Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for aiding in the launching and/or loading of a watercraft on a mobile trailer. Various embodiments provide for an aid system that may be removably installed without significant modifications to a trailer. In some embodiments, the aid system may include one or more guide straps that are elastic, at least in part, to facilitate the guiding and positioning of a watercraft and/or associated winch hook assembly during launching and/or loading operations. Further embodiments may ease launching operations by providing a certain measure of force propelling the watercraft from the mobile trailer into the water, and/or ease loading operations by positioning the winch hook assembly towards a rear of the mobile trailer during loading operations.

Abstract: Modifications to the lifting structure of prior art boat lifts permit the addition of support and drive rollers and associated drive mechanisms that may be used to displace the bow (or stern) of a raised boat over an adjacent barrier such as a sea wall, dock, or bulkhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering large disabled off-highway vehicles. The apparatus utilizes a trailing axle structure configured to hook up and tow off-highway disabled vehicles. The apparatus includes a trailing axle in conjunction with a trailing structure that is raised and lowered with hydraulic cylinders in relation to the trailing axle so that the trailing structure can hook and unhook from disabled off-highway vehicles as well as hook and unhook from off-highway lowboy trailers either mid section on the trailing structure or at the rear of the trailing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading shipping containers onto and off of a truck or trailer bed. The apparatus includes rotatably mounted drive chains disposed in a laterally-spaced relationship adjacent the lateral edges of the bed. The drive chains are driven by a hydraulic motor on the bed. Lift spikes are rigidly mounted the drive chains and extend perpendicularly therefrom for engaging and pulling a container onto the bed. Lift wedges are pivotably mounted to the rear edge of the bed and are rotatably driven by hydraulic rams for lifting the front edge of a container onto the lift spikes. Container locking assemblies are located adjacent the four corners of the bed and each include a locking pin positioned above the bed coupled to a pneumatic ram mounted to an underside of the bed. The hydraulic rams move the locking pins laterally, between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention may include a table and a pin secured to the transfer bed. The table may pivot on a horizontal axis allowing the transfer bed to be placed in a horizontal orientation during inclination of the tilt frame. The table may also pivot on a vertical axis so that the transfer bed may swing side-to-side, and may also pivot on a z-axis enabling the transfer bed to roll side-to-side relative to the table. An adjustable carriage with independently movable stabilizer legs may be used to level the transfer bed on uneven ground. The tilt frame may also include an extendable boom and a retractable roller system to facilitate loading and unloading of material such as flat rack platforms and pallets.

Abstract: A compact roll-off trailer is short and light, but able to carry a large load. As such, the unit competes with roll-off trucks. A horizontally tilt frame has a forward section coupled to a king-pin assembly, a rear section with wheels on at least two axles, and a mid section. A frameless version uses a set of opposing arms as opposed to a separate, non-tilting frame. A single hydraulic cylinder has a retracted state wherein the lift frame is generally horizontal for hauling, and an extended state wherein the lift frame is pivoted at an angle for loading and unloading. A mechanism may be provided for extending the rearward portion of the lift frame to ground level when the hoist frame is pivoted, and a mechanism for pulling a cable with a container attached thereto onto the lift frame for hauling. The mechanism for extending the rearward portion of the lift frame may either include a ‘stinger tail’ or a slide frame on the lift frame a hydraulic cylinder for extending and retracting the slide frame.

Abstract: A system and method of loading and unloading a shipping container onto and off a tilt-tray vehicle is described. The system includes a drawbar assembly adapted to be releasably attached to opposite corner connectors provided on the container. A winch is provided for applying fraction to the drawbar assembly to draw the container onto the vehicle tray and to facilitate loading of the container onto the tray. An ejector assembly is also provided to releasably engage the drawbar assembly connected to the container. When it is desired to unload the container, the ejector assembly is moved towards the rear of the tray to move the container partially off the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a demountable vehicle body system, in which a variety of different body types can be mounted and demounted from a vehicle chassis or trailer to enable a single vehicle chassis or trailer to be utilized for a variety of different purposes. In particular, the present invention relates to a demountable vehicle body system for motor vehicles and trailers which provides for a convenient and cost effective use of a variety of vehicle body types. Advantageously, the present invention provides a demountable vehicle body system that is capable of safely mounting or demounting a wide variety of vehicle body types, including fully-loaded heavy bodies, in a smooth and efficient manner. The vehicle body system described herein can be mounted or demounted in a matter of minutes by a single operator.

Abstract: This invention concerns an aircraft cargo loader comprising a deck platform; a front and a rear wheel assembly units; and a scissor assembly extending under the platform for supporting it and move it between an open and close position. The scissor comprises a first and a second elongated arm pivotally connected by a swivel joint. Each of the first and second elongated members have an upper end pivotally attached to the deck platform and a lower end pivotally connected to the rear and front wheel assembly unit respectively. One of the first and second elongated members is articulated and comprising an upper segment pivotally connected to a lower segment. The loader comprises a first controllable actuator to move the scissor assembly between the open and close positions and a second controllable actuator to actuate the upper segment relative to the lower segment so as to tilt the deck platform longitudinally.

Abstract: A transport deck is disclosed which is movably mounted in the box of a pickup truck so as to be selectively movable from a transport position within the box of the pickup truck to a loading/unloading rearwardly of the pickup truck. The transport deck includes a support deck which is in a horizontally disposed position when the transport deck is in its transport position and when the transport deck in its loading/unloading position.

Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention may include a table and a pin secured to the transfer bed. The table may pivot on a horizontal axis allowing the transfer bed to be placed in a horizontal orientation during inclination of the tilt frame. The table may also pivot on a vertical axis so that the transfer bed may swing side-to-side, and may also pivot on a z-axis enabling the transfer bed to roll side-to-side relative to the table. An adjustable carriage with independently movable stabilizer legs may be used to level the transfer bed on uneven ground. The tilt frame may also include an extendable boom and a retractable roller system to facilitate loading and unloading of material such as flat rack platforms and pallets.

Abstract: A loader and carrier apparatus for recreational vehicles such as boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles. The loader and carrier apparatus includes a rack assembly mountable on a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, as well as a wheeled trailer assembly with an upwardly slanted front end. A winch is connected to the rack assembly and functions to pull the slanted front end of the trailer assembly into engagement with a lower horizontal crossbar of the rack assembly so as to guide the frame in an upward direction and thereafter pulls the frame of the trailer assembly over a middle horizontal crossbar until the trailer assembly is caused to rotate to a substantially horizontal position on the rack assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including transferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a ground transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention may include a tilt frame, a transfer bed, and an adjustable carriage. The tilt frame may be pivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis where the tilt frame has a first end near the cab of the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bed may have a first end connected to the tilt frame and may be movable along an upper surface of the tilt frame. The adjustable height carriage may support a second end of the transfer bed. The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by moving the first end of the transfer bed along the upper surface of the tilt frame, and by varying the height of the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized device that can be operated by one person to load and unload a motorcycle onto and off of a truck bed or similar cargo area of a motor vehicle or trailer. The device taught herein may be employed to lift a motorcycle to the level of the truck bed then moved within the bed for transport and storage.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Using Super Single rear wheels and an airbag suspension, for example, sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle and an increase in payload height.

Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.

Abstract: A cable hoisting apparatus for loading and unloading of containers with respect to vehicles including a modular assembly allowing the apparatus to be easily attached or detached with respect to the vehicle. This modular assembly includes a subframe directly attachable detachably to the vehicle which includes a reeve cylinder and a lifting cylinder mounted therewithin. A top frame is included which is pivotally movably mounted to the subframe. The lifting cylinder powers pivotal movement of the top frame. Loading and unloading of the container is powered by the reeve cylinder. The reeve cylinder moves a shoe within a shoe track which extends or contracts a cable attached to a container which is positioned about a plurality of sheaves one of which is attached to the slideable shoe. A positively engaging locking construction is included defined between the subframe and the top frame for positively retaining the container.

Abstract: A truck bed is disclosed which is movably mounted on the frame of a truck so as to be selectively movable from a transport position on the truck frame to a loading/unloading position rearwardly of the truck.

Abstract: A small vehicle loading and transport deck for pickup trucks which includes a box-like frame which is positioned within the bed of the truck and which has a deck movably mounted thereon which is movable from an inclined and rearwardly extending loading/unloading position to a transport position wherein the deck is positioned on the top of the frame. The box-like frame provides a storage area beneath the deck so that articles or objects may be stored therein. A winch is provided for moving the deck between its loading/unloading position and its transport position and vice versa. The winch may also be used to load a disabled vehicle onto the platform.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including transferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a ground transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention may include a tilt frame, a transfer bed, and an adjustable carriage. The tilt frame may be pivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis where the tilt frame has a first end near the cab of the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bed may have a first end connected to the tilt frame and may be movable along an upper surface of the tilt frame. The adjustable height carriage may support a second end of the transfer bed. The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by moving the first end of the transfer bed along the upper surface of the tilt frame, and by varying the height of the carriage.

Abstract: A loading device can be mounted quickly and easily to a roll-off vehicle by mounting a yoke assembly to the frame of the roll-off vehicle. The yoke assembly includes a pair of attaching potions which extend from the vehicle, and each of the attaching portions is provided with an opening. A pair of hydraulically actuated hooks are pivotally mounted on the loading device. The loading device is pulled onto the roll-off vehicle so that the hooks are adjacent the attaching portions of the yoke assembly. The hooks are then pivoted to extend through the openings in the attaching portions so that the hooks are secured to the attaching portions.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated to the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the container.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels, and below the top of the chassis frame. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height substantially lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle, an increase in payload height, and enhanced dynamic road stability.

Abstract: A transport vehicle is provided for raising and transporting ULDs and cargo pallets used in the air freight sphere, with a supporting frame which fits over the ULD or the cargo pallet and with driven and steerable wheels for the free movement of the transport vehicle on the ground. In order to simplify the complicated reloading of transport units onto auxiliary pallets, it is proposed according to the invention that the transport vehicle is movable over the ULD or the cargo pallet at least in one direction, that supporting devices arranged on both sides of the frame of the transport vehicle are movable at the same time in the opposite direction under the ULD or the cargo pallet, and that, in the process, the ULD or the cargo pallet is raisable with the aid of the supporting devices.

Abstract: A loading and unloading device for carrier vehicle includes: a container provided with a gripping element in its lower part; a dummy underframe mounted on the carrier vehicle; a pivoting chassis pivotably mounted on the dummy underframe, a trolley sliding on the pivoting chassis, suitable for driving the container on the pivoting chassis by a drive element for cooperating with the gripping element of the container. The device includes an arm mounted rotatably at the end of the dummy underframe, the arm provided with a hooking element suitable for cooperating with the gripping element located at the lower part of the container, the arm is suitable for conveying the container from a position appreciably on the ground to a position appreciably at the level of the pivoting chassis or vice versa. The device applies in particular to the loading and unloading of dumpsters, box beams or any materials on cradles.

Abstract: A deployable set of nested ramp segments supporting a motorcycle thereon are sequentially extended or pulled in across the door edge in a carrier vehicle by sets of springs that oppose the spooling collection of a belt wound on a powered spool. Once partly extended by the springs to bring the main portion of the motorcycle to the exterior of the vehicle doorway the weight bias of the motorcycle then provides the necessary outward bias to bring it to the ground where it is released from the supporting ramp segment. On return the spooling contraction of the belt brings the motorcycle back into the vehicle.

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 vehicle-mounted hook hoist for loading, transporting, dumping and unloading material handling containers, includes a vehicle having a main frame; and, a hook hoist assembly including a hoist frame, a tilt frame, an extension tube assembly, an articulating arm and motive means for moving said tilt frame, extension tube assembly and articulating arm; wherein the hoist frame has a rear hinge mount and is mounted to the main frame, the tilt frame has a rear and a pivot mount and is pivotally mounted at its pivot mount to the rear hinge mount of the hoist frame, and the extension tube is telescopically connected with the tilt frame to extend between a retracted position and an extended position; and, wherein the articulating arm is pivotally connected to the extension tube assembly to pivot between a retracted rest position and a rotatably extended position, and wherein the articulating arm includes a hook configured to engage with and move a container onto and off of the vehicle.

Abstract: A container handling system 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 cable hoisting apparatus for loading and unloading of containers with respect to vehicles including a modular assembly allowing the apparatus to be easily attached or detached with respect to the vehicle. This modular assembly includes a subframe directly attachable detachably to the vehicle which includes a reeve cylinder and a lifting cylinder mounted therewithin. A top frame is included which is pivotally movably mounted to the subframe. The lifting cylinder powers pivotal movement of the top frame. Loading and unloading of the container is powered by the reeve cylinder. The reeve cylinder moves a shoe within a shoe track which extends or contracts a cable attached to a container which is positioned about a plurality of sheaves one of which is attached to the slideable shoe. A positively engaging locking construction is included defined between the subframe and the top frame for positively retaining the container.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle (10) having a mobile chassis (11) and a load carrying body or tray (15) mounted to the chassis (11) so as to be capable of pivotal movement about a pivot axis defined by a releasable pivot connection (16) between the chassis (11) and body (15) for tipping of the body about a pivot axis. Alternatively the load carrying body (15) may be mounted to the chassis (11) through rollers (19) which permit movement of the body longitudinally of the chassis (11) and tilting movement about a tilt axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle mounted winch and cable assembly that may include a slide track, a winch, a cable guide and a powering means. Also disclosed is a related method. The slide track may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle and may have a track axis extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The winch may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle for accepting and discharging the cable. The cable guide may be movably secured to the slide track and may accept the cable from the winch and then redirect the cable from a direction generally parallel to the track axis to a direction generally perpendicular to the track axis. The powering means may adjustably move the cable guide along the slide track.

Abstract: A system has a boat trailer and a mechanical arm coupled to the boat trailer. The system further has logic that actuates the mechanical arm based upon a user input, such that the mechanical arm applies a pressure to the boat when the boat is positioned for loading onto the trailer.

Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a table and a pin. The table may be mounted on a horizontal axis and secured to the tilt frame. The table has a first surface permitting coaxial rotation of an opposing second surface, where the opposing second surface is on the transfer bed. The pin may extend from the table and may be secured to the transfer bed such that the first surface opposes the second surface. The table may pivot on the horizontal axis such that the transfer bed may be horizontal during inclination of the tilt frame.

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 truck has an extendable and retractable truck bed for receiving removable and replacing truck boxes of different lengths. The truck bed can be extended or retracted to fit the size of the truck box. The truck bed has movable supports that can be extended or retracted from inside or outside a cab to support the appropriate length of the truck box. The movable supports also act as guide means to guide the truck box onto or off of the truck bed. In a method of extending or retracting the truck bed, a single truck can be used to mount or remove truck boxes of different sizes.

Abstract: A vehicle positioning device that installs onto the side of the frame of a rollback wrecker vehicle and is capable of pulling a wrecked vehicle onto the shoulder of a roadway so that the wrecked vehicle is aligned parallel with the roadway, i.e. the desired position to be safely loaded onto the rollback wrecker vehicle. The device is provided with retractable stabilizing arms capable of stabilizing the rollback wrecker vehicle and with a winch and attached cable for pulling a wrecked vehicle in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rollback wrecker vehicle. The arms and winch are hydraulically controlled by tapping into the hydraulic system provided on the rollback wrecker vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a truck box is provided for use with snowmobiles and the like. The apparatus includes a pair of mounting elements arranged to mount on the respective tailgate mounts of the truck box in place of the tailgate of the truck so that no modification to the truck bed is required upon installation. A shaft is supported on the pair of mounting elements for rotation about an axis laterally across the back end of the truck box and includes a sprocket coupled for rotation therewith. A frame arranged to support a snowmobile and the like thereon is supported on the shaft to extend transversely thereto and has a rack mounted on a bottom side thereof for engaging the sprocket.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting, loading and unloading a watercraft, such as a jet ski, or wheeled vehicle from the bed of a pick up truck, where the apparatus is convertible to a mobile dolly for storage of the jet ski or other object. The apparatus comprises a tiltable mechanism formed of a pair of spaced apart rails mounting a pair of pivotal and retractable legs at a first end, a winch mechanism at the opposite end, and a longitudinally movable and pivotal leg support mechanism, movable from the first end to near the opposite end.

Abstract: An adjustable bow lift apparatus for extending the overall height between the bed and bow cover on a cotton module truck during loading or unloading a cotton module, generally including a set of metal tubular frames, one for the top of each side wall, and pivotally attached a first distance from the further most end of each side wall. A set of actuators for each side of the frame for lifting and lowering the bow lift apparatus, each actuator is attached to the last side wall frame member of the truck, with the actuator extension arms pivotally attached at the lower frame on each side of the bow lift apparatus. A plurality of on board power devices may be adapted for rasing and lowering the adjustable bow lift apparatus during loading or unloading a cotton module, such as air, hydraulics or electrical.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a motorcycle onto another vehicle. The motorcycle loader comprises a wheel saddle positionable on a bed of the vehicle, a yoke assembly connectable to front forks of the motorcycle, an auxiliary winch mounted on the wheel saddle and having a cable connected to the yoke assembly, and a remote control switch for controlling the winch. The remote control may be temporarily clamped into the handlebars of the motorcycle, and an operator sitting on the motorcycle may energize the auxiliary winch by alternately pressing and releasing a push-button switch on the remote control. The winch thus gradually pulls the front wheel of the motorcycle into the wheel saddle so that the motorcycle can be subsequently tied down to the bed of the vehicle. A strap retainer for retaining a loose end of a strap in the yoke assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A cargo container is fitted to the chassis of a truck tractor so as to be shiftable on rollers between first and second positions. The first position is adjacent the rear of the tractor cab, and the second position is adjacent a rear end of the tractor chassis. The bottom of the container is built with a centred longitudinal channel that allows the container to pass over a fifth wheel of the tractor when being shifted to the second position. The rear side of the container has one or more doors that can be opened when the container has been shifted to the second position and the tractor has been backed into a loading dock. This allows a forklift to be driven directly into the container from the loading dock, facilitating loading and unloading of cargo.

Abstract: An apparatus mountable to a transporting vehicle chassis for transporting another vehicle including a platform pivotally mounted to the chassis which includes a deck for carrying the vehicle, and a carriage located on and movable along the platform. A telescoping boom is connected to the carriage, and has a free end with a vehicle lift device, which engages the vehicle to be transported. Power actuators are provided to move the platform from a loading position to a transport position, and for moving the carriage and for raising or lowering the vehicle lift mechanism.

Abstract: A cargo handling assembly for use in an overland vehicle including a base frame which is capable of being mounted on the floor of the overland vehicle. A pair of extension members is individually borne by the base members. The exterior members are moveable along a predetermined path of travel from a first, stowed position, to a second, deployed position. A pair of carriages is slidably borne by the individual extension members. The carriages are moveable along a path of travel from a first position, where the respective carriages are located in spaced relation relative to the distal end of the respective extension members, to a second position, where the carriages are located near the distal end of the respective extension members. A cargo support assembly having a top end is rotatably connected to each individual extension member at a single pivot point.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to pickup, stack and transport bales and other boxed or contained commodities. The invention is a flat bed vehicle and process which utilize a boom mounted on a vehicle which allow the vehicle to arrange itself adjacent the object to be picked up, lower the boom to attach to the object and to then raise and rotate it to a position where it can be lowered onto the flat bed portion of the vehicle. The invention further provides for the arrangement of the bales or other objects such that when the flat bed is tilted to a substantially vertical position and moved away, the bales or boxes that were arranged horizontally on the flatbed are stacked vertically.

Abstract: A boom accessory for a flatbed tow truck includes a frame that is lockable onto a power underlift hoist of the truck by retraction of a ram of the hoist against the frame. The frame includes a base for engagement on the ram, an upwardly and rearwardly extending boom member, and optionally, a rearwardly facing trailer hitch socket for permitting trailers to be towed with the boom accessory in place. A sheave assembly is pivotally mountable atop the boom member for engaging a hook cable extending from a winch unit of the truck, the accessory extending the utility of the tow truck by enabling retrieval of disabled vehicles from relatively remote locations, the accessory having a particularly robust attachment to the tow truck without significant modification of the truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a personal water craft 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 telescopic, pivotal ramp assembly. The ramp assembly including first and second sections which are telescoped together so as to extend and form an elongated ramp. The first ramp section is pivotally secured at its rear to the rear of the support frame by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly allows the first and second sections to pivot together and also functions to guide the second ramp section as it slides along a channel in the length of the first ramp section.

Abstract: An apparatus mountable to a transporting vehicle chassis for transporting another vehicle including a platform pivotally mounted to the chassis which includes a deck for carrying the vehicle, and a carriage located on and movable along the platform. A telescoping boom is connected to the carriage, and has a free end with a vehicle lift device, which engages the vehicle to be transported. Power actuators are provided to move the platform from a loading position to a transport position, and for moving the carriage and for raising or lowering the vehicle lift mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively positioning containers upon a trailer includes a main frame with a stationary upper frame and a pivotally movable hoisting frame. The pivotally movable frame is adapted to be movable between a lower position and a raised position to facilitate loading. A carriage is movable between the front portion of the movable hoisting frame and the stationary upper frame. This carriage controls movement of the containers upon and from the first container station on the stationary upper frame and the second container station on the movable hoisting frame. A primary winch is mounted with respect to the movable hoisting frame and includes a cable means extending about a sheave rotatably mounted on the carriage. An auxiliary movement device is positioned adjacent the front end of the vehicle body to facilitate movement of the container from the second station to the first station.

Abstract: A flat bed truck for hauling vehicles of all types as well as other types of loads which includes a multi-positional flat bed to assist with loading and unloading the truck. The flat bed is slidable on a tilt frame and pivots away from the tilt frame and along the loading surface as the tilt frame is pivoted up and away from the truck. The fully extended loading position of the flat bed placing the front end of the flat bed below the undercarriage of the truck permits low clearance vehicles to be easily loaded onto the flat bed by a powered winch positioned on the flat bed. Also, the tilt frame is capable of rising to its full height to quickly dump loads that do not require extending the flat bed.