Recoverably Installable Vehicle Lifting Hoist - Method and Apparatus
OwnerScott R. Thompson, Veronica Rodriquezinventors
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Abstract
Embodiments of a method and apparatus to lift payloads onto or into a vehicle are disclosed. Optimal embodiments of the device mount to a plurality of receiver hitches on a vehicle and combine optimally shaped and positioned structures, rigid and flexible linkage, and a pivoting tower to form a lifting hoist that is foldable, retractable, and can be recoverably installed. A prominent feature of the present invention is the ability to retract to a stored position that does not interfere with other features or functions of the host vehicle. This invention includes components that make it safe to use on un-level surfaces and other components and methods that enable the apparatus to be leveled to some extent before use.
Claims15
A retractable lifting apparatus with folding hinge and pivoting points optimally placed to reduce the size of the retracted state thereof, a means to optionally engage linear motion actuation components capable of pivoting with lifting operations thereof, and comprises in combination:
- (a) a mechanical means to releasably engage a vehicle insert that is sized and shaped to receive said retractable lifting apparatus,
- (b) a mechanical means to vertically move a load relative to said lifting apparatus,
- (c) a mechanical means to pivotally rotate a load relative to said lifting apparatus,
- (d) a mechanical means to alternate said lifting apparatus between operable and retracted states.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.