Abstract: A knock-down towing dolly assembly having a wheel supported cradle for engaging a pair of front or rear wheels of a vehicle to be towed; the assembly being capable of elevating the vehicle's cradle engaged wheels in response to operation of improved automatic locking and unlocking actuators; associated one with each of four towing dolly wheels whereby the cradle engaged wheels of the vehicle are elevated to a towing position.

Abstract: A wheel lift head assembly is pivotally mounted adjacent the rear end of a truck frame and is hydraulically operated for raising and lowering one end of a vehicle to be towed behind the truck. The wheel lift head assembly includes a crossbar member having a pair of hollow tubes pivotally mounted at opposite ends thereof with a pair of J-shaped wheel engaging members slidably mounted therein. A retainer is secured to an end of each J-shaped arm to prevent the withdrawal of the arm from the pivoted guide tube and a J-shaped arm provides engagement on opposite sides of the wheels of the vehicle to be towed to prevent lateral slipping of the wheels. A tiltable truck bed is mounted on the truck for pivotal movement between a horizontal position and an inclined position. At least one support post is provided at the rear of the tiltable truck bed for supporting the end of the tiltable truck bed on the ground and notches are formed in a forwardly facing surface of the support post.

Abstract: A wheel lift apparatus for tow vehicles includes a boom extending from a tow vehicle and a cross arm connected with the boom. The wheel lift apparatus also preferably includes a pair of receivers including an inclined face mounted on opposite end portions of the cross arm and a pair of pivot members mounted on the end portions. A pair of swing arms, each of which preferably has a swivel leg, a wheel support leg and a distal leg, is mounted on the pivot members. The swing arms are pivotally movable between a storage position in which the wheel support legs each extend between the boom and one of the pivot members and towing position in which the distal legs are spaced apart from the cross arm such that the cross arm, wheel support leg and distal leg, and preferably the inclined face, define a receptacle for receiving and supporting a wheel of a vehicle for lift towing. Methods of wheel lift towing are also provided.

Abstract: In a towing vehicle (1) for manoeuvring aircraft (11) without a towbar, the chassis (5) of which vehicle has a fork-like receiving area (7) between the wheels (6) of a coaxial wheel suspension, in which receiving area there is arranged a retractable and extensible gripping and drawing-in device (9) which is fastened to a lifting blade (8) and by means of which the nosewheel (10) of an aircraft (11) can be gripped and drawn onto the lifting blade (8) which is pivotable relative to the chassis (5) both about a transverse axis and, for matching to oblique positions of a nosewheel (10) which has been received, about a longitudinal axis by means of two fluid piston-cylinder units (12) arranged symmetrically relative to one another between the chassis (5) and the lifting blade (8), the lifting blade (8) is coupled so as to be pivotable in all directions by means of a ball joint (25) which is fastened to the chassis (5) of the towing vehicle (1) and acts centrally on the back of the lifting blade (8).

Abstract: The invention concerns a lifting-rotating device for picking up a motor vehicle (14), in particular a passenger car, with a parallelogrammatic extension arm (11) which is articulated on a pillar (10) or a frame so as to pivot about the horizontal and at whose free end an extension arm tip (12) is articulated such that, when the parallelogrammatic extension arm (11) performs pivot movements about a horizontal, the tip (12) retains its set angle of inclination relative to the horizontal. The device further comprises a clamping unit (13) which is disposed at the free end of the extension arm tip (12) and is articulated on the latter so as to be rotatable about the horizontal relative to the extension arm tip (12).

Abstract: A tow truck is disclosed equiped with an improved body assembly, underlift assembly and lifting boom assembly. The body assembly includes a left body unit and a right body unit. Each body unit has a structural unit and a plurality of exterior panhed to the structural unit. The structural unit is preferably formed from flanged aluminum panels that are attached by adhesive. The improved underlift assembly comprises a support arm coupled to the vehicle. A base is coupled to an end of the support arm, a boom base is pivotally attached to the base at a first pivot point and a boom is pivotally attached to the boom base at a second pivot point. A first actuator is coupled to the support arm and the boom base. The operation of the first actuator pivots the boom base with respect to the support arm. A second actuator is coupled to the boom base and the boom. The operation of the second actuator pivots the boom with respect to the boom base.

Abstract: Improved wheel-lift apparatus comprising wheel dolly or caddy devices useful to provide mobility, lift and support for aircraft wheel assemblies for facilitating aircraft maneuverability in hanger or storage areas, comprised of generally U-shaped adjustable frame support devices having an adjustable cross member and a pair of parallel spaced extended end frame members defining an opening therebetween within which to laterally receive an aircraft wheel assembly, a pair of lift plate devices oppositely-disposed and supported by the extended frame members, respectively, at least one of the lift plate devices being pivotally movable to engage the wheel assembly to provide lift thereof, pivotal cam devices connected to the movable lift plate devices and providing upward and downward pivotal movement thereto, threaded rotatable gear devices having an elongated length dimension and engaging the pivotal cam devices on a distal free end thereof, said gear devices being movable along its length dimension to provide piv

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire dolly (10) comprising a cross member (12) which comprises a cross member axle (12A). The cross member (12) further comprises a cross member left tire (12CL) securely mounted on a left distal end of the cross member axle (12A) by a cross member left axle cap (12AL) and a cross member right tire (12CR) securely mounted on a right distal end of the cross member axle (12A) by a cross member right axle cap (12AR). The tire dolly (10) further comprises a left fork (14L) which comprises a left fork shaft (14LA) securely mounted at an inner distal end onto the cross member (12). The left fork (14L) further comprises a left fork roller (14LB) rotatably longitudinally disposed upon the left fork shaft (14LA). The left fork (14L) further comprises a left fork cap (14LD) securely mounted at an outer distal end of the left fork shaft (14LA) functioning to retain the left fork roller (14LB) thereon.

Abstract: A wheel lift towing device includes a boom for mounting to a towing vehicle and having a cross bar connected to its rear end. A pair of wheel retainer arms are each rotatably mounted offset from one end of the cross bar and devices are provided for rotating each wheel retainer arm which includes motive devices operatively connected to the wheel retainer arm by elongated flexible devices. Each wheel retainer arm cooperates with a wheel retaining plate and an end of the cross bar to cradle and support a wheel.

Abstract: A tool for assisting in lifting and positioning a tire and wheel assembly into position for installation on or removal from a vehicle hub comprising a pair of arcuate base members, which together form a cradle for receiving the tire. The arcuate base members terminate in a pair of pivot members with beveled points contacting the ground surface for a secure steady lift. Each of the arcuate base members is provided with a lifting member disposed on the proximal end of the arcuate base member so as to support and steady the wheel and tire assembly in a substantially vertical position as it is lifted onto the hub. Handle means for lifting of the tire and wheel assembly may be folded so as to provide a compact configuration for storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer 10 for towing vehicles having a single front wheel, such as a motorcycle, behind another vehicle. The trailer 10 includes a heavy duty frame 12 having concave shaped wheel carriages which engage the front wheel tire 26 of the vehicle to be towed. The configuration of the trailer 10 permits loading of the vehicle's front tire 26 by rotating the trailer 10 about the trailer wheels axis and rolling the vehicle's front tire into the concave wheel carriage 20. The tire 26 is then secured to the carriage 20 and the trailer 10 is rotated to engage the towing vehicle 32. This rotation lifts the vehicle front tire over and in front of the trailer wheels axle axis thereby suspending the front wheel of the vehicle or vehicles being towed off the ground, while the towed vehicle(s) rear tire remains on the ground.

Abstract: A self-propelled dolly for the movement of aircraft. The dolly includes a pair of laterally spaced apart first ground-engaging wheels. Each wheel is mounted about a portion of a split first axle mounted in a corresponding pair of spaced apart parallel members of a bifurcated chassis portion. The dolly also includes one or more second ground-engaging wheels that are mounted on a second chassis portion pivotally connected to the bifurcated chassis portion about a substantially vertical axis. The second ground-engaging wheels provide steering ability to the dolly and a handle extending from the second chassis portion permits an operator to control the dolly. A motor and drive train is operatively connected to at least one of the ground-engaging wheels. The bifurcated chassis portion is formed in two sections pivotally connected together about a lateral pivot axis at an intermediate location between the first and second wheels.

Abstract: A tool for removing and replacing wheels of heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks. The tool has a track with a first end member to be clamped to the vehicle axle. Chains on the intermediate part of the tool support the tool on the wheel of the vehicle. The chains can be released when the first end is clamped and the second end supported. Adjustable legs are supported on the second end of the track for supporting the second end of the track. A carriage with a wheel support on it is movable on the track. The wheel support is clamped firmly to the wheel support on the carriage. The axle nut may then be removed and the carriage can be moved toward the second end member and locked in position on the track with the wheel on it. The wheel can then be swung to an inclined position for servicing. When serviced, the carriage with the wheel can be moved toward the first end member of the track bringing the wheel back onto the axle.

Abstract: A lifting and tilting device for facilitating removal, repair and re-installation of large commercial and recreational vehicle wheels comprising a frame supported by wheels, a fork supporting tines, and a hydraulic jack interposed between the frame and the fork. The fork, in addition, includes a kicker. As one actuates the jack, the fork is vertically raised from a wheel receiving position to a predetermined height. Once the fork reaches this predetermined height, the kicker, upon further actuation of the jack, operates to tilt the fork and tines upwardly and outwardly to move the wheel carried thereon into an inclined work position.

Abstract: A tractor tows an aircraft with a landing gear having a nose wheel in accordance with a method for coupling the landing gear to the tractor. The tractor and the nose wheel are moved relative to each other on an apron until they contact each other. A shovel member of the tractor is coupled to the chassis of the tractor and movable within a recess of the chassis to be lowered to receive the nose wheel and raised to lift the nose wheel. The shovel member is slidable relative to the chassis and underneath the nose wheel so that it is located entirely between the nose wheel and the apron for receiving and at least partially supporting the nose wheel. The nose wheel is then immovably coupled to the shovel member. The shovel member is then raised to lift the nose wheel above the apron for towing the aircraft with the tractor.

Abstract: An aircraft towing vehicle including a chassis formed with a recess receiving a towing device for securing a nose wheel of an aircraft and including a transversely tiltable bearing frame, a vertically displaceable and longitudinally swingable lifting cradle provided with a pair of telescopic traction arms having respective gripping devices on respective rearward ends, the arms being longitudinally displaceable and adapted to swing about respective transverse axes, bringing thereby the gripping devices upwardly to engage the circumference of the nose wheel above an axle thereof.

Abstract: In an aircraft maneuvering tractor (1) for the maneuvering of aircraft (2) without the aid of a tractor drawbar, wherein the chassis of the tractor has a bifurcated receiving space which is provided between the wheels (3) of a wheel axle (4) and in which a retractable and extractable pulling-in device is arranged, by which the nose wheel (9) of an aircraft (2) can be gripped and pulled onto a shovel (10) which is movable relative to the chassis and which has a substantially horizontal bearing surface (11) onto which the nose wheel (9) is to be laid and a substantially vertical stop surface (12) against which the nose wheel (9) will abut, together with at least one hold down member (13) which is disposed over the shovel (10) and which is adapted to be laid from above against the nose wheel (9) and to be impinged by a holding down force. The hold down member (13) is formed substantially in the shape of an angle or an arc so that the inner side (15) of such angle or arc is turned towards the nose wheel (9).

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch, or alternatively a telescoping arm, for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclose the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.

Abstract: A specially constructed pallet jack is used for transporting a heavy roll of paper having a central hollow core. The pallet jack includes a frame with elongated arms having first and second ends, with a first set of wheels mounted at the second end of the arms, and a second set of wheels mounted near the first end of the arms. A jack is provided for jacking up the first ends of the arms so that they are spaced from the wheels. Between the arms is a cradle having first and second ends with three obtuse angle-connected planar surfaces extending between the first and second ends. The first end of the cradle is pivotally mounted to the first ends of the arms, and the cradle is biased to a roll-receiving position by a gas spring. When a roll is rolled into the cradle, it pivots, dampened by shock absorbers to a roll-capture position in which the roll cannot spontaneously roll out of the cradle. A strap passes from the cradle through the core of the roll to positively hold it in place.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a rotary member such as a vehicle wheel at a balancing machine in such a way that the rotary member can be lifted into a position, at the level of the balancing machine measuring spindle, in which the longitudinal center lines of the measuring spindle and the rotary member are aligned with each other and the rotary member can be moved concentrically relative to the measuring spindle. The apparatus has two equal-length positioning arms which are pivotally connected at an apex point in a scissor-like arrangement and which are pivotable uniformly relative to each other about their connecting point in a plane which is perpendicular to the measuring spindle. The positioning arms connecting point is displaceable along a line which is perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the measuring spindle and which coincides with the line bisecting the angle formed by the positioning arms.

Abstract: The wheel changing apparatus includes a pair of angular arms supported at their outer ends by caster wheels or skids with the arms joined at their remaining ends by a connector housing. A handle on the housing facilitates raising and lowering of the arms and a vehicle wheel assembly in place thereon for wheel assembly removal and attachment to an axle mounted hub. Multiple rollers in each arm rotatably support the wheel assembly. The arms are collapsible toward one another and the handle repositionable between the arms for compact stowage of the apparatus in a vehicle.

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclosed the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.

Abstract: A towing vehicle for towing a large aircraft that lifts, supports and moves the nose wheel of and consequently the aircraft itself, is provided. The towing vehicle has a frame which internally receives the aircraft's nose wheels. Forward and rear arcuate shaped nose wheel engaging members contact a substantial portion of the front and rear circumferential surfaces of the nose wheels. The forward nose wheel engaging members are pivotally attached to the front of the frame. The rear nose wheel engaging members are connected through hydraulic rams to the rear of the frame. When the hydraulic rams are extended, the nose wheels are lifted and rotated around the pivotal connection of the forward nose wheel engaging members and the frame thereby lifting and supporting the nose wheels off the ground. Movement of the towing vehicle then also moves the aircraft whose nose wheels are supported.

Abstract: A dolly particularly suitable for manipulation of tail wheel aircraft is disclosed as having a wheel and axle assembly with an elongated lever extending rearwardly from the axle. A wheel-holding assembly comprised of two arms forming an open rectangle extends from the lever. The wheel-holding assembly is fitted around the tail wheel of an aircraft without manipulation of the aircraft. A handle member is supplied at the end of the elongated lever to aid in manipulation and in lifting of the lever to remove the tail wheel of the aircraft from the ground so that the plane may be manipulated through the dolly. The dolly is also provided with a hitch assembly for use with tractor vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a large tractor wheel includes a frame defined by feet and a post, which carries a bracket for rotation around the longitudinal axis of the post; a boom pivotally connected at one end to the bracket for rotation around a horizontal axis; a plate on the bracket for supporting a jack in engagement with the boom so that the latter can be raised and lowered; and a clamp suspended from the outer free end of the boom for raising and lowering a wheel, the clamp being defined by (i) a pair of scissor jaws with roller bearings on the bottom opposing ends thereof for engaging the opposite sides of a wheel rim or (ii) a fixed C-shaped jaw with roller bearings on the bottom and side thereof for engaging one side and rim of a wheel, and an inverted L-shaped jaw adjustably connected to the top arm of the fixed jaw for straddling the top of a tire, with a bearing on the bottom free end thereof for engaging the other side of the tire and holding the wheel in the C-shaped jaw.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an aircraft tractor without tow-bar. The arrangement avoids relative movement between the nose wheel of the aircraft and the tractor lifting platform by making the lifting platform (24) rotatable around a longitudinal axis (30) of the chassis, which axis is horizontal when the chassis is extended, and by making displaceable the transverse tow arms (38) and/or the holders (42) at right angles to this longitudinal axis (30). The tires of an oblique nose wheel landing gear of an aircraft being towed in a curve are handled very gently, because the tractor parts (24, 38, and 42) that are in contact with the nose wheel landing gear are able to follow the movements of the nose wheel landing gear and to adjust to its instantaneous position.

Abstract: A novel approach is employed for attaching an aircraft tug to the nosewheel tire assembly of an airplane. A tire capturing mechanism comprising a pivoting capture arm and a transversally adjustable crossbar opens to allow positioning of the capturing mechanism around and beneath the portion of said tire that is not in contact with the runway surface. After tire capture is accomplished, said capturing mechanism is elevated off the runway surface by a lifting mechanism, so that the entire portion of the weight of said airplane supported by said tire is borne by said aircraft tug. A universal tire clamping mechanism is employed to secure said tire firmly to said capturing mechanism.

Abstract: A dolly including a frame together with an a plurality of casters mounted on the frame for low friction movement of the frame along a supporting surface together with elevating mechanism mounted on the frame and spaced below a part of the load when the dolly is inserted underneath the load, the elevating mechanism being operable to engage and to impart upward movement to the load and out of engagement with the supporting surface so that easy transport of the load is accommodated.

Abstract: An aircraft towing vehicle has a frame with a rearwardly open, U-shaped recess for receiving the nose wheel of an aircraft and a lifting and securing mechanism for raising the nose wheel off the ground and securing it to the towing vehicle in the raised position. The lifting and securing mechanism, in particular a hold-down mechanism and/or a lifter mechanism secure the nose wheel after it has been fully engaged by applying a wheel clamping force of a predetermined magnitude to the periphery of the wheel. The clamping force is selected to substantially prevent relative nose wheel movements while the aircraft is being towed.

Abstract: An aircraft towing vehicle has a frame with a rearwardly opening, U-shaped recess for receiving the nose wheel of an aircraft. A lifting and securing mechanism is disposed within the recess and includes a ramp and a stop plate carried by the frame, a lifter which pushes the nose wheel from behind up the ramp into abutment with the stop plate, and a pivotable hold-down mechanism mounted above the ramp. In its rest position the hold-down mechanism is set at a distance from the ground which is less than the diameter of the smallest nose wheel of the types of aircraft that can be towed. It contacts the periphery of the nose wheel being engaged at an upper forward guadrant of the wheel's periphery and passively moves in tandem with the nose wheel as it is being pushed up the ramp into its secured position. At the end of the engaging operation, the hold-down mechanism applied a downwardly directed force of a predetermined magnitude against the nose wheel, which is generated by a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: An aircraft towing vehicle is equipped with an aircraft nose wheel lifting and securing mechanism. The nose wheel is received in a U-shaped recess of the vehicle chassis, the lifting mechanism being constructed to grip the wheel from behind and underneath and to then push it up a ramp. The tilt angle of the lifting mechanism as it advances towards the wheel is controlled by a steering linkage such that the lower, freely movable segment of the lifting mechanism is tilted farther forward and beneath the nose wheel at the beginning of the nose wheel engaging operation, while conversely, a rigid upper segment is tilted farther forward as the engaging operation continues to completion.

Abstract: An aircraft towing vehicle has a rearwardly opening recess adapted to receive the nose wheel of an aircraft to be towed. A nose wheel lifting and clamping mechanism has two nose wheel lifters which can be pivoted from a retracted position, in which they are parallel to sides of the vehicle frame, into an operative position, in which they extend into the recess for engaging the aircraft nose wheel. The lifters pivot on rocker arms which themselves pivot about a horizontal axis and are power driven by hydraulic actuators. A separate hydraulic swivel drive motor is provided for each lifter. The pressure increase which takes place when the swivel drive reaches the end of its path is used to initiate the delivery of pressurized fluid to the actuator.

Abstract: A dolly for lifting one end of a vehicle and for towing the vehicle includes a pair of identical tandem wheel assemblies interconnected by a pair of spaced parallel steel tubes. At least one of the wheel assemblies includes a hydraulic piston which, in spreading one pair of arms on crank members coupled to the wheel assemblies, forces together the second pair of arms. The ends of the spaced parallel steel tubes are coupled into sockets on the ends of the second pair of arms so that their forcing together operates to lift a vehicle whose tires are resting across the steel tubes. The invention includes means for locking the tubes in their raised position and further includes vehicle wheel locking plates that are actuated by the lifting process.

Abstract: A wheel mounting device of fork-like design, adapted to lift and position a wheel by means of two horizontal parallel rollers, two vertical parallel rollers, a main-frame plate with caster assemblies mounted thereunder, and extensions forming a triangle, with a foot plate being mounted at the apex of the triangle, and said foot plate being on the same horizontal plane as the main-frame plate and the horizontal rollers.

Abstract: An automatic wheel attachment apparatus for attaching a wheel to a wheel attachment member of an automotive body. The automatic wheel attachment apparatus includes a reorienting device for reorienting a wheel attachment surface of the wheel attachment member, a phasing device for phasing wheel attachment bolts on the wheel attachment member, the phasing device being movable longitudinally and vertically of the automotive body to bring the wheel attachment member and the phasing device into central alignment with each other, a detecting device for detecting the amount and direction of movement of the phasing device, and a nut runner for fastening the wheel to the wheel attachment member while the center of the wheel attachment member as detected by the detecting device is being held in alignment with the center of the wheel. At least the reorienting device, the phasing device, and the detecting device are combined in a single robot.

Abstract: In order to move heavy large diameter tires and the like cargo from a storage site to a work place a cradle adapted to support the cargo is suspended at the end of a foldably linkage arrangement. The linkage arrangement is foldably into a compact form at one end of the vehicle and provided with a servo/damper arrangement which permits the weight of the cargo to be compensated for in a manner which permits the linkage to automatically return the cradle quickly and smoothly to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A loading process for a heated tire press is described herein in which a loader takes an unfinished tire from an unfinished tire stand and puts it between the tire forming pieces of the tire press. This loader travels with folded-in clamp jaws into the inside of the unfinished tire from below, engages it with extended clamp jaws inside of the upper bead from below, transports it in this position to the upper tire forming piece and raises it until its upper bead presses against the upper rim ring on the upper tire forming piece. The upper bead is held there by an auxiliary bellows, retaining fastener or the like. Subsequently the clamp jaws are folded in again and the loader retracted.

Abstract: A wheel puller for removing, transporting, and replacing large vehicle wheels and their corresponding brake drums is disclosed. The wheel puller includes a U-shaped metal frame having a central front portion and two arm portions. Upright members are disposed on or near said central portion and a horizontal pivot bar is mounted between the upright members. The pivot bar is vertically translatable on the upright members. A plurality of wheels are mounted on the frame to support and transport the frame. L-shaped wheel lifting arms pivotably mounted on the horizontal pivot bar pivot from a wheel engaging position to a handle position. In the wheel engaging position, the wheel lifting arms reside within the U-shaped frame and are parallel to and extend in the same direction as the arm portions. In the handle position, the wheel lifting arms reside on the side of the central portion opposite the arm portions and extend in a direction opposite to that of the arm portions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the density distribution of bulk material in the manufacture of pressed wood panels includes the step of eliminating the irregularities in the bulk material stream as it flows to the forming station. Apparatus for accomplishing this result includes a pair of spaced apart parallel rollers that define an adjustable slotted opening through which the material passes. Rotation and oscillation of the rollers function to render uniform the density distribution of the bulk material stream.

Abstract: A truck for towing disabled vehicles is provided with a cab controlled or a remote controlled vehicle lifting assembly including pairs of claws which will automatically engage a pair of the wheels of a vehicle and enable the vehicle to be lifted and towed, the vehicle being carried on its own suspension system during towing. The assembly includes a crane mounted and arranged so that the load thereon is carried forward of the rear axle of the tow truck--this increases the tow capacity of the truck and provides stable operation of the crane. The claw assembly may be locked by a ratchet and strap arrangement which retains the vehicle wheels in the assembly in their forward position and prevents release due to jolts and bouncing.

Abstract: A tire withdrawal arrangement for use in a green tire shaping process which includes a platform car arranged to be movable in a direction for withdrawing a tire from a tire shaping former, a rotating support stand provided on the platform car, and tire support arms of elevating and rocking type provided on the rotating support stand, with the tire withdrawn from the tire shaping former through the tire support arms being rotated on the rotating support stand so as to feed the tire onto a conveyor device through rocking motion of the tire support arms.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transporting and storing a spare tire. The spare tire is mounted on a hand dolly which is winched into a secure position beneath the vehicle frame. When the hand dolly carrying the spare tire is lowered and released, it provides a means for transporting the spare tire to and from the vehicle.

Abstract: A device is provided for dismounting and remounting wheels. The device includes two frames articulated to each other at their upper portions in pendulum fashion and are connected by a jack. The first frame is connected to a three point hitch of a tractor or other handling vehicle. The second frame is provided with wheel gripping structure. By swinging the frame having the wheel gripping structure relative to the other frame by operating the jack and manipulating the hitch of the tractor an operator can position the wheel relative to its mount.

Abstract: A lifting dollie is provided for moving paper rolls, featuring a U shaped frame supported by castor wheels, with a pair of lifting arms which are attached to the ends of a pivot tube extending through a tubular rear frame member with a square cross-section. A hydraulic pump and ram is used to raise the lifting arm. A chain driven steering mechanism is utilized for the remote steering of one of the rear castor wheels.

Abstract: A wheel change mechanism for aiding in lifting a tire onto and off of a vehicle. The wheel change mechanism compromises a base member which is movable along a support surface. Wheel support members extend from one end of the base member. A seat is positioned at the opposite end of the base member for pivoting the base member when a force is exerted thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to airport towing vehicles capable of handling large transport aircrafts. The vehicle has a movable chassis on which a platform for receiving the nose wheel unit of an aircraft is mounted. An access ramp, pivotally connected to an edge of the platform is engaged under the nose wheel unit of the aircraft to bring the nose wheel unit upwards onto the platform and a lifting device is supplied at controlled pressure to exert a lifting force on the access ramp which is a function of the load of the nose wheel unit taken over by the access ramp. Rollers on the upper surface of the access ramp reduce frictional resistance between the tires of the nose wheel unit and the upper surface of the access ramp.

Abstract: A bale loader designed for use in combination with a pickup truck. The loader features a frame assembly which slides easily into and out of the bed of the pickup truck and which may be secured thereto and removed therefrom without the need for special tools. The bale fork portion of the loader is designed to be utilized either in connection with the pickup truck frame assembly or with a standard three-point tractor hitch. The base of the bale fork is pivotally mounted to the rear portion of the frame assembly. An adjustable mast extends vertically from the center post of the bale fork and has a pulley connected to the top portion thereof. A winch motor is attached to the forward portion of the frame assembly and drives a spool having a cable which engages the pulley for selective pivoting of the bale fork.