US3791541A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cargo platform
Assignee: LEYMAN Manufacturing CORP
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Filing: 1971-02-16
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1991-02-16
Abstract
Abstract A cargo platform of the type mounted on the rear of trailer trucks that is particularly adapted for use with a combined elevating and storing mechanism for such platforms. The cargo platform includes, in the preferred embodiment, a first section of the platform mounted along the front edge thereof to be combined elevating and storing mechanism by a first pivotal joint, a second section of the cargo platform mounted to the first section adjacent the rear edge of the first section by a second pivotal joint, supports associated with the two sections for holding the sections in platform configuration when desired, locks associated with the two sections for holding the two sections in sandwich configuration when desired, the sections being pivotable between platform configuration and sandwich configuration by means of the second pivotal joint, and at least one wheel fixed to one of the sections adjacent that edge where the sections are pivotally joined, the wheel providing a rolling surface that maintains contact with the ground as the platform, when in sandwich configuration, is lifted at the first pivotal joint from a horizontal attitude whereat it rests on the ground and extends outwardly of the first pivotal joint to a vertical attitude whereat it hangs in the same plane as the vertical plane incorporating the first pivotal joint.
Inventors
- 👤 W Himes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 17:59
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P1/00; B60P1/44; B60P1/4414; B60P1/4421
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
371 words
A cargo platform fixed to a truck body and adapted for use with a combined elevating and storing mechanism carried by said truck body, said platform being adapted for lowering by said combined elevating and storing mechanism to ground level where said platform lies horizontal on the ground, comprising a first platform section mounted along its front edge to said combined elevating and storing mechanism by a first pivotal joint, a second platform section mounted to said first section adjacent the rear edge of said first section by a second pivotal joint, the combined length of said first and second platform sections being of a length greater than the height of the truck body''s bed above ground level, a support mechanism combined with said two sections that holds said two sections in platform configuration when desired, and that allows said two sections to pivot between platform configuration and sandwich configuration bY means of said second pivotal joint when desired, said platform sections capable of being transposed from the platform configuration to the sandwich configuration while lying on ground level, anti-friction means fixed to one of said two sections adjacent that edge where said sections are pivotally joined, said antifriction means providing reduced frictional contact of said platform with the ground as said platform, when in sandwich configuration, is lifted at said first pivotal joint by said elevating and storing mechanism from a horizontal attitude where it rests on the ground and extends outwardly of the first pivotal joint until it reaches a substantially vertical attitude where it hangs beneath the truck body''s bed, a lock mechanism combined with said two sections that restrains same in sandwich configuration when desired, and apparatus associated with said platform sections that maintains said platform sections in a horizontal attitude while in platform configuration when operating said platform in elevator fashion through one of said combined elevating and storing mechanism, and that permits said platform sections to be moved by said combined elevating and storing mechanism to a position where said platform sections may hang in sandwich configuration in a substantially vertical attitude beneath the truck body''s bed when storing said platform in a manner that makes the inside of the truck body accessible for loading.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
371 words
A cargo platform fixed to a truck body and adapted for use with a combined elevating and storing mechanism carried by said truck body, said platform being adapted for lowering by said combined elevating and storing mechanism to ground level where said platform lies horizontal on the ground, comprising a first platform section mounted along its front edge to said combined elevating and storing mechanism by a first pivotal joint, a second platform section mounted to said first section adjacent the rear edge of said first section by a second pivotal joint, the combined length of said first and second platform sections being of a length greater than the height of the truck body''s bed above ground level, a support mechanism combined with said two sections that holds said two sections in platform configuration when desired, and that allows said two sections to pivot between platform configuration and sandwich configuration bY means of said second pivotal joint when desired, said platform sections capable of being transposed from the platform configuration to the sandwich configuration while lying on ground level, anti-friction means fixed to one of said two sections adjacent that edge where said sections are pivotally joined, said antifriction means providing reduced frictional contact of said platform with the ground as said platform, when in sandwich configuration, is lifted at said first pivotal joint by said elevating and storing mechanism from a horizontal attitude where it rests on the ground and extends outwardly of the first pivotal joint until it reaches a substantially vertical attitude where it hangs beneath the truck body''s bed, a lock mechanism combined with said two sections that restrains same in sandwich configuration when desired, and apparatus associated with said platform sections that maintains said platform sections in a horizontal attitude while in platform configuration when operating said platform in elevator fashion through one of said combined elevating and storing mechanism, and that permits said platform sections to be moved by said combined elevating and storing mechanism to a position where said platform sections may hang in sandwich configuration in a substantially vertical attitude beneath the truck body''s bed when storing said platform in a manner that makes the inside of the truck body accessible for loading.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A cargo platform as set forth in claim 1 wherein said anti-friction means is in the form of at least one roller that provides a rolling surface by which contact with the ground is maintained.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
A cargo platform as set forth in claim 1 wherein said apparatus associated with said platform sections is in the form of flexible tension means connected between said platform and said combined elevating and storing mechanism when operating said platform in elevator fashion, said flexible tension means being disconnected between said platform and said elevating and storing mechanism when storing said platform in a substantially vertical attitude beneath the truck body''s bed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
155 words
A cargo platform as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support mechanism includes a first bolt mounted to one of said two sections, and a support block mounted to the other of said two sections, said first bolt being slidable to an extended position at which said support block engages said first bolt to support said sections in platform configuration and a retracted position at which said anti-friction means can maintain contact with the ground as the platform, when in sandwich configuration, is lifted from said horizontal attitude to said substantially vertical attitude, and wherein said lock mechanism includes a second bolt that is slidable between an extended position at which it overlies said support block when said two sections are in sandwich configuration to lock said two sections in sandwich configuration and a retracted position at which said two sections are pivotable relative one to the other into and out of sandwich configuration.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |