Overhead access apparatus
OwnerCarl Fitzsimmonsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an apparatus that enables the easy loading and unloading of an overhead load carrier, rack, or similar structure. The apparatus comprises first and second longitudinal rails spaced apart and generally parallel to one another and operatively connected to a surface so as to maintain such spacing. Each rail supports at least one rail car to move thereon, and means for connecting the structure between the rail cars so as to enable the structure to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal rails and preferably pivot over an edge of the horizontal surface, thereby enabling the structure to be reached by a person located below the surface.
Claims20
An apparatus to enable access to an overhead structure, comprising:
- first and second longitudinal rails, said rails being operatively connected to a surface so as maintain the rails in a spaced apart and generally parallel relationship;
- at least one rail car supported by and operatively engaged with each of the first and second longitudinal rails;
- and
- a connecting assembly operatively connecting the overhead structure and rail cars to enable said connecting assembly to move in a direction parallel to said longitudinal rails and over an edge of the surface, thereby enabling the overhead structure to be reached by a person below the surface.
A vehicle transport apparatus to enable access to an overhead rack, comprising:
- first and second longitudinal rails, said rails being operatively connected to the rooftop so as maintain the rails in a spaced apart and generally parallel relationship;
- at least one rail car supported by and operatively engaged with each of the first and second longitudinal rails;
- and
- a connecting assembly operatively connecting the rail cars to enable said connecting assembly to move in a direction parallel to said longitudinal rails and to pivot over an edge of the rooftop so as to be generally adjacent a side of the vehicle, thereby enabling the rack to be reached at a position other than the rooftop.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.