Abstract: A support assembly comprises a bracket, a blocking member, and a spring. The blocking member is adapted to slidingly move within a through opening of a support member. The blocking member is adapted to be selectively moved from a supporting position to a non-supporting position. The spring is adapted to bias the blocking member towards the non-supporting position. In certain embodiments, the bracket is adapted to retain the blocking member at least partially within the through opening when the bracket is mounted to a hoist. In certain embodiments, the blocking member comprises a handle comprising a pin axially aligned within a compression spring and the bracket comprises a notch adapted to receive the handle.

Abstract: The hoist comprises a base, first and second lower arms, first and second upper arms, and one or more blocking members. The first and second lower arms are pivotally coupled to the base. The first lower arm is pivotally coupled to the first upper arm. The second lower arm is pivotally coupled to the second upper arm. The lower arms and upper arms are adapted to move between an unraised condition to a raised condition. Each of the blocking members is adapted to move between a supporting position and a non-supporting position. Each blocking member, when in the supporting position, prevents the lower arms and upper arms from moving from the raised condition to the unraised condition.

Abstract: The hoist comprises a base, first and second lower arms, first and second upper arms, and one or more blocking members. The first and second lower arms are pivotally coupled to the base. The first lower arm is pivotally coupled to the first upper arm. The second lower arm is pivotally coupled to the second upper arm. The lower arms and upper arms are adapted to move between an unraised condition to a raised condition. Each of the blocking members is adapted to move between a supporting position and a non-supporting position. Each blocking member, when in the supporting position, prevents the lower arms and upper arms from moving from the raised condition to the unraised condition.

Abstract: A system for supporting the bed of a utility vehicle, the system adapted to be mounted on the underbody frame of the utility vehicle, the system comprising: a generally planar unitary support formed from a composite material, the support having a first surface and a second vertically offset surface; a plurality of connecting members extending from the first surface to the offset surface, the members providing strength to said support; a generally rectangular panel fabricated from a composite material, the panel adhesively attached to said offset surface, the panel adapted to serve as a loading surface for the bed of the utility vehicle; a bracket secured to the support for mounting the support to the frame of the utility vehicle; and a backing plate secured to the support, wherein the plate and the bracket sandwich the support to secure it to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for supporting the bed of a utility vehicle, the system adapted to be mounted on the underbody frame of the utility vehicle, the system comprising: a generally planar unitary support formed from a composite material, the support having a first surface and a second vertically offset surface; a plurality of connecting members extending from the first surface to the offset surface, the members providing strength to said support; a generally rectangular panel fabricated from a composite material, the panel adhesively attached to said offset surface, the panel adapted to serve as a loading surface for the bed of the utility vehicle; a bracket secured to the support for mounting the support to the frame of the utility vehicle; and a backing plate secured to the support, wherein the plate and the bracket sandwich the support to secure it to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tank contains a liquid while being transported by a moving vehicle. The tank includes a shell having an annular wall interconnecting opposite longitudinal end walls. The annular wall and the end walls define an interior compartment. The shell also has a substantially horizontal length direction and a substantially horizontal width direction perpendicular to the length direction. Two substantially planar longitudinal baffles are disposed within the interior compartment of the shell. Each longitudinal baffle is oriented substantially vertically and substantially parallel to the length direction of the shell. Each longitudinal baffle has a first side facing the annular wall. Each longitudinal baffle also has a second side. The second sides face each other. A plurality of substantially planar latitudinal baffles are disposed within the interior compartment of the shell. Each latitudinal baffle is oriented substantially vertically and substantially parallel to the width direction of the shell.

Abstract: A compartmented utility body for use with a vehicle is provided with shelving for the compartments. The shelving is formed of fiberglass in a poltrusion process and includes shelf panels having front and rear walls integral therewith. The panels and walls are provided with convex molded-in strips having notches therein. The shelves are mounted on mounting strips secured to the compartment walls, and vertical dividers are positioned in the slots of the convex strips.

Abstract: A pair of conversion filler panel structures are used in the conversion of a conventional pick-up truck to a service vehicle. In the conversion, the pick-up truck box is removed and replaced with a service body which exposes irregular and unsymmetrical rear corners of the pick-up truck cab. Each conversion filler panel structure is secured to the rear surface of the cab to cover a rear corner and present a smooth surface continuous with the side of the cab.

Abstract: A portable ladder rack is formed of a pultrusion composite and is used to support a ladder on a vehicle truck body. The ladder includes a horizontal support frame and spaced apart leg structures. A hold down device effectively holds the ladder on the ladder rack against movement in any direction but the hold down device is shiftable to a release position to permit loading from the side or rear.