Abstract: A rotary mixer includes a frame. The rotary mixer also includes a pushbar assembly disposed at a front end of the rotary mixer. The pushbar assembly includes a pushbar adapted to be pivotally coupled to the frame in a deployed position of the pushbar. The pushbar assembly also includes a support assembly for the pushbar. The support assembly includes a support structure pivotally coupled to the frame. The support assembly also includes a harnessing member having a first end adapted to be coupled to the pushbar and a second end adapted to be coupled to the support structure adapted to hold the pushbar in the deployed position.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an aircraft, such as a tiltrotor, having an internal payload storage area. A rotatable deployment system is mounted within the payload storage area. The rotatable deployment system comprises a frame that is configured to rotate between a stowed position and a deployment position. Two extendible arms are attached to the frame, wherein each extendible arm is configured to move in opposite directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. Each extendible arm has a fixed end and a moving end. A payload mounting point on each moving end. The payload mounting point allows a payload to pan and tilt in azimuth and elevation.

Abstract: The vehicle towing apparatus for use with a hook truck comprises a tow bar, a left chain, and a right chain. The front end of the tow bar comprises either a pintle hook or a lunette ring for coupling to a tow vehicle. By way of example and not of limitation, the tow vehicle may be a hooklift truck. The tow bar comprises a first section and a second section, which are slidably coupled to each other. The overall length of the tow bar may be fixed by inserting a lock pin through the tow bar. The left and right chains are safety chains that may connect between the sides of the tow bar and the tow vehicle. The vehicle towing apparatus for use with a hook truck may further comprise a clevis tow bar adapter for use with a hitch receiver of a towed vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle (EV) rescue vehicle includes a mobile platform, which further includes a winch and a ramp. The mobile platform of the EV rescue vehicle is deployable for retrieving a disabled EV (a “rescued vehicle”) thereon with the winch and the ramp and for transportation of the disabled EV. A charging unit is associated with said mobile platform for connecting and charging of the disabled EV, either on a fixed location or during transport. A systems analysis module can be included with the system for testing a functionality of systems and components of the disabled EV and providing results of the testing to customers. The mobile platform can be provided as an EV rescue vehicle in a form of a trailer pulled by another vehicle or integrated with another vehicle (e.g., a truck). The EV rescue vehicle can also carry passengers associated with the disabled EV when the disabled EV is being transported, charged, and/or analyzed by the EV rescue vehicle.

Abstract: A tractor towing frame assembly is provided for lifting front wheels of a tractor to facilitate towing of the tractor. The assembly includes a pair of side arms each having a connector configured for coupling to a tow lift arm such that the side arms extend from the tow lift arm in spaced relationship to each other. A bracket has a pair of spaced connection arms and a cross member extending between the connection arms. The connection arms are coupled to the side arms for engaging and supporting a wheel of a tractor. A chain has a first end coupled to one of the side arms and a second end coupled to the bracket. The chain passes over an axle extending through the wheel of the tractor. A strap is coupled to and extends from the cross member to facilitate coupling the chain.

Abstract: A vehicle recovery tool is used to tow disabled vehicles. The recovery tool includes a structural member that is mounted on an axle assembly including wheels. The structural member is configured to be coupled to or engage a vehicle to be towed that is positioned behind the recovery tool and to be coupled to or engage a towing vehicle positioned in front of the vehicle. A linear actuator is used to lift the structural member as well as the vehicle to be towed to a raised position. With the structural member in the raised position, the linear actuator further positions the structural member into a locked position in which the load of the vehicle being towed is supported by a control linkage against a stop, preferably on the axle assembly.

Abstract: A method for handling packages in a beverage bottling plant, a method for unstacking packages in a container filling plant, a method for stacking packages in a container filling plant, and arrangements for accomplishing the methods. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for towing and recovery of an automotive vehicle, for example in situations where an obstacle positioned between the tow truck and the recovered vehicle must be cleared in order for the recovery to be successful, include a head unit held securely to the tow truck, an automotive ski placed into secure contact with a recovered vehicle, and a lift platform used in combination with a conventional wheel lift of a tow truck.

Abstract: A device for lifting and holding the front or rear wheels of small to medium size and weight vehicles such as snow blowers, golf carts or lawn mowers is disclosed. The device contains two platform assemblies configured for wedging under the wheels of vehicles and a hoist configured for lifting the wheel to a desired height to provide access to the underside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carrying autonomous vehicle system, comprising: a carrying autonomous vehicle and at least one carried autonomous vehicle. The carrying autonomous vehicle has a main frame and at least one flipper. The carried autonomous vehicle uses at least one flipper to load and/or unload at least one carried autonomous vehicle on the main frame.

Abstract: A recovery vehicle for recovering other, disabled vehicles, and a method for doing so. A vehicle frame extends along a longitudinal axis, and supports a travel base assembly carrying a boom. The travel base assembly can move along the longitudinal axis of the frame. Two or more traveler rollers may be located between the vehicle frame and the travel base assembly, for supporting the travel base assembly and facilitating longitudinal movement of the travel base assembly relative to the vehicle frame. The traveler rollers may include a plurality of rollers movable about a load-bearing member. Using the invention, a load may be lifted by the boom and moved between positions located at the rear and to the side of the recovery vehicle, without the need to first reposition the boom using boom lift or telescoping cylinders.

Abstract: An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.

Abstract: An self-powered apparatus for moving objects that can be rolled or dragged across a surface, one embodiment of the apparatus operating on either of front or rear endless track pairs the apparatus center of gravity being forwardly and rearwardly shiftable to select between use of the front or rear endless tracks for movement of the vehicle across a surface.

Abstract: A flatbed vehicle carrier assembly comprising a carrier body subassembly including a carrier floor supported by a carrier body slide enabling sill frame. An intermediate subframe subassembly is capable of sliding and being pivotally integrated with a slide enabling tilt and pivotal control subassembly, which is pivotally secured therebetween to a mounting platform support assembly. A pivot control device provides a means to rotate and rearwardly transfer and posture the intermediate subframe. The carrier body sill frame is slideably assembled to the intermediate subframe, being driven by a longitudinal control actuator. A ramp can be pivotally integrated into a loading end of the carrier body subassembly. The carrier and ramp floors are fabricated of a series of interlocking extrusion members.

Abstract: A heavy duty vehicle recovery system employs a crane/tow boom assembly which is pivotally mounted to an upright assembly and is transformable between various positions. Two variably positionable booms with slidable extensions are provided. The crane/tow boom assembly extends rearwardly from the lower portion of the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in an upright position, the boom assembly is upwardly pivotal from the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in a reclined position, the crane/tow boom assembly is pivotally transformable to a transport position generally parallel to the upright assembly. The crane booms may be independently positioned at different elevational angles and different extensions.

Abstract: A recovery vehicle for recovering other, disabled vehicles, and a method for doing so. A vehicle frame extends along a longitudinal axis, and supports a travel base assembly carrying a boom. The travel base assembly can move along the longitudinal axis of the frame. Two or more traveler rollers may be located between the vehicle frame and the travel base assembly, for supporting the travel base assembly and facilitating longitudinal movement of the travel base assembly relative to the vehicle frame. The traveler rollers may include a plurality of rollers movable about a load-bearing member. Using the invention, a load may be lifted by the boom and moved between positions located at the rear and to the side of the recovery vehicle, without the need to first reposition the boom using boom lift or telescoping cylinders.

Abstract: A towing system includes a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. The front portion is for removably interfacing with a towing vehicle. The rear portion is for adjustably and removably mounting to an axle and a frame of a towed vehicle and supporting the towed vehicle from underneath. The front portion and the rear portions are joined to the middle portion in a rigid configuration. The rear portion has a front axle connector configured to be attached to the axle of the towed vehicle and a single central beam with a frame connector at an end of the single central beam. The frame connector is configured to be attached to the frame of the towed vehicle. The rear portion is adjustable and slides forward and aft for hauling various lengths of the towed vehicle in a forward-facing direction.

Abstract: A vehicle towing apparatus 1 includes a wheel cradle 5 provided on a rear of a automobile 2 serving as a towing vehicle and holds a front wheel 7 serving as a wheel of a vehicle 6 to be towed in the wheel cradle 5, the wheel cradle 5 including two arm members 21, 21 forming a space receiving a width of the front wheel 7 in a lateral direction, the each arm member 21 connecting a first end thereof to the automobile 2 with an attachment body 4 and connecting a second end to each other, thereby forming a closed holding region 24 holding the lower portion of the front wheel 7 to be inserted therein. Therefore, the structure of the wheel cradle 5 can be simplified, and the front wheel 7 can be stably held.

Abstract: A low profile wheel lift having a new crossbar/boom pivot connection enabling a recovery vehicle to quickly engage a disabled vehicle to facilitate damage-free towing to a degree not previously possible.

Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer includes a winch for loading and unloading the towed vehicles and can act alone as a crane if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer to a personal fifth wheel and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.

Abstract: A side puller apparatus includes a frame assembly adapted for mounting to a recovery vehicle, the frame assembly having first and second leg members inclined to approximately form an “A” shape and an upper member extending across tops of the leg members, first and second retractable arm assemblies respectively extendable from opposite ends of the upper member, first and second retractable leg assemblies respectively extendable from lower ends of the first and second leg members, and first and second winch assemblies respectively mounted on the first and second leg members, each winch assembly having a cable routed to a respective one of the arm assemblies, so as to be separately routable from the side puller apparatus during recovery operations.

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

Abstract: A side puller accessory frame for a tow truck having a cab and a truck frame mounts to the truck frame behind the cab. The accessory frame preferably includes two stiff legs, a wire rope winch mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck that provides pulling force via a removable pivotable center sheave that directs the pulling force to sides or the rear of the truck as desired. The accessory frame may include a removable pivotable side sheave that may mount in a side sheave mounting tube. The side puller accessory frame makes a conventional car carrier with a roll back bed a recovery truck.

Abstract: An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for towing and recovery of an automotive vehicle, for example in situations where an obstacle positioned between the tow truck and the recovered vehicle must be cleared in order for the recovery to be successful, include a head unit held securely to the tow truck, an automotive ski placed into secure contact with a recovered vehicle, and a lift platform used in combination with a conventional wheel lift of a tow truck.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a vehicle transport apparatus are provided. An exemplary method of making the vehicle transport apparatus includes at least the steps of providing a beam with a kingpin attached on each a proximal and distal end, linking a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle, and the axle adjusts horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam, attaching a guide post to the axle, securing a vertical slide member to the beam and in sliding contact with the guide post, and interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle.

Abstract: A side puller accessory frame for a tow truck having a cab and a truck frame mounts to the truck frame behind the cab. The accessory frame preferably includes two stiff legs, a wire rope winch mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck that provides pulling force via a removable pivotable center sheave that directs the pulling force to sides or the rear of the truck as desired. The accessory frame may include a removable pivotable side sheave that may mount in a side sheave mounting tube. The side puller accessory frame makes a conventional car carrier with a roll back bed a recovery truck.

Abstract: A pillow for towing a vehicle is provided, the pillow comprising an inflatable bladder having a top, a bottom, and sides, a valve for inflating and deflating the bladder, and the bottom of the pillow having a wheel lift conforming attachment for conforming to a wheel lift of a tow vehicle. A method of towing a vehicle comprises the steps of placing a vehicle having an undercarriage and weight on a wheel lift of a tow vehicle, inserting a resilient pillow between the wheel lift and the undercarriage of the vehicle and securing the resilient pillow to the wheel lift, transporting the vehicle to a destination, removing the resilient pillow from between the vehicle and the wheel lift once the vehicle has arrived at the destination, and removing the vehicle from the wheel lift.

Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer 30 for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer 30 includes a winch 44 for loading and unloading the towed vehicles 32, 34, 36 and can act alone as a crane 42 if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer 30 provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer 30 to a personal fifth wheel (36) and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.

Abstract: A container transportation system that includes a dolly system that can be mounted underneath the container and then used, optionally in cooperation with a boom or lift, to navigate a container to a desired location. The dolly includes a motor mounted in a swivel bracket that facilitates movement of the dolly for storage. The dolly includes a locking mechanism to clamp in on a load. The dolly can be navigated through the use of a wireless remote control unit that is either held by an operator or by a device that is integrated into the electronics of a road tractor and/or dolly system. The system may include a mounting system for mounting the dolly to a road tractor and a boom for lifting the dolly from a deployed state to a loaded state.

Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer (30) includes a winch (44) for loading and unloading the towed vehicles (32, 34, 36) and can act alone as a crane (42) if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer (30) provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer (30) to a personal fifth wheel (36) and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.

Abstract: The current invention is a portable wheel lift device for lifting and towing vehicles comprising a boom which pivots up and down for connecting to and raising a portion of a vehicle which is to be towed. The invention comprises a mounting frame adapted to be attached to a towing vehicle and a two-stage cylinder assembly operatively connected to the mounting frame and the boom for tilting the pivoting boom relative to the mounting frame.

Abstract: A heavy duty vehicle recovery system employs a crane/tow boom assembly which is pivotally mounted to an upright assembly and is transformable between various positions. Two variably positionable booms with slidable extensions are provided. The crane/tow boom assembly extends rearwardly from the lower portion of the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in an upright position, the boom assembly is upwardly pivotal from the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in a reclined position, the crane/tow boom assembly is pivotally transformable to a transport position generally parallel to the upright assembly. The crane booms may be independently positioned at different elevational angles and different extensions.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a vehicle transport apparatus are provided. An exemplary method of making the vehicle transport apparatus includes at least the steps of providing a beam with a kingpin attached on each a proximal and distal end, linking a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle, and the axle adjusts horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam, attaching a guide post to the axle, securing a vertical slide member to the beam and in sliding contact with the guide post, and interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis and an underlift supported by the chassis. The underlift has a boom and a vehicle engaging device coupled to the boom. The vehicle also includes an operator control coupled to the underlift that allows the operator to command the boom to lift and tilt to various positions and a control system that restricts movement of the boom when the boom reaches a predetermined position as the boom is being lowered to a loading position. The control system allows the operator to move the boom after the predetermined position is reached such that the boom may continue movement in a downward direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated boom/underlift assembly in which an underlift is integrated to a first section of a boom. In order to achieve multifunction of the assembly, the underlift/vertical arm assembly is installed with a hydraulic cylinder, an auxiliary winch, a guide pulley, etc. so that the underlift can be operated independently and work closely with the boom to increase both stability and balance during the lifting operation. Additionally, the invented underlift can extend a much longer distance at a higher position than those currently in the art to catch a wrecked object and then works together with the boom.

Abstract: A side puller accessory frame for a tow truck having a cab and a truck frame mounts to the truck frame behind the cab. The accessory frame preferably includes two stiff legs, a wire rope winch mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck that provides pulling force via a removable pivotable center sheave that directs the pulling force to sides or the rear of the truck as desired. The accessory frame may include a removable pivotable side sheave that may mount in a side sheave mounting tube. The side puller accessory frame makes a conventional car carrier with a roll back bed a recovery truck.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis and an underlift supported by the chassis. The underlift includes a boom including a vehicle engaging device coupled to the boom and a movement actuator for moving the boom. The underlift further includes a control system configured to restrict actuation of the movement actuator when the boom moves to a predetermined position; and an operator control coupled to the control system that allows the operator to control the movement actuator after actuation of the movement actuator has been restricted.

Abstract: A flatbed vehicle carrier assembly comprising a carrier body subassembly including a carrier floor supported by a carrier body slide enabling sill frame. An intermediate subframe subassembly is capable of sliding and being pivotally integrated with a slide enabling tilt and pivotal control subassembly, which is pivotally secured therebetween to a mounting platform support assembly. A pivot control device provides a means to rotate and rearwardly transfer and posture the intermediate subframe. The carrier body sill frame is slideably assembled to the intermediate subframe, being driven by a longitudinal control actuator. A ramp can be pivotally integrated into a loading end of the carrier body subassembly. The carrier and ramp floors are fabricated of a series of interlocking extrusion members.

Abstract: The invention provide a restraint in the form of an attachment for connection to a free end of an angled arm body of a self loading, style tow truck wheel lift with the attachment being positioned adjacent to a lower, outer side wall of a wheel suspected of being unstable. A damaged ball joint or axel can allow an unstable wheel to pivot outwardly at its lower side wall, and in some cases, to collapse. The wheel keeper attachment restrains the wheel from such pivoting thereby allowing a successful lifting and towing of the vehicle front end.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted cargo lift including a frame and carry arms suitable for carrying a scooter, a personal transportation device, or other cargo. The frame includes a power inverter/converter, which provides power to a motorized worm drive, which raises and lowers the carry arms. Wheel chocks on the carry arms hold in place the scooter wheels. The cargo lift attaches to the back of a vehicle via a trailer hitch.

Abstract: An improved vehicle carrier assembly for use with carrier vehicles to secure four wheels of a vehicle to be transported includes at least two beams, at least four wheel carriers, and a drive assembly. The two beams are comprised of a first beam and a second beam. The first beam is substantially parallel with the second beam, both the first beam and the second beam comprise an inboard side and an outboard side. The inboard side comprises an elevated shim for the purpose of enabling one wheel carrier to cross-over the other wheel carrier for the purpose of engaging all four wheels of a vehicle to be transported. The wheel carriers are in communication with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is comprised of a motor.

Abstract: A cargo container includes a body comprising or including a flat bottom or a bottom substantially flat at regions corresponding to the distances at which vehicle tires are spaced on an axle of a typical vehicle to be towed, whereon a plurality of surfaces which extend out of the body bottom or flat regions are disposed to engage and be retained by the tow truck wheel lift assembly draw bar and the extension (when deployed) and permit the cargo container to be lifted, moved or otherwise retained by the tow truck.

Abstract: An adjustable height jib is disclosed for an arm of a hook-lift hoist for loading of equipment, containers or the like onto a truck for transport. The jib has an elongate body with a hook located on each of its opposing end portions. The jib is mounted on the arm for pivotal movement between a first position for loading containers of a first height and a second position for loading containers of a second height. A lock secures the jib in either position. A feature of the adjustable height jib is that, upon release of the lock, it will pivot between a longer position as the hook-lift hoist is operated toward the loading position and a shorter position as the hook lift hoist is operated toward the transport position.

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

Abstract: A mobile lift device having a load moving device capable of engaging a load is provided. The mobile lift device includes one or more systems for stabilizing the mobile lift device during operation of the load moving device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the mobile lift device is a heavy duty wrecker having a rotatable boom assembly. The heavy duty wrecker comprises a monitoring system for stabilizing the wrecker during operation of the boom assembly. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors and a monitoring circuit coupled to the sensors to generate a force signal representative of at least one force being applied to the wrecker based upon the transmitted signals.

Abstract: A truck includes a chassis 1 supporting a cab 3 and a deck 9 which is supported at least by a rearmost axle 15 and wheels 17. The deck 9 is tiltable relative to the chassis 1 about a pivot axis 27 located in front of the rearmost axle 15 of the truck and arranged such that as the deck 9 tilts rearwardly, the chassis 1 tilts forwardly and the deck 9 lowers towards the rearmost axle. A forward part of a rear suspension arrangement may be operatively connected to the chassis 1 so that the forward part moves upwardly towards the deck 9 as the deck 9 is tilted.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles is disclosed. The method uses inner or outer securing plates, or both, in cooperation with frame rails of a towing vehicle to secure a towing device to the towing vehicle. Towing vehicles typically include a frame that is made from strong robust channels on both sides of the towing vehicle. The securing plates generally have a right-angle bend in order to butt up against a web or a flange of the channels. This prevents inner or outer movement of the securing plates and allows users to secure a towing saddle and its load without using extended U-bolts around the channels.

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