Abstract: A recreational vehicle loading and transport platform for pickups provides a base mountable in a pickup box to pivotally carry a transport platform below the upper edges of the pickup box. The transport platform carries outrigger assemblies laterally of and depending below the upper edge of the pickup box to support outer support structures of recreational vehicles straddling the pickup box sides. A pneumatic cylinder moves the forward end of the transport platform vertically to responsively tilt the transport platform for loading and unloading of recreational vehicles. A loading and unloading ramp is removably secured to the rear end of the transport platform to move between use and storage positions.

Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for securing a mobility aid to the interior of a motor vehicle, such as a bus. The invention includes one or more retractors typically positioned forward of the mobility aid, and one or more retractors typically positioned behind the mobility aid. Some or all of the retractors are provided with a powered tension apparatus for providing opposed tension to the front and rear of the mobility aid, securing it from movement in the vehicle. The tensioning system is capable of being remotely controlled, enabling the securement and release of the mobility aid to be performed easily by either the mobility aid occupant or an operator in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles including the steps of providing a module shaped and sized to receive vehicles therein and providing a trailer chassis coupled to a tractor. The tractor and the trailer chassis are located on or adjacent to an external surface. The method further includes the step of locating the module on a trailer chassis, and driving the vehicles from the external surface into the module.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.

Abstract: Enclosed cargo containers for high mount automotive vehicle carriers and trailers which are designed to transport special vehicles and other cargo so as to be protected from ambient environment and road conditions. The containers may be fixed or removable mounted within the lower support deck of the vehicle trailers and may include one or a plurality of access doors for facilitating the placement of vehicles and other cargo to be transported and which, in one embodiment, may be adjustable in size so as to increase or decrease the storage space therein dependent upon hauling requirements.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a passenger truck cab unit which includes a body mounted to and supported by a truck chassis and a lower structure mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for additional support of the body; a freight transport unit; and a hitch mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for attaching the freight transport unit to the passenger truck cab unit. The body comprises a door opening extending into the lower structure for providing a vehicle operator entry and exit separate from a driver compartment door. The passenger truck cab unit tows the freight transport unit. In a second preferred embodiment, the hitch is removed and replaced by decking of sufficient strength to support and transport a load of freight. The present invention also includes the method of simultaneously transporting freight and at least one passenger, as well as the passenger truck cab unit used in simultaneously transporting the freight and at least one passenger.

Abstract: A rail road car has a rail car body which includes a housing structure. The housing structure has a pair of sidewalls, a roof and at least one deck mounted to the sidewalls. An enclosed lading space is defined by the housing structure and there is at least one door for controlling access to the enclosed space. The rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an auto rack sidewall panel bumper guard for auto rack railroad cars which eliminates contact between the vehicle door and the sidewall panel even in extreme heat. The bumper guard includes a pair of opposed mounting bases, a pair of extension arms connected to the mounting bases and a contact member connected to the arms opposite the mounting bases. The contact member has a lesser thickness than the arms to absorb the forces of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A wheelchair restraint has four primary components: a base assembly, two pivot members or arms, hinges and belt assemblies. The base assembly is used to mount the restraint to a vehicle. The arms are connected to the base assembly and each retain a belt assembly via a respective hinge. The arms pivot from a horizontal operating position about a horizontal axes to a vertical storage position. The vehicle restraint allows an operator to quickly and easily secure or release a passenger in a wheelchair, while maintaining the integrity of the straps/belts and prolonging strap/belt life by storing the straps/belts out of the range of the elements that would otherwise deteriorate them. In the storage position, the area can be used by other passengers not requiring securement and remain out of the way during wheelchair ingress and egress.

Abstract: A u-shaped trailer frame that includes a drawbar that is connectable to a trailer hitch. The u-shaped frame includes forward holding means and also a pair of axle supports for the wheel axles of the greens mower once the wheels have been removed. The trailer includes a pair of wheels that have special mounts, allowing the frame to be positioned as close to ground as possible, thus eliminating the need for any pivot members to raise the greens mower as found in the prior art. A special offset draw bar configuration is also provided to allow the ground hugging trailer frame to be attached to a conventionally located trailer hitch mounting.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a passenger truck cab unit which includes a body mounted to and supported by a truck chassis and a lower structure mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for additional support of the body; a freight transport unit; and a hitch mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for attaching the freight transport unit to the passenger truck cab unit. The body comprises a door opening extending into the lower structure for providing a vehicle operator entry and exit separate from a driver compartment door. The passenger truck cab unit tows the freight transport unit. In a second preferred embodiment, the hitch is removed and replaced by decking of sufficient strength to support and transport a load of freight. The present invention also includes the method of simultaneously transporting freight and at least one passenger, as well as the passenger truck cab unit used in simultaneously transporting the freight and at least one passenger.

Abstract: A wheelchair restraint has four primary components: a base assembly, two pivot members or arms, hinges and belt assemblies. The base assembly is used to mount the restraint to a vehicle. The arms are connected to the base assembly and each retain a belt assembly via a respective hinge. The arms pivot independently from a horizontal operating position about a horizontal axes to a vertical storage position. The vehicle restraint allows an operator to quickly and easily secure or release a passenger in a wheelchair, while maintaining the integrity of the straps/belts and prolonging strap/belt life by storing the straps/belts out of the range of the elements that would otherwise deteriorate them. In the storage position, the area can be used by other passengers not requiring securement and remain out of the way during wheelchair ingress and egress.

Abstract: A collapsible assembly for loading and transporting vehicles in a cargo container having a roof, a floor, two elongate side walls, and front and rear walls, includes two pairs of spaced vertical posts, one pair being at the front end of the frame and another pair being at the rear end. Front and rear horizontally mounted crossbars support two ramps for carrying a vehicle when the assembly is in its open position. Each crossbar has two members of equal length rotatably and slideably attached to the posts and connected together by a hinge that allows each crossbar to be folded in half interiorly of the frame thus pulling the posts together in a collapsed closed position for storage purposes.

Abstract: Each guidance structure has two orthogonal surfaces (a horizontal surface and a vertical surface) which define the insides of an “L”-shaped profile. A first pair of guidance structures is positioned on a loading platform so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are parallelly facing either toward each other or away from each other. Alignedly therewith, a second pair of guidance structures is positioned on an ingress-egress platform (connected to the loading platform) so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are obliquely facing either toward each other or away from each other. Vehicular cargo travels the ingress-egress platform so as to be “funneled” by the back pair onto the loading platform. The front pair's horizontal surfaces operate as tracks for the cargo's wheels, thereby more widely distributing the loading associated with the cargo. The vertical surfaces of both pairs operate as lateral barriers for the cargo's wheels.

Abstract: A universal, mobile occupant carrier, restraint device that may be adapted to fit various commercially available mobile occupant carriers. The restraint device allows the occupant to perform self-securement in a transport vehicle while providing resistance against multi-point collisions.

Abstract: A collapsible assembly for loading and transporting vehicles in a cargo container having a roof, a floor, two elongate side walls, and front and rear walls, includes two pairs of spaced vertical posts, one pair being at the front end of the frame and another pair being at the rear end. Front and rear horizontally mounted crossbars support two ramps for carrying a vehicle when the assembly is in its open position. Each crossbar has two members of equal length rotatably and slideably attached to the posts and connected together by a hinge that allows each crossbar to be folded in half interiorly of the frame thus pulling the posts together in a collapsed closed position for storage purposes.

Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an auto rack sidewall panel bumper guard for auto rack railroad cars which eliminates contact between the vehicle door and the sidewall panel even in extreme heat. The bumper guard includes a pair of opposed mounting bases, a pair of extension arms connected to the mounting bases and a contact member connected to the arms opposite the mounting bases. The contact member has a lesser thickness than the arms to absorb the forces of the vehicle door.

Abstract: An end cap attached to an end of skid for rolling a vehicle through the end cap and on to or off of the skid, the end cap having at least one channel extending through the end cap wherein each channel of the end cap is aligned with one channel in the top of the platform of the skid for holding the wheels of the vehicle. The end cap is attached to the top of a platform of a skid. In addition, the end cap can be designed and manufactured in either multiple segments or as a single component. The end cap may optionally have a vertical extension extending down from one side of the end cap and attaching to the bottom of the platform, thereby covering an end of the skid.

Abstract: An auto rack rail road car has a main deck and at least one upper deck for carrying automobiles. The auto rack rail road car is provided with short travel buff gear and a reduced slack, or slackless, coupler. Bridge plates are provided to span the space between adjacent coupled rail road cars. The bridge plates are able to remain in place during train motion. The bridge plates can be swung to a stowed position.

Abstract: In adapting a semi-trailer for hauling ATVs, modular track segments of a predetermined length for conveniently spanning a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending E-bars that attach to the logistic posts in the side wall of the semi-trailer are arranged to provide an elevated deck structure in the trailer on which additional ATVs can be placed. In order to load both the floor level and the elevated deck level, appropriately sized and configured ramps that extend from ground level to the trailer floor, or alternatively to the elevated deck structure, permit the ATVs to be driven onto the trailer floor or its elevated deck.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for securing an article by a strap has a frame to which one end of the strap is immovably connected and a winding shaft about which the other end of the strap is wound and unwound. A handle pivoted to the frame engages ratchet teeth on the winding shaft to rotate the winding shaft in a strap take-up direction when the handle moves from a second to a first position while not rotating the winding shaft when the handle moves the first toward the second position. A lock mechanism actuated by a key is provided to positively and selectively lock the handle to the frame when the handle is in the second position.

Abstract: A system for restraining a wheelchair in a vehicle comprises a barrier having housings for restraining belts thereon. A remote release assembly is mounted on the barrier remote from the housing and is connected to the housing, as by a cable. The wheelchair is secured by first operating the assembly to release the belt from the housing to allow the vehicle operator to withdraw the belt from the housing and attach it to the wheelchair before the wheelchair is fully in the securing area Then, as the wheelchair is moved fully into the wheelchair area the operator again operates the remote assembly to cause the housing to retract the belt into the housing to tension the belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side Wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: The multipurpose freight vehicle according to the present invention includes a lower deck capable of loading vehicles as freight thereonto, plural support posts standing up in an opposed state on both side edge portions of the lower deck, and an upper deck adapted to be lifted and lowered along the support posts. The support posts are supported so that they can be turned freely with respect to the lower deck in the direction of a vehicle width or in the longitudinal direction of the lower deck. The support posts are formed so that, when vehicles are not loaded onto the freight vehicle, the support posts can be housed in the lower deck by first lowering the upper deck, and then bringing down the support posts in the direction of a vehicle width or in the longitudinal direction of the lower deck. This enables when the freight vehicle is not loaded with freight the upper deck to be stored on the lower deck, and the support posts to be housed in an upper portion of or along side portions of the lower deck.

Abstract: A two level trailer is shown in which the upper deck may be conveniently tilted down to load or unload cargo. An upper deck is supported on four posts, one mounted at each corner of the lower deck. The front posts are fixed in place but the rear posts are pivotally mounted to the lower deck so as to have forward or rearward freedom of movement. The upper deck is pivotally mounted to the top ends of the front posts. Sleeves mounted on a cross member at the rear edge of the upper deck slide up and down the rear posts as the deck is raised or lowered. The cross member has some rotational freedom of movement relative to the upper deck to prevent binding with the rear posts when the upper deck is moved up or down.

Abstract: A universal, mobile occupant carrier, restraint device that may be adapted to fit various commercially available mobile occupant carriers. The restraint device allows the occupant to perform self-securement in a transport vehicle while providing resistance against multi-point collisions.

Abstract: A mobile containment pad stores liquid washed from vehicles. At least two modules are attached end-to-end. Each of these modules has a base, side walls and end walls to form a shallow tank. Spaced support members within the tank divide it into a series of troughs and also support a grating to mount a vehicle. A ramp permits the vehicle to be driven onto or off the grating. In accordance with preferred aspects, there are provisions to facilitate cleaning the modules.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a greensmower over a golf course. A deck of the trailer supports the greensmower, and a universal coupler of the trailer secures the greensmower to the deck. When the greensmower is secured to the deck, a rear driver roller of the greensmower abuts the deck, and a cutting reel drive, a bed knife, a front roller, and a grass conditioning roller of the greensmower suspend above the deck. A pair of wheels are rotatably coupled to the deck, and a pair of bumpers extend from the deck to deflect objects away from the wheels and associated wheel axles. A ramp support slidably adjoins a ramp to the deck, and the ramp is movable along the ramp support between a retracted position and an extended position. A ramp prop is adjoined to the deck to uphold a portion of the ramp adjacent the deck when the ramp is in the extended position. The universal coupler includes a latch assembly adjoined to the deck and a plurality of braces.

Abstract: A mobile containment pad stores liquid washed from vehicles. At least two modules are attached end-to-end. Each of these modules has a base, side walls and end walls to form a shallow tank. Spaced support members within the tank divide it into a series of troughs and also support a grating to mount a vehicle. A ramp permits the vehicle to be driven onto or off the grating. In accordance with preferred aspects, there are provisions to facilitate cleaning the modules.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system for a mass transportation vehicle having a securement area for a wheelchair is disclosed which includes a barrier carried at a rear portion of the securement area disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis. A rear wheelchair attachment assembly is carried by the rear barrier for anchoring the wheelchair to the barrier. A personal securement belt assembly secures a seated wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair in the securement area. A front bulkhead extends generally transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis at a front portion of the securement area which includes an extendable anchor member which extends transverse relative to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The anchor member is extendable between a stored position in which the anchor member is stowed within the bulkhead and a deployed position wherein the anchor member is extended from the bulkhead.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: A loading and unloading device for transporting vehicles with the use of a truck which is movably and releasably secured to the bed of the truck. The device has a movable vehicle receiving floor with forward and rearward legs pivotally secured to the bed so that the receiving floor can be displaced forwardly and upwardly to lift and carry a vehicle at a height sufficient to permit the placement of another vehicle on the truck bed and beneath the floor. A power cylinder, preferably one or more hydraulic cylinders, is used to selectively raise the receiving floor and carried vehicle upwardly and forwardly of the bed so that the weight of the car is more evenly distributed over the truck. The elevated vehicle is positioned more near the front wheels and axle of the truck to enable better truck handling and control. The configuration of the receiving floor, the truck bed and the pivotally secured legs always forms a parallelogram so that the vehicle being raised is substantially level at all times.

Abstract: The multipurpose freight vehicle according to the present invention includes a lower deck capable of loading vehicles as freight thereonto, plural support posts standing up in an opposed state on both side edge portions of the lower deck, and an upper deck adapted to be lifted and lowered along the support posts. The support posts are supported so that they can be turned freely with respect to the lower deck in the direction of a vehicle width or in the longitudinal direction of the lower deck. The support posts are formed so that, when vehicles are not loaded onto the freight vehicle, the support posts can be housed in the lower deck by first lowering the upper deck, and then bringing down the support posts in the direction of a vehicle width or in the longitudinal direction of the lower deck. This enables when the freight vehicle is not loaded with freight the upper deck to be stored on the lower deck, and the support posts to be housed in an upper portion of or along side portions of the lower deck.

Abstract: A belt (3) can be pulled out from a spring biased retractor reel (2) when a ratchet mechanism (16) is released. The belt (3) is entrained around a movable shoe (4) before being led to a fastening point. When fastened, the spring bias in the reel (2) takes up the slack. Operation of an actuator, such as by depression of a pedal (10), first causes the ratchet mechanism (16) to engage and then shifts the shoe (4) to stretch and tension the belt between the reel (2) and the fastening point. The pedal (10) is retainable in its fully depressed, belt-tensioning position.

Abstract: A tie down device for securing equipment such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, and generators to the deck of a trailer comprises a retractable arm which hangs under the trailer deck when not in use but which may be extended above the deck in order latch onto a mating projection on the equipment to be secured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for moving a vehicular wheelchair restraining device back and forth between a remote, stowed position and a deployed position from which it may lockingly engage a wheelchair to prevent it from freely moving around the vehicle. The mechanism includes a shallow platform having ramped sides over which a wheelchair may easily roll, and a motor and drive train for moving the wheelchair restraining mechanism between its remote position and its deployed position.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles including the steps of providing a module shaped and sized to receive vehicles therein and providing a trailer chassis coupled to a tractor. The tractor and the trailer chassis are located on or adjacent to an external surface. The method further includes the step of locating the module on a trailer chassis, and driving the vehicles from the external surface into the module.

Abstract: A multiple tiered cargo trailer comprised of a lower trailer deck and an upper trailer deck that permits the upper deck to lower itself down onto the lower deck for loading. The trailer's lower deck is suspended on an axle assembly with wheels that will facilitate transportation of the trailer. Additionally, the lower deck also contains a yoke extending to the towing vehicle that is adapted to mate to a hitch. The trailer contains pivotally attached support legs extending upwards from the lower trailer deck to the upper trailer deck. These support legs permit the upper deck to be lowered to the lower deck by moving the upper deck rearward. The activator to lower and raise the upper deck to and from the lower deck includes winch mast, winch, cable, and pulley systems.

Abstract: A stackable transport pallet comprising a planar support member having a substantially cloverleaf shape. The planar support member includes a first and second wide frame member and a first and second narrow frame member that are joined together to form the cloverleaf shape. A pair of lateral bumpers and a pair of longitudinal bumpers are additionally connected to the planar support member, such that the lateral and longitudinal bumpers will provide a distance between the planar support member and the ground surface. The stackable transport pallet includes a set of braces that are operable to support a vehicle or other item being stored on the stackable transport pallet. In addition, a set of leg assemblies are also attached to the planar support member to allow the pallet to be stackable. The leg assemblies are pivotable between an extended and a retracted position. In the extended position, cargo may be loaded on the planar support member and stacked accordingly.

Abstract: A module for receiving motorized vehicles for transportation. The module includes a driver-side side wall, a passenger-side side wall parallel to and laterally spaced from the driver-side side wall, and a bottom support structure extending between the side walls for supporting at least one vehicle located thereon. The module further includes a roof spaced from the bottom support structure such that the roof and the bottom support structure are arranged to closely receive a single layer of vehicles therebetween.

Abstract: A wheelchair restraint system which includes a floor mounting track, anchor means slidably mountable in said mounting track, a seat belt retractor means and a rigid bracket means for mounting the retractor means to the anchor means, swivelly mounted at one end thereof to said anchor means so as to hold said retractor means at a selected angle, greater than zero, relative to said floor mounting track. In a preferred embodiment a seat belt anchor pin is also mounted in overlying relationship to the seat belt retractor means.

Abstract: A securement device uses a pedestal secured to a support structure and comprising an outer casing with securing brackets. A receiving area is proximate one end, A mid-brace is secured at both ends to the interior. A release bar is pivotally affixed at one end with the other end extending through the casing. A vertical sleeve is secured between the mid-brace and the partially open top and contains a receiving area and an open channel. A spring is placed within the vertical sleeve and a capture rod, having a wedged receiving area, retained within the sleeve, resting on the spring. A draw rod is permanently secured to the capture rod at one end and slideably connected to the release bar at the other end. A locking member has a locking rod pivotally connected to the mid-brace and a locking bar affixed at a right angle. A release rod is affixed to the locking bar and extends into the partially open first end. A spring bar maintains pressure on the locking rod.

Abstract: A wheelchair anchor for use in a vehicle is movable between a retracted position in which it takes up a relatively small amount of floor space within the vehicle and an extended position in which it provides a plurality of anchor points to which one or more wheelchairs may be secured. An elongated track plate is secured to the floor of the vehicle so that it extends transversely to the direction of vehicle motion, and a beam assembly made up of three beams telescopingly engaged with one another is slidable along the track plate between a retracted position adjacent a first end of the track plate and an extended position wherein the beam is slid toward the opposite, second and the track plate. The distal end of the beam assembly is securable to the track plate adjacent the midportion of the track to maintain the beam assembly in the retracted position adjacent the first end of the track, and is alternatively securable to the track adjacent the second end to maintain the beam assembly in the extended position.

Abstract: A lock-down assembly for securing a vehicle to a platform to prevent unauthorized removal such as an all-terrain vehicle to the deck of a trailer. The lock-down assembly includes a retractable bracket secured to the platform and a locking device securing the vehicle to the bracket. The locking device is an extendable bar having U-shaped members at both ends to engage the vehicle and bracket. The retractable bracket includes a base plate fastened to the platform and a selectively extendable U-bolt mounted to the base plate. The U-bolt is fastened to the base plate with a cylindrical bracket which prevents access to the fastening nuts of the U-bolt when the U-bolt is extended for connection to the vehicle. Accordingly, with the vehicle lockingly secured to the bracket, the bracket cannot be removed from the platform.