Abstract: A weight transfer device is disclosed. In an embodiment, a weight transfer device includes a top surface and legs mounted to the top surface. The legs forming a load region and a ramp region of the top surface. A downward force applied to the ramp region causes the top surface to tilt downward toward the ramp region.

Abstract: A sled includes a deck having a top surface and a cradle section configured to hold a shipping vessel. The cradle section includes a length that extends from a back of the deck towards a front of the deck. First and second wedges extend at least the length of the cradle section and each include at least an outer facing surface and an upper facing surface. The outer facing surface of the first wedge defines a first side of the cradle section and the outer facing surface of the second wedge defines a second side of the cradle section. The upper facing surfaces of each of the first wedge and the second wedge is oriented at an angle relative to the top surface of the deck such that each upper facing surface of each wedge slopes downwardly from an outer edge to an opposing inner edge.

Abstract: A lift cart assembly for loading an off road vehicle into the bed of a pickup includes a lift that is positionable in a first position having the lift angling downwardly from a tailgate of a pickup. Thus, an off road vehicle may be driven onto the lift. The lift is positionable in a second position having the lift being horizontally oriented on the tailgate to lift the off-road vehicle upwardly from the ground. The lift is urged above into a third position having the being positioned in a bed of the pickup. In this way the lift positions the off-road vehicle in the bed of the pickup. A plurality of rollers is provided and each of the rollers is rotatably coupled to the lift. Each of the rollers rolls along the bed of the pickup for positioning the lift between the first position, the second position and the third position.

Abstract: A trailer for towing vehicles and related methods is presented. The disclosed trailer can be configured for towing certain three-wheeled vehicles and include a ramp, a front wheel retaining member, and rear wheel plates. The trailer may be configured to receive a three-wheeled vehicle, and upon receipt of the front wheel at the front wheel retaining member and the rear wheels at the rear wheel plates, transition from a first position with the ramp in a lowered configuration to a second position with the ramp in a raised and locked configuration, wherein the weight of the vehicle being towed may be used to both raise the ramp and maintain the ramp in a secured, raised configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading shipping containers onto and off of a truck or trailer bed. The apparatus includes rotatably mounted drive chains disposed in a laterally-spaced relationship adjacent the lateral edges of the bed. The drive chains are driven by a hydraulic motor on the bed. Lift spikes are rigidly mounted the drive chains and extend perpendicularly therefrom for engaging and pulling a container onto the bed. Lift wedges are pivotably mounted to the rear edge of the bed and are rotatably driven by hydraulic rams for lifting the front edge of a container onto the lift spikes. Container locking assemblies are located adjacent the four corners of the bed and each include a locking pin positioned above the bed coupled to a pneumatic ram mounted to an underside of the bed. The hydraulic rams move the locking pins laterally, between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A trailer comprising a main portion and a dovetail connected to a rear end of the main portion. The dovetail being configured to actuate between a travel position and a load position. The trailer additionally comprises a sled secured to the main portion and configured to actuate between a retracted position and an extended position. The trailer further comprises an actuator for extending and retracting the sled. With the sled in the extended position, the actuator and the sled is configured to maintain the dovetail in the travel position without the use of secondary locking mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-level motorhome with, on the lower level: a receptacle for a car, accessed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the motorhome; and, on the upper level: two independent living areas. One is at the front, with three slide-outs, two of them right above the car receptacle, served by a staircase and an elevator car that goes right down to the ground, and adapted to accommodate four people enjoying a living room that can be converted into a room with twin beds closed off by rigid partitions. One is at the rear, used as a cabin to house a two-person crew, served by an independent staircase. The motorhome according to the invention is adapted for land tours for four individuals who wish to have use of a car and elevator, and to leave all the operating logistics to a crew. It is particularly suited to time-sharing and rental.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a light and easy to use support ramp assembly to be attached on a pick up truck to extend the cargo bed area. The assembly has preferably two retractable ramps, each having a horizontal ramp table/housing unit and a loading ramp. The ramp table housing unit is partially supported by cargo bed and by an open tail gate and further support is provided by a support arm and optionally by an adjustable loading support. The assembly is adjustable for any pickup truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading shipping containers onto and off of a truck or trailer bed. The apparatus includes rotatably mounted drive chains disposed in a laterally-spaced relationship adjacent the lateral edges of the bed. The drive chains are driven by a hydraulic motor on the bed. Lift spikes are rigidly mounted the drive chains and extend perpendicularly therefrom for engaging and pulling a container onto the bed. Lift wedges are pivotably mounted to the rear edge of the bed and are rotatably driven by hydraulic rams for lifting the front edge of a container onto the lift spikes. Container locking assemblies are located adjacent the four corners of the bed and each include a locking pin positioned above the bed coupled to a pneumatic ram mounted to an underside of the bed. The hydraulic rams move the locking pins laterally, between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A compact roll-off trailer is short and light, but able to carry a large load. As such, the unit competes with roll-off trucks. A horizontally tilt frame has a forward section coupled to a king-pin assembly, a rear section with wheels on at least two axles, and a mid section. A frameless version uses a set of opposing arms as opposed to a separate, non-tilting frame. A single hydraulic cylinder has a retracted state wherein the lift frame is generally horizontal for hauling, and an extended state wherein the lift frame is pivoted at an angle for loading and unloading. A mechanism may be provided for extending the rearward portion of the lift frame to ground level when the hoist frame is pivoted, and a mechanism for pulling a cable with a container attached thereto onto the lift frame for hauling. The mechanism for extending the rearward portion of the lift frame may either include a ‘stinger tail’ or a slide frame on the lift frame a hydraulic cylinder for extending and retracting the slide frame.

Abstract: A simple, adjustable lift system to load a cot bearing a patient into and out of an ambulance and a method of transferring a load on a transport into a vehicle is provided. More specifically, the lift system provides a pair of rails that may be adjusted to accommodate any cot currently in use by an ambulance. The rail system is extendable and is operated by a linear actuator to couple to a cot or other transport and lift the cot or other transport to a height from which the cot may be laterally inserted into the ambulance without undue strain on the EMT, firefighter, or other user.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting large equipment, buses, recreational vehicles, wherein the trailer includes a main deck at its forward end which is supported upon first and second elongated frame members. First and second running gear beams extend rearwardly from the rearward ends of the first and second frame members with each of the running gear beams including an upwardly and rearwardly extending first beam portion, a rearwardly and horizontally extending second beam portion and a downwardly and rearwardly extending third beam portion. First and second ramps are positioned laterally outwardly of the third beam portions of the first and second running gear beams and are movable between upper and lower positions. Vertically movable bolsters are positioned between the wheels of the axles which support the trailer at the rearward end thereof. The bolsters may be moved from a lower transport position to an upper loading/unloading position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transforming trailer that may include extension legs that allow the trailer to transform between loading and hauling positions. The trailer may include a foldable loading platform that allows for ease of loading when the trailer is in the loading position but that folds when the transforming trailer is in a hauling position.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated to the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the container.

Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention may include a table and a pin secured to the transfer bed. The table may pivot on a horizontal axis allowing the transfer bed to be placed in a horizontal orientation during inclination of the tilt frame. The table may also pivot on a vertical axis so that the transfer bed may swing side-to-side, and may also pivot on a z-axis enabling the transfer bed to roll side-to-side relative to the table. An adjustable carriage with independently movable stabilizer legs may be used to level the transfer bed on uneven ground. The tilt frame may also include an extendable boom and a retractable roller system to facilitate loading and unloading of material such as flat rack platforms and pallets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telescoping ramp, comprising a frame, a plurality of extendable ramp members and a magnetic base for securing to a tailgate structure. The ramp members comprise a plurality of aligned, telescoping members that form an extendable ramp, wherein the members form into one another and are extendable by separation of a first ramp end from an opposing second ramp end, the members being connected therebetween. The first ramp end connects to upstanding portions of the frame and within a slotted channel. The channel allows the first ramp end to be moved horizontally and vertically within the frame to position the condensed ramp within the frame interior, while also allowing the extended ramp to clear the frame and facilitate a smooth transition between the ramp and the frame when loading objects thereacross. The ramp members are box structures that condense into one another and include progressively tapering cross sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting small vehicles within the bed of a truck which comprises a frame sized to be locatable within the bed of a truck, a platform slidably supported by the frame movable between a first position parallel to and proximate to the bed of the truck and a second position parallel to and vertically spaced above the first position and an actuator operable to move the platform between the first and second positions. The actuator may comprises a winch and the apparatus may include at least one catch for selectively engaging and supporting the platform at the second position.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels, and below the top of the chassis frame. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height substantially lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle, an increase in payload height, and enhanced dynamic road stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes, as well as brake and turn lights. Tie down straps are used for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate. This allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to “fine tune” the load. The tongue weight can be adjusted to comply with the RV hitch's requirements. Using the loading ramps supplied with the invention, the automobile and the golf cart can be ready for transport quickly and easily.

Abstract: A lightweight ramp locking assembly for use with a vehicle having a hitch receiver, a bed with sides and a tailgate. The assembly is connectable with the hitch receiver and positionable in a vertical locking position and a diagonal loading position. The assembly is firmly secured with the vehicle to be incapable of rotating movement.

Abstract: The subject invention features an entrance module for a height adjustable enclosure with a top portion movable with the respect to a bottom portion. The preferred entrance module comprises a hingedly attached platform movable between a stowed folded position and a deployed unfolded position. A locking assembly releasably locks the platform in the folded position independent of the position of the top movable part of the shelter. The preferred locking assembly includes a rail attached to the top movable portion of the shelter, one of a female and a male portion of a lock attached to and slideable along the rail, and the other of the female and the male portion of the lock attached to the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized device that can be operated by one person to load and unload a motorcycle onto and off of a truck bed or similar cargo area of a motor vehicle or trailer. The device taught herein may be employed to lift a motorcycle to the level of the truck bed then moved within the bed for transport and storage.

Abstract: A ramp member is pivotally supported at the rear of a flat bed trailer for pivotal movement between a loading position extending from the flat bed to the ground and a storage position supported on the trailer bed, through an intermediate position between the loading position and the storage position. First and second torsion members are arranged such that at least one of the torsion members biases the ramp member from each of the loading and storage positions towards the intermediate position. The torsion members permit substantially a full weight of the ramp member to be counter-balanced through its full range of motion so that a single ramp member spanning a full width of a rear end of the trailer in the lateral direction can be manually displaced by a single operator.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Using Super Single rear wheels and an airbag suspension, for example, sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle and an increase in payload height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for collecting objects (2) from a roadway (3) and to a van-type vehicle provided with such a device, comprising a collecting plate (10), means for fixing (11) said plate to a motorised land vehicle (4), and actuating means (12) for moving the plate from a non-operational lifted position to a lowered collecting position and vice versa, said fixing means being used to fix the collecting plate to a front end of a motorised land vehicle. The invention is characterised in that the actuating means are suitable for pivoting the collecting plate between the lifted position in which it is perpendicularly oriented to the surface of the roadway, and the lowered position in which it is essentially parallel to the surface of the roadway. The invention also relates to a van-type vehicle (4) comprising such a device.

Abstract: The truck bed apparatus is provided as replacement or original equipment. An access below the platform selectively houses the individually rollingly removable ramps. Bi-directional hinges which fasten each ramp second section to each first section are lockable, giving the ramps infinite incline and decline capabilities. Bi-directional lockable hinges affix each third section to each second section for the same reason. Varied lengths of the hinged legs also provide selective angle and support for each ramp. The second and third sections can be pivotally fitted within the width of the first section and subsection, thereby providing a collapsed ramp height less than would otherwise be provided, which provides for the platform to be only marginally higher than a standard truck bed platform would otherwise be. The ramps can be collapsed and housed within the access, then removed and extended to a far greater length than the platform of the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer apparatus for carrying vehicles and other objects has a front bed having a frame of spaced apart frame rails connected by at least one transverse support, a front bed platform over at least a part of the front bed, a tongue with hitch affixed to the front bed frame, at least two spaced apart wheels affixed to the frame via an axle, a rear tilt bed, having a plurality of spaced apart bed rails, hingedly attached to the front bed, a bed platform over at least a part of the tilt bed, the tilt bed selectively pivoted in incline or decline relative to the front bed to at least about a 40 degree angle, whereby adjacent positions of the front bed rear edge, the sleeve of the hinge, and the tilt bed platform front edge are retained in incline and decline of the tilt bed.

Abstract: A cargo carrier for movably supporting cargo includes a frame configured to support cargo at the cargo carrier and at least two wheels at each side of the frame. Each of the wheels is rotatably mounted to a respective support arm. The support arms are pivotally mounted to respective sides of the frame and are pivotable relative to the frame to adjust at least one of a height and tilt of the frame relative to a support surface. The cargo carrier is readily adapted to position the frame at a lower position for road applications and a raised position for uneven terrain applications. The cargo carrier may include a deck that is movably mounted to the frame and is longitudinally movable along the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for loading and unloading objects onto trailers. The device has particular application for use with boats and boat trailers. A telescoping frame is used to provide a retractable extension that assists in moving a boat onto and off a trailer.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated to the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the container.

Abstract: The invention is a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes as well as brake and turn lights. The invention can use tie down straps for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate which allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to fine tune the load by moving the weight.

Abstract: A ramp stored under the deck of a rail car may be extended using a load-bearing drive system for the loading of freight or equipment onto the rail car. The surface of the ramp may comprise a rail portion or similar structure to allow the loading of rail bound equipment, such as rail maintenance equipment, onto the deck of the rail car.

Abstract: A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer. The forward end of the main deck is pivotally connected to the rearward end of an upper deck so that the main deck may be raised which further reduces the angle between the rearward end of the main deck and the forward end of the main tail for loading and unloading purposes.

Abstract: A tiltable loading ramp for loading and unloading a first vehicle onto and from a second vehicle, comprises at least two ramp sections which are abuttable or substantially abuttable to form a ramp surface, and at least one support member forming a fulcrum for the ramp surface. The in use at least one support member is provided partway between ends of the ramp surface and spaces the ramp surface away from a loading surface of the second vehicle, so that as the first vehicle passes the fulcrum, the ramp surface tilts towards the loading surface of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A deployable set of nested ramp segments supporting a motorcycle thereon are sequentially extended or pulled in across the door edge in a carrier vehicle by sets of springs that oppose the spooling collection of a belt wound on a powered spool. Once partly extended by the springs to bring the main portion of the motorcycle to the exterior of the vehicle doorway the weight bias of the motorcycle then provides the necessary outward bias to bring it to the ground where it is released from the supporting ramp segment. On return the spooling contraction of the belt brings the motorcycle back into the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading, securing, and unloading a vehicle, from a carrier bed. An aft axle restraint and ramp assembly is lowered to the ground, providing an inclined ramp for the vehicle to be driven onto the bed. The ramp is then raised into a vertical position and locked. The axle restraint, pivotally attached to the ramp, is raised and dropped over the rear axle of the vehicle. A fore vehicle hold down assembly comprises a pair of hooks pivotally connected to a lever arm. The hold down assembly is raised into a disengaged position, and the hooks are placed either over an accessory rack or the front bumper of the vehicle. Lowering the lever arm into an engaged position, pulls the frame forwardly and downwardly, securing the vehicle against fore and aft movement, and maintaining the forward components of the vehicle suspension in a compressed state.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame supported on wheels. A tilt deck is pivotally attached to a rear of the frame. A deck latch locks the tilt deck to the frame in the transport position. A ramp pivotally attached to the deck moves from an inclined position, where the ramp slopes downward and a rear end of the ramp is a desired distance above the ground, to an aligned position aligned with the deck. A ramp latch locks the ramp to the tilt deck in the inclined position. The apparatus is configured such that when the deck latch is released the rear end of the tilt deck moves down until the rear end of the ramp rests on the ground. Releasing the ramp latch allows the tilt deck to move downward and the ramp can move to the aligned position in response to a downward force exerted on the ramp.

Abstract: A deck extension for use on a truck or trailer deck mounted on a pair of I-beams. The deck extension has a platform pivoted to the truck deck and a pair of downwardly angled support beams attached to the I-beams and to a header. An air suspension bag is mounted on a shelf between the support beams for pivoting the platform about the hinge. A fence is pivoted on the header between a position where it is perpendicular to the platform and serves as a support and a position where it is generally parallel to the platform with the platform resting on a top surface of the support beams.

Abstract: A cargo hauling system is dimensioned to fit a truck bed or SUV cargo space. The bin moves forwardly and rearwardly relative to the truck bed or cargo space, selectively pivots for dumping the load contents of the bin from the rear of the vehicle, or is selectively removed from the vehicle to leave at a job site, and/or allow the vehicle to be used without the removable bin. A pivot arm assembly advantageously mounted to a conventional trailer hitch receiver installed on vehicles of this type. The pivot arm assembly includes a support bar received within the trailer hitch receiver. A generally U-shaped support structure includes a transverse arm and first and second upright arms extending therefrom having first, lower ends secured to the transverse arm. Rollers are rotatably secured adjacent outer terminal ends of the first and second upright arms, respectively. The rollers cooperate with first and second guide rails secured to an underside of the bin.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a cargo area, a passenger compartment, and a detachable dual-use platform which is connectable to the cargo area to form a ramp, and to the underside of the vehicle to form a running board. The platform is supported by brackets at either end when used as a running board, and includes an internal locking mechanism. A platform apparatus is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including a first locator portion that is adjacent to the cargo area, and a dual-use platform portion having a step surface on one side and a second locator portion on an opposite side. The locator portions are mutually engageable to secure the platform to the cargo area. A method is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including configuring a platform for alternate attachment adjacently to the passenger compartment as a running board and adjacently to the cargo area as a ramp.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including transferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a ground transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention may include a tilt frame, a transfer bed, and an adjustable carriage. The tilt frame may be pivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis where the tilt frame has a first end near the cab of the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bed may have a first end connected to the tilt frame and may be movable along an upper surface of the tilt frame. The adjustable height carriage may support a second end of the transfer bed. The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by moving the first end of the transfer bed along the upper surface of the tilt frame, and by varying the height of the carriage.

Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a table and a pin. The table may be mounted on a horizontal axis and secured to the tilt frame. The table has a first surface permitting coaxial rotation of an opposing second surface, where the opposing second surface is on the transfer bed. The pin may extend from the table and may be secured to the transfer bed such that the first surface opposes the second surface. The table may pivot on the horizontal axis such that the transfer bed may be horizontal during inclination of the tilt frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying cargo includes a frame, at least two axles mounted to the frame, and a deck. The axles have wheels at opposite ends of the axles for movably supporting the frame above the ground. The deck is pivotally mounted to the frame and is pivotable about a first axis relative to the frame and a second axis relative to the frame via at least two supports. The first axis extends generally longitudinally along the deck and the second axis extends generally laterally across the deck and generally normal to the first axis. The deck is also slidable generally along the first axis relative to the frame and/or one of the supports. The deck thus may be adjusted about multiple axes and may be moved forwardly or rearwardly relative to the frame to position the deck in a desired location and orientation relative to the frame.

Abstract: A wheelchair storage and moving assembly includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall and a pair of lateral walls. A front side of the housing forms an entry into an interior of the housing. A door has a bottom edge, a top edge and a pair of side edges. A hinge hingedly couples the bottom edge the bottom wall adjacent to the entry such that the door may be positioned in a vertical position covering the entry or angled away from the housing and defining a ramp. A coupler is mounted on the door for selectively coupling the door to the housing in a closed position. A plurality of securing members selectively secures the housing to the vehicle such that one of the lateral walls faces the vehicle.

Abstract: A truck has an extendable and retractable truck bed for receiving removable and replacing truck boxes of different lengths. The truck bed can be extended or retracted to fit the size of the truck box. The truck bed has movable supports that can be extended or retracted from inside or outside a cab to support the appropriate length of the truck box. The movable supports also act as guide means to guide the truck box onto or off of the truck bed. In a method of extending or retracting the truck bed, a single truck can be used to mount or remove truck boxes of different sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.

Abstract: A loading floor for a vehicle having first guide elements for engaging second guide elements of the vehicle, for lifting and extending a loading floor. The first guide elements are provisioned at the sides of the loading floor. A loading apparatus for a vehicle having a loading area with two sidewalls that border the loading area. Guide elements are provided for lifting and extending a loading floor, where the guide elements are provisioned on or in the sidewalls above the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A flatbed lead trailer is conventional except that it includes a articulating deck elevator mechanism for supporting and reversibly elevating the front end of the trailer. The articulating deck elevator mechanism is longitudinally symmetrical about its longitudinal center axis and includes spaced longitudinally extending hoisting arms each pivotally coupled at a proximal end to the deck, and a pair of spaced extensible members each preferably a hydraulic ram pivotally coupled at its upper end to the deck and at its lower end to the hoisting arm. The distal ends of the hoisting arms are provided with bushings or bearings in which a distal roller is rotatably mounted. The hydraulic rams are operable to pivot the hoisting arms between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the front end of the trailer contacts the ground, permitting a tractor to drive onto the trailer for transport of the tractor atop the trailer or its pup.

Abstract: A modular motorcycle stowing device for transporting a motorcycle in the bed of a pickup truck includes a collapsible base which is designed to fit on the floor of a pickup truck bed and a collapsible upper ramp which is hingedly connected to the base and provides a guiding channel for receiving the front and rear tires of the motorcycle to be stowed in the device. In order to span the elevation between the ground and the pickup truck bed, a detachable loading ramp is provided and arranged for a sliding interfit into the upper ramp. Connected to the loading ramp is a footboard for supporting an assisting individual. Connected to the upper ramp is a winch which is used to assist in pulling the motorcycle up into the stowing device and for more controlled unloading of the motorcycle.