Removable load bed for a vehicle

Abstract

A loading apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus having a first frame, a second frame having a chain mounted thereupon; and a locking system that is mounted on the first frame. The locking system has a drive wheel, a first arm member and a second arm member. The system is configured such that in a generally closed position, the chain engages the drive wheel in a first position, the drive wheel is connected to the arms; the arms are urged into the closed position. In a generally open position, the chain engages the drive wheel in a second position and the arms are urged into the open position by the second frame.

1 . A loading apparatus for mounting a movable frame on a stationary frame, wherein; 
 there is an elevatable support member mounted on the stationary frame, the elevatable support member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the elevatable support being mounted to the stationary frame for pivotal movement with respect to the stationary frame about an elevatable support axis to provide an adjustable angle of the elevatable support; and    a lift action control mechanism mounted on the stationary frame cooperates with the elevatable support member to modulate movement of the elevatable support about the elevatable support axis;    characterized in that: 
 a drive is co-axially arranged with the elevatable support about the elevatable support axis; the drive is adapted for connection with the moveable frame, so that the drive may slidably move the moveable frame onto and off of the elevatable support and the stationary frame, while the lift action control mechanism permits the angle of the elevatable support to adapt about the elevatable support axis so that the elevatable support slidingly engages the movable frame.  
   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein movement of the movable frame powered by the drive adapts the angle of the elevatable support so that the elevatable support slidingly engages the movable frame.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the drive is a sprocket powered by an axle, and the elevatable support is rotatably attached to the axle.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein there is an interconnection between the elevatable support and the moveable frame, during sliding movement of the movable frame, so that the movable frame adapts the angle of the elevatable support through the interconnection.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the drive is a sprocket powered by an axle, and the elevatable support is rotatably attached to the axle.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of any one of claims  1  through  5 , wherein the lift action control mechanism comprises a damping element to controllably resist the movement of the first end portion of the elevatable support member towards a raised position and to control movement of the first end portion of the elevatable support towards a lowered position.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the damping element is powered to control the movement of the first end portion of the elevatable support member towards a raised position and to control movement of the first end portion of the elevatable support towards a lowered position.