Abstract: A dock bumper for minimizing damage to a back of a vehicle upon contacting a low-lying object may include a generally-rigid shock-absorbing member to be secured adjacent to a back portion of the vehicle. The shock-absorbing member may include a distal surface extended away from the back portion of the vehicle to contact a surface of a loading dock as the vehicle is operated in reverse, and a proximate surface positioned to contact a structural member at the back portion of the vehicle. A modular step may be coupled to the shock-absorbing member to dissipate at least a suitable portion of a force exerted on the step to minimize damage to the structural member contacting the proximate surface of the shock-absorbing member.

Abstract: A wireless control system can be used to selectively adjust the position of a liftgate platform with respect to a vehicle cargo hold. The wireless control system includes a transmitter for use in transmitting a wireless control signal, a receiver that receives the wireless control signal transmitted by the transmitter and communicates a corresponding control signal to an actuation device to adjust the platform and, a transmitter detection system that prevents the actuation device from operating unless the transmitter is positioned in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart release system is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, removing and loading various types of carts and carriers. A release system is adapted for use with carts of the type configured for materials handling and a vehicle such as a semi-truck trailer used to transport such carts. The release system includes and a ramp that physically engages with a cart so as to retain the cart within the semi-trailer. An automated remote system may also be used, enabling an operator to release a cart without having to manipulate the release system directly. The release system is located within the floor of the semi-trailer. The release system can also be used in other arrangement, for example, within a liftgate mechanism that has the release system incorporated within the loading ramp of the liftgate. The release system utilized in the liftgate operates in the same manner as that of the release system incorporated within the floor of the bed of a semi-trailer truck.

Abstract: A flip door or plate member for use with a trailer having pivotable doors is disclosed. The plate member is pivotable about a bed extension. The plate member pivots from an initial position where the doors may be closed and locked to a second position that where the doors may be opened. After the doors are opened, the plate member may be pivoted back to its initial position allowing a continuous bed extension.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly adapted for use with a foldable liftgate assembly on a truck. The trailer hitch assembly is able to be pivoted out of the way of the liftgate assembly as the liftgate is deployed from a stowed position beneath the truck chassis. The liftgate assembly may include a foldable platform including a main platform member and a platform extension.

Abstract: A lift gate assembly particularly adapted for use in a vehicle having a side opening. The assembly includes a platform that folds and pivots to the interior of the vehicle when in a stored mode. When deployed, the platform pivots to the exterior of the vehicle and unfolds. A telescoping column allows movement of the unfolded platform between upper and lower levels. Movement of the platform may be accomplished by employing hydraulic means.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly adapted for use with a foldable liftgate assembly on a truck. The trailer hitch assembly is able to be pivoted out of the way of the liftgate assembly as the liftgate is deployed from a stowed position beneath the truck chassis. The liftgate assembly may include a foldable platform including a main platform member and a platform extension.

Abstract: A horizontal impact member for use with a rear impact guard on a semi-trailer truck is disclosed. The horizontal impact member is connected to a standard rear impact guard by a hinge. This design is for use with a liftgate that is mounted to the rear of the semi-trailer truck. As the liftgate travels in a downwardly vertical direction it contacts the horizontal member which rotates along its hinge point. The addition of a roller to the horizontal member reduces the amount of wear upon the horizontal member and the liftgate.

Abstract: A latch plate for swing doors of a truck is disclosed which is movable between a latch engaging position and a retracted position. The latch plate in its retracted position would not interfere with vertically movable parts of a tailgate lift.

Abstract: A platform lift mountable to a vehicle, which includes a platform that can remain horizontal while lifting and can tilt to faciltate loading and unloading of the platform. The lift includes a linkage pivotally mounted to the base frame, and the linkage includes a base leg, a platform leg, a lift arm, and a reference arm. In a lift/lower mode the legs and the arms form a parallelogram system that will maintain the platform in a level horizontal arrangement. In a tilt mode, the upper arm is extensible in order to change the geometry from a parallelogram to a quadrilateral with equal legs and unequal arms.