Abstract: The present invention is an Adaptable Beam Lifter Element (ABLE) system for use in lifting and moving an assortment of military vehicles and containers in transit and storage. An ABLE device is generally a structure having a low-profile frame that contains hydraulic lift, maneuvering, and drive features that may readily be placed beneath or around vehicles or containers for desired movement in a confined space. By using ABLE devices, transported vehicles placed on ships or in other confined locations can be stowed very close together, while allowing vehicles to be retrieved easily and efficiently, without dedicating a vast amount of space for maneuvering. In some embodiments, multiple ABLEs may be ganged and slaved logically together to form a system to cooperatively lift and transport a variety of vehicles and containers including many types of military equipment.

Abstract: A container includes a container assembly being shiftable between a unitized collapsed, transport disposition and a unitized erect, cargo bearing disposition, the container assembly having a plurality of independent assembly members, including a bottom member, four side members and a top member, a plurality of manually operable latches operably coupled to selected container assembly members, the plurality of latches being effective for maintaining the container assembly in the erect, cargo bearing disposition and at least a portion of the plurality of latches being effective for maintaining the container assembly in the unitized collapsed, transport disposition, assembly of the container assembly in the unitized collapsed, transport disposition and in the unitized erect, cargo bearing disposition being effected without the use of tools or loose components. A method of forming a container is further included.