Abstract: A trailer is provided for accommodating different lengths of loads. The trailer can have a hitch assembly connectable to a tow vehicle, a deck assembly positioned behind the hitch assembly, an axle assembly having at least two axles and wheels provided on the at least two axles, a first kicker roller adjacent a first side of the deck assembly and positionable in a loading position and a transport position and a second kicker roller adjacent a second side of the deck assembly and positionable in a loading position and a transport position.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a vehicle transport apparatus are provided. An exemplary method of making the vehicle transport apparatus includes at least the steps of providing a beam with a kingpin attached on each a proximal and distal end, linking a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle, and the axle adjusts horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam, attaching a guide post to the axle, securing a vertical slide member to the beam and in sliding contact with the guide post, and interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a vehicle transport apparatus are provided. An exemplary method of making the vehicle transport apparatus includes at least the steps of providing a beam with a kingpin attached on each a proximal and distal end, linking a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle, and the axle adjusts horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam, attaching a guide post to the axle, securing a vertical slide member to the beam and in sliding contact with the guide post, and interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle.

Abstract: A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle or other means for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the tractor dolly assembly is provided with self steering wheels which allow the disabled vehicle to be towed in a reverse tow direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type adapted to be mounted on a carrying vehicle, commonly referred to as a piggy-back forklift. The forklift truck has a forklift loading support comprising an upright bar (19) is mounted on the mast carriage (9) between the upright mast (11) and the side bar (7). The upright bar (19) may be pivotally mounted on the mast carriage, pivotable to and from a platform engaging position forward of the mast and a stowed position rearward of the front surface of the mast. The forklift loading support may be deployed very quickly and will not hinder loading of the forklift onto a carrying vehicle or require modification of the mounting gear for the forklift truck.

Abstract: A method of providing portable storage and a portable storage system including a vehicle for carrying a container. The vehicle includes a tilting bed carried by a wheeled carriage. A lift system tilts the bed from the carriage to load and unload the container by using a conveyor on the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle transport apparatus and method for attaching vehicles to the transport apparatus are provided. The vehicle transport apparatus preferably includes: a beam providing a kingpin on each a proximal and distal end; and an axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, the axle providing selectable vertical and horizontal positioning of the beam relative to the axle. The method includes: collapsing a rear suspension of a first vehicle; lashing a rear axle of the first vehicle to a frame of the first vehicle; coupling a first kingpin of a vehicle transport apparatus to a fifth wheel of the first vehicle; lashing the first vehicle to a frame of the vehicle transport apparatus; elevating the vehicle transport apparatus with an axle of the vehicle transport apparatus; and coupling a second kingpin of the vehicle transport apparatus to a fifth wheel of a second vehicle.

Abstract: A cradle has wheels and suspension system and channels or raceways and blocks or a brake for maintaining the cradle in a stationary position relative to the ground during loading and unloading. A load bed with top loading ramps and a bottom pair of wedge slide ramps rides on the raceways pushed and pulled by a tow arm from a towing vehicle. The wedge slide ramps provide a vertical cam action gradually elevating a forward end of the load bed as the wedges move onto the raceways for tilting the load bed so that the back end of the loading ramps tilt down to contact the ground for loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to versatile cargo trailer decks, and to methods for moving cargo onto such cargo trailer decks. In embodiment, a cargo trailer deck may have first and second moving apparatus attached to a deck member. The first moving apparatus may be adapted to move cargo between the back end of the deck member and the front end of the deck member, while the second moving apparatus may be adapted to rotate cargo from one orientation on the deck member to a second orientation on the deck member. The deck member may be adapted to move in backward, forward, left, right, vertical, and tilt directions, in order to align the deck member for loading and/or unloading cargo.

Abstract: A rail scraper is provided and includes a mounting plate attachable to the front of a dump truck transfer dump body, an extender attached to said plate, and a scraper attached to said extender that can be raised and lowered by said extender. A rail scraper can further be provided with a second extender attached to said plate, and a second scraper attached to said second extender. An extender for a rail scraper can be a pneumatic cylinder with an extension arm. A rail scraper can further be provided with an air valve, an air reservoir tank, and tubing connecting said tank, valve, and cylinder.

Abstract: A two staged system for powering the loading of a container upon a roll-off truck body or trailer utilizing initial movement of a single shoe within the vehicle frame and powering of movement thereof into abutment with respect to second movable shoe each of which includes a sheave about which the powering cable extends. Each shoe member moves through a path which is overlapping such that initially enhanced power and slower movement are provided to the container and during the second or final stage faster movement and less power is applied.

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers and flat racks off of a truck having a hook lift system onto a trailer and from the trailer back onto the truck comprising a carriage that is moveable along a track system that runs the length of the trailer. The carriage includes a cradle that a cross member located at the lower rear edge of the container on which it fits so that the carriage supports the rear portion of the container as it travels rearwardly along the trailer. The cradle includes side positioning blocks which center the container on the trailer as it is being placed in the cradle. Also located on the carriage is a receptacle which receives wheels located at the lower rear edge of flat racks. A carriage return mechanism urges the carriage forwardly as it approaches the front of the trailer. Locks at the front and rear of the trailer secure the container to the trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and un-loading a recreational vehicle from a truck. The truck has a front and rear and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a vehicle receiving ramp and a lifting mechanism engaged with the underside of the ramp. The lifting mechanism is mounted to the rear of the truck and is selectively operable to arcuately move the ramp between a lowered position that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and a raised position that is parallel with the longitudinal axis. The ramp is longitudinally mobile in the raised position between a foremost and rearmost position and is selectively lockable in the foremost and rearmost positions using a locking mechanism. To load the recreational vehicle, the ramp is preferably locked in the rearmost longitudinal position and placed in the lowered position for receiving the vehicle.

Abstract: The trailer has a deck assembly that includes a level main deck portion and a tail hinged to the main deck for vertical swinging movement between a level transport position, a downwardly and rearwardly inclined ground-loading position, and an upwardly and rearwardly inclined dock-loading position. Raising and lowering of the tail between such positions is carried out by fore-and-aft movement of the shiftable undercarriage of the trailer, such undercarriage being located under the tail and generally behind the hinge when the trailer is in its roading position with the tail in its transport position. When the undercarriage is shifted forwardly beyond a lost motion segment of travel, the tail is allowed to progressively descend by gravity to its ground-loading position. Returning the undercarriage to its roading position beneath the tail causes the tail to be raised back to its transport position.

Abstract: A trailer including a longitudinally extending frame comprised of longitudinally extending frame members having rearward and forward ends. Each of the frame members has a first section modulus which is positioned forwardly of the rearward end thereof, at least a second section modulus which is positioned forwardly of the first section modulus, and a transition section modulus positioned therebetween. A running gear is longitudinally slidably mounted on the frame members and has running gear retainers mounted thereon which slidably embrace the lower end of the frame members. When the running gear is in its transport position, a spacer is provided between the running gear retainers and the frame members to prevent excessive play therebetween. The retainers are designed so that once the retainers move out of engagement with the spacers, there is sufficient play or gap between the retainers and the frame members to enable the running gear to move from the first section modulus to the second section modulus.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a tiltable loading platform and an engaging device to control the movement of containers onto and off of the loading platform. Auxiliary wheels or rollers attached to a slidable carrier can be lowered into a position in which they contact the surface supporting the vehicle. The auxiliary wheels or rollers may rotate about an axis parallel to the axles of the vehicle and bear a portion of the overall load during loading/unloading, thereby providing additional support for the rearmost wheels and axle. In addition to or instead of such an orthogonal arrangement, auxiliary wheels or rollers may be provided which rotate about an axis which lies at an angle to the vehicle axles. Position corrections of the vehicle can be performed during loading and unloading by moving the vehicle forward or backward with such angled rollers or wheels in contact with the surface supporting the vehicle.

Abstract: A movable-deck trailer is provided which includes a frame with front and back ends, a tongue assembly mounted on the frame front end and a deck mounted on top of the frame. A wheeled carriage is mounted on the frame between its front and back ends and includes a pair of walking beam assemblies adapted for pivoting with respect to the frame. Each walking beam assembly mounts multiple torque tube axle/suspension assemblies. The carriage is longitudinally movable with respect to the frame and deck. A multiple-vehicle, movable-deck trailer includes multiple deck portions, the rearmost being tiltable. A movable-deck trailer adapted for tilting under the influence of either gravity or hydraulic power includes a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit interconnecting a frame and a tongue assembly thereof. A movable-deck trailer with a deck adapted for raising to the height of a loading dock includes hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering same with respect to a frame.

Abstract: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, cars, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer comprising a wheeled frame including a main deck and an upper deck positioned thereon. The rearward end of the upper deck is pivotally interconnected to the forward end of the main deck by multiple arms which maintain the upper deck in a substantially horizontal position while the main deck is being pivoted with respect to the upper deck. A suspension system is slidably mounted on the wheeled frame and is slidably movable from a transport position to a tilt position forwardly therefrom to enable the main deck to be pivoted so that the rearward end of the main deck may be moved into ground engagement to enable equipment or the like to be mounted on the trailer.

Abstract: A tiltable trailer and container system having a trailer with a tilt frame. When a container on the frame is released or coupled from the trailer it will move rearwardly under the influence of gravity to an off-loading position. The container is loaded by a winch and cable attachable to the container to roll the container onto the trailer. The container is provided with removable or selectively positionable wheels or rollers. The system also includes cartons which are stackable in the container for containment of freight and household items.

Abstract: An elongated trailer includes a bed supported on an undercarriage, wherein the undercarriage is shiftable longitudinally between roading and loading positions. At least one beam is provided on the bed and includes a lower flange defining a tracking surface, a web extending upward from the central longitudinal axis of the flange, and forward and rear ramps formed in the tracking surface. The forward and rear ramps are spaced longitudinally from one another and extend laterally inward from opposite sides of the tracking surface. The ramps are of a width greater than one half the width of the tracking surface so that the ramps overlap one another when viewed along the central longitudinal axis, and each ramp extends beneath the web. A pair of rollers are supported on the undercarriage for rotational movement and bear against the central longitudinal axis of the tracking surface and engage the ramps when the undercarriage is shifted to the roading position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semitrailer (1) comprising devices (6) for shifting a load, such as a container (9), to the support of the trailer (1) and away from the support thereof; as well as devices (3) for shifting the bogie (2) in the lengthwise direction of the trailer. According to the invention, the trailer (1) comprises devices (10; 12) for raising and lowering both the front end (1a) and rear end (1b) of the trailer. By employing the said devices, the front and rear ends of the trailer can be raised and lowered irrespective of each other in order to load and unload the trailer.

Abstract: A bale handling apparatus for receiving, transporting, discharging, and feeding of large round bales of hay is provided. The apparatus includes an upwardly open semi-cylindrical cradle rotatably supported above a trailer frame on a scissor device attached to the trailer frame and an undercarriage slideably mounted on the trailer frame. A restraining bail is pivotally mounted to the top of the cradle for restraining the bale of hay as the cradle is rotated. A hitch mechanism is attached to the trailer for connecting the apparatus to a towing vehicle.As the invention moves in a rearward or forward direction the undercarriage slides along the frame causing the scissor to open and close, and thereby raising or lowering the cradle into engagement or disengagement with the underlying surface, causing rotation of the cradle for receiving, transporting, and discharging the bale of hay.

Abstract: A trailer and method for unloading onto the ground or like surface using an unarticulated frame and no power sources other than the tractor or prime mover. The frame supports three rows of overlapping transverse rollers and has a tail-end roller substantially across its width. A wheeled carriage is mounted to the underside of the frame, so that it can be longitudinally shifted. When mounted on a conventional "fifth wheel" connection to the tractor, shifting of the carriage forward lowers the tail end of the frame which pivots downward about the connection to the trailer. Shifting the carriage back raises the tail. A pair of ground rollers is provided at the tail of the trailer which contacts the ground as it is lowered. A load may be placed onto the ground by unlocking the carriage, applying the brakes to the wheels of the carriage and backing up the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: A trailer has a trailer body, pairs of rear wheels at opposite sides of the trailer and hydraulics for tilting the forward end of the trailer body upwardly to dump the load in such body. The trailer dumps the load in a retracted position of the wheels. To increase the load which such body can carry while travelling, the rear wheels of the trailer are movable to extended positions. To provide for the extension and retraction of the rear wheels and facilitate the dumping of the load, a member is attached at a first end to leaf springs between the wheels and at a second end to the trailer. At an intermediate position, the member is attached to a rod extensible and retractible relative to a hydraulic cylinder to extend or retract the first end of the member and the wheels about the attachment at the second end as a fulcrum. The cylinder is attached to the trailer forwardly of the attachment of the member to the trailer at the second end.

Abstract: A tilting mobile platform comprising a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface with a first and a second rail member securely fastened to the lower surface of the platform is disclosed. An axle supporting frame is slidably secured to the rail members. A first axle is rotatably attached to the axle supporting frame such that the axle is transversely mounted on the axle supporting frame relative to a path of movement of the axle supporting frame along the rail members. An axle supporting frame moving means moves the axle supporting frame along the first and the second rail members from a first position to a second position. The axle further includes a first and a second axle arm extending perpendicular to the axle and each axle arm further includes a stud extending substantially perpendicular relative to the axle arm and parallel to the axle. A first and a second ground engaging wheel is rotatably attached to each parallel stud for movably supporting the platform and the articles placed thereon.

Abstract: A trailer body (600) and pedestal (604) are provided where the pedestal supports an axle assembly (605) which is pivotally secured to the pedestal so that when the pedestal is in the forward position to permit trailer dumping, the axle assembly pivots about the pedestal to keep all wheels (612) on the ground. A safety plate (630) can be mounted between a frame and pedestal to prevent structure from being wedged between the transverse beams of the frame and pedestal as the pedestal slides relative to the frame. Also, a striker plate (616) is employed to prevent a locking wedge (622) from interfering with movement of the pedestal relative to the frame until the pedestal is either in the rearward position or in the forward position. A fender structure (614) is provided which acts as a fender when the pedestal is in the rearward position, but is not damaged as the pedestal moves to the forward position.

Abstract: A container chassis is supported at one end by a movable bogie unit or "slider" mounted below it, and has a sliding bolster unit mounted above it to accommodate a heavy twenty foot cargo container. Retractable roller mechanisms on the bogie unit and on the bolster unit are urged against the chassis to permit easy placement of a unit at a desired position along the chassis, and a releasable coupling between the slider and the bolster allows the bolster to be moved along the chassis by the slider. Protocols are described for moving a container between a first position centered on the chassis and a second position flush with the rear of the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, the front portion of the chassis is elevated with respect to the rear portion, so that the bolster slides along a region lower than the front. With the bolster in its rearmost position, the chassis accommodates a forty foot container.

Abstract: A trailer unloaded onto the ground or like surface using an unarticulated frame and no power sources other than the tractor or prime mover. The frame supports three rows of overlapping transverse rollers and has a tail-end roller substantially across its width. A wheeled carriage is mounted to the underside of the frame, so that it can be longitudinally shifted. When mounted on a conventional "fifth wheel" connection to the tractor, shifting of the carriage forward lowers the tail end of the frame which pivots downward about the connection to the trailer. Shifting the carriage back raises the tail. A pair of ground rollers is provided at the tail of the trailer which contacts the ground as it is lowered. A load may be placed onto the ground by unlocking the carriage, applying the brakes to the wheels of the carriage and backing up the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: The self-loading tilt bed trailer has an elongated tiltable bed normally disposed in a substantially horizontal road traveling position that may be tilted about a transverse horizontal axis to a downwardly and rearwardly inclined position. The bed is pivotally coupled at its front end to a towing tractor for pivotal movement of the bed about a substantially vertical axis. When the bed is tilted steeply enough to raise the wheels completely off the ground so the weight of the bed is supported only by a ground-engaging pad at the rear of the bed and the tractor at the front, actuation of a hydraulic cylinder associated with the pad causes the rear of the bed to be shifted a short distance to the right or left relative to the stationary pad, pivoting about the upright hitch axis at the tractor.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a carriage assembly which can move longitudinally with respect to its supporting wheel assembly. Due to this arrangement, the supporting wheels of the trailer do not have to be submerged in water in order to launch the boat thereby preserving the wheel bearing lift. Also provided is a retractable auxiliary wheel assembly at the rear of the carriage assembly to support the same when the carriage is moved rearward with respect to the supporting wheel assembly.

Abstract: Various vehicles (10, 200, 300) are provided with a rear supporting pedestal (30, 208, 316) which is movable between a forward position and a rearward position. In the forward position, the trailer unit of the vehicle can be tilted from the horizontal for dumping a payload or mounting or demounting a roll off container (318). In the rearward position, the effective legal wheel base of the vehicles is increased, permitting the gross vehicle load to be greater. The ability to vary the wheel base thus provides an increase in legal payload resulting in greater operating efficiency. In addition, a front helper lifter assembly (500) is disclosed which can be used to assist the lifting cylinders on a trailer in moving the tilting member of the trailer from the horizontal position.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated trailer for transporting heavy equipment to a remote operational site, and for lowering the trailer platform and equipment to ground level for operation. A plurality of hydraulic jack assemblies raise or lower the trailer platform. The trailer has a hydraulically operated rear truck dolly which is moved within a track-lined guideway by a push-pull hydraulic ram, so as to be readily moved from under the trailer platform for lowering of the platform. The truck dolly remains pivotally attached to the trailer platform when the same is lowered to ground level.

Abstract: A control assembly for shifting the undercarriage of a trailer to a position permitting tilting of the bed for facilitating loading of cargo has a relatively long stroke such as to appreciably decrease the slope of the bed when in its tilted position with the undercarriage disposed forwardly remote from its normal roading position. The assembly permits the loading of cargo which would otherwise require additional ramps needed also in certain instances to compensate for overhang.

Abstract: To unload a lengthy object from a transport trailer, the rear of the trailer is supported by legs and the bogie wheels at the rear are shifted fowardly. As they reach the front of the trailer, they are automatically coupled to the tractor and the tractor is disconnected from the trailer. The bogie wheels continue their forward motion and push the tractor from beneath the trailer. The rear of the trailer is then lowered to the ground and the lengthy object is released from the trailer and slides into engagement with the ground. Thereafter, the trailer is driven forward by the tractor, while coupled to the bogie wheels, until the object is unloaded. The rear of the trailer is then raised by the legs and the bogie wheels are shifted rearwardly to their initial position, whereby the tractor is pulled into coupling engagement with the trailer and the bogie wheels are released from the tractor.

Abstract: A tiltable trailer is provided with longitudinal beams spaced such as to be located directly beneath the wheels of equipment to be hauled thereby, eliminating the need for heavy cross pieces beneath the deck for the supporting wide loads, thereby contributing toward decreased trailer weight. A lower deck height is accomplished by having the tracks for the rollers of the reciprocable undercarriage and the ramps of such tracks located within the beams, by positioning the undercarriage between the beams and by providing the undercarriage with a low-profile beam support which, in turn, has roller-mounting cross members immediately ahead of and immediately behind the wheel and axle assemblies.