Abstract: A cargo handling assembly for use in an overland vehicle including a base frame which is capable of being mounted on the floor of the overland vehicle. A pair of extension members is individually borne by the base members. The exterior members are moveable along a predetermined path of travel from a first, stowed position, to a second, deployed position. A pair of carriages is slidably borne by the individual extension members. The carriages are moveable along a path of travel from a first position, where the respective carriages are located in spaced relation relative to the distal end of the respective extension members, to a second position, where the carriages are located near the distal end of the respective extension members. A cargo support assembly having a top end is rotatably connected to each individual extension member at a single pivot point.

Abstract: A liner for the loading and unloading of objects for use with a rear-opening truck bed. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies virtually the entire surface area of the truck bed. The liner can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the truck and folded downwardly to enable the user to pull the liner toward the rear opening to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Abstract: A truck ramp mountable to the upper surface of the cargo portion of a pickup truck that has a bottom hinged tailgate and at least one wheel well having a contour and which includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, an axle, a pair of rollers, a pair of tracks, and a stop. The fixed portion has an upper surface, a lower surface, a longitudinal axis center line, and a back end. The fixed portion is removably mountable to the upper surface of the cargo portion and forms a chamber therebetween. The movable portion is slidably mounted within the chamber and has a retracted position, an extended position, a distal end, an upper surface, and a proximal end that contains a tunnel. The axle has a pair of free ends and is rotatably mounted in the tunnel of the movable portion. Each of the pair of rollers are located at each of the pair of free ends of the axle.

Abstract: A selectively retractable load floor for the cargo compartment of a vehicle to improve access to cargo stored within the vehicle. The load floor includes a platform movable along dual rails for easy access to items stored even at the interior portion of the cargo compartment. The platform travels along low-profile rails to maximize interior cargo space and may be locked into position anywhere along the rail system. A spring-loaded latching system provides automatic locking to prevent inadvertent movement of the load floor. A single handle latch mechanism allows simple control of the movement of the platform.

Abstract: A multiple purpose truck tailgate apparatus for a pickup truck of the type having a bed and a tailgate pivotally mounted to the bed. The apparatus comprises a first panel member. A structure for mounting the first panel member in a sliding manner to the bed of the truck. When the tailgate is opened, the first panel member can be extended therefrom. A second panel member is provided. A facility is for coupling the second panel member against a free end of the first panel member. A third panel member is provided. A facility is for coupling the third panel member against a free end of the second panel member. An assembly is for pivoting the first panel member on the sliding mounting structure. The first panel member with the second panel member and the third panel member can be positioned at various angles at the opened tailgate, to be used for different tasks.

Abstract: This invention pertains to cargo transportation, and more particularly to an apparatus that facilitates loading and unloading of cargo from a vehicle. In accordance with the present invention, a retractable bed for vehicles is provided that is simple in design, can be adapted to different vehicle applications and has greater safety and cargo carrying capacity than prior devices. In addition, the invention can be installed or removed by a single user because of it's light weight and efficient design. The apparatus comprises a load carrying transport system having improved structural properties and arrangements for rollably supporting the cargo. The cargo is supported on a rolling deck that is rollably attached to a frame assemble by roller bearings. The frame assemble is mounted to the truck bed. The rolling deck moves along the roller bearings on the frame assembly to move the load.

Abstract: A sliding carrier comprising a frame and a sled, with the frame being mounted to the rooftop of a vehicle, and the sled adaptable for carrying certain objects being in sliding communication with the frame. The sled unlocks and slides out of the frame to a rearmost horizontal deployment position. The sled releases from the horizontal plane of travel into a pivoting plane of travel by lifting and pulling the sled over a stop block. The sled then pivots about a rearward wheel assembly until a landing gear assembly contacts the ground. A winch assembly is then used to control the further lowering of the sled from a grounded position to a loading position, at which time certain objects may be loaded onto the sled. The sled is returned to a locked traveling position atop the vehicle by reversing the steps above.

Abstract: An elongated plate, shaped to fit within a pick up truck bed, extends past the end of a opened tailgate on the truck. The plate serves to extend the usable length of the truck bed. The plate is supported at a front end by two stabilizer bars, telescoping adjustable tubular supports, which extend from the forward sides of the plate up to the inner lip of the truck bed. The rear of the plate is supported by an undercarriage which is attached to the bumper by a speed connection, which locks the undercarriage to the truck bumper.

Abstract: An auxiliary mechanism for use with a utility vehicle. The auxiliary mechanism is adapted to be removably installed within the storage area of the utility vehicle and to be movable into and out of the rear or side of the vehicle to a loading and dumping position. Movement of the auxiliary mechanism is under control of a closed loop cable system and dumping is accomplished under control by a screw jack. Stops register the movable portions of the mechanism for stowed, loading, predumping and dumping positions.

Abstract: For the enclosed compartment space of a truck type of automotive vehicle rearward of the cab seating section, particularly herein with reference to a mail delivery truck, a movable shelf supported on rollers running on ledges formed by the internal wheel wells of the body of the truck, the shelf carrying mail baskets therein, both the shelf and baskets thereon being easily reachable by the operator seated in the cab section by use of a hook equipped rod whereby the operator can move forwardly the shelf and baskets thereon to be readily reachable for access thereto without the operator being required to step down to have access to the same by an approach through the rear of the truck.

Abstract: An access ramp for a van or a similar vehicle having a housing below the vehicle floor and adjacent door which houses the ramp structure. A carrier is extendable and retractable and is mechanically linked to a ramp platform. A boom arm on the carrier extends when the carrier extends and guides a cable which is motor driven to lower and lift the platform. Lift cams elevate the inner end of the platform when the platform is extended to bring it into close proximity with the vehicle floor.

Abstract: The present invention is a compressed gas cylinder carrier for retaining and transporting a plurality of such cylinders. The carrier includes a cage or framework having a base and top interconnected by a plurality of vertical bars. The base includes slide rails on which is slideably mounted a sled that can move between opposite ends of the carrier within the framework thereof. The sled has a base and a sidewall portion integral there with and extending upward there from. The sled base and sidewall form a cylinder retaining space. One carrier end has a hinged door for providing access to the interior of the carrier. A strap extends around the sled and is engaged through an adjustable buckle secured to the door. The top end of the carrier has a roof structure for forming a forklift receiving cavity. In operation, the present invention is sized to retain a plurality of compressed gas cylinders.

Abstract: Access to a rail vehicle is effected by a board that is movable between a retracted position in which it is housed beneath the top face of the floor of the vehicle and an extended position in which it constitutes an access ramp between a platform and an entrance doorsill of the vehicle. The device includes an actuator for driving the board and a stop terminating translation of the board in its extended position. The actuator is disposed in the plane of the board. The device also tilts the board after stopping the board's movement in translation so that the outside end of the board rests on the platform and so that the board co-operates with the entrance doorsill to provide a continuous surface without any offset. The entrance doorsill remains stationary.

Abstract: the roof top carrier of the present invention has a roof top platform that moves horizontally between a storage position at the center of the roof of a motor home and an extended position adjacent the side of the motor home. A drop cradle moves vertically out of the roof top platform in its extended position to a lower position at ground level to provide user access to equipment or luggage stored in the roof top carrier. Two separate motors power the horizontal movement and the vertical movement for moving the equipment and luggage from the roof to the lower position at ground level alongside the motor home.

Abstract: Accessibility means for achieving the assisted passage of a person using a wheelchair, while in the chair, over a barrier including a pair of spaced-apart pathways which permit the transit of an assistant between the pathways as the assistant assists the wheelchair and occupant over the barrier.

Abstract: A ramp stowable beneath the floor of a vehicle is normally power driven between retracted and extended positions. The drive, or propelling, mechanism for the ramp provides for the ramp to be manually disconnected from the propelling mechanism for manual extension and retraction in the event of a power failure in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in association with an electric vehicle including an electric motor and a vehicle body having a storage compartment to facilitate interchange of battery packs in the storage compartment. The apparatus includes a movable frame for receiving a battery pack having electrical fittings. The frame is movable to a position where the electrical fittings of the battery pack engage electrical fittings leading to the electric motor.

Abstract: A pick-up truck carrying a container or cargo unit having a pair of belts attached to the rear of the container, which belts have extensions which are projected underneath the drive wheels of the vehicle, so that upon backing up of the vehicle, the belt extensions are pulled so as to move the cargo unit rearwardly of the truck.

Abstract: An elongated ramp is provided for longitudinal extension and retraction relative to a predetermined margin of a support structure therefor. The ramp includes a longitudinally short base end section and a considerably longer outer end section and the support and ramp include coacting guide structures for supporting and guiding the ramp during extension and retraction thereof, the outer end section of the ramp being automatically disengaged from the support and guide structure responsive to the ramp approaching its fully extended position. In a first form of ramp, a biasing structure is operatively connected between the sections yieldingly resisting downward swinging of the outer end section as it disengages from the support and guide structure during extension of the ramp and the biasing structure is operative to counteract a major portion, only, of the force of gravity acting upon the outer end section to swing the outer end thereof downwardly as the ramp moves to its fully extended position.

Abstract: An under platform drawer adapted for mounting on a utility vehicle is disclosed. The drawer is adapted to increase the storage capability of the vehicle while not affecting the previously provided storage area. The drawer includes a pair of parallelly mounted guide tracks adapted to be secured orthogonally to the longitudinally extending frame members of the truck's chassis. A pair of parallelly positioned guides are displaceably mounted on the guide tracks. A storage drawer is fixedly mounted to the guides whereby the drawer may be extended outwardly or returned inwardly along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling cargo consisting of a pair of elongate supports. The supports are secured in parallel spaced relation to a cargo box of a delivery vehicle. A rectangular platform is provided having longitudinal edges which engage the supports. The platform is movable between a position extending from the supports and a position retracted within the supports. Movement of the platform is limited in the extended position to preclude the separation of the platform from the supports.

Abstract: An improved retractable bed comprises two or more telescoping rail packs with a deck attached therebetween for supporting a cargo. Each rail pack comprises a strong and rigid intermediate rail interposed between a base rail fixed to a support surface and a primary rail. The intermediate rail has one set of support rollers for rolling along the base rail, and a second set of support rollers for rollingly supporting the primary rail. Two sets of guide rollers laterally retain the intermediate rail to the base rail and the intermediate rail to the primary rail. The present invention includes caliper brakes that act between the primary rail and base rail to selectively lock the rail packs at desired locations. A screw and handle mechanism may also be used to translate the retractable bed and to lock it relative to a support surface.

Abstract: An easy to install and remove slidable carrying table for vehicles includes a base frame which is quickly and conveniently attachable and detachable to a vehicle floor, and which provides the base upon which a carrying table can be slidably mounted. The base can be installed by one person to the vehicle floor and the same person can introduce the table to the base. Diassembly is also quick and easy to allow the vehicle to be transformed to a different use. The slidable table allows objects to be loaded on the table outside of the vehicle and then the table can be slid into the vehicle for transport. Optional features include locking mechanisms to hold the table in various desired positions and to prevent undesired movement.

Abstract: A loading or unloading platform is located and secured in a frame mounted beneath the bottom of a semi-trailer. The platform is removable from underneath the semi-trailer by releasing a lock and pulling the platform out from under the trailer after extension of the retractable wheels of the platform. The platform is then available for use in a locked position adjacent to any door of the semi-trailer. A ramp is used in combination with the platform. The ramp is located underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer in two spaced-apart mounting brackets, one mounting bracket for each end of the ramp. One mounting bracket is fixed in position and includes a lock for locking a bottom end of the ramp underneath the semi-trailer. The other mounting bracket includes a swivel turntable and a pivoting holder for engaging the top end of the ramp.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for moving an object from a first location to a second location, in particular a gurney for transporting a hospital patient. The device includes a litter mechanism for carrying the object to be transported thereon and a support structure for supporting the litter mechanism and for transporting the litter mechanism between the first location and the second location. In one embodiment, the litter mechanism is pivotable with respect to the support structure to aid in transferring the object/patient thereto and therefrom. In a second embodiment, the litter mechanism is also moveable laterally and transversely with respect to the support structure. Underneath the support structure are outriggers which are extendable outwardly from the device to stabilize the device and prevent it from tipping over when the litter mechanism is extended transversely with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: A portable bed assembly for use on a pick up truck, camper, station wagon or other recreational vehicle includes an elongate framework having a width designed to fit between rear wheel wells on a motor vehicle, and a length which fits snugly within the vehicle when the rear thereof is closed. The portable bed is mounted on rollers which ride on rails mounted on the original deck or bed of the motor vehicle. The framework includes a pair of foldable leg assemblies with one mounted on each end of the portable bed assembly. A locking mechanism maintains the portable bed assembly in mounted position along the rails on the original motor vehicle bed or rear deck. When the locking mechanism is released and the rear of the motor vehicle is opened, or the tailgate is positioned horizontally, the portable bed assembly will roll outwardly of the back of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A storage unit for mounting in the box of a pickup truck. The storage unit has a base which is anchorable to the bed of the pickup truck box. A substantially vertical support stanchion is mounted to the base. Storage shelves are pivotably mounted to the support stanchion so that each storage shelf is pivotable about the stanchion independently of the others. Mechanisms are provided for locking each storage shelf in first and second selected angular positions about the support stanchion. In the first selected angular position, the storage tray is located within the pickup box. In the second selected angular position, the storage tray extends outwardly through the tailgate opening at the rear of the pickup box.

Abstract: A patient transfer device adapted to be a component of a patient transport stretcher, chair or gurney is disclosed. A rigid articulated support having a head portion and a lower portion hinged to one another is adapted to be attached to a stretcher having a Fowler mechanism. A self locking reversible gearbox which can be manually driven from either side of the transport device is attached to the support. The gearbox drives an articulated output shaft to which rollers are attached. The rollers drive an endless belt beneath the support. The endless belt has finite lengths of low friction webbing attached. The low friction webbing wraps around the support and across the top thereof between the support and a flexible semirigid transfer sheet. The low friction webbing is attached to the semirigid sheet such that when the gearbox is activated the transfer sheet is moved across the rigid support to extend outwardly from either side of the rigid support.

Abstract: A power-operated lift, adapted to be mounted in a vehicle trunk has linkage means for raising a load-supporting platform in a vertical direction. The platform can be manually moved in a horizontal direction to remove the load from the trunk. The platform can be pivoted about the frame to provide access to a wheel well beneath the lift. A reversible motor is connected to the linkage for either raising or lowering the platform with respect to the trunk floor.

Abstract: A retractable bed is capable of handling heavy cargoes to an extended length approximately double the retracted length. The retractable bed comprises a fixed frame, a secondary frame, and a top frame. A unique arrangement of rollers engages the various frames. The top frame, which supports the cargo deck, is supported by both the fixed and secondary frames. The invention includes a locking device that is spring loaded to automatically lock the frames in selected locations between the extended and retracted positions. The locking device has a handle that extends to the front of the top frame, where it is conveniently operated by a person.

Abstract: A power-operated lift and presenting mechanism has a base structure that is placed on the floor of an automobile. A carriage moves between an elevated position and a lowered, transport position when a lift assembly causes the carriage and base structure to be separated and brought closer together. The lift assembly is selectively power operated by a reversible electrical motor to expand to separate the carriage from the base structure and to contract to bring them closer together. The carriage has a track and track follower and a platform mounted on the track follower so that the platform is movable to and fro along the track. The platform is capable of supporting heavy and bulky articles. The platform is movable along the track when the carriage is in an elevated position, between a retracted position in which the platform is generally over the base structure and within the trunk, and a presenting position in which the platform extends out from over the trunk generally out of the trunk.

Abstract: A new lugger truck employs a moveable load carrying platform in place of the standard fixed platform, the container being loaded on to the platform while it is in a rear position, which is then moved to a forward position, allowing the load carried by the truck to be positioned more forward of the rear axles, distributing the load proportionately between the front and rear axles to increase stability and load carrying capacity. The platform can be mounted on a standard truck chassis with a mimimum of modification and allows the use of a standard lugger mechanism with fixed-length arms, thereby decreasing cost and complexity and also permitting government regulations to be met with regard to maximum height of the truck. The platform is supported for its forward/rearward movement by longitudinal bearing surfaces mounted on both the platform and the truck chassis, the platform being moved by a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A crematory loader apparatus is provided for loading objects to be incinerated into a preheated crematory. The loader has a frame along with a slidable support surface attached to the frame for supporting an object thereon which slides in a track supporting the slidable top surface during sliding of the top surface between a first position for loading the object onto the slidable support surface and a second position canterlevering the slidable support surface into the crematory. A plurality of legs are attached to the frame and support the frame and the slidable support surface.

Abstract: A vehicle storage system apparatus is attached to a vehicle and adapted to slide out on a suspension frame to make storage bins and the like more accessible from the vehicle. A vehicle body, such as a panel truck or van, has a vertically suspended framework attached to the vehicle body. The frame has at least two horizontal channels supported thereon and a sliding carriage which is slidably mounted in the channels and supported by the channels and which can be slid from a first position in the vehicle to a second position extending from the vehicle. The sliding carriage has a panel attached thereto with a plurality of storage members attachable to the panel. The panel has attaching openings therein for attaching storage bins. The locking conventional allows the sliding storage carriage to be locked in place in the vehicle and to be released from outside the vehicle for sliding the carriage to a position extending from the vehicle.

Abstract: A loading or unloading platform is located and secured in a frame mounted beneath the bottom of a semi-trailer. The platform is removable from underneath the semi-trailer by releasing a lock and pulling the platform out from under the trailer after extension of the retractable wheels of the platform. The platform is then available for use in a locked position adjacent to any door of the semi-trailer. A ramp is used in combination with the platform. The ramp is located underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer in two spaced-apart mounting brackets, one mounting bracket for each end of the ramp. One mounting bracket is fixed in position and includes a lock for locking a bottom end of the ramp underneath the semi-trailer. The other mounting bracket includes a swivel turntable and a pivoting holder for engaging the top end of the ramp.

Abstract: A slidable loading platform for a vehicle comprising a bed slidably mounted atop a truck array. A plurality of roller assemblies associated with the track and with the bed enhances a slidable movement of the platform relative to the track array. A locking mechanism precludes undesirable shifting of the bed during vehicle transport and unloading.

Abstract: A slidable loading platform for a vehicle comprising a bed slidably mounted atop a track array. A plurality of roller assemblies associated with the track and with the bed enhances a slidable movement of the platform relative to the track array. A locking mechanism precludes undesirable shifting of the bed during vehicle transport and unloading.

Abstract: A pair of support members are arranged for mounting on the floor of a vehicle cargo area and support a cargo box by rollers for movement between forward and rearward positions to provide easy access for loading and unloading the box at the rear of the cargo area. The support members and box have engaging latch portions providing latching notches for the box in forward, rearward and intermediate positions. Front and rear vertical axis rollers are provided on the box and support members, respectively, and have engagement with the other of the box and support members to provide a non-binding lateral stability. Also, longitudinally adjustable abutment means are provided to hold the box in a non-rattling forward latched position.

Abstract: A motorized lifting device for loading and unloading articles from automobile trunks has a floor frame acting as a base for a pair of upstanding platform supports each of which has a flange. A carriage having a plurality of rollers is reciprocally mounted on each upstanding platform support such that at least two spaced apart rollers are on one side of the flange and at least one roller is on the other side of the flange. The flange, therefore, acts as a guide for the carriages when moving along the upstanding platform support. A platform frame is attached to the carriages and a platform rests on the platform frame. Lifting is achieved through means of a cable attached to each carriage, strung over a pulley on each upstanding platform support that is then wound onto a spool rod mounted to the upstanding platform supports. The spool rod is rotated by means of an electric motor powered by electricity from the automobile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extendible and retractable ramp device for a vehicle particularly concerned with the loading and unloading of handicapped person and which device particularly includes a power actuating mechanism disposed within the vehicle in such a way as to protect the mechanism from damage, provide a ramp structure conducive to non-interferring ingress and egress by handicapped passengers and to incorporate a disconnect device which permits the ramp to be extended or retracted manually in the event power actuating mechanism becomes inoperative.

Abstract: An automobile trunk loading apparatus for loading wheelchairs into the trunk of an automobile comprises a load frame having an aperture sized and located to accept the handwheel of a wheelchair. The apparatus is fitted with a support frame and lanyards to facilitate the removal of loading of a collapsed wheel chair from or into the trunk of an automobile and to reduce the hazard of muscular strain while the wheelchair is being loaded or unloaded.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated dumping bin for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a floor, a left side wall, a right side wall and a rear wall. The pneumatic piston and cylinder is pivotably connected only to the bin at the rear wall portion with the cylinder being substantially vertical when the bin is horizontal. Compressed air selectively actuates the piston and cylinder to raise the bin at the rear wall portion when the bin substantially overhangs a rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable power-operated lift and presenting mechanism has a base that is placed on the floor of an automobile trunk. A carriage moves between an elevated position and a lowered, transport position when a scissors jack connecting the carriage to the base respectively expands vertically and contracts vertically, expanding horizontally. The scissors jack is selectively power-operated, by a reversible electrical motor, to expand and contract vertically. The carriage has drawer slide assemblies on which is mounted a platform capable of supporting a heavy and bulky article. The platform is movable by the drawer slide assemblies, when the carriage is in an elevated position, between a retracted position in which the platform is generally over the base and within the trunk, and a presenting position in which the platform extends out from over the base, generally out of the trunk.

Abstract: The adjustable load-carrying apparatus is designed for mounting on the load-carrying bed of a vehicle. It includes a base frame assembly which is fixed rigidly to the vehicle bed and has laterally spaced inwardly facing rollers in longitudinal alignment along each side edge thereof plus an inward lock guide rail. A slidable platform frame assembly has lateral trackways slidably mated with the rollers of the base frame. The platform frame assembly includes a lock guide structure on its underside in cooperative relationship with a lock guide rail of the base frame assembly. Additionally, the platform assembly includes on its underside laterally spaced ramp slideways. A ramp assembly is carried for sliding movement in the ramp slideways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extendible and retractable ramp device for a vehicle particularly concerned with the loading and unloading of handicapped person and which device particularly includes a power actuating mechanism disposed within the vehicle in such a way as to both protect the mechanism from damage and to provide a ramp structure conducive to non-interferring ingress and egress by handicapped passengers.

Abstract: A dumper of the type that attaches to the bed of a pick-up, trailer or the like, and adds the dumping feature to the fixed-bed locomotive, and comprises a bin riding over a set of rollers secured to a framework affixed to the bottom of the pick-up bed.

Abstract: A pair of support members are arranged for mounting on the floor of a vehicle cargo area and support a cargo box by rollers for movement between forward and rearward positions to provide easy access for loading and unloading the box at the rear of the cargo area. The support members and box have engaging latch portions providing latching stops for the box in forward, rearward and intermediate positions. The rearward end of the box is open and is arranged to be closed by the rear door of the vehicle cargo area. Roller support of the box is such that it has a cantilevered support in its rearwardmost position which is horizontal and in alignment with its line of travel. The box has reinforcement therearound so as to hold cargo and also serves as a liner to protect the cargo area.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle. When in a stored position, the apparatus and wheelchair are fully contained within said vehicle. A first embodiment illustrates use of the apparatus in a rear compartment of a station wagon, van or similar vehicle in which a pair of motor-driven drive links and a pair of drag links are utilized to lift and rotate a chair rack and wheelchair mounted thereon into said vehicle rear compartment. The drive and drag links connect the rack to a carriage which may then be rolled from a rearwardmost to a forwardmost position for final storage of the apparatus and chair in the vehicle. Latching means is provided to latch the carriage in either its forwardmost or rearwardmost positions. A remote control switch and limit switches are used to control power to the electric motor. A second embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use in the trunk of a typical passenger automobile.

Abstract: A loading unit is mounted on a railway flat car to load and unload heavy wheeled, tracked or towable vehicles at any desired point along the railway right-of-way. The ramp unit enables vehicles to be loaded and unloaded one after the other along apron extensions disposed obliquely. The track, ties and ballast areas are protected by the ramp unit against disturbance or damage during the loading or unloading operations. A base portion is mounted on a flat car and is generally stationary relative thereto. Ramp, platform and apron portions are mounted thereon and are generally longitudinally movable relative to the base and define, in turn, a load path sloped to the railway bed from the flat car surface. The platform portion is adapted to overlie and protect the railway tracks, ties and bed during loading and unloading of the train and provides angulated apron segments enabling vehicles to be loaded and unloaded without damaging the railway tracks, ties or ballast.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism adapted to be placed in the trunk of a vehicle, the lifting mechanism having a lift platform movable from a storage position within the trunk to an elevated position in which the lift platform projects outwardly from the trunk, the platform being raised and lowered by a lever mechanism with or without a powered assist. The lifting mechanism may be used alone or in combination wtih a wheeled cart and an article supporting carriage by means of which the article may be transferred between the cart and the lifting mechanism.