Abstract: A hoist assembly is disclosed. The hoist assembly can include a frame, a first sheave assembly fixed relative to the frame, a second sheave assembly movable relative to the frame, and a cable engaged with the first sheave assembly and the second sheave assembly. The first sheave assembly can include a first sheave comprising a first axis of rotation and a second sheave comprising a second axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The second sheave assembly can comprise a third sheave comprising a third axis of rotation and a fourth sheave comprising a fourth axis of rotation angularly-oriented relative to the third axis of rotation. The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation can be coplanar. The sheaves can be removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A pneumatic locking system configured to secure a container to a vehicle chassis. The locking system can include a hook pivotable between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation relative to the chassis and an inflatable bellows intermediate the hook and the chassis, wherein inflation of the inflatable bellows is configured to pivot the hook from the unlocked orientation to the locked orientation. The locking system can further include an air line system fluidically coupled to the inflatable bellows and an air supply system. The air line system can include a valve controllable by a switch, wherein actuation of the valve is configured to supply air from the air supply system to the inflatable bellows and pivot the hook to the locked orientation.

Abstract: A rear guard assembly for mounting to a chassis of a motor vehicle. The rear guard assembly can comprise a rearward-facing guard plate and a pair of braces mounted to the rearward-facing guard plate. Each brace can comprise a collapsible shock absorber comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis is aligned with the first end and the second end. Each brace can comprise a plurality of outwardly-deflecting portions between the first end and the second end, wherein a lateral axis traverses the outwardly-deflecting portions and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the outwardly-deflecting portions are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis. A spacing block can be positioned intermediate the outwardly-deflecting portions and the rearward-facing guard plate. A support assembly can be connected to each brace and can include fixed arms and pivot arms.

Abstract: A hoist assembly is disclosed. The hoist assembly can include a frame, a first sheave assembly fixed relative to the frame, a second sheave assembly movable relative to the frame, and a cable engaged with the first sheave assembly and the second sheave assembly. The first sheave assembly can include a first sheave comprising a first axis of rotation and a second sheave comprising a second axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The second sheave assembly can comprise a third sheave comprising a third axis of rotation and a fourth sheave comprising a fourth axis of rotation angularly-oriented relative to the third axis of rotation. The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation can be coplanar. The sheaves can be removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A rear guard assembly for mounting to a chassis of a motor vehicle. The rear guard assembly can comprise a rearward-facing guard plate and a pair of braces mounted to the rearward-facing guard plate. Each brace can comprise a collapsible shock absorber comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis is aligned with the first end and the second end. Each brace can comprise a plurality of outwardly-deflecting portions between the first end and the second end, wherein a lateral axis traverses the outwardly-deflecting portions and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the outwardly-deflecting portions are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis. A spacing block can be positioned intermediate the outwardly-deflecting portions and the rearward-facing guard plate. A support assembly can be connected to each brace and can include fixed arms and pivot arms.

Abstract: A pneumatic locking system is disclosed. The locking system can be configured to secure a container to a vehicle chassis. The locking system can include a hook pivotable between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation relative to the chassis and an inflatable bellows intermediate the hook and the chassis, wherein inflation of the inflatable bellows is configured to pivot the hook from the unlocked orientation to the locked orientation. The locking system can further include an air line system fluidically coupled to the inflatable bellows and an air supply system. The air line system can include a valve controllable by a switch, wherein actuation of the valve is configured to supply air from the air supply system to the inflatable bellows and pivot the hook to the locked orientation.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus is provided for loading an article onto a vehicle. The hoist apparatus generally includes a frame; a stationary sheave block including at least a first pulley and a second pulley; a moveable sheave carrier adapted for movement along the length of the frame, the moveable sheave carrier including at least a third pulley and a fourth pulley. At least one powered winch mechanism is attached to the moveable sheave carrier for moving the moveable sheave carrier along the length of the frame. A cable is provided which includes a first end detachably fixed to an article to be loaded onto a vehicle and a second end fixed to the hoist apparatus, the cable being adapted for travelling through the first pulley and the second pulley of the stationary sheave block and the third pulley and fourth pulley of the moveable sheave carrier in a predetermined path.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus is provided for loading an article onto a vehicle. The hoist apparatus generally includes a frame; a stationary sheave block including at least a first pulley and a second pulley; a moveable sheave carrier adapted for movement along the length of the frame, the moveable sheave carrier including at least a third pulley and a fourth pulley. At least one powered winch mechanism is attached to the moveable sheave carrier for moving the moveable sheave carrier along the length of the frame. A cable is provided which includes a first end detachably fixed to an article to be loaded onto a vehicle and a second end fixed to the hoist apparatus, the cable being adapted for travelling through the first pulley and the second pulley of the stationary sheave block and the third pulley and fourth pulley of the moveable sheave carrier in a predetermined path.