Abstract: A car catcher is pivotally mounted to an elevated frame structure of a roll-off hoist at an end which protrudes rearwardly from a vehicle beyond the rear wheels thereof. Chains establish a downwardly pivoted operative position of the car catcher by interconnecting the frame with the hoist. A pivotal latch lever moved by the same actuator used to raise the catcher from an operative to an inoperative position is positioned to a confronting relation with a jam lock to prevent unwanted lifting of the catcher from the operative position. The actuator moves the pivotal latch lever free and clear of the jam lock against the stop to allow, under control by an operator, pivotal movement of the car catcher to an inoperative position as desired during loading and off-loading operations by the hoist.

Abstract: A car catcher apparatus is provided which is pivotally mounted to an elevated chassis, a flatbed, or other related structure which protrudes rearwardly beyond the rear wheels of a vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The car catcher includes a frame-like structure which is positioned by an actuator to a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position. In the lowered operative position, the car catcher is in position to receive impact from automobiles, or the like, during collisions therewith. The car catcher apparatus has particular use with rearwardly-protruding truck structure which is periodically intended to be pivotally lowered to a position at or near ground level. When in the raised inoperative position, the car catcher permits complete and unrestricted downward pivoting of such structure. Furthermore, when positioned the raised inoperative position, the car catcher apparatus permits ready access to the rear wheels, axles, suspension, etc.