Abstract: An apparatus configurable to simultaneously transport golf carts and the like and conventional-type loads on a wheeled vehicle during over-the-road travel includes a substantially enclosed compartment, an intermediate support shelf disposed interiorly of and extending a portion of the length of the compartment for relative movement therein and an apparatus for selectively moving the intermediate support shelf between a first position for supporting a first plurality of golf carts and the like thereon for transport thereof at a predetermined height above the floor of the compact to permit the simultaneous transport of the second plurality of golf carts and the like disposed on the floor, a second position in which the intermediate support shelf is in substantially flush relation with the boundaries of the interior of the compartment and a third position in which the support shelf extends upwardly from the floor of the compartment to a predetermined height above the floor.

Abstract: A mechanism to assist in raising and lowering a hinged deck end section wherein a lifting force is applied to the deck end section by a counterweight mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight mechanism operates in conjunction with a conventional, proven spring assist mechanism of the type that has been used in the past on trilevel railway cars. The counterweight mechanism preferably includes a counterweight that is slidable along a vertical track in a location that is readily accessible for visual inspection and maintenance. Nonmetallic wear pads are preferably employed in conjunction with a dry film lubricant to control friction between the counterweight and the track. The mechanism preferably provides a mechanical advantage so that the lifting force applied by the counterweight mechanism exceeds the weight of the counterweight. A roller chain, steel cable, or the like is preferably employed to connect the weight to the deck end section.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped vehicle carrier for supporting and transporting multi-vehicle loads having high structural strength and stability with a substantially decreased carrier weight. The vehicle carrier includes a lower frame having a forward end with a hitch for connecting the carrier to a truck and a rearward end downstream from the hitch and an upper deck having a face side and a back side. A triangular truss structure is positioned to distribute the load resting on and supported by the face side of the upper deck, the lower frame being positioned a spaced apart distance below the upper deck and connected to the upper deck by the triangular truss structure securedly attached between the back side of the upper deck and the lower frame. In the preferred embodiment, the truss structure includes a triangle truss component extending between the back side of the upper deck and the lower frame and a vertical component attached to and connecting the back side of the upper deck and the lower frame.

Abstract: A heavy load transport vehicle which has the ability of transforming from a flat-bed trailer into a multiple-automobile transporter, having a hydraulic-powered retractable upper deck; hydraulic-powered lift arms that are designed to allow the vehicle to transport wide loads and to be loaded from the side of the lower deck; a stabilizer system which minimizes or eliminates lateral movement of the vehicle during operation on the road; a truss assembly that is designed to synchronize the action of the hydraulic-powered lift arms; and a cable pulley system which assists in the raising of the front end of the upper deck.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle transporting trailer has rigid upper and lower decks. The upper deck is mounted onto the lower deck by selectively actuable, releasably lockable telescopic stanchions. The stanchions are actuable by actuators so as to raise and lower the upper deck over the lower deck between a lowered position, an intermediately elevated position, and a fully elevated position. In the fully extended position the upper deck is elevated above the lower deck so as to allow loading of vehicles or freight onto the lower deck. In the intermediately elevated position the upper deck is below the fully elevated position so as to be snugly adjacent uppermost extremities of the vehicles or freight on the lower deck.

Abstract: A covered railroad car includes a car body having a pair of sidewalls and at least a pair of parallel horizontal support beams extending along each of the sidewalls at substantially the same vertical height. An interior deck portion is pivotally connected to the pair of support beams so as to move about a pivot axis on each respective support beam and a pair of brackets are coupled respectively to each of the support beams. A pair of spring-loaded lift assist mechanisms are coupled respectively between each one of the pair of brackets and the interior deck portion and spaced apart from the pivot axis so as to provide a lifting force causing the interior deck portion to pivot about each pivot axis.

Abstract: A flatbed vehicle transport system for of the support member, cross members and ramp members. The inventive device includes a plurality of support members that are positionable within apertures within a trailer, a plurality of cross members insertable into the support members, a plurality of ramp members attached across the cross members, and a loading ramp for loading vehicles upon the trailer. A plurality of chains are preferably secured to one or more support members to prevent longitudinal movement of the structure while loaded.

Abstract: A protective skirt for an open frame trailer adapted to transport vehicles. The trailer includes a wheeled chassis supporting a frame and track assembly. The trailer has a front-end adapted to be mounted in towing engagement on a tractor truck, a rear end adapted for receiving vehicles to be carried, and a middle section including the frame and track superstructure for supporting the vehicles. The protective skirt includes a pair of first skirt sections mounted one on each side of the chassis in screening position at the trailer front end, a pair of second skirt sections mounted on the chassis one on each side thereof in screening position at the trailer middle section, a pair of third skirt sections mounted in screening position one on each side of the chassis above the wheels, and a pair of fourth skirt sections mounted on the chassis one on each side in screening position at the trailer rear section. The skirt assembly protects vehicles carried on the trailer against damage from rocks and road debris.

Abstract: A novel sidewall structure for a motor-vehicle carrying railway car wherein at least one upper deck is supported principally by longitudinal beams that are themselves supported by end structures, without the need for large, heavy vertical posts to support the decks between the end structures. To provide a lightweight car body with sufficient strength and durability for commercial rail service, the car body may be of monocoque construction. Each sidewall preferably has a plate girder structure that employs the horizontal beams as its principal supports, with the beams tied together by sidewall panels or plates. A plurality of light stiffeners may be employed to limit flexure of the sidewalls. Each of the end structures preferably comprises an offset H frame that includes a draft sill joined to a body bolster, and inner and outer cross bearers joined to the draft sill. In the offset H frame, the draft sill slopes downward and inward, with the inner cross bearer being at a lower elevation than the outer one.

Abstract: An apparatus which is transformable from a boat lift to a trailer. The apparatus is movable on skids in a boat lift mode and on wheels in a trailer mode. A pair of posts on a main frame supports a pantographic linkwork to which is affixed a watercraft lifting cradle. A winch is connected to the main frame and to the linkwork for raising and lowering the cradle. A leveling mechanism is used for adjusting the cradle on a level when the apparatus is installed on a sloping shore. An upper deck framework is provided above the front end of the main frame. The cradle is usable for raising and moving a first recreational vehicle over the upper deck framework and for raising a second recreational vehicle above the rear end of the main frame. A third recreational vehicle is transportable on the main frame under the first and second recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A multiple transport system for transporting automobiles within a container includes a first and second automobile carrier. The first automobile carrier includes a base having a first and second leg extending from the base offset from one another to define an automobile carrier receiving space. An inclined platform extends upward from the base and carries a first automobile in an inclined position. A second automobile carrier for carrying a second automobile includes a front portion having a width less than the offset of the first and second legs of the first automobile carrier enabling the second automobile carrier to be received between the offset legs of the first automobile carrier in an overlapping transport position.

Abstract: The invention refers to a novel hydraulic resource being incorporated in the central section of a hauling pallet in trailers used for the transportation of vehicles in general, as well as other types of loads. Each lateral structure is divided into two sections connected to each other by resting on the same central lower transverse axis. A hydraulic cylinder of vertical action mounted on the front section is required to lift both sections in said connection zone, this causes the descent of the free end of the rear section, allowing vehicles to be transported to get into and out of it. The invention is completed by the utilization of respective hydraulic cylinders of horizontal action arranged as a means to join the top stringers of both facing sections.

Abstract: An assembly for use on a road vehicle, consisting of an additional thin deck (4) vertically movable along a plurality of upright posts (8, 9) most of which are collapsible and stowable in an inoperative position within the body of the additional deck (4), and a drive member (7) secured to the additional movable deck for actuating same when required to provide wither a second vertically movable loading deck or, once the posts have been stowed away, a normal free cargo space. The assembly is of interest to all road hauliers and particularly to body mounting businesses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle transportation frame for packing vehicles in a transport container. The frame includes a base, a front support member pivotally attached to the front portion of the base, a rear support member pivotally attached to the rear portion of the base, and a ramp pivotally attached on one end to the rear support member, and releasably attachable on the other end to the front support member. The support members pivot from a substantially upright support position to a substantially flat non-use position relative to the base.

Abstract: The maneuvering device comprises two hydraulic motors (14, 15), each attached to the base of each screw (4, 5) integrated into each post (2, 3) of a pair of posts. The hydraulic motors (14, 15) are supplied in series by a single course of pressurized fluid and each shunted through a bypass comprising a hydraulic shunt which opens either automatically or is regulated to open completely, partially or progressively. This invention is of particular interest to auto body manufacturers for use on road trailers for carrying vehicles.

Abstract: A collapsible frame device and method of packing vehicles in a transport container is disclosed. The frame device comprises a base and upper and lower vehicle support members associated with the base for supporting at least two vehicles. In the erected configuration of the device, the vehicle support members are horizontally and vertically spaced from one another. The support members are collapsible onto the base in a substantially flat position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose boat, boat trailer and motor vehicle trailer. This trailer comprises a frame, a boat trailer wheel support assembly attached to the frame for supporting the boat trailer above the motor vehicle. A pair of boat trailer ramps are provided hingeably connected to the frame and removably attached to the boat trailer wheel support assembly. A pair of wheel support channels on the frame support and guide the wheels of the motor vehicle on the multi-purpose trailer. Additionally, a pair of loading ramps are removably connected to the motor vehicle wheel support channels for loading and unloading the motor vehicle or, alternatively, the channels may be connected to the boat trailer ramps for loading/unloading the boat trailer.

Abstract: A pallet apparatus for transporting stacked cars has upper and lower pallets connected by four columns. The upper pallet is attached at an adjustable height and angle relative to the lower pallet. A diagonal brace is connected between each column and the lower pallet at a height greater than the highest point of attachment for the upper pallet on the column. A method of using the device is also claimed.

Abstract: A semitrailer (1) comprising a front end having a support and lifting mechanism (7), on the undersurface of a chassis (2), for lowering and raising the semitrailer (1) to facilitate loading and unloading of the semitrailer (1) and movement thereof. The semitrailer (1) includes an upper platform (14) which is vertically movable along poles (17, 18) of the chassis under the action of an independent pair of lifting devices. The upper platform (14) acts as an upper loading platform, in the case of vehicle transport, and as a roof structure for transport of other items. The semitrailer (1) is useful to manufacturers of articulated vehicles especially of the vehicle transporting type.

Abstract: A vehicle storage carriage includes a pair of upper and lower rails connected via side-mounted cross members for stability and four vertical posts, two in front, two in rear, that can be rigidly bolted to the floor of a standard cargo container. A pair of ramps with recessed wheel channels adapted to carry the rear tires of a stowed vehicle are mounted horizontally front and rear between a pair of the vertical posts. The front and rear of the ramps can be adjusted by selectively raising and lowering the cross members. The rear of the ramps are pivotably mounted to the rear cross member. Chock assemblies that are rigidly mountable to the container floor include slideably movable chocks that are movable forwardly or rearwardly and also movable sideways to accommodate different size vehicles. A pivotable strap securing plate is pivotably mounted to the container floor for use with vehicle tie-down straps for each of the stowed vehicles. Several carriages may be employed with a given standard cargo container.

Abstract: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, cars, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, automobiles, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer. The lifting assembly is substantially horizontally arranged along the top of the trailer so that when automobiles are loaded onto the deck element and the deck element is raised, the lifting assembly does not interfere with the space occupied by the automobiles.

Abstract: Cars are loaded individually onto pallets at assembly plants and remain on the pallets until they reach dealers. Most of the palleted cars are transported in specially equipped, closed rail cars from each assembly plant to a main distribution center where they are unloaded, allocated to either satellite distribution centers or to dealers, and reloaded for transport ultimately to the dealers, often via a satellite distribution center. The same pallets can be used to transport the cars in highway trailers and standard intermodal cargo containers. The cars remain on the pallets, are never driven, and are protected from weather and vandalism from the time they leave the plant until they reach the dealers' lots.

Abstract: An improved vehicle carrier having upper and lower levels for receiving a plurality of vehicles. The upper level of the carrier includes a rear table which can be tilted to provide a ramp for vehicles being loaded onto the upper level. Each rear table is lifted up and down by a pair of telescoping struts disposed on either side of the vehicle carrier. A rear pair of telescoping struts is directly attached to the rear table. Each one of the rear pair of telescoping struts is pivotably attached at a lower end to the chassis of the vehicle carrier and is pivotably attached at an upper end to the rear table. A forward pair of telescoping struts is rigidly mounted at a fixed angle to the chassis and has an upper end which is pivotably intermediately attached to a swing arm beam. A rear end of the swing arm beam is pivotably attached to a forward end of the rear table. A forward end of the swing arm beam is adapted with a slot to pivot and translate about a fixed pivot point on the chassis of the vehicle carrier.

Abstract: An exemplary frame for carrying two or more tiers of vehicles within a standard cargo-carrying container includes frame-supporting wheels rotatably supported in interposed relation between the sides of the lower rail of the frame for streamlined operation. Installing structure included on the upper and lower rail of the frame, such as an upper and lower plate each having a toothed edge, enable selective coupling of a vertical tension member to the upper and lower rails either in a first suspended position in which longitudinal movement along the respective rails is possible or in a second suspended position locked against such movement. The exemplary frame also includes a storage mechanism where each vehicle-supporting wheel cradle is pivotable about a load-bearing hanger for securement in a storage position extending parallel to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: An expedited method of loading automobiles into an enclosed semi-trailer having a plurality of automobile-powered lifts provided to operate each lift through the rotary motion of the drive wheels of the automobile. An auxiliary drive is provided to operate the lifts after disconnecting the automobile-powered drive. In one embodiment of the method, the auxiliary drive comprises one or more portable electric motors releasably operatively connected to the electric motors to the automobile lifts.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for packing multiple vehicles in a stacked configuration into a transport container using a frame structure such that a first vehicle is located above the floor of the container and inclined relative to that floor. The frame structure includes a lower vehicle support member mounted transversely across and above the base on a pair of first vertical support members, an upper vehicle support member mounted transversely across and above the base on a second pair of vertical support members such that the upper vehicle support member is spaced horizontally from and vertically above the lower vehicle support member and also including at least a first and a second attachment member each having brackets thereon for attaching to the first vehicle body, the vehicle support members supporting the respective attachment members substantially parallel thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing in a cargo transport of irregular shape, such as vehicles. The cargo transport comprises an elongate hollow highway truck semi-trailer having a pair of longitudinally extending spaced apart upright-side walls defining an interior cargo space therebetween. The trailer has a rearward openable end through which vehicles may be conveyed, and longitudinally extending internal crane runway rails supported by the side walls. A rear portion of the runway is longitudinally extendable rearward of the open rear end of the trailer. A plurality of standardized, stackable vehicle supporting pallets are provided upon which vehicles are individually loaded at a trailer-exterior loading position.

Abstract: An elongate frame such as for carrying vehicles includes length-adjusting and width-adjusting assemblies that enable the frame to fully occupy differently-sized enclosures. Pivotably extensible and retractable length-adjusting sections form the length-adjusting assembly. Several length settings are achievable by selectively unlocking different combinations of sections. Overshooting of settings is avoided, despite machine-driven adjustment, by elimination of overtravel-type movement in each section. Telescopically adjustable joints, each with automatic end position latching and backup stop protection, form the width-adjusting assembly and guide the frame's sides in stable upright movement while the frame's forward end is unfolded.

Abstract: A pivoting movable ramp for transporting and storing automobiles inside containers. A cross bar assembly is demountably engaged to an upright assembly. The upright assembly being supported by the floor of the container. A ramp assembly supports the weight of the vehicle which a user desires to store or transport. The ramp assembly being demountably engaged to the crossbar assembly by a locking assembly. The locking assembly comprising a channel and a circular bay. The circular bay journaling and securing the ramp assembly to the crossbar assembly and being set forward a predetermined angle relative to the perpendicular such that the locking assembly cannot be demounted from the crossbar assembly unless the rear end of the ramp assembly is raised above the horizontal the same predetermined angle, thereby allowing the locking assembly to disengage the crossbar assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle is supported on a horizontal support platform extending between two frames. As a winch is driven, a pair of cables raise the horizontal support platform upward along the frames. As the platform is raised, contact pads of the frames press against the sides of the cargo container, providing additional strength to the apparatus.

Abstract: A transport trailer structure for carrying vehicles such as canoes and other elongate loads has spaced apart carrier frames supported on a vehicle frame carried on wheels or other surface engaging members. Vertically extending fore and aft guides extend upwardly from the vehicle frame, and slide bearings on the carrier frames are vertically slideable along the vertical guide members to permit the mobile carrier frames to move from positions of loading to positions of transport, and back again for unloading. Collapsable spacers connect the carrier frames, and a cable wind-up and control system connects to the upper carrier frame at fore and aft locations and is operable to draw the upper carrier frame vertically from a lowered position in which loading of the upper carrier frame takes place to a raised transport position in which the collapsable spacers are restored to control the height to which the upper carrier frame may be raised.

Abstract: Unitary carrier assembly distinguished in that each individual platform (9) is mounted movable with regard to its two supporting posts (2) and (3) by a carrier and lifting mechanism present between each post and each platform comprising a translation device (7) or (8) on a single screw (5) or (6) per post and for each post an articulation with the platform and at least one slanting articulated linkage (13) connecting the platform to the translation device.This invention is of interest particularly to builders of transport equipment.

Abstract: A see-saw motion loading device for a loading platform makes use of an auxiliary chassis installable on the frame of a vehicle carrier. At least one see-saw motion rocking member cooperates with a fixed base, and preferably also with a base movable towards and away from the fixed base. A device, such as a hydraulic jack or the like is provided for opening and closing of the see-saw motion rocking member.

Abstract: A railroad car having a flat bed at the lowest possible level and a roof and side panels supported by stanchions at an extraordinary height is provided with cantilevered wheel seats for support of the front wheels of semistacked trucks with each truck backed into position by a forklift with the front end of the truck raised and its rear frame tucked in under the front end of a preceding truck. Side rails secured to the stanchions about one foot from the bed and about six inches in front of the stanchions help guide the trucks into proper position. Each wheel seat is comprised of two cantilevered box beams inserted into box receptacles supported by horizontal side box beams secured to the stanchions. A cross beam secured to the free end of the cantilevered box beams enhance the ability of the cantilevered box beams to support the weight of the truck and provide a place to secure an eye that receives a hook of a tie-down chain in a position directly below the front wheel axle of the truck.

Abstract: An apparatus configurable to support different types of loads on a wheeled vehicle during over-the-road travel includes a substantially enclosed compartment, an intermediate support shelf disposed interiorly of the compartment for relative movement therein and an apparatus for selectively moving the intermediate support shelf between a first position for supporting a first plurality of golf carts and the like thereon for transport thereof at a predetermined height above the floor of the compartment to permit the simultaneous transport of the second plurality of golf carts and the like disposed on the floor, and a second position in which the intermediate support shelf is in substantially flush relation with the boundaries of the interior of the compartment.

Abstract: A trailer capable of carrying a boat and vehicle in a dual load mode of operation wherein the boat is mounted rearwardly of the vehicle in an inclined position with the bow of the boat above portions of the vehicle being carried. The trailer is also convertible into a single load mode of operation wherein the boat is carried low in a conventional orientation by lowering a supporting boat carriage into a collapsed position near the frame of the trailer. The trailer is provided with a boat carriage which is connected to the frame of the trailer and supported by a lifting mechanism which causes the boat carriage and any supported boat to shift rearwardly when they are moved from the collapsed position into the extended raised position. This rearward movement automatically shifts the weight of the boat carriage and any supported boat rearwardly to counteract the loading associated with a vehicle on forward portions of the trailer.

Abstract: An automobile/boat trailer for transporting an automobile with a boat supported above the automobile. Four corner vertical support columns are mounted on a trailer having standard rails for supporting an automobile. A boat trailer cradle is mounted so as to be vertically slidable along the support columns. Cables are attached to the trailer cradle and pass over pulleys secured to the top of each column. The cables are secured at their other ends to a winch for raising and lowering the boat cradle. Safety locks are provided for preventing the lowering of the boat cradle if the cables fail to support the cradle.

Abstract: A double-decked apparatus has a base (4), and a movable deck (6) is rotatably connected, at one end, to one end of the base. Automobiles can be positioned on the base (4) and on the movable deck (6). The movable deck can rotate between a first position, where it is laid upon the base and positioned substantially parallel thereto, and a second position, where it is inclined upwardly. The apparatus is also provided with support rods (8, 9) which can hold the movable deck in the second position. Two automobiles can be mounted on this apparatus, one above the other. The apparatus can, therefore, help to achieve an efficient use of the space within a transport container.

Abstract: A tri-level refrigerated trailer is provided and consists of three support units for supporting three different loads in which the second support unit extends longitudinally outside from the first support unit and includes a refrigerator compartment for receiving the second load while the third support units extends over the first and second support unit to support the third load. The first load can be any type of cargo, the second load can be perishable goods such as food and the third load can be a plurality of motor vehicles or the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to enhance intermodal containers for transport of vehicles wherein multiple longitudinal rails on container walls support movable and removable transverse cargo pallets having foot members which are articulatably connected to the pallets are disclosed. Cargo, preferably an automobile fixed to front and rear pallets is loaded by inserting each pallet's feet onto appropriate rail(s) at door opening, then sliding to stowage spot, the rail selection determining height and tilt. Stowage of any mix of automobiles in intermodal containers is optimized by double-decking, half-decking, double half-decking, mirror-imaging, and envelope intervention. On back haul, pallets serve other cargo as restraints, hangers, pallets, or dunnage deck supports, or they are stowed out of the way. Method and apparatus permit automated load planning and container stuffing, and make containerized shipment of large volumes of automobiles cost competitive with current methods.

Abstract: A railway car is convertible from a grain carrying car to a vehicle transport car and vice-versa. The car has closed sides, a roof and a floor and end doors movable from a closed position when in the grain carrying mode and to an open position for vehicle transport mode. Loading hatches in the roof and dumping hoppers in the base allow for use in carrying grain and other comminuted material and longitudinally extending spaced and parallel vehicle grids are provided on one, two or three levels thereby permitting vehicles to be carried in a conventional manner when in the vehicle transport mode. The grids and supporting structure permit and facilitate the loading and unloading of grain or the like when in the grain carrying mode and the railway car is easily converted manually from one mode to the other.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting and storing recreational vehicles, such as three and four-wheeled motorcycle-type vehicles, is provided which comprises a substantially horizontally disposed lower frame assembly; wheel assemblies connected to and supporting the lower frame assembly; and an upper frame assembly spatially disposed above the lower frame assembly. The upper frame assembly is moveable between a substantially horizontally disposed first position and an angularly disposed second position. In the horizontally disposed first position the upper frame assembly is disposed a distance above the lower frame assembly so as to be substantially parallel with the lower frame assembly; and in the angularly disposed second position the upper frame assembly is angularly disposed above the first frame assembly such that a rearward end of the upper frame assembly is positioned substantially adjacent the lower frame assembly, in close proximity to a rearward end of the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: A structure for supporting motor vehicles which can be mounted at various positions along the bed of a transport vehicle to accommodate vehicle and vehicle chassis of different lengths and sizes. The structure generally comprises a dismountable channel member which retains a support post in an upright position and can be secured to the truck bed at different locations. Slidably attached to the upper portion of the support post is an arm which extends outwardly from the post. Similarly, a platform which supports one wheel of the vehicle being transported is removably secured to the arm of the structure. All the components may be lockingly engaged during transport and the structure may be disassembled and stored within the bed of the transport vehicle. Furthermore, all of the components are adjustable relative to one another and the bed of the truck in order accommodate different vehicles.

Abstract: This application covers a trailer which has platforms at two levels, one for a boat and one for an automobile. It includes a frame supported by wheels, a primary loading platform which rests on the main frame and is pivotally attached thereto so that it can be tilted therewith. An upper or secondary load carrying platform is supported above the primary load platform by four stanchion. Means are provided to pull the secondary load platform down to the first load platform and then pivot the two so that a boat can be pulled onto the upper or secondary load platform. Then, the upper load platform is pivoted about the stanchion to an upright position and locked in place. The secondary or primary loading platforms are then pivoted together and the lower platform can then be loaded, for example, by driving a car up on it. When it is loaded, then the fixed primary and secondary loading platforms are rotated about the pivot so that they rest securely on the main frame.

Abstract: Vehicles are secured to a carrier during shipment by application of a harness preferably comprised of textile webbing to each of the vehicle wheels. A tension member extending from each harness is connected to the deck of the carrier by an adjustable attachment means such as the type comprising a ratcheting spool. The harnesses engage only the inflated tires of the vehicle wheels and accordingly permit the vehicle suspension to react without restraint to irregular movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A double load trailer adapted for receiving an automobile on a first horizontal frame mounted on a wheeled axle. A second horizontal frame is slidably mounted on a plurality of vertical posts attached to the first frame. The second frame is adapted for receiving a boat thereon. When the automobile has been unloaded from the trailer, the second frame is lowered in a horizontal plane on top of the first frame so the boat can be unloaded from the trailer into the water.

Abstract: A container transport system for carrying a plurality of vehicles includes a cargo container and at least one ramp within the container. The ramp is disposable and is made of corrugated cardboard. In forming the ramp a plurality of load cells of increasing average height are positioned next to each other and are covered by a cardboard envelope. The cells are formed by folding cardboard panels into a trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: A vehicle transport trailer, which is capable of carrying three to four vehicles and can be hauled by a pick-up truck. The trailer has two levels. The upper level has a rear end portion which is sloped towards the ground and is used as a ramp for loading and unloading. A hitch is attached to the front end of the upper level. A lower level is hinged to the main body of the trailer and is attached to the front end of the upper level by power activated telescoping members which are movable between a first position in which the trailer can be hauled at its hitch by a pick-up truck, and a second extended position in which the trailer is supported by the front end of the lower level and the rear end of the upper level, with the front end of the upper level and the hitch being pivoted upwardly to allow free access for loading and unloading of the lower level.