Abstract: A vehicle chassis having a hollow structural member is provided with an opening at an end. A cavity extends from the opening and is defined by interior walls. The hollow structural member may be an axle or a portion of a frame. A bulkhead is arranged in the cavity transverse to the interior walls and spaced from the opening. The bulkhead substantially extends between and connects the interior walls, preferably at a right angle. The chassis component, such as an air spring or a member clamped to the hollow structural member with a U-bolt, is supported exteriorly on the hollow structural member. The chassis component generates a force and the bulkhead provides a counterforce to maintain the structural integrity of the hollow structural member. In this manner, the hollow structural member is relatively thin to save weight and cost and is better able to withstand bending and torsional forces without the use of specialized brackets.

Abstract: A body frame structure for a four-wheeled buggy which is constructed by separately preparing the front sub-assembly and the rear sub-assembly and fastening the rear sub-assembly to the front sub-assembly. The front sub-assembly is composed of a pair of sub-assembly parts each of which is formed as an approximate loop shape including a main frame, a front down frame, a lower frame, and a center frame. Rear ends of the main frames are welded to upper ends of the center frames via a cross pipe. Brackets are provided on upper portions of the center frames in such a manner as to extend upwardly therefrom. Upper fastening portions provided at front ends of seat rails constituting part of the rear sub-assembly are fastened to mounting holes formed in the brackets. Stays are provided on lower portions of the center frames, and lower fastening portions provided at front ends of right and left back stays are fastened to the stays.

Abstract: A frame including a pair of rear frame rails having a front bracket and a rear bracket. A leaf spring is connected at a front end to each front bracket and at a rear end to each rear bracket, with the leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the front bracket and the rear bracket. The longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is non-parallel to the rear frame rails. Each rear frame rail includes a notch extending between the outside face of the rear frame rails and the bottom face of the rear frame rails. The notch allows the leaf spring to rise to a level above the bottom face of the rear frame rails during jounce. The frame also includes an axle perpendicular to the leaf spring. A pair of shock absorbers are connected to the axle and an outside face of the rear frame rails.

Abstract: Disclosed are a side member of a vehicle frame and a method of manufacturing the same. One end of the side member is connected to a bumper. The side member comprises a steel tube, and a hybrid tube disposed between the steel tube and the bumper and connected to the steel bumper. The hybrid tube has a dual structure including an aluminum tube and a hybrid tube made of a glass fiber reinforced composite material and formed on an outer circumstance of the aluminum tube. The method comprises the steps of preparing a hybrid tube having a dual structure including an interior aluminum tube and an exterior hybrid tube made of a glass fiber reinforced composite material; and connecting the hybrid tube to a steel tube.

Abstract: A vehicle structural frame having a plurality of tubular elements is formed from first and second generally C-shaped elongated members. Each member has a first flange and a second flange separated by a web. The flanges of the first and second members overlap each other to form two pairs of overlapped flanges. Each pair of overlapped flanges of both the first and second pair of overlapped flanges are joined by at least two longitudinal welds. The longitudinal welds join each pair of flanges to form each element of the plurality of tubular elements of a vehicle structural frame. Lengthening the flange overlap and providing two or more longitudinal welds increases frame bending stiffness allowing reduced member thickness and weight.

Abstract: A multi-section support rail has a first section with an outer circumferential wall, a parallel inner circumferential wall and a transverse web extending longitudinally therealong, a second section hollow tubular section with an outer circumferential wall and a parallel inner circumferential wall. The outer circumferential walls are substantially identical dimensionally. The sections are joined at mating surfaces. The joined sections are pre-bent at the second section and then hydroformed to a final desired shape. The transverse web retains the extruded dimensions throughout the hydroforming process.

Abstract: A separate type of body and frame assembly includes a frame portion and a body portion. The frame portion includes a pair of side rails, each of which has a plurality of openings formed therethrough. A plurality of cross members extend between side rails and are secured thereto. Each of the cross members has first and second ends that extend through the openings formed through the side rails. Each of the first and second ends of the cross members is formed integrally and unitarily with the cross member and has a body mount structure, such as an aperture, formed therein or otherwise provided thereon. The ends of the cross members are initially inserted through the openings formed through the side rails. Then, such ends of the cross members are secured to the side rails, such as by electromagnetic pulse welding, to form the frame portion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a vehicle body and frame assembly including a pair of side rails, each of which is formed from a single closed channel structural member that extends the entire length of the vehicle body and frame assembly and is deformed into a desired shape by hydroforming. The first step in the process is to provide a length of stock material, preferably a tubular metallic workpiece, having a predetermined length. The tubular workpiece is then typically pre-bent by a conventional tube bending apparatus to have some or all of the bends in the side rails to be formed. The bends initially formed in the workpiece during this pre-bending step usually do not have the exact angles and shapes which result in the final product. Rather, this initial pre-bending operation is performed to facilitate the insertion of the workpiece within a die cavity defined by cooperating die sections of a hydroforming die.

Abstract: A high-rigidity, light-weight pivot frame is provided. The pivot frame is separated into an upper cross member on the upper side and a pair of right and left pivot plate portions on the lower side. The upper cross member is a hollow forging with a neck portion and arm portions protruding to the right and left from the lower end. A fitting projection is formed in the forward end of each arm portion. The pivot plate portion is a thin forging with a number of recesses and ribs formed on the inside surface side, and can easily be assembled in proper position by fitting the fitting projection into a connecting recess formed in the upper end.

Abstract: Reinforcement (30) for reinforcing a vehicle frame structure (10), having a triangular shape in cross section, including one section (20) in parallel to a side frame member (11), and the other section (21) being attached to a lower section of the side frame member (11). The present invention prevents interference with pipes passing in a lateral direction of the vehicle frame (10) and the exhaust system components. Further, the reinforcement (30) of the invention has a large section modulus, thereby effectively reinforcing the vehicle frame (10).

Abstract: A structure of a suspension mounting portion of the invention is provided with a side member which extends in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and is connected to a lower surface of a floor panel, a closed cross sectional portion which is formed by use of the floor panel and the side member, a suspension bolt which mounts a suspension system constituting element to a lower side of the closed cross sectional portion, a first mounting surface which is provided by use of a recess portion formed on a bottom wall of the side member and mounts the suspension bolt, a reinforce which is provided to an inner portion of the closed cross sectional portion, and a second mounting surface which is provided to the reinforce and mounts the suspension bolt. The suspension system constituting element is mounted to the lower side of the closed cross sectional portion by the suspension bolt fixed through the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface.

Abstract: A vehicle frame has side rails which support the suspension system and body of the vehicle. The side rails have a rectangular cross-section with the end sections thereof having predetermined wall thicknesses and rectangular size, and a center section having a thinner wall thickness and a larger height dimension of the rectangular cross-section. A transition section connects respective end sections with the center section. The transition section has rectangular cross-sections and wall thickness at the respective junctures which matches the adjoining section.

Abstract: A vehicular body and frame assembly includes a pair of side rails, wherein one or both of the side rails has an integral support surface formed therein to facilitate the mounting of various components on the vehicle frame assembly. Each of the side rails is formed from a closed channel structural member having a desired cross sectional shape. A portion of each side rail is further formed having a cross sectional shape that is substantially similar to, but rotationally offset from, the cross sectional shape of the remainder of the side rail. The transitions from the side rails to the rotationally offset portions and from the rotationally offset portions back to the side rails are preferably smooth and continuous. The rotationally offset portions may extend throughout any desired portion or portions of the side rails, and may further vary in the amount of rotational offset if desired.

Abstract: A hand cart for transporting two cylinders, one with oxygen and the other with a liquified fuel gas, used in welding or metal cutting is provided with a firewall divider between the cylinders to protect the oxygen cylinders from a risk of rising cylinder pressure due to heat comprising a flue supported above the cart platform in order to allow cool air to be drawn in at the bottom as how air rises should leaking fuel on the gas side become ignited.

Abstract: The invention comprises a bulk drywall rolling support device. The device has a near horizontal frame with its forward end inclined upward in relation to its rearward end. The frame has a pair of beams on each side with a lateral bar fixed between the beams. A pair of upward extending sleeves are mounted on the outside of each beam. A pair of rods are adapted to be slidably inserted into the sleeves and extend upward and slightly rearward therefrom. The device has four wheels mounted at the comers of the device. Each rod has a handle near it's upper portion for grasping by an operator for rolling the support device about on its wheels. The device is adapted to receive drywall panels with the lower edge of the panels resting onto forward and upward inclined beams and the rear sides of the panels resting against the rods.

Abstract: A snowmobile dolly comprising a first elongated member; a plurality of wheels disposed along the first elongated member; a second elongated member; a mount for securing the second elongated member relative to the first elongated member so that a longitudinal axis of the first elongated member and the second elongated member are substantially parallel to each other, the second elongated member being sized so as to support a front end of the snowmobile; a third elongated member having a first end portion which is attached to an end of the first elongated member; and a hook for securing a back end of the snowmobile to the third elongated member so as to substantially balance the snowmobile on the second elongated member.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a side rail formed from a first side rail member including an end portion having a closed cross sectional shape and a second side rail member including an end portion having an open cross sectional shape. The cross sectional shapes of the end portions of the first and second side rail members may be formed having either a rectilinear, circular, or other cross sectional shape. Preferably, the end portions of the first and second side rail members are formed having complementary cross sectional shapes. To form a joint between the first and second side rail members, the end portions thereof are arranged in a telescoping relationship. Then, the end portions are secured together, such as by welding. If desired, one or more notches may be formed in one of the side rail members to facilitate the welding process and to provide additional welding junctions between the first and second side rail sections.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a perimeter frame including laterally spaced right and left side rails of tubular construction and front and rear bumper rails of tubular construction extending between the side rails. A structural tunnel extends longitudinally of the vehicle midway between the side rails and has front and rear ends. The structural tunnel includes an inverted U-shaped channel having vertically depending the first and second legs, and a close-out plate which extends horizontally between the legs. First and second front shear walls extend forwardly and diagonally from the first and second legs at the front of the tunnel to the respective right and left side rails of the perimeter frame. Similarly, first and second rear shear walls extend generally rearward and diagonally from the first and second legs at the rear end of the tunnel to the respective left and right side rails of the perimeter frame.

Abstract: The invention comprises a portable panel lifting and transporting device. The device has an elongated stick which is intended to be placed in an upright position. A channel member is mounted to the bottom of the stick and has a U shaped apex at its bottom and opposing inner and outer sides with the inner side formed in a triangular shape and fixed to the bottom of the stick and with the outside edge adapted to receive the bottom edge of a drywall panel whereby the bottom edge may rest in the apex bottom of the channel member. A pair of wheels in line with one another are mounted on the triangular side of the channel member for rotatably supporting the device and a handle is mounted to an upper portion of the stick for an operator to grasp and move the device along the ground on its rollers with a drywall panel resting in the channel member.

Abstract: A door supporting device comprising a low profile, compact, economically constructed frame made by bending a single flat piece of metal into four ninety degree bends; welding restricted to reinforcing of the ends, together with spot welding all threaded nuts to washers, and stems to rolling wheels; stabilizing said device by retracting its rolling wheels, allowing the entire width and length to make contact with the floor; and non-skid rubber on all contact points with the floor, to resist movement; desired movability and elevation of the door carrying service is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a novel modular rack and storage system for receiving and supporting planar articles such as stencils, frames, or the like. The rack includes at least one pair of opposed channels, with an upper channel of the pair being located vertically above a lower channel. Each channel has a retaining area facing the opposed channel, thereby forming a slot for receiving the edges of a planar article. The channels are mounted on a spaced pair of rectangular frames, with each frame having an elongate upper horizontal member and an elongate lower horizontal member. The upper and lower horizontal members are each supported on a first end by a first elongate vertical support and on a second end by a second elongate vertical support. The upper channels are mounted to the upper horizontal members and the lower channels are mounted to the lower horizontal members so that the channels hold the spaced frames in an upright position.

Abstract: A multi-piece front casting assembly for operably coupling components of a front suspension to a frame rail of a vehicle frame assembly. The casting assembly including an upper casting welded to the frame rail and having a pair of attachment locations extending laterally outwardly for operably coupling an upper control arm thereto, a attachment location extending laterally inwardly for operably coupling a rocker arm for a shock/spring assembly thereto, a suspension cross member attachment location, an engine cooling module attachment, a bumper mounting attachment, and two body structure attachment locations for securing the body structure to the frame assembly. The casting assembly further includes a front lower casting and a rear lower casting, each welded to the frame rail and having an attachment location for operably coupling a lower control arm thereto.

Abstract: An integral frame structure is provided to better absorb vibrations, stresses and/or high drawbar pull introduced in a machine by rear mounted attachments. The integral frame structure includes first and second spaced apart longitudinally extending beam members, a lower front cross beam portion connected to the first and second spaced apart longitudinally extending beam members and a rear beam portion connected to the first and second spaced apart longitudinally extending beam members adjacent the ends thereof. A rear mounted attachment mechanism is secured to the rear beam portion and adapted to attach a work implement. A portion of each of the lower front cross beam portion and the rear beam portion extends outwardly from each of the first and second spaced apart longitudinally extending beam members.

Abstract: A combined engine cradle and cross member structure for use with a vehicular body and frame assembly is lighter in weight than known structures. The engine cradle is formed from tubular stock material using mechanical bending and hydroforming techniques to have a generally U-shaped configuration including a central portion having a pair of leg portions extending therefrom. The cross member is also formed from tubular stock material using hydroforming techniques and has a pair of end portions. The end portions of the tubular cross member are secured to the leg portions of the tubular cradle to form the combined engine cradle and cross member structure. To accomplish this, the end portions of the tubular cross member may have notches formed therein which receive the leg portions of the engine cradle therein. The end portions of the cross member may be secured to the leg portions of the engine cradle in any conventional manner, such as by welding.

Abstract: A dolly type apparatus, which would include a body portion having four wall portions, and defining a substantially rectangular opening therein, into which a typical spine board may be slid into the opening.

Abstract: A table dolly apparatus and method for using same which allows folded tables to be vertically stacked tin two adjacent side-by-side columns, such that the planar folded tables are inclined slightly from horizontal to reduce the dolly's transverse width such that it can pass through doorways.

Abstract: A complete mattress moving system which includes a horizontal strap with two detachable, rotating and adjustable handles, a pair of vertical straps each with an expandable, detachable and position adjustable castered platform. The horizontal strap wraps around and is secured to the mattress lengthwise while the handles are positioned on opposite mattress end edges, the vertical straps extend from the horizontal strap on opposite sides of the mattress and wrap halfway around the mattress widthwise, while the castered platforms are positioned on the mattress side edges and slidably attached to each vertical strap. Quick-release buckles allow the horizontal and vertical straps to be adjusted to fit any size mattress, box springs or other similarly shaped object to be moved. The system allows a mattress to be moved by a single worker, helps prevent injuries, and provides a quick and easy device for handling and moving a mattress.

Abstract: A creeper having a base and an inclinable back portion and an apparatus for inclining the back, the apparatus including lever arms, pull bars, a sliding member, rocker arms and a sprocket wheel about which a length of chain attached the lever arm rolls. A point of target contact between the chain and sprocket wheel moves along the length of the lever arm resulting in a variable mechanical advantage for a force applied to the lever arm.

Abstract: A structural assembly at a front or rear of a vehicle frame includes a longitudinal member extending in a longitudinal direction of the frame. The longitudinal member has a part that extends at an angle to such longitudinal direction. A transverse member extends transversely of the longitudinally direction and includes a straight central part and an end part extending at an angle to the straight central part and at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame that is substantially equal to the angle of the part of the longitudinal member. The part of the longitudinal member and the end part of the transverse member are aligned and joined to form a nested joint that extends at the angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame. A side member extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and the nested joint is joined to the side member, thus forming a triple joint connection between the longitudinal, transverse and side members.

Abstract: A modular chassis for a front engine-rear drive motor vehicle is described which comprises as structural components a front structural member comprising the engine and attachment points for front suspension members is attached rigidly and detachably to a middle structural member comprising a tube and the middle structural member is attached rigidly and detachably to a rear structural member comprising a transmission and attachment points for rear suspension members wherein the middle structural member is longitudinally disposed on the center line of the vehicle between the front structural member and the rear structural member and supports the majority of the torsional, lateral and longitudinal loads created between the front and rear structural members and the front and rear structural members support the torsional, lateral and longitudinal loads created between each and the middle structural member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle or machinery (1) having a chassis (2) provided with ground engaging members (3) mounted on at least one transverse chassis member (4) and laterally spaced apart longitudinal chassis members (5). Each of the longitudinal chassis members (5) includes a plurality of modular elements (6) fastened together end-to-end (13, 14), which modular elements (6) are substantially hollow for housing therein moving parts (8) of the vehicle or machinery. The modular elements have access openings (18) for accessing the moving parts (8) in the interior (16) of the hollow modular elements (6), and closure panels (19) provided therefor. The present invention also extends to a modular chassis member (5) and a modular chassis element (6).

Abstract: A cart for transporting doors, tables, plywood and other sheet material of various sizes consisting of: an axle with two wheels journalled on opposite ends of an axle. A V-channel is anchored to the axle perpendicular to it, into which the center of the long side of a table or sheathing is inserted and leaned against an upright standard which is anchored to the axle perpendicular to the axle and the V-channel. The loaded material is then held in an upright position against the upright standard by a retaining hook that slides freely up and down the upright standard resting on the top edge of the loaded material and hooking over it. The combination of V-channel, upright standard, and retaining hook allows the the cart to adjust to a wide range of different size material without the need of modification. Because the wheels are in the center of the load, the whole unit consisting of cart and loaded material is easily maneuvered and is very stable.

Abstract: A table lift and transporter comprising a frame provided with wheels or casters for easy movement on a floor or pavement, a super structure mounted on the frame for movement between a first position closer to the frame and a second position further from the frame, such super structure having a clamping device for engaging the under structure of a table when the super structure is moved to said second position. The frame has rounded ends facilitating rotating it from a normal horizontal position to a vertical position.

Abstract: A material handling device for the easy movement of large sheets or other material by one person. A support bar has an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. A handle is mounted on the upper section and a wheel is mounted to be rotatable on the lower section and an L-shaped support is also mounted on the lower section opposite the wheel. The upper section is bent at an acute angle over the wheel.

Abstract: A hand truck for moving sheet material has a laterally extending shelf and a generally upright frame, which extends upwardly from the shelf. The frame may be formed by tubular metal of generally inverted U-shape and together with the frame support a load. The hand truck has a pair of inline primary wheels, mounted on fixed parallel axes, near the two ends of the shelf and the lower ends of the two sides of the frame. The two primary wheels lie in a common plane. A turning wheel, also mounted for rotation about a fixed axis, is situated midway between the two primary wheels but slightly out of line therewith. The turning wheel is of smaller diameter than the two primary wheels, and the plane in which it is mounted forms a small acute angle with the plane of the primary wheels. The turning wheel is out of contact with a supporting surface when both primary wheels touch the supporting surface.

Abstract: A carriage has a wheeled base with an articulated frame for supporting a construction panel in a multitude of operator-defined orientations during transportation, fitting and installation of the panel. The frame and a construction panel secured to the frame are movable relative to the base between (a) a reclined transport position in which the center of mass of the construction panel overlies the area bounded by the wheels of the base to enhance stability of the carriage during transportation of the panel, and (b) an upright installation position in which the center of mass of the construction panel is located forwardly of the wheels of the base. In the installation position of the frame, roller bearings below the frame transfer the weight of a construction panel to the surface on which the carriage operates to enhance stability and facilitate rolling movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A rack has a front wall and back wall connected to a base to secure glass sheets in the rack on edge tilted toward the back wall. The front restraints are mounted on the front gate and sheet support members mounted on the rear gate to secure the sheets in position on the rack. The front gate and/or rear gate each have a pair of spaced posts with each of the posts having an end insertable in cavities provided on the base. Each of the insertion ends of the posts has a hole in one surface and an opposite sloping surface. The front gate and back gate are mounted on the base by positioning the insertion end on the edge of the cavity and tilting the gates to the vertical position to drop the insertion end of the posts in the cavities. A pin in each of the cavities passes into the hole at the insertion end of the posts to secure the gates on the base. The front restraints and sheet support members include an elongated tube having a plurality of collars rotatably mounted therein.

Abstract: A rack lift assembly (10) includes a side mount plate (12) that can be connected to an equipment rack holding telecommunication equipment. A caster plate (14) connects to the side mount plate (12) by a loose pin hinge (26) and by a latch pin (18). The latch pin (18) has two apertures (22 and 24) that can receive a deadbolt (20) from caster plate (14). Caster plate (14) includes a wheel (34) that is placed in contact with the floor or ground when the deadbolt (20) is secured within the first aperture (22) of the latch pin (18), placing the caster plate (14) in its operating position. The caster plate (14) is placed in an inoperational position by securing the deadbolt (20) into the second aperture (24) of the latch pin (18). The side mount plate (12) includes rollers (16) that allow for transportation of telecommunication equipment during low clearance situations while the caster plate (14) is placed in its inoperational position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chassis (1) of the beam type for a motor vehicle comprising a central beam (4), characterised in that it comprises at least one elongated member (6, 8) attached to said central beam (4) and extending substantially parallel to said central beam (4), and in that the end portions (6a, 6b, 8a, 8b) of said elongated member (6, 8) extend beyond the ends (4a, 4b) of said central beam (4) at the front and the rear of said chassis (1) and are arranged to be deformed and to absorb energy in case of a collision.

Abstract: A unique framing system is disclosed which provides efficient use of floor space for storing panel members in any one of several desired configuration. The several interactive components of the system interfit easily such that the system may be tailored into a variety of configurations to suit a particular application. Wheel assemblies may be mounted at each end of the frame assembly, and are also configured for easy application and removal.

Abstract: The invention provides a cart to carry large panels of sheet goods. It incorporates a panel bracing mechanism that automatically adjusts and locks in place different width panels. The cart consists of a wheeled frame, a handle attached to the frame, and a panel bracing mechanism. When a panel is placed in the panel bracing mechanism, the weight of the panel causes braces to shift and lock the panel in place. The cart is moved and steered by the user pushing on the back of the panel. When the panel is lifted from the cart, the weight of the panel is removed and the bracing mechanism releases the panel. Once empty, the pivoting handle is used to pull and direct the cart.

Abstract: A front wheel drive motor vehicle is made having a strong, light weight, and attractive arrow-like body made with steel square tubing. Easily removable and replaceable plastic panel inserts complete the body. Vehicle entry is step in style by rolling back the top. The top is also easily removable to make it a convertible type vehicle. The vehicles front wheels are driven through a bevel gear drive which provides a narrow wheel track and drives both front wheels simultaneously. Suspension and steering along with drive support is through a pair of special U-shaped springs. The U-shaped springs also provide a semi-independent front suspension. The vehicle has a wide rear wheel track for stability.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention is an automotive vehicle frame including a forward portion, a rear portion and a central portion disposed between the forward portion and the rear portion. Either one of the forward and rear portions include at least one rail extending longitudinally. The rail includes a first structural member having an open cross-section and marginal flanges. The rail also includes a second structural member closing the open cross-section of the first structural members. The second structural member includes edge portions disposed over and in abutting relationship with the marginal flanges.

Abstract: A boat dolly apparatus includes a first base assembly which includes a first end portion and a second end portion. A first wheel assembly is connected to the first end portion of the first base assembly, and a second wheel assembly is connected to the second end portion of the first base assembly. A second base assembly is connected to the first end portion of the first base assembly. A clamping assembly is connected to the second base assembly for connecting the second base assembly to a boat, and a post assembly is connected to the second end portion of the first base assembly. The second base assembly is connected to the first base assembly at a right angle. The first base assembly and the second base assembly are contiguous to a first plane and are in the shape of a letter T. The first base assembly includes a first adjustable member connected to the first wheel assembly and a second adjustable member connected to the second wheel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swing-type door transporting and elevating apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus employed to facilitate the transporting of a swing-type door to a door jamb in which the door is to be hung, and is then employed in elevating the door to a desired height level to the jamb to interfit and pivotally connect hinge leaf knuckles between the door and jamb.

Abstract: A torque box chassis frame for firefighting vehicles or the like constituting a platform for extendible aerial ladders. The vehicle torque box chassis frame includes elongated lower and upper members significantly spaced from each other having rigid bracing structure interposed therebetween resulting in a rigid elongated box of significant rectangular cross section dimension. The torque box chassis frame rear end is defined by a rigid ladder turntable support including its own vertical rigid columns, and spaced outrigger support tubes for receiving hydraulic outrigger jacks are integrally defined on the torque box chassis frame to provide firm support of the torque box upon the ground eliminating the influence of the vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: A load carrying cradle includes a pair of wheel assemblies, each of which accommodates a bicycle-type wheel rotatable therein. Each wheel assembly includes a pair of horizontal slots, one of which is positioned in front of the wheel with the other positioned behind the wheel. A pair of lengths of standard-size framing lumber are slidably positioned within the horizontal slots with the lumber extending between the wheel assemblies to form a load platform. The wheel assemblies are movable toward and away from each other on the lumber to accommodate various sizes of loads. Each wheel assembly also includes a pair of vertically oriented slots to accommodate a corresponding optional pair of vertically oriented pieces of lumber. The vertically oriented lumber allows the cradle to carry and support taller loads than would be possible with the wheel assemblies alone.

Abstract: A frame for an agricultural trailer vehicle has a single centrally extending longitudinal support having a hollow box-shaped construction. The longitudinal support has a width and a height which is greater than the width. The longitudinal support has a cross-section with a profile which changes over its length so that a maximum profile of its cross-section is provided in the region of a wheel axle.

Abstract: A thin gooseneck assembly is provided for use in the chassis of a semi-trailer intended for hauling freight containers. The gooseneck assembly is formed by a fabricated tube extending longitudinally to define substantially the entire length of the gooseneck. The fabricated tube includes a lower plate having a pair of upstanding side defining flanges. A rearward portion of the lower plate includes a pair of longitudinal slots for receiving in fixed relation the web of a longitudinal beam which extends from the gooseneck to the rearward end of the semi-trailer. The top flange of each longitudinal beam is fixed to an upper surface of the lower plate so that a lower surface of each top flange is in surface-to-surface contact with the lower plate upper surface. An upper plate is positioned parallel to the lower plate and fixed to upper portions of the side-defining flanges. A kingpin for coupling the chassis to a tractor fifth wheel projects downward through the lower plate of the fabricated tube.

Abstract: In an automatic loading system and method wheeled carts receive five or six layers of newspaper bundles of four to six bundles per layer. A waist-high conveyor and an inclined ramp conveyor move bundles to a roller platform of independently operated roller sections selectively halted upon receipt of a bundle. When the desired number of bundles have been delivered to the roller platform, a pusher laterally moves the bundles to a split roller platform. A second group of bundles are delivered to the roller platform and the split roller platform. The sections of the split roller platform are then abruptly pulled apart causing the bundles to drop upon a fork-like platform extending into one side of a cart receiving the bundles. The pusher is retracted to the start position and the fork-like platform is lowered to receive the next layer of bundles in a like manner.