Abstract: In hydraulic or mechanical systems, remote controllers are used to actuate and then control the systems. For instance, in dump vehicles, a controller controls a hydraulic or mechanical actuator that is used to raise and lower the bed during the dumping cycle. A locking safety feature is provided on such a controller to assure that accidental or too rapid of dumping does not occur. This controller provides stops that prohibit additional actuation of the bed absent override. The locking safety feature includes a button within the knob that allows for one-handed operation.

Abstract: A box latch and prop rod is provided for a tiltable cargo box of a utility vehicle. The single rod is fixedly mounted on the vehicle, and slidably movable between a first position where it supports the box in its tilted orientation, and a second position where it locks the box to the vehicle frame for transport or operation. The rod includes a biasing mounting that urges its latching structure towards engagement with a compatible latching structure carried on the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus having a modular configuration for mounting to a vehicle, in order to conveniently hitch a trailer thereto. The modular hitch apparatus has movable structure that is configured for selectively tilting a trailer with respect to the vehicle so as to facilitate loading and unloading equipment, automobiles, materials, etc., onto or off of the trailer. The hitch apparatus includes an elongated chamber-like structure that has an open top and an interior which is in communication with the open top. The chamber-like structure may be configured to be anchored to the frames of a variety of vehicles including conventional pickup trucks, cars, etc. The chamber-like structure is sized and configured in the manner of a conventional pickup truck bumper. The apparatus further includes an engageable member such as a ball hitch movably connected to a structural trailer part (e.g. a trailer hitch socket).

Abstract: A tipping apparatus for a truck body includes a piston and cylinder type thrustor connected at one end to the truck body and connected at its other end to a slide on the truck chassis. Initial extension of the thrustor is converted, via a triangular push rod pivoted on the chassis and linked at one end to the slide thereby providing to a substantially vertically upward lifting force on the truck body.

Abstract: A dumping mechanism for a dumping toy truck with a rear deck is disclosed, which is provided with a covering element for preventing invasion of dust and gravel through a large hole for a lifting rod, as well as a buffering pad for a bearing shaft for the rear deck and a flexible buffer at the lower end of the lifting rod for absorbing any sudden shock or loading applied by an infant.

Abstract: A loading device is releasably attachable to a conventional farm tractor or other vehicle, having a three-point hitch. The device includes a bar for providing a mechanical advantage during the initial lifting of a load from the ground. The device is adjustable to facilitate mounting upon various models of vehicles having a three-point hitch. The bucket is controlled by a non-pressurized piston and cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted sand hopper having a trailer pivotally mountable at the front end of a motor-driven truck. The sand hopper is tiltably mounted on the rear portion of the trailer and is releasably secured to the rear portion of the trailer. The hopper is capable of being tilted to vertical and horizontal positions with respect to the trailer by engagement of a winch and cable system. The hopper is provided with backing plates which facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the hopper from the trailer.

Abstract: A truck bed is releasably attached to a pair of spaced operating arms, which are mounted on the truck frame either to be moved up and down on the frame with arcuate, translational movement about a pair of spaced, parallel shafts that extend transversely of the frame, or to be pivoted at one end about one of the shafts in order to dump a load from the bed. A manually operable selector mechanism is provided, and in one position releasably secures one end of the operating members for pivotal movement about one of the shafts, while at the same time releasably securing the second shaft to the operating members for pivotal movement therewith. In its other position the selector mechanism releases the second shaft from the operating members and secures it against any movement while releasing said one ends of the operating members for translational movement, so that upon operation of an associated drive mechanism the two members are swung with arcuate, translational movement about the shafts.

Abstract: A trailer of the type for use in supporting machines such as snowmobiles, lawn and garden tractors and the like. The trailer includes a frame supported for pivotal movement about the axis of the trailer axle such that the rearward end of the trailer can move toward the ground such that the bed of the trailer is inclined to thereby facilitate loading of a machine onto the trailer. The trailer also includes a draw bar having a forward end including a hitch device adapted to be connected to a vehicle, and the rearward end of the draw bar is pivotably connected to the trailer frame and bed forwardly of the vehicle axle. A lever assembly is also provided for mechanically lifting the forward end of the trailer bed with respect to the draw bar so as to cause the rearward end of the trailer to move downwardly toward the ground to a loading position.

Abstract: A surface cleaning machine and particularly a riding power sweeper is provided. The sweeper has a main rotary broom and an adjacent hopper with an inlet opening for receiving dirt and debris swept from the surface by the broom. The hopper has an outlet opening spaced from the inlet opening through which dirt and debris are emptied from the hopper, and a dumping door is located adjacent the outlet opening for opening and closing the outlet opening. The dumping mechanism for the hopper includes a single drive unit which is connected to the hopper and to the dumping door. When the hopper is to be dumped, the drive unit is operated to first open the dumping door to a position against a stop. After the door contacts the stop, continued operation of the drive unit moves the hopper to a tilted dumping position in which the dirt and debris are emptied through the open outlet opening.