Abstract: A wheel retention system for use on the chassis of a large motor vehicle such as a tractor-trailer. Three support members are removably secured to the chassis and the support members support a retaining member positioned proximate to and parallel with the outer sidewalls of the wheels of the vehicle, forming a perimeter around the wheels. A pair of cylindrical sleeves axially and rotatably mounted upon the retaining member, the sleeves being positioned to confront a rotating wheel upon dislodging of the wheel from the chassis. The pair of support members comprise square tubing and completely pass from one side of the chassis to the other side of the chassis. The middle portion of each support member comprises an axle-retaining portion to trap an axle of the vehicle, should the axle disengage from the chassis.

Abstract: A portable barbecue grill apparatus has multiple functions including barbecuing, baking, roasting, and pan broiling, some of which can be accomplished simultaneously on joined cooking elements. The grill apparatus can have an extendable rear lid having a rotisserie attached to a base. Alternatively, a pair of slotted side plates attached to the lid and covered by a heat shield can permit the spacing of the spit from the burner in the lid according to the size of the rotating fool. The lid and base each contain heating elements energized by one or two portable propane tanks.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly for use in supporting a semitrailer basically includes a main body and a leg axially extensible from the main body. An expansible membrane disposed within the main body is provided for displacing the leg to an extended position. A restrictive passage through the main body limits the travel of the leg through the main body. Upon compressing the expansible membrane, a biasing element disposed within the main body is provided for urging the leg back to a retracted position. The leg may be releasably secured in either an extended or retracted position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle having a load bed which has a back end that is supported by a wheel set which has a frame that is pivotally mounted below the back end and has extensible air bags connecting the frame to the back end of the load bed. The air bags are extensible to raise the back end to a raised position with respect to the frame and retractable to lower the back end to a lowered position. Included are non-compliant legs arranged to extend between the frame and the back end of the load bed when the back end of the load bed is in the raised position and a releasable locking operable to lock the legs in a locked position in which it serves to hold the back end of the load bed fast in the raised position. The lock is releasable to allow the load bed to be lowered to the lowered position. The air bags extend across the back end of the chassis to give high surface area contacts between the air bags and the frame of the load bed and wheel set frame.

Abstract: A wheel harness for anchoring a wheel of a motor vehicle with respect to the floor of a transportation vehicle comprises an elongated strap which has an anchor at each end and a wheel chock which is slidably mounted on the strap. The wheel chock can be releaseably secured to the floor in close proximity to a wheel in use to form a chock which will bear against the wheel to prevent movement of the wheel. A length adjustment device is provided for adjusting effective length of the strap to increase or decrease the effective length of the strap to tighten or release the harness with respect to the wheel in use.

Abstract: An elevating roller track assembly having a base member and a lift bar located in a channel which is formed in the base member. The lift bar is slidably mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the base member. A first elevator ramp is mounted on the lift bar. The first ramp has a first ramp face which is inclined upwardly toward a first end of the base member. A roller support member is slidably mounted in the base for longitudinal movement. The roller support member has a bottom wall overlying the lift bar. A plurality of load supporting rollers are mounted for rotation on and extending upwardly from the roller support member. A second elevator ramp is mounted on the bottom wall of the roller support. The second elevator ramp has a second ramp face which extends parallel to the first ramp face in a face-to-face relationship therewith.

Abstract: A double-deck transportation vehicle has an elevator platform proportioned to extend across the cargo compartment which is mounted on guide rails for vertical movement between a lowered position, an intermediate position and a fully elevated position. When in the lowered position, the platform is located at the floor level. When in the intermediate position, the platform is spaced from the floor and from the roof of the van to provide load storage compartments above and below the platform. When in the fully elevated position, the platform is raised to about the ceiling level. The platform drive mechanism is mounted in a drive compartment which is located within the platform. Elevator cables extend from the drive mechanism to anchor points located adjacent the upper end of the guide rails. The elevator cables extend within the cargo compartment of the van and are not exposed at the exterior of the van. A latching mechanism is provided for releaseably latching the platform in the intermediate position.