# US 9,038,980 B2 · Ratchet platform > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,038,980 B2 - Document ID: US9038980B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/064,038 - Filed: 2013-10-25 - Published: 2014-02-20 - Granted: 2015-05-26 - Earliest claimed: 2008-10-06 - Assignees: Black Mountain Industries, Inc. - Applicants: Black Mountain Industries, Inc. - Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9038980B2 ## CPC - F16M 11/28: Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar - B66F 1/06: and the devices being actuated mechanically - F16M: FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS - B66F: HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD ({invalid lifting devices A61G7/10; } mounting artificial islands on piles or like supports E02B17/00; scaffolding combined with lifting devices E04G1/22; lifting devices for sliding forms E04G11/24; lifting of buildings E04G23/06; shores or struts E04G25/00; lifts or other hoisting devices on ladders E06C7/12; props for mining E21D15/00) ## Abstract A height adjustable platform and method include a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly with a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube. The ratchet platform also includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The platform upper assembly actuator includes a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. Actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. The ratchet platform also includes an energy attenuation system. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A ratchet platform, wherein the ratchet platform is height adjustable, comprising: a platform upper assembly comprising a platform and a ratchet, wherein the ratchet comprises a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube; a platform lower assembly comprising a support column and a platform base, wherein the support column is secured to the platform base, and wherein an end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column, and further wherein the platform base is adapted to be attached to a vehicle; a platform upper assembly actuator comprising a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage, wherein the upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly, and wherein actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage, and further wherein actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform; an energy attenuation system; and a ratchet platform attachment strap, wherein the ratchet platform attachment strap is attached to the platform base and the platform upper assembly. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the energy attenuation system comprises an outer covering. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The ratchet platform of claim 2, wherein the energy attenuation system comprises a periphery, and wherein the outer covering is secured to the periphery. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The ratchet platform of claim 2, wherein the outer covering is removable. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the energy attenuation system comprises an energy attenuation opening. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The ratchet platform of claim 5, wherein the ratchet is passable through the energy attenuation opening. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the energy attenuation system is secured to the platform base. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The ratchet platform of claim 7, wherein the energy attenuation system is secured to a bottom side of the platform base. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, further comprising a seat plate, wherein the energy attenuation system is secured to the seat plate. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The ratchet platform of claim 9, wherein the seat plate is disposed to provide support to the platform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and the energy attenuation system. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The ratchet platform of claim 9, further comprising a base plate, wherein the seat plate is slidably engaged with the base plate. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The ratchet platform of claim 11, wherein the seat plate is longitudinally movable in relation to the base plate. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The ratchet platform of claim 12, wherein the platform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and the energy attenuation system are positionable in different horizontal directions. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, further comprising a ratchet platform attachment means for attaching the ratchet platform to an object. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The ratchet platform of claim 14, wherein the ratchet platform attachment means comprises a strap retractor and a strap. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The ratchet platform of claim 15, wherein the strap passes through an attachment opening in the platform. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The ratchet platform of claim 15, wherein the strap retractor is secured to the platform base and the energy attenuation system. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, further comprising pedal pivot supports, wherein the pedal sub assembly is attached to the pedal pivot supports. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the pedal sub assembly comprises a pedal linkage and a pedal, wherein the pedal is secured to the pedal linkage, and wherein the pedal and a portion of the pedal linkage are disposed outside of the support column, and further wherein another portion of the pedal linkage is disposed within the interior of the support column. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The ratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the ratchet platform attachment strap has sufficient tension to prevent extension of the platform upper assembly.