Abstract: A truck has a cab wherein a dumping bin and a storage compartment are attached to the cab. The dumping bin may be tilted to facilitate dumping of items placed within the dumping bin. The dumping bin may be operated from within the cab. The storage compartment has a ramp attached to the storage compartment. The ramp may be raised or lowered to enable a user to load or unload items from the storage compartment. A system and a method for transporting articles are also provided.

Abstract: The novel dump body enables a dump truck to carry large, packaged loads and large, loose loads. The dump body includes a containment base having a bottom and a plurality of sides. The dump body further includes a dumping mechanism formed in one of the plurality of sides for releasing loose materials when the containment base is tipped. Finally, the dump body includes at least one side door pivotably attached to the containment base and covering a first opening formed in at least a portion of one of the plurality of sides. The side door permits packaged loads to be loaded onto the dump truck, wherein the sides on the dump truck normally prohibit the carrying of this type of load.

Abstract: A tip trailer (10) includes a bin (11) having a floor (12), a front wall (13), side walls, a plurality of struts extending from the floor (12) to substantially an upper extremity of the side walls, one or more rear axles (16) and wheels (17), and one or more hydraulic rams (18, 28) operable to tip the bin (11), wherein overhead beams (19) are located substantially along a length of the bin (11), and the floor (12) is suspended from the overhead beams (19).

Abstract: A side dump trailer that empties to either side includes a generally rectangular chassis with front and rear axles, each having a pair of wheels, with the front axle secured to the chassis via a swivel connection to allow steering of the trailer with a tongue. The chassis has an elevated rectangular open top box trapezoidal in cross section with a closed bottom supported on the chassis and a larger open top. The box is fastened to the chassis by four pairs of cylindrical bushings, one of each pair fastened at each corner of the box and the other of each pair fastened to the chassis. The bushing pairs each receive a removable connector pin. Removing the connector pins from bushings on one side of the box allow the box to pivot and dump to the opposite side of the trailer.

Abstract: A truck has a cab wherein a dumping bin and a storage compartment are attached to the cab. The dumping bin may be tilted to facilitate dumping of items placed within the dumping bin. The dumping bin may be operated from within the cab. The storage compartment has a ramp attached to the storage compartment. The ramp may be raised or lowered to enable a user to load or unload items from the storage compartment. A system and a method for transporting articles are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle tipper system including a container body (30), a displaceable side wall (33) located on a discharge side of the container body (30), the side wall (33) being flexibly connected with the rest of the container body (30) at least one actuation assembly (16) for displacing the side wall (33) to an open position, and for tipping container body (30) such that product held within the container body (30) can be tipped from the discharge side thereof when the side wall (33) is in the open position.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) which includes a trailer (14) having a frame (16). A first tank (22) is mounted at the forward end of the trailer (14) and a second tank (26) is mounted at the rear of the trailer (14). A dump body (30) is mounted on the trailer (14) between the first and second tanks. The dump body provides the ability to transport solid material and dump the material to either side of the trailer. The first and second tanks provide the ability to transport liquid material. A conduit (32) can be provided between the first and second tanks to shift fluid between the tanks.

Abstract: A side dump body is disclosed wherein the bottom wall thereof is formed from overlapping sheet members which are welded together with the bottom wall being either substantially flat or curved. The side walls of the body may also be formed from overlapping sheet members which are welded together.

Abstract: A multiple use farm trailer for transporting large round hay bales in one configuration and rectangular hay bales or farm machines in another; the trailer includes a multiple-section deck with a stationary center section, two inner deck sections which pivot upward about a longitudinal axis, a locking leg of each inner deck section for retaining the inner deck section elevated at an angle to the plane of the deck, attached to each side of the deck is a side wall pivotally mounted to the deck whereby the elevated inner deck sections and their adjacent side walls in their raised positions form a cradle for support of a row of round hay bales. The pivoting side walls include linear actuating means for lowering the side walls and rolling the hay bales off the trailer.

Abstract: A side dump trailer that empties to either side includes a generally rectangular chassis with front and rear axles, each having a pair of wheels, with the front axle secured to the chassis via a swivel connection to allow steering of the trailer with a tongue. The chassis has an elevated rectangular open top box trapezoidal in cross section with a closed bottom supported on the chassis and a larger open top. The box is fastened to the chassis by four pairs of cylindrical bushings, one of each pair fastened at each corner of the box and the other of each pair fastened to the chassis. The bushing pairs each receive a removable connector pin. Removing the connector pins from bushings on one side of the box allow the box to pivot and dump to the opposite side of the trailer.

Abstract: A side dump body truck or trailer comprising a body pivotally mounted on a wheeled frame and fashioned so as to enable the material within the trailer body to be dumped from either side of the trailer. The body is constructed of rear, intermediate and front bulkheads having bottom wall and side wall portions in abutting relationship therewith and being welded thereto. The front and rear bulkheads are preferably angled upwardly and outwardly so as to increase the carrying capacity of the body. The bottom of the body is preferably V-shaped to increase the carrying capacity of the body.

Abstract: A self-discharging freight container for bulk solids of the type which discharge by tilting to that a hinged wall and a floor become coplanar, as a container braced by a pair of triangulating braces adjacent the hinge. Rams extending from the static frame push against the braces and rotate the container by 40°. Side-by-side and end-to-end versions tip to the left and right. A crane lifted version is included.

Abstract: A strengthening rail is provided for use on the side dump body of a side dump trailer or truck. A strengthening rail is positioned at the exterior surface of the side walls of the body at the upper ends thereof. Preferably, each of the rails includes a lip portion at the upper end thereof which is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the respective side wall. An upper end portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the lip portion and terminates in a first wall portion which extends downwardly therefrom at an acute angle with respective side wall. A second wall portion extends downwardly and inwardly from the lower end of the first wall portion and terminates in a third wall portion which extends inwardly to the respective side wall. The inner end of the third wall portion is welded full length to the respective side wall. The inner end of the upper end portion of the side rail is also welded full length to the respective side wall.

Abstract: A bale handling apparatus is mounted to a trailer and includes a frame, upper and lower bale cradles, cradle actuating hydraulic cylinders and upper and lower bale retaining means. Each bale cradle may be pivoted to eject bales. Each upper bale cradle is disposed directly above a lower bale cradle.

Abstract: A pivoting ramp device 10 for loading and transporting a “dirt bike” type of motorcycle 11 includes a mounting member removably attached to a trailer hitch 12 that is secured to the rear end portion of the frame of a transport vehicle 13 such as a pick-up truck or sport utility vehicle; a ramp member 16 having metal grating 34 for receiving the tires of the motorcycle 11; a first lateral member 18 positioned to engage a first end 36 of the ramp member 16; a second lateral member 20 positioned to engage a second end 37 of the ramp member 16, the second lateral member 20 having a removable portion 90 to secure the position of the ramp member 16; pivoting components 22 for pivoting the ramp member 16 to a balanced and stable position with the motorcycle 11 thereupon; eyelets 24 that receive a taut twine that secures the motorcycle 11 to the ramp member 16; and a removable extension portion 90 of the second lateral member 20 that upon removal, allows the ramp member 16 to pivot to promote the loading

Abstract: A side dump body is disclosed wherein the bottom wall thereof is formed from overlapping sheet members which are welded together with the bottom wall being either substantially flat or curved. The side walls of the body may also be formed from overlapping sheet members which are welded together.

Abstract: A strengthening rail is provided for use on the side dump body of a side dump trailer or truck. A strengthening rail is positioned at the exterior surface of the side walls of the body at the upper ends thereof. Preferably, each of the rails includes a lip portion at the upper end thereof which is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the respective side wall. An upper end portion extends downwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the lip portion and terminates in a first wall portion which extends downwardly therefrom at an acute angle with respective side wall. A second wall portion extends downwardly and inwardly from the lower end of the first wall portion and terminates in a third wall portion which extends inwardly to the respective side wall. The inner end of the third wall portion is welded full length to the respective side wall. The inner end of the upper end portion of the side rail is also welded full length to the respective side wall.

Abstract: A side dump body truck or trailer comprising a body pivotally mounted on a wheeled frame and fashioned so as to enable the material within the trailer body to be dumped from either side of the trailer. The body is constructed of rear, intermediate and front bulkheads having bottom wall and side wall portions in abutting relationship therewith and being welded thereto. The front and rear bulkheads are preferably angled upwardly and outwardly so as to increase the carrying capacity of the body. The bottom of the body is preferably V-shaped to increase the carrying capacity of the body.

Abstract: An agricultural side dump trailer is disclosed comprising an elongated frame having a hitch at its forward end for attachment to the drawbar or three-point hitch of a tractor. A side dump body is pivotally mounted on the trailer frame. The frame is supported by a wheel assembly secured thereto with the wheel assembly being positioned forwardly of the rearward end of the frame so that the load on the tractor hitch is better balanced.

Abstract: A top-dumping container handling vehicle for receiving, carrying and dumping at least one container having at least one locking slot is provided. The container handler has a frame which has an attached support structure. At least one container cradle for receiving and holding the container is supported by the support structure for movement between a centered position and at least one dump position. The container cradle includes at least one hooking or locking assembly that is movable between a hooked or locked position, wherein the locking assembly does not interfere with the loading of the container into the container cradle, and an unhooked or unlocked position, wherein the locking assembly engages the corresponding locking slot on the container, thereby preventing movement or shifting of the container relative to the container cradle. The container handling vehicle also has a dumping assembly which moves the container cradle between the centered and the dump position.

Abstract: A side dump body including a plurality of side dump body units pivotally mounted on a truck or trailer frame. Each of the side dump body units may be individually pivotally moved from a transport position to a dumping position wherein the contents of the dump body units may be dumped from the side of a truck or trailer. A material compactor is provided at the upper end of each of the body units for compacting material within the body unit. The material compactor may be moved from its operative compaction position wherein it overlies the upper end of the body unit to an inoperative position at one side of the body unit so that the body unit may be moved to its dumping position without interference from the material compactor.

Abstract: A multicombination vehicle and method are provided for transporting a payload, such as a mined metal ore, over the roadways existing in an underground mine. The multicombination vehicle includes a powered towing unit, which may comprise a rigid body truck, and at least one towed unit mechanically coupled to the rigid body truck. The vehicle may also include a plurality of the towed units, with a forward most one of the units coupled to the rigid body truck and each adjacent pair of the towed units being coupled to one another. Each of the units includes a chassis, a plurality of wheeled axles connected to the chassis for supporting the respective unit as the vehicle travels over the roadways of the mine, and a draw frame attached to and extending rearwardly from the corresponding chassis, with a coupling attached to a rear end of the draw frame.

Abstract: A bale handling apparatus is mounted to a trailer and includes a frame, upper and lower bale cradles, cradle actuating hydraulic cylinders and upper and lower bale retaining means. Each bale cradle may be pivoted to eject bales. Each upper bale cradle is disposed directly above a lower bale cradle.

Abstract: A side dump trailer comprising a trailer body pivotally mounted on a wheeled frame to enable the material within the trailer body to be dumped from one side of the trailer. The body is pivotally moved with respect to the wheeled frame by means of a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart scissor lift assemblies positioned beneath the body of the trailer.

Abstract: A utility trailer having a bed mounted on an axle which is supported by at least two wheels and adapted to be towed by a vehicle over a surface, the trailer having a bed which is capable of being selectively dumped to expel the contents thereof, wherein an anchor is disposed on chains and selectively deployable to position the chains relative to the wheels such that when the anchor is deployed, the wheels of the trailer engage the chains to halt movement of the trailer and cause rotation of the trailers bed about its axis.

Abstract: A yard waste handling apparatus includes a trailer or truck with a dump box operably mounted on the forward end thereof and a tailgate pivotally mounted on the rearward end thereof. The tailgate may be pivoted from a vertical position to a loading position sloped downwardly to the ground. The dump box has an operable front wall which may be pivoted to an open position to permit dumping of the contents from the dump box. A hydraulic scissors hoist under the dump box and connected to the truck or trailer frame is operable to pivot the dump box about the forward edge of the bottom of the dump box to thereby dump the contents of the dump box to one side of the truck or trailer. A hopper is mounted on a lift arm which is operably mounted to the dump box, the lift arm raising the hopper from a loading position on the ground to a raised position adjacent the open upper end of the dump box.

Abstract: A side dump body including a plurality of side dump body units pivotally mounted on a truck or trailer frame. Each of the side dump body units may be individually pivotally moved from a transport position to a dumping position whereby the contents of the dump body units may be dumped from the side of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A side dump body including a plurality of side dump body units pivotally mounted on a truck or trailer frame. Each of the side dump body units may be individually pivotally moved from a transport position to a dumping position whereby the contents of the dump body units may be dumped from the side of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A round bale moving trailer is disclosed as including a mobile frame and a pair of bale support cradles carried by the frame. The cradles have the same bale support capacities and are consequently capable of supporting an equal number of similarly dimensioned bales. Each of the cradles is supported on the frame for swinging movement between a bale-carrying position and a bale-unloading position. A control mechanism is provided for synchronizing swinging movement of the cradles. The illustrated control mechanism includes a single hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly coupled between the cradles in such a manner that extension and retraction of the assembly causes equal and simultaneous shifting of the cradles. The assembly is connected to a diamond-shaped linkage assembly which limits the ends of the assembly to equal shifting in relatively opposite directions.

Abstract: A drive-up equipment transporting apparatus 10 has a tiltable carrying rack 30 hinged to a frame member 22. The rack 30 is lockable in an untilted or tilted position, the latter position for driving an ATV or other small vehicle 18 from ground level 16 onto or from the rack. An outrigger 24 projects from frame member 22 to support the non-loading side 36 of the rack 30. The frame member 22 comprises a square tubing member having a front end insertable into a Class 4 hitch receiver 14 of a host vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, a square tubing member comprises the frame 432 of a wheeled trailer 430 with a terminal hitch 444. A plurality of carrying racks 30 are hinged to centrally tilt about the frame 432.

Abstract: A sequential pivoting mechanism for side dumping trailers, which allows the containment vessel to be initially pivoted upon a near point and subsequently pivoted upon a far point, while still allowing the containment vessel to be dumped to either side of the trailer frame. The mechanism comprises at least one forward and one rearward support beam of substantial length, which are affixed to the longitudinal members of the trailer frame. Atop of each support beam is secured an inwardly positioned pair of pivot pin receivers, and an outwardly positioned pair of pivot pin receivers secured on each side thereof. Each receiver has an associated pivot pin secured to the sidewalls of the containment vessel, positioned in a manner as to coincide with these receivers.

Abstract: A side dump body for use on a truck or trailer is described wherein the side dump body may be pivoted to either side of the truck or trailer to dump the contents thereof. The side dump trailer is operatively connected to a pair of pivotal body mounts which may be utilized to remove the body from the truck or trailer and place the same on the ground adjacent either side of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A bale rack is provided which has a base and first and second spaced bale cradles supported on the base for pivotal movement about longitudinally extending parallel axes. Each bale cradle includes at least one depending lock catch which presents an engagement surface extending in a direction transverse to the axes. The bale rack also includes a locking assembly for locking the bale cradles against pivotal movement. The locking assembly includes an elongated shaft extending in a direction parallel to the axes and a plurality of locking pins which are secured to the shaft and which extend in a direction parallel to the axes. The locking assembly further includes a linear actuator for translating the shaft axially to move the locking pins between a locked and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A multicombination vehicle and method are provided for transporting a payload, such as a mined metal ore, over the roadways existing in an underground mine. The multicombination vehicle includes a powered towing unit, which may comprise a rigid body truck, and at least one towed unit mechanically coupled to the rigid body truck. The vehicle may also include a plurality of the towed units, with a forward most one of the units coupled to the rigid body truck and each adjacent pair of the towed units being coupled to one another. Each of the units includes a chassis, a plurality of wheeled axles connected to the chassis for supporting the respective unit as the vehicle travels over the roadways of the mine, and a draw frame attached to and extending rearwardly from the corresponding chassis, with a coupling attached to a rear end of the draw frame.

Abstract: A side dump body having an increased carrying capacity when compared to conventional side dump bodies with the side dump body being pivotally movable between transport, loading and dumping positions. The side dump body has an open upper end which is directed upwardly when the side dump body is in its transport position. When the side dump body is in its loading position, the open upper end of the side dump body is directed upwardly and laterally towards one side of the wheeled frame upon which the side dump body is pivotally mounted. When the side dump body is in its dumping position, the open upper end of the side dump body is directed laterally and downwardly from the side of the wheeled frame.

Abstract: A yard waste handling apparatus includes a trailer with a dump box operably mounted on the forward end and a tailgate pivotally mounted on the rearward end. The tailgate may be pivoted from a vertical position to a loading position sloped downwardly to the ground. The dump box has an operable front wall which may be pivoted to an open position to permit dumping of the contents from the dump box. A hydraulic scissors hoist under the dump box and connected to the trailer frame is operable to pivot the dump box about the forward edge of the bottom of the dump box to thereby dump the contents of the dump box to one side of the trailer. A hopper is mounted on a lift arm which is operably mounted to the dump box, the lift arm raising the hopper from a loading position on the ground to a raised position adjacent the open upper end of the dump box. An hydraulic cylinder connected between the hopper and the lift arm is operable to pivot the hopper to a dumping position over the open upper end of the dump box.

Abstract: A side dump body including a plurality of side dump body units pivotally mounted on a truck or trailer frame. Each of the side dump body units may be individually pivotally moved from a transport position to a dumping position whereby the contents of the dump body units may be dumped from the side of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A crawler-mounted construction machine for executing slope strengthening work on a slope or a crawler-mounted slope traveling machine for carrying construction materials on a slope has shoe links (12) or (107) composed of shoe elements (18) or (113). Each shoe element is provided on its bearing surface with projections (23) or (118) as anti-side slip grousers, in addition to ordinary grousers (19) or (114). The projections (23) or (118) are provided as plate-shaped projections extending in parallel to or at an inclination to the traveling direction and arranged on the shoe links continuously or at intervals in the traveling direction. The height of each projection is set to be greater than that of each ordinary grouser (19) or (114) to prevent the traveling machine from the side slip due to the load acting on the traveling machine during its horizontal travel or work on the slope.

Abstract: A bidirectional side dump trailer includes a wheeled frame having first and second forward and rearward tub supports mounted thereon, and an open-topped containment tub. First and second forward and rearward pivotable support connectors each include a generally horizontal pin rotatably mounted on the containment tub and a sleeve rotatably mounted on the pin, while the first and second forward and rearward tub supports each include a generally concave saddle portion adapted to receive a respective one of the forward and rearward pivotable support connectors therein.

Abstract: A trailer is designed to receive, transport and unload large cylindrical bales of agricultural products such as hay, including bales which may be out-of-round due to a flat side caused by settlement during storage or transport. The trailer has a wheel-mounted frame extending the full length of the trailer and a plurality of cradles mounted on the frame to receive and support the bales. Each cradle has a latch by which the cradle may be released from its normally horizontal position to rotate under the force of gravity to an unload position. During rotation of the cradles to the unload position, pusher or kicker members contact and propel the bales outwardly from the cradles to insure that the bales land and/or come to rest on the ground in the desired position with their round sides in contact with the ground. In a first embodiment, a kicker mechanism moves relative to the rotating cradle, while in a second embodiment the kicker is a stationary member rigidly attached to the frame.

Abstract: A side dump trailer comprising a trailer body pivotally mounted on a wheeled frame to enable the material within the trailer body to be dumped from one side of the trailer. The body of the trailer is constructed to permit it to transport loose bulk materials or to support elongated rod members or spool members therein.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting and dumping loads of particulate material comprising a vehicle frame having spaced, ground engaging wheels extending therefrom, and angularly upstanding spaced frame members projecting upward from the vehicle frame; a dump basket operative to contain the loads of particulate material therein, the dump basket situated between the spaced frame members and having spaced end walls, a first side wall, and a dump side wall, the spaced end walls, the first side wall and the dump side walls each having respective upper edges, the respective junctures of the upper edges forming spaced, upper corners, the dump basket having hinge connections to the frame members at the upper corners of the upper edges of the end walls and the dump side wall for upward rotation, tilting and dumping of the loads of particulate material of the dump basket; a drop chute extension swingably connected to the dump basket by hinges and extending along the upper edge of the dump side wall; and a top arm and a bottom a

Abstract: A top-dumping container handling vehicle for receiving, carrying and dumping at least one container having at least one locking slot is provided. The container handler has a frame which has an attached support structure. At least one container cradle for receiving and holding the container is supported by the support structure for movement between a centered position and at least one dump position. The container cradle includes at least one hooking or locking assembly that is movable between a hooked or locked position, wherein the locking assembly does not interfere with the loading of the container into the container cradle, and an unhooked or unlocked position, wherein the locking assembly engages the corresponding locking slot on the container, thereby preventing movement or shifting of the container relative to the container cradle. The container handling vehicle also has a dumping assembly which moves the container cradle between the centered and the dump position.

Abstract: A gravity unloading method for cargo box having split bottom plates. A pair of rectangular split bottom plates abut at one of the long sides of the bottom plates and pivoted near the other of the long sides thereof on the bottom of the cargo box. Force is applied by power devices beneath the bottom plate, causing the split bottom plates to turn pivotally and become inclined. A side plate is disposed vertically at the edge of each of the long sides of the bottom plate. The ends of the side plates adjacent the bottom plate can be pivotally turned open through the free ends turning up by a linkage such that the articles located on the split bottom plates can completely slide out by their own weight from both sides.

Abstract: A bale carrier for mounting on a vehicle to carry round bales side-by-side, axes in the direction of vehicle travel, with a tilt cradle for each bale, arranged to dump the supported bales individually over the vehicle side, and a central longitudinal fence to separate bales. Independent latches secure each cradle to prevent dumping and an individual safety stay for each cradle prevents dumping until the stay is manually disabled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bidirectional side dump trailer which includes a wheeled frame having a forward end, a rearward end and opposite sides and four tub supports mounted on an upper surface of the wheeled frame, two supports being positioned forward on the frame and two supports being positioned rearward on the frame, thus forming a generally rectangular support base for the containment tub. The containment tub includes a base wall, at least two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall thereby defining an open-top containment tub. The tub also includes exterior and interior surfaces. Mounted on the containment tub on the exterior surface thereof are four pivotable support connectors which extend downward from the containment tub to each engage a respective one of the tub supports when the containment tub is mounted atop the wheezed frame.

Abstract: A container 10 for use in the transportation of goods mounted or mountable on a load carrying vehicle 12. The container 10 includes a floor 18 and a pair of opposed side walls 20, 22 each of which is supported for displacement about a pivotal axis adjacent its upper edge. The side wall 20 is hingedly connected adjacent its lower edge to the floor 18. The container 10 includes displacement means 16 for displacing the floor 18 and the side walls 20, 22 between a rest position in which goods can be contained within the container and a discharge position in which goods contained within the container can be discharged therefrom. In addition, the container 10 includes friction reducing floor support means in the form of rollers supporting the floor 18 to facilitate displacement thereof between its rest and discharge positions.

Abstract: A self-loading bale transporter (1) for agricultural use is particularly adapted for use with round bales (20). The self-loading bale transporter includes a support (2) which is movable between a position in which bales (20) may be loaded and unloaded, and a position for transporting the bales. The bale transporter (1) is further provided with loading arms which are capable of clamping the bale (20) onto the support during loading and transportation, and then releasing the bale (20) when it is unloaded.

Abstract: A portable rotary trailer tipper is provided for emptying the trailer contents through opening the open top of the trailer. The tipper includes an elongated transport that is portable and supports a trailer inverter. A platform for supporting the trailer is positioned along one side of the transport. A dumping chute for receiving the material dumped from the trailer is positioned along the opposite side of the transport. A trailer positioned upon the platform is engaged by the inverter then rotated upwardly and across the transport to dump material from the trailer into the chute. The chute directs the dumped material into a landfill site. A method of emptying material successively from a stream of trailers is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel toy vehicle comprising a body, a chassis at least having an upper surface and a rolling oscillation generating unit provided on the upper surface of the chassis for permitting the body to exhibit a rolling oscillation motion around a horizontal axis. The rolling oscillation generating unit comprises a plate mounted to an internal surface of the body, a plurality of connection rods for mechanically and movably connecting the plate to the upper surface of the chassis, and at least a pushing up member mechanically connected to the chassis and having at least two contacting portions for contacting on a flat bottom surface of the plate at least at its two symmetrical positions spaced along a vertical direction to the horizontal axis so as to permit either of the two contacting portions to pushing up the bottom surface of the plate.