Abstract: A modular parts supply rack having a loading end and a delivery end, for supplying a plurality of containers filled with small parts to an assembly line operator at the delivery end and for return of empty containers to the loading end. Upper, intermediate and lower vertically spaced-apart horizontal support bars are adjustably connected to laterally spaced-apart upright bars at the loading end by T-shaped connectors. Upper, intermediate and lower vertically spaced-apart horizontal support bars are adjustably connected to laterally spaced-apart upright bars at the delivery end by T-shaped connectors. Laterally spaced pairs of slide bars are adjustably connected to the upper support bars, to the intermediate support bars, and to the lower support bars by T-shaped connectors. The support bars are positioned so that the upper and intermediate pairs of slide bars slope downwardly toward the delivery end, and the lower slide bars slope downwardly toward the loading end.

Abstract: A collapsible bin box assembly formed of two separate collapsible bin boxes. The bin boxes are identical in construction having side and end walls constructed in a manner which permits them to be folded down upon the base, making the bin boxes collapsible. In order to form the bin box assembly from two separate identical bin boxes, the bin boxes are arranged end-to-end in substantially abutting relationship and with the side walls of the two bin boxes along each side of the assembly parallel and interconnected by splices. When the adjacent end walls of the two bin boxes are folded down flat, the enlarged bin box assembly has a capacity approximately double the capacity of either one of the bin boxes. The interconnected side walls are capable of swinging as a unit from the normal upright position of use to a collapsed position when the bin box assembly is empty.

Abstract: A highway trailer entry guide is provided for mounting on the left and right stiles of a building entranceway for cargo to be loaded or unloaded through the rear entranceway of a highway trailer by a fork lift truck. The entry guide includes a slidable and pivotable extension member permitting engagement with the vertical edges of the entranceway of a highway trailer to thereby permit application to various configurations to accomplish the guide function.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of an automated material handling system for a cargo trailer which is integrated with an automated material handling system provided for a manufacturing assembly plant. The system for the cargo trailer includes a protective guard rail for bar-coded targets provided within the cargo trailer, modification of an automated lift truck which permits shifting of parts racks as they are loaded or unloaded from a cargo trailer and also exact positionment of parts racks with respect to an automated lift truck.

Abstract: Cargo trailer aligning apparatus is provided for aligning a loading track on the floor of a cargo trailer with a loading track on the floor of a loading dock. The tracks are aligned both vertically and horizontally. The aligning apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart aligning ramps which are positioned beneath the loading dock surface for interaction with a pair of spaced apart aligning legs which extend downwardly from the rear of the cargo trailer. The interaction occurs as the cargo trailer is backed up to the loading dock.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of assembling vehicle wheels at a location remote from a vehicle assembly plant in a predetermined sequence for transport to the vehicle assembly plant for unloading in the same predetermined sequence. Seats of vehicle wheels, which may include wheel rims and tires of various sizes and types, are assembled at the remote location in the predetermined sequence. These wheel assemblies are then loaded in the same sequence onto a highway cargo trailer and transported to the vehicle assembly plant for unloading in the predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A combination is provided comprising a shipping rack and a support pallet therefor. The shipping rack includes a bottom wall and upstanding end walls. The shipping rack is provided with casters so that it may be rolled along a surface. The pallet includes support structure for holding the shipping rack slightly above the ground when the pallet is placed therebeneath so that the casters do not engage the ground thereby preventing unwanted movement of the shipping rack.