Mounting type lifting device for truck compartment

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "Truck Cargo Mounted Lift Device". A crane assembly for a vehicle cargo bed may include a base portion operably coupled to a sub-frame of the vehicle in the vehicle cargo bed; a first pivot arm operably coupled to the base portion near a first end of the first pivot arm to pivot relative to the base portion between a deployed state and a stored state; a second pivot arm operably coupled to a second end of the first pivot arm to pivot relative to the second end of the first pivot arm when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state; and a carriage assembly operably coupling the first pivot arm to the base portion and enabling the first pivot arm to move relative to the base portion along a longitudinal axis of the base portion when the first pivot arm is in the deployed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments relate generally to vehicle accessories and, more particularly, to a lift mounted in a truck bed. Background Art

[0002] Pickup trucks, often considered light-duty trucks, are some of the most popular vehicles on the road. These trucks, and their related medium- and heavy-duty trucks, are popular, at least in part, because their typically open cargo beds offer operators considerable flexibility in terms of payload capacity. That said, the addition of accessories, either as dealer options or aftermarket add-ons, provides operators with even greater flexibility to customize or expand their vehicles' capabilities, further fueling their popularity.

[0003] One such attachment may be a truck bed hoist. Because the hoist must occupy space within the truck bed, it can be difficult to achieve a balance between size and capability. Example embodiments are directed to providing a high-performance truck bed hoist that still minimizes its footprint within the truck bed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an example embodiment, a crane assembly for a vehicle bed may be provided. The crane assembly may include: a base portion operably coupled to a subframe of the vehicle in the vehicle bed; a first pivot arm operably coupled to the base portion near a first end of the first pivot arm for pivoting relative to the base portion between a deployed state and a stored state; a second pivot arm operably coupled to a second end of the first pivot arm for pivoting relative to the second end of the first pivot arm when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state; and a carriage assembly operably coupling the first pivot arm to the base portion and enabling the first pivot arm to move relative to the base portion along a longitudinal axis of the base portion when the first pivot arm is in the deployed state.

[0005] In another example embodiment, a crane assembly for a vehicle bed may be provided, the crane assembly including a base portion operably coupled to a subframe of the vehicle in the vehicle bed. The crane assembly may also include a first pivot arm operably coupled to the base portion near a first end of the first pivot arm for pivoting relative to the base portion between a deployed state and a stored state; and a second pivot arm operably coupled to a second end of the first pivot arm for pivoting relative to the second end of the first pivot arm when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state. The first pivot arm may extend along a deployed axis substantially perpendicular to the base portion in the deployed state and fold substantially parallel to the base portion in the stored state. The first pivot arm may also be movable in a direction perpendicular to the deployed axis and rotatable about the deployed axis in the deployed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle bed with a crane assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a crane assembly in isolation according to an example embodiment;

[0009] Figure 3 An exploded view of an assembly showing a crane assembly according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 4A shows a side view of a winch assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0011] Figure 4B shows a schematic diagram according to an example embodiment Figure 4A A perspective view of a winch assembly;

[0012] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a tower casing according to an example embodiment;

[0013] Figure 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of a tower housing according to an example embodiment;

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates deployment of a first pivot arm as it transitions toward a deployed state of a crane assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0015] Figure 7illustrates a cross-sectional view of the crane assembly after deployment of a first pivot arm as it transitions toward a deployed state of the crane assembly, according to an example embodiment;

[0016] Figure 8 shows locking of the first pivot arm upright as it transitions toward a deployed condition of the crane assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0017] Figure 9A illustrates deployment of a second pivot arm as it transitions toward a deployed state of the crane assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0018] Figure 9B shows the second pivot arm fully deployed as it transitions toward the deployed state of the crane assembly in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0019] Figure 10 A perspective view of a crane assembly is shown in a deployed state according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Some example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will meet applicable requirements. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In addition, as used herein, the term "or" will be interpreted as a logical operator that is true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, an operable connection should be understood to involve a direct or indirect connection, in which case the connection realizes the functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0021] Some example embodiments described herein can provide a truck bed crane that is sized to occupy a relatively small area within a truck bed, yet still provide enhanced capabilities due, at least in part, to its rigid mounting to the vehicle's chassis (e.g., frame or subframe) rather than simply to the bed of the bed. While maintaining a sturdy foundation due to its rigid mounting to the chassis, the truck bed crane can be folded to a relatively small storage position and extended to a deployed position that allows both extension and rotation, giving the truck bed crane a wide reach and capability for moving objects from outside an extended tailgate into and within the truck bed.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of the crane assembly 100 is shown in a stored configuration within a vehicle bed 110. The vehicle bed 110 may be comprised of a floor 112, three side walls 114 ( Figure 1The rear tailgate 116 is defined by a rear tailgate 116 (only two of which are shown to enhance visibility of the crane assembly). The rear tailgate 116 may be extended, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 1 and is parallel to the floor 112 when extended. However, when the tailgate 116 is closed, the tailgate 116 substantially forms a fourth side wall surrounding the vehicle bed 110.

[0023] The vehicle may include a chassis formed from an assembly of frame members or subframe members. However, in some cases, the chassis may include a cast frame. Figure 1 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the chassis may include a first subframe member 120 and a second subframe member 122, which may extend substantially longitudinally along the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively. Unlike conventional truck bed cranes that may be mounted to the bedplate 112 (if installed), the example embodiment may mount the crane assembly 100 to one of the first subframe member 120 or the second subframe member 122 through a bedplate opening 118 formed in and extending through the bedplate 112 to provide access for fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) to attach the crane assembly 100 directly or indirectly to the first subframe member 120 or the second subframe member 122. When the connection is direct, the threaded fasteners may pass through a portion of the crane assembly 100 and through the bedplate opening 118 to be screwed into receptacles formed at the first subframe member 120 or the second subframe member 122. When the connection is indirect, a bracket may be attached to each instance of the first subframe member 120 and the second subframe member 122 proximate the floor opening 118 , and a threaded fastener may be passed through the portion of the crane assembly 100 and through the floor opening 118 to thread into the bracket attached to the first subframe member 120 or the second subframe member 122 .

[0024] It is noteworthy that the first and second sub-frame members 120, 122 extend along the sides of the vehicle bed 110 (and are therefore parallel to and relatively close to the side walls 114 that are perpendicular to the tailgate 116 (when closed)). Therefore, mounting the crane assembly 100 to the first and second sub-frame members 120, 122 necessarily places the crane assembly 100 on one side or the other of the vehicle bed 110, thereby maximizing the available space next to the crane assembly 100, into which objects to be lifted by the crane assembly 100 can be positioned. Thus, the positioning of the crane assembly 100 is strategic in terms of both space efficiency and robust installation. Furthermore, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the structure and components employed in the crane assembly 100 are further designed to maximize space efficiency by enabling the crane assembly 100 to remain fully assembled, yet be easily repositioned. Figure 1Transitioning between the illustrated stored state and a deployed state in which the crane assembly 100 is used to lift objects maximizes space efficiency and robustness within the unique environment of the vehicle bed 110. Thus, deployment can transition the crane assembly 100 from the stored state, in which the crane assembly 100 is folded to ensure it does not extend above the side walls 114 so that operator visibility remains fully unobstructed, to the deployed state in which the full utility of the crane assembly 100 can be achieved without any disassembly or reassembly.

[0025] Go to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , some of the major subassemblies or components of the crane assembly 100 will be described in more detail. In this regard, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the crane assembly 100 in an assembled condition when in a stored state, and Figure 3 A partially exploded view of various subassemblies or components of the crane assembly 100 is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the crane assembly 100 may include a base portion 200 and a carriage assembly 210 designed to be movable relative to the base portion 200 but otherwise maintained in slidable contact with the base portion 200 via a wheel or roller assembly discussed in more detail below.

[0026] The base portion 200 may include a mounting plate 202 that rests flush against the bottom plate 112. The mounting plate 202 may include mounting holes 204 that may be spaced sufficiently apart to allow alignment with the bottom plate opening 118. A set of retaining grooves 206 may be formed in the mounting plate 202 to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 208 of the base portion 200. The retaining grooves 206 of this example may be formed as C-channels that extend along the entire length of the mounting plate 202 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 208 and are closed at each of their opposing longitudinal ends. Simultaneously, the retaining grooves 206 are open in a direction facing each other, allowing rollers 212 of the carriage assembly 210 to ride within the retaining grooves 206 to reposition the carriage assembly 210 along the longitudinal axis 208. The rollers 212 are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis 208 by a distance shorter than the length of the retaining grooves 206, and the closure of the ends of the retaining grooves 206 accordingly limits the range of motion of the rollers 212.

[0027] The carriage assembly 210 may include a carriage body 214 comprising a plate member defining sides of the carriage assembly 210 to which various other components may be attached. For example, the carriage assembly 210 may be operably coupled to a first pivot arm 220 that pivots relative to the carriage assembly 210 to transition between a stored state and a deployed state. To achieve this pivoting motion, the first pivot arm 220 may be connected to the carriage assembly 210 at a fixed pivot position and a variable support position. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pivot arm 220 may include a tower housing 222, which may house components for connecting to both the fixed pivot position and the variable support position. In this regard, the tower housing 222 may include a set of pivot projections 224 disposed opposite each other at the bottom end of the tower housing 222. The pivot projections 224 can be pivotally connected to opposing sidewalls of the carriage body 214 to define a first pivot axis 226 about which the tower housing 222 pivots to transition between the deployed and stored positions. The variable support position is defined by the sliding assemblies 216 formed on opposing and facing inner sides of the carriage body 214.

[0028] The sliding support 218 is (pivotally) attached to the tower housing 222 at one end and slidably fits into the sliding assembly 216 at the other end. When the crane assembly 100 transitions to the deployed state, the lower tube 219 of the sliding support 218 slides within the sliding assembly 216 toward the pivot protrusion 224. When the crane assembly 100 transitions to the stored state, the lower tube 219 of the sliding support 218 slides away from the pivot protrusion 224 and toward the roller 212. In an exemplary embodiment, one or both opposing ends of the sliding assembly 216 may include a stopper designed to retain the lower tube 219 at either end of the sliding assembly 216. An operator can apply a lifting or lowering force to the first pivot arm 220 to push the lower tube 219 past the stopper at each opposing end of the sliding assembly 216 to transition the crane assembly 100 between the deployed state and the stored state. However, as will be discussed in more detail below, additional retaining means may also be employed to hold the down tube 219 in place in the deployed condition (ie, retaining pins 290).

[0029] The carriage assembly 210 may also include a handle 217 that may be operably coupled to the carriage body 214. The handle 217 may be used to push the carriage assembly 210 out over the tailgate 116, or to push the carriage assembly 210 back toward the front of the vehicle to allow transition back to the storage position. The handle 217 may be used to move the carriage assembly 210 when the first pivot arm 220 is folded (e.g., folded to the Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) or when the first pivot arm 220 is extended (e.g., in Figure 6 to Figure 10) sliding carriage assembly 210.

[0030] As described above, the first pivot arm 220 is operably coupled at its first end to the carriage assembly 210 via the tower housing 222. When the first pivot arm 220 is in a vertical or upright orientation, the tower housing 222 can be considered the lower tower assembly due to its location closest to the carriage assembly 210. The second end of the first pivot arm 220 is operably coupled to the second pivot arm 230 at the upper tower assembly 240, so named because it is located farther from the carriage assembly 210 and above the lower tower assembly when the first pivot arm 220 is in a vertical or upright orientation. The upper tower assembly 240 can include a first plate assembly 242 that provides a pivotal connection to the proximal end of the second pivot arm 230. The first plate assembly 242 can include a set of plates or brackets attached to opposite sides of the shaft portion 244 of the first pivot arm 220 to allow for connection to other components. A pin, shaft, or other cylindrical member may pass through the first plate assembly 242 and the proximal end of the second pivot arm 230 to allow the second pivot arm 230 to pivot thereabout when transitioning between the deployed and stored positions.

[0031] The second pivot arm 230 may also include a second plate assembly 246 that provides a pivotal connection to the first linkage arm 248 at a distal end of the second pivot arm 230. In this regard, the second plate assembly 246 may include a set of plates or brackets attached to opposing sides of the second pivot arm 230 to allow a pin, shaft, or other cylindrical member to pass through the second plate assembly 246 and the first linkage arm 248, thereby enabling the first linkage arm 248 to pivot about the pin, shaft, or other cylindrical member when transitioning between the deployed and stored positions.

[0032] The third plate assembly 250 may be provided near the tower housing 222 at the first pivot arm 220 to maintain a pivotal connection with the second link arm 252 at the tower housing 222. The first link arm 248 and the second link arm 252 may be pivotally attached to each other at their ends opposite the second pivot arm 230 and the first pivot arm 220, respectively, to allow the first link arm 248 and the second link arm 252 to be folded relative to each other (and to be in a Figure 2 and Figure 3 20 and the second pivot arm 230 are both in the stored position shown. However, the first and second linkage arms 248 and 252 can be extended to align with each other between the second plate assembly 246 and the third plate assembly 250 to maintain the second pivot arm 230 in the deployed state. When the first linkage arm 248 is extended relative to the second linkage arm 252, a latch assembly 251 can be employed to secure both the first and second linkage arms 248 and 252 to ensure they remain in that position even in the presence of a load carried by the crane assembly 100.

[0033] The upper tower assembly 240 can include a winch assembly 260 that can be attached to one plate of the first plate assembly 242. The winch assembly 260 can be operated to move a lifting member 262 (e.g., a strap, rope, chain, or other flexible, elongated member) to alternately lift or lower an object attached to the lifting member 262. In some cases, the distal end of the lifting member 262 can include a hook 270 or other attachment device that can engage an object to be lifted using the crane assembly 100. In some cases and if desired, the hook 270 can also serve as a latch or lock to the tower housing 222. In this regard, for example, the hook 270 can be attached to a portion of the tower housing 222 to lock the second pivot arm 230 to the first pivot arm 220 (e.g., as Figure 6 until the desired expansion is achieved.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the winch assembly 260 may include a gear assembly including a drive gear 300 and a driven gear 310 operably coupled to an output shaft 320 that, when rotated, winds or unwinds the lifting member 262 onto or from a reel or drum assembly. The drive gear 300 is mounted on a drive shaft 330, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The drive shaft 330 of this example is double-ended in that the drive shaft 330 may include a first end 340 and a second end 350, each of which includes a hexagonal interface that can be driven via a hand crank or a power tool. The drive shaft 330 can extend substantially parallel to the floor 112 of the vehicle cargo bed 110 in the deployed state, but can extend perpendicular to the floor 112 in the stored state (e.g., Figure 1 ). Notably, including a dual-ended drive shaft 330 can allow for convenient operation of the drive shaft 330 regardless of the orientation of the second pivot arm 230. In this regard, because the second pivot arm 230 can rotate 360 ​​degrees, the positioning of the drive shaft 330 relative to the operator can be different in different scenarios and can be changed during a given heavy-lift operation, making it convenient to switch between applying a rotational force to the drive shaft 330 via the first end 340 or the second end 350.

[0035] To enable rotation of the second pivot arm 230 , the first pivot arm 220 utilizes a tower housing 222 to accommodate a first bearing assembly 400 and a second bearing assembly 410 that allow the shaft portion 244 to rotate 360 ​​degrees within the tower housing 222 . Figure 5A and Figure 5BA perspective view of tower housing 222 and a cross-sectional view through tower housing 222 are shown, respectively. Meanwhile, shaft portion 244 may be retained in tower housing 222 by slotted nut 420 and cotter pin 430 , which are separated from second bearing assembly 410 by spacer tube 440 .

[0036] Now refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 6 to 10 The operation of the crane assembly 100 from the stored state to the deployed state is discussed. Figure 2 As shown, a retaining pin 290 (which may also be referred to as a locking pin) can be used to secure the first pivot arm 220 to the carriage assembly 210. More specifically, in this example, the retaining pin 290 can attach the carriage body 214 to the first plate assembly 242. By removing the retaining pin 290, the first pivot arm 220 can be moved from a position where the first pivot arm 220 is substantially parallel to the base plate 112 (e.g., Figure 1 The storage state is changed to Figure 6 The upright position is shown. This upright position extends the first pivot arm 220 along the deployment axis 500 substantially perpendicular to the base portion 200. The transition can be in response to the operator rotating the first pivot arm 220 about the pivot axis 226 of the tower housing 222. Figure 6 This occurs by pivoting in the direction indicated by arrow 510 .

[0037] Now also refer to Figure 7 , the sliding support 21 8 moves in the direction of arrow 520 through the sliding assembly 21 6 to reach Figure 7 At this stage, the second pivot arm 230 can remain parallel to the first pivot arm 220 (and the deployment axis 500) and substantially perpendicular to the base portion 200 and the bottom plate 112. Thereafter, the locking aperture 530 formed in the carriage body 214 can be aligned with the central opening in the lower tube 219 of the sliding support 218, and the same pin (i.e., the locking pin 290) that locks the first pivot arm 220 in the stored state can be used to lock the first pivot arm 220 in the deployed state, as shown. Figure 8 As shown, due to the insertion of the locking pin 290 in the direction of arrow 540.

[0038] Afterwards, if Figure 9A As shown, the first and second linkage arms 248, 252 can be extended away from the second pivot arm 230 and the first pivot arm 220 (and each other), as shown by arrow 550. This pivoting begins to extend the second pivot arm 230 away from the first pivot arm 220, as shown by arrow 560. When the first and second linkage arms 248, 252 are aligned with each other and locked in this alignment, the second pivot arm 230 can be fully extended and ready for operation, as shown in FIG. Figure 9BIf desired (although not required), the carriage assembly 210 may be positioned along Figure 1 0 extends in the direction of arrow 570. Figure 5B The first bearing assembly 400 and the second bearing assembly 410 may then allow the first pivot arm 220 to pivot as shown. Figure 10 The crane assembly 100 can be stowed 360 degrees about the deployment axis 500 in the direction of arrow 580 as shown. However, it should be noted that overweight operation can be performed with the carriage assembly 210 slid out over the tailgate 116, or without the carriage assembly 210 sliding at all. Furthermore, the crane assembly 100 can also be operated with the tailgate 116 closed. Stowage of the crane assembly 100 can be performed via the inverse of the operations outlined above. In some embodiments, the interface between the tower housing 222 and the lower portion of the first pivot arm 220 can employ one or more instances of a stop 581 or other rotation inhibitor that can hold or assist in holding the first pivot arm 220 in a given position relative to rotation about the deployment axis 500.

[0039] According to example embodiments, a crane assembly for a vehicle bed may be provided. The crane assembly may include: a base portion operably coupled to a subframe of the vehicle in the vehicle bed; a first pivot arm operably coupled to the base portion near a first end of the first pivot arm for pivoting relative to the base portion between a deployed state and a stored state; a second pivot arm operably coupled to a second end of the first pivot arm for pivoting relative to the second end of the first pivot arm when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state; and a carriage assembly operably coupling the first pivot arm to the base portion and enabling the first pivot arm to move relative to the base portion along a longitudinal axis of the base portion when the first pivot arm is in the deployed state.

[0040] Some embodiments of the crane assembly (or a vehicle incorporating the same) may include additional features, modifications, extensions, etc. to further achieve a further objective or enhance the performance of the device. The additional features, modifications, extensions, etc. may be added in any combination thereof. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and extensions that may be added individually or in any combination thereof. For example, the carriage assembly may be completely within the vehicle cargo bed in the stored state and may enable the first pivot arm to slide over a portion of the extended tailgate in the deployed state. In an example embodiment, the first pivot arm may be substantially perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle cargo bed in the deployed state and substantially parallel to the floor in the stored state. In some cases, the base portion may be attached to the subframe via threaded fasteners extending through the floor of the vehicle cargo bed. In an example embodiment, the first pivot arm may include a lower tower assembly disposed at a first end of the first pivot arm. The lower tower assembly may include a tower housing including a pivot projection that pivotally and operably couples the first pivot arm to the carriage assembly at a bottom end of the tower housing, and a pivot bracket that operably couples a top end of the tower housing to a sliding support. The sliding support can slide within a sliding assembly formed in the carriage assembly when transitioning between the deployed and stored positions. In some cases, the tower housing may further include a bearing assembly that enables the tower axis of the first pivot arm to rotate 360 ​​degrees within the tower housing when the first pivot arm is in the deployed position. In an example embodiment, the first pivot arm may include an upper tower assembly disposed at a second end of the first pivot arm. The upper tower assembly may include a first plate assembly pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the second pivot arm, and a second plate assembly pivotally coupled to a first link arm at a distal end of the second pivot arm. The third plate assembly can maintain a pivotal connection with the second linkage arm at the tower housing, and the first and second linkage arms can extend in alignment with each other between the second and third plate assemblies to maintain the second pivot arm in the deployed state. In some cases, the upper tower assembly can operably couple a winch assembly to a crane assembly to operate a lifting member to alternately lift or lower an object attached to the lifting member. In an example embodiment, the winch assembly can include a gear assembly operably coupled to a drive shaft, and the drive shaft can include a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends including a hexagonal interface drivable via a hand crank or a power tool. In some cases, the drive shaft can extend substantially parallel to the floor of the vehicle's cargo bed in the deployed state. In an example embodiment, a locking pin locks the upper tower assembly to the base portion in the stored state, and in the deployed state, the locking pin locks the sliding support in a selected position of the sliding assembly.In some cases, the first pivot arm can be locked in both the deployed and stored positions by the same locking pin positioned at two different locking positions. In an example embodiment, the first pivot arm can extend above the sidewall of the vehicle cargo bed in the deployed position, and the entire second pivot arm can be above the sidewall in the deployed position. In this context, in the stored position, neither the first pivot arm nor the second pivot arm can extend above the sidewall. In some cases, during vehicle operation in the stored position, the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm remain operably coupled to each other, and the first pivot arm remains operably coupled to the base portion via the carriage assembly. In an example embodiment, the first pivot arm can extend along a deployment axis substantially perpendicular to the base portion in the deployed position and fold substantially parallel to the base portion in the stored position, and the first pivot arm can be both movable in a direction perpendicular to the deployment axis and rotatable about the deployment axis in the deployed position. In some cases, the base portion can include a pair of retaining grooves, and the carriage assembly can include a set of rollers that ride within the retaining grooves to carry the first pivot arm along the base portion in the deployed position.

[0041] Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings will recognize numerous modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may apply to some exemplary embodiments, but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or the embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0042] According to the present invention, a crane assembly for a vehicle cargo bed is provided, which comprises: a base portion, which is operably connected to the subframe of the vehicle in the vehicle cargo bed; a first pivot arm, which is operably connected to the base portion near the first end of the first pivot arm to pivot relative to the base portion between a deployed state and a stored state; a second pivot arm, which is operably connected to the second end of the first pivot arm to pivot relative to the second end of the first pivot arm when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state; and a slide assembly, which operably connects the first pivot arm to the base portion and enables the first pivot arm to move relative to the base portion along the longitudinal axis of the base portion when the first pivot arm is in the deployed state.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the carriage assembly is completely within the vehicle bed in the stored state and enables the first pivot arm to slide over a portion of the extended tailgate in the deployed state.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the first pivot arm is substantially perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle cargo bed in the deployed state and is substantially parallel to the floor in the stored state.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the base portion is attached to the subframe via threaded fasteners extending through the floor of the vehicle bed.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the first pivot arm includes a lower tower assembly arranged at the first end of the first pivot arm, the lower tower assembly includes a tower shell, the tower shell includes a pivot protrusion, the pivot protrusion pivotally and operably connects the first pivot arm to the slide assembly at the bottom end of the tower shell, and wherein the tower shell includes a pivot bracket, the pivot bracket operably connects the top end of the tower shell to a sliding support, and when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state, the sliding support slides within a sliding assembly formed in the slide assembly.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the tower housing further comprises a bearing assembly, which enables the tower axis of the first pivot arm to rotate 360 ​​degrees within the tower housing when the first pivot arm is in the deployed state.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the first pivot arm includes an upper tower assembly arranged at the second end of the first pivot arm, the upper tower assembly includes a first plate assembly, the first plate assembly maintains a pivotal connection with the proximal end of the second pivot arm, and the second plate assembly maintains a pivotal connection with the first link arm at the distal end of the second pivot arm, wherein the third plate assembly maintains a pivotal connection with the second link arm at the tower shell, and wherein the first link arm and the second link arm extend in alignment with each other between the second plate assembly and the third plate assembly to maintain the second pivot arm in the expanded state.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the upper tower assembly operably couples a winch assembly to the crane assembly to operate a lifting member to alternately lift or lower an object attached to the lifting member.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the winch assembly includes a gear assembly operably coupled to a drive shaft, and wherein the drive shaft includes a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end including a hexagonal interface drivable via a hand crank or a power tool.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the drive shaft extends substantially parallel to the floor of the vehicle cargo bed in the deployed state.

[0052] According to an embodiment, in the stored state, a locking pin locks the upper tower assembly to the base portion, and wherein in the deployed state, the locking pin locks the sliding support at a selected position of the sliding assembly.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the first pivoting arm is locked both in the deployed state and in the stored state by means of a same locking pin arranged in two different locking positions.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the first pivot arm extends above the side wall of the vehicle cargo box in the deployed state, and the entire second pivot arm is above the side wall in the deployed state, and wherein in the stored state, neither the first pivot arm nor the second pivot arm extends above the side wall.

[0055] According to an embodiment, during operation of the vehicle in the storage state, the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm remain operably coupled to each other, and the first pivot arm remains operably coupled to the base portion via the carriage assembly.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the first pivot arm extends along the deployment axis in the deployed state to be substantially perpendicular to the base portion and is folded in the storage state to be substantially parallel to the base portion, and wherein the first pivot arm can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the deployment axis and can be rotated around the deployment axis in the deployed state.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the base portion comprises a pair of retaining grooves, and wherein the carriage assembly comprises a set of rollers riding within the retaining grooves to carry the first pivot arm along the base portion in the deployed state.

[0058] According to the present invention, a crane assembly for a vehicle cargo bed is provided, which comprises: a base portion, which is operably connected to the subframe of the vehicle in the vehicle cargo bed; a first pivot arm, which is operably connected to the base portion near the first end of the first pivot arm to pivot relative to the base portion between a deployed state and a stored state; and a second pivot arm, which is operably connected to the second end of the first pivot arm to pivot relative to the second end of the first pivot arm when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state, wherein the first pivot arm extends along a deployment axis to be substantially perpendicular to the base portion in the deployed state and is folded to be substantially parallel to the base portion in the stored state, and wherein the first pivot arm is movable in a direction perpendicular to the deployment axis and rotatable about the deployment axis in the deployed state.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the invention also features a carriage assembly that operably couples the first pivot arm to the base portion to carry the first pivot arm as it moves relative to the base portion in the direction perpendicular to the deployment axis.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the carriage assembly is completely within the vehicle bed in the stored state and enables the first pivot arm to slide over a portion of the extended tailgate in the deployed state.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the base portion comprises a pair of retaining grooves, and wherein the carriage assembly comprises a set of rollers riding within the retaining grooves to carry the first pivot arm along the base portion in the deployed state.

Claims

1. A crane assembly for a vehicle cargo compartment, the crane assembly comprising: a base portion operably coupled to a subframe of the vehicle in the vehicle bed; a first pivot arm operably coupled to the base portion proximate a first end of the first pivot arm for pivoting relative to the base portion between a deployed position and a stored position; a second pivot arm operably coupled to the second end of the first pivot arm to pivot relative to the second end of the first pivot arm when transitioning between the deployed position and the stored position; as well as A carriage assembly operably couples the first pivot arm to the base portion and enables the first pivot arm to move relative to the base portion along a longitudinal axis of the base portion when the first pivot arm is in the deployed state.

2. The crane assembly of claim 1 , wherein the carriage assembly is completely within the vehicle bed in the stored state and enables the first pivot arm to slide over a portion of an extended tailgate in the deployed state.

3. The crane assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first pivot arm is substantially perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle bed in the deployed state and is substantially parallel to the floor in the stored state.

4. The crane assembly of claim 3, wherein the base portion is attached to the subframe via threaded fasteners extending through the floor of the vehicle bed.

5. The crane assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first pivot arm comprises a lower tower assembly disposed at the first end of the first pivot arm, the lower tower assembly comprising a tower housing, the tower housing comprising a pivot boss that pivotally operably couples the first pivot arm to the carriage assembly at a bottom end of the tower housing, and The tower housing includes a pivot bracket that operably couples a top end of the tower housing to a sliding support that slides within a sliding assembly formed in the carriage assembly when transitioning between the deployed state and the stored state.

6. The crane assembly of claim 5, wherein the tower housing further comprises a bearing assembly, wherein when the first pivot arm is in the deployed state, the bearing assembly enables the tower axis of the first pivot arm to rotate 360 ​​degrees within the tower housing.

7. The crane assembly of claim 5, wherein the first pivot arm includes an upper tower assembly disposed at the second end of the first pivot arm, the upper tower assembly including a first plate assembly pivotally connected to a proximal end of the second pivot arm, and a second plate assembly pivotally connected to the first link arm at a distal end of the second pivot arm. wherein the third plate assembly maintains a pivotal connection with the second link arm at the tower housing, and The first link arm and the second link arm extend in alignment with each other between the second plate assembly and the third plate assembly to maintain the second pivot arm in the deployed state.

8. The crane assembly of claim 7, wherein the upper tower assembly operably couples a winch assembly to the crane assembly to operate a lifting member to alternately lift or lower an object attached to the lifting member.

9. The crane assembly of claim 8, wherein the winch assembly includes a gear assembly operably coupled to a drive shaft, and The drive shaft includes a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end including a hexagonal interface that can be driven via a hand crank or a power tool, and wherein the drive shaft extends substantially parallel to the floor of the vehicle cargo bed in the deployed state.

10. The crane assembly of claim 7, wherein in the stored state, a locking pin locks the upper tower assembly to the base portion, and In the deployed state, the locking pin locks the sliding support at a selected position of the sliding assembly.

11. A crane assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pivot arm is locked in both the deployed and stored conditions by the same locking pin being arranged in two different locking positions.

12. A crane assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pivot arm extends above a side wall of the vehicle bed in the deployed state and the entire second pivot arm is above the side wall in the deployed state, and Wherein in the storage state, neither the first pivot arm nor the second pivot arm extends above the side wall.

13. A crane assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein during operation of the vehicle in the stored condition, the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm remain operably coupled to each other and the first pivot arm remains operably coupled to the base portion via the carriage assembly.

14. A crane assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pivot arm extends along a deployment axis in the deployed state to be substantially perpendicular to the base portion and folds in the stored state to be substantially parallel to the base portion, and The first pivot arm can move in a direction perpendicular to the deployment axis and can rotate around the deployment axis in the deployed state.

15. A crane assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion includes a pair of retaining grooves, and Wherein the carriage assembly includes a set of rollers that ride within the retaining groove to carry the first pivot arm along the base portion in the deployed state.

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