US4795303A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle transporting apparatus
Assignee: Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc
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Filing: 1987-05-29
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Granted: 1989-01-03
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Expires: 2007-05-29
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle transporting apparatus of the car carrier variety is provided with a platform that is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the transporting vehicle at a location forward of the centerline of the vehicle's rear wheels and above the chassis. A powered actuator is employed for pivotally moving the platform to either forwardly inclined or rearwardly inclined positions. A rearwardly projecting wheel lift boom is also pivotally mounted to the chassis below the platform and is capable of supporting a vehicle to be transported at least partially beneath the platform.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie Bubik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 09:50
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/12; B60P3/125; B60P3/122
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for transporting one or more vehicles, comprising: a chassis; a platform pivotally mounted to said chassis and including an extensible and retractable deck for carrying a first vehicle; said platform being pivotable through an arc so that said platform may be selectively inclined either rearwardly or forwardly; an extensible and retractable boom pivotally mounted to said chassis below said platform and having a free end for engaging a pair of wheels of a second vehicle; power operated means for pivotally moving said platform and said boom on said chassis; and an extensible and retractable retainer means for selectively maintaining said boom and platform in variable spaced relation; whereby upon forwardly inclining said platform and retracting said boom, said platform is spaced a sufficient distance above said boom to permit said second vehicle when carried by said boom to be positioned partially beneath said platform.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for transporting one or more vehicles, comprising: a chassis; a platform pivotally mounted to said chassis and including an extensible and retractable deck for carrying a first vehicle; said platform being pivotable through an arc so that said platform may be selectively inclined either rearwardly or forwardly; an extensible and retractable boom pivotally mounted to said chassis below said platform and having a free end for engaging a pair of wheels of a second vehicle; power operated means for pivotally moving said platform and said boom on said chassis; and an extensible and retractable retainer means for selectively maintaining said boom and platform in variable spaced relation; whereby upon forwardly inclining said platform and retracting said boom, said platform is spaced a sufficient distance above said boom to permit said second vehicle when carried by said boom to be positioned partially beneath said platform.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
The vehicle transporting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of wheels for movably supporting said chassis, including at least two rear wheels; and wherein said chassis includes frame members having upper surfaces and terminates at ends located rearward of the center point of said rear wheels; and said platform includes a longitudinally extending support member positionable below the upper surfaces of said chassis frame members when said platform means is moved to a rearwardly inclined position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle transporting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power operated means is connected to said platform at a location rearward of the center point of said rear wheels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vehicle transporting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support member is connected to a plurality of lateral beams each carrying bearing pads at opposing ends, and wherein said deck includes laterally spaced support rails slidably engaging said bearing pads.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle transporting apparatus of claim 4 wherein at least each of the rearward most pair of bearing pads is mounted in a rocker assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The vehicle transporting apparatus of claim 1 further including winch means for positioning a vehicle on said deck, said winch means including guide means for laterally centering said vehicle on said deck.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The vehicle transporting apparatus of claim 6 wherein said guide means includes longitudinal slots along each side of the deck, a winch trolley associated with each said slot and connected to said winch means, and a winch line operatively connected to each said winch trolley and for attachment to said vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
83 words
The vehicle transporting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of wheels for movably supporting said chassis, including at least one pair of rear wheels on a common axle; means located on said chassis at a fixed position forward of the center point of said rear wheels for pivotally mounting said platform to said chassis; and wherein said power operated means is connected to said chassis and to said platform at a location rearward of the center point of said rear wheels.
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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) | 1992-01-03 | 1992-07-04 | 1993-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-01-03 | 1996-07-04 | 1997-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-01-03 | 2000-07-04 | 2001-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |