Abstract: A snowmobile transporting device for mounting in a pick-up truck has a lower support frame adapted to be mounted in the load compartment of a pick-up truck and an upper support frame mounted on the lower support frame and adapted for longitudinal backward and forward movement on the lower frame. A snowmobile carrying platform is pivotally mounted on the upper support frame and this pivotal mounting includes a central pivot connecting the platform to the upper support frame, a circular track formed of a square tubular member fixed to the bottom of the platform and a plurality of lower rollers mounted on the upper support frame and engaging the circular track.

Abstract: A vehicle for retrieving and transporting disabled vehicles is provided having a wheeled frame and a cab containing an operator's compartment comprising an inclined vehicle transporting bed positioned behind said cab, said bed having a downwardly and rearwardly inclined fixed bed portion and a foldable bed portion hinged at its front edge to the rear edge of the fixed bed portion, the foldable bed portion being operable between a folded position wherein the foldable bed portion overlies the fixed bed portion and an unfolded position wherein the foldable bed portion is coplanar with the fixed bed portion. A stabilizing mechanism is also provided for stabilizing the retriever/transporter while extricating a disabled vehicle from an off-road location such as a ditch or snowbank in conjunction with a detachable boom in combination with a conventional winch and cable.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for lifting and transporting vehicles, such as a snowmobile or other recreational vehicle. The system includes a frame member having a first rail member and attached to a vehicle, a second rail member moveable along the first rail member into a deployment position wherein it extends rearwardly of the frame, a moveable support member which can extend supportively between the second rail member and the ground, and a platform member slidable along the first and second rail members.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for attachment to the frame of a truck, usually within a bed of a conventional pickup truck. A generally planar base is rigidly attached to the truck frame with bolts. A platform is rotatably connected to the base with a pair of four-bar linkages, one on the right side of the platform and one on the left. The platform has a low position close to the base, and a high position that is typically 15 or 20 inches higher. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is anchored at one end to the base and connected at its other end to the platform. Pressurizing the cylinder one way causes the platform to be raised and translated backwardly with respect to the base. Pressurizing the cylinder the other way causes the platform to be moved toward the base in a relatively slow and deliberate manner.

Abstract: An improved fold out ramp system apparatus for a flat bed trailer includes a tapered tail end extending rearwardly from the trailer; at least one transition ramp having a front end pivotally secured to the trailer in close proximity to the juncture between the tapered tail end and the trailer; a clamping mechanism for selectively clamping the transition ramp in either an elevated configuration or a sloping configuration; and a tail ramp pivotally secured to a rear end of each of the transition ramps in end-to-end relationship. A brace pivotally connected to the tapered tail end is releasably connectable to the tail ramp to form a blocking configuration. A leaf spring having one end fixedly secured to the trailer is adapted to urge the transition ramp rear end upwardly to counter the weight thereof. Similarly, a torsional spring is adapted to urge the tail ramp free end upwardly relative to the transition ramp in order to counter the weight of the tail ramp.

Abstract: An equipment trailer particularly designed to transport as many as two forklifts at one time, having a trap door in the bed so that a forklift may be positioned on the trailer for maintenance to the lower portions of the forklift. The bed of the trailer is mounted within a U-shaped frame which has lifting mechanisms at the front and rear of the trailer to tilt the trailer bed as desired by the operator. The bed may be locked in a travel position to the arms of the U-shaped frame in such a way that excessive torque or longitudinal twisting couplings are not exerted upon the arms.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and transporting recreational vehicles includes a pickup truck. Four upright supports are coupled to the pickup's bed. An upper rack is coupled to the four upright supports, generally parallel to the bed with space between the rack and the bed to support a first recreational vehicle on the bed beneath the rack. A vehicle transport ramp is pivotally coupled to the upper rack pivotal from a first position in which a second recreational vehicle may drive onto the ramp to a second position, generally horizontal and parallel to the bed, for transporting the second vehicle on the ramp. The ramp has a displaceable extension for shortening the ramp's length when the ramp is pivoted to the second position. The displaceable extension is used for extending the length of the ramp to contact the ground when the ramp is in the first position.

Abstract: A roll-back, flat-bed truck comprising a cab at the front end and a frame at the rear end and a flat-bed with a curved leading edge secured thereto by securement members. The securement members include a hinge having a lower hinge half coupled to the frame adjacent to the rear end of the frame and an upper hinge half coupled to the bed. A hinge pin couples the hinge halves to allow tilting the upper hinge half and bed with respect to the lower hinge half and frame about a horizontal axis. A swivel plate is attached to the frame adjacent to the rear end of the frame and a swivel member positioned in an aperture extending through the swivel plate to allow swiveling of the bed with respect to the frame about a vertical axis. The center of curvature of the leading edge of the bed is coextensive with the axis of rotation of the swivel member.

Abstract: A pair of tiltable, flatbed sport vehicle transport trailers coupled in side-by-side arrangement. The invention is a modification which employs a common drawage hitch, for coupling thereto a pair of trailer drawbars, an axle extender for coupling the hubs of the side-by-side arranged trailers to form a common axle and an optional modification of each trailer drawbar fixing mounts that allows the drawbars of the individual trailers to be canted, that is obliquely postured so that the centerlines of the drawbars will then converge at a common point, to which is proximately fixed the common drawage hitch. Thereafter, a towing vehicle will be coupled to the common drawage hitch and the side-by-side pair of trailers drawn as a single unit.

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: An apparatus for selectively positioning containers upon a trailer includes a main frame with a stationary upper frame and a pivotally movable hoisting frame. The pivotally movable frame is adapted to be movable between a lower position and a raised position to facilitate loading. A carriage is movable between the front portion of the movable hoisting frame and the stationary upper frame. This carriage controls movement of the containers upon and from the first container station on the stationary upper frame and the second container station on the movable hoisting frame. A primary winch is mounted with respect to the movable hoisting frame and includes a cable means extending about a sheave rotatably mounted on the carriage. An auxiliary movement device is positioned adjacent the front end of the vehicle body to facilitate movement of the container from the second station to the first station.

Abstract: A flat bed truck for hauling vehicles of all types as well as other types of loads which includes a multi-positional flat bed to assist with loading and unloading the truck. The flat bed is slidable on a tilt frame and pivots away from the tilt frame and along the loading surface as the tilt frame is pivoted up and away from the truck. The fully extended loading position of the flat bed placing the front end of the flat bed below the undercarriage of the truck permits low clearance vehicles to be easily loaded onto the flat bed by a powered winch positioned on the flat bed. Also, the tilt frame is capable of rising to its full height to quickly dump loads that do not require extending the flat bed.

Abstract: A vehicle having a hinged bed with a hinge positioned such that a rear bed portion automatically pivots toward the ground in an inclined load/unload position when the vehicle is empty, forming a ramp for loading and unloading. The hinged bed automatically pivots to a horizontal transport position when a front portion of the bed is loaded. The vehicle includes a transport locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its horizontal transport position and a separate load/unload locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its inclined load/unload position. The vehicle includes embodiments comprising hydraulic pistons for converting the vehicle between a ramp-up, transport configuration and a ramp-down, load/unload configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a container or other load onto a truck body or trailer and for removal which includes a lower frame secured to the truck during movement and an upper frame pivotally secured with respect to the lower frame to facilitate loading and unloading. The upper frame has one or more rollers secured to an outermost portion thereof. A flexible drive cable is secured at one end to the lower frame and is secured at the other end to the container structure. The cable passes over the roller or rollers and is moved thereby during loading and unloading operations. The cable utilizes no drive other than merely the movement of the roller device with the upper frame which alters the direction of extension of the cable thereby facilitating loading and unloading of the container or load by use of a cable without any winching operation.

Abstract: A wheelchair carrier attaches to the back of a vehicle for transporting a wheelchair. A supporting frame attaches to a trailer hitch or the like and can pivot upwardly, out of the way, when not in use. A wheelchair housing is detachably mounted on the supporting frame by a flange and rod arrangement to enable the wheelchair to be quickly mounted and removed. The wheelchair housing has a long opening at the side which is closed off by an elongate door. The door is pivoted at the bottom and swings downwardly to serve as a ramp by means of which the wheelchair can be moved into and out of the housing with minimal effort. The carrier can also be used for other vehicles for non-ambulatory people, such as small self-propelled scooters.

Abstract: A car carrier truck has a truck body with a chassis and a dump frame pivotably disposed on the chassis. The dump frame includes longitudinally extending beams having top and bottom surfaces. A tilting device is connected between the chassis and the dump frame, and a load carrier platform is slidably mounted on the dump frame. The load carrier platform includes longitudinally extending main girders which have upper, lower and side surfaces. The main girders are slidably engaged with the beams of the dump frame. A slide device is connected between the dump frame and the load carrying platform for sliding the load carrying platform on the dump frame. Moving pads slidable on the beams of the dump frame are fixed to the main girders at longitudinally forward positions on the main girders. The moving pads slidably engage the beams of the dump frame. The fixed pads are longitudinally aligned on and fixed to the top surfaces of the beams of the dump frame at intervals along the beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semitrailer (1) comprising devices (6) for shifting a load, such as a container (9), to the support of the trailer (1) and away from the support thereof; as well as devices (3) for shifting the bogie (2) in the lengthwise direction of the trailer. According to the invention, the trailer (1) comprises devices (10; 12) for raising and lowering both the front end (1a) and rear end (1b) of the trailer. By employing the said devices, the front and rear ends of the trailer can be raised and lowered irrespective of each other in order to load and unload the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-articulating low load platform trailer longitudinally divided into three load carrying segments; a rear load platform, a front coupling platform, and an inclined transitional platform between the coupling platform and the load platform. The trailer of the invention includes a self-contained power actuated lifting mechanism for the purpose of lowering the nose of the trailer to the ground without articulation of the trailer body to facilitate loading and unloading, and for the purpose of raising the nose of the trailer from the ground. The lifting mechanism includes lever arms configured to increase the vertical component of lifting force exerted by lift actuators, and further includes leverage links disposed between the lift actuators and lever arms for the purpose of further increasing the vertical component of lifting force when the nose of the trailer is near the ground.

Abstract: A main tail lock for a hydraulic tail trailer comprising a pair of spaced-apart locks which are pivotally secured to the frame of the tail and which are pivoted between locked and unlocked positions by a lock cylinder. When the locks are in their unlocked position, the tail cylinders for the tail may raise or lower the tail of the trailer. When the locks are in their locked position, the tail cylinders are prevented from retracting thereby preventing the lowering of the tail with respect to the main frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer is provided having a frame (2) upon which a bed (3) slides. The frame (2) has a wheel and axle assembly (1) and (5) disposed thereon which is connected thereto by a spring hanger assembly (6). The spring hanger assembly (6) is comprised of a spring and axle assembly (17). A tongue and coupling (7) is provided for connecting one end of the bed (3) to a vehicle. The bed (3) slides relative to the frame (2) when the wheels (5) are locked and the tongue assembly (7) pushed rearward. The bed (9) tilts when the rearmost portion moves the center of gravity away from the wheels (5). The end of the bed (3) will contact the ground, allowing loading on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A roll-off hoist includes a trailer main frame having a forward end defining a first pair of tracks and having a rearward end; a roll-off hoist frame hingedly connected at its rearward end to the rearward end of the main frame to pivot between a horizontal transport position and a rearwardly inclined loading position, the hoist frame adapted to receive a container directly atop and adjacent thereto, the hoist frame defining a second pair of tracks which align with the first pair of tracks when the hoist frame is in the horizontal transport position; a trolley mounted to slide within the first and second pair of tracks; trolley stop means mounted on the trolley for engagement with coacting container stop means on a container; a cable which apparatus anchored to the hoist frame and adapted to pull the container onto the hoist frame; and actuator means interposed between the trolley and the hoist frame for moving the trolley within the first and second pairs of tracks and moving a container connected to the trol

Abstract: A combination tilting bed carrier and attached wheel lift for mounting on a chassis of a towing vehicle wherein the bed carrier is pivotably connected to the chassis and first motive devices extend between the chassis and the bed carrier for tilting the bed carrier. The wheel lift is positioned below the bed carrier and pivotably connected thereto. Second motive devices extend between the wheel lift and the bed carrier for independently tilting the wheel lift relative to the bed carrier and the chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer assembly is disclosed having a roll back frame for transport of a vehicle. A squat mechanism allows the roll back frame to define a smaller approach angle than normal with respect to the ground when in a loading position. The squat mechanism is self-actuated by movement of the roll back frame to the loading position and is self-releasing by return of the roll back frame to a transport position. The squat mechanism consists of a two bar mechanical linkage that compresses a spring which supports a main frame. By compressing the spring, the main frame is vertically lowered and the roll back frame, which pivots with respect to the main frame moves downwardly through a lesser distance. This lessens the approach angle to the roll back frame.

Abstract: A trailer having a hinged bed with a hinge positioned such that a rear bed portion automatically pivots toward the ground in an inclined load/unload position when the trailer is empty, forming a ramp for loading and unloading. The hinged bed automatically pivots to a horizontal transport position when a front portion of the bed is loaded. The trailer includes a transport locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its horizontal transport position and a separate load/unload locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its inclined load/unload position.

Abstract: A retractable bumper is mounted to the rear of a cotton module transport. The bumper is attached to elongated shafts which are pivoted in tubes. The tubes are mounted upon a bracket which is hinged below the bed of the transport. Before the bed is tilted to a lower position, the bumper is telescoped forward in the tubes and the tubes tilted so that the bumper is moved against the bottom of the bed.

Abstract: A ramp toe system for use with a ramp of an aircraft, the ramp having internal and external surfaces and being pivotally attached at one end of the aircraft. A ramp extension having a proximal end fixed to the other end of the ramp and extending therefrom to a distal end, has an inside surface generally co-planar with the internal surface of the ramp, and an outside surface convergingly extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A roll-back flat-bed truck comprising a cab at the front end and a frame at the rear end and a flat bed secured thereto by securement member. The securement member includes a hinge having a lower hinge half-coupled to the frame and an upper hinge half coupled to the bed and a hinge pin coupling the hinge halves to allow tilting the upper hinge half and bed with respect to the lower hinge half and frame about a horizontal axis. A swivel plate is attached to the frame adjacent to the rear end of the bed. A swivel pin is positioned in an aperture extending through the swivel plate and lower hinge half to allow swiveling of the bed with respect to the frame about a vertical axis. An intermediate support is attached to the upper surface of the upper hinge half to slidably couple the bed thereto to allow for rolling the bed longitudinally with respect to the intermediate support, hinge and frame.

Abstract: A carrier vehicle, for carrying at least one vehicle on a carrier bed which is slidable and tiltable relative to the carrier vehicle's frame, includes a tilt lock-out arrangement for preventing actuation of the carrier vehicle's tilt cylinders whenever the moveable carrier bed is locked in a stowed, or vehicle carrying position. The lock-out arrangement features a contactless sensor element which determines the slidable position of the movable carrier bed and inhibits hydraulic activation of the tilt cylinders to raise or lower the carrier bed unless the carrier bed has first been slid rearwardly to clear a mechanical hold-down element. Similarly, the contactless sensor element inhibits hydraulic actuation of the tilt cylinder to lower the carrier bed unless the bed has cleared the hold-down element.

Abstract: A car catcher apparatus is provided which is pivotally mounted to an elevated chassis, a flatbed, or other related structure which protrudes rearwardly beyond the rear wheels of a vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The car catcher includes a frame-like structure which is positioned by an actuator to a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position. In the lowered operative position, the car catcher is in position to receive impact from automobiles, or the like, during collisions therewith. The car catcher apparatus has particular use with rearwardly-protruding truck structure which is periodically intended to be pivotally lowered to a position at or near ground level. When in the raised inoperative position, the car catcher permits complete and unrestricted downward pivoting of such structure. Furthermore, when positioned the raised inoperative position, the car catcher apparatus permits ready access to the rear wheels, axles, suspension, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted roll-off hoist having a main hoist frame pivotally mounted at its rearward end to a vehicle such as a semi-trailer or truck, and including a pair of hydraulic lift actuators adapted to move the main hoist frame between a horizontal position and a rearwardly inclined position. A hydraulic actuator apparatus is provided for pulling a container onto the main frame of the hoist or setting off the container from the hoist. An extensible and retractable stop carriage is slidably connected to the forward end portion of the hoist main frame. Hydraulic actuator and locking elements are associated with the stop carriage for placing the container in the optimum position for transport on the vehicle. The hoist is capable of handling containers of both the outside rail and the inside rail type.

Abstract: A dump trailer for transporting containers includes a movable frame that receives an associated container. A support plate operatively engages a fifth wheel of a tractor. Interposed between the support plate and the frame is a telescopic hoist assembly to pivot the frame relative to the support plate. A draft arm also extends between the support plate and frame to guide movement of the frame during the hoisting operation. Loading and unloading of the container relative to the tilted frame is controlled by a cylinder and cable assembly secured to the frame. The support plate and frame also include a series of flanges for locking the frame against lateral and longitudinal movement relative to the support plate.

Abstract: A control assembly for moving and guiding a vehicle onto and off of a bed of a towing vehicle includes a plurality of anchors affixed to the bed at various spaced apart locations and pin mounted pulleys releasably received in selected ones of those anchors. A cable from a winch that is located in the forward end of the bed is guided by the pulleys so that a vehicle can be moved onto or off of that bed using the most effective and efficient angles and directions of force that can be altered as necessary to meet the exact conditions encountered by the towing vehicle based on the orientation and position of the towing vehicle relative to the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A transport vehicle mounted roll-off hoist having a main frame pivotally mounted on the rearward end of a vehicle such as a semi-trailer or truck, including a pair of hydraulic lift actuators adapted to move the main frame of the hoist between a horizontal position and a rearwardly inclined position. A hydraulic actuator winch is provided for lifting a container onto the main frame of the hoist or setting off the container from the hoist. An extensible and retractable stop carriage is telescopically connected to the forward end portion of the hoist main frame. Hydraulic actuator and locking means are associated with the stop carriage for placing the container in the optimum position for transport on the vehicle. The hoist is capable of handling containers of both the outside rail and the inside rail type.

Abstract: A motorcycle carrier conformed for pivotal engagement to the bed of a truck includes a pivotal channel in which a motorcycle carrying track is translated on rollers. A strap passing over pulleys then allows pivotal motion of the member from the truck bed and concurrent translation of the track, raising the member to a vertical position, and deploying the track onto the ground for loading or unloading. Once the loading function is effected the member and the track advanced thereon may be returned onto the truck bed for transport.

Abstract: A subframe structure for a tilting bed vehicle carrier. The subframe structure has an attached wheel lift and the subframe is pivotally mounted on the chassis of a towing vehicle. The subframe structure includes pivotally mounted strut members for load distribution within the subframe. The load which is distributed by the strut members tends to counteract the bending and torsion forces imposed upon the subframe structure by the towed vehicle on the rear wheel lift.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated push beam is disclosed which comprises a plurality of similar rigid open-ended tube sections (1) articulated in head-to-tail relationship around hinge pins (3) perpendicular to a longitudinal median plane of the push beam (10). A number of plates (2) corresponding to the number of hinge pins (3) are connected for tilting movement to respective ones of the hinge pins (3), with the plate portions situated on opposite sides of the hinge pins (3) being disposed in the tubular sections (1) located on the corresponding sides, and the plates having a width smaller than the width of the tubular sections (1).An inflatable hose, such as an inner-arc hose (4), which may be segmented and which has a length shorter than the total length of the series of tubular sections but exceeding the distance between the outer or outermost hinge pins, is provided within the series of tubular sections to extend in longitudinal direction in the space on the same side of the hinge pins (3).

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting shopping trolley or carts. The vehicle has a tray for the loading of the shopping trolleys, and adapted for movement from a transportation position to a lower loading position in which trolleys can be easily loaded thereon. The tray maintains a substantially constant horizontal orientation through this movement. A tailgate or rear ramp is positioned at the rear of the tray and is movable between a ground engaging position and a raised position generally blocking the rear of the tray. A mechanical leverage mechanism lowers the ramp as the tray is being raised and raises the ramp as the tray is being raised between their respective upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A transport vehicle mounted roll-off hoist having a main frame pivotally mounted on the rearward end of a vehicle such as a semi-trailer or trunk, including a pair of hydraulic lift actuators adapted to move the main frame of the hoist between a horizontal position and a rearwardly inclined position. Hydraulic actuator which means are provided for lifting a container onto the main frame of the hoist or setting off the container from the hoist. An extensible and retractable stop carriage is telescopically connected to the forward end portion of the hoist main frame. Hydraulic acutator and locking means are associated with the stop carriage for placing the container in the optimum position for transport on the vehicle. The hoist is capable of handling containers of both the outside rail and the inside rail type.

Abstract: A self-loading vehicle is equipped with a carriage movably mounted on a frame. The carriage may contain a plurality of different types of gripping structure in order to adapt the self-loading vehicle to accommodate the loading and unloading of different types of containers. The carriage may be moved on the frame by cables. The carriage includes a gripping structure in the form of a positionable tube carrying coupling members on opposite ends therefor adapted to engage slot-like castings in opposite corners of the containers. In addition, the carriage may also have gripping structure removably mounted thereon in the forms of hooks, lugs, eyes or rings which are adapted to engage cooperating structure on the container to be loaded and/or unloaded.

Abstract: A vehicle transporting apparatus of the car carrier variety is provided with a platform that is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the transporting vehicle at a location forward of the centerline of the vehicle's rear wheels and above the chassis. A powered actuator is employed for pivotally moving the platform to either forwardly inclined or rearwardly inclined positions. A rearwardly projecting wheel lift boom is also pivotally mounted to the chassis below the platform and is capable of supporting a vehicle to be transported at least partially beneath the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus adaptable on a pusher vehicle for clearing and collecting objects such as refuse lying on the ground for their removal and possibly their loading, characterized in that it includes a fixed rear wall, substantially vertical, on which are articulated side walls, said rear wall being provided at its lower portion with retractable means forming a liftable bottom member for the collection of objects, their transportation and possibly their lifting up.

Abstract: In a trailer adapted to be connected with a front end thereof to a rear-end of a carrier vehicle, and where the front end of the trailer is held at a predetermined height above ground when connected to the carrier-vehicle, the trailer includes a frame defining a trailer frame plane extending in a hauling position of the trailer substantially parallel to the ground, a front extension and a rear extension of the trailer extending substantially along the trailer frame plane, the front extension being connected between the front end and the trailer frame, the trailer front end including an elongated drawbar defining a drawbar plane subtending a first angle close to 180.degree.

Abstract: A wheeled truck including a platform defining a planar support surface having first and second opposite ends, two wheels attached to the platform at the first end thereof and two wheels attached to the platform at the second end thereof utilizes hinges for hingedly securing the two wheels located at the second end to the platform and a lever member for raising and lowering the second support surface end to thereby facilitate the loading and unloading of the truck. The hingedly-secured wheels are each pivotally movable relative to the platform between an operative condition at which the hingedly-secured wheels operatively support the second support surface end in an elevated condition for transporting purposes and a non-operative condition at which the hingedly-secured wheels are positioned so as to permit the second support surface end to be raised and lowered between the elevated condition and a lowered condition at which the support surface forms a ramp.

Abstract: The invention describes a road trailer which functions in a way similar to a mobile slipway whereby a craft may be moved into and from a body of water along a ramp on a wheeled cradle.

Abstract: A handling mechanism for roll-off containers includes an elongated lift frame pivotally connected to a truck chassis, hydraulic tilt rams connected between the lift frame and the chassis, a slide member mounted in tracks along the lift frame, a stationary pulley mounted on the lift frame for rotation in a vertical plane, a movable pulley mounted on the slide member for rotation in a vertical plane, and a pair of container lift rams mounted along the lift frame and connected to the slide member. A cable is connected to the side member, is reeved about the stationary pulley and the movable pulley, and extends to the rear for connection to a container. The lift frame is tilted up and back for loading and off-loading the container. For transportation, the lift frame is tilted to horizontal.

Abstract: A trailer structure, having a mechanical loading system, to transport bins especially as used for agricultural products. The rearward portion of the trailer is lowered for bin pick up and loading, without raising the forward portion of the trailer, by a bell-crank type wheel mounting system. The trailer provides a unitary side-beam type frame and is mechanically powered by hydraulic devices.

Abstract: A structure for buckling the frames of a two-sectioned, centrally articulated truck chassis has a pair of links swingably mounted on the front frame and pivotally connected to a piston and cylinder power assembly carried by the rear frame. Additionally, a control member in overlying, vertical alignment with the piston and cylinder assembly swingably connects the links to the rear frame. As the piston is actuated, the force directly bears on the links, causing the latter to swing and simultaneously move the control member, causing the frames to move upwardly and spread while tilting about their articulation. The entire force presented by the rear mounted cylinder and piston assembly bears directly on the opposite, front frame such that a minimum amount of power is required to effect the tilting. Also, the vertical alignment of the piston and cylinder with the control member reduces bending and bowing stresses in the structure.

Abstract: A bale rack comprises an elongate horizontal frame mounted on wheels for movement along the ground, and a pair of bale supports extending along opposite sides of the frame. The bale supports are pivotable relative to the frame between a raised position, in which the bale supports serve to retain bales on the frame, and a load release position, in which the bale supports are downwardly and laterally inclined from the frame to allow a bale to roll from the frame to the ground. Latch mechanisms are provided for releasably retaining the bale supports in the raised positions, and counterweights are provided for urging the bale supports from the lowered positions to the raised positions, thus avoiding the use of springs, hydraulic devices or other relatively complicated mechanisms for this purpose.

Abstract: A low bed trailer includes a bumper/ramp unit pivotally attached to the back end. The bed is centrally pivoted to a wheel support unit for tilting to a loading position under gravity forces. A mechanical linkage between the bed and bumper/ramp unit provides automatic positioning of the bumper/ramp unit in response to the positioning of the bed between a horizontal transport position and a tilted loading position. In the bumper position, the bumper depends from the trailer bed and in the tilted loading position, the bumper abuts the trailing end of the bed and projects angularly to the ground as an inclined ramp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic self-locking roll back carrier of the type that is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle. The roll back carrier includes a sub-frame and a lift frame pivotably mounted thereto. Movably mounted to the lift frame is a load bed. Operatively interconnected between the sub-frame and lift frame is a pair of hydraulic lift cylinders. Interposed between the hydraulic lift cylinders and lift frame is a locking bar assembly that is movably mounted between longitudinally spaced stops in the lift frame. Secured to the sub-frame and disposed adjacent the locking bar assembly when the lift frame is in a transport position is a locking structure. The locking structure is so positioned with respect to the position occupied by the locking bar assembly when the lift frame is in a transport position that the locking structure effectively overlies the locking bar assembly and locks the lift frame to the sub-frame.