Patent Abstract:
An apparatus configured to lift vehicles having various wheels bases and axle configurations is provided. The apparatus includes a vehicle jack which includes a support frame having a base portion and a lifting-frame-support portion. The vehicle jack also includes a lifting frame having a vehicle part engaging portion and a sleeve mounted adjacent the lifting-frame-support portion so that the sleeve moves along a path defined by the lifting-frame-support portion. The vehicle jack also includes a winch mounted adjacent to the support frame and a flexible member mounted adjacent to the winch so that when the lifting frame is in a first position and the winch is activated in a first direction, the winch moves the flexible member so that the flexible member exerts an upward force on the lifting frame. The upward force moves the lifting frame adjacent the lifting-frame support portion in an upward direction to a second position.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/327,264, filed Jan. 7, 2006, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/147,571, filed Jun. 8, 2005, the contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Numerous small vehicle jacks have been invented to deal with the necessity of raising vehicles smaller than typical automobiles, for purposes of performing repairs and other typical needs. Generally, the jacks have been specific as to what kind of vehicle they were adapted to. 
         [0003]    Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,243 (Johnson), a jack for the use with automobile bumpers is shown, in which a frame is provided as a support means for a vertical pipe, which has a sleeve, which moves upward and downward around said pipe. A typical floor jack provided the upward lifting force against the sleeve, where the floor jack was attached to the sleeve portion through a ring. This device required a secondary jack, and was limited to the lifting of a vehicle body parts which would comprise a bumper. 
         [0004]    Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,038 (Meyers), an apparatus is disclosed in which an elaborate load bearing frame is provided, where the apparatus operates using two separate hydraulic jacks. There is no realistic application of this type of device with a small tractor or riding lawn mower. 
         [0005]    Portable jacks for small tractors are specifically exampled in U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,721 (Stone), in which a screw-scissors jack was operated to provide lifting force against a framework so as to push the framework upward. It would appear that one of the drawbacks of this invention was that the framework had a rectangular configuration, which would create a problem where a portion of the framework had to be moved under the tractor front wheels. This requirement would present a problem in a situation where the tractor was unable to move under its own power, requiring physical work to move the tractor over the framework assembly. Further, this device would not work properly at a location where the ground on which the tractor was situated was not properly leveled. 
         [0006]    Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,217 (Dach), the lifting apparatus is disclosed, in which a framework had a narrow front end, and avoided some of the problems inherent in the Stone patent referenced above. This system required a hydraulic cylinder to provide an upward pushing force to lift the item or vehicle. Extended arms had curved metal prongs that were referenced as lifting points. This jack was not intended for use with small tractor wheels, but rather were intended for axle assemblies. 
         [0007]    Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,1997 (McGaun et al.), a lifting apparatus for small vehicles is shown. The assembly uses pivoting action of its framework to first engage the wheels, and then lift the wheels by pivoting the framework so as to use a lever action to urge the wheels off of the ground. 
         [0008]    Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,626 (Box), a rack for securing a lawn mower to an elevated position is shown, in which a cage-like framework assembly is provided, and where a flexible webbing is used with a wheel crank to pull the entire lawn mower into an elevated position. This assembly is similar to an automobile rack, with the exception that the lifting framework is rectangular in nature, and supports all four wheels of a push mower on rack. 
         [0009]    Further patents have disclosed jacking mechanisms with riding lawn mowers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,597 (Samejima et al.) discloses a lawn tractor which allows manipulation of its wheel supports into position so that they can be used to assist in raising up the front end of the lawn tractor. 
         [0010]    Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. D 468,512 S (Hernandez), an all-terrain vehicle lift is disclosed, in which a hydraulic cylinder is used, to lift a metal framework that is disposed at the front end of the apparatus. The invention uses a rectangular frame, and a support means for the wheel is limited to a single tire, and not to two wheels, unless they are fairly close together. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    From time to time, small tractors, riding lawnmowers, and other similar vehicles require maintenance requiring that one end of the vehicle be elevated. The use of hydraulic floor jacks do not always provide a single stable support structure, and jack stands are often the wrong size with regard to the elevation requirements for the small vehicles. In some situations, the angle of the vehicle necessary to accomplish the desired elevation of one end of the vehicle, makes the use of small jacks unwieldy, since small hydraulic system jacks only have a single contact point. As the contact point rotates by virtue of the elevation difference between the front and back end of the vehicle, the contact point with the hydraulic jack may become unstable. Further, the amount of elevation necessary will often exceed a hydraulic jack assembly&#39;s capability. 
         [0012]    A complete apparatus is necessary, where the wheels of the vehicle may be used to elevate the entire end of a vehicle, rather than relying on the frame or other similar contact points available with typical hydraulic jacks for such a vehicle. A means to provide use of a jack with a stationary vehicle is desired, where the supporting structure can be moved into position on a vehicle, without requiring movement of the vehicle onto the jack means itself. 
         [0013]    This invention comprises a small portable jack that is intended for use with small tractors, riding lawn mowers, four-wheel sport motorcycles, and other small vehicles. This small vehicle jack support system obviates the need for hydraulic systems, but instead uses a vertical jack bar with a winch system and flexible strap on top of the apparatus to provide the lifting force. 
         [0014]    The jack itself has a base that defines a stable platform, also referred to as a support frame, that is intended to slide underneath the front end of the tractor or other vehicle. This jack may also be used on the back end of the tractor or other similar vehicle, but for purposes of discussion, the front end of the vehicle will be used as the example with the lifting method and apparatus for this invention. 
         [0015]    The framework that contacts the ground is preferably a rectangular configuration, in which the main frame members comprise parallel side beams, a front cross member, and two rear cross members for additional strength. The rear cross members are typically parallel, and allow a mounting plate to be affixed thereto, using bolts, or any other typical attachment means, such as welding, clamping, or other means commonly known and understood in the art. A vertical frame bar is fixed to the mounting plate, and projects upward. 
         [0016]    A lifting frame is provided, in which a center bar is connected at its front end perpendicularly to a cross bar member, where said cross bar member has a length that is equal to or greater then the width of the support frame from side to side. The crossbar and center bar define a T-shaped structure. The crossbar sits upon the support frame, with its ends resting on crossbar rest members, where the crossbar rest members define the widest portion of the support frame. 
         [0017]    The center bar has a rigid guide member fixed to each side of the center bar rear end, where the guide members are slightly angled rearward from a 90 degree or perpendicular setting. Each guide member is spaced apart and parallel to each other, defining a gap that is at least as wide as the width of the center bar. The center bar preferably has a width greater than the vertical frame bar. As the guide members are parallel to each other, they allow the vertical frame bar to be positioned between them. 
         [0018]    Once the lifting frame is positioned so that the vertical frame bar is situated between the angled guide members, a top roller is placed through its receiving apertures located on the terminating ends of the guide members, so that the vertical frame bar is restrained within the guide member gap area. A bottom roller is also positioned on the opposite side of the vertical frame bar, through the side guide members. The bottom roller, the parallel guide members and top roller function as a sleeve, which fits around the vertical frame bar, allowing the lifting frame to be moved upward and downward, with the gap between the guide members allowing some limited horizontal motion of the lifting frame. This allows for easy adjustment to the position of the lifting frame. 
         [0019]    The vertical frame bar supports a winch means on its top end, with a flexible strap providing the pulling force necessary to lift the vehicle. In instances where the apparatus is desired to have height adjustment capability, a separate extension bar is provided, which allows the vertical bar, without any top structures attached, to be inserted into the extension bar. 
         [0020]    The extension bar is provided, when greater height is desired, than can be obtained from a standard vertical frame bar. Also, the separate extension bar is provided for the simple need of disassembly and storage when so desired. Since both situations are generally desired, a extension bar is typically used with this apparatus. 
         [0021]    The extension bar defines an inner cavity which allows the length of the vertical frame bar to be inserted completely into the extension bar. The extension bar preferably has a width similar to the center bar, with the gap defined between the guide members sufficient to allow said guide members to move freely over the extension bar. 
         [0022]    The extension bar supports a platform which in turn supports a geared winch system that operates a flexible strap. The end of the flexible strap defines a hook, which is able to connect to a lifting ring located on the center bar, in proximity to the guide member attachment points with the center bar. 
         [0023]    Removable wheel supports are provided, which are defined by a horizontal shaft, with a crossmember spacer which defines prongs on each end of the spacer, with the prongs defining a horizontal extension that is able to impact against the bottom side of a wheel. The prongs are spaced apart to define a gap, with the wheel able to rest between said gap. The wheel support assembly is attached to the crossbar by sliding the shaft into the inlet of said crossbar and securing the shaft and crossbar to each other. 
         [0024]    Safety features also include axle guards, which comprise prongs that project upwards from the crossbar, and prevent the axle from slipping off of the crossbar when in use. These prongs are able to be removed when not needed, or able to be positioned as desired so that they are able to provide axle movement restriction as needed. The axle prongs may be fixed to a shaft sleeve, which allows the crossbar to be inserted through it, allowing the prong and shaft sleeve to move along the length of the crossbar, with the axle of the vehicle being lifted able to be secured as to movement against the axle prong. 
         [0025]    Once the wheels of the vehicle are secured within the gap between the wheel support spacer prongs, the handle of the winch assembly is turned, causing the flexible strapped to move upward, thus exerting a lifting force against the lift ring. The lifting frame is raised vertically. The weight of the vehicle on the cross bar maintains the orientation of the lifting frame in a fairly horizontal position. The frame is unable to angle downward due to do the top and bottom roller. The strap is withdrawn until the lifting frame has raised the vehicle to the desired level. The winch is locked in position, using the braking systems commonly associated with such winch systems. 
         [0026]    One advantage of having a separate extension bar is that the overall height capabilities of the jack can be varied, according to the length of the extension bar. Use of the strap denies the need for any type of hydraulic system, with the winch apparatus providing sufficient force to the strap, especially if the winch apparatus has a geared ratio with regard to the handle movement. 
         [0027]    The jack assembly is portable, in the sense that the support frame defines wheel axles that are defined as outwardly protruding axles, that are positioned immediately above the rearmost ends of the side frame members of the support frame, and project outward laterally to the side above the support frame. Wheels are used, which have a radius that very closely equals the distance from the axle to the ground, when the main frame is on ground level. For maximum support and strength, the wheels do not contact the ground surface, when the jack is in use. However, if the front portion of the frame is elevated, rotating the frame about the axles, the frame is angled upward from the rear toward the front. As the frame is elevated at the front, the wheels remain stationary as to location, and as the frame pivots around the axles, not only the front portion of the frame is elevated off of the ground level, but the rearmost portion of the frame is also slightly elevated, allowing the supporting wheels to remain and the single contact points of the apparatus and the ground. The entire apparatus can be manipulated into position so that the center of gravity passes through the wheel axles, making the weight of the apparatus negligible, with regard to movement from one location to another. Once the apparatus is positioned with the center of gravity over the wheel axles, it can be easily rolled from one point to another by a single person. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the improved small vehicle jack, in which the wheel support means and extension bar are shown in an exploded view. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the improved small vehicle jack in which the vertical frame bar and comprises the vertical support for the winch system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view from above a riding lawn mower with the improved small vehicle jack positioned underneath it, with the tires of the riding mower positioned above the wheel support means. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the riding mower and vehicle jack, where the jack assembly has been moved to a raised position with the front end of the riding mower shown elevated. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the sleeve assembly, showing the guide members and the top and bottom roller. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the sleeve means, in which the guide member is shown, with the lower and upper rollers shown, and where the safety pin is also shown. 
           [0034]    FIG.  7 —withdrawn 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view from above and from the left rear portion of the improved small vehicle jack frame and vertical member, showing the wheel axles without the wheels mounted thereon. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a side view showing the resting position of the frame and wheels, and the elevated position of the frame, in relation to the wheels. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the crossbar and axle hook means. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the crossbar and axle hook means, showing the relative position of an axle. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the jack showing the frame assembly and support guides in a lowered position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the jack showing the frame assembly, with the crossbar in a raised position, with the support guides and cups supporting the crossbar. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the improved small vehicle jack apparatus  10  is shown. Said apparatus  10  is comprised of a support frame  15 , a lifting frame  60 , a lifting means  42 , and a wheel support means  50 . The support frame  15  is comprised of two generally parallel crossbar rest members  18  and  19 , which are spaced apart by a front member  20 . A further improved configuration is shown also in  FIG. 8 , in which the support frame  15  is identical with regard to the front portion, where crossbar rest members  18  and  19  are separated by front member  20 , but where the rear portion of the crossbar rest members  18  and  19  are not angled, but maintain a generally straight configuration. As  FIG. 8  depicts, the support frame  15  may also be defined by cross bar rest members  18  and  19 , which are spaced apart by front member  20 , and also spaced apart by back support members  71  and  72 , to form a rectangular configuration. In either configuration, members  18 ,  19  and  20 , comprise the portion of the support frame  15  that is actually intended to be moved underneath the vehicle. Back support members  71  and  72  may comprise a single member, and should not be interpreted as being required as two separate members. 
         [0042]    In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the crossbar rest members  18  and  19  are attached to the front member  20  ends, with angled members  13  fixed to the crossbar rest member  18  and  19  rear ends. The angled side members  13  are angled in relation to each other so that the distance between them becomes closer toward each other along their length from the front toward the rear. The rear ends of the angled side members  13  define end portions  25  that are fixed in relation to each other and which allow a vertical frame bar  14  to be fixed in a vertical position at the rear portion of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0043]    As  FIG. 8  shows, an axle  21  is provided, which is fixed to the rear end of this apparatus  10 , and which supports wheels  22  located on either side of said support frame  15 . The wheels  22  are fixed in such a manner that the rear portion of the support frame  15  is able to rest on the ground, with the wheels  22  providing ground contact for the rear portion of the support frame  15  if the apparatus  10  is tilted backwards. It should be understood however, that wheels  22  are not required, but are shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  as the preferred manner of construction, since wheels  22  provide for an ease of transportation, in which the support frame forward end is elevated, with the ground contact being borne solely by wheels  22 . This allows ease of movement of the entire apparatus  10 . Referring also to  FIG. 9 , the side frame member  18  is shown with the axle  21  and wheel  22  shown. When at rest, the support frame  15  will be in contact with the ground surface. As the front end of the side frame member  18  is elevated at the front, the support frame  15  pivots around the axle  21 , and the entire support frame  15  pivots upward from the ground surface. The entire small vehicle jack  10  will be supported by the wheels  22 , and if the entire jack  10  is pivoted so that the center of gravity is directly over the wheels  22 , the effort to maintain the jack  10  off of the ground is minimized. Movement of the jack  10  is easily accomplished by allowing the wheels  22  to rotate around their axles  21 . 
         [0044]    In both the configurations shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , and that shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  12  and  13 , the gap between the rear end portions  25  of the support frame  15  should be wide enough so as to accommodate the center bar  16  of the lifting frame  60 , and any sleeve means utilized with said lifting frame  60 . As the configuration in  FIGS. 8 ,  12  and  13  show, there is no narrowing of the gap, since the side support members  18  and  19  remain parallel. 
         [0045]    The fixed vertical frame bar  14  projects upward from the support frame  15 . In the configuration shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  12  and  13 , the vertical frame bar  14  is fixed to the rear support members  71  and  72 , which comprise the rearmost portion of the small vehicle jack apparatus  10 . As these Figures show, the vertical frame bar  14  is fixed to a support plate  73 , and where the support plate  73  is fixed to the rear support members  71  and  72 , using bolts  74  which are placed through bolt holes  75  in the support plate  73  and also through bolt holes  76  in the rear support members  71  and  72 . It should be understood that the vertical frame bar  14  may be fixed to the support plate  73  in any manner commonly known and understood in the art. Further, the support plate  73  is not required for this invention to operate, but rather the vertical frame bar  14  may be fixed to rear support members  71  and  72  individually or both, through any means commonly known and understood in the art.  FIGS. 8 ,  12  and  13  show an alternative configuration for the rear portion of the jack  10 , with regard to that shown in  FIG. 1 . In all other aspects, the operation of the jack  10  is equivalent in all Figures regarding the manner of raising the lifting frame  60 . 
         [0046]    As  FIGS. 8 ,  12  and  13  show, the crossbar rest members  18  are generally parallel to one another, and are spaced apart by the front member  20  on the front or forward end, and spaced apart at the back by rear support members  71  and  72 , to form a rectangular configuration. The rectangular configuration is but one of many possible configurations, and this invention should not be considered as being limited to a base having a rectangular configuration only. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 12 and 13  further depict the means to support the lifting frame  60 , while it is in a raised position. This means allows additional safety of this invention while in use, in that the means to support the lifting frame provides a stationary support that does not rely on the integrity of any lifting force, but rather provides support underneath the item being elevated. 
         [0048]    Said means comprises support guides  82 , which are defined as sleeves that pivot around a pivot bolt  86 , where said bolt is placed though a guide hole  85 , and also through frame hole  85 ′, securing the support guide to the cross bar rest member  18 . When not in use, the support guides  82  may be laid parallel to the crossbar rest member  18 , or taken away by removing the bolt  86  so as to allow the crossbar rest member  18  to be moved independent of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0049]    The support guides  82  may comprise members that are adjustable as to length. Where said members are adjustable, the support guides  82  may comprise sleeves, which allow separate solid support guides  89  to be inserted into the sleeve support guides  82 , and are adjustable as to overall length using an adjustment pin  91 , which is inserted through the support guide  82  and one of several adjustment holes placed defined along the length of the solid support guide  89 . The adjustment pin  91 , when placed through the support guides  82  and solid support guides  89  will fix their position relative to each other, and also fix the combined overall length of the combination of both guides  82  and  89 . The top or distal end of the solid support guide  89  defines a cup  83 , which allows it to engage the underside of the item being lifted. Said cup  83  is fixed to the end of the solid support guide  89 . If the adjustable features of this supporting system are not used, but rather the support guides  82  are used without the solid support guides  89 , the cup  83  may be fixed to the top or distal end of the support guides  82 , or said cup  83  may comprise a removal piece, and have a bottom leg extension that is able to be inserted into the support guide  82  in a manner similar to that shown by the solid support guides  83 . 
         [0050]    While  FIG. 12  shows the support guides  82  in a down or rest position,  FIG. 13  depicts the same guides  82  in a perpendicular configuration, with the solid support guides  89  shown extending out of the support guides  83 , and supporting the cross bar  17  of the lifting frame  60 . Since the support guides are secured to the crossbar resting members  18 , and are vertical, they are able to assist in supporting the weight of the vehicle or contrivance being lifted by the apparatus  10 , and provide a useful safety feature so that the lifting force is not wholly dependant solely on the strap  45  during the time that the frame  60  has lifted, and while waiting to be let back down. 
         [0051]      FIG. 1  shows a separate extension bar  40 , which fits down over the vertical frame bar  14 . In one of the preferred embodiments, there is no separate extension bar  40 , but the support frame  15  and incorporated vertical frame bar  14  support the winch means  42 . As is shown in  FIG. 2 , the vertical frame bar  14  is fixed to the rear ends  25  of the support frame  15 , and projects upward and supports a platform  41  and onto which a winch means  42  is provided. The winch means  42  is comprised of a spool,  62 , a winch support  43  that fixes the position of the spool  62 , and a handle  44 , whose manipulation causes a geared assembly to cause the spool  62  to turn to take up or let out the length of the strap  45 . 
         [0052]    A flexible strap  45  is shown in  FIG. 1  and in  FIG. 2 , where said strap  45  is wound about the spool  62 , with its terminating end defining a hook  46 . The flexible strap  45  is fed off of the spool  62 , and a roller  66  is preferably provided at the edge of the platform  41  which supports the winch means  42 . The flexible strap  45  is not limited to any type of specific material, but could include any type of flexible material that has durability and strength in its resistance to stretching and/or breakage. The term “strap” should be understood to include chains, cables, straps of various material, cords, in any other type of flexible straps may be used, and will all function in virtually the same manner. 
         [0053]    As is shown in  FIG. 2 , the support frame  15  and incorporated vertical frame bar  14  comprise a general L-shaped configuration, where the total height of the apparatus  10  will always be consistent with the height of the vertical frame bar  14  and winch assembly  42 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the apparatus  10  in which the vertical frame bar  14  has the same configuration, except that it is much shorter in  FIG. 1  than it is in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 1 , an extension bar  40  operates as an extender of the vertical frame bar  14 . The extension bar  40  may have any overall length desired by the operator of this apparatus  10 . In this manner, the interchangeability of various extension bars  40  with a single support frame  15  and vertical frame  14 , allows for a single support frame  15  to provide possibility for an apparatus  10  that has multiple choices of overall height as to the orientation of winch assembly  42 . The winch assembly  42  as described for  FIG. 2  operates in the same manner as the winch assembly  42  in  FIG. 1 . The winch assembly  42  may be detachable from the extension bar  40 , so that a single winch assembly  42  and support frame  15  may be used with extension bars  40  of various lengths to create a jack apparatus  10  of varied overall heights. 
         [0055]    The lifting frame is comprised of a center bar  16 , which is attached at its front end to a crossbar  17 , where said crossbar and center bar form a T-shaped structure. The crossbar  17  preferably has a length that is equal to or greater then the distance defined by the separation of crossbar rest members  18  and  19 . The crossbar  17  is preferentially perpendicular to the crossbar rest members  18  and  19 , with the terminating ends of the crossbar  17  able to sit on top of the respective crossbar rest members  18  and  19 . 
         [0056]    Wheel support means  50  are provided, which are shown as being detachable in  FIG. 1  and in  FIG. 2 . It should be understood, that the detachability of the wheel support means  50  is considered to be an optional and a more advanced feature, than if the wheel support means  50  was permanently attached and made a part of the terminating ends of the crossbar  17 . 
         [0057]    As  FIG. 1  shows, the wheel support means  50  is comprised of a main shaft  52 , which supports a spacer  53 , where said spacer  53  is oriented at 90.degree. from the shaft  52  to form a T-shaped configuration. Prongs  54  are attached at each end of the spacer  53 , and project outward away from the apparatus  10 . As  FIG. 1  shows, the prongs  54  are defined and shown as L-shaped members, in which the horizontal portion of the prong  54  is lower than the spacer  53  and shaft  52 . This is a preferred embodiment, since the horizontal portion of the prongs  54  are able to rest on the ground, while the crossbar  17  of the lifting frame  60  rests on top of the support frame  15 . 
         [0058]    The wheel support means  50  may be detachable from cross bar  17 , in which the shaft  52  of the wheel support means  50  has an outer dimension that is at least less than the dimensions defined by insert  51 , which comprises the opening into the interior of crossbar  17 . Shaft  52  is moved into insert  51  until a desired position is reached, at which time both the shaft  52  and cross bar  17  are secured to each other using a securing pin  70 , which is shown in use in  FIG. 2 . Such securing pins are common in the art. 
         [0059]    The lifting frame  60 , is fixed in position with regard to the vertical frame bar  14 , or where a extension bar  40  is used, fixed in position to the extension bar  40  through a sleeve means. Referring now also to  FIG. 5 , a sleeve means comprises the rear end of center bar  16 , in which guide members  31  and  32  are secured to the sides of the center bar  16 , being secured at a slight rearward angle, as compared to a vertical position, so that the guide members  31  and  32  project both upwards, and slightly toward the rear. 
         [0060]    The gap defined between the guide members  31  and  32  allow for placement of the vertical frame bar  14 , or the extension bar  40  where one is used, with a top roller  84  placed through the respective holes  33  defined on the ends of guide members  31  and  32 . Referring now also to  FIG. 6 , a bottom roller  84 ′ is situated through the side guide members  31  and  32 , in the manner that the top roller  84  is, with the bottom roller  84 ′ positioned above the center bar  16 , but adjacent to the vertical frame bar  14 . The rollers  84  and  84 ′ allow the lifting frame  60  to move smoothly upward and downward along the length of the vertical bar  14 , or any extension bar  40 , where one is used. The vertical frame bar  14 , or the extension bar  40 , when so situated between the guide members  31  and  32 , will provide a guide that the lifting frame  60  can follow in a vertical manner. 
         [0061]    Operation of the apparatus  10  is accomplished by attaching the hook  46 , which is located on the end of the strap  45 , to a lifting ring  47 , which is located on the center bar  16 . Lifting ring  47  is depicted as an inverted U-shaped member that is fixed to the top side of the center bar  16 . It should be understood that any manner of connecting the strap  45  to the center bar  16  is understood to be contained within this embodiment. The strap  45  may be tied, or use any other connector means commonly known and understand in the art. 
         [0062]    Where the wheel support means  50  are not detachable, the apparatus  10  must be positioned and the small vehicle  81  moved over the lifting frame crossbar  17  until the wheels  80  of the vehicle are placed in between the wheel support prongs  54 . Referring now also to  FIG. 3 , once the wheels  80  are in position, apparatus may be actuated so as to raise the vehicle  81 . 
         [0063]    One clear advantage of wheel support means  50  being detachable, is that their relative position to the cross bar  17  can vary. This allows for a proper fit to a wide variety of mowers and small vehicle wheel bases, which may vary from vehicle to vehicle. By sliding the shaft  52  along the length of the insert  51  of cross bar  17 , the wheel support means  50  can position the outer side of the spacer  53  against the wheel  80  of the vehicle  81 . Since most small vehicles  81  are relatively light, the vehicle  81  is simply pushed or moved forward so that the wheels  80  are positioned between the prongs  54 . The wheel support means  50  is then adjusted as to width, to ensure the proper fit. 
         [0064]    This apparatus  10  is also useful where the vehicle is difficult to move. Referring back again to  FIG. 1 , that wheel supports  50  that are detachable, allow the wheels supports  50  to be independently placed around the wheels  80  of the vehicle  81 . Once the wheel support means  50  are jointly position, with their shafts  52  oriented toward each other, the support frame  15  and lifting frame  17  are slid underneath the front end of the vehicle  81 , until the crossbar  17  is positioned adjacent to the ends of the shafts  52  of each of the wheel support means  50 . 
         [0065]    Shafts  52  are able to be moved into insert  51  and may be secured using pins  70 . This is a particularly advantageous operation, since small vehicles may not be movable under their own power, and the jack assembly  10  is able to be positioned so it can support the vehicle  81  without the vehicle  81  having to be moved at all. 
         [0066]    The lifting of the vehicle  81  is accomplished as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As  FIG. 3  shows, the wheel support means are in the proper position, with the prongs  54  making ground contact. Other points of ground contact would likely comprise the front member  20  and wheels  22 . Activation of the winch means  42 , is accomplished by turning the handle  44  which causes the length of the strap  45  to be taken up by the spool  62 . The strap  45  conveys a pulling force through the hook means  46  to the lifting ring  47  which causes the center bar  16  to move upward. 
         [0067]    As the center bar  16 , moves upward the weight of the vehicle  81  will be pressing downward on the wheel support means  50 . Movement of the center bar  16  will be limited to vertical movement, as a result of the restrictions applied by the guide members  31  and  32  and top roller  84  and bottom roller  84 ′. Top roller  84  and bottom roller  84 ′ will prevent the lifting frame  60  from tipping forward, as its forward movement will be prevented by the vertical frame bar  14 , or the extension bar  40  if one is used. Removal of the apparatus  10  from the vehicle  81  involves a reverse process, where the vehicle  81  is lowered to the ground, the wheel support means  50  are slid out of the crossbar  17 , and able to be removed from the vehicle area. The support frame  15  and lifting frame  60  are then pulled out from underneath the vehicle. 
         [0068]    Referring now also to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , an axle hook means  90  is shown, comprising an outer sleeve  91  which has an inner perimeter opening  93  that corresponds to the outer surface of the cross bar  17 . The axle hook means  90  defines a top surface  94 , with an upwardly projecting prong  92 , with the axle hook means  90  able to slide along the length of the cross bar  17  until it is able to be positioned so as to allow the cross bar  17  to engage the axle  78  of a small vehicle. In this use, the wheel support means  50  may not be desired or used, and in the event that they are detachable, they can be removed during this process. The axle hook means  90  is placed over the end of the cross bar  17 , so that the cross bar  17  is disposed through the opening  93 . The projecting prong  92  preferably is fixed to the side of said outer sleeve  91 , and is L-shaped, with a portion of its length extending upwards above the top surface  94 , thus limiting the movement of any axle  78  past said prong  92 . Said prong  92  may also function as the supporting contact point with the axle  78 . 
         [0069]    An additional safety feature is also shown  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , in which the 
         [0070]    From the foregoing statements, summary and description in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same are not limited thereto, but are susceptible to various changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art and we therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein, but intend to cover all such changes and modifications which would be encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8