Hoist apparatus securement system and method

A hoist apparatus assembly for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, the hoist apparatus assembly comprising:

• a hoist apparatus comprising a hoist apparatus frame, the hoist apparatus frame comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis;
• an apron plate disposed at the hoist apparatus frame first end, the apron plate being planar in shape and defining at least one slot therethrough;
• and
• at least one first bracket comprising a plate and a planar stem projecting from the plate, wherein a plurality of slots are defined in the plate, and wherein the stem is disposed at a right angle to the plate;
• wherein the plate of the at least one first bracket is fastened with the hoist apparatus frame at the hoist apparatus frame first end via a plurality of mechanical fasteners respectively extending through the plurality of slots defined in the plate;
• wherein the stem of the at least one first bracket extends through the at least one slot in the apron plate for attachment with the vehicle frame.

A method for attaching a hoist apparatus to a vehicle frame, the hoist apparatus comprising a hoist apparatus frame and the vehicle frame comprising first and second longitudinal rails, the vehicle frame having a proximal end and a distal end, the vehicle frame having a first longitudinal axis, and the hoist apparatus having a second longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing the hoist apparatus frame on the first and second longitudinal rails such that the first longitudinal axis is parallel with the second longitudinal axis;
• positioning a planar apron plate at the distal end of the vehicle frame, the apron plate defining at least one slot therein;
• providing at least one first bracket comprising a plate and a stem projecting from the plate, wherein a plurality of slots are defined in the plate, and wherein the stem is disposed at a right angle to the plate;
• positioning the stem of the at least one first bracket so that it passes through the at least one slot defined in the apron plate and is in engagement with the first longitudinal rail;
• positioning the plate of the at least one first bracket so that it engages the hoist apparatus frame;
• mechanically fastening the stem of the at least one first bracket with the first longitudinal rail;
• and
• mechanically fastening the plate of the at least one first bracket with the hoist apparatus frame via a plurality of mechanical fasteners that respectively extend through the plurality of slots defined in the plate.