Abstract: An exemplary frame for carrying two or more tiers of vehicles within a standard cargo-carrying container includes frame-supporting wheels rotatably supported in interposed relation between the sides of the lower rail of the frame for streamlined operation. Installing structure included on the upper and lower rail of the frame, such as an upper and lower plate each having a toothed edge, enable selective coupling of a vertical tension member to the upper and lower rails either in a first suspended position in which longitudinal movement along the respective rails is possible or in a second suspended position locked against such movement. The exemplary frame also includes a storage mechanism where each vehicle-supporting wheel cradle is pivotable about a load-bearing hanger for securement in a storage position extending parallel to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable storage device for loading and transporting vehicles in containers, including a deck for supporting a vehicle in an elevated position, at least two pairs of substantially vertical legs with a plurality of leg pegs positioned along the length of each of the legs; at least two substantially horizontal crossbars, a crosspiece of the crossbars bridging the pairs of legs; a hooking ring member encircling each of the legs and removably engaging one of the leg pegs and an arm peg on each of the arms of the crossbar; and at least two floor bars and a wall brace for securing the storage device to the wall of the container.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier having a chassis on which is carried lower vehicle supports, first mechanisms mounting the lower vehicle supports on the chassis, and upper vehicle supports disposed generally above the lower vehicle supports. The upper vehicle supports include a plurality of upper platforms, and second mechanisms mounting the upper vehicle supports on the chassis for movement of each of the upper platforms relative the chassis independently of the other upper platforms. The upper platforms move between a lowered position adjacent the lower vehicle supports and the chassis, a raised position spaced above the lower vehicle supports and the chassis, a forwardly tilted position and a rearwardly tilted position relative the chassis.

Abstract: A safety tie-down roller (1) has a spring laden ratchet pawl (9) positioned at an opposite side of structural framework (11) from a ratchet gear (8) and its related working conditions. A handle (33, 34, 35) is provided to release the ratchet pawl (9) against pressure of a spring (20, 37, 40, 42) for unloading cars and for straightening out chain to prevent loosening hazards. A wrench socket (45, 46, 51) is provided in addition to bar wrench apertures (15) for fast ratchet wrench rotation or optionally for motorized wrench rotation of the tie-down ratchet gear (8). Accurate torque control is made possible by the wrench sockets with either a hand torque wrench or a motorized torque wrench. Adapter plates (47, 49) are provided in addition to convenient forms of special hand wrenches (57, 58, 60).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting a semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container from carrying general freight cargo to carrying automobiles. More specifically, the present invention provides for a lift mechanism which is powered by the drive wheels of the automobile being carried by the lift so that a plurality of automobiles may be carried in two levels in an enclosed semi-trailer or intermodal shipping container. The method of the present invention is also adaptable to being employed in piggy back transportation of semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers on railroad cars. The apparatus of the present invention is designed for flexibility in use and ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises lift assemblies based on the use of ball screws powered from flexible cable drives.

Abstract: A vehicle is supported on a horizontal support platform extending between two frames. As a winch is driven, a pair of cables raise the horizontal support platform upward along the frames. As the platform is raised, contact pads of the frames press against the sides of the cargo container, providing additional strength to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a container with cars. A car loading apparatus includes a box shaped frame having a rectangular base frame, side frames, end frames and a top frame. It is assembled outside the container. Two cars are loaded onto the frame in two tiers, one on the base frame and the other on the top frame. The upper car is lashed to the frame to compress its suspension springs to such an extent that its top is lower than the upper frame of the entrance of the container. Rollers are mounted on the bottom of the box frame so that the frame thus loaded with two cars can be pushed into the container with human hands. Alternatively, the car-loading frame may be formed of a rectangular base frame and two gate-shaped gantry frames fixedly or removably mounted on the base frame.

Abstract: A collapsible car rack system for use in intermodal containers wherein each car rack is capable of carrying two automobiles. Each rack is configured so that two racks completely fill a standard 40 ft. intermodal container and each rack is also fitted with a dunnage device in order to extend the size of the rack to fill a standard 45 ft. intermodal container. Each rack is equipped with push plates and pulling eyes so that the loaded racks may be inserted into, and withdrawn from a standard intermodal container with a forklift. In use, each rack will accommodate two automobiles the first of which is driven onto the rack in a collapsed condition and after erecting a top portion of the rack with a forklift and securing by vertical support members, a second automobile is driven onto the lower portion of each rack. The erect rack, loaded with two automobiles is of a suitable size to be loaded into a standard intermodal container with a forklift.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing four vehicles inside a maritime container using a platform (20) with locking mechanisms (40) for suspending it at a pre-determined distance from the floor of the container. Jack assemblies (60) are used to lower or raise the platform depending on the characteristics of the vehicle being loaded. Leaking fluid pans (32) are cooperatively and removably mounted to the platform (20) in order to prevent any damage to the vehicles on the lower level. The platform assembly (20) extends the entire span of the container where it is housed with the two parallel structural lateral members (24 and 24') kept in a spaced apart relationship by girder members (25) and spacer members (26). The vehicles are tied down during transportation to minimize movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading freight and automobiles inside maritime containers of substantially rectangular projection. Post assemblies are vertically mounted inside the container on a chassis assembly. A platform assembly is pivotally mounted to the post assemblies that are closer to the innermost end of the container. A forklift, or other lifting device, is utilized to lift and lower the other end of the platform and locking assemblies are used to maintain the platform in place, at a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the chassis assembly and floor of the container. Front post assemblies are collapsably mounted so that the entire apparatus can be stored away in a volumetrically efficient manner. Ski and wheel members are mounted to the underside of the front of the chassis assembly to help the forklift in the transportation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A double drop trailer has a central storage or cargo section whose floor is at a lower level than the floors of the front and rear storage (cargo) sections. A first lift having upper and lower cargo platforms is located in the central cargo section, and a second lift is located in the rear section. The first lift is initially positioned so that its lower platform is level with the floor of the front section. Cargo is then moved through the rear door, through the rear section, across the lower storage platform of the first lift and placed on the floor of the front section. More cargo is then moved through the rear door and placed on the lower storage platform of the first lift. The first lift is then lowered. Additional cargo is then moved through the rear door onto the second lift and this lift is thereafter raised permitting this cargo to be placed on the upper storage platform of the lift. Finally, more cargo is moved through the rear door and loaded into the rear section of the trailer.

Abstract: Articulated automobile carrier with individual movable platforms.Articulated automobile carrier characterized in that the automobile carrying structures (55) of the truck (1) and of the trailer (2) are made up mainly of unit support assemblies each controlling the displacement of a single platform through two screws (5) and (6) alongside the adjacent posts (2) and (3), screws on which are mounted blocks connected mechanically to each side of each carrying platform (9) for the purpose of the execution of the compound movements thereof in position and in slope, and of the platforms forming several access ramps for most of the vehicles at the rear of the carrier up to their respective platforms thus making it possible to effect automated loading and unloading phases.This invention is of interest to the builders of automobile carrying bodies for utility vehicles.

Abstract: Unitary carrier assembly distinguished in that each individual platform (9) is mounted movable with regard to its two supporting posts (2) and (3) by a carrier and lifting mechanism present between each post and each platform comprising a translation device (7) or (8) on a single screw (5) or (6) per post and for each post an articulation with the platform and at least one slanting articulated linkage (13) connecting the platform to the translation device.This invention is of interest particularly to builders of transport equipment.

Abstract: An enclosed semi trailer (10) is disclosed. Tracks (28) are provided for the support of an upper level of automobiles (17). A lower level of automobiles (17) are supported within pans (37). The tracks (28) are moved by means of support arms (29) which are powered by rams (23). The tracks (28) and support members (29) and cross frame members (26) fit within cutout portions (37, 38, 39) in the floor (25) so as to provide a continuous, smooth surface when general freight is being hauled.

Abstract: Load-lifting apparatus includes a pair of elements moveable on air bearings laterally toward and away from one another. Each element carries an inflatable bladder for lifting a load. A rack is also provided for receiving various loads, for example, automotive vehicles. The elements have cutouts at longitudinally spaced positions such that, upon disposition of the elements below the rack, the elements can be moved laterally away from one another with the cutouts registering with the wheel wells. The bladders may be inflated to lift the rack and load carried thereby for movement into a container. The process may be reversed to remove the rack and load from the container.

Abstract: A boat haul vehicle (10) includes lower and upper tiers of adjustable ramps (20-25) and skids (48), (50) and (51), and the ramps and skids include tracks (76). Dollies (55) are mounted to the front portion of each boat trailer, and the track wheels (75) of each dolly have a peripheral shape that is compatible with the tracks (76) mounted on each ramps and skid. Winches (91-94) are connectable to the boat trailers so as to progressively pull each boat and its trailer onto or off of the boat haul vehicle, with the track wheels (75) guiding the front of each trailer on the tracks (76).

Abstract: A double drop trailer has a central storage or cargo section whose floor is at a lower level than the floors of the front and rear storage (cargo) sections. A first lift having upper and lower cargo platforms is located in the central cargo section, and a second lift is located in the rear section. The first lift is initially positioned so that its lower platform is level with the floor of the front section. Cargo is then moved through the rear door, through the rear section, across the lower storage platform of the first lift and placed on the floor of the front section. More cargo is then moved through the rear door and placed on the lower storage platform of the first lift. The first lift is then lowered. Additional cargo is then moved through the rear door onto the second lift and this lift is thereafter raised permitting this cargo to be placed on the upper storage platform of the lift. Finally, more cargo is moved through the rear door and loaded into the rear section of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention is a new method and apparatus for alternatively utilizing an enclosed trailer for vehicular and non-vehicular cargo. A pair of tracks located on opposite sides of the center line of the vehicle are independently mounted on a series of full range hydraulic actuators, and lowered and raised to effect the loading of a series of vehicles on the tracks and then raising that series of vehicles to a height above the floor of the trailer to allow the loading of a second layer of vehicles on the floor of the trailer. The tracks can be articulated to a position defined by the full range of travel of the hydraulic actuators, thereby stowing the tracks in a position immediately adjacent to the floor or ceiling of the enclosure, freeing the largest possible portion of the interior for conventional cargo. In an alternative configuration, a movable platform roughly of the dimensions of the trailer floor is used in place of the tracks to provide elevated storage areas for vehicular and non-vehicular cargo.

Abstract: An apparatus configurable to support different types of loads on a wheeled vehicle during over-the-road travel includes a substantially enclosed compartment, an intermediate support shelf disposed interiorly of the compartment for relative movement therein and an apparatus for selectively moving the intermediate support shelf between a first position for supporting a first plurality of golf carts and the like thereon for transport thereof at a predetermined height above the floor of the compartment to permit the simultaneous transport of the second plurality of golf carts and the like disposed on the floor, and a second position in which the intermediate support shelf is in substantially flush relation with the boundaries of the interior of the compartment.

Abstract: An automobile/boat trailer for transporting an automobile with a boat supported above the automobile. Four corner vertical support columns are mounted on a trailer having standard rails for supporting an automobile. A boat trailer cradle is mounted so as to be vertically slidable along the support columns. Cables are attached to the trailer cradle and pass over pulleys secured to the top of each column. The cables are secured at their other ends to a winch for raising and lowering the boat cradle. Safety locks are provided for preventing the lowering of the boat cradle if the cables fail to support the cradle.

Abstract: A double-decked apparatus has a base (4), and a movable deck (6) is rotatably connected, at one end, to one end of the base. Automobiles can be positioned on the base (4) and on the movable deck (6). The movable deck can rotate between a first position, where it is laid upon the base and positioned substantially parallel thereto, and a second position, where it is inclined upwardly. The apparatus is also provided with support rods (8, 9) which can hold the movable deck in the second position. Two automobiles can be mounted on this apparatus, one above the other. The apparatus can, therefore, help to achieve an efficient use of the space within a transport container.

Abstract: Automobiles are transported on train cars called auto racks. These auto racks are covered by galvanized steel panels that are mounted by brackets to the auto rack frame. The brackets and frame are typically formed of a metal other than galvanized steel and the interface between the two metals cause the panels to rust and crack. Applicant has solved this problem by coating the brackets with a nylon coating that prevents the panels from rusting. Brackets that are to be welded to the frame are left uncoated at their weld points but are coated elsewhere. The invention results in an auto rack panel support system that will prevent rusting of the side panels and allow them to be used for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and carrying a maximum number of automobiles in a standard intermodal shipping container. The method utilizes an automobile supporting rack which is readily installed in a container and includes an inclined ramp upon which an automobile is driven from the floor of the container onto the ramp, the lower end of the ramp is then lifted to and secured in an upward generally horizontal position, and a second automobile is driven under the first automobile supported on the elevated ramp. The method includes sequentially loading automobiles on similar racks until the container is filled with six automobiles in three stacks of two automobiles each. The invention also includes an auxiliary ramp, upright sidewall frames for supporting the ramp, and locking means for locking the ramp in the upper position. The ramp and side frames are symmetrical. Automobiles are unloaded from the container in the reverse of the loading procedure.

Abstract: Load-lifting apparatus includes a pair of elements moveable on air bearings laterally toward and away from one another. Each element carries an inflatable bladder for lifting a load. A rack is also provided for receiving various loads, for example, automotive vehicles. The elements have cutouts at longitudinally spaced positions such that, upon disposition of the elements below the rack, the elements can be moved laterally away from one another with the cutouts registering with the wheel wells. The bladders may be inflated to lift the rack and load carried thereby for movement into a container. The process may be reversed to remove the rack and load from the container.

Abstract: A transportation container comprises a container main body for loading two lower stage cars on a floor surface, a front deck supported on both side walls of the container main body for loading and holding one upper stage car while displacing it in the longitudinal direction relative to both of the two lower stage cars, at least a portion of the loading face for the one upper stage car being situated below the top end of the lower stage cars, a front deck guide mechanism for loading the one upper stage car by self-running on the front deck, a rear deck supported at least at the front side end thereof to both of the side walls of the container main body for loading and holding another upper stage car while displacing it in the longitudinal direction relative to both of the lower stage cars, at least a portion of the loading face for another upper stage car being situated below the top end of the lower stage cars, a rear deck guide mechanism for loading another upper stage car by self-running to the rear deck, a

Abstract: A dual load trailer having upper and lower decks pivotally attached to each other by pivot arms, which are biased by means of torsion bar assemblies to apply a downward force upon the upper deck when the upper deck is in a fully raised position, and an upward force when the upper deck is in a fully lowered position. A slideable wheel carriage assembly is provided to facilitate tongue weight adjustment and access to the doors of vehicles transported on the lower deck.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to enhance intermodal containers for transport of vehicles wherein multiple longitudinal rails on container walls support movable and removable transverse cargo pallets having foot members which are articulatably connected to the pallets are disclosed. Cargo, preferably an automobile fixed to front and rear pallets is loaded by inserting each pallet's feet onto appropriate rail(s) at door opening, then sliding to stowage spot, the rail selection determining height and tilt. Stowage of any mix of automobiles in intermodal containers is optimized by double-decking, half-decking, double half-decking, mirror-imaging, and envelope intervention. On back haul, pallets serve other cargo as restraints, hangers, pallets, or dunnage deck supports, or they are stowed out of the way. Method and apparatus permit automated load planning and container stuffing, and make containerized shipment of large volumes of automobiles cost competitive with current methods.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting and storing recreational vehicles, such as three and four-wheeled motorcycle-type vehicles, is provided which comprises a substantially horizontally disposed lower frame assembly; wheel assemblies connected to and supporting the lower frame assembly; and an upper frame assembly spatially disposed above the lower frame assembly. The upper frame assembly is moveable between a substantially horizontally disposed first position and an angularly disposed second position. In the horizontally disposed first position the upper frame assembly is disposed a distance above the lower frame assembly so as to be substantially parallel with the lower frame assembly; and in the angularly disposed second position the upper frame assembly is angularly disposed above the first frame assembly such that a rearward end of the upper frame assembly is positioned substantially adjacent the lower frame assembly, in close proximity to a rearward end of the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: A semitrailer is described which is capable of conversion between a general freight carrying mode, and an automobile carrying mode. The floor of the semitrailer, which forms a lower tier, is fabricated in a discontinuous shape comprising from the rear end to the front end of the semitrailer an angled section, a drop section, and a horizontal section, the angled section extending downward at an angle whose vertex is located at the rear end of the semitrailer. An upper tier is formed by track supporting members mounted on each sidewall of the trailer which can be pivoted downward from a storage position adjacent to the sidewall, to a horizontal position where the components of the members are connected to form a continuous supporting structure.In the automobile carrying mode the track supporting members are deployed in their horizontal position, thereby permitting automobiles to be placed thereon in an upper storage tier.

Abstract: A railroad car for transporting vehicles comprising a car underframe having side sills and supported at each end by a railroad truck; a plurality of spaced apart vertical columns having lower ends rigidly connected to each of the side sills; a first deck supported by the car underframe; a second deck horizontally located above the first deck and rigidly connected to the columns; a brace bay between two adjoining first and second columns near each end of each side of the car; the brace bay having a horizontal member with opposing ends extending between the adjoining columns at the location of the second deck; the brace bay having a first diagonal brace having upper and lower ends extending from the first column downwardly to the second column and a second diagonal brace having upper and lower ends extending from the second column downwardly to the first column, with the upper ends of the two braces being located about at the horizontal member and the lower ends of the two braces being located about at the firs

Abstract: A double-deck transportation vehicle has an elevator platform proportioned to extend across the cargo compartment which is mounted on guide rails for vertical movement between a lowered position, an intermediate position and a fully elevated position. When in the lowered position, the platform is located at the floor level. When in the intermediate position, the platform is spaced from the floor and from the roof of the van to provide load storage compartments above and below the platform. When in the fully elevated position, the platform is raised to about the ceiling level. The platform drive mechanism is mounted in a drive compartment which is located within the platform. Elevator cables extend from the drive mechanism to anchor points located adjacent the upper end of the guide rails. The elevator cables extend within the cargo compartment of the van and are not exposed at the exterior of the van. A latching mechanism is provided for releaseably latching the platform in the intermediate position.

Abstract: A railroad car having at least one deck for supporting and transporting four-wheel vehicles such as automobiles and trucks, having a pair of spaced apart first and second parallel tracks, secured to the deck longitudinally of the railroad car, having clearance for the wheels on one side of the vehicle to roll between the tracks; a pair of movable chock block apparatus for each vehicle transported on the deck to secure the vehicle against longitudinal movement; each chock block apparatus including a bar with a first end and a second end; a carriage permanently secured to the first track so it cannot be removed from the first track but so it can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the first track without rotation about a vertical axis; the bar first end being connected to the carriage so the bar first end can rotate about a substantially vertical axis at least about 90.degree.

Abstract: A railroad car having at least one deck for supporting and transporting four-wheel vehicles such as automobiles and trucks; a pair of spaced apart first and second parallel tracks, secured to the deck longitudinally of the railroad car, having clearance for the two wheels on one side of the vehicle to roll between the tracks; a pair of movable chock blocks for each vehicle transported on the deck to secure the vehicle against longitudinal movement; each chock block including a bar with a first end and a second end; the bar first end being permanently secured to the first track so that it is not readily removable from the first track but so that the bar first end can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the track and the bar also can be rotated from about lateral to about parallel to the track; the bar first end having a latch for releasably securing the bar first end in a fixed position along the first track; and the bar second end having a device for releasably securing the bar second end in a fixed posit

Abstract: Car-carrier with each wheel-train equipped with its own carrying cross-structures.In this car carrier, the load levels (15) and (16) are composed of two side-rails (18) and (19,) which can be moved vertically along frame posts. The said side-rails are fitted with sustaining cross-structures (24) and (25) that can be moved lengthwise and can be blocked in any given position so as to create between the position of two of them a sufficiently wide interval to receive the wheelbase of each car to be carried. The lowest level (4) is realized by vertically mobile platforms, that are hinged together.

Abstract: A rail car having a bed, sidewalls and a curbed roof defined by at least one slope on each side connecting the flat top of the roof with the sidewalls and an end opening. Substantially symmetrical doors close the end opening. The doors are hung such that each can be moved from a position closing a portion of the end opening to a stowed position substantially along the inside of a sidewall. The doors have upper gable portions that substantially entirely fill the upper portion of the end opening. The doors, when in the closed position, substantially stand in one plane. First and second sloped end portions of the roof at each side and near the end opening are arranged with the lower edge thereof parallel to the top edge of the sidewall and spaced a short distance therefrom. When a door is moved to the stowed position it extends upwardly through the space between the sloped portion and the sidewall.

Abstract: Brackets are used to couple a first trailer to a second trailer in such a manner that the second trailer can be loaded with a load such as a boat and be raised to a position above the first trailer to allow the first trailer to then be loaded with a load such as an automobile. Both trailers can then be towed behind a tow vehicle such as a motor home or the like.

Abstract: An enclosure for the end opening of a vehicle having one or more interior elevated decks includes a pair of door assemblies each comprising a plurality of pivotally joined panels. The door assemblies are suspended in a vertical manner by means of hanger assemblies having tracking elements guided within a rail member disposed above the level of a vehicle elevated deck. Transverse movement of any panel concurrently displaces the entire associated door assembly, as a unitary articulated assembly, between a closed position sealing off the end opening, and an open position with the door assembly well-spaced from a lateral edge of the deck, in which latter position maximum lateral clearance is provided for lading carried by all decks or levels.

Abstract: A trailer assembly is disclosed for transporting two vehicles. The trailer has an open-ended frame supported by at least two independent wheels so that one vehicle is merely towed and not supported by the trailer and the second vehicle is loaded on the trailer above the first vehicle and supported by the trailer's wheels.

Abstract: A two car carrier truck employs an above-cab tilting platform for the support of one car in transit. A cable winch is located at the rear of this platform with a guide sheave for the cable at the front of the platform assuring a proper fleet angle for the cable being wound onto the winch drum even when the car is in a fully loaded position. Proper layering of the cable on the winch drum is assured and dangerous uneven piling up of the cable is eliminated. The overall length of the transport truck is reduced, driver vision is improved, and car loading time is reduced by placement of the winch closer to the operator's control panel at the rear of the truck. Oil leakage from the winch blowing back onto the truck windshield is eliminated.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is described for loading and carrying automobiles as cargo in a standardized, enclosed, dry-freight intermodal shipping container. The apparatus is provided in the form of a kit of assemblable components for manual installation in such container and for complete removal therefrom without use of tools, by which a track deck is erected using crossbeams supported between opposed mounting tracks provided by conventional slotted sideposts along the interior sidewalls of the container, and track sections mounted, and retained by removable pins on such crossbeams. Automobiles are driven on to such track deck via a ramp extending from the loading dock to the track deck, which ramp may also be included in the kit. The cars are tied down against vertical or longitudinal movement on the tracks by nylon take-up straps extending from the cars to the sidepost mounting tracks.

Abstract: A locking mechanism disposed on one of the panels of foldable doors utilized in railway cars for transporting vehicles for automatically connecting the panels together when in a collapsed position.

Abstract: An auto railway car having a plurality of decks is provided with a pair of folding door structures for closing the loading end of the car. The doors are hinged on spherical bearing structures and include locking mechanisms for locking the doors in open or closed positions.

Abstract: An auto railway car having a plurality of decks is provided with a pair of folding door structures for closing the loading end of the car. The doors are hinged on spherical bearing structures and include locking mechanisms for locking the doors in open or closed positions.

Abstract: A vehicle transport trailer, which is capable of carrying three to four vehicles and can be hauled by a pick-up truck. The trailer has two levels. The upper level has a rear end portion which is sloped towards the ground and is used as a ramp for loading and unloading. A hitch is attached to the front end of the upper level. A lower level is hinged to the main body of the trailer and is attached to the front end of the upper level by power activated telescoping members which are movable between a first position in which the trailer can be hauled at its hitch by a pick-up truck, and a second extended position in which the trailer is supported by the front end of the lower level and the rear end of the upper level, with the front end of the upper level and the hitch being pivoted upwardly to allow free access for loading and unloading of the lower level.

Abstract: A rail car having an interior cavity and an end opening for loading and unloading lading is provided with a pair of door assemblies, each of which includes a plurality of panels, each pivotally movable with respect to the other for closing at least a portion of the end opening. Pivot means comprising a shaft for mounting each of the door assemblies are provided to move the door assemblies between their respective open position and closed position. The pivot means are mounted for movement toward and away from the interior of the rail car on a track to permit storage of the door assemblies within the rail car when their panels are folded back upon one another. The shaft is manually driven by means of a housing. A rack and a source of rotational power including a cooperating pinion mounted on the shaft act to guide, move and lock the door. The housing has a cavity into which one or more enlarged lever ends are inserted and secured before assembly of the housing to the shaft.

Abstract: A rail car having an interior cavity defined partially by vertical rail car side walls and a roof structure with an inwardly and upwardly directed portion to improve car clearance is disclosed. Access to the cavity for loading and unloading lading is through an end opening. A pair of door assemblies, each of which includes a plurality of panels, each panel of which is pivotally movable with respect to the others, are included for closing the end opening. Pivot means for mounting each of the door assemblies are provided to move the door assemblies between their respective folded open positions and unfolded closed positions. The pivot means are mounted for movement toward and away from the interior of the rail car to permit storage of the folded door assemblies within the rail car along the car side walls. Top panel portions extend from the top of the door assemblies angularly inwardly relative to the opening and in spaced relation with each other and the roof structure.

Abstract: A standard truck chassis has a common support on the rear end of its main frame for a lower extensible and retractable vehicle deck and for a lower deck stabilizer unit which is also employed to tilt the lower deck following its rearward extension. Another support rising from the chassis main frame behind the truck cab pivotally supports the forward end of an upper vehicle deck positioned over the lower deck and the rear end of an over-cab vehicle deck. Power devices are provided to tilt the upper vehicle deck and the over-cab deck at proper times during vehicle loading and unloading operations. Three vehicles can be carried bodily on the three decks of the transporter and a fourth vehicle can be towed by the stabilizer unit.

Abstract: A car haul trailer for transporting vehicles which includes a trailer frame with a base frame and a pair of spaced apart upstanding side frames between which are mounted a plurality of fixed and movable track assemblies so that the track assemblies can be positioned in a plurality of positions to accommodate different loads of vehicles to be transported.

Abstract: A vehicle transport tractor and trailer of the stinger-steered type including a specialized sliding track and pivotal head ramp used in connection with the tractor. The combination is capable of transporting a load of nine large cars, or as many as ten small cars with equal facility. The tractor and trailer combination is likewise capable of handling an important variety of mixed loads which are commercially needed and include vans and pick-up trucks as well as conventional cars and station wagons.