Premiere at the North American International Auto Show 2000
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X-TRA-LIFT (+ patent
pending)
- The smart solution
"A PICK-UP - LITERALLY"
The idea and concept
A long study and analysis of the utility and leisure markets has produced the result that the desired activities of the customers and the solutions provided by the manufactures are not in harmony. The extensively growing market of Pick-Up trucks especially in the Americas leaves many transportation needs open and unfulfilled. Unless a bulky trailer is being used, any weighty object from a Jetski, to a bike and to professional equipment can not be moved as they are too heavy to be lifted on by hand on the bed. The "Pick-Up" does not justify its name.
Rinspeed Inc. conceived, invented, engineered and patented in consequence the "X-Tra-Lift" which is an esthetically pleasing, yet very practical and universal lifting device for OEM or aftermarket applications for any Pick-Up truck new or used. This hydraulically or electrically powered lift permits the easy loading and unloading of any object - up to about 600kgs (app. 1320 lbs) onto or from the bed. The versatile functionality of this innovative system creates a new philosophy of transportation: the M.U.V. (Multi Utility Vehicle) concept.
The "X-Tra-Lift" concept allows the Pick-Up to be used within a very short time as amongst many other applications a professional utility vehicle, a leisure equipment transporter, a public service truck or just as a personal mean of human transportation.
The "X-Tra-Lift" is styled in various forms: hidden, in dual functions with an integrated rollbar or as a decorative element. Also, many safety features, as for example angle-limiters, are integrated in the design. The wireless remote-control and the stackable loading platforms indicate some parts of the vast possibilities of accessories.
The execution
This close to production product is shown on a Ford F250 which is the most sold model range in the world. Of course, this unique system can also be integrated in any other pick-up model.
The applications
Amongst many and virtually unlimited applications in the leisure and commercial fields are the easy transport of
· motor cycles, jetskis, snow scooters,
ATVs
· camping and outdoor equipment
· home appliances such as refrigerators,
TVs
· generators, compressors, utility tools,
saws, mixers, vapor
cleaners
· bricks, wood and other construction
material
· loose gravel, snow, debris
· emergency equipment for ambulances, fire
fighters and
other public services
· military equipment
The outlook
This unique and patented (applied) system is bound to be integrated in the serial production of the major car and accessories manufacturers.