Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading large containers using both a hook lift and cable winch mechanisms.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading large containers using both a hook lift and cable winch mechanisms.

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: A cargo loading and unloading system for a vehicle comprising a rail pivotally connected to the vehicle, a raising apparatus for raising the rail from a rest position to an elevated position, a lifting attachment that projects from the rail and which is moveable along a portion of the rail, and a lifting attachment driving mechanism for moving the lifting attachment along the portion of the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus generally includes a dump frame pivotably coupled to a vehicle's chassis, and a slide frame slidably coupled to the dump frame. The apparatus further includes at least one slide frame actuator for causing sliding movement of the slide frame, and at least one dump frame actuator for causing pivotal movement of the dump frame.

Abstract: An apparatus generally includes a dump frame pivotably coupled to a vehicle's chassis, and a slide frame slidably coupled to the dump frame. The apparatus further includes at least one slide frame actuator for causing sliding movement of the slide frame, and at least one dump frame actuator for causing pivotal movement of the dump frame.

Abstract: This motorcycle loading and unloading apparatus employs a carriage to which a motorcycle can be attached and a slide body which facilitates the movement of the carriage and attached motorcycle from the ground and into the back of an open pickup truck. The carriage has an attached loading system that aids in unloading the carriage by biasing the carriage towards an unloaded 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 hoist for elevating cargo onto the bed of a truck includes a frame (11) which may be mounted to the truck bed, a platform or container (12) which is connected to the frame by a pivoting arm (9), and an arrangement of linkages for rotating the arm (9) to position the platform either on the truck bed or on a loading and unloading position resting on the ground behind the truck. A hydraulic ram (24) is connected to the arm (9) via the linkages, with the linkages being arranged to increase the effective “flow” of the arm to provide a long travel distance of the arm.

Abstract: A transportable device, such as a cart, for transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer may include a base platform, first and second elevation members disposed thereon, a panel disposed between the first and second elevation members, and first and second elevator platforms. The panel may include a pair of opposite vertical faces along which the elevator platforms slide to mutually exchange elevations by vertically sliding the platforms in opposite directions. The device may be used for a method of transporting and elevating an imaging media cartridge into a press printer at an installation height above a floor. Additionally, the device may be used for a method of removing and storing an imaging media cartridge from a press printer at an installation height above the floor.

Abstract: A trailer, having the capability of lowering its deck to the ground surface for ease of loading and unloading from the ground; raising its deck to a loading dock height for ease of loading and unloading from a loading dock or other elevated surface; and tilting its deck for dumping is disclosed. The deck is maintained in a transport position for travel. All the changes in position may be effected by a single actuator. Rollers, affixed to a rail affixed to the deck roll inside C-channels affixed to the frame arranged at a diagonal to the vertical when raising or lowering.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying cargo includes a frame, at least two axles mounted to the frame, and a deck. The axles have wheels at opposite ends of the axles for movably supporting the frame above the ground. The deck is pivotally mounted to the frame and is pivotable about a first axis relative to the frame and a second axis relative to the frame via at least two supports. The first axis extends generally longitudinally along the deck and the second axis extends generally laterally across the deck and generally normal to the first axis. The deck is also slidable generally along the first axis relative to the frame and/or one of the supports. The deck thus may be adjusted about multiple axes and may be moved forwardly or rearwardly relative to the frame to position the deck in a desired location and orientation relative to the frame.

Abstract: A roll off container hoist with a front retractable loading frame includes a hoist with a break or discontinuity of the loadable frame structure at a forward end of the hoist. The roll off container hoist is mounted on a vehicle having hydraulic circuits for operating the hoist. The hoist includes a main hoist frame pivoted to a vehicle frame at a rear pivot point. The hoist includes a main lift cylinder attached to the vehicle frame and the main hoist frame for pivoting the main hoist frame to the loading/unloading position. The hoist includes an extension frame slidably coupled to the main hoist frame and extendable there-from that is loadable at any dump angle.

Abstract: Cargo carry apparatus (220) for a tractor (500) of a semitrailer truck includes a rotatable deck (222) mounted between the fifth wheel (502) and the cab which pivots from a vertical position to a horizontal position until the deck rests upon the fifth wheel (502). Deck (222) includes a primary deck (224) and a longitudinally extendable secondary deck (226) which is slidably connected to primary deck (224) and may be pulled out to form an enlarged deck area. A leveler (231) is connected to secondary deck (226) to provide a coplanar surface with primary deck (224) so that a 20 foot cargo container (600) or other large load may be levelly loaded on tractor (500).

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring a transfer body onto a truck. The impetus to move the transfer body is provided by a driver mounted to the truck. The driver may engage a track extending along the transfer body in order to move the transfer body onto the truck. The track may be mounted to a pull bar pivotably secured near one end to the transfer body. The truck may have a dump-truck body with a continuous floor. The pull bar may be pulled underneath the floor as the transfer body is transferred onto the truck whereas the transfer body is pulled onto the floor. A latching system for a transfer module is actuated by a mechanism mounted on the truck and maintains the tailgate of the transfer body closed when remote from a truck. The mechanism may also operate a latching system latching and unlatching a tailgate secured to the body of the truck.

Abstract: A loading floor for a vehicle having first guide elements for engaging second guide elements of the vehicle, for lifting and extending a loading floor. The first guide elements are provisioned at the sides of the loading floor. A loading apparatus for a vehicle having a loading area with two sidewalls that border the loading area. Guide elements are provided for lifting and extending a loading floor, where the guide elements are provisioned on or in the sidewalls above the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A modular motorcycle stowing device for transporting a motorcycle in the bed of a pickup truck includes a collapsible base which is designed to fit on the floor of a pickup truck bed and a collapsible upper ramp which is hingedly connected to the base and provides a guiding channel for receiving the front and rear tires of the motorcycle to be stowed in the device. In order to span the elevation between the ground and the pickup truck bed, a detachable loading ramp is provided and arranged for a sliding interfit into the upper ramp. Connected to the loading ramp is a footboard for supporting an assisting individual. Connected to the upper ramp is a winch which is used to assist in pulling the motorcycle up into the stowing device and for more controlled unloading of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A load transfer system for a pickup truck includes a frame mounted to the truck bed, a support member slidable in a rearward direction along the frame, a cargo bed slidable along the support member, and an arm that raises the front end of the cargo bed as the cargo bed slides in a rearward direction such that the cargo bed pivots about the rear edge of the support member. The arm raises the front end of the cargo bed as the arm is caught between a point towards the front of the cargo bed and a point further to the rear on the support member. The load transfer system is easy to install and/or remove from the bed or chassis of a vehicle, does not require costly hydraulic equipment, and can be used without removing the tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: The problems of how to safely load and unload a small vehicle into a truck bed, and how to transport any ramps, etc., used to load the vehicle, and/or any other cargo in the truck bed occupied by the vehicle, are addressed by providing a carrier/lift adapted to be mounted in a truck bed, and having a carrying platform that pivots and translate in a constrained manner along a pair of tracks to an inclined loading position for safe and convenient loading of the vehicle into the bed of a truck. A platform having a recess for storage of a pair of nestable loading ramps is disclosed. The platform can be supported above the floor of a truck bed to provide usable storage space in the bed of the truck between the platform, with the nested ramps stowed therein, and the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading objects, particularly motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the like, on a carrying vehicle. The apparatus typically includes at least one vehicle attachment mount arm for engaging the carrying vehicle. A slide bracket is pivotally carried by the vehicle attachment mount arm, and a support having front and rear ends is slidably carried by the slide bracket. A first winch engages the support for selectively sliding the support forwardly or rearwardly on the slide bracket. A carriage is slidably carried by the support for receiving the object. A second winch operably engages the carriage such that the carriage slidably traverses the support toward the front end of the support responsive to a forward operation of the second winch, and the carriage slidably traverses the support toward the rear end of the support responsive to a reverse operation of the second winch.

Abstract: Transport accessories useable with a vehicle for supporting cargo and a method of loading cargo onto a transport accessory useable with a vehicle. In one embodiment, the transport accessory includes a base frame connectable to the vehicle, a second frame slidably connected to the base frame and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base frame, a carriage pivotally connected to the second frame and pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position relative to the second frame, a support frame rigidly connected to the carriage and pivotal therewith between the substantially horizontal position and the inclined position and a transport platform slidably connected to the support frame and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the support frame. Cargo is loadable on and unloadable from the transport platform when the transport platform is in the extended position.

Abstract: A pivot mounting assembly (10) allows a standard tipping truck (1) to easily transport material for example earth moving machinery (20). The assembly (10) comprises a lever arm (11) between the chassis (2) and body (3) which can be pivoted by a ram (15) to cause the body (3) to rest on the ground (6).

Abstract: An improved method of towing an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The method includes attaching a cable to the vehicle to be towed, lowering a tiltable carrier bed into a hinged position, moving the automotive vehicle to be towed partially onto the carrier bed, moving the tiltable carrier bed from the hinged position to a straight position, and moving the automotive vehicle to be towed onto the tiltable carrier bed such that both axles of the automotive vehicle are supported by the tiltable carrier bed.

Abstract: A tilt bed for a truck or a trailer, the tilt bed being able of carrying loads and providing its own ramp. The tilt bed comprises a frame, and a deck mounted on and supported by the frame, the deck having a front portion and a rear portion. The deck has rollers connected to the front portion, and the frame has tracks mounted at an angle, the tracks for guiding the deck rollers. The trailer bed further comprises a hydraulic cylinder that has a first end connected to the frame and a second end connected to the trailer bed. The hydraulic cylinder has a piston and a cylinder. As the piston moves from an extended state into a retracted state, it causes the trailer bed to move in a rearward position. At the same time, the tracks force the deck rollers in an upward motion and cause the trailer bed to tilt. Finally, the hydraulic cylinder remains parallel to the trailer deck at all times. This orientation is accomplished because the trailer deck and the hydraulic cylinder tilt around a common axis.

Abstract: A combination tilting bed carrier and attached wheel-lift apparatus mounted on a chassis of a towing vehicle. The bed carrier includes a first pivot connected to the chassis and a first motive element extending between the chassis and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the bed carrier about the first pivot. A wheel-lift is positioned below the bed carrier and includes a second pivot for pivotally connecting the wheel-lift to the chassis, with the first pivot and the second pivot concentrically, or substantially concentrically, aligned with each other. A second motive element extends between the wheel-lift and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the wheel-lift about the second pivot. The second pivot may include a third motive element which may adjust the second pivot point, and which in conjunction with the second motive element, allows the wheel-lift to conform with either a positive or negative ground surface.

Abstract: A transporting accessory for a vehicle that includes a base frame that is mountable to the vehicle. The base frame includes two support members. The accessory also includes a second frame that has two extension members. Each extension member is slidably supported by one of the support members. A trolley or carriage is pivotally mounted to the second frame. The carriage has two parallel side arms. Each arm has a guide device. A transport device with one or more tracks is engaged to the carriage. The transport support is movable along a path of travel between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. The invention also provides a method of loading and unloading cargo from a transporting accessory for a vehicle.

Abstract: A carrier adapted for mounting on a vehicle bed can carry cargo. The carrier has a stationary support mounted on the vehicle bed. The carrier also has an articulated support and a cargo support. The articulated support has a proximal end pivotally mounted on the stationary support. Also included is an elevation device coupled to the articulated support at an upper joint and to the stationary support at a lower joint for articulating the articulated support. The upper joint is further from the proximal end than the lower joint. The cargo support is mounted for longitudinal motion on the articulated support. The cargo support is operable to detach and reattach to the articulated support at a handoff location located at the proximal end of the articulated support. The carrier also has a motive device for moving the cargo support. This motive device includes a guide mechanism located at the handoff location for vertically translating and supporting an end of the cargo support from the handoff location.

Abstract: An improved trailer comprising a drawbar, a deck connected to the drawbar by a pivot connection, an axle carriage and an actuator. The axle carriage includes at least two skids and the deck is provided with skid runners for supporting the deck on the axle carriage skids. The actuator is operably connected to cause movement of the axle carriage, relative to the deck, between a first, road position and a second, load position in which the deck is pivoted to a low rise, loading position. The deck may comprise a main deck and a loading deck with the main deck connected to the drawbar by a pivot connection near the front of the trailer. The main deck and the loading deck include skid runners for supporting the deck on the axle carriage skids. The main deck is connected to the loading deck by a pivot connection adjacent the rear of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention is a device for loading and unloading automobiles from an auto-transport vehicle. The device includes a platform and a telescoping arm mechanism. The platform moves back and forth and up and down continuously in approximately a horizontal position. The platform moves on rails that run from the front to the back and below the chassis of a auto-transport vehicle. When the front end of the platform reaches the back end of the chassis, the platform moves down, in a horizontal position, until it reaches the ground. The rotatable base of the telescoping arm mechanism is attached to the back of the chassis. The front end of the telescoping arm mechanism contacts the bottom of the platform at the back of the chassis to support the platform as it moves back and forth along the rails. The telescoping arm mechanism also supports and moves the platform up and down while maintaining the platform in the horizontal position.

Abstract: An articulating, telescopic ramp for mounting on the top surface of the cargo bed of a truck, trailer or van. A base assembly 20 attaches to the cargo bed. A pivoting frame 40 is pivotally attached to the base assembly. A telescopic frame 60 is positioned on the pivoting frame so that it travels parallel to it. Lifting cylinders 46 attached to the forward end of the pivoting frame and to the forward end of the base assembly lift the forward end of the pivoting frame thus pivoting it relative to the base assembly. A pulling system 90 consisting of a rod less cylinder 93 and a traveling hub 92 is used for loading and unloading cargo on and off the ramp A modified tailgate 122 allows the ramp to reside and telescope forward and aft under it.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveyance of a semiconductor chip. The apparatus includes an arm for conveying a semiconductor chip, a pickup on the arm for holding the semiconductor chip. A first transmission mechanism is provided for producing power acting in a first direction. The first transmission mechanism includes pulleys and a wire. An interconnection mechanism is provided for interconnecting the wire and the arm for causing movement of the arm in the first direction. A second transmission mechanism is connected to the arm for moving the arm in a second direction which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The interconnection mechanism is configured to permit movement of the arm with respect to the first transmission mechanism in the second direction and to transmit the power from the first transmission mechanism to the arm.

Abstract: The problems of how to safely load and unload a small vehicle into a truck bed, and how to transport any ramps, etc., used to load the vehicle, and/or any other cargo in the truck bed occupied by the vehicle, are addressed by providing a carrier/lift adapted to be mounted in a truck bed, and having a carrying platform that pivots and translate in a constrained manner along a pair of tracks to an inclined loading position for safe and convenient loading of the vehicle into the bed of a truck. A platform having a recess for storage of a pair of nestable loading ramps is disclosed. The platform can be supported above the floor of a truck bed to provide usable storage space in the bed of the truck between the platform, with the nested ramps stowed therein, and the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: The invention is a device for loading and unloading automobiles from an auto-transport vehicle. The device includes a platform and a telescoping arm mechanism. The platform moves back and forth and up and down continuously in approximately a horizontal position. The platform moves on rails that run from the front to the back and below the chassis of a auto-transport vehicle. When the front end of the platform reaches the back end of the chassis, the platform moves down, in a horizontal position, until it reaches the ground. The rotatable base of the telescoping arm mechanism is attached to the back of the chassis. The front end of the telescoping arm mechanism contacts the bottom of the platform at the back of the chassis to support the platform as it moves back and forth along the rails. The telescoping arm mechanism also supports and moves the platform up and down while maintaining the platform in the horizontal position.

Abstract: An improved carrier which includes a hinged bed in order to decrease the load or approach angle on vehicle to be towed. The carrier also includes a lock which can hold the bed in a flat or planar position as a conventional straight deck, and a cable guide which directs the tow cable along the surface of the articulated bed to avoid contact with the vehicle to be towed.

Abstract: The invention is a device for loading and unloading automobiles from an auto-transport vehicle. The device includes a platform and a telescoping arm mechanism. The platform moves back and forth and up and down continuously in approximately a horizontal position. The platform moves on rails that run from the front to the back and below the chassis of a auto-transport vehicle. When the front end of the platform reaches the back end of the chassis, the platform moves down, in a horizontal position, until it reaches the ground. The rotatable base of the telescoping arm mechanism is attached to the back of the chassis. The front end of the telescoping arm mechanism contacts the bottom of the platform at the back of the chassis to support the platform as it moves back and forth along the rails. The telescoping arm mechanism also supports and moves the platform up and down while maintaining the platform in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier having a housing fixed to the automobile body, a roller assembly rotatably mounted at a rotary shaft of the housing and constructed with a plurality of closely-adhered roller plates to allow a wire to wind and unwind therebetween, and a gear plate fixed to one side of the roller assembly and formed with a first gear having a predetermined length of diameter, the carrier comprising: a plurality of split-constructed contact gears respectively meshed to a part of the first gear; an eccentric cam formed at the rotary shaft; and a resilient member mounted between the eccentric cam and the plurality of contact gears to apply a pressure to the plurality of contact gears towards the first gear, such that the wire is prevented from being squeezed in a gap of the roller assembly and the carrier is prevented from being inoperable, while the carrier swiftly operates to prevent the first and second gears from being broken down when an excessive force is applied and strength of an accommodation plate w

Abstract: An improved carrier which includes a hinged bed in order to decrease the load or approach angle on vehicle to be towed. The carrier also includes a lock which can hold the bed in a flat or planar position as a conventional straight deck, and a cable guide which directs the tow cable along the surface of the articulated bed to avoid contact with the vehicle to be towed.

Abstract: An assist mechanism for loading and unloading irregularly shaped cargo, such as for example, containers of compressed gas, includes a frame assembly and a handling assembly slidably engageable and movable with respect to the frame assembly. The handling assembly is movable along at least two axes to facilitate loading and unloading cargo, and includes a slide assembly having a powered pivotable support arm, a cuff assembly pivotably attached to the support arm, and optionally a handle assembly attached to the cuff assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a motorcycle into the bed of a conventional pick-up truck which only requires a single operator. The device includes a support frame mountable to the bed of a pick-up truck which supports at least one telescoping, pivotal ramp assembly. The ramp assembly includes first and second ramp members which are telescoped together so as to extend and form an elongated ramp. The first ramp section is pivotally secured at its rear end to the rear end of the support frame by a hinge. The hinge allows the first and second ramp members to pivot together and also functions to guide the second ramp member as it slides along a channel in the length of the first ramp member. A sled is coupled to the second ramp member for support the motorcycle loaded on the apparatus. In operation the motorcycle is secured to the sled and pulled up the second ramp member.

Abstract: A recovery vehicle for rescuing stranded vehicles from confined or restricted areas includes a wheeled chassis (2, 6) on which is mounted a vehicle support body (40) movable by an hydraulic mechanism (44) between an inoperative position superimposed on the chassis (2, 6) and an operative position extending rearwardly of the chassis (2, 6). The vehicle support body (40) is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the chassis (2, 6) by a primary hydraulic ram located substantially within the confines of the chassis (2, 6). The vehicle support body (40) also is pivotal on the chassis (2, 6) to engage the rear end of the vehicle support body on the ground when in its operative position. Such an arrangement enables recovery of stranded vehicles other than aligned with the recovery vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is a fifth wheel rollback trailer consisting of three basic parts, a fifth wheel pull frame, a tilt frame, and a slide frame. The tilt frame is mounted on the pull frame above the axle and is tilted by a hydraulic cylinder. The slide frame is moved by a hydraulic cylinder fastened to the tilt frame.

Abstract: A wrecker truck (100) for transporting disabled vehicles is described. The truck includes an under carriage assembly (24), a subframe (10) and a deck (50). The subframe is preferably tiltably mounted on the under carriage assembly (102). The subframe includes a pair of rails (12 and 13) each having an inner rail member (34) and an outer rail member (36). The rail members are mounted parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A--A of the truck such that a slot (38) formed between the rail members extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the truck. The deck is preferably slidably mounted on the subframe. The deck has a pair of T-shaped sliding members (52) mounted on the bottom side (50B) of the deck. The sliding members have a top cross bar (52A) and a vertical bottom bar (52B). Holding braces (46) having a short leg (46A) and a long leg (46B) are mounted along the length of the rail members such that the top leg extends parallel to the top wall of the rail member.

Abstract: A bale-accumulating trailer is connectable to a baler for forming round bales of agricultural crop material. The trailer includes a fixed frame having a set of ground-engaging wheels, and a dumping frame pivotably mounted to the fixed frame for movement between a bale accumulating position and a bale dumping position in response to operation of a dumping cylinder assembly. A bale transfer mechanism functions to receive bales discharged from the baler and to place the formed bales onto the dumping frame. The bale transfer mechanism includes a carriage movable between a forward position and a rearward position in response to operation of a cylinder assembly. A bale receiver is mounted to the carriage, and is movable between a bale receiving position and an upright position in response to operation of a pair of cylinder assemblies.

Abstract: A roll-out deck apparatus is fitted to a pick-up truck, for loading/unloading a snowmobile etc. The deck may be tilted about a hinge pivot at the rear edge of the truck, whereby the deck forms a ramp, up and down which the snowmobile may be manipulated. The apparatus includes an electric winch, located at the front end of the deck, for raising and lowering the deck, about the hinge pivot. A sub-frame of the apparatus is directly hinged to the rear edge of the truck bed; the sub-frame can undergo pivoting or tilting movement about the hinge pivot. A deck-frame is telescopable with respect to the sub-frame, but is otherwise locked to the sub-frame, whereby when the sub-frame tilts the deck-frame tilts in unison.

Abstract: A truck with a cab at a front end thereof and a frame situated at a rear end thereof, the truck including a flat bed adapted for supporting a vehicle thereon and securement mechanism for coupling the flat bed to the frame. The securement mechanism includes a swivel mechanism situated between the frame and the flat bed. The swivel mechanism is adapted to rotate the flat bed about a vertical axis. The swivel mechanism is further designed to rotate the flat bed about a vertical axis through a span of at least 180 degrees. A hinge is situated between the frame and the flat bed to permit the pivoting of the flat bed about a horizontal axis. Next provided is a lift mechanism situated between the frame and the flat bed for allowing the lifting of a front end of the flat bed about the axis of the hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle including a bed for lifting and transporting a fully loaded container such as a dumpster. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are attached to the bed and to a chassis of the vehicle to pivot the bed between a generally horizontal transporting position and a generally vertical lifting position. A mast is attached to a carriage which is movable along a length of the bed. A pair of hydraulic cylinders operably attached to the carriage and mast pivot the mast so as to maintain the mast in a generally vertical lifting and transporting position when the bed is pivoted between the generally horizontal transporting position and a generally vertical lifting position. A fork is attached to the mast for engaging a container. A screw gear is operably attached to the carriage to both lift a fully loaded container when the bed is in a generally vertical lifting position and to position the fully loaded container on the bed.

Abstract: A truck deck with ground level loading/unloading position includes guide tracks supported by a support frame. Guide members consisting of pivotally connected sections are telescopically received in the guide tracks. A load platform is supported by and slidably movable in relation to the support frame. A first pair of chains pull the load platform and extend the guide members. When the guide members reach a fully extended position with the majority of the weight of the load platform past the pivot axis, they pivot and thereby guide the movement of the load platform in a downwardly direction onto a ground surface. A second pair of chains lift the load platform from the ground surface and move it along guide members until the guide members pivot to a substantially horizontal position. The second pair of chains then pull the load platform and the guide members back into a retracted position.

Abstract: A motor driven tiltable cargo deck includes a support frame having a pair of opposed sides, a first end and a second end. A first pair of sprockets are mounted to the opposed sides adjacent the first end of the support frame. A second pair of sprockets are mounted to the opposed sides adjacent the second end of the support frame. A pair of continuous chains are rotatably mounted between the first pair of sprockets and the second pair of sprockets. A deck is provided having a first end and a second end. The deck is supported by the support frame and slidably movable from a travel position in which the first end of the deck is adjacent the first end of the support frame to an unloading position in which the second end of the deck rests upon a groundsurface. A pair of linkage arms are provided having a first end and a second end. The first ends are pivotally mounted to the deck adjacent the first end.

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 device and method for locking a slidable and tiltable truck bed against tilting when the truck bed is in the forward position adjacent the truck cab are presented. The device includes a movable actuator that communicates with the truck's hydraulic system to effect tilting. If this actuator is prevented from moving, the tilting function cannot be accessed. The actuator is locked by restraining its top end between two tabs at one end of a hinge. A spring positioned between a fixed support, to which is also affixed the other end of the hinge, and one of the tabs, in the absence of compression, permits the actuator free motion; upon a forward sliding of the truck bed, however, the spring is compressed, moving the tabs downward to engage and restrain the actuator top end.