Cargo loader
OwnerJames E. Lee, Paul D. Lacyinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for loading cargo into the cargo bay area of mini-vans and similar vehicles comprises a frame, a winch, and a cart. The frame is disposed partially in the cargo bay area of the vehicle and extends outside the vehicle therefrom. The frame is anchored inside the vehicle by removably attaching to anchor rods in the floor of the vehicle that normally hold the rear and/or middle seats in place. The frame defines a pathway on which the cart can travel, pulled by the winch. The frame is collapsible and stowable in the vehicle. The cart comprises a base, a collapsible handle, and, optionally, an extensible ramp, enabling use of the cargo loader with a motorized personal vehicle such as is used by disabled persons. The winch is powered, optionally, both by a motor and manually.
Claims14
A device for loading cargo in the cargo bay area of a vehicle, the device comprising:
- (a) a cargo holder, the cargo holder having a base and an extensible ramp attached to the base;
- (b) a frame member, the frame member including at least two sections, the frame member defining a path way for loading the cargo holder into the cargo bay of a vehicle, at least one section of the frame member being a ground-engaging section;
- (c) a hinge for rotatably interconnecting at least two sections;
- (d) means for anchoring the device within the cargo bay area of the vehicle;
- (e) the cargo holder being slidably moveable long the pathway;
- (f) a winch for drawing the cargo holder along the pathway, the winch including a pullable member, the pullable member being attachable to the cargo holder;
- and
- wherein upon operation of the winch, the cargo holder travels the pathway to elevate cargo borne by the cargo holder into the cargo bay of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.