Abstract:
The present invention is an all-terrain vehicle support bracket. The support bracket includes on or more frame assemblies that are removably attachable to a portion of an all-terrain vehicle. The frame assembly or assemblies include support surfaces thereon for supporting an object as positioned on the surface. A variety of objects may be positioned on and supported by the support surface of the frame assembly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 508,665 filed on Mar. 22, 2002. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to removable devices or accessories for all-terrain vehicles and, more particularly, to an all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     The use of all-terrain vehicles or “ATVs” has reached an all time high among adolescents as well as adults. While the initial intent of such vehicles was for recreational use, hunters early on recognized that ATVs could be extremely advantageous for traveling into remote, off-road areas where game is typically found. For instance, ATVs greatly decreased the work of having to drag game out of such remote regions.  
         [0006]     Also, many hunters take advantage of elevated devices such as tree stands for providing an extended view of the field below as well as to be out of game&#39;s sight. However, while the utility of ATVs for trekking to an fro remote hunting areas has been quickly recognized and enjoyed, standard ATVs have not provided for or been capable of aiding the hunter in transporting climbing aids and similar equipment for ascending into tree stands.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, a need has arisen for a removably attachable device for an ATV which supports a traditional aluminum ladder. The development of the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket fulfills this need.  
         [0008]     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,844 issued in the name of Haustein discloses a cab and hunting stand being attachable to and easily removable from the front and rear racks of an ATV.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,374 issued in the name of Hale discloses a portable hunting stand adapted to be retrofitted to a three wheeled motorcycle, ATV or the like.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 615,721 issued in the name of Lane discloses a basket which has a lower portion comprising a section of frame which is provided with a protective covering being spark preventative.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,062 issued in the name of Laney describes a support rack adapted for mounting to an all-terrain vehicle framework.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,173 issued in the name of Bremner describes a vehicular deck attachment and assembly.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,545 issued in the name of Faleide discloses a foldable vehicle ladder system for allowing a user to easily view and access the interior portion of a truck box and other equipment.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,844 issued in the name of Rector describes a tree stand carrier for an ATV.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,023 B1 issued in the name of Martin discloses a system and apparatus for converting a trailer to an observation stand.  
         [0017]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839 issued in the name of Stanley discloses a hunters stand for securement to the bed of a pick-up truck.  
         [0018]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,691 B1 issued in the name of Ruiz describes a ladder latch system for securing telescoping ladders in the retracted position.  
         [0019]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,031 issued in the name of Renfro describes a gun and beverage support system for supporting a weapon and a beverage while the hunter is sitting or standing within a tree stand.  
         [0020]     Consequenuy, a need has been felt for providing a removably attachable device for an ATV which supports a traditional aluminum ladder in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an attachable ladder support bracket for a standard ATV for supporting a traditional aluminum ladder.  
         [0022]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a ladder support bracket designed to be removably attached to both a front and rear ATV horizontal frame member as are associated with a traditional ATV.  
         [0023]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a ladder support bracket fabricated of cold rolled, hollow steel tubing.  
         [0024]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a main leg member with a curved, lower end which forms a threaded cusp.  
         [0025]     It is another object of the present invention to provide V-shaped extension member with a lower end defining complementary threads for threadedly engaging the threaded cusp.  
         [0026]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a V-shaped extension member which is available in a plurality of sizes having various lengths.  
         [0027]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an upper arm member which extends perpendicularly from the main leg member and bifurcates into two laterally opposed retainment arms.  
         [0028]     It is another object of the present invention to provide retainment arms which are mechanically impinged against cross members of the front and rear ATV horizontal frame members.  
         [0029]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a support bracket designed so as to accommodate at least two aluminum ladders.  
         [0030]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a ladder support bracket designed and configured so as to rest in an angular plane which allows for total ATV tire clearance when tires are facing forward as well as when turned.  
         [0031]     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket is provided. The support bracket includes a pair of tubular frame assemblies adapted for removable attachment to a traditional all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to serve as a ladder support means. More specifically, the present invention is designed and configured to be removably attached to both a front and a rear ATV horizontal frame member as are associated with a traditional ATV.  
         [0032]     Each tubular frame assembly comprises a main leg member of a generally elongated configuration, fabricated of cold rolled, hollow steel tubing. The main leg member includes a curved, lower end forming a threaded cusp which is designed to threadedly receive a V-shaped extension member.  
         [0033]     The V-shaped extension member is fabricated of cold rolled, hollow steel tubing and has a lower end defining complementary threads for threadedly engaging the threaded cusp. The V-shaped extension member is available in a plurality of sizes comprising various lengths, thereby allowing for the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket to accommodate a load capacity of at least two aluminum ladders.  
         [0034]     The tubular frame assembly further includes an upper arm member which extends perpendicularly from the main leg member and bifurcates into two laterally opposed retainment arms in a perpendicular manner so as to generally form a T-shaped member.  
         [0035]     The function and method of attachment of the present invention to a traditional ATV is described briefly hereinbelow.  
         [0036]     Retainment arms of the upper arm member are directed orthogonally below inner cross members of front ATV horizontal frame member, wherein retainment arms mechanically impinge against inner cross members. The main leg member rests against a vertical member of the front ATV horizontal frame member. Once a desired V-shaped extension member has been selected and threadedly attached to the threaded cusp, a horizontally disposed impingement surface is created for impinging against an aluminum ladder, while the main leg member serves as a firm base upon which forward sidewalls of vertical legs aluminum ladder can be supported, thereby securably supporting the ladder in a restrained manner for transport.  
         [0037]     The aforementioned procedure regarding temporary attachment of the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket to the front ATV horizontal frame member is applied in the same manner with respect to temporary attachment of the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket to the rear ATV horizontal frame member.  
         [0038]     The rear ATV horizontal frame member defines a generally rectangularly-shaped support member which has a plurality of cross members integrally connected therebetween. The cross members function as brace members in the same respect as inner cross members of the front ATV horizontal frame member function.  
         [0039]     The use of the present invention allows a standard ATV to be adapted to support a traditional aluminum ladder in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0040]     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:  
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown attached to an ATV and supporting an aluminum ladder;  
         [0042]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present invention according to the preferred embodiment shown attached to an ATV;  
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the present invention shown attached to a front ATV horizontal frame member according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the tubular frame assembly;  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the tubular frame assembly;  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a partial top plan view of the rear ATV horizontal frame member;  
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a traditional aluminum ladder; and  
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating attachment of the present invention to an ATV shown from a rear side thereof. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [heading-0049]     1. Detailed Description of the Figures  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , an all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a pair of tubular frame assemblies  20  adapted for removable attachment to a traditional all-terrain vehicle (ATV)  50  to serve as a ladder support means. More specifically, the present invention is designed and configured to be removably attached to both a front and rear ATV horizontal frame member  52 ,  60 , respectfully as are associated with a traditional ATV  50 . For purposes of this disclosure, each of the pair of tubular frame assemblies  20  are identical, and as such, only a single tubular frame assembly  20  is described henceforth.  
         [0051]     The tubular frame assembly  20  comprises a main leg member  21  of a generally elongated configuration, fabricated of cold rolled, hollow steel tubing. It is envisioned that the main leg member  21  may also be fabricated of a rigid, resilient plastic material of high strength capable of readily supporting a traditional aluminum ladder  15 ; however, steel is the preferred fabrication material. The main leg member  21  includes a curved, lower end  22  forming a threaded cusp  23  which is designed so as to threadedly receive a V-shaped extension member  30 . An upper end  24  of the main leg member  21  includes an eye  29  affixed in an upright manner to an uppermost extremity thereof. The eye  29  provides a receiving loop for attaching a securement strap  70 , such as a bungee strap, thereto.  
         [0052]     The V-shaped extension member  30  is fabricated of cold rolled, hollow steel tubing and has a lower end defining complementary threads  32  for threadedly engaging the threaded cusp  23 . The V-shaped extension member  30  includes an upper end having an eye  29  affixed in an upright manner to an uppermost extremity thereof so as to facilitate removable attachment of a securement strap  70  thereto.  
         [0053]     The V-shaped extension member  30  is available in a plurality of sizes comprising various lengths, thereby allowing for the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  to accommodate a load capacity of at least two aluminum ladders  15 .  
         [0054]     Altematively, it is envisioned that the V-shaped extension member  30  can be extended away from or retracted into the curved, lower end  22  of the main leg member  21  telescopically. As such, the length of the V-shaped extension member  30  is mechanically adjustable, thereby providing various linear lengths, and further being held into a desired position via a spring-loaded pin assembly. However, the preferred method for linear extension and attachment of the V-shaped extension member  30  to the threaded cusp  23  is via threaded engagement as described hereinabove.  
         [0055]     The tubular frame assembly  20  further includes an upper arm member  40  extending perpendicularly from the main leg member  21  in a direction opposite to threaded cusp  23 . The upper arm member  40  bifurcates into two laterally opposed retainment arms  41 ,  42  in a perpendicular manner so as to generally form a T-shaped member  44 .  
         [0056]     In order to best describe the function of the retainment arms  41 ,  42  and main leg member  21 , a brief description of the front and rear ATV horizontal frame member  52 ,  60  is required. The front ATV horizontal frame member  52  defines a first portion  52   a  comprising a vertical member  53  connected integrally by a first outer cross member  54  and a second outer cross member  55 . A first inner cross member  56  and a second inner cross member  57 , functioning as brace members, integrally connect to the vertical member  53 . Retainment arms  41 ,  42  of the upper arm member  40  are directed orthogonally below first inner cross member  56  and second inner cross member  57  of front ATV horizontal frame member  52 , wherein an upper circumferential surface of retainment arms  41 ,  42  mechanically impinge against a lower circumferential surface of inner cross members  56 ,  57 . A rear, external circumferential sidewall of main leg member  21 , just below upper arm member  40 , rests against an upper surface of vertical member  53  of the front ATV horizontal frame member  52 . Once a desired V-shaped extension member  30  has been selected and threadedly attached to the threaded cusp  23 , a horizontally disposed impingement surface  33  is created for impinging against a lateral sidewall  16   a  of a vertical leg  16  of an aluminum ladder  15 , while the main leg member  21  serves as a firm base upon which forward sidewalls  16   b  of vertical legs  16  of aluminum ladder  15  can be supported, thereby securably supporting the ladder  15  in a restrained manner for transport.  
         [0057]     When attached for use, the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  is designed and configured so as to rest in an angular plane which allows for total tire  51  clearance when tires  51  are facing forward as well as when turned.  
         [0058]     The rear ATV horizontal frame member  60  defines a first portion  60   a  having a generally rectangularly-shaped support member  62 . The support member  62  has a plurality of cross members  63  integrally connected therebetween. The cross members  63  function as brace members in the same respect as first inner cross member  56  and second inner cross member  57 .  
         [0059]     The aforementioned procedure regarding temporary attachment of the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  to the front ATV horizontal frame member  52  is applied in the same manner with respect to temporary attachment of the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  to the rear ATV horizontal frame member  60 .  
         [0060]     It should be noted that outer cross member  54  and second outer cross member  55  of the front ATV horizontal frame member  52  in addition to any chosen cross member  63  of rear ATV horizontal frame member  60  may be utilized as a brace member against which retainment arms  41 ,  42  are mechanically impinged.  
         [0061]     It is envisioned that the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  can also be utilized for supporting lumber, fence posts, and other similar, elongated construction materials capable of being safely supported by the present invention. Thus, use of the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  is not intended to be limited solely for the support and transport of ladders.  
         [0062]     It is further envisioned that alternatively, the all-terrain vehicle ladder support bracket  10  may be permanently mounted via welding, bolting, or clamping to the front and rear ATV horizontal frame members  52 , 60 . Welding, however, would be the preferred method for permanent attachment for this modified form of the invention. As bolts require holes, this method of attachment would leave surfaces exposed thereby being more susceptible to rust.  
         [heading-0063]     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0064]     To use the present invention, user selects a desired V-shaped extension member  30  and attaches it to the threaded cusp  23 . User then orthogonally directs retainment arms  41 ,  42  of the upper arm member  40  below inner cross member  56  and inner cross member  57  of front ATV horizontal frame member  52  such that the upper circumferential surface of retainment arms  41 ,  42  mechanically impinges against a lower circumferential surface of inner cross members  56 ,  57 . User allows the rear, external circumferential sidewall of main leg member  21  to rest against the upper surface of vertical member  53  of the front ATV horizontal frame member  52 . Finally, user places the lateral sidewall  16   a  of the vertical leg  16  of the aluminum ladder  15  against the horizontally disposed impingement surface  33 , and rests the forward sidewalls  16   b  of the vertical legs  16  of aluminum ladder  15  against the main leg member  21 , thereby securably supporting the ladder  15  in a restrained manner for transport.  
         [0065]     The use of the present invention allows a standard ATV to be adapted to support a traditional aluminum ladder  15  in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.  
         [0066]     Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following Claims.