Abstract: The movement of the lift gate between ground and cargo bed positions is controlled by an attitude control mechanism which effects a change in attitude from horizontal at the bed position to slightly downwardly and rearwardly inclined at the ground position. The platform is raised by lift arms which are coupled to the platform by longitudinally movable pivots which enable the attitude change. The attitude control mechanism includes generally parallel arms pivotally connected to platform uprights; and the platform is pivotally connected about a horizontal axis to the platform uprights. Support arms between the platform and the platform uprights maintain the generally horizontal attitude of the platform. Latch means associated with the platform uprights, latch the uprights and the platform to the cargo bed in the bed position. The platform is swingable upwardly and downwardly relative to its pivot axis for ramping with a loading dock.

Abstract: An elevator platform is mounted by means of lift arms and parallel arms to a frame mounted under the truck bed. On the frame, the normal pivot axis for the parallel arms is aligned vertically above the pivot axis for the lift arms; and the pivot axes on the platform are similarly vertically aligned when the platform is in the horizontal load position. One of the parallel arms is articulated having an elbow intermediate its ends; and a control strut is mounted on the truck to be swung into engagement with the articulated arm adjacent to its elbow while the platform is being raised from the ground position. When so engaged, the proximal link of the articulated arm is locked against further upward movement, so that further upward movement of the lift arms will cause the gate to rotate upward 90.degree. to a vertical storage position behind the truck bed. The frame pivot for the other parallel arm is mounted on an oscillating bracket, allowing that pivot to move to permit the rotation of the platform.

Abstract: A cargo elevator, designed particularly for attachment to the rear end of a truck or trailer having a cargo bed, includes a mounting frame secured at the rear end of the cargo bed and disposed downwardly and forwardly with the forward end secured to the vehicle frame. The mounting frame includes aligned and axially spaced bearing sleeves for rotatably supporting a torque shaft and the mounting frame supports an hydraulic power cylinder, acting on a radial arm of the torque shaft between the sleeves to oscillate the torque shaft. Elevator platform lift arms are nonrotatably fixed to the ends of the torque shaft, and parallel arms are pivotally mounted on the mounting frame; and these are pivotally attached to a base platform of the elevator platform, to maintain it generally horizontal.