Abstract: A vehicle lifting and towing method and apparatus is provided that retains a vehicle's opposing set of wheels for the purpose of lifting and towing the vehicle. The apparatus is especially suited for attachment to a tow truck. The apparatus comprises a transverse beam with two legs, articulatably mounted to a tow vehicle. A pair of carriage arms are each attached at their base ends with manually hinging pivots to one of the legs of the transverse beam. The carriage arms each have a socket. A pair of retaining arms are provided, each manually receivable into the carriage arm's socket. Either end of the retaining arm can be interchangeably inserted into the socket. Also, the retaining arms include an offset segment. The orientation of the offset segment relative to the transverse beam allows various widths of tires to be retained by the carriage assembly.

Abstract: The present invention has many inherent advantages, such as we provide "A VERTICAL LIFT TOWING DOLLY INCLUDING VARIABLE, ATTACHABLE PLATFORMS" with each platform being individually designed for a specific purpose, such as hauling a boat, car, motorcycle, etc. Also, a unique hydraulic one-man operated cable system allows for vertical lift of the entire frame. Also, this invention provides the following: an arrangement to selectively vary the distance between the wheels, a towing tongue removably affixed to the axle, an arrangement to accept variable sized trailer hitches, an arrangement to vary height of the trailer hitch and further the trailer may easily be assembled, as each of the components may be color coded and the trailer may be easily disassembled for transport and/or storage, or the like.

Abstract: Two vehicles are transported in tandem by a beam assembly connecting a lead vehicle to a trailing vehicle which is reversed end-for-end. The beam assembly includes an elongated beam which is connected to the rear and extends lengthwise of the trailing vehicle. The beam extends beyond the rear end of the trailing vehicle and is elevated and connected to the rear end of the lead vehicle at a height such that the rear wheels of the trailing vehicle are raised above ground. The connection of the beam to the lead vehicle permits the beam to swing both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel grid assembly and vehicle towing apparatus. The wheel grid assembly includes a wheel boom and a pair of lift arms. Each lift arm consists of an extension arm segment and an engaging arm segment pivotally mounted to the extension arm segment. Each engaging arm segment is made up of an actuating arm segment and a gripping arm segment extending in different directions from the pivot point. A pair of linear actuators rotate the engaging arm segments about their pivot points to engage the wheels of a vehicle to be towed. Each linear actuator is attached to an engaging arm segment through an over-center locking mechanism. The over-center locking mechanisms lock the engaging arm segments in wheel engaging positions without aid of force from the linear actuators. The present invention also relates to a position lock mechanism and a wheel grid self-centering device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a towing apparatus for towing a disabled automobile. The towing apparatus includes an elongated boom having at each end portion a large rectangular aperture. A generally L-shaped wheel support member is also provided, having an elongated arm and a transverse wheel retainer forming an arcuate sheet. The cross-sectional width of the wheel support arm is substantially smaller than the width of the enlarged aperture of the elongated boom, so that the wheel support arm be freely engageable transversely through the boom enlarged aperture and freely slidable lengthwisely of the arm. An anchor member releasably anchors the wheel support arm orthogonally to the boom. The anchor member includes another wheel retainer, so that opposite lower sides of the disabled car wheel tire tread be taken in sandwich therebetween, thus positively locking the wheel to the towing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a tilt cylinder assembly for an underlift assembly for attachment to a recovery vehicle. The present invention provides for rotation of the horizontal member about a first and second pivot point. The first pivot point is where the lifters attach to the horizontal member. The second pivot point is formed by attaching a forward end of the horizontal member to a tilt cylinder assembly including at least one lifter. The tilt cylinder assembly lifter provides for movement of the second pivot point. By providing two pivot points, the operator of the underlift assembly is allowed more flexibility in positioning.

Abstract: An improved towing device including a crossbar capable of rotational movement in both horizontal and vertical planes, permitting stress reduction in both the tow truck assembly and tow truck chassis during recovery of a disabled vehicle.

Abstract: A safety chain storage pocket for use with a tow truck comprises a user access surface with a gull wing opening defining a chain access opening providing safety chain exit and storage from and to the pocket. A pair of slotted wings extend from the opening to provide a pair of chain locking positions. The opening has a lower surface providing free movement of the safety chain out of the pocket by allowing the weight of the chain to assist the user to pull the chain out of the pocket, and the chain access opening allows the user vertical access into the pocket to use the weight of the chain to store the chain in the pocket. The slotted wings extend proximate to the chain access opening to provide a locking position for said safety chain.

Abstract: A wheel lift towing device includes a boom for mounting to a towing vehicle and having a cross bar connected to its rear end. A pair of wheel retainer arms are each rotatably mounted offset from one end of the cross bar and devices are provided for rotating each wheel retainer arm which includes motive devices operatively connected to the wheel retainer arm by elongated flexible devices. Each wheel retainer arm cooperates with a wheel retaining plate and an end of the cross bar to cradle and support a wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing motorcycles behind a vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame with a front stop plate, a bottom plate, first and second guide members extending downwardly from the left and right sides of the front stop plate to the respective sides of the bottom plate, and an attachment bar on the forward side of the front stop plate. The attachment bar is preferably in the form of an insert to a tubular type trailer hitch mount and is adapted to be fixedly secured therein. An adjustable wheel clamp with first and second prongs extends rearwardly from the front stop. The wheel clamp is adjustable from a first width W.sub.1 between the first and second prongs to a second width W.sub.2 between such prongs, to accommodate wheels of different width. The prongs further include a plurality of slots which are adapted for passage therethrough of releasably securable fasteners therethough, so that wheels of different widths may be firmly secured for towing.

Abstract: An improved underlift assembly is provided for attachment to a vehicle. The improved underlift assembly comprises a support arm coupled to the vehicle. A base is coupled to an end of the support arm, a boom base is pivotally attached to the base at a first pivot point and a boom is pivotally attached to the boom base at a second pivot point. A first actuator is coupled to the support arm and the boom base. The operation of the first actuator pivots the boom base with respect to the support arm. A second actuator is coupled to the boom base and the boom. The operation of the second actuator pivots the boom with respect to the boom base. The first actuator is used to position the boom during lifting operation, and the second actuator is used to position the boom into a folded rest position.

Abstract: The present invention is a towing device for two-wheeled vehicles. An elongate channel member is positioned on, and is attached to, a wheel-lift extending from the rear of towing vehicle. The elongate channel member has first and second elongate portions, hingedly and releasibly attached to each other. The elongate channel member, for supporting a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, has components for attaching to the lift assembly. The controllable lift assembly of the towing vehicle may be lowered so that the towing device serves as a ramp upon which the motorcycle can be easily rolled. The lift assembly is lifted to place the towing device, with motorcycle thereon, in towing position. A plurality of straps and/or bands are utilized to hold the motorcycle in place on the channel members.

Abstract: A wheel lift vehicle lifting and towing device includes a boom mounted to a towing vehicle and having a cross bar connected to its rear end. A wheel retainer assembly mounted to each end of the cross bar includes a wheel grid having a transversely adjustable wheel chock. A wheel retainer arm is horizontally rotatably mounted above an outer end of the wheel grid and has a wheel retainer member mounted at its outer end which cooperates with the wheel chock to retain a wheel.

Abstract: A boom accessory for a flatbed tow truck includes a frame that is lockable onto a power underlift hoist of the truck by retraction of a ram of the hoist against the frame. The frame includes a base for engagement on the ram, an upwardly and rearwardly extending boom member, and optionally, a rearwardly facing trailer hitch socket for permitting trailers to be towed with the boom accessory in place. A sheave assembly is pivotally mountable atop the boom member for engaging a hook cable extending from a winch unit of the truck, the accessory extending the utility of the tow truck by enabling retrieval of disabled vehicles from relatively remote locations, the accessory having a particularly robust attachment to the tow truck without significant modification of the truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle, to a trailer of the type towed by a car or truck is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical sleeve capable of being fastened to the trailer. First and second wheel stop bars are connected substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical sleeve. A lift bar has a body, a first arm, a first finger, a second arm and a second finger. The body of the lift bar is positioned substantially within the cylindrical sleeve for rotational movement about an axis within the cylindrical sleeve. A first chain is connected to the first finger of the lift bar and connected to the first wheel stop bar for securing a first wheel of the vehicle to the trailer. A first chain is connected to the second finger of the lift bar and connected to the second wheel stop bar. With the apparatus properly applied, the vehicle can be securely transported on the trailer.

Abstract: A wheel lift attachment assembly (10) of the type coupled to a towing vehicle (12) for supporting the wheels (11) of the vehicle to be lifted and towed by the towing vehicle (12) is disclosed. The wheel lift attachment assembly (10) comprises a cross beam (16) and first (26) and second (28) receivers coupled to the ends (18, 20) of the cross beam (16). The first and second receivers (26, 28) each have an upper plate (30) and a lower plate (32) parallel with the upper plate (30). The lower plate (32) is spaced vertically below and laterally offset from the upper plate (30). First and second wheel support arms (38, 40) are slidably received between the upper and lower plates (30, 32). A first pin (54) extends outwardly from each of the receivers (26, 28) and is positioned vertically below the upper plate (30) and substantially level with the lower plate (32) to prevent the wheel support arms (38, 40) from vertically tilting away from the upper and lower plates (30, 32).

Abstract: A towing assembly includes a mounting member fixed to the frame of a towing vehicle. The mounting member includes two support bars in spaced relation that are fixed perpendicularly to two cross bars that are in turn fixed to the frame of the towing vehicle. Both the support bars and the cross bars take the form of angle irons, with the horizontal legs of the support bars fixed to the horizontal legs of the cross bars. A motion assembly is coupled to the vertical legs of the support bars. The motion assembly comprises a first vertical tube coupled to the support bars and a second vertical tube associated with the first vertical tube for uniform vertical translation. A pair of roller assemblies facilitate the uniform vertical translation of the second tube. The roller assemblies are offset from one another both in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane. A horizontal tube is coupled to the second vertical tube and vertically translates therewith.

Abstract: A tow dolly for a vehicle having a wheel restraint which has a hold-down rotatable to engage a surface of the wheel to restrain movement of the towed vehicle. The restraint may be retrofit onto an existing trailer or may be part of a dolly including an adjustable frame attachable to a towing vehicle. The tow dolly frame has adjustable wheel-engaging members to facilitate engagement with vehicles of different sizes and types as well as for ease of loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer 10 for towing vehicles having a single front wheel, such as a motorcycle, behind another vehicle. The trailer 10 includes a heavy duty frame 12 having concave shaped wheel carriages which engage the front wheel tire 26 of the vehicle to be towed. The configuration of the trailer 10 permits loading of the vehicle's front tire 26 by rotating the trailer 10 about the trailer wheels axis and rolling the vehicle's front tire into the concave wheel carriage 20. The tire 26 is then secured to the carriage 20 and the trailer 10 is rotated to engage the towing vehicle 32. This rotation lifts the vehicle front tire over and in front of the trailer wheels axle axis thereby suspending the front wheel of the vehicle or vehicles being towed off the ground, while the towed vehicle(s) rear tire remains on the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus mountable to a transporting vehicle chassis for transporting another vehicle including a platform pivotally mounted to the chassis which includes a deck for carrying the vehicle, and a carriage located on and movable along the platform. A telescoping boom is connected to the carriage, and has a free end with a vehicle lift device, which engages the vehicle to be transported. Power actuators are provided to move the platform from a loading position to a transport position, and for moving the carriage and for raising or lowering the vehicle lift mechanism.

Abstract: A device for moving disabled vehicles in which fixed and movable jaws are carried by a self-propelled truck and function under operator control for selectively capturing coaxial vehicle tires between the jaws, and lifting the tires and vehicle so that the same may be propelled by the truck. Rollers are mounted for free rotation along the forward edges of the movable jaws for pushing engagement with the vehicle tires to propel the vehicle under control of the truck in situations where the jaws cannot be positioned beneath the vehicle tires, such as when the vehicle is on a dynamometer or inclined surface.

Abstract: An improved hoist assembly 200 having a frame assembly 10 and a boom assembly 60 is described. The frame assembly is comprised of a box member 12 with channel member 12L having first and second holes 120 and 12P for mounting a first and second kingpin assembly 26 and 28. The second holes are spaced away from the first holes and allow for storage of the unused kingpin assembly. The box member has a lockable cover 12E which allows for storage of parts and other items directly within the hoist assembly. A boom 62 of the boom assembly is attached to the frame assembly and is protected on either side by cover plates 46 and 48. The boom is raised and lowered by a hydraulic pump assembly 74 electrically connected to an electrical system of a towing vehicle. A cross member support 66 supports a cross member 68 which is secured to an axle of a disabled vehicle by chains for towing the disabled vehicle.

Abstract: Lifting and towing apparatus for attachment to a towing vehicle having a winch thereon and the frame of which includes a pair of spaced apart longitudinal beams at least partially supported on a rear axle of said vehicle. The apparatus includes a support assembly extending transversely between the vehicle beams and opposite outer ends of which are attachable to opposing ones of the beams directly above the rear axle. An arm assembly extends rearwardly from the support assembly and has at least one lifting connection for connection to the winch and by which the distal end of the arm assembly may be lifted. A cradle assembly is connected to the distal end of the arm assembly for securing the front or rear wheels of a towed vehicle thereto for lifting above the ground in response to lifting of the distal end of the arm assembly by the winch.

Abstract: A recovery vehicle (10) having a 360.degree. rotatable hoist unit (22) with a boom member (26) mounted onto a vehicle frame (12), is described. The vehicle frame contains a single rear axle (16) having wheels (18) adjacent the sides (12E) of the vehicle frame. A first outrigger assembly (50) is mounted onto the underneath portion (12B) of the vehicle frame adjacent the distal end (12C) of the vehicle frame. The vertical arms (64, 66) of the first outrigger, pivot due to a rotatable yoke (62B) in the end (62A) of the horizontal arm (62) to enable the first outrigger assembly to extend backwards of the distal end of the vehicle frame to act as anchors during pulling by the hoist unit. A second outrigger assembly (52) is mounted between the proximal end (12D) of the vehicle frame and the rear axle.

Abstract: This tow bar is designed for lifting the front wheel and towing a two-wheeled automotive vehicle on its rear wheel and is removable for storage. Primarily, it consists of a top section that has a tongue for fastening to the trailer hitch on the towing vehicle and a lifting device for lifting the bottom section which contains a cradle for the front wheel on the vehicle that is to be towed and the bottom section is secured to the top section by means of uprights that traverse inside the vertical members or masts on the top section.

Abstract: Lift forks for use in lifting equipment such as utility vehicles (e.g., three-wheeled commercial mowers, four-wheeled vehicles, outdoor power equipment, etc.) for inspection, servicing and repair purposes. The lift forks are attachable to tool bars. The lift forks are movable along the tool bars and are also movable transversely of the tool bars so that the lift forks can engage the wheels of a vehicle to be lifted even when the vehicle is not aligned parallel to the tool bars. When the tool bars are raised, the lift forks cause the vehicle to be lifted.

Abstract: An improved lifting and towing apparatus using a single hydraulic cylinder powering the rotation of a boom to lift a vehicle to be towed or to fold and store the apparatus through the use of a double pivot. The double pivot allows the apparatus to efficiently lift the towed vehicle while minimizing boom overhang when in the folded-stored position, and maximizing ground clearance. The present invention may be used with underlift equipment of various types and sizes, including light and heavy duty equipment, and both wheel and frame-lift systems.

Abstract: A towing truck incorporating both an elevated deck and an improved elevated wheel lift for towing and hauling vehicles is described. The elevated wheel lift comprises rotatable tire braces to aid in smooth loading and firm support of the towed vehicle's tires during towing.

Abstract: A system for securing the wheels of a vehicle to be towed to the cross-arm of a wheel-lift tow truck. This system is operated automatically. In the retracted position, it is compact against the cross-arm. When extended, it provides an effective retention system for securing the wheels. It allows for the use of a telescopic stinger and therefore minimizes the detrimental effect of a rearwardly suspended load on the weight distribution of the tow truck, since it can be retracted as far as space will allow to bring the towed vehicle as close as possible to the tow truck. This wheel-lift cross-arm system can be used with any stinger configuration and can be used on combination tow trucks having both recovery booms/sling systems and wheel-lift systems. It can be retrofitted to tow trucks already in use and can be used as part of a conversion system for pickup trucks and other trucks with existing beds.

Abstract: A tow dolly having both ramp loading and tilt loading capability. The dolly includes a vertical pivot bolt to allow the towed vehicle to be more easily maneuvered around turns. Additionally, the dolly has the capacity to be folded to stand on its ramps, and thus assume a substantially upright configuration for storage.

Abstract: A power operated hitch with hitch ball for towing a large trailer, and having an electrically powered hydraulic fluid pumping system and multiple hydraulic rams on a main support frame of the hitch which mounts to the top of the back frame section of a transport truck. The hitch includes an L-shaped main boom which is telescopic, with the telescopic portion generally lengthwise horizontally disposed above the truck frame. The hitch ball is attached to a bottom end of a vertically disposed downward extension of the distal end of the boom. The main boom is pivotally supported by a main spherical bearing; a horizontal main support shaft through the spherical bearing; and a horizontal support arm affixed to one side of the boom and slidably retained at the distal end thereof in a channel connected to the hitch main frame.

Abstract: A trailer device for engaging and towing vehicles has, a rigid, longitudinal first frame having front and rear ends and extending substantially horizontally between them, the front end providing attachment to a fifth-wheel type truck tractor for hauling. A vehicle support surface is mounted substantially horizontally on the first frame, having right and left longitudinal portions, each formed of a plurality of segments along its length, at least one segment of each such longitudinal portion of the vehicle support surface being transversely divided into a plurality of subsegments, at least one subsegment of each transversely divided segment being movable. Pneumatic cylinders can move a subsegment of each transversely divided segment of each right and left longitudinal portion of the vehicle support surface. A jacking mechanism is mounted beneath the front end of the rigid longitudinal first frame. Wheels support the rear end of the rigid longitudinal first frame.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier with wheel lifting apparatus for a truck having an underframe and consisting of a channel 21 having ledges 22 along an opening of the channel for partially enclosing the channel, the channel mounted to the underframe of the truck between a forward mount and a tail mount, a base 23 being slidably received within the channel and being movably carried on the ledges, subtending arm 40 pivotally mounted to the base 23 at one end and secured at the other end to a rearwardly disposed housing 47, telescoping member assembly 45 mounted within the housing 47 for retracting or extending the telescoping member assembly 45, the end member of which terminates at a pivot, transverse member 61 extending laterally in opposite directions from the pivot, wheel supports mounted on the transverse member for selectively engaging and disengaging vehicular wheels from the wheel supports, first hydraulic means connectively extending between the tail mount 19 and the base 23, second hydraulic means connectively exten

Abstract: An improved lifting and towing apparatus using a single hydraulic cylinder powering the rotation of a boom to lift a vehicle to be towed or to fold and store the apparatus through the use of a double pivot. The double pivot allows the apparatus to efficiently lift the towed vehicle while minimizing boom overhang when in the folded-stored position, and maximizing ground clearance. The present invention may be used with underlift equipment of various types and sizes, including light and heavy duty equipment, and both wheel and frame-lift systems.

Abstract: A portable hoist adapted for attachment to a ball hitch mounted in a central location in a flat bed of a truck is disclosed. The hoist comprises an elongate base frame member, a receptacle mounted at the front end of the base frame member and adapted for releasable attachment to the ball hitch, an upright frame member, and a boom having load engaging device mounted to the upright member. The upright member and the base frame member are pivotally interconnecting so as to permit pivotal movement of the upright frame member about a horizontal axis extending laterally across the bed of the truck. A load is lifting via the operation of lifting device interconnected between the base frame member and one of the upright frame member and the boom.

Abstract: A wheel lift assembly attachable to a hydraulic bar extending rearwardly from a tow truck comprising central coupling brackets removably attachable to the hydraulic bar of a tow truck; a central support mounted to the rearward end of the coupling brackets; a plurality of intermediate extender bars, each extender bar having a laterally interior end adjustably attached to the central support and also having a laterally exterior end; a pair of corner brackets, each having a lateral component with an interior end adjustably coupled to the exterior end of an adjacent extender bar and having a rearwardly extending component secured at a right angle with respect to the laterally extending component; a pair of J-shaped brackets each having an elongated section with an end mountable in the rearward component of the corner bracket and having a transverse section and a forwardly extending end section; and a pair of tire pads located at the internal extent of each J-shaped bracket and corner bracket in facing relationshi

Abstract: Towing apparatus comprising a towing vehicle and a lifting frame that supports one end of a towed vehicle off the ground and is connected to the towing vehicle through a thrust reversal system, comprising one or more thrust reversal mechanisms, each having a rear lever arm fixed at its rear end portion to the lifting frame, a front lever arm fixed to the main frame of the towing apparatus only at a position forward of a rear wheel axle of the towing vehicle and intermeshing gears, fixed to the rear end portion of the front lever arm and the front end portion of the rear lever arm, respectively. A bracket resting on but not directly connected to the main frame of the towing vehicle near its rear wheel axle holds two pivot rods about which the intermeshing gears are rotatably mounted for simultaneous opposite rotation.

Abstract: A boom assembly attaches to the fifth wheel of a tractor for towing a truck or other vehicle. The assembly has a pair of uprights and a pair of pivotally mounted legs. Hydraulic cylinders are actuated to force the legs to a pivoted position which lifts the legs and the towed truck to an elevated position for towing. The legs may be supported by a collapsable wheel assembly. The vehicle is secured by a specially configured hook and a variably positionable front wheel assembly receiver. Extensions in the legs include rollers to facilitate positioning. The boom assembly may be variably vertically positioned and is collapsable to a compact storage configuration.

Abstract: A towing truck incorporating both an elevated deck and a stinger for towing and hauling vehicles. Both are hydraulically operated with the deck sliding along a pair of oppositely spaced rails which are pivotally secured to the framework of the truck. A locking assembly is disclosed which engages the deck's substructure, thereby restraining the deck in place.

Abstract: Towing apparatus mounted on the rear of a towing vehicle for lifting and towing disabled vehicles includes an extendible boom assembly positionable beneath the undercarriage of the vehicle to be towed. The boom assembly is carried by a vertically and pivotably movable housing assembly mounted on the towing vehicle and is pivotable relative to the housing assembly. The boom assembly includes a number of extendible boom stages telescopically mounted within first and second stage boom members, the first stage boom member being pivotably mounted on the housing assembly. Second stage boom member is mounted within and pivotable relative to the first stage boom member about a vertical axis so as to move from side-to-side, the extendible boom stages moving with the second stage boom member. The first stage boom member has an enlarged mouth through which the second stage boom member extends, the large mouth permitting the second stage to have substantial sideways movement.

Abstract: A control mechanism for the selective engagement and disengagement of a motor drive includes an elongated handle which is connected to the control arm of the motor drive wherein the position of the control arm determines whether the motor drive is engaged or disengaged. The handle is selectively movable to two positions corresponding to the engaging and disengaging positions of the control arm. The handle is resiliently urged to its positions. Locking structure is provided to selectively hold the handle in each of the positions.

Abstract: A boom assembly attaches to the fifth wheel of a tractor for towing a truck or other vehicle. The assembly has a main frame with a pair of uprights and a pair of pivotally mounted legs. The vehicle is secured at longitudinal spaced locations to the legs. Hydraulic cylinders are actuated to force the legs to a pivoted position which lifts the legs and the towed truck to an elevated position for towing.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying a small boat and simultaneously carrying one end of a small automobile, so that the boat and automobile can be towed behind a motor home or other large motor vehicle without the combination of vehicles being so long as to be unduly difficult to handle. A boat support platform carries a boat with its bow forward, and a movable arch frame is pivoted about a transverse axis to raise the rear portion of the boat support frame high enough above the main frame of the trailer that the road wheels of one end of an automobile can be carried by the trailer within the space defined by the arch frame. The automobile can then be towed with the boat extending rearwardly above a portion of the automobile. When the automobile is not in position on the trailer the boat support frame is lowered to permit water launch and recovery of the boat as with a conventional boat trailer.

Abstract: A motorcycle towing apparatus is provided for use with a towing vehicle having a support bar which slidably engages a hitch receiver carried by the towing vehicle and having a ramp pivotally connected to the rear end of the support bar wherein the ramp is movable from a first position in which the ramp extends downwardly to the ground to a second position in which the ramp is elevated off the ground to provide clearance for towing, and also having a wheel cradle carried by the support bar to support the front wheel of the motorcycle. A single person can load and unload a motorcycle from the device.

Abstract: A tractor trailer is disclosed herein as including linkage structure for the tractor and the rear wheel chassis which are arranged to connect to a trailer bed in the form of a pallet. The pallet is constructed to sit upon the ground at a low height relative to the industry standard, easily mountable by workmen with climbing aids. The linkage structures are nearly identical and utilize hydraulic rams to raise or lower an end of the pallet and place or remove the same relative to their respective wheel chassis. Each of the linkage structures includes pins and link members, some of which may be interconnected to permit the raising and inverting of the rear wheel chassis and placing the same on the tractor chassis for transportation.

Abstract: An adapter kit for transporting a motorcycle on the cross tube assembly of the wheel lift of a tow vehicle includes a plurality of rigid bars which form a pair of spaced cradles in cooperation with the cross tube assembly for receiving the wheels of the motorcycle therein. Two of the bars are mounted in the existing mounting members of the cross tube assembly. Certain of the other rigid bars are adjustably connected to each other and are adjustably mounted on the other cross tube mounted bars and form the cradles. Flexible straps extend between extended ends of certain of the rigid bars and the motorcycle structure for securing the motorcycle on the cradles in a conventional manner. The bars are readily removable from each other and from the cross tube assembly of the vehicle for storage when not mounted on the wheel lift for transporting a motorcycle.

Abstract: A control mechanism for the selective engagement and disengagement of a motor drive includes an elongated handle which is connected to the control arm of the motor drive wherein the position of the control arm determines whether the motor drive is engaged or disengaged. The handle is selectively movable to two positions corresponding to the engaging and disengaging positions of the control arm. The handle is resiliently urged to its positions. Locking structure is provided to selectively hold the handle in each of the positions.

Abstract: A removable, truck mounted crane with both an inclined boom for high lift and a horizontal telescoping boom for extended reach beyond the truck. The crane has two winches either of which can be routed to either boom. The high boom can be used normally for hoisting or to support the horizontal boom when extended. In addition, one winch can be used to retract the horizontal boom while under load. A rolling storage stand with winches is used to support the truck tailgate while enabling one person to install or remove the crane from the truck.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a vehicle which is used to pick up and transport and place heavy cargo. In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle which is capable of picking a vehicle from a confined space and transporting it to the appropriate location, thereby replacing a conventional tow truck.

Abstract: A combination portable hoist, crane, and automobile towing mechanism is adaptable into three configurations. As a portable hoist, a vertical mast and hydraulically actuatable boom are mounted on a standard support having support legs oriented in a "V", with the hoise boom positioned between the support legs. As a portable crane, the mast and boom are mounted onto a platform on a modified truck bumper in a manner to pivot 360 degrees about the axis of the vertical mast. The portable crane can therefore load and remove objects to/from the truck bed. As an automobile towing mechanism, the mast and boom are locked in position within the plane of movement of the boom normal to the vehicle rear bumper. A typical automobile bumper and axle attachment towing device is attached to the boom chain. Stabilizer bars orient the bumper and axle attachment towing device parallel to and spaced from the vehicle bumper, so that the tow vehicle may elevate one end of a towed vehicle for towing in a conventional manner.