Abstract:
A portable, non-motorized automatic lift and transport apparatus allows users to lift and transport a small, powered vehicle with minimal physical exertion and without the need for secondary power source. The apparatus is comprised of a base and platform connected to a gear housing. The gear housing telescopically engages and moves vertically within a vehicle mount via a gear system. The drive wheels of the small, powered vehicle to be transported power the gear system attached to the gear housing to rotate the gear system and subsequently lift the to-be-transported vehicle using its own power source. A storage position is provided that can be used without disengaging a transmission. An alternate embodiment incorporates a worm gear and chain drive.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/456,157 filed Jun. 10, 2009 which claims priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/891,189 filed on Aug. 10, 2007. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the lifting and transportation of personal motorized vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a portable, non-motorized, automatic lift and transport apparatus that is mounted to a transport vehicle and is powered by the drive wheels of the lifted/transported personal vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Those who are physically challenged or have limited mobility often require the use of a motorized wheelchair or scooter for transportation. Sometimes the maximum distance of travel for these individuals is to the range of the motorized vehicle itself. Frequently, desired destinations are further from the person&#39;s home than the charge or fuel range of the motorized vehicle thus preventing the individual from reaching these destinations. A market, a park, or any location where the individual requires the aid of a wheelchair or scooter to sustain mobility or to access items they desire combined with the need to transport the wheelchair or scooter to the destination is out of reach. Without the ability to transport the motorized vehicle, the individual is basically stranded and often emotionally challenged and harmed through their immobility and limited lifestyle. Studies have indicated that personal mobility is directly correlated to mental and physical well being. Many users of motorized wheelchairs or scooters are on a fixed income and cannot necessarily afford the expense of a motorized lift and transportation apparatus in addition to the scooter itself thereby eliminating their ability to use such a wheelchair in locations where they may be of great need. 
         [0004]    Additionally, other motorized vehicles such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), riding lawnmowers, and self powered tillers often require transportation to locations where they can be of use. 
         [0005]    An example of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,361 to Peterson, discloses a vehicle mountable carrier for three-wheeled scooters. The carrier includes a central support mast attachable to a motor vehicle at a trailer hitch. The mast requires a separate ball screw actuator operated by a DC motor connected to the electric system of the transport vehicle. The carrier moves a platform between a lowered and raised position. The carrier is specifically designed for three wheeled scooters and requires a separate motor connected to the carrier to operate. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,398 to Himel, Jr. discloses a vehicle mounted wheelchair rack for transporting a folded wheelchair. The rack integrates a jack assembly having a jack shaft and handle into a stationary frame coupled to the rear of the transportation vehicle. A telescoping member moves in a vertical casing upon actuation of the jack assembly. An alternate embodiment replaces the jack shaft and handle with a threaded screw rod rotatably coupled in the vertical casing. The lifting procedure of the Himel device is either by manual cranking of a jack handle or rotating the screw rod via a handle or powered drill. 
         [0007]    U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0093462 to Pradenas discloses an electrically powered threaded shaft mechanism attached to a standard scooter. A fixed support arm is mounted to the rear of a transportation vehicle via a trailer hitch. The scooter lifting mechanism uses a lifting motor and threaded shaft attached on the scooter itself to lift the scooter into position on the fixed support arm. The lifting mechanism uses the scooter&#39;s battery to supply electrical power to the lifting motor. The battery voltage must match the required voltage of the lifting motor and supply sufficient current to lift the vehicle. The scooter must be rotated into a vertical position on its rear wheels by lifting the front end of the scooter manually to attach the scooter to the fixed support arm connected to the transportation vehicle. 
         [0008]    The prior art shows many versions of racks and trailers attached to vehicles for carrying other vehicles and wheelchairs. But problems arise when a user with limited mobility must load a motorized wheelchair or scooter onto such a rack or trailer without assistance. A rack that can easily lift and secure the scooter into a transportable position is desirable. 
         [0009]    Therefore there is a need for an automatic lifting and transport system that does not require manual lifting, does not require a separate motor or an electrical power source, and is flexible enough to accommodate different, small-powered vehicles such as wheelchairs, scooters, riding lawnmowers, and ATVs. 
         [0010]    One advantage of the disclosure of this apparatus is that the mechanical problems of present lift systems are alleviated. The apparatus does not require an independent power source or a power source matched to a drive motor. A further advantage is that the user of the apparatus does not have to perform any lifting. This is an important advantage, because the typical users of powered wheelchairs and scooters often are elderly or have limited mobility and are unable to perform strenuous physical activity. A further advantage over present lift systems is that manufacturing cost is substantially reduced because of the elimination of electrical motors and control systems required by the prior art. Still further, the disclosure is advantageous because it does not require a separate trailer and the complexity and maintenance necessitated by it. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0011]    One preferred embodiment provides a portable, non-motorized automatic lift and transport apparatus for powered scooters and the like. The preferred embodiment requires neither extensive physical exertion nor external power sources. The preferred embodiment lifts and holds a small, self-powered vehicle and attaches it to a vehicle to destinations where it can be of use. The preferred embodiment relies on the motor and drive wheels of the transported vehicle to provide power to lift it. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, an embodiment of the apparatus provides a frame for direct stable attachment to a transportation vehicle such as a car, truck, or RV. The frame supports a housing. The housing supports a threaded shaft nut for engagement with a threaded shaft. The threaded shaft is supported in a coupling unit which telescopes inside the housing. The threaded shaft includes a pinion gear rigidly attached to its lower end. The coupling unit is attached to a platform supporting the transported vehicle. The platform includes openings for the drive wheels of the transported vehicle. The transported vehicle is secured to the platform by a receiving mechanism. As the transported vehicle is secured to the platform, the drive wheels of the transported vehicle are engaged with a rotor bar supported by the frame. The rotor bar is supplied with a high friction surface and may further include high friction pads of different sizes to reduce slippage between the rotor bar and the drive wheels. The rotor bar is free to rotate about its central linear axis. The rotor bar includes a bevel gear for engagement with the pinion gear. 
         [0013]    To lift and transport the powered vehicle, it is driven onto the platform. A coupling included on the underside of the powered vehicle engages the receiving mechanism and locks the vehicle into place on the platform. The drive wheels of the powered vehicle are engaged with the rotor bar and turn the rotor bar when activated. As the rotor bar turns, the gear on the rotor bar engages the pinion gear on the threaded shaft and turns it. As the threaded shaft rotates, the threaded shaft nut fixed in the vertical housing forces the threaded shaft, the coupling unit and attached platform upwards. To lower the powered vehicle, the drive wheels are rotated in the opposite direction and the process is reversed. 
         [0014]    The disclosure provides a storage position. Actuator arms are provided which engage an actuator bar provided on the frame. The actuator arms tilt the frame upwards into a storage position. Lowering the platform reverses the motion. 
         [0015]    An alternate preferred embodiment replaces the threaded shaft and the shaft nut setup with a worm gear and chain drive. The worm gear and chain drive are attached to a chain drive housing which is telescopically engaged with a vertical housing. The drive wheels of the transported vehicle engage a drive bar which in turn rotates a rotor bar and the worm gear. 
         [0016]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the base of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the coupling unit and the vertical housing of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the rotor bar of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure in a stowed position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the coupling unit, threaded shaft, and vertical housing of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a hand crank of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a cutaway side view of an alternate embodiment of a transmission of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a partial plan view of an alternate embodiment of a transmission of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a cutaway side view of an alternate embodiment of a transmission of the present disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a transmission of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a chain drive housing of an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a cutaway isometric view of a chain drive housing of an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  an isometric view of the base of an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a transmission of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized Bat in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, lift and transport apparatus  100  is comprised of a vertical housing, a threaded shaft housing, a coupling unit, a base, a platform, a threaded shaft, and a rotor bar. Rotor bar  402  is mounted on platform  432 . Platform  432  is connected to base  200  via weld or machine screws. Base  200  is pivotably connected to coupling unit  220 . Coupling unit  220  is welded to or integrally formed with threaded shaft housing  250 . Threaded shaft housing  250  encloses threaded shaft  404 , extends vertically from coupling unit  220 , and telescopically engages vertical housing  222 . Vertical housing  222  is connected to a transportation vehicle via a trailer hitch insert or another common rigid connection known in the art. 
         [0037]    Vertical housing  222  is formed of hollow steel square tubing approximately ⅛″ to ¼″×1½″ inch. Vertical housing  222  telescopically receives threaded shaft housing  250 . Threaded shaft housing  250  and coupling unit  220  are formed of square steel tubing approximately ⅛″ to  ¼″×1″ to ¼″.    
         [0038]    Platform  432  is generally rectangular in shape and comprises two sections  440  and  442  separated by gap  444 . Section  442  includes rectangular shaped cutouts  436  and  438 . Additionally, section  442  includes insert hole  434 . Platform  432  is formed of ⅛″ to ½″ aluminum plate. The plate may be drilled to reduce weight. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , base  200  is comprised of a rectangular shaped frame  206  having approximately the same dimensions as platform  432 . Frame  206  further includes two crossmembers  208  and  210  intersecting perpendicularly for structural rigidity. Crossmember  210  includes mount points  216  and  218  at each end. 
         [0040]    Insert  430  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) is removably mounted near the midpoint of crossmember  208  with machine screws or permanently with a weld. Insert  430  includes latchbox  437  with guide slot  439 . The open face of latchbox  437  includes locking bar  433 , transversely mounted. Adjacent locking bar  433  is spring catch  435 . Spring catch  435  is a resilient spring steel. 
         [0041]    Returning to  FIG. 2 , frame  206  is preferably stainless steel angle of ¼″ to ½″ width. Crossmembers  208  and  210  are ¼″ to ½″ square steel tubing. Equidistant from mount point  218  and welded to one edge of frame  206  are tilt actuating bars  202  and  204 . Tilt actuating bars  202  and  204  are ⅛″ to ½″ steel. Tilt actuating bars  202  and  204  include holes  212  and  214  respectively. Holes  212  and  214  are ¼″ to ½″ in diameter. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , coupling unit  220  is comprised of arms  240  and  242  separated by gap  244  and connected to each other by bridge  252 . Opposite bridge  252 , arm  240  includes flange  246  extending from arm  240  at approximately 90 degrees. Opposite bridge  252 , arm  242  includes flange  248  extending approximately 90 degrees from arm  242 . Flanges  246  and  248  are ⅛″ to ½″ steel integrally formed with or welded to coupling unit  220 . Flanges  246  and  248  further include pivot holes  236  and  238  respectively. Pivot holes  236  and  238  are ¼″ to ½″ in diameter. Threaded shaft housing  250  extends approximately perpendicularly from coupling unit  220  from approximately the center of bridge  252 . Threaded shaft housing  250  further includes a plurality of equally spaced, rectangularly shaped holes  232 . Pins or screws concentrically align holes  212  and  214  with pivot holes  236  and  238  respectively and rotatably attach coupling unit  220  to base  200  with pins  270  and  272  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0043]    Hitch insert  224  extends from vertical housing  222  approximately perpendicularly. Hitch insert  224  is integrally formed with or is welded to vertical housing  222 . Hitch insert  224  interfaces with hitch receiver  225  which is permanently affixed to a transportation vehicle. Hitch received  225  shown in shadow is well known in the art. Support  226  is adjacent hitch insert  224  and vertical housing  222 . Support  226  is welded to hitch insert  224  and vertical housing  222  for added strength. Vertical housing  222  also includes actuating bar  234 . The midpoint of actuating bar  234  is welded to the vertical housing underneath hitch insert  224  at approximately a right angle with the vertical housing. Actuating bar  234  extends from two sides of vertical housing  222 . Actuating bar  234  is a ½″ diameter steel bar and is approximately 24″ in length. 
         [0044]    Vertical housing  222  further includes handle  228  and latch  230 . Latch  230  is comprised of spring steel spot welded to the outside of vertical housing  222 . Latch  230  includes an angled latch head  235 . Angled latch head  235  includes ratchet surface  233 . Ratchet surface  233  and holes  232  form a ratchet and pawl mechanism designed to allow vertical travel of vertical housing  222  in an upward direction only. Handle  228  is attached to latch  230  at approximately a midpoint. Handle  228  and latch  230  combine with holes  232  to provide a safety-locking feature. 
         [0045]    Rotor bar  402  is shown in  FIG. 4 . Rotor bar  402  is a  1 ″ diameter steel bar having a length exceeding the length of crossmember  210 . Rotor bar  402  is supported in mounts  410  and  412  with roller bearings. Mounts  410  and  412  are attached to base  200  at mount points  216  and  218  respectively with ¼″ to ½″ steel bolts. Mount  410  includes square socket insert  414 . Rotor bar  402  includes high friction surface  416 . In a preferred embodiment, wheel pads  418  and  420  are affixed to rotor bar  402 . Wheel pads  418  and  420  are aligned with cutouts  436  and  438 , respectively. The wheel pads of the preferred embodiment comprise flexible neoprene cylinders affixed to the rotor bar with a suitable adhesive. Different outside diameters of wheel pads are provided.  FIG. 4  also shows drive wheels  403  of the scooter  411  (shown in shadow) adjacent wheel pads  420 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  shows a cutaway view of vertical housing  222 , threaded shaft housing  250  and transmission components. Threaded shaft  404  is a ½″ to 1″ diameter steel rod approximately 36″ in length. Threaded shaft  404  includes threaded section  405 . Threaded section  405  includes threads with a pitch of about 3 degrees. Threads of pitch between 2° and 10° have been found to function correctly. Other pitch angles will function. Lower pitch threads are employed in higher weight applications as will be understood by those in the art. Threaded shaft  404  includes thumb-threaded section  267 , shoulder  263  and shoulder  265 . Shoulder  263  is a larger diameter than the diameter of threaded section  405  and supports inner race of bearing  260 . Shoulder  265  is a slightly larger diameter than unthreaded section  267  and supports the inner race of bearing  262 . 
         [0047]    Threaded shaft  404  includes shoulder  417 . Pinion gear  406 , abuts shoulder  417  and is held in place by nut  407  engaging threads  415 . Relative rotation between pinion gear  406  and threaded shaft  404  is prevented by a key way or flat, as known in the art. Threaded shaft  404  includes pinion gear  406  attached at its end. Pinion gear  406  includes approximately 80 teeth at 10 pitch. Bevel gear  406  has a diameter of approximately 2″. The longitudinal axes of vertical housing  222 , threaded shaft housing  250 , and threaded shaft  404  are concentric. Threaded shaft  404  is free to rotate in threaded shaft housing  250 . Bearings  260  and  262  are fixed inside threaded shaft housing  250 . Bearings  260  and  262  allow threaded shaft  404  to rotate and move vertically and additionally fix the position of threaded shaft  404  horizontally relative to threaded shaft housing  250 . Threaded shaft  404  rotates in threaded shaft nut  264 . Threaded shaft nut  264  is fixed inside vertical housing  222 . Threaded shaft nut  264  mates with threaded shaft  404 . Thus as threaded shaft  404  rotates, it advances through threaded shaft nut  264 . 
         [0048]    Rotor bar  402  further includes bevel gear  408  located on the end of the rotor bar proximate mount  412 . Bevel gear  408  engages pinion gear  406 . Bevel gear  408  includes approximately 20 teeth at 10 pitch. Of course other numbers of teeth and pitches will function. The ratio between the pinion gear and the bevel gear provides for an increase in torque at the base of the threaded rod and to provide additional lifting force. 
         [0049]    Rotor bar  402  supports bevel gear  408  through shoulder  411 . Rotor shaft  402  includes threaded section  413 . Nut  409  mates with threads  413  and holds bevel gear  408  adjacent shoulder  411 . Relative rotation between bevel gear  408  and rotor shaft  402  is prevented through the use of a key way (not shown) or flat, as known in the art. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  12 , an alternate embodiment of the transmission system of the disclosure is provided. Threaded rod  920  is attached to universal joint  925  at upper half  926 . Upper half  926  is connected to lower half  930  with crossmember  935 . Lower half  930  of universal joint  925  is connected to extension shaft  940 . Extension shaft  940  includes shoulder  985 , threaded section  945 , reduced diameter section  980 , and threaded section  975 . Pinion gear  406  is held adjacent shoulder  985  by nut  965  threaded onto threaded section  945 . Relative rotation between pinion gear  406  and extension shaft  940  is prevented by key way  960 , pinion slot  955  and slot  950 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that universal joint  925  may be replaced by a constant velocity joint or flexible coupling as known in the art. 
         [0051]    Bearing  910  is provided adjacent shoulder  990  and held in place by nut  915  on threaded section  975 . Threaded section  975  has a diameter less than threaded section  945 . Diameter of threaded section  945  is less than the diameter of extension shaft  940 . Bearing  910  is seated within support frame  905 . Support frame  905  is welded to the bottom of base  200 . 
         [0052]    Importantly, the plane  902  formed by crossmember  935  when it is perpendicular to the axis of threaded rod  920  and extension shaft  940 , must pass through the line formed by the axis of pin  272  and pin  270 , thereby allowing pinion gear  406 , bevel gear  408  and support frame  905  and their associated components to rotate upwards around the axis of pin  272  and pin  270  while both rotor bar  402  and threaded rod  920  are turning. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an alternate embodiment of the transmission system of the disclosure is provided. Miter gear  1010  is affixed to one end of threaded rod  1020 . Miter gear  1010  has an upper diameter that is greater than its lower diameter. Miter gear  1008  is affixed to one end of rotor bar  402  which is rotationally supported in mount  412 . Mount  412  is mounted to base  200 . Miter gear  1008  engages miter gear  1010  from below. An example of miter gears  1008  and  1010  are 10 pitch, 20 teeth miter gears from Boston Gear of Charlotte, N.C. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  depicts hand crank  800 . Hand crank  800  is comprised of handle  802 , gimbal  804 , and ratchet head  806 . Hand crank  800  is a 1″ diameter steel rod approximately 18″ in length and bent or rolled to have two opposite 90 degree bends. Handle  802  is proximate one end of hand crank  800  and gimbal  804  is pinned to the opposite end. Gimbal  804  is free to rotate about the axis of its pin approximately 180 degrees. Ratchet head  806  is pinned to gimbal  804 . Ratchet head  806  is free to rotate approximately 180 degrees about the axis of its pin. Ratchet head  806  is sized to engage socket insert  414 . 
         [0055]    In use, lift and transport apparatus  100  may be mounted to a transportation vehicle via a standard trailer hitch. Other methods of rigid connection are possible. In a preferred embodiment, hitch insert  224  engages the trailer hitch on the transportation vehicle and is secured by a hitch lock and pin as is common in the art. Lift and transport apparatus  100  translates between three positions. The first position is the “loading” position, the second position is the “loaded” position, and third position is the “stored” position. 
         [0056]      FIG. 1  shows lift and transport apparatus  100  in the “loading” position. Base  200  is adjacent the surface of the ground. The powered vehicle to be transported, such as a scooter, drives on to platform  432  via section  442 . A transportation hook mounted on the scooter (not shown) engages insert  430  and locks the scooter into place. As the scooter becomes locked into insert  430 , the drive wheels of the scooter move through cutouts  436  and  438  and become adjacent to and are tightly pressed against wheel pads  418  and  420 . Apparatus  100  is designed to incorporate multiple sizes and shapes of powered vehicles, it may be necessary to change or remove wheel pads  418  and  420  to accommodate different sized drive wheels. 
         [0057]    The motor and drive wheels of the scooter provide the power to raise the lift and transport apparatus with the scooter secured on the platform into the “loaded” position. Once the scooter is fully engaged with insert  430 , secured into place, and the drive wheels are adjacent rotor bar  402 , the drive wheels of the scooter (not shown) are activated. The drive wheels of the scooter rotate rotor bar  402 . As rotor bar  402  rotates, bevel gear  408  rotates. The rotation of bevel gear  408  consequently rotates pinion gear  406  and threaded shaft  404 . Bearings  260  and  262  allow threaded shaft  404  to rotate within threaded shaft housing  250 . Consequently, helical drive nut  264  allows threaded shaft  404  to advance through vertical housing  222 . As a result of the force of bearings of  260  and  262  on shaft housing  250 , coupling unit  220 , base  200 , and platform  432  all move vertically. Threaded shaft housing  250  slides telescopically inside vertical housing  222 , thereby raising the attached scooter. When proper ground clearance is reached, the drive wheels of the scooter are deactivated. Latch  230  is engaged in the plurality of holes  232  thereby preventing unintended movement. 
         [0058]    To unload the scooter, handle  228  is used to unlock latch  230  and the scooter&#39;s drive wheels are rotated in the opposite direction. Once base  200  is resting on the ground surface, the scooter is disengaged from insert  430  and driven off platform  432 . 
         [0059]    The third position or the “stored” position is shown in  FIG. 6 . When lift and transport apparatus  100  is not in use it is desirable to store the apparatus in a convenient and space saving manner. As the drive wheels of a transported vehicle are unavailable, hand crank  800  is used to rotate rotor bar  402  by hand. Ratchet head  806  is inserted into socket insert  414 . Gimbal  804  allows hand crank  800  to rotate while hand crank  800  is engaged with socket insert  414  at varying angles. Hand crank  800  rotates rotor bar  402  which in turn rotates bevel gear  408 . Bevel gear  408  as a result of its engagement with pinion gear  406  rotates pinion gear  406  and threaded shaft  404 . Threaded shaft  404  engages helical drive nut  264  and threaded shaft  404 , threaded shaft housing  250 , coupling unit  220 , base  200 , and platform  432  rise vertically. Threaded shaft  404 , threaded shaft housing  250 , coupling unit  220 , base  200 , and platform  432  rise vertically until actuating bars  202  and  204  come in contact with actuating bar  234 . As the actuating bars contact actuating bar  234 , base  200  and platform  432  begin to pivot upward around pivot pins  270  and  272 . The higher the base and platform are raised via rotating the hand crank, the more they will pivot until they reach a maximum angle of approximately 45°. At this point, bevel gear  408  disengages from pinion gear  406 . The base and platform are then moved to a completely vertical orientation manually. When base  200  is in a vertical position, lock  403  is rotated into position behind vertical housing  222 . 
         [0060]    In the case of the alternate embodiment, as rotor bar  402  rotates, bevel gear  408  rotates pinion gear  406 . Pinion gear  406  in turn rotates transition shaft  940  and universal joint  925  thereby rotating threaded rod  920 . As base  200  is lifted, actuator arms  202  and  204  engage actuating bar  234  thereby rotating base  200  upward about pivot pins  270  and  272 . As a result, support frame  905  rotates upward, thereby moving the entire transmission upward and changing the angle between the axis of transition bar  940  and threaded rod  920 . The process continues until a “stored position” of between 45° and 60° is reached. 
         [0061]    In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , lift and transport apparatus  1300  is comprised of vertical housing  1322 , chain drive housing  1350 , block  1304 , base  1301 , and platform  1332 . Platform  1332  is connected to base  1301  by welding or with screws. Base  1301  is pivotably connected to block  1304 . Chain drive housing  1350  is connected to block  1304  via weld or machine screws. Chain drive housing  1350  extends vertically from block  1304  and telescopically engages vertical housing  1322 . Vertical housing  1322  includes rib  1356  for connection to a transportation vehicle via hitch insert  1324  or other common rigid connection known in the art. 
         [0062]    Platform  1332  is generally rectangular in shape and includes rectangular shaped cutouts  1336  and  1338 . Platform  1332  is formed of ⅛″ to ½″ aluminum plate. Ramps  1308  and  1310  are removably connected to platform  1332 . Ramps  1308  and  1310  allow easy access for a transported vehicle to platform  1332 . Drive bar  1303  and rotor bar  1302  are supported by roller bearings mounted in base  1301 . Cutouts  1336  and  1338  are aligned with drive bar  1303  such that drive bar  1303  is exposed to and comes in contact with the drive wheels of the transported vehicle through cutouts  1336  and  1338 . 
         [0063]    Chain drive housing  1350  has end  1374  attached to block  1304 . Cutout  1329  is a rectangular shaped hole located at end  1376  of chain drive housing  1350 . Roller  1328  is cylindrically shaped and partially extends through cutout  1329 . Roller  1328  is mounted to chain drive housing  1350  and is free to rotate about its central axis. Roller  1328  is adjacent vertical housing  1322  and aligns chain drive housing  1350  with respect to vertical housing  1322  as chain drive housing  1350  telescopically engages with and slides within vertical housing  1322 . Slot  1316  is an oblong opening beginning at end  1374  running nearly the length of chain drive housing  1350  stopping short of cutout  1329 . Chain stop bolts  1342  affix chain stop  1344  to chain  1348 . Chain stop bolts  1342  extend through slot  1316 . The shafts of chain stop bolts  1342  slide within slot  1316 . The heads of chain stop bolts  1342  are adjacent to and tightened against the exterior of vertical housing  1322 . The position of chain stop bolts  1342  and chain stop  1344  relative to vertical housing  1322  is not altered during operation of lift and transport apparatus  1300 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , a cutaway view of chain drive housing  1350  is shown telescopically engaged with vertical housing  1322 . Gear  1352  is rotatably mounted to chain drive housing  1350  at end  1374  by pin  1390 . Gear  1352  is engaged with worm  1340 . Worm  1340  is attached to an end of rotor bar  1302 . Chain  1348  engages gear  1352  and sprocket  1368 . Sprocket  1368  is rotatably mounted to chain drive housing  1350  at end  1376  by pin  1377 . The location of chain stop  1344  relative to chain  1348  does not change as chain stop  1344  is rigidly affixed to chain  1348 . Post  1362  is connected to and extends generally perpendicularly from the interior of chain drive housing  1350 . Post  1362  is located near the midpoint of the length of chain drive housing  1350 . Post  1360  is connected to and extends generally perpendicularly from the interior of vertical housing  1322 . Post  1360  is located at end  1378  of vertical housing  1322 . Spring  1364  is a coil spring connected to post  1360  and post  1362 . Spring  1364  urges chain drive housing  1350  into vertical housing  1322 . Roller  1330  is cylindrically shaped and is mounted to rib  1356  near gear  1352 . Roller  1330  is free to rotate about its central axis. Roller  1330  is adjacent chain drive housing  1350  and aligns chain drive housing  1350  with respect to vertical housing  1322  as chain drive housing  1350  telescopically engages with and slides within vertical housing  1322 . 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , drive bar  1303  and rotor bar  1302  are rotatably supported with bearings mounted in base  1301 . Drive bar  1303  and rotor bar  1302  are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to chain drive housing  1350 . Base  1301  is pivotally mounted to block  1304  with pivot bolts  1372  in pivot holes  1374 . Wheel pads  1318  and  1320  are affixed to drive bar  1303 . Wheel pads  1318  and  1320  are aligned with cutouts  1336  and  1338 , respectively. In one embodiment, the wheel pads are comprised of flexible neoprene cylinders affixed to the drive bar with a suitable adhesive. Different outside diameters of wheel pads are envisioned. Different materials can be used. Knurling drive bar  1303  will also suffice. Notched belt  1370  loops around both drive bar  1303  and rotor bar  1302 . Rotation of drive bar  1303  causes simultaneous rotation of rotor bar  1302 . Drive bar  1303  includes a notched surface  1369  which engages notched belt  1370 . Notched sprocket  1384  is affixed to rotor bar  1302 . Notched sprocket  1384  engages notched belt  1370 . Different sized notched sprockets may be used in order to alter the ratio of rotational speeds between drive bar  1303  and rotor bar  1302 . Ratios of 1:2, 1:3, and 1:5 are envisioned. The notched belt, notched sprocket, and notched surface may be replaced by a pair of sprockets and a chain in an alternate embodiment. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , rotor bar  1302  extends from base  1301  into block  1304 . Worm  1340  is affixed to the end of rotor bar  1302  extending into block  1304 . Worm  1340  includes threads which engage gear  1352 . Gear  1352  includes gear teeth  1380  which engage the threads of worm  1340 . Gear  1352  further includes sprocket  1388 . Sprocket  1388  engages chain  1348 . 
         [0067]    In use, lift and transport apparatus  1300  may be mounted to the transportation vehicle via a standard 2″ receiver, Other sizes can be used. Other rigid connection will suffice. Hitch inset  1324  engages the receiver of the transportation vehicle and is secured by a hitch pin or other connection means common in the art. 
         [0068]    To load the transported vehicle, lift and transport apparatus  1300  must be in a lowered position. In the lowered position, base  1301  is adjacent the surface of the ground. Chain drive housing  1350  is extended from vertical housing  1322  and chain stop  1344  is at end  1376 . The vehicle to be transported is driven onto platform  1332  by use of ramps  1308  and  1310  until the drive wheels of the transported vehicle become adjacent to wheel pads  1318  and  1320  extending through cutouts  1336  and  1338 . Lift and transport apparatus  1300  can incorporate different sizes of transported vehicles by altering the size of cutouts  1336  and  1338  and changing or removing wheel pads  1318  and  1320 . The transported vehicle is secured to the platform via a hook and insert as previously described or other connection means common in the art. 
         [0069]    The motor and drive wheels of the transported vehicle provide the power to raise lift and transport apparatus  1300  with the transported vehicle secured thereon into a raised position. The drive wheels of the transported vehicle rotate drive bar  1303  in a first direction. The rotation of drive bar  1303  simultaneously rotates rotor bar  1302  as a result of their connection via notched belt  1370 . The rotation of rotor bar  1302  rotates worm  1340 . The rotation of worm  1340  consequently rotates gear  1352  and sprocket  1388 . 
         [0070]    As viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 17 , a clockwise rotation of gear  1352  moves chain stop  1344  from end  1376  to end  1374  through the length of slot  1316  and thus raises the platform as chain drive housing  1350  slides in to vertical housing  1322 . Because chain stop  1344  is fixed in relation to vertical housing  1322 , moving chain stop  1344  from end  1376  to end  1374  raises chain drive housing  1350  up in vertical housing  1322 . As chain drive housing  1350  rises, connected block  1304  rises as well as base  1301  and platform  1342 . When proper ground clearance is reached, the drive wheels of the transported vehicle are deactivated. 
         [0071]    As viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 17 , a counter-clockwise rotation of gear  1352  moves chain stop  1344  from end  1374  to end  1376  and thus lowers the platform as chain drive housing  1350  extends from vertical housing  1322  until base  1301  is adjacent the ground. Once unsecured, the transported vehicle is free to drive off platform  1332 . 
         [0072]    During the raising and lowering of chain drive housing  1350  and the connected platform, vertical housing  1322  and chain stop  1344  do not move relative to the transportation vehicle. Vertical housing  1322  is fixed to the trailer hitch of the transportation vehicle and chain stop  1344  is fixed to vertical housing  1322 . As chain drive housing  1350  slides telescopically within vertical housing  1322 , rollers  1328  and  1330  guide the movement. 
         [0073]    When not in use and when a transported vehicle is not secured thereon, platform  1342  may be pivoted about pivot bolts  1372  to a stored position so that platform  1342  is flush with vertical housing  1322 . Common connections known in the art secure the platform to the vertical housing. 
         [0074]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.