Abstract: A combined bumper and hoist for use on a vehicle has an elongate housing that mounts transversely across the end of the vehicle as a bumper. A hoist having a mast and a boom is pivotally mounted in the housing for movement between a stored position collapsed into the housing and a raised position with the mast upright and the boom projecting laterally from the mast. The raising of the hoist simultaneously lowers two legs from the bumper to support the bumper on the ground. All of the hoist functions, including raising the hoist to the use position, rotating the mast about its axis and raising and lowering the boom are performed hydraulically. The boom may be equipped with various accessories, including a chain hook and a jib carrying a cherry picker bucket.

Abstract: A mounted, elevatable, lightweight pivotal boom is provided which defines an elongate internal track defining a downwardly facing slot. An electromechanical winch mechanism is provided for lifting and handling objects such as the windshield of an automotive vehicle and which includes roller supports having rollers that are received by the internal track of the boom. The winch mechanism includes a DC motor which is provided with a detachable control circuit to provide for its selective operation. The horizontal, pivotal boom is supported by fixed and movable telescoping standards and may be elevated manually or by means of a jack mechanism such as a manual or powered operable mechanical, hydraulic or electrical jack. The lightweight nature of the lift components enable the lift to be easily positioned by a single worker for optimum lifting and handling of lightweight loads.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning the upper works assembly to the lower works assembly of a crane to facilitate redecking of the assemblies. The system and method involves suspending, preferably by pendants, the lower works from the upper works in such a manner that the influence of gravity will automatically level and align the lower works with the upper works. Alignment and redecking are accomplished without transferring the weight of the upper works assembly to lower works assembly.

Abstract: A system for aligning a crane upper works with a crane lower works for redecking the upper works with the lower works comprises at least one roller operatively connected to at least one of the upper works and the lower works, and at least one surface operatively connected to at least one of the upper works and the lower works. The at least one roller is engagable with the at least one surface such that the roller moves along the surface under the influence of gravity for aligning the upper works with the lower works. A method for aligning a crane upper works with a crane lower works for redecking the upper works with the lower works is also provided.

Abstract: A forwarder has an elongate rigid chassis with a cab at a forward end, a load carrier on the chassis, and a crane serving the load carrier. Four wheels at the front are mounted as a pair on each side, each pair on a common yoke to form a bogie. The bogies can pivot relative to the chassis for up and down movement of the wheels, but the wheels are non-steerable. A single wheel at each side at the rear of chassis is steerable, to provide steering of the forwarder. The cab, the operator, the load lifting device and the load carrier always have the same, fixed, orientation at all times.

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 mobile crane comprising a chassis, which has at least two axles and on which a revolving superstructure is movably mounted by means of a slewing bearing consisting of an outer ring and an inner ring, a preferably telescopic boom, which is pivoted to the revolving superstructure and which is adapted to be supported on a supporting bracket of the crane in position for road travel, and a cabin for use during crane and road travel operations. A carrying ring is rotatably mounted on that ring of the slewing bearing which is connected to the revolving superstructure, the cabin is secured to said carrying ring, and the cabin or the carrying ring can selectively be connected either to the chassis or to the revolving superstructure.

Abstract: A quick disconnect system for a piece of construction equipment having an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works, such as a crane, is disclosed. The system includes an adapter plate to which preferably the upper works is releasably connected, such as by pinned links. The adapter plate and preferably the lower works may then be maintained as a unit with a swing bearing therebetween even when the upper works is removed for easy transportation of the equipment. When used with a conventional swing bearing, having an inner race and an outer race, the inner race may be bolted to the lower works and the outer race may be bolted to the adapter plate.

Abstract: A multi-coupling device for connecting multiple hydraulic lines between first and second portions of a crane is disclosed. The device is for use where the crane portions are not aligned with a tolerance as small as that necessary for connecting the hydraulic line couplings. The multi-coupling device comprises a first plate rigidly holding the first part of each of the couplings in a spaced relationship, the first plate being rigidly fixed to a first crane portion; a second plate rigidly holding the second part of each of the couplings in a spaced relation corresponding to the spaced relation of the first coupling parts; a mounting device which mounts the second plate on a second crane portion with a freedom of movement at least as great as the tolerance in alignment between the first and second crane portions; and alignment means for aligning the first and second plates.

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: A portable crane for hoisting electric scooters, wheelchairs and the like includes a column assembly, a boom assembly, a base assembly and a winch assembly. The column assembly is removably and pivotally mounted between an opened vehicle trunk lid and a trunk floor. The column assembly includes top and bottom pivot pins which rotatably engage pivot pin receiving holes and about which the boom assembly rotates. The column assembly and boom assembly are collapsible so as to allow the trunk lid to close.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible full reach truck bed hoist includes a pair of elongated tracks adapted for securement onto the truck bed in parallel spaced apart relation. An inverted U-shaped hoist frame has opposite depending legs connected to trolley structures which are supported on the tracks for longitudinal movement therealong. A hoist is supported on the top crossbar of the hoist frame with freedom of movement along the top crossbar transversely of the truck bed. The hoist frame is collapsible from an upright working position to a lowered transport position and the tracks, upon which the hoist frame rides, are extendable outwardly of the truck bed for supporting the hoist frame above an object on the ground adjacent the truck bed.

Abstract: A vehicle for manipulating large diameter pipe includes a vehicle frame assembly which supports an auxiliary pipelayer frame. The pipelayer frame supports various components for manipulating the pipe, including a boom arm and a fluid cylinder for raising and lowering the boom arm. During transportation of the vehicle, certain components must be removed from the vehicle to make the vehicle conform to width and height restrictions. Normally, the boom arm and the fluid cylinder would be removed. The subject invention provides for storage of the fluid cylinder on the vehicle during transportation, without the necessity to disconnect fluid lines. Considerable time and effort is saved during dis-assembly and re-assembly of the vehicle components.

Abstract: An apparatus is designed to rotate a vehicle by ninety degrees for repair of the under carriage of the vehicle and other parts accessible from the bottom. The preferred vehicle is a forklift, and a mast support is provided to be secured to the mast of the forklift. Wheel supports are provided which may be rotated out of engagement with the wheels when the vehicle is vertical to allow unobstructed access to the vehicle. Removable support bars may be used in place of the wheel supports to engage the bottom of the vehicle during rotation. The apparatus sits on a flat floor and does not require approach ramps or the like. The apparatus may be moved to any location and is symmetrical so that it may be placed against a wall on the left or right by a simple interchange of parts. A jib is provided which may be used to hoist heavy parts of the vehicle.

Abstract: A combination step bumper and hoist apparatus is set forth wherein a step bumper is provided with a storage receptacle container mounting an overlying pivoted lid including a latch member to secure the lid to the storage bumper. The bumper includes plural pairs of spring latches to secure elongate post members therein wherein the post members may be assembled as a hoist organization. The hoist organization is received through an aperture within the lid aligned with a support cylinder formed at an intersection of a side wall and rear wall of the storage bumper.

Abstract: A knock-down boom is removably installed on a pick-up truck so as to be manually raised or lowered for moving a load either onto or off the truck. The boom can be readily disassembled in a few minutes by separating the legs forming the boom and storing them in a convenient compact area. A jib can also be mounted on the outer end of the boom for extending its overall length.

Abstract: An invalid car lift is presented which comprises a bar which is mounted on the inside of a car with the help of a strap. A winch device is mounted in bearing relationship on the bar so that the winch may be moved laterally along the bar. The winch may be of the well known type which includes a handle attached to suitable rope or metal line and includes a hook. The hook is engaged to a basket. Thus, when a person in a wheelchair is brought up to the car and positioned under the winch, the person may be lifted off the wheelchair by the winch/basket. Thereafter the winch is rolled along the bar and into the car. Next, the winch is lowered and the person is disconnected therefrom. The bar preferably is hinged so that it may be easily folded and stored in the trunk during transportation.

Abstract: A portable wild game hoist having a multiple section boom which can be assembled and dismantled. The boom is supported at its lower end by a standard trailer hitch mounted on the rear of a vehicle. Straps are secured to the upper section of the boom and terminate in hooks at their distal ends which are adapted to mate with the edges of the fenders of the vehicle. A torsion bar is adjustably secured to one section of the boom so that is bears against the rear body or tailgate of the vehicle. A rope extends from a winch secured to the boom through a pulley at the distal end of the boom. The rope supports a hanger with hooks for supporting the animal from its rear hooves. In a further embodiment, the boom may be supported by a base resting on the ground and stabilized by the trailer hitch. In both embodiments, the boom is comprised of a plurality of mating sections.

Abstract: A tractor crane includes a boom having a root end adapted for pivotal mounting on a tractor, a load end which is adjustable in position relative to the root end, strut connector intermediate its ends, and load attachment device at or near the load end of the boom for attaching a load thereto. The crane further includes a strut having an upper end pivotally connected via the strut connector to the boom about an axis transverse to the boom and parallel to the pivotal axis at the root end. The strut also has a lower end with a mounting device for connection of the lifting arms of the three-point hitch of the tractor.

Abstract: A lightweight, self-powered, transportable crane assembly is disclosed which includes a frame that can be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the bed of a transport vehicle or carrier, such as a pick-up truck or trailer. The frame assembly also includes stabilizing legs which can be extended laterally from the frame assembly to stabilize the crane during use and further to allow the crane assembly to be self supporting apart from the truck or trailer. The crane assembly also can be coupled to a ballast structure such as a water tank or the like, to permit its use apart from the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A portable hoist is provided for lifting, transporting, and depositing loads onto a platform, such as a work bench, or into a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The portable hoist comprises a mounting for attachment to the a wall of a vehicle or a work bench, an upright support structure connected to the mounting by a hinge connection which allows for swinging movement of the support structure about its vertical axis, and a boom pivotally secured at one end to the upper end of the support structure such that the free end of the boom can be raised and lowered. A hydraulic operator acting between the support structure and the boom serves to raise and lower the boom. A sheave is carried at the free end of the boom and a hoist line connected to the support structure loops over the sheave and carries a hook assembly for attachment to the load to be lifted.

Abstract: A self undecking crane in which the upper is separable from the lower and is supported on legs which are swingable from a stowed position to an operable position by cylinders. Hydraulic jacks on the ends of the legs raise and lower the upper relative to the lower. A hydraulic circuit controls extension and retraction of the cylinders and the jacks and includes a blocking valve which senses pressure in the jacks and precludes movement of the cylinder when the jacks are subjected to high pressure.

Abstract: A separate boom vehicle is provided for transporting a telescopic boom, which is adapted to be coupled to a revolving superstructure and to be detached from it for transporting. The boom vehicle is provided in its forward portion with a coupling structure for retaining a telescopically extensible part of the telescopic boom, and is provided in its rear portion with a lifting structure for supporting the boom. The lifting structure is so arranged that when it has been longitudinally aligned with the revolving superstructure, a coupling yoke, provided at the lower end of the telescopic boom, is adapted to be displaced by extending and retracting cylinders along tracks provided on the revolving superstructure to a position in which bearing eyes of the telescopic beam register with bearing bores of the revolving superstructure. The revolving superstructure is provided with a pivot pin for coupling the boom to the revolving superstructure.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a crane over either chassis side member of a truck has an elongated body member having removable, telescopically-extendable rods at its ends provided with likewise-telescopic supporting legs to provide support against the driving surface. A platform protrudes transversely from the body member for releasable acceptance of the crane. The body member and platform are symmetrical about a center plane longitudinal of the body member for permitting the use of the bracket for right-hand and left-hand mounting of the crane by turning the bracket upside down, particularly when the platform is closer to one end of the body member than the other.

Abstract: A pickup truck derrick assembly includes a base frame, a derrick A-frame pivotally mounted on the base frame, a derrick frame erection subassembly, a frame support and locking subassembly and a cable compensation system. The frame erection subassembly includes an elongated track. A roller or carriage subassembly rides on the track and engages the A-frame. Movement of the carriage along the track raises and lowers the A-frame. The A-frame is held in an erected position by support braces pivotally connected at one end to the base frame. Each brace slidably engages a sleeve mounted on the A-frame. A locking mechanism automatically secures the braces to the sleeves when the A-frame is erected. A pulley and cable arrangement including a compensation pulley on a support arm fixed to the A-frame compensates for hoist cable slackening when the A-frame is pivoted to its storage position.

Abstract: A centering device for aligning those portions of the swing mechanism, e.g. the swing pinion on the upper with the ring gear on the carrier, to permit the redecking of a crane upper on its carrier, the device including a plurality of sockets on the carrier which are engageable by frustoconical ends on a plurality of pins slidably mounted on the upper. A latch holds the pins in an extended position so that the retraction of the legs supporting the upper above the carrier will cause lateral shifting as necessary to align the swing mechanism.

Abstract: A self-erecting traveling crane having a machinery platform rotatably mounted with respect to a carbody utilizes a concentric support ring, a boom foot carrier pivotably mounted to the platform and rolling on the support ring, and a counterweight carrier with trailing counterweight pivotably mounted to the platform and rolling on the ring. A mast and boom are mounted near a forward end of the boom foot carrier. To change location for use, the crane can be rigged to move in forward or rearward direction carrying its support ring. A travel strut is pivotably mounted to an inner end of the boom foot carrier. A boom foot carrier tension pendant extends from the top of the travel strut to an outer end portion of the boom foot carrier. A live boom suspension linkage connects the points of the mast and the boom. Boom suspension pendants extend from the mast point to the trailing counterweight. A gantry is mounted on the machinery platform over a platform counterweight.

Abstract: The hydraulic lifting provision for the mounting of a crane jib comprises two lift provisions disposed successively at a distance, where each lift provision comprises two base frames rising up from the trailer and disposed at a distance from each other and in each case a tiltable lift arm is disposed at the free end. The free ends of the lift arms are in each case hingedly connected via a cross-frame, where the support for the crane jib is disposed in each case on the cross frame. The cross frames with the supports disposed thereon are tiltable to the side by way of a different operating action of the hydraulic cylinders engaging them. In addition, the supports are constructed shiftable to the sides along the cross-frames by way of a corresponding disposition of additional hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing elongate brush cuttings, such as those resulting from the pruning of almond trees. The method comprises collecting the cuttings, loading them into the compaction chamber of a packer, moving a plunger longitudinally through the chamber to compress the cuttings and force them into an orientation extending generally normal to the direction of plunger travel, and discharging the cuttings from one end of the chamber while maintaining said orientation. The apparatus comprises a wheel supported chassis which carries a transfer packer and a crane supported grapple for loading cuttings into the packer. The packer has an open topped hopper into which the cuttings are charged. The plunger moves through the hopper to compress cuttings received therein and force said cuttings through a discharge opening in one side of the hopper.

Abstract: A wrecker attachment in kit form for mounting on the bed of a truck in rigid relationship with its underlying frame. The wrecker attachment includes a back post assembly for mounting a boom assembly, a floor plate assembly for bracing the back post assembly and positionally locating same on the truck bed, and mounting plate assemblies for clamping the back post and floor plate assemblies relative to the truck bed and rigidly securing same to the truck frame. The construction and method of assembling the wrecker attachment allows same to be accommodated for use with trucks having differing spacings between the channels comprising their frames and/or between such frames and the under side of their beds, as well as for inaccuracies in alignment or centering of such attachment relative to the frame of any given truck.

Abstract: A device for lifting and loading objects into and from a storage space of an automobile for transportation thereby. The device is fully contained within the storage space and is adapted to be mounted directly to the chassis of the automobile. The device is particularly suited to assist disabled individuals who may be unable to lift, load and transport such objects otherwise.

Abstract: A device for vertical and/or horizontal transport of loads into and out of a vehicle or the like and particularly intended to enable disabled wheel chair bound persons to be transferred into and out of a passenger car and comprising a tubular supporting member attached to the car in connection to the vehicle roof and in the lateral direction of the vehicle and being intended to support a supporting arm cooperating telescopically with the supporting member and being displaceable along the supporting member. The supporting arm is adapted to be moveable laterally between a position entirely inside the side of the vehicle and positions outside the side of the vehicle, and the electrically powered lifting device is arranged to be suspended from said supporting arm. It is hereby possible for the disabled himself to load and unload himself and/or his wheel chair and the like in and out of the car resp.

Abstract: A mobile crane intended for carrying heavy loads has a slewable upper chassis which is rotatably mounted on a carriage by a conventional rotatable connection and in order to transmit loads greater than the connection can withstand, there is an additional rotary mounting. The additional mounting comprises an inner frame with cantilever arms between the upper chassis and the carriage. The upper chassis is detachably bolted to the arms and the arms have rollers which run in a circular rail fixed to the carriage. The rail has a greater diameter than the width of the carriage to enable it to transmit the heavy loads and moments, but to keep the crane within the statutory width limits for transport by road from site to site, the parts of the circular rail which project beyond the sides of the carriage are detachable. When these parts are detached for transport, the rollers on the cantilevers engage with the remaining parts of the rail at the front and back of the carriage.