Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a roll-off container hoist. The locking mechanism secures a roll-off container to the roll-off container hoist when the hoist is in a transport orientation and releases the roll-off container when the hoist is moved from the transport orientation toward a hoisting orientation. Also provided is a container hoist which includes such a locking mechanism, as well as a vehicle which carries a locking-mechanism-equipped container hoist. A method of using the container hoist likewise is provided. Preferably, the locking mechanism requires no springs or other resilient actuators and instead is freely actuated by gravity in one direction and by engagement with a preferably rigid actuating surface in an opposite direction. The locking mechanism includes a movable plate and a guide for the movable plate. The movable plate is freely movable through the guide, from a locking position to an unlocking position and vice versa.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a roll-off container hoist. The locking mechanism secures a roll-off container to the roll-off container hoist when the hoist is in a transport orientation and releases the roll-off container when the hoist is moved from the transport orientation toward a hoisting orientation. Also provided is a container hoist which includes such a locking mechanism, as well as a vehicle which carries a locking-mechanism-equipped container hoist. A method of using the container hoist likewise is provided. Preferably, the locking mechanism requires no springs or other resilient actuators and instead is freely actuated by gravity in one direction and by engagement with a preferably rigid actuating surface in an opposite direction. The locking mechanism includes a movable plate and a guide for the movable plate. The movable plate is freely movable through the guide, from a locking position to an unlocking position and vice versa.