Abstract: A gooseneck trailer system with support structures. The trailer system can comprise a gooseneck removably connected to a trailer and a support structure connected to the gooseneck. The support structure can be configured to support the gooseneck when the gooseneck is disconnected from the trailer. In some embodiments, the support structure can comprise at least one support arm connected to a frame of the gooseneck which can be pivoted between a retracted position and at least one deployed position. The present disclosure can also include methods of using the gooseneck trailer system with a tractor such that the support structure abuts against the tractor, safely securing the gooseneck to the tractor.

Abstract: A hydraulic drop frame trailer for a tow vehicle, the hydraulic drop frame trailer including a trailer frame having two sides and a hitch, a pair of wheels, a first and second frame bracket, a trailer bed mounted over the trailer frame, a first and second pivoting hydraulic cylinder, a plurality of hydraulic hoses, a first and second pivoting arm, an operating station connected to a power supply, a first and second axle-less wheel mount with independent suspension mechanism mounted to the first and second pivoting arm, and a plurality of safety locks, each securing an arm to the trailer frame for locking each rotating arm to the trailer bed during transport.

Abstract: A trailer force measurement system includes a tow hitch, a hitch mount connected to the tow hitch and a spring bar connected to the hitch mount. The trailer force measurement system also includes a trailer having a frame, where the spring bar is connected to the trailer frame via a bracket. A hitch coupler is then connected to the trailer frame and configured to releasably couple the trailer frame to the hitch mount. A force measurement device is then disposed on the bracket and configured to measure force exerted on the bracket by the spring bar.

Abstract: Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.

Abstract: A trailer system or trailer includes a trailer body having one or more wheel axle assemblies underlying the trailer body at a rear portion. In the trailer system embodiment, included is a detachable trailer neck that has at least one swivel wheel assembly located at a rear portion of the neck. The swivel wheel assemblies can be lifted or lowered using hydraulic or air cylinders. The neck or tongue has a transversely oriented pivot joint with an adjustable tongue weight assembly using springs and an air or hydraulically operated cylinder to adjust tongue weight.

Abstract: In a method and system for forming tubing to achieve at least one predetermined performance characteristic relating to the flow of a flowable material therethrough, a relationship is determined between at least one material characteristic of the tubing material, at least one operating parameter of the tube forming machine, and the at least one predetermined performance characteristic of the tubing. Based on this relationship, at least one operating parameter for operation of the tube forming machine to achieve the at least one predetermined performance characteristic is determined. The at least one operating parameter is input into the tube forming machine and the machine is operated to achieve the at least one predetermined performance characteristic.

Abstract: A suspension for a trailer vehicle that allows the trailer itself to be used as a ramp. The suspension has an axle having an axis and wheels at each end of the axle. The axle is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a pivotal connection and the axis of the axle is offset from the pivotal connection to the vehicle. An actuation device having a first and second end is pivotally connected to the axle at its first end. The actuation device is movable between a retracted length and extended length. Shifting the actuation device between its retracted and extended lengths causes the axle to pivot about the pivotal connection on the trailer, thereby changing the height of the vehicle relative to the ground surface. The trailer can be used as a ramp, thus, eliminating the need for separate ramps.

Abstract: A trailer having adjustable elevation is provided which includes a chassis 1 connected with a draw bar assembly 2 by a first linkage means, operating means 8 provided to raise or lower the chassis 1 relative to the draw bar assembly 2, second linkage means connecting pivotal wheel-mount assemblies 4 with the draw bar assembly 2 so that lowering and raising the chassis 1 provides a respective raising, and lowering of the wheel-mount assemblies 4 so that they can be retracted above the chassis 1, the first linkage means including a plurality of link arms 3 adapted to form a substantial parallelogram linkage, between the draw bar assembly 2 and the chassis 1, whereby the draw bar assembly 2 is permitted an arcuate range of motion relative to the chassis 1 while remaining substantially parallel therewith to enable the chassis to be engaged with the ground.

Abstract: A pneumatic drop frame trailer has lateral wheels connected to the frame by pivotal wheel support arms with airbags between the support arms and frame, a pivotal tongue member with an airbag between the tongue and the frame, a deck having an inclined ramp portion at the rear end, and a control box on the deck containing an air compressor, air storage tank, and associated valves and controls. The wheel airbags and tongue airbag can be inflated or deflated while hitched to a vehicle to raise or lower the frame evenly and horizontally relative to the ground and may also be inflated to provide stiffness or shock absorbing characteristics. When the wheel airbags are deflated, the bottom of the frame is disposed substantially horizontally and very close to the ground surface with the ramp portion substantially flush with the ground surface in a loading and unloading position.

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 transport vehicle includes a self-balancing vehicle base. A platform is supported on the base and is displaceable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. A support device engages the platform and supports at least a portion thereof during displacement between the first position and the second position. A method is also included.

Abstract: A truck includes a chassis 1 supporting a cab 3 and a deck 9 which is supported at least by a rearmost axle 15 and wheels 17. The deck 9 is tiltable relative to the chassis 1 about a pivot axis 27 located in front of the rearmost axle 15 of the truck and arranged such that as the deck 9 tilts rearwardly, the chassis 1 tilts forwardly and the deck 9 lowers towards the rearmost axle. A forward part of a rear suspension arrangement may be operatively connected to the chassis 1 so that the forward part moves upwardly towards the deck 9 as the deck 9 is tilted.

Abstract: A trailer having a front and a rear. The trailer includes a frame constructed to receive a bed and a hitch attached to the frame at the front of the trailer. A tube is pivotally connected to the frame between the front and the rear of the trailer. First and second support arms are connected to the tube. Each wheel support arm has an axle and a wheel located at its distal end. The trailer further includes means for rotating the tube. In one embodiment, the trailer has an inclining feature and a shoe for ground engagement. The shoe is located vertically below a central axis of the tube and longitudinally between the wheels and the front of the trailer. In a second embodiment, the trailer has an inclining and elevating feature. In this second embodiment, the hitch is pivotally connected to the front of the trailer and there is provided means for rotating the tube and rotating the hitch relative to one another to elevate, incline, or decline the bed.

Abstract: A device to facilitate transporting an injured person or cargo over rough terrain having an elongated rigid load bed riding on adjustable air-sprung suspension over a wheel assembly having a narrow track. The device includes handles extending from each end which can be used to control the device during movement or which can by folded down to provide vertical supports to maintain a stable stationary unattended position. The air suspension is utilized to actively raise and lower the device to facilitate changing between movable and stationary configurations. Brakes are provided on the wheels for control while descending, independent of the security of the footing of the operator(s). The device also provides for being towed utilizing a universal-joint connector to a towed vehicle which allows flexibility of the connection but prevents torsional movement and maintains side-to-side stability of the towed device.

Abstract: The boat trailer tug includes a primary frame with a mounting beam that is attachable to a boat trailer frame. A primary collar is fixed to the mounting beam front end. A hitch tongue is connected to the collar and extends forward from the collar. A hitch ball receiver is mounted on a front end of the hitch tongue for connecting the tug to a towing vehicle. A vertical height adjustment frame is slidably connected to the collar. A linear actuator moves the height adjustment frame up and down relative to the collar. A power unit frame is pivotally attached to the height adjustment frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A motor, transmission and driven wheels are mounted on the power unit frame. The linear actuator raises and lowers the driven wheels. A steering system pivots the power unit frame to steer the tug.

Abstract: A system for stowing and deploying a mortar from a transport vehicle employs a hoist mechanism, a support frame, a pair of guide arms and a barrel-support strut attached to a transport vehicle. The support frame is adapted to be temporarily engaged with the mortar barrel, the base plate and the pair of stabilizer arms of the mortar to prevent relative motion between them during stowing and deployment. The hoist mechanism has a lift arm that pivots between a retracted and a deployed position. One end of the lift arm is hook shaped for detachable engagement with the support frame. A pair of guide arms extend in spaced parallel relation from the rear of the vehicle and serve to guide a trajectory of the mortar as it is being stowed or lowered to the ground.

Abstract: The sports and recreational trailer fills the existing gap in technology by providing a single device to competently handle all of the tasks associated with elevated stands, blinds, trailers, fishing huts, and the like. This invention also adds new functionality not before seen in any incarnation of the above devices, such as the ability to lower the entire chassis, or to load the trailer by utilizing a bed-tilting feature.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle body with a chassis is provided which has a forward support and a rearward support, and which is able to accommodate a load. The rearward support includes a pair of support members each with at least one wheel mounted to one side of a support member. The support members are movable on the chassis between a first position at which the wheels are located within the tracking width of the vehicle and at which the wheels are aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle, and a second position at which the wheels are displaced laterally from the tracking width to provide access to the rear of the chassis. A first lock is provided between the support members which is able to be interengaged when the support members are in the first position to maintain the wheels in the first position and to enable the support members to cooperate with each other in accommodating the stresses and load exerted thereon when in the first position.

Abstract: The sports and recreational trailer fills the existing gap in technology by providing a single device to competently handle all of the tasks associated with elevated stands, blinds, trailers, fishing huts, and the like. This invention also adds new functionality not before seen in any incarnation of the above devices, such as the ability to lower the entire chassis, or to load the trailer by utilizing a bed-tilting feature.

Abstract: A transport apparatus to launch a boat into the water and retrieve the boat from the water. There is an elongate main frame having forward and rear main frame sections pivotally connected to one another along a transverse axis at approximately a mid location along the length. At the forward end of the main frame, there is an operating station and also forward wheels which are capable of turning a full ninety degrees in either direction, and there are at the opposite end rear support wheels which can be raised or lowered. When a boat is being taken out of the water, the apparatus is moved so that its rear end moves into the water, the rear wheels are raised to lower the rear frame section and the two main frame sections are articulated relative to one another to lower the pivot location. In this configuration the boat can be brought onto the rear main frame section, the rear section raised, and the boat carried out of the water.

Abstract: A kneeling dolly with ramp brake and method of use. Each kneeling dolly with ramp brake comprises a body having a ramp adjacent a wheel well, two front wheels swivellably and retractably attached to the body, and at least one rear wheel. Devices for extending and retracting the front wheels are provided. The instant kneeling dolly with ramp brake may be used singly, in pairs, or in whatever grouping(s) desired. In operation, a vehicle is rolled onto kneeling dollies with ramp brake, until one vehicle wheel is disposed on a respective kneeling dolly with ramp brake. Due to the swivellable attachment of the front and rear wheels, each kneeling dolly with ramp brake is free to travel in any desired direction, and thus the vehicle supported by the kneeling dollies with ramp brake may be pushed in any direction. This flexibility in movement helps relieve congestion and maximize floor space in garages, hangars, etc.

Abstract: A transport vehicle with a cargo deck having a deck lowering mechanism to enable easy loading of cargo, such as a motorized vehicle. The vehicle has a tandem wheel set located on each side thereof. The wheels are rotatably attached to the outer ends of spindles or stub axles, the spindles being connected at their inner ends to an adjacent walking beam. Both walking beams are pivotally connected to the lower end of an axle drop. The axle drops are connected at their upper ends to the ends of the lowering axle. The axle is rotatably attached to the frame of the cargo deck. Axle rotational means, such as hydraulic rams, are attached to the axle and, when actuated, can rotate the axle to thereby push against the axle drops and rotate them downward around their pivotal connection to their respective adjacently located walking beams. The cargo deck frame, being pivotally attached to the axle, lowers into contact with the ground as the axle drops rotate downward.

Abstract: A rear loading trailer includes a rearward end lowering mechanism to eliminate or reduce unnecessary weighting of the rear wheels and axle during loading or unloading of heavy equipment such as mining earth movers, shovels and the like. The lowering mechanism lowers the rearward end of the trailer and a ramp associated therewith onto a ground surface. With the ramp and trailer end supported at grade, the trailer body and the ground support the weight of the equipment during initial loading/unloading rather than the axles and/or wheels, thereby avoiding possible damage to the wheels and axles. The ramp moves with the trailer end so that trailer lowering would cause the ramp to also lower to the ground.

Abstract: A squatdown axle and suspension system for vehicles used to haul cargo provides a frame, a cargo bed attached to the frame, at least two wheels, and an adjustable suspension system for suspending the frame on the wheels between a transport position in which the frame and cargo bed are generally parallel to the road surface and a load position in which the cargo bed is lowered to the road surface. In one embodiment the suspension system includes at least one air bag which can be alternately inflated or deflated to adjust the position of the cargo bed and frame with respect to the road surface. A removable pulley for use with a winch and cable and an adjustable axle assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An articulated self-propelled tug and boat trailer. The trailer is mounted on wheels and includes a laterally opposed pair of generally parallel spaced apart longitudinally extending hull supporting members connected by cross members. The hull supporting members are pivotable about the trailer wheels. Independently actuable hydraulic rams selectively or simultaneously elevate either or both of the longitudinally extending hull supporting members relative to the trailer wheels. The cross members which rigidly mount the hull supporting members to a universal articulatable joint having three rotational degrees of freedom. A self-propelled tug is the opposite side of the universal articulatable joint. Independent hydraulic rams independently and selectively pivot the trailer and the tug relative to each other about each of the three rotational degrees of freedom. The tug has drive wheels for selectively self-propelled translation of the tug and the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention has many inherent advantages, such as we provide "A VERTICAL LIFT TOWING DOLLY INCLUDING VARIABLE, ATTACHABLE PLATFORMS" with each platform being individually designed for a specific purpose, such as hauling a boat, car, motorcycle, etc. Also, a unique hydraulic one-man operated cable system allows for vertical lift of the entire frame. Also, this invention provides the following: an arrangement to selectively vary the distance between the wheels, a towing tongue removably affixed to the axle, an arrangement to accept variable sized trailer hitches, an arrangement to vary height of the trailer hitch and further the trailer may easily be assembled, as each of the components may be color coded and the trailer may be easily disassembled for transport and/or storage, or the like.

Abstract: A U-frame wagon formed with two parallel longitudinal beams (2, 3) and a front transverse beam (4) interconnecting the two longitudinal beams. Two wheel units (6, 7, 8, 9) are attached to the rear ends of the longitudinal beams for supporting the rear parts of the beams, while the transverse beam (4) is coupled (20) to and supported by a trailing unit. Three connection devices (13, 16) cooperate with complementary shaped connection members of a container platform. Above the wheel units are mudguards, which also serve as lifting devices (10) and these are of rigid construction and extend parallel to the longitudinal frame members. The lifting devices are pivotable around shafts (12) positioned before the shafts of the wheel units, while the connection devices (13) are behind the shafts of the wheel units.

Abstract: A tow trailer assembly for towing a single pallet of material behind an automobile or truck and having a substantially rigid fork frame with apparatus for connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle at one end and forks for engaging and lifting the pallet at the other end. A wheel support frame is pivotally connected to the fork frame and a hydraulic lifting cylinder is provided for moving the wheels downward relative to the fork frame to raise the fork frame into a towing position with the load substantially centered over the trailer's wheels.

Abstract: A device for moving disabled vehicles in which fixed and movable jaws are carried by a self-propelled truck and function under operator control for selectively capturing coaxial vehicle tires between the jaws, and lifting the tires and vehicle so that the same may be propelled by the truck. Rollers are mounted for free rotation along the forward edges of the movable jaws for pushing engagement with the vehicle tires to propel the vehicle under control of the truck in situations where the jaws cannot be positioned beneath the vehicle tires, such as when the vehicle is on a dynamometer or inclined surface.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one pair of wheels and a respective wheel support arm associated with each wheel for supporting the wheel for rotation, one end of each arm being pivotally coupled to the vehicle. A respective suspension component is secured to each arm and a mounting on the vehicle. A respective support strut has one end secured to the distal end of the suspension component. A respective guide member receives the one end of the strut and the distal end for movement therealong when the vehicle is moved between a travelling position and a loading position.

Abstract: A towed rotary cutter has a main frame defined by the cutter housing supported at its rear by ground wheels that are coupled to the frame through means of a pivotably mounted axle. A hitch is pivotally mounted at the front end of the frame and carries a clevis assembly at the forward end thereof. A pair of parallel, transversely spaced leveling rods extend between the hitch and wheel axle with the rear ends of the rods being defined by eyes that are received on respective pins formed integrally with the opposite ends of a cylindrical equalizer bar that is pivotally mounted to the axle. These pins are radially spaced in opposite directions from the pivot axis of the equalizer bar. The forward ends of the leveling rods are pivotally coupled to the hitch with one of the rods including an adjustment for changing its effective length extending between the axle and hitch.

Abstract: A storage rack system having a plurality of storage bays adapted to store pallet loads that are seven pallets deep is disclosed. One storage rack system disclosed includes six carts each adapted to support a single pallet load and being supported on track means for movement from a forward position to a back position. Another storage rack system disclosed includes a first cart for supporting a single pallet load, and two double carts each adapted to support two pallet loads, the carts being supported on track means for movement from a forward position to a back position.

Abstract: An elevating scaffold trailer is provided for transporting burley tobacco stalks impaled on tobacco rods from the field into a curing cell and subsequently out of the curing cell. The trailer comprises an elevating device for raising tobacco rod carrying devices above the height of holding racks within the curing cell. The trailer is transported into the curing cell whereby the elevating device lowers the tobacco rod carrying device below the level of the holding racks so that the tobacco rods are transferred to the holding racks. A method for gathering and transporting burley tobacco to a curing cell is also provided. The method involves using the elevating wheeled scaffold trailer to transport cut burley tobacco stalks to the curing cell and for transferring the tobacco to holding racks within the curing cell.

Abstract: A more even distribution of manure during spreading, a more efficient pickup of loose and gummy material, a more efficient pickup of manure in irregular feedlots, and avoidance of spillage of manure during transport are accomplished by employing a method of handling manure from a feedlot including providing a tank with a rear pickup mechanism. The tank and attached rear pickup mechanism rotate fore and aft by means of a pintle attached to a frame. The tank is so placed relative to the pintle that, as the frame is raised relative to the wheels, the tank first tilts backward and then forward, preventing overspills. The tank is partially filled with water and then the tank and pickup mechanism rotate to keep the mechanism in contact with the area to be cleaned. The mechanism then deposits manure from the area in the tank. A pump mixes the manure with the water to form a slurry and discharges the slurry from the tank.

Abstract: The invention concerns an off-highway motor vehicle for paraplegic handicapped persons. It comprises a frame (1) whose base (1') has a U shape open towards the front, the paraplegic sitting on his wheelchair (3) being installed between the branches of the frame. The branches of the U are extended by two box plate girders (2) rotary-joined onto the frame and each including two wheels (8). The vehicle comprises a tubular frame (4) cooperating with two shoes (5) for embarking, disembarking, and storing away the wheelchair. The frame and shoes are rotary-joined (B,C) to the frame and interconnected by a rocker bar (6). A kinematic chain transmits the movement of the drive train (7) to four driving wheels (8). The controls of the drive train and of the vehicle are provided on the frame (4).

Abstract: A towing truck incorporating both an elevated deck and a stinger for towing and hauling vehicles. Both are hydraulically operated with the deck sliding along a pair of oppositely spaced rails which are pivotally secured to the framework of the truck. A locking assembly is disclosed which engages the deck's substructure, thereby restraining the deck in place.

Abstract: A catamaran trailer on a wheeled chassis supporting a lifting mechanism comprising two pairs of pivotable lifting arms spaced apart from one another at front and rear portions of the chassis. Each of a pair of lifting arms is integrally formed in a U-shaped construction with one of forward and rear shafts, with the shafts being connected in the preferred embodiment, by an arrangement of sprocket wheels and a chain. An operating handle attached at one end to the forward shaft causes it to rotate when the handle is raised or lowered. The sprocket wheels and chain transfer the rotational motion to the rear shaft such that front and rear lifting arms are raised and lowered simultaneously, to lower or lift the catamaran. The design enables lowering of the lifting arms below the top of the frame, which may be slid under low-profile catamarans, while maintaining a constant lifting force during operation regardless of the lifting arm angle.

Abstract: A rectractable trailer having a spring loaded hydraulic piston is provided. The trailer has a bell crank connection for the axles to enable the trailer to be moved between a lowered loading position to an elevated traveling position. The hydraulic piston powers an operating train for raising and lowering the axles. In the operating train the hydraulic piston is pivotally connected to a forward end of a cradle or carriage slidable longitudinally upon a rail-like frame. A rear portion of the cradle is pivotally connected to a telescopic spring loaded operating rod which is pivotally connected at a rear end to an arm of the bell crank axle which is raised and lowered by the hydraulic piston and the operating train.

Abstract: A cement mixer truck that has an extendable chute assembly that permits extending one, two or more chute sections for discharge of concrete at a location remote from the mixer. The chute section is easily telescopic, can be locked in either the retracted or extended positions, and can be swiveled about a vertical axis. Further, for storage, the chutes will fold up automatically when at a proper position to engage an actuator to cause the chutes to fold. The truck shown is a front discharge mixer truck that can be adjusted in vertical height at a job site to permit a greater slope to the chutes and is available with a restricted height truck.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lift device adapted to transfer wheelchair passengers to commuter aircraft. A base and optional four post system provide support for a vertically moveable platform. An apron, which can be used either as a ramp from lowered platform to ground or a bridge from elevated platform to aircraft is provided. The platform is preferably raised and lowered using ball or acme screw-bushing brackets. The platform can be used to load and unload passengers from rear and front door commuter aircraft, on either side of the fuselage. The lift can be incorporated into a wheeled chassis, which can be lowered into ground contact at the position of use. Optionally extendible stairs are present to allow other passengers to enter or leave the aircraft using said platform and apron.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cargo vehicle which includes a cargo carrying surface which is elevatable between a ground engaging or loading position and an elevated or transporting position. Also disclosed is a releasable cargo retaining mechanism for use in conjunction with the cargo carrying surface for releasably retaining the cargo on such surface.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of low, stable, self-propelled vehicles adapted to carry disabled, infirmed or elderly persons. In each embodiment there is provided a load carrying floor that has its upper surface spaced below the axis of rotation of the rear wheels and which may be raised and lowered for facilitating entry onto the floor. In many embodiments, a wheelchair is adapted to be supported on the floor and a movable stop pivots upon movement of the floor between a raised and a lowered position. In each position, the stop functions to retain a wheelchair in place.

Abstract: A travel and utility trailer combination includes a house trailer with a wheel mounted main frame supporting a main closure or house. The main frame has two spaced-apart side beams rearwardly thereof. An auxiliary trailer is hitched to the main frame to have position between the side beams. Side beam extensions are pivoted to the ends of the side beams to have end portions underlying the axle of the auxiliary trailer. A hydraulic linear motor is provided to raise the side beam extensions to horizontal positions to lift the auxiliary trailer wheels off of the ground for over-the-road travel. Removable positioning pins passing through openings in the side beam extensions and plates integral with the side beams maintain these extensions in horizontal position.

Abstract: A transporting and elevating device (10,12) according to the invention for containers (20) has carrying device (122) attached to the upper part of a two-part carrying frame (30) for the container (20). The parts of the carrying frame (30) may be mutually displaced by internal hydraulic cylinders, which makes it possible for two devices (10,12) according to the invention placed along sides of a transport vehicle to reach up above a container (20) resting on the platform of the vehicle and thereafter pull its lower part upwards to the level of the platform, whereafter carrying device like chains (122) together with braces (126) and push-rods (68) makes it possible to elevate and lower the container.

Abstract: A portable self-erecting storage apparatus for asphaltic mix or the like is disclosed, and which comprises a main frame, and three separate wheeled carriages which are mounted in tandem and are concurrently pivotable between a lowered ground engaging position so that the apparatus is highway transportable, and a raised position so that the frame contacts the ground and thus forms the foundation pad for the apparatus during use. The illustrated embodiment includes a secondary frame which supports a storage container, and the secondary frame and the container may be pivoted about an elevated axis between a generally horizontal transport position and a vertical upright or operative position.

Abstract: A tilting mobile platform comprising a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface with a first and a second rail member securely fastened to the lower surface of the platform is disclosed. An axle supporting frame is slidably secured to the rail members. A first axle is rotatably attached to the axle supporting frame such that the axle is transversely mounted on the axle supporting frame relative to a path of movement of the axle supporting frame along the rail members. An axle supporting frame moving means moves the axle supporting frame along the first and the second rail members from a first position to a second position. The axle further includes a first and a second axle arm extending perpendicular to the axle and each axle arm further includes a stud extending substantially perpendicular relative to the axle arm and parallel to the axle. A first and a second ground engaging wheel is rotatably attached to each parallel stud for movably supporting the platform and the articles placed thereon.

Abstract: A portable self-erecting storage apparatus for asphaltic mix is disclosed and which comprises an elongate material conveying assembly and a separate material storage assembly. The two assemblies are adapted to be separately transported on a highway to the construction site. To effect erection at the construction site, the two assemblies are joined in a nose-to-nose arrangement, and then lifted together in a smooth, continuous lifting operation by a pair of hydraulic jacks mounted on the storage assembly. In the erected position, the container of the storage assembly is vertically oriented and positioned at an elevated location above ground level so as to permit a truck to be driven below the container, and the conveying assembly is inclined upwardly so that its discharge end overlies the top of the container.

Abstract: A self-propelled mobile cradle for boats including a frame having transversely spaced, longitudinally extending side members interconnected at their forward ends to form an opening extending inwardly from the rear end of the frame. Forward driven wheels are used in a caster-like arrangement for supporting the forward end of the frame. Rear wheel are disposed at the rear of the frame for support. The rear wheels comprises at least two wheels each independently operable from the other, one of the wheels being disposed on each side of the frame. Hydraulically operated cylinders are used for raising or lowering the frame relative to the rear wheels. The rear wheels are disposed on independently operable suspension for each of the rear wheels, whereby one side of the frame can be raised or lowered relative to the other side of the frame. A forward driving mechanism is used for raising or lowering the foward end of the frame relative to the wheels.

Abstract: A hand truck for the loading and moving of an elongated article through openings of less width than the length of the loaded article includes a loading fork on one side of the truck transverse to the axle of the truck and a handle on the opposite side of the truck. The truck is turned on its one side for loading and the fork is shaped to fit beneath an article to be loaded. The handle is extensible for mechanical advantage in loading the article while returning the truck to its wheels.

Abstract: A dolly for lifting one end of a vehicle and for towing the vehicle includes a pair of identical tandem wheel assemblies interconnected by a pair of spaced parallel steel tubes. At least one of the wheel assemblies includes a hydraulic piston which, in spreading one pair of arms on crank members coupled to the wheel assemblies, forces together the second pair of arms. The ends of the spaced parallel steel tubes are coupled into sockets on the ends of the second pair of arms so that their forcing together operates to lift a vehicle whose tires are resting across the steel tubes. The invention includes means for locking the tubes in their raised position and further includes vehicle wheel locking plates that are actuated by the lifting process.