Key information

Title: A PLATFORM SYSTEM ATTACHABLE TO A VEHICLE
Application number: 20220687
Case type: National
Status: 06.11.2023 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed: 17.06.2022
Effective date: 17.06.2022
Publicly available: 06.11.2023
Next annual fee due: 30.06.2027
Applicant: TAHTEC AS (NO)
Owner: TAHTEC AS (NO)
Inventor: TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE (NO)
Agent: BRYN AARFLOT AS (NO)
Granted: 06.11.2023
Patent number: 347460
Expiry date: 17.06.2042

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

A platform system (102) attachable to a vehicle (101) and has a platform plate structure (104) reciprocably movable transversely or in direction of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (101) from underneath the vehicle. The plate structure (104) has a first plate member (105) and a second plate member (106) tiltably linked to the first plate member (105) to form a co-planar platform when deployed adjacent a side face (101’) of the vehicle (101).

Publications

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Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
02.05.2024	10-01	Saksbehandling	20220687(347460)	UT	PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20220687)	BRYN AARFLOT AS
07.11.2023	09-01	Saksbehandling	20220687(347460)	UT	PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20220687)
14.08.2023	08-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	UT	PT Meddelelse om patent	BRYN AARFLOT AS
08.08.2023	07-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	BRYN AARFLOT AS
26.07.2023	06-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	UT	Realitet patent	BRYN AARFLOT AS
30.06.2023	05-05	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	143272NO Patentkrav norsk oversettelse	BRYN AARFLOT AS
30.06.2023	05-04	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	143272NO Figures - replacement document	BRYN AARFLOT AS
30.06.2023	05-03	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	143272NO Description - replacement document	BRYN AARFLOT AS
30.06.2023	05-02	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	143272NO Claims - replacement document	BRYN AARFLOT AS
30.06.2023	05-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	BRYN AARFLOT AS
08.06.2023	02-01	Endring av fullmektig	2023/08552	UT	GH Forespørsel	BRYN AARFLOT AS
07.06.2023	01-02	Endring av fullmektig	2023/08552	INN	General POA NO - Tahtec AS_signed	BRYN AARFLOT AS
07.06.2023	01-01	Endring av fullmektig	2023/08552	INN	Generell henvendelse	BRYN AARFLOT AS
17.01.2023	04-02	Saksbehandling	20220687	UT	PT report 03:02:43
17.01.2023	04-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	UT	Realitet patent	TAHTEC AS
17.06.2022	03-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	UT	Generelt brev Patent uten frist	TAHTEC AS
17.06.2022	02-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	UT	Informasjon til oppfinner	TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE
17.06.2022	01-06	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	AllTerrain Text- ver.4a-15JUNE2022-ABSTRACT	TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE
17.06.2022	01-05	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	AllTerrain Text- ver.4a-15JUNE2022- DESCR	TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE
17.06.2022	01-04	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	AllTerrain Text- ver.4a-15JUNE2022- CLAIMS	TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE
17.06.2022	01-03	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	AllTerrain Drawings Version 4 -15JUNI2022	TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE
17.06.2022	01-02	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	22 06 17 Signert Erklæring	TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE
17.06.2022	01-01	Saksbehandling	20220687	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

A platform system attachable to a vehicle

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a platform system attachable to a vehicle and with a platform plate structure reciprocably movable transversely or in direction of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as defined in the preamble of the attached claim 1.

Such a platform system is to be used for the convenience of users of a vehicle when then it is parked and the users require a planar surface outside and adjacent the vehicle to place chairs and tables thereon, or for users of a service vehicle when standing on the platform to be closer to persons inside the vehicle via a service opening in a side or end wall of the vehicle, or e.g for displaying articles for sale . It is well known that using the surface of the ground may lead to unstable support for chairs, tables or other articles, or when the vehicle is e.g. a service vehicle, such as an ice-cream or food-sale van, the user outside the van more than often feels «small» with an uncomportable distance up to the sales desk in the van, thus causing an unpleasant experience to the users.

It will be appreciated that the available space underneath a motorized vehicle, not merely caused by the width of the vehicle, but also caused by the vertical distance of the bottom face from the ground and the longitudinal distance between front and rear wheels of the vehicle, and other structures located on the bottom face of the vehicle, indeed imposes dimensional limitations on a useful platform structure as well as weight considerations.

Vehicle in this context is to be understood as being inter alia a caravan vehicle for travelling, camping, holiday and mobile home purposes, service vehicle such as for selling food items, meals, drinks and beverages, medical supplies, and consumer articles; and other types of service vehicle such as e.g. for providing to a local of district community library service, health related service and postal service. Further in this context, the term vehicle applies to both self-powered vehicle and towable vehicle.

Prior art

In the past, several attempts have been made to construct such platforms, but none have been a success, mainly due to the platform surface being too small, risk of causing a platform plate structure to become jammed in pulling out from idle storage underneath the vehicle frame or when pushing it back into its idle storage, the platform structure having a too large vertical dimension, and/or the system simply being too heavy, thereby being in conflict with the total permitted weight load of the vehicle.

US 6,869,092 describes a platform system exhibiting means to avoid jamming, but which has too small platform surface limited by its system structure. US 4,869,030 describes a platform system which has means to avoid jamming, but is merely useful for mobile homes due to its vertical dimension, and requires a thick and heavy platform plate structure. Other prior art is known inter alia from US 6,502,983; US 2006/006,693; US 4,413,855; US 4,883,306; US 5,997,073; US 5,193,878; US 2006/145,514; US 2003/141,732; and GB 2,468,786.

Summary of the invention

The present invention has as an object to provide a platform system attachable to a vehicle and reciprocably movable relative to the vehicle.

The object of the invention is met by providing a lightweight platform system which is easy for a vehicle owner or user to handle, does not jam during movements from or back to idle or non-operative position, is adaptable to uneven terrain adjacent the vehicle, and provides for an adequate planar, horizontal platform useful supporting a plurality of people, furniture and accessories, and when located underneath the vehicle is satisfactory protected against contamination that may affect operation of the system.

The system, as defined in attached claim 1 comprises:

- one or more plate members of the platform plate structure,

- a pair of guide-rails extending parallel to longitudinal side edges of the plate structure, the guide rails exhibiting brackets for attachment to the vehicle,

- at least one first pair of guide roller units, each roller of the roller units being rotary linked to a respective one of the longitudinal side edges of a first plate member of the plate structure at a location forward of a rear part of the plate structure and movable by rotation along a first path on the respective guide rail,

- a second pair of guide rollers, each roller rotary linked to the first plate member of the plate structure at a rear part location thereof and movable by rotation along a second path on the respective guide rail,

- a toothed rack or belt extending along a third path on each guide-rail,

- a pair of cog-wheels, each cog-wheel rotary linked to the plate structure at a rear part location thereof and movable by rotation along the third path on the respective guide rail in engagement with teeth on said rack or belt, and

- a rotary shaft, the second pair of rollers being rotary attached to the rotary shaft and the pair of cog-wheels being fixedly attached to the rotary shaft, and the shaft being rotary attached to the first plate member at a rear part of the plate structure.

Further embodiments of the system will appear from the attached sub-claims, as well as from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Support devices of the system for supporting the plate members of the platform structure also appear from the attached sub-claims.

The drawings and related description thereof are merely to appreciate the concepts of the invention and are to be considered as examples of embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig.1a shows a vehicle with a platform system installed underneath a bottom face of the vehicle.

Fig.1b shows the vehicle with a platform plate structure of the platform system pulled out from underneath the vehicle.

Fig.1c shows the view of Fig.1b with supporting legs depending from a first, lower plate member of the platform plate structure.

Fig.1d shows the view of Fig.1c with a second, upper plate member of the platform plate structure in a tilting movement towards a rear location of the vehicle.

Fig.1e shows the first and second platform members of the platform plate structure in a co-planar posture, and Fig.1f is the view of Fig.1e with the addition of depending supporting legs on the second plate member.

Figs. 1g shows the platform members of the platform structure withdrawn out from underneath of the vehicle at a rear end thereof.

Fig.1h shows the platform memberts of the platform structure both extending transversely of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Fig.1i shows the vehicle with two sets of platform structures, one withdrawable from underneath the vehicle transversely of the longitudinal axis thereof, and the other withdrawable from the rear of the vehicle in direction of the longitudinal axix of the vehicle.

Fig.2 is a simplified view from above of the platform system.

Fig.3 is a partly sectional and forward directed view III-III of the system on Fig.2,

Fig.4 is a sectional and rearward directed view III-III of the system on Fig.2,

Fig.5 illustrates a mechanism attached to the rear of the first plate member with a rotary shaft to support a pair of guide rollers, a pair of movement controlling cog wheels, and a movement limiting and locking device.

Fig.6 is a simplifeied view from above of the system illustrating location of the movement limiting and locking device.

Fig.7 is section VII-VII of Fig.6 seen in a rearward view of the system.

Fig.8 is a view from above of structural details of the movement limiting and locking device.

Fig.9 is a slightly perspective view of the first and second plate members being hinge connected next to a first guide roller unit.

Fig.10 is another simplified view from above of the platform system with the platform plate structure in a pulled out posture.

Fig.11 shows section XI-XI on Fig.10 seen in a rearward direction of the system.

Fig.12 shows section XII-XII on Fig.10 seen in a rearward direction of the system.

Fig.13 is an enlarged view of portion XIII on Fig.11.

Fig.14 is an enlarged view of portion XIV on Fig.12.

Fig.15 is a simplified supporting mechanism relative to that of Fig.5 and illustrates a rotary shaft to support a pair of guide rollers and a pair of movement controlling cog wheels.

Fig.16 is a perspective view from one side illustrating the platform plate structure in a first posture immediately prior to first sets of guide rollers disengaging the guide rails of the system.

Fig.17 shows the platform plate structure fully pulled out from underneath the vehicle, like shown on Fig.1b, and with hinges interconnecting the first and second plate members

Fig.18 shows the second platform plate member in a tilted posture relative to the first platform plate member, similarly to the view shown on Fig.1d.

Fig.19 shows a first type of movement arresting agent.

Fig.20 shows a second type of movement arresting agent.

Fig.21 illustrates typical positions of support devices or supporting legs for the first and second plate members.

Figs. 22a – 22c, 22f and 22h illustrate in vertical cross-section, in side view, schematically, a perspective view from above, and a top view, respectively, of a first type of support device, Fig.22i illustrates how the first type of the support device as well as its modification is adjustable, and Figs.

22d, 22e and 22g illustrate in vertical cross-section, in side view and in perspective view from above, respectively showing a minor modification of the first type.

Figs. 23a and 23b illustrate, schematically a second type of support device.

Figs. 24a – 24c illustrate how a third type of support device may be uncovered, put in position and deployed.

Fig.25 illustrates the platform structure with legs of a support device of the second or third type deployed to support a forward region of the first plate member, like shown on Fig.1c.

Fig.26 illustrates the platform structure with legs of a support device of the second or third type deployed to support both the first and second plate members, like shown on Fig.1f.

Figs. 27a and 27b illustrate in perspective views from one side how a front cover of the plate structure may be arranged held in position or released to gain access to the structure front for pulling structure out from underneasth the vehicle.

Detailed description

Figs. 1a – 1f illustrate a vehicle 101 with a platform system 102 installed underneath a bottom face 103 of the vehicle. Fig.1b shows a platform plate structure 104 of the platform system 102 pulled out from underneath the vehicle in order to subsequently deploy a first, lower plate member 105 and a second plate member 106, the second plate member being the upper one of the plate members of the platform plate structure 104 , as clearly derivable from viewing Fig.1d. It is noted that the plate members 105, 106 are interconnected, suitably by hinges (to be shown and described in more detail later) so that the second plate member 106 can be tilted relative to the first plate member 105 in a direction 108, as shown on Fig.1d. It also noted that the plate members 105, 106 can be provided with supporting legs, generally denoted by 107 and as shown on Figs.1c -1f, to extend between bottom side regions of the plate member 105, 106 and a ground surface (not shown) where the vehicle 101 is parked.

More details about variants og such supporting legs will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 21 – 24.

Furthermore, it is noted that the second plate member 106 is tilted in a sideways direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 101 along a side face 101’ thereof. However, it lies within the concepts of the invention that the second plate member 106 instead could have been hinged to a front end 105’ of the first plate member 105, so as to be tilted in direction of arrow 109 on Fig.1b to assume the posture of the plates as shown on Fig.1h, instead of direction 108 as shown on Fig.1d. It should also be appreciated that if the rear part of the vehicle 101 behind its rear wheels 101’’ has a substantial axial length, the platform plate structure 104 could be located underneath the vehicle 101 thereat, implying that when the platform plate members 105; 106 are pulled outwards, then the plate member 106 could be tilted in forward direction of the vehicle along its side face 101’.

On Fig.1g it is shown that the platform plate structure, as an alternative, could be located at the rear of the vehicle, and the plate member 106 thereby tiltable in a rearward direction away from the vehicle rear.

Fig.1i shows how it would be possible to arrange two sets of platform plate structures. This configuration is best used when the vehicle has a substantial width in order that the two neighbouring plate members extend with same distance from the side 101’ of the vehicle 101. 101’’’ denotes a service window on the vehicle 101, which could be opened if the vehicle is a service vehicle, such as e.g. an ice cream van, a food and meals providing van etc.

More structural details of the system of the invention are now to be described with particular reference to Fig.2 – 20.

As noted from viewing Figs.1a and 1b in particular, the platform system 102 is attachable to the vehicle 101 and reciprocably movable in a transverse direction 110 of the longitudinal axis 111 of the vehicle. In the system 102, the platform plate structure 104 exhibits the first and second plate members 105; 106. Further, the system comprises a pair of guide-rails 112; 113 which extend parallel to longitudinal side edges 104’; 104’’ of the plate structure 104 and transversely of the longitudinal axis 111 of the vehicle. The guide rails 112; 113 exhibit brackets 112’; 113’ for attachment to the vehicle 101 at regions of of the bottom side 103 of the vehicle 101.

The system also has at least one first pair of guide roller units 114; 115, each roller of the roller units being rotary linked to a respective one of the longitudinal side edges of a first plate member 105 of the plate structure 104 at a location forward of a rear part 104’’’ of the plate structure 104 and movable by rotation along a first path 116; 117 on the respective guide rail 112; 113, as seen from Fig.4.

Also, the system has a second pair of guide rollers 118; 119. Each roller 118; 119 is rotary linked to the first plate member 105 of the plate structure 104 at a rear part location 104’’’ thereof and movable by rotation along a second path 120; 121 on the respective guide rail 112; 113.

Still further, the system exhibits a toothed rack or belt 122; 123 extending along a third path 124; 125 on each guide-rail 112; 113, and a pair of cog-wheels 126; 127 are provided, each cog-wheel rotary linked to the first plate member 105 of the plate structure 104 at a rear part location 104’’’ thereof and movable by rotation along the third path 124; 125 on the respective guide rail in engagement with teeth 122’; 123’ (not shown) on said rack or belt. It also noted from the drawings that the second pair of guide rollers 118; 119 is rotary attached to a rotary shaft 128 and that the pair of cog-wheels 126; 127 is fixedly attached to the rotary shaft 128, the shaft 128 being rotary attached to the first plate member 105 at a rear part 104’’’ of the plate structure 104.

Suitably, each guide roller unit 114; 115 of the first pair comprises at least two rollers 130, 130’, as illustrated on Fig.9. Due to weight load aspect and required minimum roller diameter, in the currently preferred mode of the invention two rollers are preferred, although three or more rollers may be considered, or attaching multiple sets of first pairs of rollers along the longitudinal sides 104’; 104’’ of the plate structure 104.

As clearly seen from Figs.3, 4, 7, and 13 – 15, each of the guide rollers 118; 119 of the second pair is further away from a respective longitudinal side edge 104’; 104’’ of the plate structure 104 than the adjacent cog-wheel 126; 127.

It is also noted that each guide roller 118; 119 of the second pair has a diameter which is smaller than that of respective, adjacent cog-wheel 126; 127, and it will thus be appreciated by an expert in the art of mechanics the reason why the rollers 118; 119 are rotary attached to the rotary shaft 128, whereas the cog-wheels 126; 127 are fixedly attached to the shaft 128. With the shaft 128 bewing common to both the second pair of guide rollers 118; 119 and the cog-wheels 126; 127, a compact rear support arrangement for the platform structure is obtained, enabling the overall supporting structure comprising the guide rails 112; 113, the first pair of guide rollers 114; 115, the second pair of guide rollers 118; 119, the cog-wheels 126; 127, and the rack or toothed belt 122; 123 to have a minimum of structural dimension in vertiucal direction, thereby allowing sufficient vertical space for the platform plate structure 104, comprising the first and second plate members 105; 106, to be located safely underneath the bottom side 103 of the vehicle 101.

Further, the cog-wheels 126; 127 on the common rotary shaft 128 in rotary engagement with the respective toothed rack or belt 122; 123 control the reciprocal movement of the platform plate structure 104 relative to the guide rails 112; 113 with no risk of the platform plate structure 104 assuming a skew posture relative to the guide rails 112: 113, thereby avoiding any jammed situation of the structure 104.

From the drawings it is clearly seen that the first path 116; 117 is vertically below the third path 124; 125, and further that the second path 120: 121 located laterally at a larger distance from the longitudinal edges 104’; 104’’ than the first path 116; 117 and at a higher level on the guide rails 112; 113.

In a modification, the first path could be the same as the second path, however requiring that the guide rollers 114; 115 are located further away from the longitudinal edges of the plate member 105, thereby requiring a stronger axle and attachment to the plate member 105, the benefit being a slightly reduced vertical dimension of the guide rails 112; 113.

It is noted that in the current mode of system, the teeth of the toothed rack or belt 122; 123 each have their apex 122’; 123’ directed downwards. This is to avoid unwanted accumulation of dust and particles in valleys between the teeth. However, it will be appreciated that the toothed rack or belt could have been located along the first path 116:117, however at a location rearward of the first pair of guide rollers 114; 115. This is however not the currently preferred mode.

The plate structure 104 is composed of the first plate member 105 to which the cog-wheels 126; 127 and the rollers 114; 115 of the first pair and the rollers 118; 119 of the second pair are rotary linked, and the second plate member 106 located above the first plate member 105 and being tiltably hinged via hinge members 129 at a longitudinal edge or transverse front edge of the first plate member 105 when the plate structure 104 has been moved to a position externally of the vehicle 101, as shown on Fig.1b.

It will be appreciated that once the rollers 114; 115 of the first pair no longer are supported by the guide rails, a system user will then need to keep the plate structure in level position to prevent it from tilting down at the front, the structure now supported by the guide rails only at the second pair of rollers 118; 119. While keeping the structure level, e.g. by use of manual force or a temporary support underneath the structure 104, the second plate member 106 can be tilted and deployed relative to the first plate member 105, whereafter support devices interactive with the plate members 105; 106 can be installed or activated.

Figs. 5, 6 and 8 illustrate a mechanism attached to the rear of the first plate member 105 with a rotary shaft 128 to support the second pair of guide rollers 118; 119, the pair of movement controlling cogwheels 126; 127, and a movement limiting and locking device 132. The device 132 of the mechanism provides for the plate structure 104 to be lockable against movement transversely of the longitudinal axis 111 of the vehicle 101. The device 132 comprises a bracket 133 through which the shaft 128 extends, a gear 134 with a plurality of teeth, a spring-loaded plug 135 which is configured to be releasably located in a selected valley between a pair of teeth, and a control wire 136 operable by a handle 137 at the front 105’ of the first plate member 105, and which upon pulling thereof releases engagement by the plug 134. Instead of the gear 134, a disc with a plurality of plug receiving holes could be provided. In any case, the gear 134 or disc must be rigidly attached to the rotary shaft 128. On Figs.6 and 7, it is noted that adjacent at the rear of the plate member 105, adjacent its longitudinal sides, there may be located brackets 138; 139 through which the rotary shaft 128 extends in order to provide convenient means for installation of the shaft 128, the second pair of guide rollers 118; 119, the cog-wheels 126; 127 and the device 132.

It is seen from Figs.13 and 14 that the bracket 112’ has a portion 112’’ which slidably fits into a track on the rail 112 for convenient installation on the vehicle 101.

Further, in order to improve the strength of the guide rails 112; 113, a stiffening member 140 may be provided at selected locations, in particular at exit regions of the extruded guide guide rails 112, 113 for the first pair of guide rollers 114; 115, in particular to support the first paths 116; 117. In order to further improve the rigidity, a ledge 141’ may be provided in a recess 141 of the guide rail 112; 113, at least over a portion of its length.

A sealing member 142, e.g. a resilient lip or a brush may be attached to bracket 143 extending along the longtidudinal side of the plate member 105 to prevent, in particular during movement or driving of the vehicle, dust or particles to enter into a space 144 between the plate structure 104 and the guide rails 112;113 and the associated guide rollers and cog-wheels.

The guide rails 112; 113 may suitably be provided with stop means to limit maximum withdrawal of the plate structure 104 from underneath the vehicle 101 transversely of the length direction 111 of the vehicle. The stop means is a bolt 145; 146 as shown on Figs.19 and 20. The bolt 145; 146 is to stop the rollers 118; 119 from moving beyond the front end of the rails. Further, the length, configuration and location of the bolts 145; 146 can be made to engage a recess 147 in a bracket 148 relating to the the first pair of guide rollers 114; 130, 131. The plug is retractable to allow the plate structure 104 to be fully removed away from the vehicle 101, e.g for cleaning purposes. The plug 145 is suitably operable by turning a spring-loaded lever 149, or the plug 146 is suitably operable by shifting a springloaded key 150 from locking to unlocking position.

Fig.21 illustrates typical positions 151 of support devices or supporting legs for the first and second plate members 105; 106. Thus, it is desirable to provide at least a first set of adjustable plate support devices with legs being adjustable to extend from the first plate member 105 down to a lower supportive position, and at least a second set of adjustable plate support devices is provided with legs being adjustable to extend from the second plate member 106 down to a lower supportive position when the second plate member 106 is in a sideways or forward tilted deployed posture.

Fig.22a illustrates, partly in section, a first type of support device which comprises a nut unit 152 firmly attachable in a hole 153 in the first and second plate members 105; 106, an elongate bolt unit 154 exihibting a hollow cylindrical interior 155, having at one end region 154’, a threaded exterior 156 along a fraction of its longitudinal length below its upper end 154’’, and at another and lower end 154’’’ a nut device 157 attached thereto, a guide piston 158 slidably movable along the interior cylindrical face of the elongate bolt unit 154, a threaded rotary rod 159 having at one end a head 160 located inside the cylindrical interior of the bolt unit 154 and cooperating with the guide piston 158, the rod head 160 having tool engagement means, the rod 159 at another end longitudinally away from and below the nut device 157 exhibiting a ground abutment shoe 161 connected via a tiltable joint 161’, and threads of the rod 159 engaging the threads of the nut device 157. Further, as shown on Fig. 22i, a rotatable tool 163 is provided with a toolhead 163’ for engaging the tool engagement means of the rod head 160 to enable rotatation of the threaded rod 159 to adjust abutment shoe 161 distance D from the nut device 157. Typically, the range of D is 5 – 25 cm, preferably 10 cm, although these figures are examples only and not to limit the scope of the invention.

The elongate bolt 154 with its piston 158 inside , the nut device 157 and threaded rod 159 with the shoe 161, when the platform structure 104 with the first and second plate members 105; 106 has been pulled out from underneath the vehicle 101 and deployed, is in the first type on Fig.22a insertable from a bottom face side of the plate members 105; 106 through the nut unit 152 and through rotation of the bolt unit 154 threadably engaging and positionally releasably fixing it to the nut unit 152 by means of the threaded exterior 156. A flange 162 is firmly attached to the outside of the bolt unit 154 directly axially below its threaded upper exterior 156 in order to provide proper stop means by abutment against the bottom side of the nut unit 152, thereby limiting how far the bolt unit 154 with its threaded upper exterior 156 can extend into the nut unit 152. It is noted that the nut unit 152 has a lower member 152’ with threads and an upper member 152’’ fitting onto an upper region of the lower member 152’.

Fig.22d illustrates a slight modification of the embodiment shown on Fig.22a. On Fig. 22d, the bolt unit 154 is installed from a top side of a plate member 105; 106. The major modification of the first type is that the bolt unit 154 has no flange 162. Instead, an uppermost part of the bolt unit 154 has an integral flange-shaped head 164 with gripping means 164’ at its circumference, thereby enabling the bolt unit 154 of the support device to be entered through the nut unit 152 from the top side of the plate member 105;106 and to let the threads of the threaded exterior 156 engage the threads of the nut unit 152 by manually gripping the head 164 and rotate it until the head abuts the nut unit member 152’.

Figs. 23a and 23b illustrate, schematically a second type of support device. The support device comprises a base member 165, a plate member supporting leg 165’ rotary linked to the base member, an adjustable gas-spring member 166 attached at one end to the base member 165 and with a movable part 166’ thereof rotary linked to a stay member 167 at one end thereof, and the stay member at its other end rotary linked to a mid-portion of the supporting leg 165’.

Figs. 24a – 24c illustrate how a third type of support device may be uncovered, put in position and deployed. The support device comprises a base member 168, a plate member supporting leg 169 rotary and slidably linked to the base member 168, the upper end of the leg 169 configured to selectively engage valleys of a rack 170 at a top region of the base member 168, and a stay member 171 rotary and slidably linked to the base member 168 and at its other end rotary and spring-loaded linked to a mid-portion of the supporting leg 169.

Fig.25 illustrates the platform structure with legs of a support device of the second or third type deployed to support a forward region of the first plate member, like shown on Fig.1c, and Fig.26 illustrates the platform structure with legs of a support device of the second or third type deployed to support both the first and second plate members, like shown on Fig.1f. Figs.27a and 27b illustrate in perspective views from one side how a front cover 172 of the plate structure may be arranged held in position or released to gain access to the structure front for pulling structure 104 out from underneath the vehicle 101. An elastic strap 173 may suitably be used to keep the cover closed.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A platform system attachable to a vehicle (101) and with a platform plate structure (104) reciprocably movable transversely or in direction of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (101), the system comprising:

- one or more plate members (105; 106) of the platform plate structure (104),

- a pair of guide-rails (112; 113) extending parallel to longitudinal side edges (104’; 104’’) of the plate structure (104), the guide rails (112; 113) exhibiting brackets (112’; 113’) for attachment to the vehicle (101),

- at least one first pair of guide roller units (114; 115), each roller of the first pair roller units being rotary linked to a respective one of the longitudinal side edges of a first plate member (105) of the plate structure (104) at a location forward of a rear part (104’’’) of the plate structure (104) and movable by rotation along a first path (116; 117) on the respective guide rail (112; 113),

- a second pair of guide rollers (118; 119), each roller rotary linked to the first plate member (105) of the plate structure (104) at a rear part location thereof and movable by rotation along a second path (120; 121) on the respective guide rail (112; 113),

- a toothed rack or belt (122; 123) extending along a third path (124; 125) on each guide-rail (112; 113),

- a pair of cog-wheels (126; 127), each cog-wheel rotary linked to the first plate member (105) of the plate structure (104) at a rear part location thereof and movable by rotation along the third path (124; 125) on the respective guide rail (112; 113) in engagement with teeth (122’; 123’) on said rack or belt (122; 123), and

- a rotary shaft (128), the second pair of guide rollers (118; 119) being rotary attached to the rotary shaft (128) and the pair of cog-wheels (126; 127) being fixedly attached to the rotary shaft (128), and the shaft (128) being rotary attached to a rear part of the plate structure (104) on the first plate member (105).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each guide roller unit (114; 115) of the first pair comprises at least two rollers (130; 131).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the guide rollers (118; 119) of the second pair is further away from a respective longitudinal side edge (104’; 104’’) of the plate structure (104) than the adjacent cog-wheel (126; 127).

4. The system of claim 1 or 3, wherein each of guide roller (118; 119) of the second pair has a diameter which is smaller than that of the adjacent cog-wheel (126; 127).

5. The system of any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the first path (116; 117) is vertically below the third path (124; 125).

6. The system of any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the first path is the same as the second path.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 – 6, wherein the teeth (122’; 123’) of the rack or belt each have their respective apex directed downwards.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 – 7, wherein the plate structure (104) is composed of the first plate member (105) to which the cog-wheels (126; 127) and the rollers (114; 115 and 118; 119) of the first and second pairs are rotary linked, and a second plate member (106) located above the first plate member (105) and being tiltably hinged (129) at a longitudinal edge or transverse front edge of the first plate member (105) when the plate structure (104) has been moved to a forward position externally of the vehicle.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 – 8, wherein at least a first set of adjustable plate support devices is provided with legs being adjustable to extend from the first plate member (105) down to a lower supportive position, and wherein at least a second set of adjustable plate support devices is provided with legs being adjustable to extend from the second plate member (106) down to a lower supportive position when the second plate member is in a sideways or forward tilted posture.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 – 9, wherein the first and second plate members (105; 106) are configured to engage one or more adjustable plate support devices, and wherein the plate support device comprises:

- a nut unit (152; 152’, 152’’) configured to be securely fitted into a hole (153) in the plate member (105; 106), and

- an elongate, length adjustable leg (154, 159) having at one end region (156) external threads to engage threads on the nut unit, and at the other end having an abutment shoe (161).

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the nut unit (152) comprises:

- a first nut unit member (152’) configured to be entered into the hole (153) from a bottom face side of the plate member (105; 106), the first nut unit member (152’) having a radially extending flange to abut a region on the bottom face of the plate member (105; 106) being adjacent the hole (153), and exhibiting the nut unit threads, and

- a second nut unit member (152’’) configured to be entered into the hole from a top face side of the plate member (105; 106), the second nut unit member (152’’) having a radially extending flange to abut a region on the top face of the plate member being adjacent the hole, and exhibiting cylindrical portion to engage an outside region of the first nut unit member (152’) being closest to the top face of the plate member.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the elongate, length adjustable leg comprises an elongate bolt unit (154) exihibting a hollow cylindrical interior (155), the bolt unit (154) having at its upper end region (154’) a threaded exterior (158) along a fraction of its longitudinal length to engage the threads of the nut unit (152), and at another end a nut device (157), a guide piston (158) slidably movable along the interior cylindrical face of the elongate bolt (154), a threaded rotary rod (159) to threadably engage the nut device (157), the rod (159) having at one end a head (160) located inside the cylindrical interior (155) of the bolt (154) and cooperating with the guide piston (158), the rod head (160) configured with tool engagement means to thereby enable rotation of the rod (159) to adjust the length of the leg by adjusting a length distance (D) of the rod (159) between the nut device (157) and the abutment shoe (161).

13. The system of any one of claims 10 - 12, wherein the length adjustable leg, when the platform structure (104) with the first and second plate members (105; 106) has been pulled out from underneath the vehicle and the plate members (105; 106) have been deployed, is insertable from a top face side or bottom face side of the plate members (105; 106) and through rotation of the bolt unit (154) threadably engage and positionally releasably fix it to the nut unit (152), the leg thereby extending from the nut unit (152) in downward direction from the bottom face side of the respective first and second plate members (105; 106).

14. The system of any one of claims 10 - 13, wherein either a flange-shaped bolt unit head (164,164’) is located at an upper free end (154’’) of the bolt unit (154) above the threaded exterior (156) of the bolt unit (154) along a fraction of its longitudinal length at an upper region (154’) , or a flange (162) is located on the outside of the bolt unit (154) below and adjacent the treaded exterior (156) of the bolt unit (154), and wherein the bolt unit head (164) or the flange (162) is configured to abut the plate member (105; 106) top or bottom face, respectively, when the threaded exterior (156) fully engages the threads of the nut unit (152).

15. The system of any one of claims 10 – 14, wherein a rotary tool (163) is provided and configured to enter with a part thereof into the hollow cylindrical interior (155) of the bolt unit (154) to engage with a tool head (163’) the tool engagement means on the rod head (160), to thereby enable rotation of the rod (159) to adjust the length of the leg by adjusting a length distance (D) of the rod (159) between the nut device (157) and the abutment shoe (161).

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the support device comprises a base member (165), a plate member supporting leg (165’) rotary linked to the base member (165), an adjustable gas-spring member (166) attached at one end to the base member (165) and with a movable part (166’) thereof rotary linked to a stay member (167) at one end thereof, and the stay member (167) at its other end rotary linked to a mid-portion of the supporting leg (165’).

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the support device comprises a base member (168), a plate member supporting leg (169) rotary and slidably linked to the base member (168), an upper end of the leg (169) configured to selectively engage valleys of a rack (170) at a top region of the base member (168), and a stay member (171) rotary and slidably linked to the base member (168) and at its other end rotary and spring-loaded linked to a mid-portion of the supporting leg (169).

18. The system of any one of claims 1 – 8, wherein the plate structure (104) is provided with releasable locking device (132) enabling locking against its movement relative to the vehicle (101).

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the locking device comprises a controlable spring-loaded plug (135) selectively engageable with a gear or disc (134) having a plurality of plug receiving recesses, and wherein the gear or disc (134) is rigidly attached to the rotary shaft (128).

20. The system of any one of claims 1 – 8, wherein the guide rails (112;113) have releasable stop means (145; 146) to limit maximum withdrawal of the plate structure (104) from underneath the vehicle (101).

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the stop means (145; 146) is retractable to allow the plate member structure (104) to be fully removed away from the vehicle (101).

PATENTKRAV

1. Et plattform-system som er festbart til et kjøretøy (101) og med en plattform-platekonstruksjon (104) som er frem-og-tilbake bevegelig på tvers eller i retning av en langsgående akse av kjøretøyet (101), idet systemet omfatter:

- ett eller flere plateelementer (105; 106) i plattform-platekonstruksjonen (104),

- et par styreskinner (112; 113) som strekker seg parallelt med langsgående sidekanter (104’; 104’’) av platekonstruksjonen (104), der styreskinnene (112; 113) oppviser braketter (112’; 113’) for fastgjøring til kjøretøyet (101),

- minst ett første par av styrerulleenheter (114; 115), der hver rulle i det første paret av rulleenheter er roterbart forbundet til en respektiv av de langsgående sidekantene av et første plateelement (105) i platekonstruksjonen (104) ved et sted foran en bakre del (104’’’) av platekonstruksjonen (104) og bevegelig ved rotasjon langs en første bane (116; 117) på den respektive styreskinnen (112; 113), - et andre par av styreruller (118; 119), der hver rulle er roterbart forbundet til det første plateelementet (105) i platekonstruksjonen (104) ved et bakparti-sted derav og bevegelig ved rotasjon langs en andre bane (120; 121) på den respektive styreskinnen (112; 113),

- en tannet stang eller rem (122; 123) som strekker seg langs en tredje bane (124; 125) på hver styreskinne (112; 113),

- et tannhjulpar (126; 127), der hvert tannhjul er roterbart forbundet til det første plateelementet (105) i platekonstruksjonen (104) ved et bakparti-sted derav og bevegelig ved rotasjon langs den tredje banen (124; 125) på den respektive styreskinnen (112; 113) i inngrep med tenner (122’; 123’) på nevnte stang eller rem (122; 123), og

- en dreieaksel (128), der det andre paret av styreruller (118; 119) er roterbart festet til dreieakselen (128) og tannhjulparet (126; 127) er fast festet til dreieakselen (128), og der akselen (128) er roterbart festet til et bakre parti av platekonstruksjonen (104) på det første platelementet (105).

2. Systemet ifølge krav 1, der hver styrerulleenhet (114; 115) av det første paret omfatter minst to ruller (130; 131).

3. Systemet ifølge krav 1, der hver av styrerullene (118; 119) i det andre paret er lenger vekk fra en respektiv langsgående sidekant (104’; 104’’) av platekonstruksjonen (104) enn det hosliggende tannhjulet (126; 127).

4. Systemet ifølge krav 1 eller 3, der hver av styrerulllene (118; 119) i det andre paret har en diameter som er mindre enn den for the hosliggende tannhjulet (126; 127).

5. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 - 4, der den første banen (116; 117) er vertikalt under den tredje banen (124; 125).

6. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 - 4, der den første banen er den samme som den andre banen.

7. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 – 6, der tennene (122’; 123’) på stangen eller remmen hver har sin respektive topp rettet nedad.

8. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 – 7, der platekonstruksjonen (104) består av det første plateelementet (105) til hvilket tannhjulene (126; 127) og rullene (114; 115 og 118; 119) i de første og andre par er roterbart forbundet , og et andre plateelement (106) plassert over det første plateelementet (105) og som er vippbart hengslet (129) ved en langsgående kant eller tversgående fremre kant av det første plateelementet (105) når platekonstruksjonen (104) er blitt beveget til en fremre posisjon utenfor kjøretøyet.

9. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 – 8, der minst et første sett av justerbare platestøtteanordninger er forsynt med ben som er justerbare til å strekke seg fra det første plateelementet (105) ned til et lavere, understøttende sted, og der minst et andre sett av justerbare platestøtteanordninger er forsynt med ben som er justerbare til å strekke seg fra det andre plateelementet (106) ned til et lavere, understøttende sted når det andre plateelementet er i en sideveis eller fremover vippet stilling.

10. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 – 9, der de første og andre platelementene (105; 106) er utformet til å danne inngrep med én eller flere justerbare platestøtteanordninger, and der platestøtteanordningen omfatter:

- en mutterenhet (152; 152’, 152’’) som er utformet til å bli sikkert montert i et hull (153) i plateelementet (105; 106), og

- et langstrakt, lengdejusterbart ben (154, 159) som har ved ett endeområde (156) utvendige gjenger til å danne inngrep med gjenger på mutterenheten, og som ved den andre enden har en anleggssko (161).

11. Systemet ifølge krav 10, der mutterenheten (152) omfatter:

- et første mutterenhetelement (152’) som er utformet til å bli ført inn i hullet (153) fra en underflateside av platelementet (105; 106), idet det første mutterenhetelementet (152’) har en radielt forløpende flens til å støte an mot et område på undersiden av plateelementet (105; 106) som er hosliggende hullet (153), og som oppviser mutterenhetens gjenger, og

- et andre mutterenhetelement (152’’) som er utformete til å bli ført inn i hullet fra en toppflateside av plateelementet (105; 106), idet det andre mutterenhetelementet (152’’) har en radielt forløpende flens til å støte an mot et område på toppflaten av plateelementet som er hosliggende hullet, og som oppviser sylindrisk parti til å danne inngrep med et utsideområde av det første mutterenhetelementet (152’) som er nærmest toppflaten av plateelementet.

12. Systemet ifølge krav 10 eller 11, der det langstrakte, lengdejusterbare benet omfatter en langstrakt boltenhet (154) som oppviser et hult, sylindrisk indre (155), der boltenheten (154) har ved sitt øvre endeområde (154’) et gjenget ytre (158) langs en andel av dens langsgående lengde for å danne inngrep med gjengene på mutterenheten (152), og ved en annen ende en mutteranordning (157), et styrestempel (158) som er glidbart bevegelig langs den innvendige sylindriske flaten av den langstrakte bolten (154), en gjenget, roterbar stang (159) til å danne gjengemessig inngrep med mutteranordningen (157), der stangen (159) har ved én ende et hode (160) plassert inne i det sylindrinske indre (155) av bolten (154) og samvirker med styrestempelet (158), der stanghodet (160) er utformet med verktøy-inngrepsmiddel for derved å muliggjøre rotering av stangen (159) for å justere benets lengde ved å justere en lengdedistanse (D) av stangen (159) mellom mutteranordningen (157) og anleggsskoen (161).

13. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 10 - 12, der det lengdejusterbare benet, når plattformkonstruksjonen (104) med de første og andre plateelementene (105; 106) er blitt trukket ut fra kjøretøyets underside og plateelementene (105; 106) er blitt bragt i stilling, er innførbart fra en toppflateside eller underflateside av plateelementene (105; 106) og ved rotasjon av boltenheten (154) gjengemessig danner inngrep og stillingsmessig løsgjørbart fikserer den til mutterenheten (152), der benet derved strekker seg fra mutterenheten (152) i nedadretning fra underflatesiden av de respektive første og andre plateelementene (105; 106).

14. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 10 - 13, der enten et flens-formet boltenhet-hode (164,164’) er plassert ved en øvre fri ende (154’’) av boltenheten (154) ovenfor det gjengede ytre (156) av boltenheten (154) langs en andel av dens langsgående lengde ved et øvre område (154’) , eller en flens (162) er plassert på utsiden av boltenheten (154) nedenfor og hosliggende det gjengede ytre (156) av boltenheten (154), og der boltenhetens hode (164) eller flensen (162) er utformet til å ligge an mot henholdsvis plateelementets (105; 106) toppflate eller underflate, når det gjengede ytre (156) fullstendig danner inngrep med gjengene på mutterenheten (152).

15. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 10 – 14, der et roterbart verktøy (163) er tilveiebragt og utformet til med en del derav å gå inn i det hule sylindriske indre (155) av boltenheten (154) for med et verktøyhode (163’) å danne inngrep med verktøyinngrepsmidlet på stangens hode (160), for derved å muliggjøre rotasjon av stangen (159) for å justere benets lengde ved å justere en lengdedistanse (D) av stangen (159) mellom mutteranordningen (157) og anleggsskoen (161).

16. Systemet ifølge krav 9, der støtteanordningen omfatter et basiselement (165), et plateelemet understøttende ben (165’) som er dreibart forbundet med basiselementet (165), et justerbart gassfjærelement (166) festet ved én ende til basiselementet (165) og med en bevegelig del (166’) derav dreibart forbundet til et avstiverelement (167) ved én ende derav, og der avstiverelementet (167) ved sin andre ende er dreibart forbundet til et midtparti av det understøttende benet (165’).

17. Systemet ifølge krav 9, der støtteanordningen omfatter et basiselement (168), et plateelement understøttende ben (169) som er dreibart og glidbart forbundet med basiselementet (168), en øvre ende av benet (169) utformet til selektivt å danne inngrep med daler på en tannstang (170) ved et øvre område av basiselementet (168), og et avstiverelement (171) som er dreibart og glidbart forbundet til basiselementet (168) og ved sin andre ende dreibart og fjærbelastet forbundet med et midtparti av det understøttende benet (169).

18. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 – 8, der platekonstruksjonen (104) er utstyrt med løsgjørbar låseanordning (132) som muligggjør låsing mot dens bevegelse i forhold til kjøretøyet (101).

19. Systemet ifølge krav 18, der låseanordningen omfatter en styrbar, fjærbelastet tapp (135) som selektivt kan tre i inngrep med et tannhjul eller en skive (134) som har et flertall av tappmottagende fordypninger, og der tannhjulet eller skiven (134) er fast festet til dreieakselen (128).

20. Systemet ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 – 8, der styreskinnene (112; 113) har løsgjørbart stopp-middel (145; 146) for å begrense maksimum uttrekning at platekonstruksjonen (104) fra undersiden av kjøretøyet (101).

21. Systemet ifølge krav 20, der stopp-midlet (145; 146) er tilbaketrekkbart for å tillate plateelementkonstruksjonen (104) å bli fullstendig fjernet vekk fra kjøretøyet (101).

Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

B60P 3/32

B60P 3/34

B60P 3/36

B62D 63/06

CPC classes

B60P 3/32

B60P 3/34

B60P 3/36

B62D 63/061

Citations

US 5193878 A (A)

US 6869092 B1 (B1)

US 6502893 B1 (B1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

TAHTEC AS

Postboks 131

4900 TVEDESTRAND

NO (TVEDESTRAND Municipality, Agder county)

Org. number: 828853902

Inventors

TOR ARNE WATNAN HAUGE

POSTBOKS 131

4902 TVEDESTRAND

NO (TVEDESTRAND Municipality, Agder county)

Agent

BRYN AARFLOT AS

Stortingsgata 8

0161 OSLO

NO (OSLO Municipality, Oslo county)

Org. number: 979993269

Reference: 143272NO-AT/LN

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

No oppositions or appeals

Administrative limitation

No administrative limitation

Liens and licences

No liens or licenses registered

Gazette entries

No Gazette entries found

Only events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.

A PLATFORM SYSTEM ATTACHABLE TO A VEHICLE