Abstract: A hose support for supporting hoses which extend between the tractor and the trailer of a tractor-trailer rig with the tractor having a headache rack, with forward and rearward sides, positioned rearwardly of the cab of the tractor. A substantially vertically disposed mounting plate is secured to the rearward side of the headache rack and has an elongated hose support arm, having forward and rearward ends, with the rearward end of the hose support arm being pivotally secured, about a vertical axis to the mounting plate. The hose support arm may extend rearwardly and upwardly from the mounting plate or extend rearwardly and downwardly from the mounting plate. The rearward end of the hose support arm is adapted to have the hoses secured thereto.

Abstract: A trailer assembly operable to transport vehicles includes a first frame section adapted to be directly selectively couplable to a trailer hitch of an automobile, has at least two spring suspensions coupled thereto, and has at least two tires coupled to the frame section by the at least two spring suspensions. A second frame section is selectively and rotatably coupled to the first frame section and an offset axle is coupled at opposing distal ends thereof to the at least two spring suspensions and coupled along its length to the second frame section.

Abstract: A fifth-wheel trailer having a forward section comprising an adjustable-height floor. The floor being capable of moving up to a raised position to provide sufficient clearance for a towing vehicle to attach to the trailer for towing. The floor also being capable of moving down to a lowered position to provide a trailer with an approximately even floor and a full-height ceiling throughout. The present adjustable-height floor does not interfere with the structural stability of the trailer's main frame including its pin box.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating. if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin.

Abstract: A frame for recreational vehicles having a pair of oppositely spaced longitudinal frame members, having notches completely therethrough. The longitudinal frame members have a foam core in direct contact with a woven fiber fabric on an exterior of the longitudinal frame members with fabric flaps extending therefrom. The frame has a plurality of transverse stringers having a foam core in direct contact with a woven fiber fabric on an exterior of stringers that rest in notches of the longitudinal members. The stringers are complementary to the notches in the longitudinal members and the stringers have fabric flaps that extend along their length on opposite sides. The stringers extend completely through the longitudinal frame members. The flaps on the longitudinal frame members and the stringers are in overlapping contact. A deck having a layer of fabric covers the stringers, the flaps, and the longitudinal frame members and is impregnated with resin.

Abstract: A semi-trailer for transporting circular objects may include a coupler assembly configured to be connected to a towing vehicle, a rear frame member, a pair of side rails joined at rear ends thereof by the rear frame member and at front ends thereof by the coupler assembly, a rear wheel and axle assembly mounted to the side rails between the front and rear ends thereof and at least one transportation well mounted to and between the side rails. The at least one transportation well may extend below the side rails. The at least one transportation well is configured to receive and hold therein while being transported by the semi-trailer at least one circular object.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A suspension system for a steerable trailer includes a strut which is mounted to the frame of the trailer, an axle which is connected to the strut, and far and near suspension cylinders which connect the axle to the frame. The far and near suspension cylinders connect to opposite side of the axle. Steering rods connect adjacent axles together, the steering rod connection alternating between the left and right side of the frame.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a rechargeable battery for a vehicle are disclosed. The system may comprise an electrical generation apparatus that is a source of electric charge, a mobile unit to transport a vehicle, and a tie down having an input end and an output end. The tie down may be configured to releasably secure the vehicle to the mobile unit and to provide electrical charge generated by the electrical generation apparatus to the battery.

Abstract: A transport system including a fleet of semi-trailer trucks, wherein a plurality of the semi-trailer trucks are loaded with rectangular bales of tall grass biomass, wherein the total weight of the bales is greater than 90% of the sum of the maximum transport weight capacities of the loaded semi-trailer trucks, wherein the total volume of the bales is greater than 80% of the sum of the maximum transport volumes of the loaded semi-trailer trucks.

Abstract: A tractor and trailer combination including a tractor having a tractor frame, a supply unit, a trailer coupling, a skid plate, and a first connector coupled to the tractor frame and coupled to the supply unit to receive at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant from the supply unit. The combination also includes a trailer having a trailer frame, a tractor coupling rotatably connecting the trailer to the tractor, and a second connector coupled to the trailer and configured to provide the at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant to the trailer. The combination further includes a conduit having a first end coupled to the first connector, a second end coupled to the second connector. The conduit flexes and is supported between the first and second ends by the skid plate throughout rotation of the trailer relative to the tractor.

Abstract: An aerodynamically-shaped fuel tank is provided for a refrigeration unit mounted on the forward end of a truck body. The fuel tank includes a cylindrical main body portion having forward and rearward ends. An aerodynamically-shaped nose portion extends forwardly and upwardly from the forward end of the main body portion. An aerodynamically-shaped tail portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from the rearward end of the main body portion.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A cargo container system is provided having selectively deployable and retractable support and/or wheel assemblies. The wheel assemblies are capable of being retracted upwardly while the landing assembly is capable of being deployed downwardly and/or retracted upwardly, e.g., during storage or shipment of the cargo container system (e.g., during sea travel or rail travel). At an appropriate time (e.g., the cargo container system is about to placed onto the ground or other surface by a crane or other suitable device), the wheel assemblies are then selectively deployed downwardly while the landing gear assembly is capable of being retracted upwardly and/or deployed downwardly, e.g., to provide a fully functional cargo container system/trailer/chassis combination that may be immediately capable of being engaged to a truck/tractor/chassis and driven away.

Abstract: The invention presents a vehicle transportation system on the highway. This system can transfer the moving vehicles such as cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) from one site of the highway to another site. The system can decrease fuel consumption and lower the amount of the exhausts from the vehicles for good environment protection. It also cuts the operating cost for the vehicles' owners.

Abstract: A steerable agricultural implement configured to be coupled to a tractor by a multi-point hitch system that restrains side-to-side articulation between the tractor and the implement. The agricultural implement includes a steering controller that receives a positional attribute from a steering system of the tractor and controls a degree of pivot of a wheel assembly of the agricultural implement based on the positional attribute of the tractor steering system. The wheel assembly is configured with a steering actuator that is operable to pivot a portion of the wheel assembly without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, abutment stops to define maximum degrees of pivot of the portion of the wheel assembly and relieve the steering actuator without transmitting force beyond the wheel assembly, and a quick release free-wheel mechanism to enable a disconnected or “free wheel” operation of the wheel assembly independent of the steering actuator.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A method of operating a braking system for a trailer (16) having at least one axle on which are mounted two ground-engaging wheels (26, 26?, 28, 28?), one of which is provided on a first side of the trailer (16) whilst the other is provided on a second side of the trailer (16), each wheel (26, 26?, 28, 28?) having a brake which is operable independently of the other by means of a brake actuator assembly (26b, 26b?, 28b, 28b?, 46, 46?), the method including controlling the difference between the brake pressure applied by the brake to the wheel (26, 28) on the first side of the trailer (16) and the brake pressure applied by the brake to the wheel (26?, 28?) on the second side of the trailer (16) so that it does not exceed a predetermined maximum pressure differential.

Abstract: A semi-trailer for transporting circular objects may include a coupler assembly configured to be connected to a towing vehicle, a rear frame member, a pair of side rails joined at rear ends thereof by the rear frame member and at front ends thereof by the coupler assembly, a rear wheel and axle assembly mounted to the side rails between the front and rear ends thereof and at least one transportation well mounted to and between the side rails. The at least one transportation well may extend below the side rails. The at least one transportation well is configured to receive and hold therein while being transported by the semi-trailer at least one circular object.

Abstract: A fifth-wheel trailer having a forward section comprising an adjustable-height floor. The floor being capable of moving up to a raised position to provide sufficient clearance for a towing vehicle to attach to the trailer for towing. The floor also being capable of moving down to a lowered position to provide a trailer with an approximately even floor and a full-height ceiling throughout. The present adjustable-height floor does not interfere with the structural stability of the trailer's main frame including its pin box.

Abstract: Heavy equipment trailer and deck extension. The trailer has an elongated main deck with longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides thereof, and ground engaging wheels toward the rear of the main deck. The extension has longitudinally extending frame members aligned with the frame members of the main deck, and coupling pins extend between the frame members of the main deck and the extension in load supporting relationship, with lock pins preventing longitudinal separation of the main deck and the extension. C-shaped channel members extend along the upper, lower, and outer sides of the extension, past the coupling pins, and along upper, lower, and outer side portions of the frame members of the main deck to hold the frame members in alignment and prevent sagging under load conditions.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to a connector bracket for a semitrailer of a semitrailer truck. Said connector bracket comprises a support element which can be swiveled about a bearing and a connector arranged inside the support element, the support element having a casing frame with a section that is complementary to an insertion opening of a fifth wheel. The aim of the invention is to provide a connector bracket or a plug-in coupling which is highly reliable even under adverse external conditions. This aim is achieved, inter alia, by the connector bracket according to the invention, wherein the casing frame can be displaced in relation to the connector by contact with the insertion opening, thereby displacing the connector from a closed standby position to an open coupling position.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an electric power generation system is disclosed. The exhaust system may include a muffler configured to suppress noise associated with operation of an engine associated with the electric power generation system. The muffler may be configured to be mounted in a roof of a housing configured to contain at least part of the electric power generation system. The muffler may be configured to form an outside surface of the roof. Removal of the engine from the housing may be facilitated by removal of the muffler from the roof, such that the engine can be lifted out of the housing.

Abstract: A road tractor semi-trailer combination is equipped with a system for determining the position of a road tractor relative to a semi-trailer. A king pin is fitted to the bottom of the semi-trailer and a unit is fitted to the bottom of the fifth wheel coupling present on the road tractor. The bottom of the king pin has a recess into which a pivot forming part of the unit can be inserted. The pivot has the shape of a screwdriver and the recess has a shape congruent with the pivot.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to a connector bracket for a semitrailer of a semitrailer truck. Said connector bracket comprises a support element which can be swiveled about a bearing and a connector arranged inside the support element, the support element having a casing frame with a section that is complementary to an insertion opening of a fifth wheel. The aim of the invention is to provide a connector bracket or a plug-in coupling which is highly reliable even under adverse external conditions. This aim is achieved, inter alia, by the connector bracket according to the invention, wherein the casing frame can be displaced in relation to the connector by contact with the insertion opening, thereby displacing the connector from a closed standby position to an open coupling position.

Abstract: A shipping optimization process for articles having a substantially airfelt free absorbent core is provided. The process includes the steps of identifying an optimized diaper; identifying an optimized bag for holding two or more optimized diapers; identifying an optimized box for holding two or more optimized bags; identifying an optimized pallet and arranging the optimized boxes thereon; and identifying an optimized load plan for a vehicle and arranging the optimized pallets therein. The vehicle has a calculated Load Factor of from about 0.7 to about 1.0 when the vehicle is loaded with the optimized pallets.

Abstract: A rear loading lowboy trailer is described having a pair of rear wheel assemblies mounted to a chassis of the trailer for movement between transport and loading positions such that the wheel assemblies are aligned across a back of the chassis when they are in the transport position and raised and positioned outwardly when the chassis is in the loading position. A linkage mechanism moves each of the wheel assemblies in both horizontal and vertical directions so as to move each of the wheel assemblies between the transport and loading positions. Each linkage mechanism automatically fastens the wheel assembly to the chassis of the trailer when the wheel assembly is moved to its transport position.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: An intermodal tank container and complementary chassis, and features and methods for use thereof, are disclosed. The intermodal tank container and chassis has an appearance and length substantially similar to a non-intermodal OTR tank trailer, while affording the same capacity as an intermodal tank container. The design of the tank container allows for an improved, lighter design for the chassis and for improved usability of the tank container in intermodal environments such as with rail cars. The reduced weight of the chassis allows for a greater payload while remaining within various applicable legal restrictions for gross vehicle weight, axle weight, etc.

Abstract: A semi-trailer for transporting circular objects may include a coupler assembly configured to be connected to a towing vehicle, a rear frame member, a pair of side rails joined at rear ends thereof by the rear frame member and at front ends thereof by the coupler assembly, a rear wheel and axle assembly mounted to the side rails between the front and rear ends thereof and at least one transportation well mounted to and between the side rails. The at least one transportation well may extend below the side rails. The at least one transportation well is configured to receive and hold therein while being transported by the semi-trailer at least one circular object.

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composite liner for use as an inner wall of a trailer. The thermoplastic composite liner includes a glass reinforced thermoplastic sheet permanently affixed to a glass reinforced thermoplastic scuff panel along a length of the scuff panel by ultrasonic welding. The scuff panel is positioned relative to the thermoplastic sheet such that an edge portion of the thermoplastic sheet overlaps an edge portion of the scuff panel along the length of the scuff panel, the ultrasonic welding forming a weld joint between the overlapping edge portions of the thermoplastic sheet and the scuff panel along the length of the scuff panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer hitch isolation assembly that attaches to the tongue of a fifth wheel trailer and that provides a moveable connection between a tow vehicle and the trailer. The hitch assembly includes a floating hitch attachment member such as a king pin, which is adapted to be attached to a tow vehicle. The hitch isolation assembly allows the hitch attachment member to move at least vertically relative to the tow vehicle to which the hitch assembly is connected. One or more air springs connect the floating hitch attachment to the frame of the trailer. These air springs permit relative movement between the attachment support member and the frame.

Abstract: A rear gate includes a frame with first, second, and third vertical members, a horizontal top member, and a horizontal bottom member. The first and second vertical members are connected to the horizontal top and bottom members to form a first opening between the first and second vertical members. The third vertical member is connected to the horizontal top member to form a second opening between the second and third vertical members. The horizontal bottom member only extends between the first and second vertical members so that the second opening is free of the frame at a bottom of the second opening. A first locking pipe positioned adjacent to the third vertical member to locks the rear gate in the closed gate position.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transporting containers are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transporting shipping containers is provided. The apparatus is configured to move along rails of a railroad track. The apparatus comprises a coupling configured to couple with a trailer configured to transport shipping containers. The coupling is attached to a source of magnetic flux. The source of magnetic flux is positioned so as to be driven by a source of varying magnetic flux positioned along the railroad track. In one embodiment, the source of magnetic flux comprises one or more permanent magnets and the source of varying magnetic flux comprises at least one electromagnet.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer of the type designed to be towed with a towing vehicle having a vehicle hitch assembly includes a trailer body having an elevated front portion, and a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. The front portion of the trailer body has a generally convex forward surface. The trailer further includes a trailer chassis supporting the trailer body. The trailer chassis includes a forward portion supporting the front portion of the trailer body. The forward portion of the trailer chassis has a pair of side frame beams that extend along the sides of the trailer chassis. The forward portion of the trailer chassis includes a curved forward edge beam that is joined to the forward ends of the pair of side frame beams. The curved forward edge beam generally matches the curve of the front portion of the trailer body and provides support for the trailer body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer for the transportation by road of cargo, such as containers. The trailer comprises a trailer frame; a tipping frame and lifting means which act on, on the one hand, the trailer frame and, on the other hand, the tipping frame. The trailer frame comprises a front zone which is located on coupling above a tractor unit and which is provided with a coupling member in order to effect coupling. The trailer frame also has a rear zone comprising three sets of wheels. An intermediate zone connects the front zone to the rear zone. The tipping frame extends along the trailer frame and is fastened, in the rear zone, to the trailer frame so as to hinge about a tipping axle. The trailer frame has a longitudinal beam and the tipping frame has two lateral beams. The central beam of the trailer frame is submerged between the lateral longitudinal beams of the tipping frame.

Abstract: The adjustable height trailer is a fifth wheel-type trailer with a single rear axle supporting the rear of the trailer and a fifth wheel hitch supporting the front. The rear axle and hitch have adjustable height suspensions, allowing the trailer to be lowered or raised uniformly while remaining hitched to the towing vehicle. One embodiment is configured as a livestock trailer with a series of stall positions therein. The loading and exit doors are generally diagonally opposite one another. A series of adjustably positionable partitions is installed on overhead tracks, with a partition placed between each animal as they are boarded and positioned in the trailer. Animals depart the trailer through the opposite door, with the partitions being repositioned correspondingly. The trailer suspension allows the trailer to be lowered to the underlying surface to facilitate loading and unloading animals therefrom, or other commodities, depending upon the trailer configuration.

Abstract: A cargo container system is provided having selectively deployable support and wheel assemblies. The support and wheel assemblies are capable of being stowed within a recess formed in the underside of the cargo container system during storage or shipment of the cargo container system (e.g., by ship, rail, and/or the like). At an appropriate time (e.g., the cargo container system is about to placed onto the ground by a crane), the support and wheel assemblies are then selectively deployed downwardly and/or outwardly from the recess of the underside of the cargo container system to provide a fully functional cargo container system/trailer combination that is immediately capable of being engaged to a truck/tractor and driven away. The deployment system can include a screw system that, when rotated in a first direction is operable to raise the support and wheel assemblies and then, when rotated in a second direction is capable of lowering the support and wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A cargo carrier trailer for movably supporting cargo includes a frame configured to support cargo at the cargo carrier trailer and at least two wheels at each side of the frame. Each of the wheels is rotatably mounted to a respective support arm. The support arms are pivotally mounted to a carriage assembly that is repositionable fore and aft along the frame of the cargo carrier. The support arms are pivotable relative to the carriage assembly and frame to adjust the height and tilt of the frame relative to a support surface. The cargo carrier trailer is readily adapted to position the frame at a lower position for road applications and a raised position for uneven terrain applications. The cargo carrier trailer is adapted to couple to a tow vehicle via a fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A refrigeration system configured for use with a trailer including a container having a roof, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration unit configured to couple to the trailer and operable to condition the container. The refrigeration system also includes a duct in fluid communication between the refrigeration unit and an opening in the first sidewall. The duct is configured to direct an airflow in at least one of a first direction toward the refrigeration unit and a second direction away from the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A sturdy attractive cart with an upper portion, a lower portion, wheels, and steering suitable for both maneuvering while in a store, and on more rugged terrain. The cart may be carried suspended from a trailer hitch behind a motor vehicle. The cart has a vertical positioner to raise and lower the upper portion and lower portion relative to the other. The cart may be used as an off-road utility trailer, being towed by a vehicle.

Abstract: A support panel structure includes at least one panel which extends in longitudinal and cross direction of the support panel structure and essentially forms one integrated structure, which integrated structure is at least partly built up of at least one composite resin laminate building block comprising at least a first and a second face sheet of a fibrous reinforced material with sandwiched in between a sheet of a foamed core material, wherein the first and second face sheet and the sheet of core material are mutually connected by means of fibrous reinforcing material at least part of which extends in height direction of the resin laminate building block, further with the support panel structure including in height direction a multiplicity of composite resin laminate building blocks stacked on top of each other and bonded to each other, at least a first and a second superposed resin laminate building blocks which sandwich between them a layer of a foamed material, the resin laminate building blocks and foame

Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.

Abstract: A cradle has wheels and suspension system and channels or raceways and blocks or a brake for maintaining the cradle in a stationary position relative to the ground during loading and unloading. A load bed with top loading ramps and a bottom pair of wedge slide ramps rides on the raceways pushed and pulled by a tow arm from a towing vehicle. The wedge slide ramps provide a vertical cam action gradually elevating a forward end of the load bed as the wedges move onto the raceways for tilting the load bed so that the back end of the loading ramps tilt down to contact the ground for loading.