Abstract: A vehicle for carrying a container with castors from one place to another includes a mobile body and a driving unit supported thereon. A carrier is vertically movably provided on the body adjacent to the driving unit for carrying a container thereon. A member is provided on the carrier for supporting the container at one end thereof, while holding the wheels of the container at the end thereof above the ground when the carrier is in a raised position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible transporter module, and the method of using same, for transporting large volumes of unpackaged goods in spaced padded relationship in conventional transportation vehicles such as trains, trucks, ships or containers. The transport module consists of a mounting for the module in the transportation vehicle; a rigid upper frame suspended from the mounting; a plurality of vertically elongate collapsible support members having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being attached to the upper rigid frame; and a plurality of vertically spaced apart shelf members supported from the support members. When not loaded with goods being transported, the transporter module may be stored in a collapsed mode, thereby allowing the transportation vehicle to return the transporter module to the goods supplier, together with a new payload.

Abstract: A chewable delivery system for actives comprising:(a) an active pre-coated with at least one material selected from the group consisting of lecithin, polyoxyalkylenes having chain lengths of about 4 carbons or less, glycerides having a melting point of 100.degree. C. or less, polyalkyleneglycols having a molecular weight of 3,700 or less, synthetic and natural waxes and mixtures thereof; and(b) a confectionery matrix comprising a binder system comprising gelatin and a humectant material selected from the group consisting of glycerin and its lower alkyl (C.sub.2-7) ester derivatives; a sweetener; and about 1% to about 30% by weight water.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inside loader, designed as a trailer for a semi-tractor, for road traffic, and for loading, transporting and unloading transportation racks, preferably for plate glass. The loader includes an undercarriage having parallel longitudinal members, on the outside of each of which are located the axles of one side of the trailer. The axles are individually mounted on axle rocker arms supported by air shocks which, in their filled condition, serve as axle shocks, and in their empty condition are used to load or unload a transportation racks. Preferably, the invention's inside loader is equipped at the back of the undercarriage with a hinged gate which, when closed, connects the longitudinal members of the undercarriage with one another.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inside loader, designed as a trailer for a semi-tractor, for road traffic, and for loading, transporting and unloading transportation racks, preferably for plate glass. The loader includes an undercarriage having parallel longitudinal members, on the outside of each of which are located the axles of one side of the trailer. The axles are individually mounted on axle rocker arms supported by air shocks which, in their filled condition, serve as axle shocks, and in their empty condition are used to load or unload a transportation racks. Preferably, the invention's inside loader is equipped at the back of the undercarriage with a hinged gate which, when closed, connects the longitudinal members of the undercarriage with one another.

Abstract: An improved roll-on, roll-off handling device is provided adapted to lift one end of a container and to maintain it in the raised position during handling and displacement of the container, said device comprising a chassis; a wheel system for supporting the chassis upon the ground; a carriage mounted on said chassis and displaceable along the longitudinal axis of said chassis; an apron removably attachable to one face of a container; a jack for pivotally displacing said apron with respect to said chassis and for moving said carriage and said chassis with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis of said chassis, whereby a container can move from a position in which said container rests on the ground with the chassis in a tilted position to a raised position in which said end of the container is raised and overlies part of the chassis.

Abstract: A load positioning assembly and method for locating and maintaining a load supporting device on a material handling vehicle, includes a load carrying device mounted on a frame and a load carrying portion elevationally movable along an elevationally oriented axis. A pilot member which is freely movably supported on a carrier connected to the load carrying portion is elevationally movable with the load carrying portion between first and second preselected elevationally spaced apart positions relative to the frame. A first engaging device moves the pilot member in directions transverse to the axis in response to movement of the pilot member toward the first elevational position and maintains the pilot member at a first preselected transverse location relative to the axis and the load supporting device at a preselected transverse location at the first elevational position of the load carrying portion. The load positioning assembly is particularly suited for use on an SGV.

Abstract: An adaptor for a hook-lift vehicle provided with a hydraulically-operated lifting mechanism on its chassis to load and unload freight containers having conventional corner fittings, the adaptor comprising an adaptor frame for attachment to the lifting mechanism and including releasable securing members for co-operation with the end corner fittings of a container to secure the frame to the container, and a pair of pivotal, laterally-spaced support surfaces for location one to each side of the rear end of the chassis whereby, subsequent to securing the adaptor frame to the front of a container on the ground and on actuating the lifting mechanism, the front of the container is drawn upwardly onto the chassis until the outer lower side regions of the container engage the support surfaces, continued actuation of the lifting mechanism drawing the container over the pivoting surfaces and onto the chassis.

Abstract: A removable support with a transverse hooking bar for equipping a front panel of a container, having a front panel and an upper panel, to receive a hook of a swinging cross piece bracket, adapted to fit a transportation and handling vehicle, wherein a transverse hooking bar of the movable support receives a handling hook which is connected to the vehicle. The hooking bar is thereby disposed on the front panel, connected to the removable support. The container is locked into place by an eclipsible lock, but at the same time the removable support can be unlocked, allowing access to the front panel of the container. The removable support can pivot about an axis to a horizontal position on the upper panel of the container where it may be locked into place. The support is vertically moveable on the front panel and may be secured at the top or bottom of the panel by means of the eclipsible lock. A swinging door located on the front panel is made accessible by use of the removable support.

Abstract: Load-lifting apparatus includes a pair of elements moveable on air bearings laterally toward and away from one another. Each element carries an inflatable bladder for lifting a load. A rack is also provided for receiving various loads, for example, automotive vehicles. The elements have cutouts at longitudinally spaced positions such that, upon disposition of the elements below the rack, the elements can be moved laterally away from one another with the cutouts registering with the wheel wells. The bladders may be inflated to lift the rack and load carried thereby for movement into a container. The process may be reversed to remove the rack and load from the container.

Abstract: A lorry fitted with a known system which allows it to handle a container in order to load it, to unload it onto the ground, or to tilt it towards the rear to accomplish a tipping operation. A platform of a detachable cradle has a jack which operates a tipping chassis. A longitudinal pivot shaft of the tipping chassis is mounted at the side of the cradle, which permits lateral tipping of the container. Another jack, and the alternative fitting of one or the other of two longitudinal pivot shafts, permits selective tipping to the right or left side of the lorry as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the transportation and production of cementitious mixes including a silo and a truck for transporting the silo. The silo is sub-divided internally into two compartments, one for cement and one for sand. At the lower end of the said compartment there is a vibratory grid and other structure for causing the sand to flow evenly from the open lower end of the silo into a mixer without bridging. A feed screw feeds cement from the cement compartment to the mixer. The truck has a lifting mechanism for lifting the vertical silo and tilting the silo through ninety degrees to a horizontal position for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A kit for enabling one person to easily and efficiently remove a truck cap from over a truck bed. The cap is provided with hold down bolt holes. The lot includes detachable forward rollers for attaching to and detaching from a forward portion of the truck cap, and for rollingly engaging the truck bed and maintaining the truck cap in rolling engagement with the truck bed when the detachably forward rollers are attached to the truck cap and when the truck cap is disposed over the truck bed. The kit also includes detachable rear wheels for attaching to and detaching from a rear portion of the truck cap and for providing the truck cap with rolling mobility upon removal of the truck cap from the truck bed.

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: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported thereby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accomplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor-trailer vehicle for use in transporting ladles of molten metal. The trailer includes a generally U-shaped main frame, each side carrying a wheel assembly and a carrier beam pivotally interconnected at one end to the side. A transverse U-shaped overhead beam pivotally interconnects at each end to the carrier beams intermediate their ends, and has parallel ladle trunnion-engaging hooks pendantly disposed therefrom. Actuators interconnected between the main frame and the other end of the carrier beams provide a lever action rotating the carrier and overhead beams about the carrier beam-main frame pivot connection. The actuators are gimbaled to prevent load-induced binding. Upon such beam rotation, the overhead beam and hooks move substantially vertically to lift and lower the ladle from and to its supporting surface, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported therby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accmplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.

Abstract: Equipment for loading a cargo space (2), such as an interchangeable platform or container, onto a vehicle and for its removal from same and/or for dumping the cargo space. The equipment includes a horizontal frame (4) pivotable around a transverse horizontal shaft (7) placed at its rear part, a folding frame (5), whose rear end (9) is attached to the front end of the horizontal frame (4), being pivotable around a transverse horizontal shaft (8), and a hook part (10) being pivotably attached about a transverse horizontal axis to the front end of the folding frame, the upper end of the hook part being provided with a grasping member (11) for engaging the cargo space (2). An arm (22) is attached by means of articulated joints between the hook part (10) and the horizontal frame (4) so that the articulation point (23) between the arm and the hook part is placed at a lower level than the articulation point (21) between the folding frame and the hook part.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a chassis supporting a platform having a network of criss-cross guiding rails. Trolleys circulate along these rails so as to be selectively movable towards the rear of the vehicle for the loading and unloading of road signs. The trolleys are provided with a braking device to enable them to be immobilized on the rails. The vehicle may be a trailer for the transportation of road signs, for example to indicate road works on streets and expressways.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inside loader, designed as a trailer for a semi-tractor, for road traffic, and for loading, transporting and unloading transportation racks, preferably for plate glass. The loader includes an undercarriage having parallel longitudinal members, on the outside of each of which are located the axles of one side of the trailer. The axles are individually mounted on axle rocker arms supported by air shocks which, in their filled condition, serve as axle shocks, and in their empty condition are used to load or unload a transportation racks. Preferably, the invention's inside loader is equipped at the back of the undercarriage with a hinged gate which, when closed, connects the longitudinal members of the undercarriage with one another.

Abstract: A retrofittable vehicle framework and method for interchangeable use of a variety of attachment units on the vehicle framework. The framework includes a first overlay rigidly retrofittable to an existing framework of a vehicle. The attachment units have second overlays secured to them which are correspondingly positioned to allow matable positioning over the first overlays on the vehicle framework. The vehicle framework carries coupling members which are operable to releasably secure the second overlays to the first overlays and vehicle framework thus securing the selected attachment unit to the vehicle framework. The vehicle can be either motorized and self-locomoting, or a trailer. Members can also be included on the vehicle framework to lift the attachment unit from the framework when changing units, and then be released from the unit.

Abstract: A "single drop" semi-trailer is provided including front, intermediate and rear sections. The opposite ends of the center section and the adjacent ends of the front and rear sections included coacting anchor structure operative to releaseably anchor the center section between the front and rear sections, selectively, in high and low positions. When the center section is in the high position its deck surface is spaced appreciably below the deck surface of the front section and substantially horizontally aligned with the deck of the rear section. When the center section is in the low position thereof, its deck surface is spaced appreciably below the deck surface of the rear section. In addition, the front section includes selectively usable landing gear and the center section includes opposite end pairs of opposite side downwardly extendible and upwardly retractable support legs.

Abstract: A vehicle comprised of a chassis frame provided with a plurality of wheels and of a goods loading/unloading apparatus fixedly mounted on the chassis frame.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated dumping bin for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a floor, a left side wall, a right side wall and a rear wall. The pneumatic piston and cylinder is pivotably connected only to the bin at the rear wall portion with the cylinder being substantially vertical when the bin is horizontal. Compressed air selectively actuates the piston and cylinder to raise the bin at the rear wall portion when the bin substantially overhangs a rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A boat cradle for supporting boats, comprising a frame supported on legs and carrying support arms of adjustable length that extend upwards from said frame. According to the invention, the frame is supported on three leg structures.

Abstract: A storage rack with moveable lifting jacks. The rack includes horizontally extending members joined but spaced apart by a pair of upper and a pair of lower cross members. Two upright posts extend above the horizontally extending support members and are secured in place by the cross members. A powered lifting jack and a follower lifting jack each include tongues insertable between the horizontally extending support members at the opposite ends of the rack. The tongues are biased between the upper and lower cross members preventing the pivotal motion of the tongues which are mounted to wheels rotatably mounted to frames having hydraulic cylinder motors mounted thereatop. Piston rods are extendable from the hydraulic cylinder motors and are attached to the tongues to apply lifting force in an upward direction along an axis extending through the wheel axis of rotation applying lifting force to the opposite ends of the rack.

Abstract: A rapid-load system for loading a series of pallets into a sputtering apparatus. The system comprises a magazine having a plurality of vertically spaced pallet supports whose spacing is sufficient to allow insertion of a pallet into the magazine directly without contact between the pallet and magazine. The magazine is removably supported in a load-in chamber of the sputtering apparatus by a chamber track assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a transfer truck to a flat bed or the like comprising a storage bin for aiding in removal of a truck module, such as a dump box, from a truck body, then storing the same until it is needed again. The apparatus includes upstanding side walls and a rear wall with a pair of ramps mounted to the rear wall and brackets at the front of the side walls. The ramps allow rollers on the dump box to roll up the ramp onto the top thereof and the brackets support the front of the dump box. the truck body can then be moved away from the dump box, after disengagement thereof, until it is desired to re-mount the dump box. Of course, other truck modules, such as water tanks, flat beds, etc. can be so mounted and de-mounted.

Abstract: A lift/tilt-bed trailer. Apparatus is described for either raising from or lowering to the ground a trailer bed in a single step while maintaining a substantially horizontal attitude relative thereto, or for tilting the trailer bed which is normally positioned parallel to the ground when the trailer is in its traveling mode for the purpose of loading or unloading the bed without substantial change in the orientation of the trailer "U"-frame in which the bed is located. Four pivotable tracks attached to the frame and corresponding roller wheels attached to the bed cooperate to achieve the desired motion. Since the trailer need not be detached from whatever device is used to move it about when it is to be loaded or unloaded, increased stability results with consequent reduction in risk to the operator.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) particularly adapted for use as an automated guided vehicle uses standard plastic tote boxes as a body shell (13) and as a battery carrier (20). The vehicle includes a drive wheel assembly (14) and a bogey assembly (16) which pivot about center pivot points and are steered by a single motor-driven steering assembly (18) which provides dual fifth wheel steering. Commonly-driven ball screw lift assemblies (122) engage the underside of nestable load-carrying tote boxes (22) for pickup and delivery functions. The weight of the load carrier(s) is transferred through the vehicle frame (12) to load transfer assemblies (76) on the drive and bogey assemblies.

Abstract: The invention describes a road trailer which functions in a way similar to a mobile slipway whereby a craft may be moved into and from a body of water along a ramp on a wheeled cradle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle which is capable of lifting a load from the ground into a transport position on the vehicle and vice-versa. The lifting apparatus includes a member or frame (4) pivotally mounted at 5 on the vehicle chassis and controlled by a hydraulic ram (11). An arm (14) is pivotally mounted on the member or frame (4) and is controlled by a hydraulic ram (16). A member (18) is telescopically mounted in the arm (14) and is controlled by a third hydraulic ram. Bars (20 and 21) on the end of the member (18) are engageable in slots (22 and 23) on the forward end of a flatrack or similar load (24). In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanism can be used for tipping a load as well as for hoisting it on and off the vehicle and, for this purpose, hooks (27), rollers (28) and the pivot point (5) are located in brackets (8) rotatable about an axis (7).

Abstract: A silo mover apparatus comprising a main frame that is movable across the ground on a plurality of support wheels, and which has a subframe pivotallymounted thereon adjacent one end. The subframe can be raised about the pivot to a substantially vertical position through the use of hydraulic cylinders, stabilized in position adjacent to a silo to be moved, clamped to the silo by straps, after the silo has been suitably reinforced, and then the silo can be lifted and tilted downwardly with the subframe to rest on the main frame for transport to a new location. At the new location the silo is then raised by raising the subframe about its pivot, to place the silo onto the desired platform, after which the members that clamp the silo and subframe together are removed.

Abstract: A retractable wheel apparatus adapted to be attached to a frame and having a first and second arm pivotally attached along the horizontal axis. Each end of each suspension arm has a wheel assembly attached thereto and each suspension arm has a combination shock absorbing and retracting mechanism attached thereto. The first and second suspension arms are independently pivotally attached so that they can react independently to bumps in the road. Furthermore the suspension arms can move to independently pivot as a unit about the first horizontal axis to travel over irregular terrain so that the two-wheel assemblies can pivot about the first horizontal axis to minimize the amount of reciprocation of the wheel assemblies with respect to each other, which would cause excessive wear and a rougher ride.

Abstract: A carrier for lifting and transporting a scrap bucket supported in a stand having a substantially rectangular lower frame with depending ground engaging legs is provided including a self-propelled tractor and a wheeled trailer having a main frame cross member dimensioned to fit between the stand legs and an integral forwardly projecting tongue with a gooseneck pivotally connected to the tractor to permit turning thereof at substantially right angles, a rear frame member secured to the main frame by a plurality of vertical plates, the trailer wheels being journalled on a plurality of trailing arms each pivotally connected at one end to the main frame and interconnected at the other end to the rear frame by a first hydraulic actuator and links and a second hydraulic actuator interconnecting the gooseneck to the tractor for raising and lowering the trailer tongue to maintain the trailer substantially level as the first and second hydraulic actuators are extended and retracted and the trailer and stand being prov

Abstract: A lifting mechanism adapted to be placed in the trunk of a vehicle, the lifting mechanism having a lift platform movable from a storage position within the trunk to an elevated position in which the lift platform projects outwardly from the trunk, the platform being raised and lowered by a lever mechanism with or without a powered assist. The lifting mechanism may be used alone or in combination wtih a wheeled cart and an article supporting carriage by means of which the article may be transferred between the cart and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A bridge carrying and launching trailer includes a tilt frame mounted to a trailer frame. The tilt frame includes a foot portion which rests upon the ground when launching a bridge. The trailer relies upon the weight of another vehicle to counter the moment caused by launching an unfolding type military bridge. One or more control cables extend from the trailer to the other vehicle, preferably an armored vehicle such as a tank, to allow remote control of the bridge launching sequence. The trailer includes a redundant hydraulic system and mechanical components such that a bridge may be launched even if one of the two hydraulic systems is damaged. The bridge launching trailer is especially adapted to fit in compact places such as an airplane cargo bay.

Abstract: A fowl harvesting apparatus receives fowl which are conveyed upwardly and deposited in a metering tray which actuates a switch to cut off the conveyor when a desired number of fowl have been deposited in the tray. The tray is then moved downwardly on a supporting framework to be positioned adjacent an open coop compartment of a multi-compartment coop unit following which the tray is pivoted to deposit the fowl in the associated coop compartment. The multi-compartment coop unit is shiftable into one of two positions in which one of two vertically aligned banks of coop compartments is positioned in alignment with the fowl receiving and depositing tray. Conveyor is provided for removing the multi-compartment coop unit following the filling of same so as to permit the positioning of an empty multi-compartment coop unit on the apparatus for subsequent filling purposes.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a drawn vehicle that can carry large wheeled vehicles such as combines and hopper botton freight. The trailer would normally be used in over-the-road transport and would be drawn by a large truck or semi-tractor. The front end of the trailer is fitted with a folding gooseneck.The design of the trailer makes possible efficient loading and unloading of wheeled or tracked vehicles such as combines. The folding gooseneck is opened to permit the vehicle to be loaded and closed for reconnection to the draft vehicle. When the trailer is not being used to carry combines or wheeled vehicles, it can be used to carry grain by placing grain hoppers on the trailer bed.

Abstract: The carrying platform includes means for adapting it to railway bogies, a tracked road bogie or a support structure in a boat for transporting the van by railway, road or sea. The platform comprises a frame having two parallel side-members 100 each of which has an inverted U-shaped cross-section, the branches 101 of which are extended, except adjacent the ends of the side-members, by lateral wings 102 so that each side-member has in the part thereof provided with the wings an omega type of cross-section. Cross-members 600 interconnect the side-members 100 in the regions thereof provided with the wings 102. The end parts of the side-members 100 outside the wings 102 are assembled by plate structures 400 for bearing on a support such as a railway bogie 39. Rolling devices 151 having free rollers 152 are connected to the ends of the side-members 100.

Abstract: A tractor drawn lift bed highway trailer for transporting high tonnage loads over the highway, utilizing pallet frame units adapted to be picked up or dropped off quickly without the need for additional equipment or personnel. The trailer has a relatively light, strong main frame; a lift bed adapted to be elevated from lowered loading position forwardly and upwardly into engagement with the gooseneck for additional rigidity during transport; improved protection for the load and the tractor in event of an emergency stop; and improved cornering characteristics.

Abstract: U-frame truck comprising a prime mover and a trailer having a U-frame opened backwards and including two parallel side frames and a connecting middle-frame portion. Three hydraulic cylinders are adapted to directly co-operate with special brackets adapted on the container to be transported. In this way an inner frame is eliminated, which up to now always has been used for supporting the container. This means a saving of weight and costs.

Abstract: A knock-down support system for standard-sized containers which enables the containers to be automatically handled on rails, hangers or the like for routing, loading and unloading onto trucks.

Abstract: Vehicle transport means having a liftable bed and a fixed bed, the liftable bed being supported and raised upon rotary arms and a mobile storage platform having pairs of legs which downwardly converge toward each other in a manner to permit the legs of the platform to nest and wherein means are provided to prevent jamming of the nesting pairs of legs both in the longitudinal and in the lateral direction.

Abstract: An aerial weapons handling trailer includes a frame comprising longitudinally extending beams and a cross beam interconnecting the front ends of the longitudinally extending beams. The frame is supported on wheels which are pivotable between positions wherein the trailer is movable longitudinally and positioned wherein the trailer is movable laterally. The wheels include drive motors for positioning the trailer. A plurality of lift arms are pivotally supported on the longitudinally extending beams of the frame and in turn support lift beams. The lift arms include inwardly offset portions, and the lift beams are separated by a distance not greater than the width of a weapons package that is lifted and positioned by the trailer. The lift arms are actuated by hydraulic cylinders which are provided with load lock valves to prevent inadvertent lowering of the load carried by the lift beams.

Abstract: A transport vehicle for a slag pot comprising a vertically movable load surface and two lifting arms for the pot activated by hydraulic cylinders. The lifting arms are connected to a subframe positioned outside the load surface. The lifting arms are connected to the subframe immediately above ground support members. The subframe is pivotally connected to the forward portion of the load surface and rests on the rear portion of the load surface so that when the load surface is lowered, the ground support members are firmly placed against the ground.

Abstract: A detachable platform for supporting a container or the like has extensible legs to stand on the ground and permit a truck body or trailer to pass beneath the platform between the legs and has a built-in jacking system that raises the platform off a truck body or trailer to allow the legs to be extended. The platform permits standard truck bodies and trailers to be used with standard containers without external cranes or lifting devices and avoids the necessity of leaving a container sitting on a truck or trailer.

Abstract: A truck bed is releasably attached to a pair of spaced operating arms, which are mounted on the truck frame either to be moved up and down on the frame with arcuate, translational movement about a pair of spaced, parallel shafts that extend transversely of the frame, or to be pivoted at one end about one of the shafts in order to dump a load from the bed. A manually operable selector mechanism is provided, and in one position releasably secures one end of the operating members for pivotal movement about one of the shafts, while at the same time releasably securing the second shaft to the operating members for pivotal movement therewith. In its other position the selector mechanism releases the second shaft from the operating members and secures it against any movement while releasing said one ends of the operating members for translational movement, so that upon operation of an associated drive mechanism the two members are swung with arcuate, translational movement about the shafts.

Abstract: To expedite loading and unloading of a truck, in particular of a beverage supply truck, the truck is provided with a load carrier which is received by a portal-like frame, surrounding the load carrier in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and open at least at one side. Due to lifting elements, the load carrier can be lifted from the ground into the frame. If the load carrier is lowered to the ground, loading and unloading is facilitated. Moreover, the load carrier can be laterally removed from the frame on a roller conveyor.

Abstract: A pickup truck assembly is fitted with a track which allows various bed components to be easily removed or installed. The track is mounted on the frame and the bed component mounts a wheel which rides in the track to guide the bed component into place. The bed component includes means to secure it removeably to the frame and an electrical connector for ready connection of the lights.