Abstract: A rack for vehicular applications is described that has a frame that is connected to a beam by a continuous hinge. In a first position the rack is approximately aligned with the ground surface and in a second position one side of the frame is in proximity to the ground. The rack includes a removable winch that that has an operational position and a stowed position under the rack. The winch is movable between the operational position and the stowed position. The height of the winch mechanism can vary relative to the plane defined by the frame.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus has a main body in a working position with a bottom end resting on the ground. The bottom end of a frame is pivotally attached to the main body above the bottom end of the main body and the frame is aligned with a side of the main body. An actuator pivots the frame downward about the pivot axis to a transport position where the frame extends substantially horizontally away from the main body. Wheels support the frame and a hitch at a top end of the frame is adapted for connection to a tow vehicle when the frame is in the transport position. When the frame is connected to a tow vehicle, the actuator can be operated to pivot the main body downward about the pivot axis to a lowered transport position where the main body rests on the frame for transport on the wheels.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a self-balancing vehicle base. A platform is supported on the base and is displaceable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. A support device engages the platform and supports at least a portion thereof during displacement between the first position and the second position. A method is also included.

Abstract: A self-propelled water craft launch and retrieve vehicle which comprises a central chassis which includes a cradle for carrying a boat and from which the boat may be launched and retrieved, forward wheels or rear wheels steerable under remote control, hydraulic motors for driving the wheels, elevated above the chassis a prime mover or electric motor and hydraulic pump(s) for powering the wheel hydraulic motors, and a hand held remote control unit operable by an operator standing beside or near the vehicle to cause the vehicle to move forward or to reverse and to steer the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A display dolly is formed from an upper shell and a lower shell that are thermoformed from first and second sheets of material. The upper and lower shells are formed and attached to each other using a twin-sheet thermoforming process that provides a hollow internal cavity between the shells. The upper shell provides an upper surface to support a display. The lower shell includes wheel mount interfaces to receive wheels such that the display can be moved to a desired location. In one example, the upper shell includes a first plurality of corrugations and the lower shell includes a second plurality of corrugations that extend in a different direction than that of the first plurality of corrugations.

Abstract: A trailer with a tilting bed includes an hydraulic tilt control. The tilt control includes piston-and-cylinder units for restraining or cushioning the pivotal movement of the bed between a transport mode and a tilt mode. A flow control valve provides fine control of the rotation of the bed when equipment is placed thereon and the trailer converts to a transport mode with the bed level.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus configured to be pulled behind a first vehicle includes a first or larger trailer and a second or smaller trailer. The first or larger trailer is configured to be pulled behind the first vehicle. The second or smaller trailer is configured to fit into the first trailer. The first or larger trailer can be used to haul a smaller vehicle, such as an ATV, snowmobile or other recreational vehicle, and the second trailer can be removed from the first trailer so that it can be towed behind the smaller vehicle as a stand-alone trailer. The second trailer can also be configured to form a ramp for the first trailer to aid in loading the first trailer.

Abstract: A trailer and platform unit of the type having a trailer defining a rear-end opening from the ground up through which an enclosure is accessed, with the platform adapted to support material and being loaded onto the trailer through the rear-end opening by the trailer backing into the platform whereby the platform engages and is supported by rails on opposed sides of the enclosure. The platform comprises a support surface to support material and lateral edge surfaces defining a periphery of the platform. Stabilizer devices each have a support arm with a first end connected to the platform, a second end projecting laterally away from one of the lateral edge surfaces of the platform, a base plate at the second end of the support arm. Adjustment mechanisms for each stabilizer device sets the vertical position of the base plate with respect to the platform so as to increase the footing of the platform on the ground.

Abstract: A system and a method for loading, transporting and unloading large, heavy field equipment to and from nontraditional operational location. The invention discloses a specially designed tilt flatbed trailer, a winch and cabling mounted near the front of the trailer bed, and heavy duty steel rollers imbedded into the flatbed surface. Initially, the trailer is positioned in an upwardly titled angle such that the rear edge of the trailer bed is near ground level next to the lead edge of the equipment. The winch cabling is attached to the equipment and pulls it over the rear edge of the trailer via a larger receiving roller. The equipment is pulled upward and onto the trailer bed until the rear edge of the equipment base clears the ground. The tilt bed is then lowered to a horizontal position. During loading, the equipment moves smoothly onto the trailer surface via the embedded rollers. To unload, the process is reversed.

Abstract: A system for moving a large object is provided that includes one or more wheels in contact with a ground surface and two pedals coupled to at least one wheel such that a downward force on at least one of the pedals by an operator seated on the system causes the wheels to move in a forward direction. The system further includes a gearing element that includes a gearbox that translates the downward force to the wheels. The system also includes a loading element that receives at least a portion of the large object such that it can be transported when the wheels move in the forward direction, where the large object weighs at least 300 pounds. In more specific embodiments, the system includes a steering component that includes one of the wheels, where the steering component allows a direction of the system to be guided by the operator.

Abstract: A log forwarder comprising a chassis having two sides, a separate series of rollers mounted substantially along the length of each side of the chassis, each series of rollers having an endless track made substantially of elastomeric material that extends around the rollers so as to contact the ground, with the series of rollers extending the ground contact area and weight distribution substantially along the length of the log forwarder, a flat bed for receiving logs; a covered cab; a boom adjacent said covered cab adaptable for moving logs to and from the flat bed, the covered cab including within it a first set of controls for maneuvering the log forwarder and a second set of controls for manipulating the boom, and the log forwarder having a height and a width which are less than height and width dimensions that require a road travel permit.

Abstract: A vehicle equipped with a lift device, capable of suitably lowering objects that have been placed in a high place to a position at which they can be reached by people, is provided. A link unit is provided on the top of the vehicle. The link unit is comprised of telescoping arms, which are parallel to each other. The link unit is comprised of base arm members, slide arm members, a base link which connects the base arm members, and support links, which are parallel to the base links and which connect the slide arm members. Further, the link unit is comprised of a drive boom, which is swung up and down on the top of the vehicle around a drive shaft, and a follow boom, which is swung, in the same direction as the drive boom, around a support shaft that is parallel to the drive shaft. One base arm member is attached to the leading end of the drive boom, and another base arm member is attached to the leading end of the follow boom.

Abstract: An embodiment of an assist device for maneuvering a tire and wheel assembly is provided. The device comprises a base member, a support frame configured to support a tire and wheel assembly thereon, and a sliding mechanism disposed between the base member and support frame, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to move the support frame sideways, forward, and backward relative to the base member.

Abstract: A multiple function landscaping method and system is capable of operating with or without a dump box. A lower lift, crane or hoist can be utilized by itself or in combination with an upper positioned dump box. The novel usage of a single truck bed to achieve such functions as tree delivery, debris removal and top soil delivery enables landscaping to be more efficiently and economically performed, thus providing a significant advantage to the environment.

Abstract: A vehicle for receiving and storing refuse includes a passenger carrying body having an outside surface and a cavity located in the passenger carrying body. A collection device is disposed in the cavity and is accessible from the outside surface. The collection device receives and stores the refuse, and has a retracted position for receiving refuse, and an extended position for releasing refuse from the collection device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a work machine, preferably a wheeled loader, having a bucket which is movable via lifting arms having at least one lift cylinder, on the one hand, and which is pivotable via a tilt mechanism actuable via at least one tilt cylinder, on the other hand, having a selectable fully automatic or semi-automatic bucket filling process in which the bucket is movable by a superimposition of the tilt movement of the bucket and of the lift movement of the lifting arm for the filling. In accordance with the invention, material-dependent target tilt cylinder speed values and target lift cylinder speed values stored in a memory are associated with the measured lift cylinder pressure values and/or the pulling force for the regulation of the bucket filling process.

Abstract: A transport, comprising an axle and at least two wheels supporting a chassis. A main support is connected to the chassis, wherein the main support comprises bottom engaging means and a locking means. A load cylinder is connected to the main support, wherein the load cylinder comprises a top engaging means. A mast cylinder is connected to the top engaging means and the bottom engaging means.

Abstract: A load-carrying system for vehicles comprises a secondary load support member adapted to be spaced above and extending over at least a portion of the primary load support member. Support means are provided to support the secondary load support member in a first position above the primary load and in a second position where the secondary load support member is moved relative to the primary load to enable access to the primary load or part thereof. The secondary load support member may be hinged to the support means to allow rotation between the first and second positions. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary support member may be moved on tracks between the first position and second position. In one embodiment, the secondary support member may comprise two portions hingedly engaged and rotatable one onto the other. The support means may include telescopic posts and struts, rams or links providing a lifting and/or rotating capacity in movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An equipment storage lift system for efficiently storing a plurality of equipment. The equipment storage lift system includes a base, a platform, a plurality of legs extending between the platform and the base, a front structure extending from the base and a winch attached to the front structure. The legs support the platform in a substantially level position in both the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: A lift device, comprising link units and a drive source, for operating these link units, is provided on the top of a vehicle or high surface. The link units comprise a telescoping arm that is disposed in a reclined posture on a top of the vehicle or high surface, a boom that is swung up and down by the drive source, a slide beam that is moved by the swing movement of this boom, along the top of the vehicle or high surface, and arm telescoping means for telescoping the telescoping arm in response to the swing movement of the boom. The telescoping arm comprises a first arm member, having an end that is rotatably connected to a free end of the boom, and a second arm member that is mobile in the lengthwise direction of the first arm member, the first arm member being oriented upwards so as to be lowered while extending from the top of the vehicle, as a result of the swing movement of the boom.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving material past an obstacle and/or for moving materials in areas of limited space. A user can move so that the area and space required to move an object is reduced. A user can utilize the system and method to load an object and then tilt the object to be moved so that the area needed to move an object is reduced. After the object has been tilted, a user can move the object in locations characterized by various physical restrictions such as limited height, width, and length dimensions that do not ordinarily allow for movement of larger sized objects.

Abstract: A trailer for a walk greensmower comprises a trailer frame supported by a pair of ground engaging trailer wheels. The trailer frame includes a pair of spaced, parallel wheel ramps. A tongue is provided for connecting to a tow vehicle. The trailer frame is pivotal relative to the tongue and to the trailer wheels to tilt into an inclined loading position for loading the walk greensmower by driving the walk greensmower up the wheel ramps using the powered transport wheels of the walk greensmower. Once the walk greensmower is loaded onto the wheel ramps, the trailer frame is pivoted into a transport position in which the wheel ramps no longer engage the ground and the walk greensmower is carried on the wheel ramps. In one embodiment of this trailer, the wheel ramps comprise cylindrical rails and the transport wheels are grooved to ride on the top sides of the rails.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.

Abstract: An improved dolly system including at least three dollies adjustably interconnected as a system to allow a trailer or other vehicle to be loaded therein. The dollies are adjusted for the width and the length of the trailer to mate the dollies with the wheels of the trailer. Four dollies can be adjustably connected in a system to provide a vehicle dolly system. The system can include one or more brakes and once loaded the system can be moved in any direction to facilitate the maximum use of available parking space.

Abstract: The present invention provides to an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for use in the bed of a pickup truck having a lifting bar of a generally U-shaped configuration with one side pivotally connected to a side wall of the bed of the pickup truck and an opposite side pivotally connected to another side wall of the bed of the pickup truck. A cylinder has a piston rod extending outwardly therefrom. This piston rod has an end pivotally connected to a linkage connected to the lifting bar. The cylinder is actuatable so as to move the piston rod between a retracted position and an extended position such that the lifting bar is pivotable relative to the movement of the piston rod. The linkage has a scissor-like configuration which allows the lifting bar to be stowed completely within the interior of the bed of the pickup truck.

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

Abstract: A bottom dump trailer cart which includes a wheeled cargo compartment having a floor equipped with downwardly pivoting dumping panels is constructed such that the panels protect the wheels from the dumped cargo. The cart is capable of riding over the dumped cargo because of the absence of an axle connecting wheels on opposite sides of the cart, and the provision of a rear wall of the compartment which can be caused to pivot upwardly and rearwardly. A tongue assembly extends forwardly of the cargo compartment. An operating mechanism positioned above the tongue assembly enables conversion between a dumping state wherein the dumping panels and rear wall are caused to be free-swinging, and a locked transport state wherein the dumping panels are secured in horizontal position and the rear wall is secured in a vertical position.

Abstract: The present invention provides to an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle transporter for a master vehicle which has a platform that reverse articulates and is removably connected thereto. The auxiliary vehicle transporter includes a main frame, a platform pivotally connected to the main frame for supporting an auxiliary vehicle, a reverse articulation apparatus for reverse folding the platform with respect to the main frame, and a frame connection group for removably connecting the main frame to a hitch and the vehicular frame of a master vehicle without inflicting injury to the vehicular frame.

Abstract: A handcart having a deck and a handle is disclosed which deck is pivotable between a generally horizontal load-carrying position and a tilted loading/unloading position by pivoting the handle. The handle is shiftable between first and second positions to lock and unlock the tilting mechanism. A method of using the subject handcart is also disclosed.

Abstract: A forage wagon is provided for loading and unloading material. The wagon generally comprises a pair of opposing sidewalls connected to a front wall and a rear wall, the walls extending vertically to define a storage chamber. Further, a bottom wall is formed by two bottom doors, each bottom door having inner and outer edges. The outer edges are pivotally connected to the opposing sidewalls. Notably, each of the two bottom doors is operable between a closed position for loading and an open position for unloading. The bottom doors rotate from the closed position to the open position under gravity. The closed position is defined by the inner edges mating to form a substantially continuous bottom wall, while the open position defined by the inner edges being spaced apart to form a large bottom opening for unloading material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic power unit is described for powering a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor positioned on a grain trailer or the like. A battery operated hydraulic pump pressurizes a hydraulic accumulator so that when needed, hydraulic fluid can be supplied from the pressurized hydraulic accumulator to a valve which in turn is connected to a hydraulic actuator or actuators.

Abstract: A trailer with a base having a front, a rear, and an axle. An upper frame pivotably coupled to the base frame and longer than the base frame. A towing tongue is coupled to the front of the upper frame.

Abstract: An ecological carriage for drums is described which is constituted by a metallic structure and a basin. The drum is disposed with an horizontal axis and rests on the metallic structure. The basin is below the drum and functions as a bowl to collect fluids, mineral oils and similar fluids which are lost or spilled during the decanting or due to rupture of the drum. This assembly is mounted on a base provided with wheels. The carriage is characterized by the fact that the structure supporting the drum is capable of rotating from a position essentially horizontal to a position essentially vertical and vice versa.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle lifting apparatus includes a powered vehicle frame having a driver's seat, a plurality of wheels and a steering mechanism. At least one cargo rack is mounted on the frame at a position spaced away from the driver's seat. A mandrel is rotatably attached to the frame at the cargo rack. A load transfer member is attached to the mandrel, providing a free end portion that is attached to a cable. One end of the cable can be attached to an immovable object such as a tree. A lifting frame, preferably in the form of a pair of lifting rods, extends away from the mandrel at spaced apart positions, such as at the end portions of the mandrel. The cable is attached to a tree so that when the operator of the vehicle moves it forward, the load transfer rod is rotated and functions as a lever, rotating the mandrel and the lifting frame so that an animal carcass can be elevated for transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a working machine, e.g., an excavating machine, movable on crawler tracks and being provided with an excavating mechanism. The apparatus includes at least two spaced-apart wheels and a load platform mounted therebetween. The working machine is secured at one end to the load platform and at the other end props against a tractor vehicle via the excavating mechanism. The working machine may be driven onto the load platform where its advancement is stopped by a guard on the load platform. As the working machine moves into contact with the guard, the mass of the working machine delivers to the load platform a moment that forces the load platform to pivot against the bottom surface of a crawler track. At least one gripping element on the load platform eliminates relative slippage between the crawler track and the load platform and locks the working machine against the guard. One such apparatus is provided for each track of the working machine.

Abstract: A hay bale pick-up device having a trailer with a deck, side wall, side bar, front wall, and tail gate; a powered track with a front end terminating in an inclined ground engaging track for transporting hay bales onto the deck; and a means for laterally moving the side bar across the track to laterally move hay bales onto the deck.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a chassis, an hydraulic fluid reservoir mounted on the chassis, and a body tiltably supported upon the chassis. The body has two opposed side walls along the interior of which rails extend. A bifurcated partition has an upper part suspended from the rails and a lower part tiltably suspended from the upper part. A tilt cylinder is mounted on the partition upper part and operatively linked with the partition lower part. Means are provided for moving the partition along the rails within said body. An extend trombone hydraulic line provides fluid communication between one end of the tilt cylinder and the chassis mounted hydraulic reservoir and a retract trombone hydraulic line provides fluid communication between an opposite end of the tilt cylinder and the hydraulic reservoir. So constructed, the relative sizes of the forward and rear portion of the vehicle body may be altered and refuse separately discharged therefrom on an automated basis.

Abstract: A convertible cargo body for a vehicle for allowing the user to convert cargo boxes to trailers depending upon the type of cargo being carried. The convertible cargo body for a vehicle includes a cargo body support assembly being adapted to be mounted upon a chassis of a vehicle; and also includes a cargo body assembly including a first box member being securely supported upon the cargo body support assembly and also including a second box member being hingedly attached to and removably disposed upon the first box member; and further includes a wheeled trailer assembly for supporting the second box member.

Abstract: In a wheel barrow having a load carrying container disposed between a rotatable wheel and a handle, an adapter apparatus is disclosed for assisting transportation of the wheelbarrow. The adapter apparatus includes a frame having a first and a second end and an axle having a first and a second side. The axle extends through the frame and the rotatable wheel such that the rotatable wheel rotates about the axle. Additionally, the axle pivotally supports the wheel barrow such that pivotal movement of the wheel barrow about the axle and relative to the frame is permitted. A rotatable device is secured to the frame so that the container is disposed between the axle and the rotatable device. The arrangement is such that in a first mode of operation of the apparatus, the wheel barrow is supported by the frame and is transported on the rotatable wheel and the rotatable device for transportation of the load disposed within the container.

Abstract: An improved roll cart that allows an individual to move and transport a large roll of paper. The roll cart includes a rolling frame that supports a pivoting carriage for holding and stabilizing a large roll of paper. The pivoting carriage is pivotally attached to a frame so that the carriage can pivot within the frame to allow a roll of paper to be rolled on to or off of the carriage with minimal effort and without lifting or damaging the roll of paper. The roll cart also includes a unique combination braking/locking mechanism and can be securely maintained stationary with respect to a surface by engaging the brake portion of the mechanism. When the brake is engaged, rolling of the device is impeded and the carriage tilts to facilitate loading and unloading of a roll by rolling the roll on to or off of the carriage. When the brake is disengaged, the device is free to roll but the carriage is restricted from tilting by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A material transport apparatus is provided which enables an operator to load, transport, and unload material while moving the apparatus in the forward and backward directions. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a material handling means, and a power transfer means, with the material handling means and the power transfer means being mounted on the frame structure means. The material handling means is pivotally mounted to the frame structure means, and its open end may thus be pivoted in the forward and backward directions via the power transfer means. An optional item may include an attachment component for attaching the apparatus to a piece of construction or farm equipment. The apparatus may also be part of a motorized vehicle, whose primary purpose is to load, transport, and unload material.

Abstract: A load supporting assembly for a trailer includes an elongated frame, a platform subassembly having a middle fixed platform section, a pair of front and rear pivotal platform sections being pivotally mounted to the middle fixed platform section and a pair of linkages movably interconnecting the front and rear pivotal platform sections such that the front and rear pivotal platform sections can pivot independently of and automatically relative to one another and to the middle fixed platform section and the frame without the need for any substantial operator intervention and in response to an operator driving a vehicle onto or from the platform assembly. The vehicle in being loaded onto the platform subassembly can push the front pivotal platform section down from the respective raised to lower position thereof without any corresponding movement of the rear pivotal platform section.

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

Abstract: A skid for use in unloading palletized cargo from a vehicle having a bed comprises a rail for placement under the cargo and a stop projecting upwardly from the rail. The stop is placed adjacent a side of the cargo when the rail is positioned under the cargo. Movement of the bed with the skid in place causes the cargo and skid to slide from the bed to a surface onto which the cargo is to be deposited with the cargo riding on the skid.