Dog step attachment for receiver hitch of pickup truck

摘要

A dog step attachment attaches to a receiver hitch of a pickup truck to provide an intermediate step for assisting a dog in jumping into the bed of the pickup truck. The attachment includes a first frame member received in the receiver hitch, a second frame member pivotally connected to a rearward end of the first frame member, a third frame member connected to the second frame member, and a platform attached to and supported by the third frame member. The second frame member is movable relative to the first frame member between a folded down position for use as a dog step and a folded up position for transport. Springs are used to hold the second frame member in over-center conditions in the folded down and folded up positions. Adjustments are provided for accommodating different heights of receiver hitches and pickup beds.

主权项

1. A dog step attachment for use with a pickup truck, comprising:
a first frame member adapted to be received in a receiver hitch of the pickup truck and extend rearwardly from said receiver hitch; a second frame member having first and second ends, said first end being pivotally connected to a rearward end of said first frame member by a first pivot connection; a third frame member connected to the second end of said second frame member; and a platform attached to and supported by said third frame member for providing an intermediate step for assisting a dog in jumping into a bed of the pickup truck; further comprising a first abutment and first adjustment means for limiting an extent of movement of the second frame member in a first direction about said first pivot connection for adjustably setting an angle at which said second frame member extends relative to said first frame member in a folded down position to accommodate different heights of receiver hitches; further comprising a second abutment and second adjustment means for limiting an extent of movement of the second frame member in a second direction about said first pivot connection for adjustably setting an angle at which said second frame member extends relative to said first frame member in a folded up position; and wherein said third frame member is connected to said second frame member by a means for adjusting an angle at which said third frame member extends relative to said second frame member to allow said platform to be adjusted to a horizontal position when an angle of said second frame member relative to horizontal is changed.