Abstract: A wheelchair lift (20) for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheelchair lift includes a lift platform (22) coupled to a support structure (32) by an attachment assembly (74). The lift platform is reciprocal between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the lift platform is coplanar with a first plane. The wheelchair lift also includes a redundant support assembly (80) in communication with the lift platform to provide secondary support of the lift platform when the lift platform is in the extended position and to maintain the lift platform in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane if a portion of the attachment assembly fails.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for a hopper bottom trailer which utilizes potential and kinetic energy of granular material in the hopper. The hopper closure assembly may have an angled member upon a gate that translates kinetic energy for moving granular material into longitudinal movement of the gate. The hopper closure assembly may have a raising structure which lifts the gate relative to the gate frame to create potential energy to assist in movement of the gate down the raising structure and in opening the discharge opening of the hopper. A method of using a hopper closure assembly which involves the steps opening the discharge opening by moving the gate longitudinally, also including the steps permitting the granular material to assist in opening the gate by striking the angled member, and additionally permitting the leading edge to move from the receiving member of the gate frame by descent from the raising structure.

Abstract: A barrel dolly (10) includes a main frame (12) that has members (16, 18, 20, 22) for supporting a barrel (42) and a roller frame (14) detachable from the main frame for loading the barrel through an open end (22) of the main frame. The main frame includes bridge hooks (30) that mate with receiver notches (34) on the roller frame for attaching the roller frame to the main frame. The roller frame includes a sliding handle (38) that a user grasps to rotate the roller frame for releasing and securing the roller frame and the main frame. An optional lifting handle (54) enables the user to safely and easily load heavy barrels on the barrel dolly.

Abstract: A safety block is disclosed which may be attached to the rearward end of the cargo bed of a pipe truck which has a powered pipe lift. The safety block includes a bar which automatically raises when pipe is being unloaded using the powered pipe lift and forms a barrier which prevents injuries and promotes worker safety by creating a barrier to prevent other pieces of pipe from rolling off of the rear of the cargo platform.

Abstract: A spare-wheel carrier is provided for mounting to the underside of a pickup truck adjacent the rear end thereof. The carrier is comprised of an elongated support beam which mounts to the frame of the vehicle in a manner to be disposed parallel to the wheel axles of the vehicle. A cradle frame is suspended from said support beam in a manner such that it can be pivoted downwardly and rotated rearwardly of the vehicle to facilitate easy access. A coil spring counteracts the downward force of the cradle frame. A locking mechanism ensures against unauthorized removal of a tire stored within said cradle frame.