Abstract: Systems, methods, non-transitory processor-readable storage media, and devices of the various embodiments enable a vehicle vending machine to retrieve a vehicle from a storage location and deliver the vehicle to a delivery bay for delivery to a customer. Various embodiments may include a vehicle vending machine including a tower, a robotic carrier, a corridor extending from the tower, a plurality of delivery bays positioned along the corridor, a customer interaction kiosk, and/or a video system.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer readable medium for communicating vehicle-specific policy to autonomous vehicles are provided herein. The method may include the following steps: storing, sensing and transmitting to the cellular communication network, data associated with autonomous vehicles; maintaining a set of rules for operational parameters of the autonomous vehicles, applying the data associated with the autonomous vehicles for each respective autonomous vehicle to the policy database, to yield a vehicle-specific configuration command; and generating a vehicle-specific configuration command to be sent to the respective autonomous vehicle, that when reaches the autonomous vehicle, configures the autonomous vehicles into one of a plurality of operational configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle parking apparatus. The disclosed bicycle parking apparatus comprises: a rotational driving member providing driving power; a rotating storage unit consisting of multiple levels, rotated by the driving power from the rotational driving member, and partitioned so as to store bicycles in a radial configuration; an elevating unit, provided at a peripheral side of the rotating storage unit, for raising and lowering loaded bicycles; and a loading/unloading unit, provided at the elevating unit, for grasping and loading a bicycle from the outside onto the elevating unit or unloading a bicycle from the elevating unit to the outside.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying, extracting, and storing vehicles. The system and method provide for implementation of at least one primary storage module, and optionally, one or more secondary storage modules. Each module includes a clamp dog and tiltable tray which has a pair of clamping arms. The system and method provide for clamp down and vertical stowage of vehicles. When more than one module is implemented, the modules are serially connected together to provide for vertical stowage of multiple vehicles, with one or no vehicle in each module.

Abstract: Parking solutions and storage solutions are provided. In particular there is provided a system for storing at least one vehicle, the system comprising a storage area for storing at least one vehicle and means for moving the at least one vehicle within the storage area, wherein the storage area is marginally larger than the size of the vehicle. The means for moving the at least one vehicle moved into the storage area includes a platform adapted to receive the vehicle. Provided are also systems for parking vehicle, in particular, peripheral parking systems and undercroft parking systems as well as a storage system for items.

Abstract: Each load-carrier of a system is always controlled by one of a series of MCUs (monitoring and control units) that are assigned to contiguous regions along guideways. Each carrier is slowed down to maintain a safe distance behind a carrier ahead, or to avoid collision with another carrier when approaching a merge point of a convergent Y-junction or when otherwise desirable. Distance measurements take into account the lengths of carriers and of assigned regions and the counts of speed pulses sent to MCUs since entry of carriers into their respective regions. For merge control, arrival data are developed that include the times and speeds to and at arrival of two carriers at a merge point. Through repeated comparisons of arrival data developed from one carrier with arrival data previously developed and stored as to the other carrier, the one carrier is gradually slowed down as necessary to avoid a collision.

Abstract: This electric motor vehicle parking installation comprises a tower above ground and includes vehicle parking places and at least one vehicle entry and/or exit area. The tower includes a pair of contiguous coaxial helical ramps (2, 3) of identical pitch, comprising a first ramp (2) dedicated to parking vehicles and a fixed second ramp (3), the first ramp being mobile vertically and in rotation relative to the second ramp.

Abstract: Each load-carrier of a system is always controlled by one of a series of MCUs (monitoring and control units) that are assigned to contiguous regions along guideways. Each carrier is slowed down to maintain a safe distance behind a carrier ahead, or to avoid collision with another carrier when approaching a merge point of a convergent Y-junction or when otherwise desirable. Distance measurements take into account the lengths of carriers and of assigned regions and the counts of speed pulses sent to MCUs since entry of carriers into their respective regions. For merge control, arrival data are developed that include the times and speeds to and at arrival of two carriers at a merge point. Through repeated comparisons of arrival data developed from one carrier with arrival data previously developed and stored as to the other carrier, the one carrier is gradually slowed down as necessary to avoid a collision.

Abstract: An improved multilevel parking system includes platforms having an angled cross section member disposed at an end thereof, which facilitates close nesting of, and lateral support for, the platforms. A drive-on ramp may be attached to a lower-most platform, facilitating movement of vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: A mixed-use pedestrian-oriented parking structure, includes at least two sequential multi-level parking units; a series of one-directional parking access aisles; angled parking around a central atrium and parallel parking at the outer edge of the parking decks; a liner building surrounding the parking units on at least one side of each parking unit; and a multi-use buffer corridor defining an interface between the parking units and the liner building which includes at least one common wall with the buffer corridor, the wall including passages for access to and from the buffer corridor.

Abstract: A parking device for a bicycle includes a main control unit (11), a parking unit (12) mounted on the main control unit, and a locking member (13) movably mounted in the main control unit and extending into the parking unit. Thus, the parking device can lock the bicycle (20) so as to provide a burglarproof effect. In addition, the bicycle is locked by the parking device so that the user needs not to carry a lock to prevent from causing a burden to the user. Further, the parking device locks the bicycle easily and quickly to facilitate the user locking and unlocking the bicycle.

Abstract: A vertically integrated parking system whereby the parking spots are attached to certain apartments or offices in a residential or commercial building. The parking system provides in the residential building parking spots for certain residential apartments such that the parking spot is located on the same floor as the apartment. The parking system includes various safety precaution devices such as carbon monoxide and nitrous dioxide detectors to protect residents of the building and an infrared detector system is used to guide and avoid damage to the automobiles.

Abstract: A parking facility which includes a multitude of parking spaces for individual cars containing a plurality of removable tickets at each parking space. Each ticket identifies its associated parking space so that an individual can park a car in one of the parking spaces and remove one of the tickets to help him or her locate the parking space at a later time. The tickets may be color coded to identify different regions of the parking facility, and, preferably, contain advertising and/or promotional material.

Abstract: The patent claim concerns an automatic parking system for passenger cars, comprising six independent claims with various building parts and methods thereto. These comprise a dismountable construction consisting of one or more automatic parking ramps whereon the driver leaves his/her vehicle, the vehicle being then positioned, mechanically centred, gripped and electronically measured, automatically, so that the vehicle can be displaced by computer and compactly stored. Said device consists essentially of a push system (tractor, 40) moving on a rail (tractor rail, 42), gripping the vehicles at the wheels using forks with specific rollers (45), pulling same onto the lifting platform (31) in centred position on the rollers, moving the platform vertically, rotating the platform about its vertical axis and pushing the vehicle onto the parking platform (8). On request, the vehicles are once more pulled onto the lifting platform, transported to the exit ramp and delivered to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of vehicles wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which vehicles are stored in vertically oriented cells with each vehicle being carried within a vehicle storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the vehicle storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a roadway such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a vehicle contained within a vehicle storage unit relative to the roadway and move the vehicle storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A storage device for off-floor storage, including a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area, a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis, a platform movably connected to the vertical support member, and a lift actuator operationally connected to the platform. The lift actuator may be energized to move the platform into any one of a plurality of substantially parallel vertical positions oriented generally transversely to the deployment axis. The base is decoupled from the floor.

Abstract: A parking system (100) including a plurality of lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122) serially and pivotally connected to each other from a nearest lever arm to a furthest lever arm, each lever arm being movable from a first orientation to a second orientation, wherein an angle of each lever arm relative to a ground surface is greater in the second orientation than in the first orientation, the nearest lever arm being connectable to a support structure (101) for supporting thereupon a vehicle to be parked, and drive apparatus (108) operatively connected to the lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122) and operative to sequentially lift each of the lever arms (103, 104, 114, 118, 122), starting with the furthest lever arm and ending with the nearest lever arm, from its first orientation to its second orientation.

Abstract: A modular automated parking garage. The parking garage includes a first multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a first vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle and a second multilevel vehicle storage structure with at least a second vehicle storage rack for storing a vehicle. A vehicle lift structure is arranged between the first multilevel vehicle storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure, the vehicle lift structure including a vehicle lift mechanism for bringing a vehicle pallet into alignment with a selected level of the first multilevel storage structure. The vehicle lift mechanism is accessed by driving the vehicle through at least one of the first multilevel storage structure and the second multilevel vehicle storage structure.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved skeletal frame for a revolving vehicle platform turntable. The improved device is used to support a vehicle turntable and easily installed in any location. The skeletal frame includes a cylindrical circular tubular body made of 2 semicircular sections, a main frame structure including web arms are connected to both sides of the cylindrical circular tubular body, a roller chain pulley sprocket assembly is attached to the center cross section of the main structure frame for driving the skeletal frame. It is preferably installed below ground level so that the upper level of the turntable is level with the ground. Another improved component of this invention is the absence of welded parts.

Abstract: A storage platform and lift apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms; four cables; a plurality of elongated brace members; four elongated vertical members, each having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; and a drive axle. A pulley wheel is rotatably coupled to two vertical members, while the other two vertical members support a drive axle which contains the four cables. A plurality of brace members support the vertical members in an upright, stable position. Upper and lower gear assemblies, in combination with the four cables extending outwardly away from the drive axle and coupled to the platforms, provide means to raise and lower the platforms to any desired height for either short- and long-term storage of machinery, equipment, and the alike.

Abstract: A dwelling system having a housing which lacks plumbing. The housing is elevated so as to accept a portable unit below the housing. The housing uses a mating structure to provide bi-directional access through the roof of the portable unit that plumbing is provided by the portable unit.

Abstract: A simple and relatively inexpensive containerized vehicle storage system for holding self-parked vehicles. In one embodiment, the system includes a building housing having an upper level and a lower level, with the lower level being situated below level of vehicle entrance into the housing. A plurality of containers are positioned in at least two vertically stacked columns in the housing. Each container is identically configured, and includes a weight tolerant structural shell. The shell is formed by a floor, sidewall and roof arranged to define a shell entrance and an oppositely situated shell exit to permit respective entry and exit of a vehicle into and from the shell of the container. The shell is typically configured to support the weight of a conventional automobile positioned inside the shell, and further support a stack of about ten similarly loaded and configured containers.

Abstract: A vehicle parking device includes a base with four posts extending therefrom and every two adjacent of the posts have two rails connected therebetween on which three first parking units are moved. Each of the posts has a first sprocket mounted thereto and two first parking units movable on the rails and three second parking units movably located between any two adjacent posts. Each of the second parking units has two sprockets mounted to the rear end thereof so that a cable, which has one end thereof fixedly connected to one of two outermost post and the other end thereof engaged with a motor mounted to the other outermost post, reeved through the first sprockets and the second sprockets such that each of the second parking units are moved vertically between the two posts corresponding thereto.

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: Wheel skids are utilized to load, maintain, and thereafter unload vehicles to and from a container. Preferably, paired separate skids are designed to receive and trap the front steering wheels of a vehicle. Each skid includes a wheel supporting surface, and a forward bumper surface for stopping the forward rolling wheel. A rear upward folding ramp first permits the wheel of the vehicle to roll onto the skid and then folds upward for trapping the wheel. Trapping of the wheel occurs between the forward bumper and rear upward folded ramp. Side skid members contact the side of the container during sliding movement of the skid on the bottom of the container. In operation, the skids are placed just inside the front of a container, usually just beyond the end of an auto loading ramp that allows the vehicle to easily enter the container at the front steering wheels. The vehicle is started, battery may be disconnected, hood closed, and driven onto the skids until collision with the forward bumpers occurs.

Abstract: A double-pallet parking garage for automobiles is disclosed. A ground pallet is carried on a pair of parallel base frames to be horizontally movable between the entrance and parking positions thereof. Guide and support columns stand on both ends of each base frame. The liftable pallet moves between the entrance and parking positions thereof in accordance with the turning motion of a pair of turning links. The liftable pallet is movably held by the upper ends of the turning links and moves between the entrance and parking positions while remaining horizontal. The liftable pallet moves vertically under the guide of the guide column and moves along an arcuate trace under the guide of an arcuate guide beam. The double-pallet parking garage of this invention does not cause any interference between the liftable and ground pallets during movement of the pallets.

Abstract: A vehicle parking installation is provided having a pair of vertical columns, multiple platforms provided with carriages movable independently of each other along the columns. The carriages are lockable along the columns at predetermined distances which are suitable for accommodating individual vehicles. The platforms may be driven along the columns by a central unit which controls the operation of the installation. A drive member which is applied to each column is controlled by the central unit so that it can releasably connect the drive member to a selected platform to thereby displace the selected platform along the column. Each column has a mechanical locking device spaced at predetermined distances apart, individually controlled by the central unit and movable between an interference position and a non-interference position.

Abstract: An electrically driven car lift apparatus for use in a private garage is provided which operates on standard household electrical power. The lift apparatus is driven by two screws, one being directly connected to an electrical driving device with a transmission carrying rotational force to turn the second screw. The direct mounting of the electric drive device to the lift apparatus reduces the necessary area required to operate the lift apparatus and creates a convenient design for use in a typical space-restricted private home garage.

Abstract: A parking device including a base frame, a top frame, four cylindrical poles mounted between four corners of the base and top frames, each of the cylindrical poles having two tubular members slidably mounted thereon, an upper platform fixedly mounted on the tubular members at an upper position, a lower platform fixedly mounted on the tubular members at a lower position, a plurality of first hydraulic cylinders mounted on a bottom of the top frame and drivingly connected with the upper platform, a plurality of second hydraulic cylinders mounted mounted on the base frame and drivingly connected with the lower platform, and a positioning device having a casing mounted on each of the tubular members, solenoid fitted within the casing, a plunger fitted within the casing and a spring arranged between the solenoid and the plunger, the plunger being forced by the spring to go partly into a tube radially arranged within each of the poles through the tubular members.

Abstract: A vehicle parking installation is provided having a pair of vertical columns, multiple platforms provided with carriages movable independently of each other along the columns. The carriages are lockable along the columns at predetermined distances which are suitable for accommodating individual vehicles. The platforms may be driven along the columns by a central unit which controls the operation of the installation. A drive member which is applied to each column is controlled by the central unit so that it can releasably connect the drive member to a selected platform to thereby displace the selected platform along the column. Each column has a mechanical locking device spaced at predetermined distances apart, individually controlled by the central unit and movable between an interference position and a non-interference position.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections may include electrical connections for power and communication and they are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. Transfer vehicles operate to transfer loads between the carrier vehicles and storage positions and may be controlled to move in either of two transverse directions or to rotate in a turntable operation. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A mechanical parking arrangement comprises at least two parking spaces. A platform (10) for at least one vehicle may be moved by a driving arrangement, is located in the parking position above at least one underlying vehicle parking space (6) and may be lowered down to a loading position (B) in which it is substantially on a level with the access path (5). On each longitudinal side of the parking arrangement is provided a guiding rail (4) which extends over a substantial part of the length of the parking arrangement, above the under lying parking space (6) and upon which is guided a front supporting element for the platform (10). Rear supporting elements are further provided upon which the platform (10) is supported in its parking position and during a first part of its descent. The guiding rails (4) at the rear end of the underlying parking space (6) substantially begin at the level of the access path (5). The platform (10) has wheels in the area of its rear end.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A parking garage in which parking zones are arranged at both sides of a self-running lane, and slat conveyers are arranged at the lane and the parking zones, such that a vehicle that has run on the lane is conveyed to one of the parking zones by the slat conveyers. At exit, a vehicle in one of the parking zones is conveyed to the self-running lane by the slat conveyers, and it runs by itself on the lane to exit the garage.

Abstract: A wheel stopper includes a pair of stopper recesses (14) provided on a parking pallet (10) for receiving a pair of front or rear wheels, each recess having a floor plate with a pair of through-holes (18) therein and a pair of support members (15) which are movable upwardly and downwardly within the stopper recesses (14). The support members (15) consist of a support plate (19) and a pair of legs (20) extending downwardly from the support plate (19) through the through-holes (18).

Abstract: This invention relates to a parking device and in particular to one which includes a vertical support, a vertical frame movably connected with the vertical support, a dog slidably mounted in the vertical frame, and a base frame fixedly connected with the dog, whereby the vertical frame together with the base frame may be elevated and rotated as required.

Abstract: A three-dimensional parking facility which includes an upper parking portion and a lower parking portion. The three-dimensional parking facility further includes a device for swinging the upper parking portion and the lower parking portion. The swinging device is supported by a member running along a horizontal axis on a solid foundation.

Abstract: A double-deck parking device is provided for parking two cars one above the other in order to more efficiently utilize available parking space. The parking device includes a platform which may be moved to a position adjacent a base plate for locating a vehicle thereon. The platform may be raised above the base plate and another vehicle may be parked on the base plate. The platform may be further raised to a vertical position to allow vehicles of differing heights to be mounted on the base plate thus accommodating differing vehicle heights.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting a semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container from carrying general freight cargo to carrying automobiles. More specifically, the present invention provides for a lift mechanism which is powered by the drive wheels of the automobile being carried by the lift so that a plurality of automobiles may be carried in two levels in an enclosed semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container. The method of the present invention is also adaptable to being employed in piggy back transportation of semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers on railroad cars. The apparatus of the present invention is designed for flexibility in use and ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises lift assemblies based on the use of ball screws powered from flexible cable drives.

Abstract: A multi-story parking facility comprises a double helical descending ramp structure in the shape of a rectangle, a pair of ascending ramps located on each side and sandwiching the double helical descending ramp structure therebetween, and a pair of connecting passages provided on each floor for connecting the double helical descending ramp structure and the ascending ramps. The ascending ramps are provided with parking spaces on one or both sides thereof. The pair of connecting passages provided on each floor are positioned symmetrically about the center of the descending ramp structure. The above configuration permits speedy entry and exit of cars to realize a high turnover and accommodation efficiency.

Abstract: A car parking frame provided with upper and lower floors supported between rail assemblies, with each floor being movable by a motor driven chain assembly to permit the independent parking of a car on either floor level.

Abstract: A height adjustable vehicle parking apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a base and a pair of upstanding stanchions. A vehicle parking platform is disposed between and moveable along the stanchions. An articulated stabilizer bar assembly comprising a rocker arm and a control arm are pivotally connected to one another and to the parking platform and base respectively. A piston and cylinder assembly extends pivotally from a fixed location on the articulated stabilizing bar assembly. Height adjustable means for supporting the vehicle platform at various heights are provided intermediate the upstanding stanchions. Thus, the subject parking apparatus may be employed in a variety of indoor parking facilities having different height limitations.

Abstract: An automatic roadside multi-storied parking system including collapsible parking racks each having a plurality of vertically spaced parking platforms and between each two parking racks a lift conveyer capable of ascending and descending stepwise to reach the level of each parking platform. The parking system is also equipped with an emergency ladder on one side of each rack for a person to climb up or down during an emergency. A wheeled moving device is provided on the bottom of each module of the system to assist in adjustment of the angle and direction of the individual modules and is spring-released to flip into a storage recess for the stability of the modules. Parking racks and lift conveyers are fitted and supported each on both sides thereof with lazy tong-type links and oil cylinders are provided for lifting and unfolding of the parking racks and for raising and lowering of the lift conveyer to or from the level of a selected parking platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing four vehicles inside a maritime container using a platform (20) with locking mechanisms (40) for suspending it at a pre-determined distance from the floor of the container. Jack assemblies (60) are used to lower or raise the platform depending on the characteristics of the vehicle being loaded. Leaking fluid pans (32) are cooperatively and removably mounted to the platform (20) in order to prevent any damage to the vehicles on the lower level. The platform assembly (20) extends the entire span of the container where it is housed with the two parallel structural lateral members (24 and 24') kept in a spaced apart relationship by girder members (25) and spacer members (26). The vehicles are tied down during transportation to minimize movement.

Abstract: The device has two substantially vertical fixed guides along which sliders actuated by hydraulic cylinders can slide. The sliders support platforms which are each adapted to accommodate a motor vehicle. A bracket for each platform is associated with each slider and supports a profiled element on which the edge of the platform rests. The profiled element is provided with a gutter for conveying liquids to its ends.

Abstract: A tri-level parking apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a pair of spaced apart vertical stanchions. First and second parking platforms are disposed between the stanchions and can be slidably moved up or down along the stanchions. Piston/cylinder assemblies are provided for independently lifting the first parking platform from a lower position, to an intermediate position and ultimately to an uppermost position. Similarly, the piston/cylinder assemblies enable independent lifting of the lower platform from a lowermost position to the intermediate position.

Abstract: A parking system for automotive vehicles, comprises a building structure divided into a ground parking level and at least two upper parking levels, each having a floor and a ceiling defining between them one or more lines of parking spaces extending longitudinally of the respective level. The floor and ceiling of each level are spaced from each other a distance which is greater than twice the height of the vehicles to be parked in the respective level, to define a lower zone of parking spaces for supporting the vehicles, and an upper zone for conveying the vehicles to a selected parking space in the lower zone.

Abstract: A parking garage is constructed substantially as a ship hull and includes a container which is preferably made of steel or reinforced concrete parts and is subdivided into three parking levels. The container can be sunk below the water surface of a lake or river at the intended location. At the corresponding predetermined depth the garage can be leveled by raising and lowering devices arranged on the longitudinal sides of the container and which substantially bore into the bed as a result of their own weight and additional weights placed on the top of the container. In the operating state the raising and lowering devices are controlled by sensors and activated, so that even in the case of positional changes, e.g. due to different loads, an exact leveling of the parking garage is ensured. The garage is provided with two, longitudinally spaced tubular tunnels, flanged to the longitudinal side of the container and connected to the lake or river bank.

Abstract: A loader includes a sleeve support which will carry in a raised position a lightweight open-centered sleeve, of the type which is capable of holding a plurality of automobiles. An automobile support, capable of carrying the automobiles which will comprise one level when loaded into the sleeve, is located below the sleeve. A lifting device moves the sleeve support and the automobile support together to insert the automobiles into the sleeve from its bottom. Latching mechanisms which attach the automobiles to the sleeve are movable between loading positions, where the automobiles can be inserted past them, and latching positions where they will engage the automobiles' tires. The loader is capable of removing the sleeves from cargo containers for loading and/or unloading and then placing them back into the containers when this procedure is completed. The apparatus also is capable of folding the sleeves to their collapsed position and of expanding them to their erected position.