Abstract: A material handling vehicle which includes stored skip bins in nested arrangement between the cabin and a bulk tipping bin and hydraulically activateable arms adapted to lift and tip any selected skip bin from the storage position or from a ground supporting position and to have this empty at selected positions along the length of the bulk tipping bin and having a bulk tipping bin which itself is mobile and which can be tipped to effect material removal rearward of the bulk tipping bin or relocation of the bulk tipping bin fully rearward of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer and a method for loading a trailer onto a transport vehicle. The trailer is elevated, causing a rear axle assembly of the trailer to pivot from a forward position to a position that is generally normal to the trailer frame. A front wheel axle assembly is rotated upwardly, and the trailer is then subsequently slid/or pushed along a generally planar bed surface of the transport vehicle. The end of the bed surface contacts the rear axle assembly during the sliding process, and with continuing sliding the rear axle assembly moves from a normal position to a rearward position.

Abstract: A collapsible utility cart for use with automobile trunks including a basket having a generally rectangular configuration. The basket has an open upper end and a closed bottom end. A pair of forward legs are included each having an upper end pivotally coupled with a forward portion of the closed bottom end of the basket. Each of the forward legs has a caster disposed on lower ends thereof. The pair of forward legs have an extended orientation whereby they are perpendicular to the closed bottom end of the basket and a collapsed orientation whereby they are folded upwardly to a position abutting the closed lower end of the basket. A pair of rearward legs are each pivotally coupled with a rearward portion of the closed bottom end of the basket. A lower end of each rearward leg has a caster disposed thereon.

Abstract: A method, a container combination, and a container, wherein at least two containers are handled simultaneously by a vehicle's loading device. The containers can be handled separately by a loading device. The individual containers are connectable to one another to form a container combination and the container combination is lifted onto a vehicle and removed from the vehicle by making engaging devices of the loading device engage with a grasping component on a foremost container of the container combination.

Abstract: A transport cart is provided including a frame having a pair of spaced lower side bars. A plurality of wheels are mounted on the lower side bars of the frame. An elevation assembly is slidably mounted to the frame about a vertical axis and includes a pair of spaced support side bars. Finally, a mechanism is provided for selectively raising the elevation assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies are modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.

Abstract: An improved towing vehicle for retrieving and/or transporting other vehicles such as vintage cars, disabled automobiles, or disabled trucks. The improved towing vehicle combines a rollback bed with a rear-mounted recovery boom that serves as both a conventional recovery boom and a wheel lift assembly. The improved wrecker truck of the present invention can thus transport two and possibly three vehicles at a time. The present invention also includes an improved rear-mounted multi-function recovery boom having a pivoting extension that greatly expands the towing vehicle's recovery and retrieval capabilities. Finally, the present invention includes a rollback bed that can be manipulated to a plurality of load positions, including a raised platform position in which the bed is raised to an elevated position over the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Driverless motor vehicles are conveyed to unoccupied parking spaces in a building by a transport system comprising at least two trackless transport elements and, for each motor vehicle, four detachable wheel support elements on the parking space and the two transport elements, on which wheel support elements the vehicle remains during parking in the parking space.

Abstract: An improved multi-function loading and recovery apparatus for use with pallets, flat racks, containers and the like having a simple, effective design while enabling efficient operation in a wide variety of recovery operations. This multi-function loading and recovery apparatus utilizes a double pivoting tilt frame and self-locking L-arm, and also includes a unique inside-outside rail option, a collapsible bumper, forward-mounted rollers, an improved rear stabilizer and other features.

Abstract: A natural gas distribution system includes a gas cylinder having a first axial end and a second axial end. Protective collars are selectively connected to the cylinder ends. A valve is connected to the first axial end and is disposed within the first protective collar. The cylinder may be stored and transported in crates that have a plurality of compartments. Each of the plurality of compartments is configured to receive one gas cylinder in a substantially horizontal position. The crates in turn may be transported in delivery trucks that have bays with inclined floors and roll-down covering doors. An automatic air ventilation system makes sure that there is always air flow through the truck so there is no accumulation of any gas escaping from the cylinders in the truck. The truck may be equipped with refueling piping so that individual cylinders are refilled in the truck.

Abstract: A system for removably installing a truck equipment onto a truck frame comprises a mechanical support assembly for supporting the equipment on the ground in a tilted position. A tilt ramp pivotally mounted to the rear free end of the truck frame, is provided with a pair of elongate parallel frame rails. The truck equipment comprises a pair of elongate guide members to slide on the frame rails and guide longitudinal movement of the equipment on the ramp. An hydraulic cylinder is mounted between the truck frame and the front end of the ramp to tilt that ramp and thereby enable the guide members to engage the tilted frame rails upon rearward movement of the truck frame toward the truck equipment supported on the ground in the tilted position. A winch then hauls the truck equipment on the tilted ramp until the equipment reaches a predetermined position in which it is locked by means of hydraulically operated pins. The truck equipment is then operable.

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

Abstract: A new container moving vehicle for lifting and moving dumpsters and other similar types of rubbish containers. The inventive device includes a front vehicle portion which is similar to conventional pick-up truck type of vehicles, including a drivers cab, an engine for powering the vehicle, and front wheels. A U-shaped frame is rigidly attached to the rear of the front portion and extends rearwardly therefrom. The frame includes a base end which is secured to the rear of the front portion, and a pair of spaced arms extending from the base end. Each of the arms includes its own wheel assembly for supporting the arms upon the ground, and there is no connection between the wheel assemblies or the arms, such that the U-shape is substantially unobstructed. A U-shaped lift apparatus, having a base end and a pair of spaced arms which are parallel to the arms of the frame, is mounted on the U-shaped frame and is raised or lowered in a vertical direction relative thereto for raising and lowering the container.

Abstract: A trailer and a method for loading a trailer onto a transport vehicle. The trailer is elevated, causing a rear axle assembly of the trailer to pivot from a forward position to a position that is generally normal to the trailer frame. A front wheel axle assembly is rotated upwardly, and the trailer is then subsequently slid/or pushed along a generally planar bed surface of the transport vehicle. The end of the bed surface contacts the rear axle assembly during the sliding process, and with continuing sliding the rear axle assembly moves from a normal position to a rearward position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ramp design permitting the positioning of a cargo ramp floor at any angle or height, which is integral with the aircraft such that it can be aligned to a vehicle transferring the load. The adjustable cargo platform assembly and the automated platform leveling system permits the ramp and ramp platform to be raised or lowered, but also permits the ramp platform to be tilted about a roll axis and aligned laterally with the floor of the load carrying vehicle to allow the cargo to be transferred to the aircraft. Efficient on-loading and off-loading of a palletized loading system (PLS) flatrack, directly off a PLS truck is achieved by such alignment. Actuators in the forward end of the ramp lift the platform as it rotates about the aft hinge point until the platform is even with the bottom of flatrack.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a camper on the bed of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a pair of laterally spaced and generally opposed stabilizers that are mounted adjacent respective side walls on the bed and have vertical, inwardly facing surfaces that are configured to engage the camper's side walls. Each stabilizer engages a respective one of the camper's side walls, and the stabilizers collectively define a mounting surface therebetween within which the camper is removably mounted and stabilized. The apparatus further includes a pair of guides for positioning the camper as the camper is mounted on the vehicle. Each guide extends at an angle generally upwardly and outwardly from the stabilizer and toward the side wall to which the stabilizer is adjacent to provide an angled surface that is configured to engage and direct the camper into the mounting surface between the stabilizers as the camper is mounted on the bed, even if the camper and the bed are originally slightly out of alignment.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus for receiving, engaging and releasing exchangeable chassis mounted containers, which may be truck bodies, or the like, capable of readily locking and unlocking a truck body to a supporting chassis is disclosed that is self-contained on the chassis. A truck body or container which may be self-supporting is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted hoist includes container supporting roller assemblies configured to support a container for loading, unloading, transporting and/or dumping wherein the roller assemblies are vertically adjustable to provide for a variety of differently sized containers. The hoist includes a tilt frame and a plurality of brace devices mounted to the tilt frame and being for supporting a plurality of rollers in at least two different vertical positions, and includes a plurality of rollers sized and configured to be mounted to the brace devices to collectively support a container thereon.

Abstract: A platform dimensioned for the transport of cargo within a shipping container. The platform includes column members and a lifting portion present on the column members. The members are movable between a first condition in which the columns are upright when a load of cargo is present on the platform and a second condition in which the column members are horizontal so that one platform may be stacked upon another. The platform is adapted to be received as a clearance fit inside the shipping container and is provided with a component by which the platform may be moved in or out of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading a container (250) onto a trailer (10) for transport by a vehicle (200) and for unloading the container from the trailer. The trailer includes a frame (32) mounted on two rear axles (36 and 38), a lift device (86) and front and rear securing pads (68 and 44). An adjustable and removable spider (122) is connected to the lift device and connects to the front end (250A) of the container to allow the lift device to move the container onto the trailer. To load the container, the spider is adjusted to the correct height by adjusting the length of the side members (126). Adaptors (154) can also be used for shorter containers. The lift device is extended and the spider is attached to the top and bottom corners (252 and 254) of the container. Securing chains (164) having lifting lugs (166) and are connected between the spider and the bottom corners of the container. The lift device is then retracted and the container is loaded onto the trailer.

Abstract: A container handling device includes four lifting assemblies that can couple to the lower corner of a container. The device has a rolling subframe with a hydraulic cylinder interposed between the subframe and the portion of the assemblies that couple with the container. The device also has an electrohydraulic set and an electric-power-supply and control unit common to all four lifting assemblies. The frame is fastened to the central member of a yoke that is in the form of a "C", and has a height less than that of the container. The yoke includes, at a lower end, a horizontal angle bracket suitable for going around the external angle of the lower corner of a container and, at its upper end, a horizontal angle bracket capable of going around the corner upright of the container. The portion that couples to the lower corner of the container is included on one of the flanges of the lower horizontal angle bracket. The other flange includes, projecting from an inner face, a stationary positioning tenon.

Abstract: A cargo container is fitted to the chassis of a truck tractor so as to be shiftable on rollers between first and second positions. The first position is adjacent the rear of the tractor cab, and the second position is adjacent a rear end of the tractor chassis. The bottom of the container is built with a centred longitudinal channel that allows the container to pass over a fifth wheel of the tractor when being shifted to the second position. The rear side of the container has one or more doors that can be opened when the container has been shifted to the second position and the tractor has been backed into a loading dock. This allows a forklift to be driven directly into the container from the loading dock, facilitating loading and unloading of cargo.

Abstract: A support arm device is taught for the loading and unloading of equipment on and off a truck bed. The support arm functions like a lever and has wheels at one end and connectors at the other end for coupling to the equipment or to a carrier for the equipment. The support arm is easily mechanically adjustable from vertical to horizontal and vice versa. The wheel end of the support arm is lifted onto a truck tailgate, thus creating a desired axis of balance for the equipment to be loaded. A person acting alone and manually loading the equipment onto the truck bed then only has to apply a less vigorous and less awkward lifting force to the opposite end of the equipment to successfully load it into or onto the truck bed. The invention includes combinations of the support arm with a carrier used with the support arm and also a combination with a support member situated vertically atop the rear end of the carrier.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to a frame structure for packing multiple vehicles in a stacked configuration into a transport container such that a first vehicle is located above the floor of the container and inclined relative to that floor. The structure includes a base, at least one vehicle support device including two vehicle supports each having a support member vertically and laterally displaced from one another, and attachment devices including at least one pair of attachment members having brackets for being attached across the bottom of the vehicle, laterally spaced from one another and received within receptacle zones defined within the respective vehicle supports, the attachment members being parallel to the vehicle supports.

Abstract: A roll on roll off receptacle handling system, that can load and unload a receptacle, store the receptacle and transporting the receptacle. The system includes a storage platform or independent support, such as portable jacks, for supporting the receptacle when it is rolled off the transport device. The transport device, that the receptacle can be rolled on to, can transport the receptacle to another location where it can be rolled off to another platform or independent support. The system also includes power assist devices for operating the jacks and for moving the receptacles to and from the transport device.

Abstract: A covering system for covering a transportable container with a tarp. The covering system includes a covering device provided with an extendable tarp. The covering device is mounted on a support structure which is manipulable to position the covering device to enable covering of a container which is unsupported by the vehicle. The covering device is preferably mounted to a hook arm which also functions to load the container onto the vehicle after the container is covered.

Abstract: A vehicle for receiving and transporting refuse materials including a collection container including: a front end wall defining a filling opening being bounded by a rigid frame; and a door being movable for opening and closing the filling opening. The vehicle further includes an operating device for moving the door, and a hopper defining an output opening in communication with the filling opening and bounded by a counterframe disposed adjacent the frame for defining a communication region between the hopper and the collecting container. The hopper has a tubular extension extending into the filling opening up to the plane of movement of the door; and a press disposed in the hopper. The press includes a stamp movable into and out of an interior of the collection container through the filling opening, the stamp having an inclined front surface whose upper edge is set back with respect to a lower edge thereof in a direction toward the interior of the collection container.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a large oceanic type shipping container while applying fluid foam insulation to the container. The apparatus utilizes a stationary frame which supports a housing, the housing having an open ended foaming chamber in which a mandrel is cantileverly mounted. Heated platens are mounted to the mandrel and housing. At least some of the platens are movably mounted and capable of engaging the container when the container is within the chamber. The container is moveable into and out of the housing chamber by use of a carriage movably supported on a guide base. The housing is swingably mounted so that it may be pivoted relative to the frame and relative to a horizontal plane, allowing increased foaming efficiency of the container's cavities. After foaming, a void detection system having thermal sensors with scanning capability allows detection of inadequately insulated voids within the cavities of the container.

Abstract: A freight car includes a carrier frame supportable on track-bound undercarriages for mobility on a track, a box formed by side walls and a bottom for storing bulk material, and a conveyor belt constituting the bottom of the box and extending in longitudinal direction for conveying bulk material in a conveying direction. Further mounted to the freight car are two off-track undercarriages which are spaced from each other in longitudinal direction and vertically adjustable independently from each other by own drives.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus for receiving, positioning, engaging and releasing exchangeable chassis or sub-frame mounted containers, which may be truck bodies, or the like, capable of readily locking and unlocking a truck body or sub-frame to a supporting chassis is disclosed that is self-contained on the chassis. A truck body or container which may be self-supporting is also disclosed.

Abstract: A truck trailer with a removable rack adapted for loading and unloading livestock without a loading chute. The trailer and rack have pivotable rear sections to define a loading ramp when pivoted to the ground. A pair of slide rails on the upper surface of the trailer and a pair of slide channels on the lower surface of the rack cooperate to guide the rack onto and from the trailer. A number of lock bars are pivotally mounted to the inner side walls of the rack to secure the rack on the trailer. Using a winch and truck hydraulics, one person is able to pull the rack onto the trailer. The task of removing the rack from the trailer can also be performed by one person.

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 sectional van trailer having detachable, interchangeable compartments capable of forming a continuous van body is disclosed. One or more van sections or cargo compartments are secured to a trailer frame. The van sections may be individually removed and left at a location for loading or unloading. When removed, the van sections form secure, weather-tight individual containers for the goods disposed therein. The van sections are interconnected and each van section may remain an individual compartment or may be joined with one or more adjacent van sections to form a continuous van body. A tractor mounted hoist apparatus is provided to allow a lone truck operator to move the van sections between the ground, and the trailer frame, a storage stand, or a truck frame. The described embodiments are particularly efficient for moving both household belongings and general commodities on a long-haul trip.

Abstract: A support structure is adapted to support vehicle-mounted equipment in an elevated stored state above ground and further adapted to mount onto a bed of a vehicle to assist in loading and off-loading of equipment. The vehicle comprises a support frame, first and second rigid leg structures mounted to the support frame, and a pair of stop elements. The first rigid leg structure includes a first pair of legs each pivotally mounted to the support frame on a respective pivot axis so that each leg includes a ground engaging portion located on one side of the axis and a second portion located on another side of the axis. Each of the legs is pivotable between a support position wherein the first portion engages the ground and stowed position wherein the leg is oriented proximate to the support frame with the second portion extending into a region between the support frame and a respective pivot axis.

Abstract: A particulate cargo container support apparatus having plural pairs of side-by-side laterally spaced upright post members rotatably supporting shaft members extending therebetween. Hook members are positioned on the rotatable shaft member so as to be movable out of the path of a container on a raised truck bed when the truck is positioned under the support apparatus. A control device in the form of a manually operable handle is connected to an end of the shaft member for effecting the rotation of the shaft member and hook members into and out of the path of the container on the truck bed. The hook members engage the container on the truck bed when the truck bed is lowered. When the truck bed is fully lowered, a vertical, separation between the container and the truck bed is effected. The container is then fully supported on the support apparatus and the truck is free for other uses.

Abstract: A wheeled utility cart includes a rigid rectangular basket component formed of molded plastic or a wire basket weave configuration. The wheels are relatively large, to permit use of the cart on rough, soft, and/or uneven surfaces, unlike the conventional small diameter casters provided on shopping carts. The wheels support the cart at a convenient height and the front and rear wheels are independently and automatically retractable, to permit the cart to be inserted into the back of a motor vehicle, such as a van, station wagon, or sport utility vehicle having a back door or gate. Lockable brakes are also provided for at least the rear wheels, to prevent the cart from rolling on a slope. The brake operation is by means of a high mounted lever, to preclude operation or disengagement by small children. A track is provided beneath the cart, which engages a mating track installed in the rear floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adaptable trailer and trailer system that is especially well suited for transporting cargo in vertically restricted areas and for transporting cargo up and down inclines. The trailer system comprises a trailer and a cradle. The cradle is designed to carry a cargo and has an opening into which the trailer can be inserted so that the cradle may be transported. The trailer and cradle have an aligning system that works to correctly position the cradle onto the trailer. Additionally, the trailer comprises a carriage, an outer frame, an inner frame, and a front frame. The front frame is integral with the outer frame and has means for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. The inner frame of the trailer is pivotally attached to the outer frame and can be raised and lowered to meet the cradle, once the trailer and cradle are in position.

Abstract: A drop down bumper suitable for attachment to a frame of a transportable container or to a truck. The drop down bumper is equipped with loading rollers and is movable between a folded position and an extended position. When the drop down bumper is in the extended position it serves as a conventional rear bumper to help prevent cars and other small vehicles from riding under the rear of the truck, or container loaded on a truck. When the drop down bumper is in the folded position it allows access to the rear portions of the truck, and provides rolling support for the transportable container when the transportable container is being loaded and unloaded. The drop down bumper comprises an impact protection bar, attached loading rollers, and a foldable linkage connecting the impact protection bar with the frame.

Abstract: A system for hauling cargo containers which includes elevatable frames on which containers are supported for loading, shipment, unloading and storage. The frames are designed to be mounted to alignment cradles carried by transport vehicles such as conventional trailers. Lifting devices are mounted on the frames and/or the alignment cradles to raise and lower the frames relative to the vehicles so that the containers may be loaded or unloaded without separate lifts or cranes. The frames include support legs which are movable outwardly and pivotable vertically so as to support the frames in elevated relationship to the transport vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and carrying cargo on the bed of a pickup truck includes a chassis and a drive mechanism substantially contained within the chassis. The chassis is rigidly attached to the bed of a pickup truck. The drive mechanism is connected to an arm and operable to move a distal end of the arm back and forth between an unload position near the back of the pickup truck and a load position above a forward portion of the bed of the pickup truck. The distal end of the arm can be attached to a carrier assembly which includes a rack designed to carry a specific type of cargo. A remote control unit allows the user to manually control movement of the arm between the unload and load positions.

Abstract: A dual capacity hook-lift hoist mounted on a wheeled chassis for use in loading detached objects, such as containers, onto the chassis for transport to any location. The hook-lift hoist is also operable to tilt a loaded container to dump its contents. The hook-lift hoist includes at least one hydraulic cylinder that is sized to have a maximum loading capacity that is below the safe limit of the truck but which is capable of dumping a container that is at least equal to the carrying capacity of the chassis.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved device for handling loads from a vehicle designed to be fitted on the loading platform of the vehicle, consisting of: one front section hinged on a rear section by a first pin, the rear section being hinged by a second pin on a sub-frame; one upper arm having a hook for gripping loads, at least one jack tilting in particular the front section around the first pin, the jack being linked in rotation by its rear end to the front section and by its front end to the sub-frame, and the device being characterized in that it has a temporary support on the sub-frame, in particular at the rear end of the jack, to establish at least a temporary force of reaction of the sub-frame on the rear end of the jack, at least during part of the movement of the rear section and in that the support consists of a sliding or running surface which defines part of the trajectory in particular of the rear end of the jack when the support is in action.

Abstract: A roll on roll off receptacle handling system, that can load and unload a receptacle, store the receptacle and transporting the receptacle. The system includes a storage platform or independent support, such as portable jacks, for supporting the receptacle when it is rolled off the transport device. The transport device, that the receptacle can be rolled on to, can transport the receptacle to another location where it can be rolled off to another platform or independent support. The system also includes power assist devices for operating the jacks and for moving the receptacles to and from the transport device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nestable intermodal container for hauling materials. In one embodiment, this container includes a bottom wall; a plurality of sidewalls sloped generally outwardly from the bottom wall, the sidewalls and bottom wall defining an interior of the container, and the sidewalls having an upper perimeter defining an opening that is larger that the bottom wall; lifting members attached to at least two opposing sidewalls, each of the lifting members being adapted to engage a crane and a vertical wall of a rail car. The bottom wall, sidewalls and lifting members are desirably configured so that the container may be substantially received in another substantially similar container. In a method of the invention, a number of such containers can be used. These containers are filled at a collection site, transported to a processing site located remotely from the collection site for at least a distance on the back haul leg of a rail route and emptied at the processing site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for transporting cargo, and adapted to receive and convey the cargo to and from a storage area. The device includes a cart having a frame and two rails mounted to a top of the frame. The rails are disposed in spaced apart, parallel relationship to each other and define a longitudinal direction. A table includes two rail channels disposed at a bottom side thereof. The rail channels are disposed in spaced apart, parallel relationship to each other for respectively receiving each of the two cart rails therein. The table further includes a plurality of rollers disposed in each of the rail channels. The rollers are rotatably disposed between the table and the cart rails for allowing relative movement between the table and the cart in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting automobiles, including racks each capable of carrying two automobiles, one above the other, particularly in intermodal cargo containers, and a method for use of the apparatus. Each rack includes wheels on which the rack is supported for movement when it is in a collapsed configuration, for insertion of the rack into a cargo container. A pair of wheeled cradles carries an automobile by supporting its wheels. One pair of such cradles is supported by an upper pair of longitudinal beams which are each supported by a pivot connection to a collapsible upright at one end and by an upright strut spaced apart from that end. Another pair of cradles is fastened in a selected location to a pair of horizontal lower longitudinal support members of the rack, to hold the second automobile in a desired position beneath the first. In its collapsed configuration the rack is very low, enabling several empty racks to be carried in a single cargo container.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus for receiving, engaging and releasing exchangeable chassis or sub-frame mounted containers, which may be truck bodies, or the like, capable of readily locking and unlocking a truck body or sub-frame to a supporting chassis is disclosed that is self-contained on the chassis. A truck body or container which may be self-supporting is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport apparatus that can load and unload load carrying containers directly to and from the ground, to and from specially designed receivers or from and to portable support stands. The transport apparatus includes a tiltable trailer having longitudinal guide rails or surfaces that receive anti-friction devices of the load carrying containers. The tiltable trailer can be carried by a ground wheel support chassis and can be pivoted between a substantially horizontal travelling position and a backwardly-downwardly inclined position at which the rear portions of its longitudinal guide surfaces have been displaced toward the ground to a position above the ground where they can engage the anti-friction devices of a ground supported load carrying container.

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

Abstract: A truck and hook hoist combination for picking up and manipulating a container having a grasping ring includes a vehicle having a frame with a rear; a hook hoist including a hoist frame with a rear, a roller frame having a rear and being connected to and at the rear of the hoist frame, and a jib assembly having inboard and outboard ends and being pivotally connected about an axis to the hoist frame, the roller frame including at least one roller rotatably mounted to the rear of the frame and being configured for variable slidable longitudinal extension relative to the rear of the hoist frame prior to the roller frame being rigidly connected to the hoist frame, and wherein the jib assembly includes a hook at its outboard end, the hook defining a base with a front and a rear, a post extending up from the front of the base and a main arcuate hook body extending up from the rear of the base, wherein the base, post and hook body together define a saddle sized to engage with and receive a container grasping ring th