Stowable modular utility lift system

A stowable, modular implement lift system (100) configured for application to an existing utility vehicle having an existing rack, guard, or bumper, the lift system comprising:

• a frame member (111) having a hook (114) directly connected or integral thereto, the hook (114) configured to allow installation of the lift system onto the existing rack, guard, or bumper in a vertical direction, and inhibit motion of the lift system in a non-vertical direction, the frame member (111) having a support surface (115) configured to engage an outward surface of the existing rack, guard, or bumper in rotational opposition to the hook such that the lift system is aligned in a vertical or near-vertical orientation when installed;
• an upper pivot point (112) on the frame member;
• a lower pivot point (113) on the frame member;
• an upper arm (121) rotatably connected to the upper pivot point (112);
• a lower arm (122) rotatably connected to the lower pivot point (113);
• an adaptive alignment plate (130) movable from a stowed configuration to an extended position the adaptive alignment plate (130) comprising an adjustable upper pivot point (131), and an adjustable lower pivot point (132);
• a modular implement base (140) connected to the adaptive alignment plate (130);
• and
• at least one modular implement (151), (152), (153) configured to allow installation on and removal from the modular implement base (140);
• wherein the frame member (111) connects the upper pivot point (112), the lower pivot point (113), the hook (114), and the support surface (115);
• wherein the adaptive alignment plate (130) is configured to allow adjustment of the modular implement base (140) to align vertically when the lift system is installed on the utility vehicle;
• and
• wherein at least one of the adjustable upper pivot point (131) or the adjustable lower pivot point (132) comprises a plurality of attachment points aligned in a circle and selectable to rotatably connect the adaptive alignment plate (130) to either the upper pivot arm (121) or the lower pivot arm (122) while adjusting an angle of alignment between the adaptive alignment plate (130) and the frame member (111).

A stowable, modular lift conversion system (100) configured for application to a truck, all-terrain vehicle, or utility task vehicle, the system comprising:

• a fixed frame (110) configured to mount to the truck, all-terrain vehicle, or utility task vehicle, the fixed frame (110) comprising:
• an opposing pair of vertical frame members (111) having a frame height (H) and a frame depth (D), separated by a frame width (W), wherein the frame height (H), the frame depth (D), and the frame width (W) define confines of the fixed frame (110),
• an upper pivot point (112) on each of the vertical frame members (111), and
• a lower pivot point (113) on each of the vertical frame members (111);
• and
• a movable frame (120) configured to lift loads, and movable from a stowed configuration to an extended position, the movable frame (120) comprising:
• an opposing pair of upper pivot arms (121), each having a near end (121A) respectively connected to one of the upper pivot points (112), and a far end (121B) opposite the near end (121A),
• an opposing pair of lower pivot arms (122), each having a near end (122A) respectively connected to one of the lower pivot points (113), and a far end (122B) opposite the near end (122A), and
• an opposing pair of adaptive alignment plates (130), each connected to the far end (121B) of one of the upper pivot arms (121), and to the far end (122B) of one of the lower pivot arms (122);
• a modular implement base (140) connecting the opposing pair of adaptive alignment plates (130);
• wherein the movable frame (120) is configured to fit within the confines of the fixed frame (110) when the movable frame is in the stowed configuration;
• wherein each vertical frame member (111) and adaptive alignment plate (130), respectively, operates in a unique vertical plane across the frame width (W), such that each of the adaptive alignment plates (130) respectively overlaps the other of the adaptive alignment plates (130) and overlaps each of the vertical frame members (111) to fit at least partially within the confines of the fixed frame (110) when the movable frame is in the stowed configuration;
• wherein the opposing pair of vertical frame members (111), the opposing pair of upper pivot arms (121), the opposing pair of lower pivot arms (122), and the opposing pair of adaptive alignment plates (130) form an opposing pair of four-bar linkages configured to maintain a consistent angle between the vertical frame members (111) and the adaptive alignment plates (130);
• wherein the system further comprises a roller (160A), and an attachment point (160B) configured to simultaneously generate a downward force on the fixed frame (110) and an upward force on the movable frame (120) when tension is applied to a winch cable (171) routed in contact with the roller (160A) and the attachment point (160B);
• and
• wherein both the roller (160A), and the attachment point (160B) operate in a vertical plane centered across the frame width (W) and aligned with a center of mass of the system, and a winch hook at a first end of the cable is configured to detachably receive the attachment point (160B).