Abstract: A platform and ramp apparatus comprises a ramp and structure for securing the ramp to the platform. The securing means comprises link structure rotatably mounted on the platform to rotate about a first axis of rotation fixed relative to the platform, the ramp being rotatably mounted on the linkage to rotate about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation. Engagement structure is provided on the platform and on the ramp respectively, which engagement structure is capable of retaining the ramp in two alternative positions relative to the platform. These are a first ramp position in which the ramp provides a surface sloping downwardly from the platform and a second ramp position in which the ramp provides a surface sloping upwardly from the platform to form a barrier. Rotation of the linkage about the first axis of rotation allows disengagement of the engagement structure whereby the ramp may be moved between the first and second ramp positions.

Abstract: A safety device for load lifting and lowering apparatus of the kind comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart upright guide members of hollow section along each of which travels a runner mounted on a load carrier, a cable being connected to each runner to pull it upwardly along the guide member or lower it down the guide member, comprises pawls rotatably mounted on the runner and a block slidable relative to the pawl to which the cable is connected. Levers are pivotally mounted one on each pawl and one end of each lever is pivotally and slidably connected to the block. Springs urge the block towards the runner. Each pawl has a tapered edge and a roller which rests in normal use in a recess. In normal operation tension in the cable separates the block from the runner but when the tension is released, the springs urge the block towards the runner thereby rotating the levers and thereby moving the roller upwardly so that the pawls are jammed against the walls of the guide member.

Abstract: There are disclosed two forms of load lifting and lowering unit for attachment to a vehicle. The units are of the kind in which a load platform is carried between two parallel spaced-apart articulated parallelogram linkages, movable in unison up and down guide members spaced across an access opening of the vehicle to raise and lower a load to and from the access opening. An inextensible tie member, pivotally connected between the platform and a swinging arm of the parallelogram linkage, causes the platform automatically to close off the access opening when the linkages are folded towards the vehicle. In one embodiment, the swinging arm cooperates with a fixed stop during upward movement of the linkages to effect such closure: in the other embodiment, a fluid operated ram swings the platform upwardly about its pivot to fold the linkages towards the vehicle and cause the platform to close off the access opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle transporting apparatus comprising a mounting for attachment to the rear of a transporting vehicle, a rearwardly extending boom one end of which is pivotally connected to the mounting for up and down swinging movement of the boom on the mounting, the free end of the boom having mounted thereon two supports for the wheels of a vehicle to be transported, which supports are spaced horizontally apart in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle, power means connected to the boom to effect swinging movement thereof between a loading position where the supports rest on the ground, a transporting position where the supports are raised a short distance above the ground, and a stowed position where the boom extends upwardly from the mounting, and releasable detent means between the boom and the mounting to retain the boom in one or more of said positions.

Abstract: A vehicle load lifting and lowering apparatus, which can be used as a vehicle tail lift to lift and lower loads of up to 8 tons between the level of the ground on which the vehicle stands and the level of the vehicle's load carrying deck, comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart guide columns which can be swung via a deformable articulated linkage towards and away from the vehicle. Runners slidably mounted in equal numbers on each column support between them a load carrying platform, and hydraulic rams power the runners (and hence the platform) up and down the columns during load lifting operations.