Patent Publication Number: US-8979059-B2

Title: Ratchet platform

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/631,978 filed Sep. 29, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,853 issued Nov. 26, 2013, which are both herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the field of adjustable platforms and more specifically to the field of height adjustable platforms adapted for use in a military vehicle. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     In many instances, occupants of vehicles need to stand up in the vehicle. For instance, in military vehicles, occupants of the military vehicles may need to stand in the vehicle with the upper portion of the occupants&#39; bodies exposed outside of the vehicle. Such instances include the need to operate weaponry, improve vision outside of the military vehicle, and the like. Problems occur in such situations with the varying heights of the individuals. 
     Occupants of the vehicles have developed solutions such as standing on items to overcome problems with the varying heights. However, drawbacks to such solutions include the lack of stability during combat operations or rough terrain. Further drawbacks include problems with adjustments for the various heights of the vehicle occupants. In military vehicles, problems also include injuries to the standing occupant when the vehicle sustains the force of a mine or improvised explosive device. In such instances, a portion of the force is absorbed by the standing occupant&#39;s body causing severe injury or death. 
     Consequently, there is a need for a stable platform for a vehicle occupant. Further needs include a platform that is adjustable for varying occupant heights. Additional needs include improved protection for the occupant against explosive forces. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by a ratchet platform. The ratchet platform is height adjustable. The ratchet platform includes a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube. In addition, the ratchet platform includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The platform base is adapted to be attached to a vehicle. The ratchet platform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator including a pedal sub-assembly and an upper linkage, wherein the upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub-assembly, and wherein actuation of the pedal sub-assembly actuates the upper linkage, and further wherein actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. A base plate secured to the vehicle floor. Further, the ratchet platform includes a seat plate which provides support to the platform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and an energy attenuation system. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a platform upper assembly; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of a platform upper assembly; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of a platform upper assembly; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of a platform upper assembly; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a platform lower assembly; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of a platform lower assembly; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a ratchet platform with an exploded view of a platform upper assembly actuator; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional side view of a ratchet platform; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a pedal sub assembly; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an upper linkage; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a torsion spring; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly, a platform lower assembly, a ratchet platform attachment means, an energy attenuation system, a base plate, and a seat plate; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the ratchet platform of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of the ratchet platform of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an energy attenuation system; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a base plate and a seat plate; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cross sectional top view of a seat plate and a base plate; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a base plate; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a seat plate; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a base plate rail; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a seat plate rail; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a base plate shim bar; and 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a ratchet platform attachment means. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate ratchet platform  5  having platform upper assembly  10  and platform lower assembly  15 . Ratchet platform  5  is adapted for disposition within a vehicle. Platform upper assembly  10  includes toe queue  20 , platform grating  25 , and ratchet  45 . Toe queue  20  is a wall that extends around the periphery of platform  70 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Without limitation, toe queue  20  facilitates prevention of an individual standing on ratchet platform  5  from falling off ratchet platform  5  by stopping sliding of a foot of the individual off ratchet platform  5 . When the standing individual&#39;s foot contacts toe queue  20 , toe queue  20  also provides notice to the standing individual that the individual&#39;s foot is at the edge of platform  70 . Platform grating  25  has any configuration and material suitable for providing resistance against sliding of the standing individual&#39;s foot. Platform lower assembly  15  includes platform upper assembly actuator  30 , platform base  35 , and support column  40 . Platform upper assembly actuator  30  may include any means for actuating vertical movement (i.e., up and down) of platform upper assembly  10  such as a pedal sub assembly, an electrical actuator, a crank actuator, and the like. In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , platform upper assembly actuator  30  includes pedal sub assembly  155 . Pedal sub assembly  155  actuates ratchet  45  and thereby actuates movement of platform upper assembly  10 . Support column  40  provides support to platform  70  and also provides protection to the portion of platform upper assembly actuator  30  disposed within support column  40 . Platform base  35  provides a base and support to platform upper assembly  10  and support column  40 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom perspective view of platform upper assembly  10 , and  FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of platform upper assembly  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , platform upper assembly  10  includes platform  70 . Platform  70  may be composed of any material having a suitable strength to support the weight of an individual standing on platform  70 . Platform  70  is shown having a rectangular shape but it is to be understood that platform  70  is not limited to a rectangular shape but instead may have any shape suitable for use in a vehicle. Platform grating  25  is secured to platform  70  by any suitable method such as by welding, glue, and the like. Platform  70  also has openings  60 . In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , openings  60  may be of a suitable configuration and size to allow an individual to pass a portion of the individual&#39;s hands therethrough for movement of ratchet platform  5 . Openings  60  pass through platform  70  and platform grating  25 . In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), openings  60  have any configuration and size suitable for a desired purpose. Platform  70  is shown with two openings  60  but in alternative embodiments (not illustrated) may have one opening  60  or more than two openings  60 . Platform in  70  also has drains  50 . Without limitation, drains  50  allow liquids disposed on the top side of platform  70  to pass through platform  70  via drains  50 . Platform upper assembly  10  also includes platform tube core  75 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , ratchet  45  includes platform riser tube  95  and ratchet rail  100 . Ratchet  45  may be secured to platform  70  by any suitable method such as by weld, screws, glue, and the like. In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , ratchet  45  is secured to platform tube core  75 , which is secured to platform  70 . Ratchet  45  is secured by securing upper portion  315  using any suitable means. Ratchet  45  is slidable within support column  40 . Without limitation, platform tube core  75  provides reinforcement strength to platform  70 . Further, without limitation, platform tube core  75  facilitates production. Platform tube core  75  may be secured to platform  70  by any suitable method. Platform riser tube  95  has a length sufficient to allow ratchet platform  5  to be adjusted to any desirable height of an individual standing on ratchet platform  5 . Platform riser tube  95  also has a configuration suitable for slidable disposition within support column  40 . Ratchet rail  100  is secured to a side of platform riser tube  95 . In some embodiments, platform upper assembly  10  also includes crash blocks  80 . Without limitation, crash blocks  80  prevent damage to upper tube guide  115  (not illustrated) from contact by support column  40 . Crash blocks  80  are also secured to platform  70 . In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , crash blocks  80  are secured to platform  70  by securing of crash blocks  80  to platform tube core  75 . In some embodiments, platform upper assembly  10  also includes platform gussets  85  and gusset wall  90 . Platform gussets  85  are brackets that provide support to platform  70 . In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , platform upper assembly  10  includes four platform gussets  85  but in alternative embodiments (not illustrated) includes more than four or less than four platform gussets  85 . Platform gussets  85  are secured to gusset wall  90  and/or a bottom side of platform  70 . In an embodiment, gusset wall  90  extends about the periphery of platform tube core  75 . As further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , some embodiments of ratchet platform  5  include platform upper assembly  10  having an attachment opening  65  through platform  70  and platform grating  25 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of platform upper assembly  10 . In an embodiment as illustrated, platform grating  25  substantially covers the top surface of platform  70  but not openings  60  and attachment opening  65 . In embodiments as illustrated, openings  60  are disposed at locations on platform  70  sufficient to allow an individual to pick up and move ratchet platform  5 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of platform upper assembly  10 . As shown, platform tube core  75  is disposed within gusset wall  90 . In embodiments, ratchet rail  100  is secured to platform riser tube  95  by screws  105 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective bottom view of platform lower assembly  15 . In embodiments as illustrated, a lower portion  190  of support column  40  passes through platform base  35 . Without limitation, allowing lower portion  190  of support column  40  to pass through platform base  35  provides a desired range of adjustability. Support column  40  includes actuator grooves  170  on opposing sides of support column  40 . In an embodiment, platform base  35  is adapted to be secured within a vehicle (i.e., to a floor of the vehicle). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of platform lower assembly  15 . Support column  40  includes pedal opening  320  of sufficient dimensions to facilitate pedal sub assembly  155  (not illustrated). Pedal pivot supports  110  are disposed on opposing sides of pedal opening  320 . Platform base  35  includes platform base opening  325  of sufficient dimensions to allow lower portion  190  to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, support column  40  is secured to platform base  35  by press fit. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of ratchet platform  5  in which platform upper assembly actuator  30  includes pedal sub assembly  155 . In  FIG. 9 , platform upper assembly actuator  30  is shown in exploded view.  FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional side view of the embodiment of ratchet platform  5  illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Platform upper assembly actuator  30  includes pedal sub assembly  155  and may have any suitable configuration for actuating platform upper assembly  10 . As shown, a portion of pedal linkage  185  of pedal sub assembly  155  passes through pedal opening  320  into interior  330  of support column  40 . Pedal sub assembly  155  may have any suitable configuration for actuation.  FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of pedal sub assembly  155  in which pedal sub assembly  155  includes pedal  175 , pedal pivot pin  180 , and pedal linkage  185 . In an embodiment, pedal  175  has sufficient size to allow actuation by pressure from the foot of an individual. Pedal sub assembly  155  may be attached to support column  40  by any suitable method. In an embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , bolt  165  passes through pedal pivot supports  110  and pedal pivot pin  180 . Nut  145  secures bolt  165 . In an embodiment, bolt  165  also passes through washers  125 . In some embodiments, one or more torsion springs  150  are attached to pedal sub assembly  155 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a torsion spring  150 . In embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  13 , a torsion spring  150  is disposed on each side of pedal sub assembly  155  outside of the pedal pivot supports  110 . The torsion springs  150  are attached to pedal sub assembly  155  by bolt  165 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the portion of pedal linkage  185  in interior  330  is attached to upper linkage  130  at one end  335 . Pedal linkage  185  and upper linkage  130  are rotatable in relation to each other at end  335 . Upper linkage  130  runs longitudinally within interior  330  and is secured to support column  40  at the other end  340 . An embodiment of upper linkage  130  is illustrated in  FIG. 12  in which upper linkage  130  has upper linkage groove  345 . In an embodiment, the end of pedal linkage  185  opposite pedal  175  is disposed within upper linkage groove  345  and attached to upper linkage  130 . In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  12 , end  340  of upper linkage  130  is slidably attached to support column  40  by ratchet pin  135  passing through end  340  and actuator groove  170 . Ratchet pin  135  may be secured by any suitable method. In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , ratchet pin  135  is secured by washers  125  and external snap rings  140 . Upper linkage  130  slides ratchet pin  135  longitudinally up through the length of actuator groove  170  when upper linkage  130  is in an upward motion and down through the length of actuator groove  170  when upper linkage  130  is in a downward motion. Ratchet pin  135  is suitably disposed within actuator groove  170  to allow teeth  350  of ratchet rail  100  to be disposed thereupon when ratchet pin  135  is in the downward position (i.e., at the bottom of actuator groove  170 ). Platform riser tube  95  passes through upper tube guide  115  and lower tube guide  120 . Upper tube guide  115  and lower tube guide  120  are secured to support column  40 . Actuator groove  170  is disposed on support column  40  between upper tube guide  115  and lower tube guide  120 . Upper tube guide  115  and lower tube guide  120  prevent unwanted lateral movement of platform riser tube  95  and facilitate maintaining movement of platform riser tube  95  in a longitudinal direction. Upper tube guide  115  and lower tube guide  120  may be secured to support column  40  by any suitable method. In the embodiment as shown, upper tube guide  115  and lower tube guide  120  are secured to support column  40  by screws  105 . 
     In operation of the embodiments of ratchet platform  5  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13 , ratchet platform  5  is placed in a vehicle (not illustrated). Ratchet platform  5  is secured in a desirable location within the vehicle. Ratchet platform  5  may be secured by any suitable method such as by screwing ratchet platform  5  to a floor or other surface of the vehicle. The vehicle may include any vehicle such as a truck, car, military vehicle, helicopter, air plane, and the like. In an embodiment, ratchet platform  5  is placed in a military vehicle in which it is desired for an individual to stand on platform  70 . For instance, in some military vehicles, it is desired for an individual to operate weaponry (i.e., machine gun) that is located on the outside of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, a portion of the individual&#39;s body is disposed outside of the vehicle during operation of the weaponry with the remainder of the individual&#39;s body within the military vehicle for protection. The height of platform  70  is adjusted by pressing pedal  175 . Each time pedal  175  is pressed, the pressure from pedal  175  actuates pedal linkage  185  and pedal linkage  185  moves upwards, which thereby actuates upper linkage  130  longitudinally upward. The longitudinal movement of upper linkage  130  slides ratchet pin  135  longitudinally upward through the length of actuator groove  170 . The upward movement of ratchet pin  135  applies force to a tooth  350  of ratchet rail  100  thereby actuating platform upper assembly  10 , which moves upward. Pressure is released from pedal  175 , and torsion spring  150  applies force to pedal linkage  185  to actuate pedal linkage  185  and move pedal linkage  185  downward, which actuates upper linkage  130  to move longitudinally downward. Such downward movement of upper linkage  130  slides ratchet pin  135  downward through the length of actuator groove  170  to allow the tooth  350  below the previous tooth  350  (in which the force was applied) to be disposed upon ratchet pin  135 . By such disposition of the next tooth  350  upon ratchet pin  135 , further downward movement of platform upper assembly  10  is prevented. Pedal  175  may be pressed and released until platform  70  is at the desired height. To reduce the height of platform  70 , pedal  175  is pressed and held, which maintains ratchet pin  135  in an upper position within actuator groove  170 . With ratchet pin  135  maintained in an upper position within actuator groove  170 , ratchet pin  135  is not in contact with teeth  350 , and platform upper assembly  10  slides downward until the pressure is released from pedal  175  or support column  40  contacts platform  70 . As platform upper assembly  10  slides downward, platform riser tube  95  slides downward in interior  330 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of ratchet platform  5  in which ratchet platform  5  further includes energy attenuation system  205 .  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate side views of an embodiment of ratchet platform  5  including energy attenuation system  205 . Energy attenuation system  205  includes any system suitable for reducing or preventing energy applied to the bottom  355  of ratchet platform  5  from passing to the individual standing on platform  70 . For instance, in an embodiment in which ratchet platform  5  is disposed within a military vehicle, a mine or improvised explosive device exploding underneath or near the military vehicle applies force to the military vehicle and thereby to ratchet platform  5 . Energy attenuation system  205  reduces or prevents the energy from passing through ratchet platform  5  to the individual standing on platform  70 , thereby protecting the individual from harm. Without limitation, an example of a suitable energy attenuation system  205  includes a SHOCKRIDE CRUSH BOX, commercially available from ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC. Energy attenuation system  205  is secured to platform base  35 . In an embodiment, energy attenuation system  205  is secured to a bottom side of platform base  35 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of energy attenuation system  205  including outer covering  270 . Outer covering  270  is secured to the periphery of energy attenuation system  205 . In an embodiment, outer covering  270  is removeable. Without limitation, outer covering  270  prevents unwanted objects from being disposed within energy attenuation system  205 . In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , energy attenuation system  205  also includes energy attenuation opening  265 , which is an opening through the interior of energy attenuation system  205 . In an embodiment, energy attenuation opening  265  has suitable dimensions to allow ratchet  45  to pass therethrough. 
     In some embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 , ratchet platform  5  further includes base plate  210  and seat plate  215 .  FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of base plate  210  and seat plate  215 .  FIG. 19  illustrates a top cross sectional view of base plate  210  and seat plate  215 . Seat plate  215  is secured to platform base  35  or, in embodiments in which ratchet platform  5  includes energy attenuation system  205 , to energy attenuation system  205 . Seat plate  215  provides support to platform upper assembly  10 , platform lower assembly  15 , and energy attenuation system  205 . Seat plate  215  includes seat plate rails  230  on opposing sides of seat plate  215 . In embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 ,  19 , and  21 , seat plate  215  further includes seat plate opening  275 , which has a configuration suitable to allow ratchet  45  to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, base plate  210  has a length greater than seat plate  215 . Base plate  210  is secured to the vehicle. In some embodiments, base plate  210  is secured to the floor of the vehicle. Base plate  210  has base plate rails  260  on opposing sides of base plate  210 . Each base plate rail  260  has slidable contact with the opposing seat plate rail  230  whereby seat plate  215  is longitudinally slidable along base plate  210  with seat plate rails  230  moving longitudinally along the stationary base plate rails  260 .  FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate embodiments of base plate rails  260  and seat plate rails  230 , respectively. As shown, the configurations of seat plate rails  230  and base plate rails  260  match each other. Longitudinal movement of seat plate  215  in relation to base plate  210  allows platform upper assembly  10 , platform lower assembly  15 , and energy attenuation system  205  to be positioned in different horizontal directions. Seat plate release pins  225  are inserted through a pin opening  360  of base plate rail  260  when matched with a pin opening  360  of seat plate rail  230  to prevent movement of seat plate  215  and lock seat plate  215  in place. The seat plate release pins  225  are inserted on opposing sides of base plate  210  and seat plate  215 . In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), seat plate release pins  225  are inserted on the same side of base plate  210  and seat plate  215 . In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), only one seat plate release pin  225  is used or more than two seat plate release pins  225  are used. In some embodiments, base plate  210  includes base plate shim bars  220 . An embodiment of base plate shim bar  220  is illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Without limitation, shim bars  200  limit the amount of energy that is stored in base plate  210  in an improvised explosive device (IED) event by minimizing its deflection.  FIG. 20  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of base plate  210 . 
     In other embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 , ratchet platform  5  also includes ratchet platform attachment means  200 . Ratchet platform attachment means  200  includes any means suitable for attaching ratchet platform  5  to other objects such as an individual standing on platform  70 . In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16  and  FIG. 25 , ratchet platform attachment means  200  includes strap  235 , strap retractor  245  and release hook  300 . Strap retractor  245  is a device suitable for retracting strap  235  and for allowing extraction of strap  235  from strap retractor  245 . 
     In embodiments, strap retractor  245  retracts strap  235  upon strap thresholds being identified as achieved. Strap thresholds include any suitable criteria for retraction of strap  235 . In an embodiment, the strap thresholds include angle, acceleration, temperature, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the strap thresholds are adjustable. For instance, without limitation, the strap thresholds may be adjusted according to the terrain or use of ratchet platform  5 . The angle may be any desirable angle. It is to be understood that angle refers to a degree of tilt of the vehicle in which ratchet platform  5  is secured. In embodiments, the angle is above about 33 degrees, alternatively above about 37 degrees, alternatively above about 40 degrees, and alternatively above about 43 degrees. In some embodiments, ratchet platform  5  includes a sensor that operates as an angle sensor mechanism. The angle sensor mechanism may be disposed at any suitable location on the vehicle or on ratchet platform  5 . In embodiments, strap retractor  245  includes the angle sensor mechanism. The angle sensor mechanism may include any type of sensor that determines the angle of tilt of the vehicle. The acceleration may include any desirable acceleration of the extraction of strap  235  from strap retractor  245 . In embodiments, strap retractor  245  includes a sensor that determines the acceleration of the extraction of strap  235 . As an example, without limitation, the strap threshold for strap retractor  245  is set to above about 43 degrees. Upon the angle sensor mechanism sensing the vehicle exceeding an angle of about 43 degrees, strap retractor  245  retracts strap  235  and thereby retracts the individual (i.e., soldier). Without limitation, an example of strap retractor  245  is a seat belt retractor (i.e., a seat belt retractor used in automobiles but with sufficient strength to retract the individual). 
     The threshold temperature may be any desirable temperature. In an embodiment, the temperature threshold is above about 250° F., alternatively above about 300° F. The temperature threshold may be determined by any suitable means. In an embodiment, the temperature threshold is determined by one or more temperature sensors that measure the temperature on an outside or inside location of the vehicle. For instance, without limitation, if an explosive device contacts the vehicle, the temperature sensor will determine the increased temperature from the explosive device. 
     The angle sensor mechanism may be powered by an suitable means such as by battery. In an embodiment, the angle sensor mechanism is electrically connected to the vehicle&#39;s electrical system. In such an embodiment, the angle sensor mechanism receives its power from the vehicle&#39;s electrical system. In an embodiment, the sensor is disposed (i.e., secured) on the floor of the vehicle. 
     Strap  235  includes any suitable type of strap. For instance, in an embodiment, strap  235  includes a long, narrow strip of pliant material such as webbing. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), strap  235  is a cable. In an embodiment, strap  235  passes through strap ring  310  before entering and after exiting strap retractor  245 . Without limitation, strap ring  310  facilitates extraction and retraction of strap  235 . A release hook  300  is attached to the end of strap  235  opposite strap retractor  245 . Release hook  300  includes any type of hook suitable for attaching to an object. In embodiments, the object is an individual disposed on platform  70  (i.e., a gunner). In an embodiment as illustrated, release hook  300  is a quick release hook with a swivel. In some embodiments, ratchet platform attachment means  200  includes release strap  295 . Release strap  295  is attached to release hook  300 , and a sufficient pulling force on release strap  295  releases release hook  300 . In an embodiment, release strap  295  includes a visual  280 . Visual  280  includes any means for increasing visibility of release strap  295 . In an embodiment, visual  280  includes fluorescent material. Visual  280  is secured to release strap  295  by any suitable means such as by stitching  285 . In an embodiment, release strap  295  also includes grip  290  at the end of release strap  295  opposite the end of release strap  295  attached to release hook  300 . In an embodiment, ratchet platform attachment means  200  includes strap adjustment  305 . Strap adjustment  305  includes any means suitable for attaching release hook  300  to strap  235  such as VELCRO, which is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries N.V. 
     In an embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 , strap retractor  245  is secured to platform lower assembly  15 . In an embodiment, strap retractor  245  is secured to platform base  35 . In an embodiment in which ratchet platform  5  includes energy attenuation system  205 , strap retractor  245  is secured to platform base  35  and energy attenuation system  205 . In an embodiment (not illustrated), securing means such as bolts secure strap retractor  245  to platform base  35  and energy attenuation system  205 . In such an embodiment, on the inside of energy attenuation system  205  are reinforcement strips through which the securing means (i.e., bolts) pass. Without limitation, the reinforcement strips facilitate securing of strap retractor  245  to platform base  35 . For instance, the reinforcement straps prevent tension during a vehicle rollover from causing strap retractor  245  from separating from platform base  35  and energy attenuation system  205 . In embodiments as illustrated, release hook  300  is passed through attachment opening  65 . 
     In an embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , ratchet platform  5  also includes ratchet platform attachment strap  250 . An end of ratchet platform attachment strap  250  is secured to platform base  35 . In an embodiment as illustrated, ratchet platform attachment strap  250  is secured to platform base  35  by strap receiving means  255 . The other end of ratchet platform attachment strap  250  is attached to platform  70 . Ratchet platform attachment strap  250  has sufficient tension to prevent unwanted extension of platform upper assembly  10 . Without limitation, in an instance when the vehicle rolls over, the force of the roll over applies tension to platform upper assembly  10 . Ratchet platform attachment strap  250  prevents the tension from causing unwanted extension of platform upper assembly  10 . 
     It is to be understood that platform upper assembly  10  is not limited to platform  70 , platform grating  25  and toe queue  20 . In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly  10  includes platform  70  and toe queue  20  or platform grating  25 . In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly  10  includes platform  70  but does not include toe queue  20  and platform grating  25 . 
     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.