Patent Abstract:
A lifting apparatus for small vehicles, including a frame assembly, a pair of fabric webs attached to the frame assembly, and a pivotable lift assembly with a pair of spaced-apart wheel holders for receiving and securing the forward wheels of a vehicle such as a lawn or garden tractor, golf cart, or the like. To use the apparatus, the operator positions the wheels of the vehicle on the webs, operably positions the forward wheels in the wheel holders, then drives the vehicle over the webs while the lift assembly pivots upwards. The weight of the vehicle holds the webs in place on the ground, thereby causing the frame and lift assemblies to lift and pivot, raising the apparatus from a first stable position (the “down” position) to a second stable position (the “up” position) where the undercarriage of the vehicle is accessible for servicing and maintenance.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to apparatus for lifting small vehicles such as riding mowers, lawn and garden tractors, all-terrain vehicles, and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a simple, rugged apparatus for engaging and lifting one end of a small vehicle into an elevated position that allows a mechanic to safely access the undercarriage of the vehicle.  
           [0003]    2. Discussion of Background  
           [0004]    Small tractors—riding mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors, and like vehicles—are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners as well as lawn care professionals. These small vehicles are used for cutting grass and brush, removing debris, tilling soil, plowing snow, and assorted hauling tasks around gardens, parks, and small farms.  
           [0005]    Like their larger counterparts, these vehicles require routine servicing such as lubrication and/or oil changes, battery replacement, and removal and replacement of mower blades and other parts (belts, filters, etc.). Many of these tasks require access to the undercarriage of the vehicle, which is difficult due to the generally low clearance and correspondingly limited access space. For many vehicular service and maintenance procedures, it is advantageous to lift one end of the vehicle (or even the entire vehicle) above ground level so as to give the mechanic more clearance and better access to the undercarriage.  
           [0006]    Riding mowers and other small tractors typically weigh at least 150 kg or more, so they are virtually impossible to lift into an elevated position unaided. Conventional automobile jacks are not suitable, because these are not designed to be used safely with smaller vehicles such as riding mowers. Similarly, ramps designed for use with automobiles have the wrong tilt angles for use with smaller vehicles. Tractor dealers and professional mechanics have suitable lift equipment and/or garages with oil pits for servicing vehicles; however, few individual homeowners or even lawn care professionals have access to oil pits or safe, reliable lifts.  
           [0007]    Some operators simply tip a small tractor onto its side in order to expose the undercarriage; however, this practice is not recommended due to the unstable position of the tractor and the possibility of losing oil and other fluids from the engine compartment. Without a safe way to access the undercarriage, safety-conscious homeowners (and other users) must take their small tractors to a dealer or a professional mechanic for even such simple tasks as oil changes. This problem is also experienced by the owners and operators of golf carts and other small motorized vehicles.  
           [0008]    Many different types of vehicular lifts, ramps, and other devices are available to consumers. A common problem with ramps is stability: unless the ramps are secured, they may shift when a vehicle is driven onto (or off) the ramps. One approach to stabilizing ramps is to add a fabric web that extends outwards from the ramp. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,081, Edelman discloses this type of inclined vehicular ramp, where the weight of the vehicle on the fabric web holds the web in position; the web in turn secures and positions the ramps to prevent them from sliding while the vehicle is being driven on (or off). Sparling&#39;s automotive ramps (U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,685) also include webs that extends forwardly of the ramps to align and secure them in position.  
           [0009]    Snickers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,423) provides a small vehicle lift with a pair of ramps, each ramp including an angled portion and a pivotably mounted, user-operated lever which pulls the vehicle up the ramp. The lift is secured to the vehicle by straps, and can be folded for storage. Migliorati&#39;s rocking platform (U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,114) includes a pair of parallel longitudinal rails for supporting a vehicle, a pair of ramps, and a dihedron-shaped base with two bearing planes, one parallel to the support surface and the other inclined with respect to the surface. The platform can be rocked from a horizontal position (where the supporting structure rests on the parallel bearing plane) to an inclined position (where it rests on the inclined plane).  
           [0010]    Fisher&#39;s frame and jack assembly (U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,517) includes a pair of pivotable ramps and raised ends to help keep the vehicle in position. The frame is raised and lowered by a hydraulic lift. The Mervine and Scott devices (U.S. Pat. No. 2,556,929 and 1,408,408, respectively) also include fixed and pivotable portions; Scott&#39;s workbench has a stop at one end to prevent a motorcycle from rolling forwards. Kauppi (U.S. Pat. No. 3,326,525) discloses a tilt up ramp with two legs and a stop. The ramp has two stable positions, one where the ramp is inclined and one where it is parallel to the ground. One of the legs acts as a fulcrum to pivot the ramp from the inclined position to the parallel position as the vehicle is driven onto it.  
           [0011]    Additional types of lifting devices are shown by McDonald (U.S. Pat. No. 2,415,018), Stone (U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,721), and Allmon, et al., (U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,250). McDonald shows a device with a ramp and a curved saddle for engaging the axle of the vehicle. Stone describes a portable jack with a base frame having a pair of pivotable lifter arms that engage and lift the chassis of a riding mower. The arms are operated by an upwardly extending screw-actuated scissors jack. Allmon, et al. provide a lifting apparatus that allows one person to lift objects such as truck camper covers, boats, and mowers. The apparatus includes a vertical support with pair of inclined braces; a pivotable L-shaped support is mounted to the vertical support.  
           [0012]    Despite the variety of vehicular ramps and lifts that are available to consumers, there is no known lifting apparatus that is suitable for use with small vehicles such as riding mowers, that can be readily adjusted for use with different sizes, models, and types of vehicles, and that is safe, easy to use, and reliable. There is a need for a vehicular lifting apparatus that is straightforward and cost-effective to manufacture, and that can be adjusted for use with a variety of different small vehicles.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a lifting apparatus for small motorized vehicles, including vehicles such as riding mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors, golf carts, and the like. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a pair of spaced-apart webs attached to the frame assembly, and a lift assembly for receiving and securing the forward wheels of the vehicle.  
           [0014]    When the apparatus is positioned for use, the frame assembly is in a first stable position (the “down” position), and the lift assembly is in a first, “down” position with the webs on the ground and extending forwards of the frame assembly. To lift the forward end of the vehicle, the operator drives the vehicle onto the webs, adjusts the lift assembly, then drives the vehicle forwards over the webs. The weight of the vehicle holds the webs in place on the ground as the vehicle is driven forwards, thereby causing the frame and lift assemblies to pivot, moving the frame assembly into a second stable position (the “up” position”) where the forward end of the vehicle is raised and its undercarriage is accessible for servicing and maintenance.  
           [0015]    An important feature of the present invention is the frame assembly which carries the lift assembly and the webs. For safe operation, the frame assembly has two stable positions: a first, “down” position where a vehicle can easily be positioned for lifting, and a second “up” position where one end of the vehicle is raised above ground level to a height where the undercarriage is readily accessible. The frame assembly is preferably made of rugged, durable materials such as steel, stainless steel or cast aluminum that are capable of holding the weight of the vehicles to be used therewith. The dimensions of the frame assembly can be tailored to the particular vehicles to be used therewith; alternatively, the height of the frame assembly, its width, and the dimensions and configuration of the lift assembly, can be made adjustable so that the apparatus can be used with differently-sized vehicles.  
           [0016]    Another important feature of the present invention is the lift assembly, which in one preferred embodiment includes a pair of spaced-apart ramps with cradles shaped and dimensioned for receiving and holding the forward wheels of the vehicle. (For purposes of this specification, the terms “forward end” and “forward wheels” refer to whichever end of the vehicle (with its wheels) is to be raised. A lifting apparatus according to the present invention is typically used to lift the front end of a vehicle. However, it should be understood that some vehicles can also be backed onto the apparatus to lift the back end.)  
           [0017]    The ramps allow an operator to easily drive a vehicle such as a small tractor into a position where the forward wheels rest securely in the cradles; a wheel lock prevents the wheels from accidentally moving out of the cradles. Once the forward wheels are in the cradles, the operator slowly drives the vehicle forwards (with the rearward wheels on the webs), the cradles and the frame assembly pivot from the first to the second stable position, thereby lifting the forward end of the vehicle towards the “up” position. When the frame assembly reaches its second stable position, the operator sets the brakes, turns off the engine and (preferably) secures the rear wheels with chocks or other suitable devices, engages the safety locks, and proceeds to perform the desired vehicular service or maintenance tasks. When work is complete, the operator removes the wheel chocks and disengages the safety locks, then backs the vehicle downwards: the cradles and the frame assembly pivot downwards to the first stable position to return the vehicle to the ground.  
           [0018]    In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lift assembly includes a pivotable transverse bar with pair of spaced-apart chains for securing the front wheels or frame of a zero-turn-radius (“ZTR”) vehicle to the frame assembly. Once the front wheels or frame are secured, the operator simply drives the vehicle forwards on the webs (as in the first embodiment, the weight of the vehicle holds the webs in place on the ground, thereby helping prevent accidental shifting and maintaining the apparatus in position). The frame assembly (and the lift assembly) pivot from the first stable position to the second stable position, lifting the forward end of the vehicle to the “up” position. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the frame and lift assemblies pivot in the reverse direction to return the front end of the vehicle to the ground.  
           [0019]    The webs constitute another feature of the present invention. The webs, which help maintain the position of the apparatus during use, ensure that neither the apparatus nor the vehicle shift accidentally while the vehicle is being driven onto (or off) the apparatus. The webs may be of any suitable material, including but not limited to natural or artificial rubber, plastic, or composition sheeting, fabric, rubber-impregnated fabric, and so forth.  
           [0020]    Still another feature of the present invention is its simplicity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. The lifting apparatus is made of readily-available materials (metal sheeting and tubing, fabric webs, etc.); the various components are assembled by welding or with suitable fasteners (cotter pins, bolts, screws, etc.). Thus, the apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture and affordable by individual homeowners as well as professional mechanics. It is rugged, adaptable to a wide range of vehicles (including ZTR vehicles), easy to use, and allows for safe and easy access to the undercarriage of a vehicle such as a riding lawn mower or lawn tractor.  
           [0021]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments presented below and accompanied by the drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    In the drawings,  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1A is a side view of a vehicular lifting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the apparatus in a first stable position;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1B is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1C is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1D is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A in a second stable position;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2A is a side, detail view of the lift assembly of FIG. 1A;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2B is a front, detail view of the lift assembly of FIG. 1A;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A in the first stable position, with the lift assembly and ramps in the “down” position;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A in use, with the apparatus in the second stable position and the lift assembly in the “up” position;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a front, perspective view of a vehicular lift apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the frame assembly in the first stable position; and  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a detail, perspective view showing a wheel plate of the apparatus of FIG. 5 in use. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]    In the following detailed description of the invention, reference numerals are used to identify structural elements, portions of elements, surfaces or areas in the drawings, as such elements, portions, surfaces or areas may be further described or explained by the entire written specification. For consistency, whenever the same numeral is used in different drawings, it indicates the same element, portion, surface or area as when first used. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112. As used herein, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof, refer to the relative orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader.  
         [0034]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 A-D, there is shown a vehicular lifting apparatus  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus  10  includes a frame assembly  12  with generally vertical, parallel side supports  14   a,    14   b  made of metal tubing, front locks  16   a,    16   b,  rear supports  18   a,    18   b,  and base plates  20   a,    20   b.  (Either or both of supports  14   a,    14   b  and  18   a,    18   b  may terminate in base plates  20   a,    20   b. ) Supports  18   a,    18   b  are angled at approximately 45° to supports  14   a,    14   b;  however these angles may vary. Supports  18   a,    18   b  and plates  20   a,    20   b  may be welded to supports  14   a,    14   b;  alternatively, these components may be attached by pins, bolts, or other suitable fasteners. Locks  16   a,    16   b  may be made removable or adjustable, that is, the locks can be used if desired for added stability of frame assembly  12 , moved out of the way if preferred, or removed entirely.  
         [0035]    For adjusting the height of frame assembly  12 , supports  14   a,    14   b  may include any sturdy telescoping mechanisms that allow the operator to adjust the height of the supports to a selected position. For example, a pair of shafts  22   a,    22   b  may be slidable in supports  14   a,    14   b,  lockable in any of a plurality of user-selectable positions by cotter pins, clevis pins, bolts, or other suitable fasteners. Detents may be suitable for light-weight applications; however, fasteners that provide more security against accidental dislodging are generally preferred.  
         [0036]    At least one transverse bar  24  and a base plate  26  connect supports  14   a,    14   b,  attached to the supports by welding, bolts, or other means. Base plate  26  may be integral with plates  20   a,    20   b  if convenient. Bar  24  may be fixed in length; alternatively, bar  24  may be adjustable by the same type of mechanism used to adjust the height of frame assembly  12  (or indeed any other suitable type of mechanism). For an adjustable-length bar  24 , it will be evident that base plate  26  is preferably bifurcated rather than a unitary structure; alternatively, the length of the base plate may also be adjustable.  
         [0037]    A lift assembly  30  includes a pair of generally planar, parallel, spaced-apart side walls  32   a,    32   b  to which are mounted cradles  34   a,    34   b,  respectively (FIGS. 2A and  2 B). Ramps  36   a,    36   b  and supports  38   a,    38   b  are attached to the cradles. Cradles  34   a,    34   b  are attached to a transverse bar  56  by bolts, screws, or other suitable fasteners  40 ; alternatively, other techniques such as welding may be used. Side walls  32   a,    32   b  and the walls of cradles  34   a,    34   b  may be of any desired shapes.  
         [0038]    Floors  42   a,    42   b  of cradles  34   a,    34   b,  which extend from ramps  36   a,    36   b,  are curved generally as shown in FIG. 2A, providing a curved receptacle that receives and holds the forward wheels of a vehicle therein. The width and radius of curvature of floors  42   a,    42   b  are selected in view of the dimensions of the wheels of vehicles to be used with apparatus  10 : it is anticipated that cradles  34   a,    34   b  (and also ramps  36   a,    36   b ) will be at least approximately as wide as the wheels, and that a third or more of the circumference of each wheel will be encompassed by a cradle. However, somewhat narrower ramps may also be useful. Side walls  44   a,    44   b  of cradles  34   a,    34   b  are pivoted to walls  32   a,    32   b  at  46   a,    46   b  by pivot connectors  48   a,    48   b,  respectively.  
         [0039]    If desired, ramps  36   a,    36   b  may include spaced-apart traction ribs, textured surfaces, or other features for improving traction between the ramps and the wheels of a vehicle. Ramps  36   a,    36   b  may be attached to floors  42   a,    42   b  by hinges  50   a,    50   b;  alternatively, the ramps may be attached to floors  42   a,    42   b  by welding, brazing, or other suitable technique. Ramps  36   a,    36   b  may also be integrally formed with supports  38   a,    38   b  or floors  42   a,    42   b.    
         [0040]    Cradles  34   a,    34   b  are attached to the ends of transverse bar  56  generally as shown in FIGS. 1C and 3 (in the position shown in FIG. 1B, bar  56  is directly underneath bar  24 ). Cradles  34   a,    34   b  may be attached to bar  56  by welding, or by fasteners  40  (such as screws, nuts and bolts, or the like). During use of apparatus  10 , bar  24  remains fixed in position with respect to frame assembly  12 , while bar  56  pivots with cradles  34   a,    34   b.  Like above-described bar  24 , bar  56  may be fixed in length or adjustable by any convenient mechanism.  
         [0041]    Apparatus  10  has two stable positions. In the first stable position (FIG. 1A), supports  14   a,    14   b  rest on the ground, and lift assembly  30  is in a “down” position with the ends of ramps  36   a,    36   b  on the ground. In a second stable position (FIG. 1D), supports  18   a,    18   b  and supports  14   a,    14   b  are on the ground, and lift assembly  30  is in the “up” position with the ends of ramps  36   a,    36   b  above ground.  
         [0042]    Webs  52   a,    52   b  are attached to base plate  26  so as to underlie the plate and ramps  36   a,    36   b  (FIGS. 3 and 4). Webs  52   a,    52   b  are typically about 6′-8′ (183-244 cm) long; however, different lengths may also be useful depending on the dimensions of the vehicles to be used with apparatus  10 . Webs  52   a,    52   b  may be attached directly to plate  26 . Alternatively, the webs may be attached to mounting plates  54   a,    54   b  which are pivotably attached to plate  26 , or rotatably mounted in and dispensed from web rolls such as are known in the art. The webs may be of any sturdy, durable, natural or synthetic materials, including but not limited to rubber or plastic sheeting, sturdy fabric, and rubber or plastic-coated or impregnated fabrics.  
         [0043]    The components of apparatus  10  are made of sturdy, rugged and durable materials. Frame assembly  12 , bars  24 , and  38 , locks  16   a,    16   b  (if present), and supports  18   a,    18   b  may be made of steel tubing. Walls  32   a,    32   b,    44   a,    44   b,  ramps  36   a,    36   b,  floors  42   a,    42   b,  and base plate  26  may be made of steel sheet. However, other materials such as brass, aluminum, cast aluminum, composites, and plastics (including self-repairing plastics) may also be useful. Apparatus  10  may be made of any materials that are capable of supporting the weight of the vehicles to be used therewith.  
         [0044]    The dimensions of the various components of apparatus  10  are selected so that the apparatus is usable with riding mowers, lawn tractors, or other such vehicles. Thus, the weight and dimensions of the apparatus depend on the vehicles with which it will be used. For example, for use with typical riding mowers, apparatus  10  may be made of 1″-1¼″ (about 2.54-3.18 cm) round or square steel tubing having walls approximately ⅛″ (0.32 cm) thick, for a typical overall weight of 80-120 pounds (about 36-54 kg). An apparatus  10  with a width of 40″-55″ (about 102-140 cm), a height of 35″-45″ (about 89-114 cm), and a length of 20″-25″ (about 51-64 cm) would accommodate most presently-available riding mowers. A length l 1  of supports  38   a,    38   b  may be approximately 8″ (20 cm), and a length l 2  of ramps  36   a,    36   b  may be approximately 12″-15″ (15-40 cm). An angle α between supports  38   a,    38   b  and ramps  36   a,    36   b  is typically somewhat greater than 90°. However, the optimum dimensions, arrangement, and configurations of these and other components of apparatus  10  are best determined in view of the vehicles with which the apparatus will be used. The invention is further illustrated by the following nonlimiting example.  
       EXAMPLE  
       [0045]    An apparatus  10  was constructed of 1″ (2.54 cm) and 1¼″ (3.18 cm) square steel tubing having a wall thickness of {fraction (1/8″)} (0.32 cm). The weight of apparatus  10  was 93 bs. (about 42 kg). The overall width of the apparatus was adjustable between 46″-53″ (about 117-135 cm); the overall height was adjustable between a low setting of 36¼″ (about 92 cm) and a high setting of 40¼″ (about 102 cm). Ramps  36   a,    36   b  and webs  34   a,    34   b  were 6″ (about 15 cm) wide; webs  52   a,    52   b  were 8′ (about 244 cm) long.  
         [0046]    When the height of apparatus  10  was at the lowest setting, the apparatus could be operated to lift the forward end of a typical riding mower to a position where the front wheels were 20½″ (52 cm) above ground. When the height was adjusted to the highest setting, the front wheels were 24½″ (62 cm) above ground.  
         [0047]    In operation, apparatus  10  is placed in the first stable position shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, with lift assembly  30  and cradles  34   a,    34   b  in a first, “down” position. Ramps  36   a,    36   b  rest on webs  52   a,    52   b,  respectively, with the webs extending forwards of the ramps; the ends of locks  16   a,    16   b  also rest on the webs.  
         [0048]    The operator drives a vehicle such as a small tractor T into position with the tractor wheels on webs  52   a,    52   b.  Then, he or she drives the tractor T slowly forwards over webs  52   a,    52   b  onto ramps  36   a,    36   b,  and proceeds upwards until the forward wheels of the tractor rest in cradles  34   a,    34   b.  The weight of tractor T holds webs  52   a,    52   b  in place on the ground, therefore, the forward motion of the tractor causes lift assembly  30  with cradles  34   a,    34   b  to pivot, placing apparatus  10  into a second stable position (the “up” position of FIGS. 1D and 4) while the weight of the tractor on webs  52   a,    52   b  secures the apparatus and deters accidental shifting. As lift assembly  30  pivots into the second stable position, locks  16   a,    16   b  move into corresponding grooves  58   a,    58   b  to help secure apparatus  10  and tractor T in position. The weight of tractor T on webs  52   a,    52   b  maintains ramps  36   a,    36   b  in alignment with the forward wheels of the tractor to prevent inadvertent displacement of the ramps. Once frame assembly  12  is in the second stable position with lift assembly  30  in the “up” position, supports  18   a,    18   b  prevent apparatus  10  from being pushed backwards. In addition, one or both of the forward wheels of tractor T may be secured to apparatus  10  by bungie cords (not shown); one or both of the rearward wheels may be chocked for added stability. If desired, one or both of the forward wheels of tractor T may be locked to its corresponding cradle by any suitable locking device.  
         [0049]    Apparatus  10  holds tractor T securely in the raised, “up” position shown in FIG. 4, allowing the operator to safely access the underside of the tractor to swap out mower blades, replace spark plugs or drive belts, and perform other necessary maintenance tasks. When the work is completed, the operator simply disengages locks  16   a,    16   b  and backs tractor T slowly so that the shifting weight of the tractor causes lift assembly  30  with cradles  34   a,    34   b  to pivot downwards, returning apparatus  10  to its first stable position and re-positioning the rearward end of the tractor onto the ground. He then backs tractor T out of cradles  34   a,    34   b  and down ramps  36   a,    36   b,  returning the tractor to the ground.  
         [0050]    Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. A vehicular lifting apparatus  70 , like above-described apparatus  10 , includes a frame assembly  12  with generally vertical, parallel side supports  14   a,    14   b,  locks  16   a,    16   b,  rear supports  18   a,    18   b,  base plates  20   a,    20   b,  at least one transverse bar  24 , and a base plate  26 . The dimensions of frame assembly  12  may be fixed; alternatively, these may be adjustable by providing adjustable supports  14   a,    14   b,  an adjustable bar  24 , a bifurcated or adjustable-length base plate  26 , or any combination of these as described above for apparatus  10 .  
         [0051]    Lift assembly  30  includes a pair of generally planar, parallel, spaced-apart side walls  32   a,    32   b  attached to supports  14   a    14   b,  respectively, generally as shown. Side walls  32   a,    32   b  may be welded to supports  14   a,    14   b;  alternatively, fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, or the like may be used. A transverse bar  72  carries spaced-apart arms  74   a,    74   b  pivoted to side walls  32   a,    32   b  at  46   a,    46   b  by any suitable connectors. Arms  74   a,    74   b  may be welded, bolted, or otherwise secured to bar  72 ; alternatively, bar  72  and arms  74   a,    74   b  may be integrally formed. A pair of adjustable front supports  86   a,    86   b  are attached to side walls  32   a,    32   b,  generally as shown.  
         [0052]    Webs  52   a,    52   b  are attached to base plate  26  via mounting plates  54   a,    54   b,  extending forwards of plate  26  as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively (as for above-described apparatus  10 ), the webs may be rotatably mounted in and dispensed from web rolls such as are known in the art.  
         [0053]    Spaced-apart ropes or chains  80   a,    80   b  are attached by bar  72  by welding or other suitable technique. Chains  80   a,    80   b  carry wheel plates  82   a,    82   b  with retainers  84   a,    84   b.  Bar  24  remains fixed in position with respect to frame assembly  12  during use of apparatus  70 , while bar  72  pivots in channels  90   a,    90   b  as the apparatus moves from a first stable position (shown in FIG. 5) to a second stable position wherein front supports  86   a,    86   b  are above ground level while side supports  14   a,    14   b  and rear supports  18   a,    18   b  rest on the ground and front locks  16   a,    16   b  rest in grooves  58   a,    58   b.  Like above-described bar  56 , bar  72  may be fixed in length or adjustable by any convenient mechanism.  
         [0054]    The dimensions of the various components of apparatus  70 , like those of apparatus  10 , are selected so that the apparatus is usable with riding mowers, lawn tractors, or other such vehicles. Apparatus  70 , like above-described apparatus  10 , is made of rugged, durable materials, preferably steel although brass, aluminum, cast aluminum, composites, and plastics (including self-repairing plastics) may also be useful.  
         [0055]    In operation, apparatus  70  is placed in the first stable position with webs  52   a,    52   b  extending forwards of frame assembly  12  and lift assembly  30 , and locks  16   a,    16   b  resting on the webs. The operator drives a vehicle (such as a ZTR mower) onto webs  52   a,    52   b,  stops the vehicle, secures the forward wheels to lift assembly  30  using ropes or chains  80   a,    80   b,  and secures the wheels with wheel plates  82   a,    82   b  and retainers  84   a,    84   b.  FIG. 6 shows wheel plate  82   a  secured to a mounting bracket B and cross-bar C of a wheel W. Alternatively, ropes or chains  80   a,    80   b  may be used to secure the frame of the vehicle to lift assembly  30 .  
         [0056]    The operator then drives slowly forwards, causing frame assembly  12  and lift assembly  30  to pivot forwards, lifting the forward end of the vehicle into the “up” position while the weight of the vehicle on webs  52   a,    52   b  secures and positions the apparatus with the vehicle to prevent inadvertent displacement. Forward motion stops when frame assembly  12  is in its second stable position, with rear supports  18   a,    18   b  resting on the ground and lift assembly  30  in its “up” position. Locks  16   a,    16   b  rest in grooves  58   a,    58   b,  helping maintain the vehicle and apparatus  70  in the second stable position. One or both of the rearward wheels of the vehicle may be chocked for added stability.  
         [0057]    With apparatus  70  thus positioned, the operator can safely access the underside of the vehicle to swap out mower blades, replace spark plugs or drive belts, etc. When the work is completed, he simply removes the wheel chocks and wheel plates  82   a,    82   b,  disengages locks  16   a,    16   b,  then slowly drives the vehicle backwards causing frame assembly  12  with lift assembly  30  to pivot backwards and downwards, helping re-position the vehicle onto the ground.  
         [0058]    When apparatus  10  or apparatus  70  is permanently or semipermanently installed in a machine shop, service station or the like, shorter webs  52   a,    52   b  may be used with the apparatus. For a permanent or semipermanent installation, the forward ends of webs  52   a,    52   b  can be attached to the floor by bolts, screws, lag screws, or other suitable fasteners. With respect to the above description of the invention, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0059]    Therefore, the foregoing description is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and substitutions can be made to the preferred embodiment herein described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1