Sport utility tailgate and observation platform

Abstract

A mobile elevated viewing platform is disclosed. The platform may be mounted to the rear of a vehicle, such as on a standard draw bar receiver or hitch. The platform can be mobilized in a short time, and is collapsed into a transport mode for highway travel. The platform is useful for hunting, and sporting event observation, i.e. motor races, parades and the like. An optional accessory unit provides cooking and entertainment in remote location.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A mobile elevated viewing platform apparatus adapted for use with and transport by a standard multi-passenger vehicle, comprising: 
 (a) a base assembly, the base assembly being adapted for reversibly mounting to the exterior of a passenger vehicle;    (b) at least one mast having a lower end and an upper end;    (c) an elevated viewing platform, the elevated viewing platform adapted for supporting at least one seat, the elevated viewing platform being supportable by the upper end of the mast; and    (d) wherein the mast is capable of adopting either a first shortened position for vehicular travel or a second erect position for supporting the elevated viewing platform.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the base assembly further comprises a draw bar adapted for connecting with a trailer hitch on the rear side of the passenger vehicle.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the draw bar comprises a male member adapted for insertion into a female receiver portion of the trailer hitch.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the base assembly further comprises at least one stabilizer bar to the side of the draw bar, the stabilizer bar being adapted for securing the platform to the passenger vehicle.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  in which a first stabilizer bar and a second stabilizer bar are provided, the first stabilizer bar being positioned on the right side of the vehicle midline, and the second stabilizer bar being positioned on the left side of the vehicle midline.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  in which the first and second stabilizer bars engage the trailer hitch, thereby stabilizing the base assembly.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 (e) a stepping device adapted to facilitate entry and exit from the elevated viewing platform.    
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  in which the stepping device comprises a ladder.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the mast further comprises a support arm.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the elevated viewing platform further comprises a safety rail.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the elevated viewing platform further comprises a deck.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  in which the deck further comprises a doorway adapted to facilitate entry and exit from the elevated viewing platform.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  in which the doorway further comprises a door.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  in which the door further comprises a hinged door that is capable of articulating between a closed position in which the door serves as decking, to an open position that facilitates entry to the elevated platform from below.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the base assembly further comprises at least one leveling leg to stabilize the base assembly when the mast is in the erect position.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  in which at least one leveling leg of the base assembly comprises an wheel.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the base assembly of the apparatus further comprises a utility cabinet.  
     
     
         18 . A system for providing a platform mounted upon the trailer hitch of a vehicle, the platform being adapted to facilitate elevated of the area surrounding the vehicle, comprising: 
 (a) a passenger vehicle, the vehicle having a front side and a rear side, the vehicle further comprising a trailer hitch mounted upon its rear side, the trailer hitch further comprising a receiver;    (b) a base assembly, the base assembly further comprising a draw bar adapted for insertion into the receiver of the trailer hitch;    (c) at least one mast-ladder assembly having a lower end and an upper end; and    (d) a platform, the platform being adapted for receiving support from the upper end of the mast-ladder assembly.    
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  in which the vehicle comprises a pickup truck, further wherein the system occupies space that is substantially beyond the rear margin of the pickup bed.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18  in which the platform further comprises a deck, wherein the deck further comprises a doorway that is adapted to facilitate entry and exit from the platform when the platform is elevated.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  in which the doorway further comprises a door.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  in which the door further comprises a hinged door that is capable of articulating between: 
 i) a closed position whereby the door serves as a portion of the platform decking, to  
 ii) an open position that facilitates entry to the platform from below.  
 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 18  in which the base assembly further comprises at least one leveling leg adapted to stabilize the base assembly.  
     
     
         24 . A hitch mounted cabinet apparatus, comprising: 
 (a) a base assembly, the base assembly being adapted reversibly mounting to the trailer hitch of a vehicle;    (b) one or more cabinets mounted upon the base assembly, the cabinets being adapted for providing mobile convenience items, including at least one item selected from the group comprising: television, stereo, spot light, stove, sink, water tank, generator, and winching system; and    (c) wherein at least one cabinet comprises a hinged door.