Furthermore, in FIG. 6 a right accessory unit  57  and a left accessory unit  58  are shown at the lower portion of FIG. 6. A variety of modules are provided within the right accessory unit  57  and left accessory unit  58 , which may include a television, stereo, spot light, telephone, DC/AC power inverter, coffeemaker, stove, sink, water tank, pump, generator, and winching system  42  (not shown in FIG. 6). This list is not exhaustive of all the accessories that could be provided within the invention, but is merely a listing of several examples. Furthermore, in some cases it would be possible to disengage one or more accessories and place them upon the platform  26  as for example, a television, stereo and the like. Supporting the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 are leveling legs  34  and  35 . A refrigerator may be provided in the center as shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 shows the apparatus in which the platform  26  has been raised to its fully elevated position and is ready for occupancy. Ladder  31  has been erected which leads to an opening (not shown in FIG. 8) in the bottom of the platform  26  and deck  30 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 9 shows the apparatus in the storage mode in which the base assembly  22  has been disengaged from the receiver portion  64  of the hitch  63 . Furthermore, a center leg  61  is shown which provides stability and the opportunity for the apparatus to be placed into storage facility  62  shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Importantly, when the apparatus is not to be used, it is relatively simple to disengage from the vehicle  24  and store the apparatus until the next hunting or sporting event, and it is not necessary to store any portion of the apparatus in the vehicle in between hunting or sporting events, which is highly desirable and convenient.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the utility cabinet  32  is not used. Instead, the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is second embodiment  100 , which includes a base assembly  122 , connected to a first mast  123   a , and a second mast  123   b  to which the seat  127   a  is attached. Further, a platform  126  supports a deck  130 , and a ladder  131  is positioned below the platform  126 . A seat  127   a  is connected to the first mast  123 , and supports  128   a - c  is connected to the safety rail  129 . Furthermore, a frame  143  is operably connected to the vehicle  124 . Leveling leg  134  is also shown below the base assembly  122 . The second embodiment  100  is particularly useful for sportsman who would like to have an elevated observation platform in a mobile configuration, but does not require outdoor living utilities/accessories as provided in the first embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 8 , while still providing sporting options such as rifle sighting, skeet shooting, target practice and the like.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 12 shows yet a third embodiment  200  of the invention wherein there is no observation platform, but instead there is a mobile accessory unit which is useful for outdoor living, camping, etc. The third embodiment  200  is comprised of a utility cabinet  232  which would have accessories similar to that shown in FIGS.  7 - 8 . Likewise, a leveling leg  234  supports the base assembly  222 , and a frame  243  removably attaches to the vehicle  224  as shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0046]    Utility cabinet  232  preferably comprises a hinged fold down unit in which the cabinet hinges at its lower edge and a back panel is lowered to reveal one or more accessories that have been previously described herein.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 13A shows a top view of the frame member  75  of the base assembly  43  that is shown in FIGS.  1 - 8 . The frame member  75  comprises frame  43 , which contains stabilizer bars  79   a  and  79   b  on either side of the frame  43 . Furthermore, a draw bar  77  is provided for removable connection to a trailer hitch on a vehicle.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 13B is a cross-section cut-away as seen along lines  13   b - 13   b  of FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13B, a connection mechanism  72  is comprised of a receiver portion  64  of a hitch  63  into which a draw bar  77  is inserted. Although this standard method of hitching is available on most United States vehicles, any other suitable method for attaching the platform apparatus  21  to a vehicle could be used. For example, other hitching mechanisms are possible, in which other removable mechanical connections are made to the rear portion of a vehicle, and such apparatus would be within the scope and spirit of this invention disclosed herein.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 13C shows one example of one embodiment of a stabilizer bar  79   a  (as shown in FIG. 13A) seen in a side view in which the upper flange  81  and lower flange  82  form a yoke  80  in the middle that is secured to the frame of the hitch on the vehicle (not shown). In some cases, a bolt or cotter pin could be inserted to connect upper flange  81  and lower flange  82  to the frame of the hitch on the vehicle.  
         [0050]    Other optional features that could be employed in the practice of the tailgate extension invention include a shooting bench, a clay target or skeet target thrower, a motor cycle transport rack, a bicycle rack, a barbeque oven, a shower, a dog carrier, and other items which make it convenient and enjoyable to enjoy outdoor activities using a standard passenger vehicle, pick-up, or sport utility vehicle upon which the apparatus is mounted. The platform apparatus  21  of the invention could be comprised of essentially any composite or metallic material, including aluminum, iron, steel and the like. The type of material used would depend on the cost considerations, the weight characteristics desired, and the strength needed for the particular application.  
         [0051]    It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions. The invention is shown by example in the appended claims.