Patent Publication Number: US-2022234513-A1

Title: Cargo-Loading Device for a Vehicle

Description:
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 63/142,369 filed on Jan. 27, 2021. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to cargo-loading devices. More specifically, the present invention is a cargo-loading device for a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A lift device for lifting and transporting dead animals is in demand. People use various types of vehicles, including utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), for hunting, recreation, and work. 
     UTVs are widely used in a broad range of fields such as distribution, construction, leisure, and agriculture. They are used as a transport means for transporting and carrying soil or crops or carrying tools necessary for various tasks at construction sites or agricultural sites. ATVs are motorized off-highway vehicles useful for transporting people and moderate-sized cargoes to and from hard-to-reach areas. 
     These vehicles are often specially designed, built, and used more for work than recreation. They allow a rider to travel great distances over a variety of terrain. However, when faced with the need to transport heavy loads great distances over rough terrain, these vehicles require an additional device to load and transport heavy cargo, such as feed, heavy equipment, hunting supplies, and dead animals. 
     Often, hunters or ATV/UTV users are alone when faced with the need to transport heavy loads over rough terrain at a distance. Accordingly, convenient loading and lifting devices are needed. 
     Companies have developed various devices for attachment to UTVs and ATVs or truck beds for loading and transporting animals. However, such devices include bulky, mechanically operated mechanisms that can interfere with vehicle operation. Their designs are frequently cumbersome, requiring multiple steps for assembling, adjusting, and repositioning parts. 
     Some devices may require adjusting the lifting position of the lifting device, hanging tools on mounts, and matching connecting pins with the pinholes in the brackets. Some types of devices require assembling or dismounting multiple connecting pins one by one to attach or detach the lift device. Since such devices include a passive connection structure for connecting and assembling, their users may experience significant inconvenience. The UTV/ATV driver must get off the vehicle and connect or disassemble the lift device by hand, requiring much time and effort. Thus, there is a need to develop a device that solves these problems. 
     The present invention is intended to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional devices through an innovative lift device designed to provide a convenient and effective means for installation on vehicles, including UTVs and ATVs, while incorporating other problem-solving features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top front perspective view of the present invention with a hitch adapter and a stop collar. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom rear perspective view of the present invention with the hitch adapter and the stop collar. 
         FIG. 3  is a top front perspective view of the present invention with a drawbar. 
         FIG. 4  is a top front perspective view of the present invention with the hitch adapter and the stop collar in a released configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic top front perspective view of the present invention with a strap extension in a released configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a top front perspective view of the present invention with a bungee cord engaged with a loading platform. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is a cargo-loading device for a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention facilitates the transportation of a heavy load such as a harvested deer. The present invention may transport a deer from the woods, or other outdoor area, to a cooler easily without heavy lifting or physical strain. Furthermore, the present invention eliminates any mess within the trunk or back of a vehicle. The present invention remains attached to a vehicle while driven on roads or highways, safely transporting the heavy load to a destination. The present invention may also be utilized to transport coolers, camping equipment, deer stands, trash cans, gardening supplies, and so on. In order for a heavy load to be uplifted from the ground and released from the after transportation, the present invention comprises a loading platform  1 , a lifting frame  2 , and a lifting mechanism  17 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The loading platform  1  supports and upholds the heavy load or other heavy, cumbersome load. The lifting frame  2  connects and positions the loading platform  1  with a corresponding vehicle. The lifting frame  2  comprises a support base  3 , an extension arm  7 , a frame boom  8 , a frame jib  11 , and a release pinlock mechanism  14 . The support base  3  connects the loading platform  1  with the lifting frame  2 . The extension arm  7  connects the lifting frame  2  with the vehicle. The frame boom  8  extends the support base  3 , and consequently the loading platform  1 , with the extension arm  7 . The frame jib  11  serves as a hoist and is a mount for the lifting mechanism  17 . The lifting mechanism  17  angles the support base  3 , and again the loading platform  1  as well. Moreover, the lifting mechanism  17  lifts and lowers the support base  3 , and consequently the loading platform  1 . The lifting mechanism  17  comprises a winch  18 , a lifting strap  19 , and a bridle  22 . The winch  18  retracts and extends the lifting strap  19 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the winch  18  is a mechanical winch  18 . In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the winch  18  is an electric winch  18 . The lifting strap  19  connects to the support base  3  with the bridle  22 . 
     Furthermore, in order for the lifting frame  2  to structurally sound for heavy loads, the frame boom  8  comprises a proximal boom end  9  and a distal boom end  10 , seen in  FIG. 2 . The proximal boom end  9  attaches the frame boom  8  with the extension arm  7 . The distal boom end  10  attaches the support base  3  with the frame boom  8 . Similarly, the frame jib  11  comprises a proximal jib end  12  and a distal jib end  13 . The proximal jib end  12  attaches the frame jib  11  with the extension arm  7 . The distal jib end  13  upholds and offsets the winch  18  from both the support base  3  and the bridle  22 . 
     The overall arrangement of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to support, lift, and release a heavy load regardless of weight or structure. The loading platform  1  is maneuverable as the loading platform  1  is fixed onto the support base  3 . As seen in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the support base  3  is hingedly mounted with the distal boom end  10 , thereby allowing the loading platform  1  to be retracted into a parallel position with the ground and to be released into an angled position with the ground. The weight of the loading platform  1  and a heavy load is effectively supported by the present invention and does not stress the lifting frame  2  as the release pinlock mechanism  14  is operatively integrated between the support base  3  and the distal boom end  10 , wherein the release pinlock mechanism  14  is used to selectively unlock the support base  3  from the frame boom  8 . This arrangement provides a first means of releasing or dumping the heavy load from the loading platform  1 . In order for the loading platform  1  to be lifted and lowered with the ground, the proximal boom end  9  is terminally positioned to the extension arm  7  and is hingedly mounted to the extension arm  7 . This arrangement provides a second means of releasing or dumping the heavy load from the loading platform  1 . In the preferred use of the present invention, the release pinlock mechanism  14  is first disengaged, then the hinged connection between the frame boom  8  and the extension arm  7  is released. This preferred use is to safely lower the heavy load onto the ground without damaging the present invention or the heavy load itself. The lifting frame  2  is evenly balanced as the proximal jib end  12  is laterally positioned to the extension arm  7 , adjacent to the proximal boom end  9 . In order for the loading platform  1  to be effectively angled, the proximal jib end  12  is mounted to the extension arm  7 , and the distal jib end  13  is oriented away from the extension arm  7 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the proximal jib end  12  is oriented at an acute angle with the extension arm  7  for maximum weight lift. The winch  18  is offset from the support base  3 , and consequently the loading platform  1 , as the winch  18  is fixed onto the distal jib end  13 . The bridle  22  is fixed onto the support base  3 , adjacent with the loading platform  1 , thereby allowing the lifting strap  19  to be securely connected with the support base  3 . In order for an overall length of the lifting strap  19  between the winch  18  and the bridle  22  to be adjustable, the lifting strap  19  is spooled into the winch  18 . 
     In order for the support base  3  to support the weight of both the loading platform  1  and the heavy load across the loading platform  1 , the support base  3  comprises an interfacing tube  4 , a first lateral tube  5 , and a second lateral tube  6 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The interfacing tube  4  connects both the first lateral tube  5  and the second lateral tube  6  with the frame jib  11 . The first lateral tube  5  and the second lateral tube  6  extend across the loading platform  1  and absorb the force of the weight of both the loading platform  1  and the heavy load. In order for the support base  3  to freely hinge with the frame boom  8 , the first lateral tube  5  and the second lateral tube  6  is terminally fixed with the interfacing tube  4 . The first lateral tube  5  is oriented at an acute angle with the second lateral tube  6 , and the interfacing tube  4  is centrally positioned in between the first lateral tube  5  and the second lateral tube  6 , thereby evenly balancing the loading platform  1  across the support base  3 . Moreover, the distal boom end  10  is terminally positioned with the interfacing tube  4 , opposite to the first lateral tube  5  and the second lateral tube  6  as the loading platform  1  rests on the first lateral tube  5  and the second lateral tube  6 . The loading platform  1  freely retracts and releases with the frame boom  8  as the distal boom end  10  is hingedly connected to the interfacing tube  4 . This arrangement allows the loading platform  1  to be effectively supported while angled accordingly. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bridle  22  is laterally fixed with the interfacing tube  4 , adjacent to the distal boom end  10 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6  This arrangement provides an uninhibited connection between the lifting strap  19  and the bridle  22 . The lifting strap  19  remains taught with the bridle  22  while lifting the support base  3  as the bridle  22  is oriented towards the frame jib  11 . Similarly, the winch  18  is oriented towards the extension arm  7 . 
     Furthermore, the lifting strap  19  comprises a first strap end  20  and a second strap end  21 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The first strap end  20  is connected into the winch  18 , securing the lifting strap  19  around the winch  18 . The second strap end  21  attaches with the bridle  22 . The lifting mechanism  17  further comprise a load hook  41 . The load hook  41  connects and disconnects the lifting strap  19  with the bridle  22 . The load hook  41  is connected to the second strap end  21  and is engaged with the bridle  22 , providing a secure and releasable connection between the lifting strap  19  and the bridle  22 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting mechanism  17  further comprises a strap extension  23 , seen in  FIG. 5 . The strap extension  23  allows the lifting strap  19  to have a further reach from the loading platform  1 . The strap extension  23  is able to be lowered into deep ditches, creeks, or ravines in order to raise and animal out. The strap extension  23  may be utilized to directly connect the lifting strap  19  around a heavy load in order to pull the heavy load towards and closer with the loading platform  1 . In order to increase the overall length of the lifting strap  19 , the strap extension  23  is attached onto the second strap end  21 . In the preferred use of the present invention, the loading platform  1  is lowered to ground level on a bank edge, and the strap extension  23  is lowered and connected around the body of the animal. The lifting strap  19  is retracted with the winch  18 , which consequently retracts the strap extension  23  as well. The animal is then pulled out of the deep area and onto the loading platform  1  positioned on top of the bank edge. 
     In order to reinforce the connection between the support base  3  and the frame boom  8 , the present invention further comprises a first structural plate  24  and a second structural plate  25 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The support base  3  is positioned in between the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25  as the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25  are mounted parallel and offset from each other. More specifically, an interfacing tube  4  of the support base  3  is hingedly connected in between the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25 . The distal boom end  10  is hingedly connected in between the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25 , offset from the interfacing tube  4 , thereby preserving hinged connection between the support base  3  and the distal boom end  10 . The hinged movement of the distal boom end  10  is preferably restricted between two stops that are positioned perpendicular to the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25 , and these two stops can also be used in a leveling feature for the loading platform  1 . The connection between the bridle  22  and the lifting strap  19  remains uninhibited as the bridle  22  is connected in between the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25 . 
     In order to lock and unlock the desired angle between the support base  3  and the frame boom  8 , the release pinlock mechanism  14  comprises a locking pin  15  and a release pinhole  16 , seen in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . The locking pin  15  secures the position of the interfacing tube  4  between the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25 . The release pinhole  16  provides passage for the locking pin  15  through the first structural plate  24 , the second structural plate  25 , and the interfacing tube  4  while preserving the structural integrity of the first structural plate  24 , the second structural plate  25 , and the interfacing tube  4 . The locking pin  15  engages with the first structural plate  24 , the second structural plate  25 , and the interfacing tube  4  as the release pinhole  16  traverses through the first structural plate  24 , the interfacing tube  4 , and the second structural plate  25 . The locking pin  15  is engaged through the release pinhole  16 , securely locking the interfacing tube  4  between the first structural plate  24  and the second structural plate  25 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the release pinhole  16  is positioned colinear with the frame boom  8  such that while the locking pin  15  is engaged through the release pinhole  16 , the interfacing tube  4  is colinear with the frame boom  8  and the loading platform  1  is parallel with the ground. 
     In order to reinforce the connection between the frame boom  8  and the extension arm  7 , the present invention further comprises a third structural plate  26  and a fourth structural plate  27 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The frame boom  8  is positioned in between the third structural plate  26  and the fourth structural plate  27  as the third structural plate  26  and the fourth structural plate  27  are mounted parallel and offset from each other. More specifically, the proximal boom end  9  is hingedly connected in between the third structural plate  26  and the fourth structural plate  27 . The proximal jib end  12  is hingedly connected in between the third structural plate  26  and the fourth structural plate  27 , offset from the proximal boom end  9 , thereby preserving the hinged connection between the frame boom  8  and the extension arm  7 . The extension arm  7  is connected in between the third structural plate  26  and the fourth structural plate  27  as the extension arm  7  remains fixed and connected the frame boom  8  with a corresponding vehicle. 
     In order to lock and unlock the desired angle between the frame boom  8  and the extension arm  7 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a safety pin  28  and a stop pin  29 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The safety pin  28  secures the position of the frame boom  8  with the extension arm  7  such that the frame boom  8  rest on the safety pin  28 . The stop pin  29  prevents the frame boom  8  from extending past a given angle with the extension arm  7 . The stop pin  29  is fixed in between the third structural plate  26  and the fourth structural plate  27 , effectively limiting the range of motion for the frame boom  8 . In order for a desired angle of the frame boom  8  to be locked, the safety pin  28  is releasably attached through the third structural plate  26  and the fourth structural plate  27 . The frame boom  8  is positioned in between the safety pin  28  and the stop pin  29 , upholding the frame boom  8  with the extension arm  7  and uplifting the loading platform  1  from the ground. 
     A heavy load remains on the loading platform  1  throughout transportation as the present invention further comprises a first widthwise rail  30 , a second widthwise rail  31 , and a first lengthwise rail  32 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The first widthwise rail  30 , the second widthwise rail  31 , and the first lengthwise rail  32  prevent the heavy load from slipping past the sides and behind the loading platform  1 . In order to create a frame around the loading platform  1 , the first widthwise rail  30  and the second widthwise rail  31  are positioned parallel to the frame boom  8 . Moreover, the first lengthwise rail  32  is positioned perpendicular to the frame boom  8 , adjacent to the support base  3 . This arrangement provides a clear entrance for the heavy load onto the loading platform  1 . The heavy load may lay flat on the loading platform  1  as the first widthwise rail  30 , the second widthwise rail  31 , and the first lengthwise rail  32  are peripherally connected onto the loading platform  1 , opposite the support base  3 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first widthwise rail  30 , the second widthwise rail  31 , and the first lengthwise rail  32  are fixed with the loading platform  1 . In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the first widthwise rail  30 , the second widthwise rail  31 , and the first lengthwise rail  32  are removably attached with the loading platform  1  so that the heavy load or other heavy loads may be easily positioned onto or take off the loading platform  1 . 
     Further embodiments of the present invention comprise a second lengthwise rail  33 , also seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The second lengthwise rail  33  serves as a gate for with the loading platform  1 , further securing a heavy load on the loading platform  1  throughout transportation. The second lengthwise rail  33  fully encloses the loading platform  1  as the second lengthwise rail  33  is positioned opposite to the first lengthwise rail  32  across the loading platform  1 . In to facilitate the placement of the heavy load onto the loading platform  1 , the second lengthwise rail  33  is hingedly connected onto the loading platform  1 , opposite the support base  3 , thereby allowing the second lengthwise rail  33  to flip open and flip close. It is understood that a variety of hinges and fasteners may be integrated with the second lengthwise rail  33  to reinforce the closed configuration between the second lengthwise rail  33  and both the first widthwise rail  30  and the second widthwise rail  31 . 
     Further embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of reflectors. The plurality of reflectors visually notifies individuals around or nearby the loading platform  1  of the loading platform  1  at night or in low-visibility environments. The plurality of reflectors is externally positioned with the loading platform  1  in order for the plurality of reflectors to reflect light. Furthermore, the plurality of reflectors is peripherally fixed around the loading platform  1 . 
     Further embodiments of the present invention comprise a bungee-cargo net  34 , seen in  FIG. 6 . The bungee-cargo net  34  limits any bouncing or vertical movement of a heavy load from the loading platform  1 . The bungee-cargo net  34  serves as a flexible cover for the loading platform  1 . The bungee-cargo net  34  is perimetrically connected with the loading platform  1  in order to prevent the heavy load from bouncing off the loading platform  1  throughout transportation. The bungee-cargo net  34  may further comprise a plurality of hooks that releasably attach the bungee-cargo net  34  around the loading platform  1 . 
     Further embodiments of the present invention comprise a hitch adapter  35 , a hitch pin  36 , and a stop collar  37 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5 . The hitch adapter  35  provides a secure connection between the extension arm  7  and the hitch of a vehicle such as a truck. The hitch pin  36  connects the stop collar  37  with the hitch adapter  35 . The stop collar  37  facilitates the alignment of the hitch pin  36  with a corresponding hole of the hitch adapter  35  each time the present invention is attached with the vehicle. In order for the hitch adapter  35  to be positioned adjacent with the hitch of the vehicle, the hitch adapter  35  is terminally fixed with the extension arm  7 , opposite the support base  3 . Furthermore, the stop collar  37  is laterally connected around the extension arm  7 , adjacent with the hitch adapter  35 . In order for the extension arm  7  to be connected and released with the hitch adapter  35  while the hitch adapter  35  remains connected with the vehicle, the extension arm  7  is operatively coupled with the hitch adapter  35  by the hitch pin  36 , wherein the hitch pin  36  is used to selectively couple the extension arm  7  to the hitch adapter  35 . Further embodiments of the present invention comprise a drawbar  38 . The drawbar  38  allows the extension arm  7  extends the connection between the extension arm  7  and the vehicle. The drawbar  38  is terminally mounted with the extension arm  7 , opposite the frame boom  8 , in order to freely connect with the vehicle. 
     Further embodiments of the present invention comprise an illumination device  39  and a rigid casing  40 , seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5 . The illumination device  39  directs light towards the loading platform  1  for increased visibility at night or in low-visibility environments. The rigid casing  40  protects and houses the illumination device  39 . Moreover, the rigid casing  40  is externally mounted about the illumination device  39 . In order for the illumination device  39  to be safely positioned around the loading platform  1 , the illumination device  39  is laterally mounted to the frame jib  11 , adjacent to the distal jib end  13 . More specifically, the illumination device  39  is positioned opposite the winch  18  about the frame jib  11 . A user may easily see the loading platform  1  and the nearby surrounding area of the loading platform  1  as the illumination device  39  is oriented towards the loading platform  1 , facilitating the placement and removal of a heavy load with the loading platform  1 . 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.