As set forth herein in one embodiment referred to as the Original Tail Gator (OTG), a method and apparatus is provided that can be used as a chair, a recliner, a bicycle rack, and/or a ladder for access to a pick-up truck bed using the OTG.
Some embodiments of the OTG provide a means of access and comfort by combining a folding ladder and a folding chair/recliner which can be used on the tailgate of a pick-up truck (see FIG. 2) or for use on the ground (see FIG. 7). An apparatus consisting of but not limited to one or more of the following accessories, which may be added to the OTG:
- Awning (100)
- Lighting, speakers, LED Display, Bug Diversion System (mosquito netting, fan, etc.).
- Heater, massager, body cooler, lumbar support, armrest, headrest.
Currently, nothing is offered for sale on the market which folds up for easy storage that combines the comfort of a chair/recliner, a bicycle rack, and a ladder. There exist several ways of operating the OTG including but not limited to the removal of certain parts and various folding directions, the following descriptions and drawings show some but not all various combinations and of parts and folding directions. The invention is not limited by the examples given in the drawings and description. For example see FIG. 9.
Some embodiments of the OTG focus on the three goals, comfort, a bicycle rack, and access to a truck bed using the OTG. It takes a few minutes to unfold and attach the unit to the tailgate (see FIG. 3) or placed on the ground using 140 & 230 as legs (see FIG. 7). Once the OTG is installed on the tailgate the tailgate can be opened or closed with the OTG still attached, for easy use.
Other features and advantages of some embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiments of the present invention are given by way of illustration only. Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following brief and detailed descriptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS
(The line drawings represent the folding frame work of the OTG made of the listed materials such as steel).
FIG. 1 is the OTG in the Ladder 140 & Handle 110 positions
FIG. 2 is the OTG in the chair/recliner positions on the tailgate of a truck.
FIG. 3 is an example of a possible attachment system 200.
FIG. 4 is a folding side step 150 located at the bottom of the ladder 140.
FIG. 5 is one of the many possible hinge types.
FIG. 6 another hinge type that allows the tail gate to be closed while the OTG is still attached.
FIG. 7 shows the OTG sitting on the ground, using the 140 & 230 in the down position.
FIG. 8 shows how 210 is tethered or leashed 240 to the frame at the back of the seat 120.
FIG. 9 shows tie down ratchet system 250 with a lever 260 and attachment hooks 190.
FIG. 10 Location of the Bicycle Rack Attachment System 140a.
FIG. 11 Bicycle Rack with 2 bicycle rack hooking system 140b and attachment system 140c.
FIG. 1 shows the OTG in the ladder position showing the leg rest 130 folded up & the backrest 110 folded forward towards the ladder so the backrest 110 becomes a handle for the ladder (Dual Purpose). The backrest support 210 for the backrest/handle 110 uses either the angled stops 220 or an adjustable nylon leash 240 (see FIG. 8).
FIG. 2 shows the OTG on a truck's tailgate 160 in the chair/recliner position 150 with the side step in the down position & the awning 100 is attached.
FIG. 3 shows the seat 120, safety straps 200, and tailgate 160. In one embodiment the OTG is installed easily, simply unfold the ladder section, use locking pins, and place the OTG on the tailgate, securing the apparatus with its safety straps with Velcro 200 or with nylon straps and metal hooks (see FIG. 9). The OTG is ready for use as a ladder or chair/recliner.
In another aspect, the system can also include other features and options such as an apparatus for accessing the vehicles electric source, for use with the various electrical accessories mentioned in section 0003.
FIG. 4 shows the hinge 150a between the ladder 140 & the side step 150.
FIG. 5 shows how the hinges work on the front & back of the seat 120. The front hinge attaches to the ladder 140 and/or the leg rest 130 (Note the leg rest 130 is not always necessary because the ladder can also double as the leg rest by raising the ladder in to the leg rest position and inserting the locking pins, see FIG. 9.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the front hinges hanging out over the tailgate with the ladder 140 in the unfolded position resting against attachment hooks 190, the attachment hooks 190 secure the OTG using a tie down 250 and the tightening lever 260.
FIG. 7 shows the OTG in the ground position using the ladder 140 as the front leg and the back leg 230.
FIG. 8 shows the OTG sitting in place on the tailgate of a pick-up truck and how a nylon strap 240 can be used for both the ladder and chair positions.
FIG. 9 shows another possible way of connecting the OTG to the tailgate using the attachment hooks 190 and the tie down straps 250 attached to the tail gate hooking to the water vents on the bottom of all tailgates and then tightened with the lever 260 against the attachment hooks 190 securing the OTG to the tailgate, allowing the operator to open and close the tailgate with the OTG attached for easy access and use.
FIG. 10 shows where the Bicycle Rack attaches to the ladder 140A.
FIG. 11 shows the Bicycle Rack attaches to the ladder 140A.
FIG. 12 shows how the Bicycle Rack can also be used as a second step for the ladder.
FIG. 13 is similar to the Bicycle Rack, but metal slots which hold either 4 snowboards or sets of skis.
INDEX
100 Awning
110 Backrest/handle for ladder
120 Seat/cushion
130 Leg rest
140 Ladder, leg rest, front legs of chair
140
a Bicycle Rack attaches to the ladder
140
b Bicycle Rack
140
c Bicycle Attachment System
140
d Secondary step for ladder
140
e Snowboard/Ski Rack
140
f Snowboard/Ski Rack attachment system
150 A folding step
150
a Hinge for 150
160 Tailgate
190 Backrest stabilizer/hook for attachment
200 Safety strap
210 Backrest support/ladder handle support
220 Position hooks for 210
230 Back legs of chair and support arm for position hooks 220, which catch the backrest support 210
240 Another option for backrest/handle 210 support, a nylon leash or tether for 210
250 Tie down ratchet system
260 Lever for tightening the tie down straps 250
Patent Application
20180043796
