Abstract: A wrecker truck (100) for transporting disabled vehicles is described. The truck includes an under carriage assembly (24), a subframe (10) and a deck (50). The subframe is preferably tiltably mounted on the under carriage assembly (102). The subframe includes a pair of rails (12 and 13) each having an inner rail member (34) and an outer rail member (36). The rail members are mounted parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A--A of the truck such that a slot (38) formed between the rail members extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the truck. The deck is preferably slidably mounted on the subframe. The deck has a pair of T-shaped sliding members (52) mounted on the bottom side (50B) of the deck. The sliding members have a top cross bar (52A) and a vertical bottom bar (52B). Holding braces (46) having a short leg (46A) and a long leg (46B) are mounted along the length of the rail members such that the top leg extends parallel to the top wall of the rail member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading a container (250) onto a trailer (10) for transport by a vehicle (200) and for unloading the container from the trailer. The trailer includes a frame (32) mounted on two rear axles (36 and 38), a lift device (86) and front and rear securing pads (68 and 44). An adjustable and removable spider (122) is connected to the lift device and connects to the front end (250A) of the container to allow the lift device to move the container onto the trailer. To load the container, the spider is adjusted to the correct height by adjusting the length of the side members (126). Adaptors (154) can also be used for shorter containers. The lift device is extended and the spider is attached to the top and bottom corners (252 and 254) of the container. Securing chains (164) having lifting lugs (166) and are connected between the spider and the bottom corners of the container. The lift device is then retracted and the container is loaded onto the trailer.

Abstract: An improved hoist assembly 200 having a frame assembly 10 and a boom assembly 60 is described. The frame assembly is comprised of a box member 12 with channel member 12L having first and second holes 120 and 12P for mounting a first and second kingpin assembly 26 and 28. The second holes are spaced away from the first holes and allow for storage of the unused kingpin assembly. The box member has a lockable cover 12E which allows for storage of parts and other items directly within the hoist assembly. A boom 62 of the boom assembly is attached to the frame assembly and is protected on either side by cover plates 46 and 48. The boom is raised and lowered by a hydraulic pump assembly 74 electrically connected to an electrical system of a towing vehicle. A cross member support 66 supports a cross member 68 which is secured to an axle of a disabled vehicle by chains for towing the disabled vehicle.

Abstract: A recovery vehicle (10) having a 360.degree. rotatable hoist unit (22) with a boom member (26) mounted onto a vehicle frame (12), is described. The vehicle frame contains a single rear axle (16) having wheels (18) adjacent the sides (12E) of the vehicle frame. A first outrigger assembly (50) is mounted onto the underneath portion (12B) of the vehicle frame adjacent the distal end (12C) of the vehicle frame. The vertical arms (64, 66) of the first outrigger, pivot due to a rotatable yoke (62B) in the end (62A) of the horizontal arm (62) to enable the first outrigger assembly to extend backwards of the distal end of the vehicle frame to act as anchors during pulling by the hoist unit. A second outrigger assembly (52) is mounted between the proximal end (12D) of the vehicle frame and the rear axle.

Abstract: A rethreading tool (10) for reconditioning and rethreading the threads (62) of a stud (60) is described. The tool includes a moveable jaw (26) having an extension (26A) pivotably mounted into a slot 24 of a fixed jaw (16). The extension and a first portion (16A) of the fixed jaw form a cam surface (40) which is activated by a cam nut (56) to move the moveable jaw toward the fixed jaw after positioning of the tool around the stud. Upon closing, the jaws form a complete circular opening (42) which contains a complete circular thread die (48) formed from a first thread die (22) in the fixed jaw and a second thread die (46) in the moveable jaw. In use, the tool is placed over the threads of the stud and the jaws are moved into the closed position such that the complete thread die is adjacent the threads of the stud. The tool is then rotated off of the stud.