Abstract: A boat haul vehicle (10) includes lower and upper tiers of adjustable ramps (20-25) and skids (48), (50) and (51), and the ramps and skids include tracks (76). Dollies (55) are mounted to the front portion of each boat trailer, and the track wheels (75) of each dolly have a peripheral shape that is compatible with the tracks (76) mounted on each ramps and skid. Winches (91-94) are connectable to the boat trailers so as to progressively pull each boat and its trailer onto or off of the boat haul vehicle, with the track wheels (75) guiding the front of each trailer on the tracks (76).

Abstract: There is described a load handling device for a vehicle which enables the vehicle to pick up and set down standard ISO containers. The device has a mast pivotally mounted at one end adjacent the rear of the vehicle for movement about a horizontal axis, and a cross-member mounted for movement along the length of the mast, the cross-member including elongate flexible tension elements extending from its ends and provided with load-engaging fixtures at their respective free ends, the device further including apparatus to vary the effective lengths of the flexible tension elements independently or in unison. This apparatus for varying the effective length of the flexible tension elements is advantageously mounted within the cross-member. In use, the load-engaging fixtures are attached to the corner fittings of a container while the mast is vertical and the cross-member is at the lower end of the mast.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted load hoisting device includes a pivot frame mounted on the vehicle for pivotal motion about a first horizontal axis extending transversely to the vehicle length; a cantilever arm connected to the pivot frame for pivotal motion about a second horizontal axis extending parallel to the first axis; a pivot arm articulated to the cantilever arm for pivotal motion about a third axis oriented parallel to the first and second axes; a pulley mounted at an end of the pivot arm for supporting a cable or the like wound on a winch and attachable to the load; and an arrangement for locking the cantilever arm and the pivot frame together to form a rigid unit pivotal about the first axis. When forming the rigid unit, the cantilever arm is in contact with a stop face on the pivot frame and extends as a longitudinally aligned continuation of the cantilever arm.

Abstract: An industrial truck for picking up a laterally disposed load from the ground or from racks comprises at least one chassis beam, which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the track, an extending and retracting drive for laterally moving a load carrier subassembly including load carrier arms. A lifting drive is provided for vertically moving the load carrier subassembly relative to at least chassis beam. The load carrier arms of the forked load carrier or corresponding roller-carrying arms, which are transversely movable, are provided with downwardly extensible load-supporting rollers, which are adapted to support the load during a transverse movement of the load carrier.

Abstract: A car catcher apparatus is provided which is pivotally mounted to an elevated chassis, a flatbed, or other related structure which protrudes rearwardly beyond the rear wheels of a vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The car catcher includes a frame-like structure which is positioned by an actuator to a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position. In the lowered operative position, the car catcher is in position to receive impact from automobiles, or the like, during collisions therewith. The car catcher apparatus has particular use with rearwardly-protruding truck structure which is periodically intended to be pivotally lowered to a position at or near ground level. When in the raised inoperative position, the car catcher permits complete and unrestricted downward pivoting of such structure. Furthermore, when positioned the raised inoperative position, the car catcher apparatus permits ready access to the rear wheels, axles, suspension, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted roll-off hoist having a main hoist frame pivotally mounted at its rearward end to a vehicle such as a semi-trailer or truck, and including a pair of hydraulic lift actuators adapted to move the main hoist frame between a horizontal position and a rearwardly inclined position. A hydraulic actuator apparatus is provided for pulling a container onto the main frame of the hoist or setting off the container from the hoist. An extensible and retractable stop carriage is slidably connected to the forward end portion of the hoist main frame. Hydraulic actuator and locking elements are associated with the stop carriage for placing the container in the optimum position for transport on the vehicle. The hoist is capable of handling containers of both the outside rail and the inside rail type.

Abstract: A rubbish segregating and collection system makes use of a transporter that is placed at a town dump. The transporter has several containers to receive different classes of rubbish, each of which containers is removable from the transporter. When filled, the transporter is placed on a carrier and replaced with another transporter. The filled transporter is carried to a central collection and segregation facility where the individual containers tare weights may be determined following which their contents are dumped and inspected as necessary. The segregated rubbish is then transported to the appropriate reclamation centers for each class of rubbish. The preferred type of bottom jaw-like opening individual container is also claimed.

Abstract: A dump trailer for transporting containers includes a movable frame that receives an associated container. A support plate operatively engages a fifth wheel of a tractor. Interposed between the support plate and the frame is a telescopic hoist assembly to pivot the frame relative to the support plate. A draft arm also extends between the support plate and frame to guide movement of the frame during the hoisting operation. Loading and unloading of the container relative to the tilted frame is controlled by a cylinder and cable assembly secured to the frame. The support plate and frame also include a series of flanges for locking the frame against lateral and longitudinal movement relative to the support plate.

Abstract: A control assembly for moving and guiding a vehicle onto and off of a bed of a towing vehicle includes a plurality of anchors affixed to the bed at various spaced apart locations and pin mounted pulleys releasably received in selected ones of those anchors. A cable from a winch that is located in the forward end of the bed is guided by the pulleys so that a vehicle can be moved onto or off of that bed using the most effective and efficient angles and directions of force that can be altered as necessary to meet the exact conditions encountered by the towing vehicle based on the orientation and position of the towing vehicle relative to the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A refuse collection system having a flat-bed refuse collection vehicle with a releasable container body, and having a refuse loader for loading refuse, a refuse compactor in the container body, a flat-bed container hauling vehicle, and, a container loader on the hauling vehicle for loading and unloading the container, and a refuse container carrying trailer, hauled by the hauling vehicle, the trailer being adapted to carry a refuse container, and a method of collecting refuse using such vehicles and containers.

Abstract: A transport vehicle mounted roll-off hoist having a main frame pivotally mounted on the rearward end of a vehicle such as a semi-trailer or truck, including a pair of hydraulic lift actuators adapted to move the main frame of the hoist between a horizontal position and a rearwardly inclined position. A hydraulic actuator winch is provided for lifting a container onto the main frame of the hoist or setting off the container from the hoist. An extensible and retractable stop carriage is telescopically connected to the forward end portion of the hoist main frame. Hydraulic actuator and locking means are associated with the stop carriage for placing the container in the optimum position for transport on the vehicle. The hoist is capable of handling containers of both the outside rail and the inside rail type.

Abstract: A tiltable trailer is disclosed having a wheel-mounted chassis with a frame element (3) pivotable between a horizontal travelling position and a backwardly-downwardly inclined position. The frame element (3) has longitudinal guide (12, 12') along which a basic frame (2) is displaceable, the basic frame being included in each of a plurality of different add-on units forming a series, and, locking device (16) for securing, at least in the travelling position, the basic frame (2) to the pivotable frame element (3), the trailer further having a winch (23) by means of which the basic frame (2) can be hauled up on the inclined frame element from a position behind the frame element to a position coinciding with that of the frame element, in which latter position the locking device can secure the basic frame to the frame element.

Abstract: A unique piano moving apparatus is provided which may be operated to safely and efficiently move a grand piano by one or two individuals of average physical ability. A keyboard and jack assembly having a first support portion is mutually spaced from and intersecured to an opposing end jack assembly having a second support portion. The support portions are respectively adapted to underlie and support the key board and front end portions of a grand piano. The keyboard and jack and oppasing end jack assemblies are operable to lift the piano to a position in which it may be tilted on its side while still being supported by the piano moving apparatus. The tilted piano may then be slid off the moving apparatus onto a movable platform which may then be conveniently rolled to and loaded onto a waiting transport trailer. A winch device may be used to pull the movable platform and piano into the transport trailer.

Abstract: A truck dumping and unloading apparatus which is operated by reverse truck motion and is adapted for mounting on a flatbed truck or a pick-up truck. The apparatus includes a single or double-member, open-top sled having at least a primary compartment adapted for containing trash, garbage or refuse, a sled guide mounted on the back of the truck for receiving a cable, one end of which cable is attached to the sled and a traveling block adapted for traveling on the opposite end of the cable and receiving a pair of tire chains or friction mats for deployment beneath the rear wheels of the truck. Operation of the truck rearwardly and traversal of the tire chains or friction mats by the rear truck tires causes the traveling block to traverse the cable and the sled to slide from the truck bed and dump the trash, garbage, bulk materials or refuse, reponsive to tension applied to the cable by the travelling block.

Abstract: A portable pallet rack is described and includes a horizontally disposed frame having supporting wheels provided thereon. The rack is designed to accommodate either four or six stacks of pallets thereon. The pallet rack is moved beneath the underside of the trailer floor and is vertically movably mounted with respect to the trailer by means of a pair of winch assemblies. The winch assemblies are quickly and easily adjustably mounted at the underside of the floor without any welding or drilling being required. The fact that the winch assemblies are quickly and easily adjustably mounted at the underside of the floor permits the pallet rack to be longitudinally shifted to place the weight thereof either on the rear axle of the trailer or on the truck.

Abstract: A transport vehicle mounted roll-off hoist having a main frame pivotally mounted on the rearward end of a vehicle such as a semi-trailer or trunk, including a pair of hydraulic lift actuators adapted to move the main frame of the hoist between a horizontal position and a rearwardly inclined position. Hydraulic actuator which means are provided for lifting a container onto the main frame of the hoist or setting off the container from the hoist. An extensible and retractable stop carriage is telescopically connected to the forward end portion of the hoist main frame. Hydraulic acutator and locking means are associated with the stop carriage for placing the container in the optimum position for transport on the vehicle. The hoist is capable of handling containers of both the outside rail and the inside rail type.

Abstract: A trash collection and removal system has a horizontal set-up surface with a plurality of standing stations for several vertically disposed cylindrical trash silos having respective pivotable covers at the two axial ends. A horizontal loading surface traveled by trash collection vehicles is arranged above the set-up surface by a distance approximately equal to the axial length of the silos. By means of this system, the costs for transport of the trash to dump sites or to incineration facilities can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A self-loading vehicle is equipped with a carriage movably mounted on a frame. The carriage may contain a plurality of different types of gripping structure in order to adapt the self-loading vehicle to accommodate the loading and unloading of different types of containers. The carriage may be moved on the frame by cables. The carriage includes a gripping structure in the form of a positionable tube carrying coupling members on opposite ends therefor adapted to engage slot-like castings in opposite corners of the containers. In addition, the carriage may also have gripping structure removably mounted thereon in the forms of hooks, lugs, eyes or rings which are adapted to engage cooperating structure on the container to be loaded and/or unloaded.

Abstract: A vehicle transporting apparatus of the car carrier variety is provided with a platform that is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the transporting vehicle at a location forward of the centerline of the vehicle's rear wheels and above the chassis. A powered actuator is employed for pivotally moving the platform to either forwardly inclined or rearwardly inclined positions. A rearwardly projecting wheel lift boom is also pivotally mounted to the chassis below the platform and is capable of supporting a vehicle to be transported at least partially beneath the platform.

Abstract: A truck having a deck unit pivotally connected to the rearward end of a truck chassis rearwardly of the rear wheels, expansible power mechanism connected to the forward end of the deck unit and operable to elevate it to dispose the unit at an acute angle to the horizontal for loading a vehicle onto the deck unit when the rearward end thereof is substantially in engagement with a pavement surface or the like; the improvement comprising a latch mechanism pivotally connected at one end to the deck unit and the other end pivotally interconnectible to the rear wheels, whereby as the power mechanism is expanded to tilt the deck unit as above described, continued expansion operates to compress the conventional springs by which the rear wheels are connected to the chassis and thereby lowers the rearward end of the chassis and, accordingly, lowers the pivot which connects the deck unit to the rear end of the chassis and thereby further decreases the acute angle of the deck unit to the horizontal to facilitate loading

Abstract: A car carrier having a bed linked to the frame of a truck for movement from a horizontal position on the frame to a tilted car loading or unloading position in a single motion entailing simultaneous upward-rearward movement of the front end of the bed and downward-rearward movement of the rear end of the bed to ground-engaging position. The terminal portion of the tilting movement of the bed automatically compresses the rear springs between the frame and rear axle. The car carrier also has a wheel lift assembly including yokes on a rearwardly extending boom which are lowered to engage and lift the front on rear wheels of a second car responsive to partial tilting of the bed and to return of the bed to horizontal position. The boom and yokes are retracted forwardly to be disposed underneath the rear portion of the bed during loading and unloading of a first car onto or from the bed.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a light towable vehicle (1) designed for maneuvering a detachable container (22), such as a skip. This vehicle comprises a support frame (4) and a platform (7) hinged together. It is provided with two wheels (5) on an axle (6) and with a coupling member (3) for being hitched to a towing vehicle (2); it carries a slender mast (8), the lower end (10) of which is pivotally linked to the front end of said frame (4). The mast top carries a pulley (12) for a cable (20) attached by one end to the front end (11) of the platform and by its other end to a winch (21) on the platform (7) for raising the front end (11) of the platform.The frame (4) carries two pivots (14) forming an axis (15) for the pivoting of the platform. This axis (15) is preferbaly near the vertical plane of the center of gravity of the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading an exchangeable platform, container or the like onto and off a tipping frame of a vehicle, the rearward end of said tipping frame being connected through a shaft to the vehicle frame and said tipping frame being tiltable in relation to the vehicle frame by at least one cylinder/piston combination. The tipping frame comprises an endless chain arranged to run around a motor driven chain wheel at one end of the tipping frame and a chain wheel of otherwise embodied wheel at the other end of the tipping frame, whereby a separate auxiliary tail is connected with one end thereof to the endless chain and with the other end thereof to a hook-shaped engaging member designed to become engaged to the platform, container or the like.

Abstract: A trailer of the container roll-on, roll-off type having a self contained power plant thereby being capable of full operation for loading and unloading regardless of the type of towing vehicle or in the absence thereof. The device is multifarious in uses, in that amoung other capabilities, it may be used as an ordinary flat bed trailer when not in use as a tilting roll-on, roll-off trailer. The device is capable of production in a multitude of sizes making it adaptable to a wide range of needs and uses within the financial means of many who previously have been excluded from ownership of such a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positively loading and unloading containers onto and off of a truck without relying upon gravity includes an assembly driven longitudinally of the load carrying portion of the truck, actuator means responsive to driver commands, and a latching means carried by the assembly and responsive to the actuator means to cause latching/locking engagement with a container. The container is positively controlled and therefore can be either moved up and down an inclined load carrying portion of the truck or a horizontally disposed load carrying portion.

Abstract: A utility trailer especially suited for transporting an automobile having a vehicle carriage that is reciprocally moveable to longitudinally and tiltable relative to the trailer frame to provide a shallow ramp for loading and unloading the vehicle. The trailer includes a self contained gasoline powered engine for driving a hydraulic fluid actuated system for controlling the position of the moveable carriage and a winch. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent movement of the trailer during loading and unloading. The carriage is a rigid flat platform connected to an auxiliary frame that is pivotally connected to the main trailer frame. The carriage can be moved parallel to the auxiliary frame by the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A variety (FIG. 4) of aero engines (30) can be rear-loaded into an aircraft cargo bay (10) with precision and safety and minimal clearance with the sides of the bay (10) by installing a roller conveyor trackway (20,22) along two seat rails (12,14) running the length of the bay (10) and its bottom-hinged rear-loading ramp (15). A ground trailer (33) carrying the engine (30) on its yoke (31) is coupled to a dolly (37) running on the trackway (20,22) and the yoke (31) transferred from rails (32) on the trailer (33) to rails (36) on the dolly (37). The dolly (37) is then winched (27) along the trackway into the bay (10) where it is made secure for flight of the aircraft. The dolly (37) can be dismantled when not in use and the trackway (when installed) is useful when pallets are to be transported.

Abstract: Load-hauling tandem combination formed of a motor driven truck releasably hitched to a wheel-mounted trailer which is self-propelled and self-steerable when unhitched from the truck. A lifting mechanism is provided on the trailer for mounting and removing a container or the like load box on and from its chassis.

Abstract: A container loader and transport assembly is disclosed which includes a horizontal bed formed for support of a container thereon during transport of the container and loader formed for lifting the container onto the bed from a support surface and lowering the container from the bed to the support surface. The loader is movably mounted to the bed and preferably includes a movable carriage and a lifting mechanism mounted to the carriage. The loader is formed to lift the container and lower it while maintaining the container in substantially horizontal orientation and preferably the carriage is mounted for translation on a pair of extensible rails that can be extended and retracted from an end or from the sides of the container support bed. A method for employing the motor and transport assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A handling mechanism for roll-off containers includes an elongated lift frame pivotally connected to a truck chassis, hydraulic tilt rams connected between the lift frame and the chassis, a slide member mounted in tracks along the lift frame, a stationary pulley mounted on the lift frame for rotation in a vertical plane, a movable pulley mounted on the slide member for rotation in a vertical plane, and a pair of container lift rams mounted along the lift frame and connected to the slide member. A cable is connected to the side member, is reeved about the stationary pulley and the movable pulley, and extends to the rear for connection to a container. The lift frame is tilted up and back for loading and off-loading the container. For transportation, the lift frame is tilted to horizontal.

Abstract: A railroad track trailer for carrying replacement rail sections along a railroad track, which reduces the problems of having a trailer which will tend to jump off the track, when going around curves, and which includes support systems that ease the ability of workers to load and unload rail sections from the trailer.

Abstract: An elongate, transportable unit (1) standing upright during use and being intended for transport with the aid of a vehicle (7) provided with a loading bridge (8) which can be turned about a pivot axis located near the rear end of the chassis of the vehicle (7) and extending horizontally and transversely of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. An element (10) is provided with the aid of which a hook-like coupling member can be moved along the loading bridge (8). The transportable uint (1) is provided with an arm (5) which is pivotable about an at least substantially horizontal axis of rotation (6). The arm (5) is provided near its free end (11) with a coupling element for connecting the hook-like coupling member.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted sand hopper having a trailer pivotally mountable at the front end of a motor-driven truck. The sand hopper is tiltably mounted on the rear portion of the trailer and is releasably secured to the rear portion of the trailer. The hopper is capable of being tilted to vertical and horizontal positions with respect to the trailer by engagement of a winch and cable system. The hopper is provided with backing plates which facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the hopper from the trailer.

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: The spare tire of a motor vehicle is placed in a holder which (1) can be lifted to or lowered from a storage position under the vehicle, (2) rolled on running wheels to carry the tire to a position adjacent an axle hub, and (3) operated to raise or lower a tire relative to an axle hub. The holder has a pair of horizontal, spaced rollers upon which a tire is carried. These rollers are mounted on a vertically raisable frame which in one embodiment has vertical slide bars slidingly extending through vertical tubular guides mounted on a wheeled dolly frame. Hand wheel operated screws and hydraulic jacks are provided in respective embodiments for raising and lowering the frame supporting the tire. In attaching the holder at a storage location on the vehicle, the upper end of the holder is first attached and then a winch is used to raise the lower end so that the holder pivots to a horizontal storage position under the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer for towing by family saloon cars and the like has a wheeled frame (12) with a towing hitch (34) at the front. The frame has a respective ramp rail (22) at each side to enable a skip (14) to be drawn onto the frame, a support wheel (25) of the skip engaging on each rail. The skip can carry heavy bulk loads such as sand or bricks in the region of a ton which normal car trailers could not support. In addition, the mounting of the skip on the trailer frame by means of support wheels enables the skip to be pivoted in situ to tip out its load. Tipping, and mounting and demounting of the skip are effected using winch (16) supported on the frame near the towing hitch. The trailer also has a pivotable ramp (50) enabling the trailer to be used to carry heavy plant such as a cement mixer or roller.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transporting and storing a spare tire. The spare tire is mounted on a hand dolly which is winched into a secure position beneath the vehicle frame. When the hand dolly carrying the spare tire is lowered and released, it provides a means for transporting the spare tire to and from the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cargo loading apparatus for loading a cargo disposed on a first level onto a deck disposed on a second level generally above the first level, the deck having a cargo supporting surface and an end. The cargo loading apparatus includes a platform with a cargo supporting surface for supporting the cargo to be loaded onto the deck, a base which is hingedly connected to the platform, and means for pulling the base and the platform connected thereto onto the cargo supporting surface of the deck. The base is of a sufficient size such that the base and the platform are positionable in an initial loading position wherein the platform is supported generally on the first level and the base extends from the platform generally toward the deck to a position wherein the end of the base is disposed generally above the second level and a portion of the base engages the end of the platform.

Abstract: Mobile, air transportable, trailers or vans which have retractable landing gear at one end thereof, a jacking/skid plate at the opposite end, and retractable running gear. The disclosed trailers can be loaded on and unloaded from aircraft without removing the underbody of the trailer and without ground handling equipment by as few as two persons.

Abstract: The flatbed of a truck that is geared for traverse of an agricultural field is provided with at least one pair of longitudinally extending tracks. Disposed in the tracks for rolling movement thereon is a plurality of roller supported assemblies which are adapted to support pallets of more or less conventional form. The roller supported assemblies are arranged to retain a plurality of pallets consolidated into a single group. An over-the-road carrier, such as a trailer or a semi-trailer, has a similar pair of longitudinally extending slots so that after the agricultural truck is loaded during transverse of the field, it can be backed adjacent to the carrier so that the tracks on the vehicle and the tracks on the carrier are in registry. A winch carries a cable which is attachable to the grouped pallets to effect transfer of the pallets from the truck bed to the carrier bed.

Abstract: A vehicle frame for supporting large removable containers. One or more container securing members are attached to the frame. Each securing member can move between an inoperative or resting position and an operative or securing position. In the inoperative position, the securing member does not interfere with the loading, transporting, or unloading of a removable container. In the operative position, the securing member can engage a cooperating member of the container to secure the container to the frame. Lock means are associated with each securing member to prevent the member from inadvertently moving from the operative position to the resting position.