Abstract:
An ATV loading device for loading and transporting objects using an ATV, comprising a primary frame component, a secondary frame component attached to the primary frame component, a bumper positioning component attached to the secondary frame component for bracing the ATV loading device against a bumper of an ATV, a bumper saddle attached to the primary frame component for bracing the ATV loading device against a bumper of an ATV, a detachable basket support arm pivotally attached to the secondary frame component, and a detachable basket removably attached to the detachable basket support arm for loading and transporting objects.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    Applicant claims priority based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/939,395 filed May 22, 2007, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0002]    A more complete understanding of the ATV loading device may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein: 
     
    
     
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a frontal view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of primary frame component and secondary frame component portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  is an inverted view of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 6  is a frontal view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV; 
           [0009]      FIG. 7  is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV without a load; 
           [0010]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV; 
           [0011]      FIG. 9  is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV with a load in a lowered position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 10  is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV with a load in an elevated intermediate position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 11  is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV with a load in a further elevated intermediate position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 12  is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV with a load in a still further elevated intermediate position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 13  is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of the ATV loading device mounted on an ATV with a load in a fully-elevated, loaded position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of primary frame component and bumper saddle portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of bumper saddle and saddle plate portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 16  is a exploded side-elevational view of bumper saddle and saddle plate portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the bumper saddle portion of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 18  is a side-elevational view of the bumper saddle portion of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of detachable basket support arm and detachable basket portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0022]      FIG. 19A  is an exploded perspective view of detachable basket support arm and detachable basket portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 20  is an exploded top view of detachable basket support arm and detachable basket portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 21  is a top view of detachable basket support arm and detachable basket portions of an embodiment of the ATV loading device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Referring to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2  thereof, an embodiment of the ATV loading device comprises a primary frame component  51 , secondary frame component  53 , bumper saddle  55 , saddle plate  56 , bumper positioning component  57 , detachable basket support arm  58 , and detachable basket  59 . The primary frame component  51  terminates in hooks  61  at its upper end. The hooks  61  can be coupled to the primary frame component  51 , as discussed below, or integrated with the primary frame component  51 . Pulleys  63  and  65  are mounted to the primary frame component  51  and the secondary frame component  53  respectively. The components can be constructed of steel or synthetic materials, the proper materials being well known to those having skill in the art. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the primary frame component  51 , secondary frame component  53 , and bumper saddle  55 .  FIGS. 4 and 5  show exploded views of the primary frame component  51 , secondary frame component  53 , bumper saddle  55 , bumper positioning component  57 , and detachable basket  59 . Except for the detachable basket support arm  58  and detachable basket  59 , all of the components shown in  FIGS. 3-5  engage each other via male-female type connections and are coupled together by nuts and bolts, PTO type pins, or other such coupling means commonly known in the art, at holes disposed in the respective connection points of the component parts. 
         [0027]    Again focusing on  FIGS. 3-5 , bumper saddle engaging members  67  of the primary frame component  51 , vertical portions  69  of the secondary frame component  53 , and bumper positioning component engaging members  71  of the secondary frame component  53  are configured as the female connector portions of the male-female connection. Vertical portions  73  of the bumper saddle  55 , vertical portions  75  of the primary frame component  51 , and secondary frame component engaging members  77  of the bumper positioning component  57  are configured as the male connector portions of the male-female connection. 
         [0028]    The orientation of the respective male-female connectors can also be reversed so that the bumper saddle engaging members  67  of the primary frame component  51 , vertical portions  69  of the secondary frame component  53 , and bumper positioning component engaging members  71  of the secondary frame component  53  are configured as the male connector portions of the male-female connection, and vertical portions  73  of the bumper saddle  55 , vertical portions  75  of the primary frame component  51 , and secondary frame component engaging members  77  of the bumper positioning component  57  are configured as the female connector portions of the male-female connection. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-5  and  14 - 16 , the vertical portions  75  of the primary frame component  51 , vertical portions  73  of the bumper saddle  55 , and secondary frame component engaging members  77  of the bumper positioning component  57  are disposed with a plurality of holes so as to allow adjustments to be made to the length/depth of the respective components, thus allowing the ATV loading device to be compatible with multiple makes and models of ATVs. For example if a shorter component is necessary, the component is inserted further into the respective female connector, and the coupling means is aligned with the corresponding hole. Likewise, if a longer component is necessary, the component is inserted a shorter length into the respective female connector, and the coupling means is aligned with the corresponding hole. 
         [0030]    Should the orientation of the respective male-female connectors be reversed as discussed heretofore, the bumper saddle engaging members  67  of the primary frame component  51 , vertical portions  69  of the secondary frame component  53 , and bumper positioning component engaging members  71  of the secondary frame component  53  are disposed with the plurality of holes, adjustments to the length of the respective components being made accordingly. 
         [0031]    Other means of engagement between the components depicted in  FIGS. 3-5  and  14 - 16  are also envisioned, such as various locking mechanisms, latching mechanisms, ratcheting mechanisms, hydraulic means, means for slidably engaging the components, means for engaging the components at a joint, etc., such means of engagement being well known to those having skill in the art. 
         [0032]    To support adaptation of the ATV loading device to multiple makes and models of ATVs, the bumper saddle  55  mates to a saddle plate  56  as shown in  FIGS. 15-16 , thereby securing the ATV loading device to ATVs having radially small bumpers. The saddle plate  56  comprises a concave formation or other structural formation capable of embracing small radial bumpers and a stud protruding therefrom, wherein the end of the stud comprises a hole for receiving a pin or the like. The bumper saddle  55  comprises an aperture for receiving the stud of the saddle plate  56 . Once the aperture of the bumper saddle  55  receives the stud of the saddle plate  56 , a pin, hitch pin, or the like is utilized to lock the stud into place, thereby affixing the saddle plate  56  to the bumper saddle  55 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 17-18 , the ATV loading device alternatively features a bumper saddle  55  comprising vertical portions  73  having increased longitudinal dimensions. Because ATV bumper placements vary from model to model, the increased longitudinal vertical portions  73  ensure that the ATV loading device fits the many different types of ATV makes and models. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-5  and  19 - 21 , an end of the detachable basket support arm  58  pivotally attaches to the secondary frame component  53  and the other end of the detachable basket support arm  58  immovably attaches to the detachable basket  59 . Each respective end attaches thereto via U-joints  79  in combination with nuts and bolts, PTO type pins, or other such coupling means commonly known in the art. Alternatively, the U-joints can be set on the detachable basket support arm  58  with extensions capable of being coupled to the U-joints extending from the secondary frame component  53 . The detachable basket support arm  58  comprises receivers that receive the tubing or other structural component from the detachable basket  59 , thereby locking the detachable basket  59  in an upright position. 
         [0035]    The detachable basket support arm  58  supports the detachable basket  59  as well as other types of accessories. For example, the detachable basket support arm  58  can attach to accessories such as but not limited to a seed/fertilizer/seed spreader, animal transport basket, dump bucket, post remover, hay fork, oversized dump box, and self leveling basket. As such, the ATV loading device can be used to accomplish many different types of tasks. 
         [0036]    Additionally, the detachability of the detachable basket  59  ensures significantly smaller packaging when shipping to customers, thus reducing shipping cost. Therefore, the design of the ATV loading device provides for the attachment of many different component parts to the detachable basket support arm  58  and facilitates cost savings when shipping due to smaller packaging. 
         [0037]    The ATV loading device is installed on an ATV  79  as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . The hooks  61  are first coupled to the primary frame component  51  with nuts and bolts, PTO type pins, or other such coupling means commonly known in the art. The hooks  61  are coupled to the primary frame component  51  through a hole disposed in the hooks  61  and the primary frame component  51  respectively. Alternatively, the hooks  61  could be integrated with the primary frame component  51 . The hooks  61  are then hooked to a rack  81  of the ATV  79 . The hooks  61  are capable of swinging movement so as to allow them to be hooked to different styles of racks depending on the make and model of the ATV on which the ATV loading device is being installed. 
         [0038]    Once the hooks  61  are hooked to the rack  81 , the primary frame component  51  is in position. The bumper saddle  55  can then be adjusted to accommodate the bumper  83  of the ATV  79  on which the ATV loading device is being installed. As discussed heretofore, the bumper saddle  55  can be raised and lowered via holes disposed therein, replaced with bumper saddle  55  having substantially longer vertical portions  73 , or mated to saddle plate  56  to accommodate different makes and models of ATVs. With the hooks  61  remaining level, the bumper saddle  55  is positioned against the ATV bumper  83  and coupled to the primary frame component  51 , thus locking it in place. 
         [0039]    The secondary frame component  53  is set above a winch  85  of the ATV  79 . The secondary frame component  53  is set so that the pulley  65  is positioned above the area where a cable  87  of the winch  85  extends from the ATV  79 , above the fairlead of the winch  85 . The secondary frame component  53  is set as low as possible so as to still remain positioned above the winch  85 . The secondary frame component  53  can then be coupled to the primary frame component  51  and locked in place. 
         [0040]    The bumper positioning component  57  is then adjusted to the necessary depth so as to rest on the bumper  83  at the supports or the lowest brace positioned above the winch  85 . The bumper positioning component  57  can then be coupled to the secondary frame component  53  and locked in place. 
         [0041]    Generally, the bumper positioning component  57  will rest on the ATV&#39;s bumper  83  proximately centered on the tubing or cross brace of the bumper  83 . On ATV models where the bumper does not have a brace to center the bumper positioning component  57 , the bumper positioning component  57  is positioned so as to overlap the vertical tubing of the bumper  83 . The bumper positioning component  57  is then coupled to the secondary frame component  53  and locked in place. In addition, the bumper positioning component  57  can have various shapes and construction so as to be compatible with the bumpers of different makes and models of ATVs. 
         [0042]    With the aforementioned components of the ATV loading device in place, the detachable basket support arm  58  is then attached to the secondary frame component  53 . Subsequently, the detachable basket  59  is attached to the detachable basket support arm  58 . Then, the cable  87  of the winch  85  is routed over the outside of the pulley  65  of the secondary frame component  53  and through the pulley  63  of the primary frame component  51  by removing the pin from the pulley  63 . The cable  87  is then routed under the basket  59  and a hook  91  of the cable  87  is hooked to a hook loop  93  of the detachable basket  59 . 
         [0043]    The ATV loading device can then be operated. The detachable basket  59  or other type of accessory will raise and lower in connection with operation of the winch  85  as shown in  FIGS. 9-13 . By utilizing straps  95 , the detachable basket  59  or other type of accessory can be held in a tightened, stationary position when the winch  85  is drawn completely inward and the detachable basket  59  is in its full upright position as shown in  FIG. 13 , although tension created by the winch will hold the basket  59  firmly in place. In this manner the load can be transported as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0044]    By utilizing a locking means, such as a lock bar, the detachable basket  59  or other type of accessory can be locked in place in the open position. Winch tension is placed against the lock bar to ensure the primary frame component  51  will not become detached from its mounting position. Utilization of the lock bar increases the size of the load that can be handled by the ATV loading device. For instance, a swiveling hook arrangement can be utilized to configure the detachable basket  59  to carry buckets or other such containers. This also increases the cargo capacity, as the remaining carrying surface of the detachable basket  59  is left open. 
         [0045]    The ATV loading device can be removed by disconnecting the hook  61  from the hook loop  93 , removing the cable  87  from the pulley  63 , and lifting upward on the primary frame component  51  while tilting the hooks  61  back towards the ATV  79 . Further, the straps  95  are useful for storing the ATV loading device. Before removal of the ATV loading device, the straps  95  can be wrapped around the detachable basket  59  or other type of accessory and the primary frame component  51 . This will hold the detachable basket  59  or other type of accessory and the primary frame component  51  together for storage. 
         [0046]    Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Summary and Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.