BACKGROUND INFORMATION There are myriad fields of endeavor requiring personnel to access elevated areas located at distances inaccessible from ground level. As the elevation and the complexity of the task to be completed increases, the need for safety and stability at those heights increases proportionately. Many of the fields of endeavor identified below are intrinsically dangerous, while others become so due to the nature of the technology available to negotiate vertical distances to perform requisite tasks.

Following are some of the numerous fields of endeavor which require personnel to operate or negotiate at various elevations: Law enforcement officers and tactical team members in the execution of warrant service and hostage rescue, Military operations in urban terrain, including many of the same types operations performed by law enforcement as identified above Fire and emergency medical rescue, Contractors and construction workers in remodeling and new construction work, i. e., framing, roofing, or siding work, Maintenance workers such as building or sign upkeep, Highway overpass and bridge inspection and maintenance personnel, Aircraft and other conveyance servicing and maintenance personnel,

Television, motion picture, video, and still photography personnel requiring an elevated vantage point to record an event, and Electrical and power company, cable company, and telephone company linemen and installers.

The above fields of endeavor require personnel to at least temporarily perform certain functions while at elevations well above ground level. Prior art affords these personnel access to ladders, scaffolds, or specialty vehicles (i. e., bucket trucks, cherry pickers, or aircraft servicing vehicles) in order to traverse vertical distances, and or conduct varying tasks while there. While each of these means of ascent are quite sufficient in and of themselves, often times they are inadequate in specific circumstances for any number of reasons.

A ladder is often used in many of the fields of endeavor listed above, however, it presents a very unstable and dangerous means of negotiating a task at varying elevations. If the terrain it is situated on is uneven or sloping, the ladder, although firmly resting on the ground, can succumb to the forces of gravity and topple over. Even if properly deployed, a ladder can easily become unstable and cause its'operator (s) to fall unless it is secured in some fashion to create a stable base.

As an example, a team of law enforcement officers attempting to execute a warrant (i. e., the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) raid on the Branch Davidian Compound in Waco, Texas) may need to deploy several operators to the second or third story of a building quickly and safely. In the Waco raid several men carried ladders to the edifice and ascended the ladders to the sloping roof over the first floor. Once on the roof, several of the operators were shot or shot at from occupants within the building, causing the operators to attempt to exit the roof Unfortunately, due to the inherently unstable nature of the ladder, the operators ladders were incapable of conveying the operators back to the ground, causing some of the ladders and their occupants to topple to the ground, stranding other operators on the roof with no means of egress. Existing prior art does not offer many other options in a circumstance such as this, in that a scaffold could not have

been deployed in such a circumstance, and prior to this application, no specialty vehicle would have been suited to fill this need.

In addition, another inherent flaw of a ladder, as relates to many of the endeavors above, most especially military and law enforcement applications, is the ability to convey only one individual at a time to the required elevation. This runs in stark contrast to the military and law enforcement mission requiring the simultaneous deployment of as many individuals as is possible in as short a time period as is feasible, preferably never allowing an individual to be alone for even a short period of time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A main object of the invention is the provision of improved conveyance of personnel to a given location and a precisely positioned elevation relative to a structure, aircraft or edifice, with rapidity, facility, and safety.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide vehicles with a reliable, stable platform for use by personnel at a desired elevation.

It is a further object of the invention to facilitate safe and rapid egress from a vehicle-mounted, adjustable height platform under ordinary and exigent circumstances.

It is another object of the invention to provide a vehicle-mounted, adjustable height platform that is sectional for improved handling and flexibility.

It is another object of the invention to provide a vehicle-mounted, adjustable height platform that can be quickly attached and detached from the vehicle without tools.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide said vehicle-mounted, adjustable height platform in a configuration useful for rescue and assault purposes.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following detailed description which, in connection with the accompanying photographs, discloses one embodiment of the invention for purposes of illustration only and not for definition of the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side angled view of the Triple Hitch Receiver (THP) used with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the THP and Removable Rear Platform of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the configuration of the running boards and rear platform as they would be placed on a vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the running boards retracted into their frame.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the running boards extended from their frame.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal view of the running boards retracted under the vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal view of the running boards fully extended from under the vehicle.

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the Pit-Boss Grill Guard Xoskeleton Support on the vehicle. FIG. 9 is a side view of the HARAS deployed on a typical SUV type vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a left rear view of the HARAS deployed on a typical SUV type vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a straight on rear view of the HARAS deployed on a typical SUV type vehicle.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the HARAS with front extension platform attached and lowered.

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the HARAS with front extension platform attached and raised.

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the HARAS with front extension platform and in full ramp position.

FIG. 15 is a front left side view of the HARAS with front extension platform and in full ramp position and windshield ramp raised.

FIG. 16 is a right side rear view of the HARAS and a version of its stair/rampway.

FIG. 17 is a right side rear view of the HARAS and the attachment of its

stair/rampway.

FIG. 18 is a right rear side view of the HARAS with the stair extension being mounted.

FIG. 19 is a right rear side view of the HARAS with the stair extension fully raised.

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the HARAS with the stair/rampway attached to the windshield frame.

FIG. 21 is a right front side view of the HARAS with stair/rampway attached and fully raised.

FIG. 22 is a right rear side view of the HARAS with stair/rampway and fully raised ramp side up.

FIG. 23 is a right rear side view of the HARAS with stair/rampway and fully raised stair side up.

FIG. 24 is a view of the telescoping leg connection.

FIG. 25 is a view of the telescoping leg connection.

FIG. 26 is a view of the entire Xoskeleton removed from vehicle.

FIG. 27 is a close up view of stair/rampway attachment.

FIG. 28 is a close up view of the vertically mounted hydraulic cylinder.

FIG. 29 is a close up of the windshield frame and hood platform connecting hinge.

FIG. 30 is a close up of the windshield ramp/frame connection to the Xoskeleton.

FIG. 31 is a quarter-view of a three-piece, sectional Xoskeleton.

FIG. 32 is a side-view of a three-piece, sectional Xoskeleton.

FIG. 33 is a side-view of a front section of a three-piece, sectional Xoskeleton.

FIG. 34 is a side-view of a rear section of a three-piece, sectional Xoskeleton.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present Height Adjustable Rescue Assault System invention or HARAS, will enable a group of as many as twelve or more individuals to be transported rapidly and

safely to elevations one to three stories above the ground. It is a height adjustable system that can be mounted on a variety of vehicles at considerably lower expense than the purchase of a dedicated specialty lift vehicle.

The HARAS system is sectional, with the major elements including a central upper portion and front and rear support portions that can be disassembled from each other for shipping, handling and storage. This sectional aspect also allows the system to be adapted to various vehicles by changing one or more of the sections. For example, a system designed for a Chevrolet Suburban can be adapted for use with a similar, but shorter- length, Chevrolet K-Blazer by providing a shorter central portion.

The entire HARAS system, less mounting hardware and front push bars and grill guard, can easily be removed from the vehicle in a matter of minutes without the use of tools, and can be reinstalled just as easily, utilizing quick release clamps and locking safety pins. The system can be adapted and configured for installation on a number of differing vehicles, and consists of extendable and retractable side running boards, a rear platform and rear door ladder, a one-piece exterior frame called an Xoskeleton that supports a roof platform (size dependent upon vehicle type, for a standard Chevrolet Suburban it is approximately 5'wide by 11'long, and 7'x 10'for HUMMVEE), a windshield ramp (size dependent upon vehicle type, for a Chevrolet Suburban it is approximately 4'wide by 4' long, 7'x 7'for a HUMMVEE), a hood platform (size dependent upon vehicle type, for a Chevrolet Suburban approximately 6'wide by 4'long, for a HUMMVEE 7'x 4'), and a variety of fixed length ramp/stairways (these can be of any length up to 16'long and up to 7'wide depending upon the desired application) with adjustable depth stair treads from 4.75" to 11.75" deep.

All horizontal surfaces on the HARAS are extremely high traction aluminum weep decking. The windshield ramp and hood platform are raised by hydraulic cylinders to elevations from 4'to approximately 18'above the ground depending on the system configuration. With windshield ramp and hood platform elevated, individuals can easily access a second story of a structure or aircraft, and due to the approximately 6'width of the

hood platform, as many as three individuals can deploy side by side at the required elevation. In addition, the ramp/stairways can be securely fixed on its'pivoting base to a perimeter rail around the hood and roof platforms, providing safe stable access to elevations of 20', to 25'above the ground. The extendable/retractable running boards can be configured for hydraulic or manual operation. The running boards and rear platform mount to brackets on the vehicle frame and can be easily installed or removed by one person without the use of tools.

Unlike a ladder, the HARAS provides a stable platform regardless of the nature of the terrain upon which it is deployed, since it is attached to, and has as its'base, an inherently stable vehicle. Although similar in working surface area to a scaffold, the HARAS is much more mobile than a conventional scaffold, in that it can be driven to, set up at, and utilized at a variety of locations in a matter of seconds. In law enforcement and military applications, as identified above in the Waco raid, the HARAS would be utilized to rapidly transport operators on the roof platform to the eave of the building, where they could speedily ascend the windshield ramp and hood platform onto the building's roof. As happened in the Waco raid, exigent circumstances often arise where the immediate evacuation of operators is of primary concern. In such a circumstance, the operators could quickly return to the HARAS'ramps or platforms, where they could safely remain during a speedy withdrawal.

The removable/retractable running boards and removable rear platform provide a secure and stable platform for personnel to ride on each side and the rear of the vehicle.

This feature of the invention is of particular value to law enforcement and military operators who would utilize the system in a high-risk arrest or assault operation. By placing the operators on the exterior and at street level they are able to quickly deploy to ground level entries or withdraw without giving up their ability to employ personal weapons during ingress or egress from the site. Likewise cameramen can utilize them to operate their cameras while moving relative to an object, workers can utilize them to carry out maintenance/construction at a height lesser than accessed by the roof or hood platform, and

a wide variety of unnamed uses is possible.

In construction or maintenance applications, the HARAS, which can be installed on an SUV, pickup truck, van, box truck, or similar vehicle, can be driven to the desired location where it could be raised to the required elevation enabling workers to stand on a stable, high traction surface while performing myriad functions (i. e., installing siding or trim on a building, repairing signs, or performing maintenance on a building or aircraft). A highway bridge or overpass inspection or maintenance function could be performed much more simply from the HARAS, than from virtually any other vehicle or structure.

FIG. 1 is a side angled view of the Triple Hitch Receiver (THP) 1 showing its three distinct hitch receivers in the same plane, one in the center and one at each end, directly under the supports which mount to the vehicle frame. FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the THP 1 into which the Removable Rear Platform (RRP) 2 is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the configuration of the running boards and rear platform as they would be placed on a vehicle. THP 1, with RRP 2, mounted in it, Running Board Frame (RBF) 3, Running Board Frame Support Receivers (RBFSR) 4 which can number as many as two or three, Running Board Frame Support Arms (RBFSA) 5, which can number two or three depending upon vehicle used, and the two removable/retractable Running Boards (RB) 6.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the running boards RB 6, retracted into their receivers RBFSR 4, mounted onto the frame RBF 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the running boards RB 6, fully extended from their receivers RBFSR 4, mounted onto the frame RBF 3.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal view of the running boards, RB 6, retracted under the vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal view of the running boards RB 6, fully extended from under the vehicle, and the Frame Support Arms 5.

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the Pit-Boss Grill Guard Xoskeleton Support (Pit- Boss) 7, mounted onto the front of the vehicle, heavy duty tubular steel brush bars 7A, and

ramming/push bar plates 7B are secured to the vehicle with three hardened 5/8"diameter frame mounting bolts on each side of the frame at the vehicle bumper.

FIG. 9 depicts the HARAS deployed on a typical SUV type vehicle, showing the Pit-Boss Grill Guard 7, heavy duty tubular steel brush bars 7A, the Xoskeleton 8, the hood platform 11, the hood platform leg assembly 12, the Windshield Frame 10, the Windshield Ramp (WR) 9 in its stowed travel position on top of the roof platform 8A, during ordinary operation of the vehicle without utility of the HARAS system.

FIG. 10 depicts a left rear view of the HARAS deployed on a typical SUV type vehicle, showing the Xoskeleton 8 back mounting on the removable rear platform 2, and resting on the integrated Xoskeleton Support Crossbar (XSC) 13. Also depicted is the integrated roof platform 8A, perimeter and stair/rampway mounting rail 8B, stair/rampway storage well 8C, rear platform support arms left 2A, and right 2B, removable retractable running board 6, extended by the running board support arms 5, a rear view of the heavy duty tubular steel brush bars 7A, the rear stairway ladder 14, which is comprised of solid aluminum"C"channel stringer with lightening holes, and seven inch deep high traction aluminum weep deck tread and is secured to the Xoskeleton by the hinged rear stairway support bracket 15, which permits the stairway to swung away in order to open the rear cargo doors of the vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a straight on rear view of the HARAS depicting the rear stairway ladder 14, swung open on the hinged rear stairway support bracket 15, the integrated roof platform 8A, perimeter and stair/rampway mounting rail 8B, stair/rampway storage well 8C, the integrated Xoskeleton Support Crossbar (XSC) 13, and the removable rear platform 2.

FIG. 12 depicts a right side view of the HARAS with windshield frame 10, hood platform 11, and mounted extension platform 16.

FIG. 13 depicts stair/rampway (depicted here in 10'configuration) 17 stowed in its stair/rampway storage well 8C (also see FIG. 10), the vertically mounted hydraulic

cylinder 18, mounted to the Xoskeleton 8, and attached to and lifting the windshield frame 10, which simultaneously lifts the hood platform 11, extending the internal telescoping perforated legs 19A and 19B, and external telescoping leg sleeves 12A and 12B, which attach to the front hood platform 11, and lock to support and hold it and the mounted extension platform 16 in position.

FIG. 14 depicts the windshield ramp 9, windshield frame 10, hood platform 11, and mounted extension platform 16 aligned and extended to full ramp position by the vertically mounted hydraulic cylinder 18.

FIG. 15 depicts the HARAS from a front left side view with the windshield ramp 9, disconnected and raised from the windshield frame 10 in a vertical position, with removable perimeter railing 20.

FIG. 16 depicts the stair/rampway 17, and stair/rampway rail attaching mechanism 17A comprised of a standard vehicle door latch, being lifted by one person.

FIG. 17 depicts the stair/rampway 17, and stair/rampway rail attaching mechanism 17A comprised of a standard vehicle door latch, being attached to the hood platform perimeter rail 11A.

FIG. 18 depicts the stair extension 21 being attached to the stair/rampway 17.

FIG. 19 depicts the stair extension 21, and stair/rampway 17 raised to full height FIG. 20 depicts the HARAS configured with a stair/rampway 17, mounted onto the Xoskeleton 8 by means of the stair/rampway rail attaching mechanism 17A, and stair/rampway mounting bracket 22, and connected to the windshield frame 10 so that it is elevated by the right vertically mounted hydraulic cylinder 18B, and capable of being depressed to rest on the hood platform 11.

FIG. 21 depicts the stair/rampway 17, connected to the windshield frame 10 and Xoskeleton 8, and fidly elevated by the vertically mounted hydraulic cylinders 18A and 18B.

FIG. 22 depicts a rear view of the elevated stair/rampway 17 with the ramp side up

and combined with another stair/rampway 17 to provide a broader ramp.

FIG. 23 depicts the stair/rwnpway configuration 17, with the stair side up to provide an easily ascendable broad staircase.

FIG. 24 depicts the auto-locking leg assembly being closed. With die release of the lever 23 the connected wedge 24 releases the auto locking pin 25, which allows the pin to be inserted into one of the perforations of l9A thereby locking the telescoping leg 19A.

FIG. 25 depicts the auto-locking leg assembly being opened. With the pulling of the release lever 23 the connected wedge 24 retracts the auto locking pin 25, from the perforated internal telescoping leg 19A thereby allowing the telescoping leg to slide freely.

FIG. 26 depicts the Xoskeleton 8, removed from the vehicle.

FIG. 27 depicts the stair/rampway 17 attached to the hood perimeter rail 11A, by means of the stair/rampway rail attaching mechanism 17A.

FIG. 28 depicts the vertically mounted hydraulic cylinder 18, mounted to the Xoskeleton 8, and the windshield frame 10.

FIG. 29 depicts a close up of the windshield frame connecting hinge 10B, windshield frame hinge pin lOD, the hood platform 11 hinge platform connecting hinge 11C, Xoskeleton 8, windshield frame hydraulic cylinder mount block lOF connected to hydraulic cylinder 18B by means of the hydraulic cylinder mounting pin 18D.

FIG. 30 depicts a close up of the windshield frame 10, windshield ramp 9, Xoskeleton 8, windshield frame connecting hinge lOG, windshield ramp connecting hinge 9A windshield frame connecting pin 101, Xoskeleton connecting hinge 8D, Xoskeleton connecting pin 8F.

FIGS. 31-34 illustrate a three-piece sectional Xoskeleton 8. As shown in FIGS. 31- 32, Xoskeleton 8 supports windshield frame 10 and hood platform 11, and includes rear portion 81, central portion 82, and front portion 83 joined together at interfaces 84-85 by conventional tool-mounted hardware or quick-release pins, as discussed above.

FIG. 33 shows front portion 83 that attaches to the lower front of the vehicle via

Pit-Boss Grill Guard 7 (not shown) or other similar means. An upper part of front portion 83 includes one half of interface 85, with the other half of interface 85 being at the front end of central portion 82.

Likewise, FIG. 34 shows rear portion 81 that attaches to the lower rear of the vehicle via THP 1/RRP 2 (not shown) or other similar means. An upper part of front portion 81 includes one half of interface 84, with the other half of interface 84 being at the rear end of central portion 82.

In the narrative of the foregoing detailed description, one embodiment of the invention has been described. Many other embodiments are possible. For example, the hood platform could be extended utilizing a hydraulically extendable sub platform providing additional height and reach for the overall system. Scissor jacks, screw jacks, or racks and pinions could replace the hydraulic cylinder assemblies illustrated as the means of raising and lowering the windshield ramp and hood platform. Or, principles of the invention can be adapted to create a lifting capability for the ramp and platform section in order to accommodate the raising and lowering for people, products, and materials along a vertical axis. These and many, many other modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention, for definition of which reference will be made to the appended claims.