US4234284A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Utility platform
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-04-24
•
Granted: 1980-11-18
•
Expires: 1998-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A utility platform is described that is attachable to the standard tubular hitch connector of a vehicle. The platform includes a central support beam that is mounted at one end to the tubular hitch connector. The support beam mounts a support panel for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. A detent assembly interconnects the support beam and panel. It automatically operates to lock the panel in a horizontal carrying position. It is manually operable to unlock the panel and allow it to pivot to a tilted loading position. The panel is centered over the support beam and is substantially balanced thereon when in the horizontal carrying position.
Inventors
- 👤 Joe Hauff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:27
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R9/00; B60R9/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
265 words
A utility platform mountable to a vehicle, comprising: a central support beam adapted to be mounted to the vehicle in a stationary and horizontal position thereon; a support panel; bearing means mounting the support panel to the central support beam for free pivotal movement of the support panel about a horizontal axis between a loading position wherein the support panel is tipped to one side of the horizontal axis and a carrying position wherein the support panel is horizontal; the support beam and bearing means being centered across the support panel so that the support panel is balanced thereon when at its carrying position; and manually relesable detent means interconnecting the support beam and support panel for allowing pivotal movement of the support panel about said horizontal axis to its loading position and automatically operable for locking the support panel in its horizontal carrying position as the support panel is pivoted about said horizontal axis to a horizontal position; the detent means comprising: a locking lever mounted to the support panel for pivotal movement therewith about the horizontal axis; a plate mounted to the central support beam having an arcuate surface formed about the horizontal axis for slidably engaging the locking lever; an indentation positioned along the arcuate surface of the plate to receive and releasably lock the locking lever and support panel against pivotal movement about the horizontal axis when the support panel is at its carrying position; and biasing means operatively connected between the support panel and locking lever for continuously urging the locking lever inwardly toward the arcuate surface of the plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
265 words
A utility platform mountable to a vehicle, comprising: a central support beam adapted to be mounted to the vehicle in a stationary and horizontal position thereon; a support panel; bearing means mounting the support panel to the central support beam for free pivotal movement of the support panel about a horizontal axis between a loading position wherein the support panel is tipped to one side of the horizontal axis and a carrying position wherein the support panel is horizontal; the support beam and bearing means being centered across the support panel so that the support panel is balanced thereon when at its carrying position; and manually relesable detent means interconnecting the support beam and support panel for allowing pivotal movement of the support panel about said horizontal axis to its loading position and automatically operable for locking the support panel in its horizontal carrying position as the support panel is pivoted about said horizontal axis to a horizontal position; the detent means comprising: a locking lever mounted to the support panel for pivotal movement therewith about the horizontal axis; a plate mounted to the central support beam having an arcuate surface formed about the horizontal axis for slidably engaging the locking lever; an indentation positioned along the arcuate surface of the plate to receive and releasably lock the locking lever and support panel against pivotal movement about the horizontal axis when the support panel is at its carrying position; and biasing means operatively connected between the support panel and locking lever for continuously urging the locking lever inwardly toward the arcuate surface of the plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A utility platform as defined by claim 1 mountable to a vehicle having a tubular trailer hitch connector of rectangular cross section; wherein the support beam is a channel of rectangular cross section complementary to the cross-sectional configuration of the tubular hitch connector and is receivable within the tubular trailer hitch connector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The utility platform as defined by claim 2 further comprising means for selectively securing the tubular trailer hitch connector and the horizontal support beam against relative longitudinal sliding movements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The utility platform as defined by claim 1 wherein the arcuate surface of the plate is formed on a radius from the horizontal axis.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-11-18 | 1984-05-19 | 1984-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-11-18 | 1988-05-19 | 1988-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-11-18 | 1992-05-19 | 1992-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |