Abstract:
A hauling accessory for an all terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a jack with a stationary member and a telescoping member, the telescoping member being operable via a threaded screw rod. The stationary member includes mounting brackets with a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners capable of securedly fastening the stationary member to a luggage rack of the ATV such that the jack is oriented substantially perpendicular to the ground that supports the ATV. A lower rack including cargo support rods is affixed to a lower portion of the telescoping member of the jack. The cargo support rods are attached to telescoping arms whereby the width of the lower rack can be adjusted. An upper rack, which also includes cargo rods, is affixed to the stationary member of the jack adjacent the mounting bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded screw rod is manually rotated via handle. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded screw rod is turned by a motor.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/121,073, filed Feb. 22, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This version of the invention is concerned with the field of accessory devices for all terrain vehicles, frequently referred to as ATVs. More specifically, this version of the invention is concerned with accessory devices for ATVs that are releasably attached to the rear luggage rack of an ATV in order to provide additional carrying capacity and to lift and stow certain items that may possess weight in excess of that which can be readily lifted and secured by an ATV driver. 
     1. Prior Art 
     All terrain vehicles, commonly referred to as ATVs, have gained in popularity recently among outdoor recreational enthusiasts, such as hunters and campers, and also among property owners, ranchers and field hands who must travel off-road across terrain that is normally inaccessible to conventional vehicles to manage livestock, farm crops, and the like. As ATVs permit their riders to gain access to areas not available to conventional vehicles, ATVs are normally equipped with a variety of luggage racks, typically a front luggage rack attached to the ATV over the front tires and a rear luggage rack attached to the vehicle over the rear tires. These luggage racks permit hunters to carry firearms, bows, and miscellaneous hunting equipment with them to various hunting sites and to transport any game animals to various locations for weighing, cataloging, dressing, etc. Similarly, ATV luggage racks allow farmers and ranches to load and transport equipment, such as fence posts, rolls of wire, and bales of hay, to distant and widespread sites. As some of these items are relatively bulky and heavy, such as large game animals and rolls or wire, the user of an ATV finds that it is a difficult if not impossible task to lift, load, and secure such items onto a luggage rack, since such a rack is typically mounted to the ATV several feet above the ground surface. In these cases, the ATV user may attempt to lift a particular large and heavy items unaided and thus risk serious injury or aggravate an existing injury or medical condition and possibly damage the ATV if the ATV is used to brace or support the item during loading. Alternatively, the ATV user may decide to forego loading the item in question and retrieve it at a later time when help may be available in which case the item may perish as with a game animal or become lost or misplaced as with farm and ranch equipment. 
     What is needed then to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional ATV luggage racks is the provision of a carrying or hauling device that can be releasably attached to the rear luggage rack of an ATV. Such a carrying or hauling device would be constructed in part with means to receive, lift, and stow in a secure and stable manner a relatively heavy and bulky item when said item is being transported from a pickup location and to lower said item at a destination site for quick and unaided release from said device. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     Numerous designs for carrying and hauling devices have been provided in the prior art. Even though these designs may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present version of the invention. No prior effort, however, provides the benefits attendant with the present invention. As such, it may be appreciated that there is a continuing need for a new and improved hauling accessory for all terrain vehicles. In these respects, the present version of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that substantially fulfills this need. Additionally, the prior patents and commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements arranged and configured as disclosed herein. The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects, and advantages through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elements, with the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing only readily available materials. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present version of the invention, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, relates to the field of accessory devices for all terrain vehicles, frequently referred to as ATVs. More specifically, this version of the invention is concerned with accessory devices for ATVs that are releasably attached to the rear luggage rack of an ATV in order to provide additional carrying capacity and to lift and stow certain items that may possess weight in excess of that which can be readily lifted and secured by an ATV driver. My version of the invention overcomes all of the shortcomings listed previously, in addition to novel aspects that will be described in detail hereinafter. 
     Described briefly, according to a typical embodiment, the invention presents a hauling accessory device for ATVs that is releasably attached to the rear luggage rack of an ATV. The device is comprised in the main of a telescoping jack, attachment brackets, and an upper rack and a lower rack. The upper and lower racks are attached to the telescoping jack in perpendicular arrangement so that when said device is attached to an ATV the upper and lower racks are disposed in parallel arrangement generally to the ground surface and the jack is thus disposed in perpendicular relation to the ground surface. The jack is constructed of a rectangular, stationary outer member that receives in sliding engagement a rectangular, telescoping inner member. When the inner member is fully retracted within the outer member, the lower end of the inner member does not fully retract therewith, said end attached to a base member that serves to make contact with the ground surface and stabilize the device when the inner member is fully extended. Extension and retraction of the telescoping member in relation to the stationary member is accomplished by rotation of a threaded rod member that is attached to the telescoping member in threaded engagement and to the stationary member in rotating arrangement. Upon rotation of a handle, the threaded rod turns and thus extends the inner member of the jack down towards the ground surface or up towards the stationary outer member. The various constituent parts of the hauling device can be manufactured of material that possesses characteristics appropriate for the intended duty, i.e. high strength, rigidity, light weight, and attractive appearance with aluminum, steel, and various composite materials offering the most feasible choices. 
     The attachment brackets, which are affixed to opposite sides of the stationary outer member of the jack, are formed with a series of apertures that receive threaded fasteners, typically U-type bolts, that are secured to the cross bars or rods of a rear luggage rack. If necessary, straight threaded fasteners are secured to the attachment brackets and an optional mounting plate so that the cross bars or rods of a rear luggage rack is disposed between the brackets and mounting plate. 
     The upper rack is a unitary component that is rectangular, elongate and tubular in shape and appearance. It is secured to the outer stationary member of the jack by two threaded fasteners, said fasteners disposed within apertures formed within the upper rack and within cooperating apertures formed within the attachment brackets. An elongate rod is affixed to each end of the upper rack in perpendicular relation thereto. The lower rack is an assembly component, comprised of a stationary, center member that is secured to the inner, telescoping member of the jack proximate to the base member, and two telescoping members, each telescoping member disposed in snug engagement within the cavity of the stationary center member. The telescoping members can be extended or retracted as needed to adjust the overall length of the lower rack with various positions secured by threaded fasteners that are fitted within cooperating apertures formed within the stationary center member and telescoping members. Three rods are attached to the lower rack with threaded fasteners in perpendicular relation thereto and in parallel arrangement to the rods of the upper rack. One rod is medially attached to the stationary center member, and one rod is attached to the exposed end of each of the telescoping members. The unattached end of each rod is fitted with a ring that can receive a rope, cord, or other similar binding tool. The rods provide a support system onto which items weighing up to 300 pounds are substantially positioned and secured for transport. If necessary, portions of the items can be secured to the upper rods and upper rack. 
     In an alternate version of the invention, an electric motor is attached to the top side of the jack, replacing the handle and function provided by said handle. In this version, the motor actuates the threaded rod that lowers and raises the inner telescoping member of the jack. Power is provided by an ATV battery and transported over connecting cables from the battery to the electric motor. Operation of the electric motor is controlled by a finger switch attached to the exterior of the motor housing. 
     My invention, therefore, resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed. It is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. In as much as the foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The foregoing is also neither intended to define the invention of the application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of my version of the invention to provide a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-market hauling accessory for all terrain vehicles. 
     A further object of my version of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use and versatile hauling accessory for all terrain vehicles. 
     A significant object of the invention is to provide a hauling accessory for all terrain vehicles that augments the existing carrying capacity of an all terrain vehicle. 
     A final but very significant object of the invention is to provide a hauling accessory for all terrain vehicles that provides the means to receive, secure, and stow game animals and items of equipment that exceed the ability of an ATV user to lift, secure, or otherwise attach said animals and items to the conventional luggage racks of an all terrain vehicle. 
     For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the present invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more fully understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a hauling accessory for all terrain vehicle in accordance with the present version of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a hauling accessory device for all terrain vehicle taken along line  1 — 1  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a hauling accessory device for all terrain vehicle taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hauling accessory for all terrain vehicle in accordance with the present version of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a hauling accessory for all terrain vehicle in accordance with the present version of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hauling accessory for all terrain vehicle that is releasably attached to the rear luggage rack of an all terrain vehicle. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hauling accessory for all terrain vehicle that is releasably attached to the rear luggage rack of an all terrain vehicle and illustrated with the jack extended downward to make contact with the ground surface. 
    
    
     DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       10  Hauling Accessory for All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 
       11  Alternate Embodiment, Hauling Accessory for All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 
       12  Jack 
       14  Upper Rack 
       16  Lower Rack 
       18   a, b  Mounting Brackets 
       20  Aperture 
       22  Threaded Fastener 
       24  Stationary Member, Jack 
       26  Cap 
       28  Handle 
       30  Telescoping Member, Jack 
       32  Rod 
       34  Base 
       36  Pin 
       38   a, b  Fasteners 
       40   a, b  Rods 
       42  Stationary Member, Lower Rack 
       44   a, b  Telescoping Members, Lower Rack 
       46   a, b  Threaded Fasteners 
       48   a, b, c  Rods 
       50   a, b, c  Threaded Fasteners 
       52   a, b, c  Rings 
       54  Electric Motor 
       56  Housing 
       58  On/Off Switch 
       60   a  Positive Charge Power Line 
       60   b  Negative Charge Power Line 
       62  Mounting Plate 
       64  Aperture 
       66  All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 
       68  Rear Luggage Rack 
       70   a, b  Horizontal Support Bars, Rear Luggage Rack 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Description 
     Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 wherein there are illustrated a typical embodiment of the hauling accessory for all terrain vehicle (ATV)  10 . The present version of the invention  10  consists of an assembly of various components that are joined together to furnish a device that can receive, lift, and stow items of equipment and game animals weighing up to 300 pounds for transport by an ATV. The device  10  is a unique combination of a carrying or luggage rack and a lifting and lowering device that allows large, bulky, and heavy items to be easily secured, stowed, and conveyed. The device  10  is comprised generally of a rectangular, elongate telescoping jack  12  and rectangular, elongate, tubular upper  14  and lower racks  16 . A pair of narrow mounting brackets  18   a, b  are affixed in parallel arrangement to the exterior side walls of the jack  12  adjacent to the rear corners thereof. Each mounting bracket  18   a, b  is formed with a row of apertures  20  that receive various threaded fasteners  22  (U-type bolts or straight bolts) that releasably attach the device  10  to the rear luggage rack of an ATV in a manner that will be explained later in this description. As required, the threaded fasteners  22  can be inserted into the appropriate apertures  20  to accommodate rear ATV luggage racks of various shapes, configurations, and sizes. The jack  12  is comprised of a rectangular, elongate, outer stationary member  24 , said member fitted at a top end with a square-shaped cap  26 . The cap  26  is formed with an aperture that receives a handle  28  and threaded screw rod  32 . The outer stationary member  24  receives in sliding engagement an inner, telescoping member  30  of similar size, shape, and proportion, except that the perimeter of the inside surface of the four side walls of the outer member  24  is approximate in dimension to the perimeter of the outside surface of the four side walls of the inner member  30 . In this manner, the inner member  30  can extend from or retract within the outer member  24  in an unobstructed and stable manner. A portion of the inner member  30  remains extended for some distance from the outer member  24  even when said inner member  30  is fully retracted therewith. As such, a sufficient area of the front side of the inner member  30  remains available for attachment thereto by the lower rack  16 . A square-shaped base  34  is attached to the exposed end of the inner member  30  by a pin  36  below the point of attachment of the lower rack  16 . The threaded rod  32  is secured to the cap  26  in rotating engagement and to a top side wall of the inner member  30  in threaded engagement. In this manner, turning the handle  28  rotates the threaded rod  32 , which in turn causes the inner member  30  to respond by extending from or retracting within the outer member  24 . The length of extension and retraction is dependent upon the length of the threaded rod  32 , which in this version of the invention extends substantially within the inner member  30  in order to allow the base  34  make firm contact with a ground surface when the device  10  is used with ATVs of various heights. 
     The upper rack  14  is attached in perpendicular arrangement to the outer member  30  of the jack  12  by means of threaded fasteners  38   a, b  that are received by apertures formed within the upper rack  14  and corresponding apertures  22  of the mounting brackets  18   a, b.  If necessary, the upper rack  14  can be lowered and raised in relation to the mounting brackets  18   a, b  by inserting the threaded fasteners  38   a, b  into the appropriate apertures  20  in order to secure cargo of differing sizes, shapes, and configurations. Narrow, elongate rods  40   a, b  are affixed to each end of the upper rack  14  in perpendicular relation thereof and to the jack  12 . The unattached ends of the rods  40   a, b  terminate at X angle downwardly disposed towards the lower rack  16 . 
     The lower rack  16  is an assembly of a central, stationary member  42  and two telescoping members  44   a, b,  each of which is maintained in sliding engagement within each end section of the stationary member  42 . As such, each telescoping member  44   a, b  can extend from or retract within the stationary member  42  independent of the opposite telescoping member  44   a, b  as required to accommodate cargo items of various sizes, weights, bulk, and shapes. Threaded fasteners  46   a, b  (eye bolts) secured to the stationary member  42  and the telescoping members  44   a, b  maintain the telescoping members  44   a, b  in various phases of extension and retraction with adjustment thereof provided by apertures formed within the telescoping members  44   a, b.  In this manner, a telescoping member  44   a, b  can be extended or retracted as desired and secured in place by passing a threaded fastener through an aperture in the stationary member  42  and a corresponding aperture within a telescoping member  44   a, b.  A series of elongate rods  48   a, b, c  are attached to the lower rack  16  in perpendicular relation thereof and to the jack  12  by threaded fasteners  50 ,  b, c,  said fasteners attached to threaded ends of the rods  48   a, b, c.  Two elongate rods  48   a, c  are attached to each exposed end of the telescoping members  44   a, b,  respectively, and one elongate rod  48   b  is affixed to the stationary member  42 . The unattached end of each elongate rod  48   a, b, c  terminates at X angle upwardly disposed towards the upper rack  14  and is fitted with an annulus or ring  52   a, b, c  of sufficient size to receive and maintain various lines, ropes, cords, or the like that can be used to fasten cargo to the device  10 . Should the cargo be an item of large bulk or volume, said cargo can be further secured to the upper rack  14  and associated rods  40   a, b.    
     The various components of the hauling device  10  are manufactured of material appropriate to the task in that high tensile strength, combination of flexibility and rigidity, and economy of acquisition and manufacturing are required with aluminum, carbon steel, various composite materials, and the like functioning as acceptable options. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, therein illustrated is an alternative embodiment  11  to this version of the invention. In this variation, the hauling device  11  is fitted with an electric motor  54  that is attached to the cap  26  of the jack  12 . The electric motor is constructed in part with an outer housing  56 , and on/off switch  58 , and internal components (not shown) that are common in existing design. The driving mechanism of the motor is attached to the threaded rod  32  to allow the electric motor  54  accomplish the rotating function of the handle  28  of the previous embodiment. The electric motor  54  is connected to an ATV battery by positive  60   a  and negative charge  60   b  power lines. 
     A flat mounting plate  62 , formed with two rows of apertures  64 , is furnished to allow mounting of the device to the rear luggage rack of an ATV if the threaded fasteners  22  (U-type bolts) do not align with the rear luggage rack of an ATV. The apertures  64  of the mounting plate  62  are aligned with cooperating apertures  20  of the mounting brackets  18   a, b.  Straight threaded fasteners of the type  38   a, b  used to fasten the upper rack  14  to the mounting brackets  18   a, b  secure the mounting plate  62  to the mounting brackets  18   a, b  with the rear luggage rack of an ATV inserted therebetween. The mounting plate  62  can be used with either embodiment  10 ,  11  of the device if necessary. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first embodiment of the device  10  is attached to the rear luggage rack  68  of an all terrain vehicle  66 . Threaded fasteners  22  (U-type bolts) are positioned over suitable horizontal support bars  70   a, b  of the rack  68  and secured to the mounting brackets  18   a, b.  In this manner, the device  10  is secured to the ATV in an unobtrusive manner by allowing adequate ground clearance that does not interfere with normal operation of the ATV  66 . In FIG. 7, the device  10  is illustrated with the jack  12  positioned to receive a load of cargo. Rotation of the handle  28  actuates the threaded rod, which lowers the telescoping member  30  of the jack  12  until the base  34  makes contact with the ground surface. Once the cargo has been loaded onto the lower rack  16  and associated rods  48   a, b, c  and fastened as required to the device  10 , the telescoping member  30  is raised to provide the ATV with adequate ground clearance. 
     While this version of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the version of the invention are desired to be protected. With respect to the above description then, 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. 
     Conclusion and Scope of Invention 
     From the foregoing, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that an improved hauling accessory for all terrain vehicles has been provided. The invention is relatively simple and easy to manufacture, yet affords a variety of uses. While my description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the version of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modification 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. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.