Platform and method for lifting and transporting vehicles

Abstract

The invention provides a system and a method for lifting and transporting vehicles, such as a snowmobile or other recreational vehicle. The system includes a frame member having a first rail member and attached to a vehicle, a second rail member moveable along the first rail member into a deployment position wherein it extends rearwardly of the frame, a moveable support member which can extend supportively between the second rail member and the ground, and a platform member slidable along the first and second rail members. The method of the invention may employ a system of the invention and involves moving a second rail member into a deployment position extending rearwardly of a frame, moving a support member into position to support the second rail member, sliding a platform rearwardly along first and second rail members to position the platform generally rearwardly of the transport vehicle, and lowering the rearward end of the second rail member to position its rearward end adjacent the ground for loading the vehicle onto the platform.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.